TITLE: Spellbound
DISCLAIMER: All things Harry Potter belong J K Rowling. Tony Stark, SHIELD, Nick Fury, and everyone else belong to Marvel Comics / Marvel studios, as does any of the characters in the MCU that get dragged kicking and screaming into this... basically, if you recognise it, it isn't mine… I'm just here for the fun.
Tony woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly good about things, he'd managed to have quite a long talk with Hermione before leaving the hospital, something which he thought had actually taken her mind of things for a time, she was definitely smart, quick as a whip as well he'd bet when she wasn't on a dose of painkillers, and with a questioning mind that wanted to know everything she could.
Then had the most amusing car ride he'd ever been in when he drove back to the city with Arthur to show him around the apartment above the Stark offices. He was pretty certain he hadn't laughed so hard in a long time, he was also certain that the Weasley family were either technophobic or some sort of British Amish hybrids. The way Arthur's face lit up at the simplest little thing had had him laughing, and his amazement at the computers and technology around the apartment had been a picture he'd never forget.
He'd spent the rest of the night organising time for interviewing the nurses tomorrow once the girls were settled in, and acquiring the rest of the equipment the doctors had recommended for Hermione's recovery, he was no medical expert so he'd just had JARVIS hunt down everything on the list to have shipped to the apartment for the nurses to figure out what to do with.
Sleep had been pretty fitful though, waking up several times through the night with ideas to make Hermione's room easier to access, one time actually pulling out one of the modular walls that separated two rooms and wheeling two of the double beds around, rearranging the two rooms completely so it was one larger room for the two girls.
"Good morning sir," JARVIS announced through the speakers in the bedroom as he got out of bed. "The time is ten fourteen, the temperature is a mild sixty-one degrees, with rain expected late this afternoon."
"England," Tony shook his head in bemusement, wondering why anyone would actually chose to live in a climate where it rained in July.
"Yes sir," JARVIS replied dryly. "Miss Potts will arrive in London shortly after one this afternoon. Shall I direct her to the offices?"
"Yeah," Tony nodded as he walked out of the bedroom, grabbing some jeans and a clean t-shirt from the wardrobe as he walked. "I'll be picking the girls up about mid-day, so we might make it back before she does." He mused thoughtfully.
"Of course," JARVIS' voice came back. "The contents of your Malibu workshop have been packaged for shipping. They are due to leave Malibu at nine fourteen am pacific time."
"Sounds good," Tony said as he walked into the kitchen, opening cupboards randomly and checking through to make sure everything was stocked up before flicking the coffee percolator on. He looked around the apartment, it was definitely similar to the blueprints he'd approved for the New York Stark Tower building, with six bedrooms on this level, then stairs up to a larger more open plan level above for parties and general gatherings, then above that was private access to the roof gardens along with modified access to the Iron Man systems that he'd had installed in all the Stark buildings in case of emergencies.
"The limousine is ready in the parking lot when you are sir, I will notify the driver when you are on your way down." JARVIS announced as Tony poured himself a mug of steaming coffee, savouring the aroma before taking a sip.
"What's the travel time?" He asked as he wandered out of the kitchen and around into the main living area, putting the coffee down on the mantle by a large window overlooking the city before pulling his t-shirt and jeans on.
"In the limousine, approximately eighty-five minutes." JARVIS responded.
"Noted," Tony nodded, calculating the time he needed to leave in his head. "Anything else?" He asked, taking a mouthful of the coffee.
"No sir, I have cleared your schedule for the next two weeks as per Miss Potts instructions, emergency contact only protocols." JARVIS explained.
"Good thought," Tony smiled at that. "Ok, shower, then hospital." He said to himself, speaking aloud to plan out his day as he headed back to the main bedroom to enjoy the large shower in the en-suite bathroom there.
It was nearly eleven by the time Tony had the car pull around from the underground parking garage, after a quick impromptu shopping trip out into London to grab Hermione a cuddly toy on Pepper's advice, a rather large white stuffed bear that was currently sat in the back seats with him, and a pay as you go cell phone for Arthur to use, if he could work out how to use it that was, he was soon on his way out of London and down to the hospital.
The Burrow
"Now, you're quite sure about this dear?" Molly asked for the fifth or sixth time this morning as Ginny packed some last-minute bits away.
Molly had explained that she'd told Mr Stark that Ginny had a pet owl that she'd like to bring with her, and Ron had been more than happy to let Ginny take care of 'Pig' for a few weeks, giving him a break from the hyperactive attention seeking bird that Sirius had sent him, which would give Ginny and Hermione a way to keep in contact with everyone without arising suspicion.
So Pig, along with various other bits and pieces were packed up, a few shrinking charms had given them more space, but Ginny had passed along the message from Hermione that Mr Stark would expect there to be baggage coming with them, so not to shrink things down too much.
"Yes mum!" Ginny sighed as she forced some extra t-shirts and jeans into the old rucksack she was using, packing some extra for Hermione to wear when she got better. "Dad even said Mr Stark's house was amazing."
"Your father was too busy concentrating on all the muggle toys to take notice of the important things." Molly said, rolling his eyes as she remembered the report Arthur had given her on Mr Stark's building.
"I'll be fine," Ginny promised her mother. "I'll have my wand, and you know how fast I can be with it if we need it." She explained.
"I know dear," Molly said with a soft smile. "It's just… you're going to be around muggles all the time, well, aside from Hermione of course."
"Did you owl Professor McGonagall?" Ginny asked quickly.
"Yes dear, last night while you were writing to Harry. I explained everything to her, hopefully she'll write back today and we can work this all out." Molly explained patiently.
"All set?" Arthur asked happily, walking into the living room to see what Molly and Ginny were talking about.
"Nearly," Ginny nodded, fastening the rucksack together and smiling at where Crookshanks was now lazing happily on the window ledge, having been fed well last night after Arthur managed to wrestle the kneasle-cat home with him from Hermione's parents house.
"Now, you know what to do if there's trouble?" Molly asked, fixing Ginny with a stare that told her she'd better have the right answer.
"Stun Mr Stark, get Hermione out and head to The Ministry and find dad." Ginny repeated the instructions that had practically been drilled into her.
"Good," Molly nodded, satisfied that Ginny was taking this seriously. "And keep your wand on you at all times."
"This is a responsibility Ginny," Arthur said gravely. "I had to call in a favour to have myself added to the list of authority figures that can authorise underage magic. I expect you do use your common sense to know if the need is great enough."
"I know dad," Ginny nodded proudly, knowing how much trust this meant her father was putting in her.
"It took a lot to get your name added to the list for the week Ginny, only three spells, that's it." Arthur said firmly. "And only in self defence if you need to."
"She's got it Arthur," Molly interrupted, pushing past to pack some extra underwear into the second bag before Ginny closed it up.
"All well then," Arthur beamed, clapping his hands together. "Now remember, until Professor McGonagall speaks to Mr Stark, the Statute is still in place. No school books or anything like that in those bags of yours that could be caught out with?"
"Nope, everything muggle friendly." Ginny said, shaking her head and swishing her hair around. "Just like Hermione said."
"Well, we should make a move then." Arthur smiled, reaching down to grab Ginny's backpack in one hand while Molly grabbed another packed bag, leaving Ginny to hold Pig's cage. "Ready dear?" He asked, waiting for her to nod before resting his other hand on her shoulder and apparating away with Molly following shortly behind him.
Princess Royal University Hospital
It had taken a bit longer than JARVIS had estimated for the limousine to make its way through London and then out onto the motorway, but after nearly an hour and a half's time they'd managed to make it to the hospital where Tony instructed the driver turn around the car and park up close to the main entrance.
He got out and smiled, after last nights talk he was actually feeling a lot better about things with Hermione, sure, there was a very long way to go and he was still struggling with the 'Tony Stark – Dad' aspect of it, but she was a smart kid, definitely a Stark, and someone he could actually relate to.
Shutting the limousine door behind him and leaving the giant stuffed bear in the seats for now, he headed into the hospital itself, walking past the reception area comfortably and heading to the elevator to head up to the floor Hermione was on.
He was actually bouncing a bit, excited, nervous, he hadn't felt like this in ages. It was like a whole new chapter on his life was beginning, it was scary as hell, but felt right at the same time. He'd never been in a serious relationship long enough to have the kids talk, and if he was honest with himself, he couldn't ever picture himself like that, but having Hermione thrust into his life, with no options but to deal with the fact, had given him a strange outlook on it.
He shook his thoughts away as the elevator pinged to let him out, walking down the corridor and waving his way past the main doors onto the ward where the doctor there nodded, obviously recognising him or expecting him.
He peered in the waiting room as he walked by, checking to see if Arthur was here yet, but it was empty. "Probably in with Hermione." He reasoned out loud as he continued walking, turning down the other corridor to head to Hermione's room and smiling when he saw the door to the room propped open, with Hermione already dressed and sat in a wheelchair, with Arthur's wife talking and Ginny talking excitedly with Hermione.
He smiled when he saw Hermione notice him, but slowed down his walking a bit so he could actually take stock of her properly now that she was out of bed. She was dressed obviously in clothes that could fit over the casts without aggravating them, so he figured the clothes were a size or two too big at the moment, with a baggy t-shirt and pink hoodie covering her top, while a brown skirt covered the cast on her left thigh and hung down around her ankles. Her brown hair looked a bit more tamed than yesterday, but still wild and bushy, it was a pretty endearing trait Tony mused to himself, but he was sure Pepper would know how to help the girl get it under control.
"Hey kids," Tony smiled, waving as he walked into the room comfortably. "Arthur not around?" He asked, looking from Hermione and Ginny up to her mother.
"Waiting outside," Molly explained. "He's got the bags and Ginny's owl, thought it was best if just us women helped Hermione this morning."
"Good plan," Tony nodded thoughtfully.
"Mr Stark?"
Tony turned around as he heard his name, catching the doctor from yesterday as he walked into the room. "Hey doc," He smiled easily.
"I have Miss Granger's belongings," The doctor explained, holding out a sealed bag for Tony to take. "I'm afraid the clothes weren't kept." He said quietly.
"Ok," Tony nodded. "Hey, got your… um, stuff?" Tony asked hesitantly, walking over and holding out the small bag of items for Hermione to take.
"Thank you Mr… Tony," Hermione amended when Tony reached for his heart again.
"Better," Tony laughed before turning back to the doctor. "She ready to go?" He asked.
"Is everything prepared?" The doctor replied.
"Yup, got nurses coming around at four, five and six for interviews, see how they get on." Tony explained. "Everything else is all set." He said with a nod.
"Then I see no reason to keep Miss Granger here," The doctor smiled. "Here's her prescription for codeine, I'd recommend she only use them when necessary." He explained, handing a small piece of paper to Tony.
"I'll have someone pick them up this afternoon," Tony nodded, pocketing the paper for now.
"Take her back to an emergency room if there are any problems," The doctor said firmly. "I'm optimistic for her recovery now, but she suffered serious injuries in the crash, and will need checking in on regularly."
"Check," Tony nodded. "Got the little redhead coming with her as well to help out." Tony said with a smile, winking at Ginny as he turned around to show he was only kidding.
"Very well, I have some final release papers for you to sign, but other than that Miss Granger is free to be taken home." The doctor said with a small smile.
"Great," Tony smiled enthusiastically. "Do you three want to start heading down? I'll meet you there once I've signed this stuff?" He asked, looking back to Hermione, Ginny and Mrs Weasley.
"Of course," Molly smiled easily, moving to behind Hermione's wheelchair and grasping the handles. "Ready dear?" She asked, making sure Hermione had got everything.
"Right, lets do this." Tony said, clapping his hands together before indicating for the doctor to show him to where the paperwork was waiting.
"Oh Merlin!" Hermione whispered as Molly wheeled her through the front doors, the large limousine immediately catching her eye as it was the nearest, and by far the largest car waiting outside.
"Is that…" Ginny whispered, her eyes going wide at the huge car. She'd seen Ministry cars before for shuttling around important people, but they were nothing like the enormous car that was apparently waiting for them.
"I told you he was supposed to be rich right?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Good lord this is amazing!"
"Arthur, get away from there!" Molly hissed out as she saw Arthur walking around the limousine, an eager and amazed look on his face as he admired the luxurious vehicle.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Hermione whispered nervously, looking up at Ginny as Molly headed off to drag her husband away from the car.
"Dad said it was fine," Ginny said reassuringly. "I think he really likes Mr Stark." She said with a laugh.
"Of course he does," Hermione rolled her eyes, knowing that Mr Weasley's infamous love of all things muggle would obviously have given Mr Stark a glowing report in his eyes.
"Come on, you don't think mum and dad would let you go if they thought there was anything wrong do you?" Ginny said, kneeling down next to the wheelchair so she could talk to Hermione easier.
"I guess," Hermione nodded, knowing how fiercely protective over Ginny her mother was.
"Dad wants to know everything as well, wanted me to take notes every day." Ginny laughed. "Think he was more upset that I couldn't take a camera with me than anything else." She said with a smirk.
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Hermione laughed back.
"Is… is that?" Ginny asked, broaching the subject gently as she looked down at the see-through hospital bag in Hermione's lap.
"I saw it when Mr Stark gave it to me," Hermione nodded, touching the bag and feeling her broken wand underneath. "They must have thought it was something important or they wouldn't have kept it, like a family thing or something." She whispered.
"You'll have to get a new one," Ginny nodded, seeing how the wand was broken clean in two, with dents and chips along both lengths of wood.
"When I can even get to Diagon Alley, that'll be my first stop." Hermione promised.
"This is amazing, simply amazing!" Arthur breathed out as Molly dragged him back to the girls, still carrying a bag in one hand, the owl cage in another, with Ginny's rucksack over his shoulder as well. "I definitely want to hear everything girls, this is a once in a lifetime experience you know." He said, pointing a finger at Ginny.
"I know dad, notes for you about everything," Ginny said, rolling her eyes at her dad's enthusiasm.
"Are we ready?"
Ginny looked around as she heard Mr Stark's voice coming from behind them, watching him stride out of the hospital comfortably.
"Now, are you sure you've got everything dear?" Molly asked, looking down at Ginny.
"Yes mum, and everything else you said." Ginny said quickly. "You helped pack remember?" She said with a laugh.
"They'll be fine, really." Tony said reassuringly. "And thank you, really, I can't tell you how much it means to me for Hermione to have someone to help her through this."
"Our pleasure," Arthur said firmly before Molly could say anything. "Next weekend? Our house?" He asked, putting an arm around his wife's shoulders, knowing that it was Friday already and the girls would want some time to get settled before dragging them down to Devon away from the city.
"Definitely," Tony nodded.
"Now, you're sure you don't need Ginny to bring any food or anything?" Molly asked hesitantly, not entirely sure of how muggle kitchens worked or how Ginny would get on with everything in a muggle house.
"Really, I've got it all covered." Tony said emphatically. "Food, drink, snacks, everything they could want." He said with a grin.
"Very well," Molly nodded. "Now girls, I want you to behave yourselves alright?" She asked, fixing both of them with a look to make sure they both knew what she was really saying. "No playing up for Mr Stark, and let us know immediately if you need anything."
"Right, yes, forgot!" Tony said quickly, interrupting Molly as he moved past her to the car, opening the back door and reaching in for the phone he'd bought in London. "Here you go." He said, bringing the boxed phone over and handing it to Arthur. "I charged it up, activated it, put some money on it." He explained, handing the box over. "It's got my number in it for now, but I'll get one set up for Hermione as well so you can call the girls any time you need."
"Oh, this is fantastic!" Arthur breathed out, accepting the box and looking at it in awe before shaking it gently.
Tony caught a laugh coming from the two girls, looking over to see an amused look on Ginny's face and an exasperated look on Hermione's, both looking at Arthur in almost a worried fashion.
"Mr Weasley isn't…" Hermione tried to explain. "Mrs Weasley, can you take care of that please?"
"Of course, dear," Molly said, quickly taking the box away from Arthur and ignoring his hurt look.
"Call any time, I'll pass you over to the girls to chat anytime you need." Tony said, smiling reassuringly at Mrs Weasley.
"We'll do just that," Molly smiled, inwardly knowing she'd have to wait for Ginny to owl once they'd settled in, then owl back asking for instructions how to use the muggle device she'd been given.
"Right, shall we get you settled then?" Tony asked, watching as the driver had already got out of the limousine when Tony had opened the back door, and was now waiting at the rear of the car for them. "Guess the bird is riding with us, everything else ok in the trunk?" He asked, checking with the girls.
"Um, yes?" Ginny answered hesitantly.
"Great," Tony nodded, indicating for the driver to open the trunk of the limousine where there was normally enough room for several suitcases.
"Sir?" The driver asked, moving to Arthur. "Shall I?" He asked respectfully, holding out his hands for the bags.
"Oh, yes, lead the way." Arthur smiled, happily following the driver back to the car where he put the two bags in the trunk.
"Do you need any help dear?" Molly asked as she slowly wheeled Hermione towards the large car.
"I might," Hermione admitted. "I might be ok though?" She asked, more to herself than anyone else as the driver moved around to the side of the car and held it open. "Thanks," She said, smiling up at him as Ginny helped her up from the wheelchair and manoeuvred her around so she could bend over and slide into the car backwards, easily finding a seat along the other side of the limousine that faced the door before shuffling herself to the side so that other people could get in.
"Do you need these?" Ginny asked, rattling the two crutches that the nurse had given them with the wheelchair, where they were still hanging off the back of it.
"We've got those," Tony said idly. "And a chair, it's waiting for you already." He explained.
"Oh, ok." Ginny shrugged, not entirely sure what they were, but they looked like metal walking sticks with a handle pointing out to hold on to and a hole for the arm to go through. "Pig?" She asked, looking to her dad to hand her the small owl cage that she put in the car next, sliding it onto the floor next to Hermione's feet.
"That everything?" Tony asked, looking between the two adults left as Ginny climbed into the car to sit next to Hermione.
"Think so," Arthur smiled, holding out his hand for Tony to shake. "See you Monday?" He asked. "If that's still alright of course?"
"Always," Tony nodded back. "I'll have reception let me know when you get here, I'll come down and bring you up." He explained.
"Fantastic," Arthur beamed. "I shall see you then."
"Sounds good, I'll have a lunch ready." Tony smiled as he finished shaking Arthur's hand and moved towards the limousine.
Arthur and Molly stepped back as Tony climbed into the car, watching him set along the rear of the car a comfortable distance from the girls before the driver closed the door and then walked around back to the driver's side.
"They'll be fine dear," Arthur smiled, watching as the car slowly pulled away.
"And I'm coming with you on Monday," Molly said firmly. "Don't think anything else of it!" She said, fixing Arthur with a glare.
"Of course, dear," Arthur smiled patiently as they both watched the large car turn around the parking lot then drive out onto the main road.
Tony couldn't help but smile as he watched the two girls looking around the limousine as they drove out onto the main roads, it had been worth the longer journey just to see their eyes light up as they looked around at everything.
"Is that…" Ginny asked, staring at the white bear in the corner of the seated area.
"For Hermione," Tony laughed as he nodded at the stuffed toy.
"It's huge!" Hermione whispered in shock as she caught sight of it, unable to see how she'd missed it before while looking at the fancy leather seats, drinking area, and various lights around the car. Truth was, the bear must have been nearly Ginny's height, easily coming up to her shoulders if she stood up.
"I was told on good authority that cuddly toys are a legal requirement for hospital visits," Tony said half-jokingly. "That and fruit, but I didn't have time to find any." He admitted.
"It's great!" Ginny grinned, looking at the giant white bear. It was big enough that she was pretty sure she could pull all the stuffing out of it and walk around inside the bear itself.
"You didn't have to!" Hermione protested quickly.
"Wanted to," Tony shrugged it off as his phone started ringing. "One second." He said to the girls as he pulled the phone out of his pocket and answered it, holding it to his ear this time so the girls couldn't hear was Pepper was saying. "Hey Pep." He grinned.
"Tony, where are you?" Pepper's voice came over.
"Just on our way back to the office now," Tony explained. "You got through early?"
"Finished up earlier than I thought." Pepper's voice replied. "How is she?"
"Doing ok, I think." Tony said with a half-smile. "Want us to swing by and pick you up?"
"I've got a car waiting, I'll meet you there." Pepper replied as Tony missed the look between the two girls.
"Ok, see you soon." He said with a smile as Pepper said goodbye before hanging up. "Pepper." He explained as he caught Hermione looking at him. "She'll be at the apartment before us." He explained.
"Oh," Hermione whispered, not knowing what else to say about that. Tony had told her about Pepper last night and how she was pretty much the only person that kept him stable and organised, the woman had already grown to mythic status in her mind and the idea of meeting her so soon, with the potential for her having a relationship with Tony, her father, was setting off nerves again.
"She'll love you," Tony said, seeing the anxious face Hermione made. "And she can stop me from making too much of a fool of myself with you two." He explained with a grin as he tried to get comfortable on the seat before catching the way Ginny was looking around the car in awe. "First time in a limo?" He asked.
"For both of us," Hermione answered quickly.
"Mirrored windows," Tony said, tapping on the glass. "Keeps the cameras from seeing inside."
"Cameras?" Ginny asked, trying to join in the conversation and hoping she wouldn't sound too much like an idiot.
"Paparazzi," Tony shrugged then explained more when Ginny looked confused and looked to Hermione for an explanation. "Newspapers and magazines, they follow me around a lot." He said.
"Oh," Ginny understood that. "You're famous?" She asked, causing Tony to laugh loudly.
"Your dad didn't see it either," Tony explained when he saw that Ginny was getting flustered at him laughing at her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you, I don't get to meet many people who don't know who I am, it's kind of fun not to be looked at like that for a while." He said with a smile.
"He's really famous," Hermione explained. "Even when he's in America the newspapers over here print stories about him."
"Wow," Ginny went wide eyed at that. "Sorry." She said with a blush.
"No, really, I don't care." Tony grinned. "I don't want you or Hermione treating me like that, just carry on like you were." He said with a laugh. "And don't tell your dad either, last night was the most fun I've had in ages!"
"Oh merlin, what did he do?" Ginny muttered, closing her eyes as she felt more embarrassment over her father.
"Nothing really," Tony grinned. "It's just… I guess your dad isn't around modern technology a lot?"
"Not at all," Hermione answered for Ginny. "He loves it, but they don't have any at home." She explained with what she hoped was a believable story.
"Right," Tony nodded. "His face at the computers in the office was amazing," Tony explained. "He kept asking if JARVIS was a ghost, and then wanted to talk about planes and aerodynamics for ages." He said with a laugh.
"Merlin!" Ginny muttered, rubbing her face that was blushing nearly as red as her hair.
"No, it's fine, really." Tony laughed. "He's got an interest in planes then?" He asked, trying to learn some more about the family that his daughter was so close to.
"He wants to understand them," Ginny said, nodding her head at the question. "How… how they stay up." She explained.
"Well, I could take him to the airport one day, show him around. We don't have an Aviation Division in England though, the nearest is… Germany, I think?" He frowned, trying to remember where the nearest Stark Aerospace factory was. "If we're ever heading that way, I'll show him around and maybe take him up in one."
"Oh he'd love that!" Ginny grinned wildly, trying to imagine what her fathers face would be like actually being on a muggle plane.
"It'd be a dream come true for him," Hermione said with a laugh.
"He ok?" Tony asked, pointing to the small cage on the limousine floor where the owl had been surprisingly quiet. "Got to admit, when your mom said you had an owl, I kind of pictured something bigger than that." He said, looking down at the small feathered creature that was smaller than a tennis ball, but seemed happy to just perch against the bars of the cage and look around. It was probably smaller than either of the girls' hands, with very fluffy feathers, with white and tan colours bleeding through.
"I think he's just confused at travelling like this," Ginny explained. "We normally go by train a lot." She explained, well, train or floo she added in her mind.
"Right," Tony nodded. "We can get him set up in the garden, I'll have JARVIS close off the windows so he can fly around up there."
"Garden?" Hermione asked.
"Right, haven't told you much about the apartment, have I?" Tony said, frowning at himself. "Ok, I sorted out a room for you both last night, should be ok, but if you want to change anything or need new furniture, just let me, Pepper or JARVIS know, and we'll sort something out for you." He explained. "There's wardrobes, beds, desks, drawers, tv, pretty much everything you should need." He said with a satisfied nod, reasonably sure that he'd set enough space for the girls, but if not he could always take out the other modular wall and combine the three rooms together for them.
"I thought you said it was above your office?" Hermione asked, trying to picture Mr Stark's living arrangements.
"It is," Tony nodded. "Ok, so the top three floors are for me really, well, you as well, and Pepper." He added quickly. "First there's a workshop area, play area for me really, lots of engineering and tools in there, I don't mind you coming in if you want to have a look around, but be careful what you touch, some of it can be a bit twitchy if you don't know what you're doing with it."
"Got it," Hermione said, making a mental note to give Ginny a rundown of electricity and how dangerous it could be.
"Then there's living space, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, lounge, bar, that sort of thing." Tony continued, explaining the next level up. "That's pretty much where I'll be most of the time with you two unless I'm in the workshop."
"Ok," Hermione nodded at that, having everything on one level would make things so much easier to get around on crutches than trying to navigate stairs.
"Then there's stairs up to a formal area," Tony explained. "Parties, relaxing area, that sort of thing. Pretty open plan."
"Like a hall," Hermione reasoned for Ginny to have something to compare it to.
"Yeah, like that." Tony nodded thoughtfully. "Normally business functions, private parties, big meetings, haven't used it much to be honest, but it's there if I ever need to." He said with a shrug. "Then above that…"
"You said three floors," Ginny said, counting them off.
"Right, but the next one isn't a floor." Tony grinned over. "Ok, the roof of the building is basically a big garden with this pyramid glass dome over it." He explained. "Don't ask me why, it's Pepper's project. Something about hydroponics and air recycling, not my area, but she pushed for it." He said with a smile. "Grass, plants, small trees, that sort of thing." He shrugged.
"Sounds lovely," Hermione smiled, trying to picture it. It sounded like the perfect place for a picnic, especially if they were inside with a glass dome overhead to stop the rain coming in.
"It'll be a good place for you," Tony nodded thoughtfully. "Somewhere to walk around, get some fresh air, without anyone pushing around in the city." He explained, also thinking that limiting her movements to the office building would give her time to adjust to things before the story broke to the press, and he could well imagine how crazy things would get after that.
"Like an indoor quidditch pitch!" Ginny said excitedly before realising what she'd said.
"Quidditch?" Tony frowned at the strange word.
"A sport, like cricket?" Hermione said quickly, covering up Ginny's slip and picking a sport she remembered her dad watching every Sunday afternoon.
"Right, not my thing." Tony shrugged, he didn't follow sports, at all, especially weird ones like cricket where you had to know what a crumpet or scone was to have a hope at understanding the rules. "Do you play?" He asked, looking at Hermione and using the opportunity to ask a bit more about her. "Sports, not just… whatever it was."
"Not really," Hermione answered, pulling a face at the thought. "I'm happier in a library really."
"Thank god," Tony laughed. "I was trying to picture what we'd talk about if you were a sporty person, because I'm not, really not." He explained when the girls looked at him laughing.
They settled in for the ride, talking about various things for the next hour or so, with Ginny only adding anything when she was certain she could talk about it without slipping up again or asking something stupid, finally realising that living like a muggle for the next few weeks was going to be a lot tougher than she thought.