Chapter 18: A Few Minor Details.

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Time moved on, and weeks flew by, and things got done. Tony got his investment firm up and running in the wizarding world. It was small since it was a new concept to them, and there wasn't much to invest in. It was hard enough to get the people to understand what an investment was, let alone to invest money into businesses. He did get it started though, and it was taking off. It was mostly muggleborn and half-bloods that partook in the business.

He had gotten them up and running via his staff at SI. He had Jarvis do a canvas of the resumes and found the magical school equivalent here in America and abroad. He then did the interviews and found those that had financial degrees. He then left it in their hands.

He also got all the United States Gringotts updated to modern conveniences. There would no longer be any waiting for owls to come with bank notices. Phone calls were made to him almost daily with questions on how such and such worked, until Tony finally delegated them to where they needed to go. Again, it was mostly muggleborn and half-bloods that were using these services. The purebloods were still lagging behind.

Tony finally got a lawyer to handle his business here in the United States. It was Bruce's cousin, Jennifer Walters, who was a rising star in the District Attorney's office of Los Angeles. She hadn't quite made a name for herself yet, but she was getting there.

Bruce had been shocked to learn that Jennifer had known about the magical world in the first place. He only found out when she freaked out over the whole Girl-Who-Lived being with Tony Stark. She had called him after the interview that Ivy had given. The conversation had gone like this:

"Bruce, why didn't you tell me you knew Ivy Potter?" the female voice said over the phone.

"Jennifer?" Bruce asked, looking at the cell phone in his hand. He put it back to his ear. "How did you get this number?" he asked, then remembered that he had given it to his uncle. "Never mind. How do you know Ivy?" he asked instead. It still amazed him that that cute little girl was a celebrity in the magical world.

"I'm a new-blood," Jennifer said. The rustling of papers could be heard over the receiver.

"What's a new-blood?" the scientist asked, sitting heavily in a chair. He figured that it was the same as a muggleborn that Sirius had told him about, but he wanted confirmation.

"My parents are non-magical," she confirmed, tapping a pencil on her desk from the sounds coming over the phone.

"Doesn't that mean there's a squib in the family?" Bruce asked, having studied the books on that subject. It had fascinated him. He wondered who the magical was, because if there was a squib, there had to be a magical as well.

"No, it means there's one on my mother's side. My maternal great-grandfather squibbed out of his family. They abandoned him when he didn't show magic. I think they disowned him, but he never told anyone their names, so I can't validate it unless I get a heritage test done, which I haven't done yet," she answered, bitterly.

"Why not?" he asked, knowing if it was him, he'd be at the bank demanding one.

"My mom asked me to wait until great-grandfather passed away. He's still alive, though probably for not much longer. He's in his nineties," she said. She was only in her mid-twenties, so it was conceivable. "Not that I want the man to die, but…" she left that hanging.

"Where did you go to school?" he asked, not versed on the magical schools in the world. He knew the population of the wizards was small, so there can't be many of them.

"I went to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when I was eleven. It's the only school in the States. Let me tell you it was a bitch hiding that from the family," she explained, sounding put out and busily doing things on her side of the line. "I can't tell you how many times I almost got caught out," she said with a chuckle. It came from having too many geniuses in the family.

"Why didn't anyone tell me?" he asked, kicking his feet onto the stool in front of him. He might as well get comfortable. He was almost hurt, but for the fact that she didn't know his secret. He wondered if he should share it now. Perhaps when they see each other again.

"You know about the Statute?" she asked, there was a wariness in her tone. This phone call might go a different route if he didn't.

"Yes, we were read in," Bruce said, picking up a tumbler of soda pop. He didn't drink alcohol like Tony and Sirius did. He and Steve were the teetotalers in the house. Well, he couldn't say he never partook, but it was very rare. "The whole household knows now. Dumbledore is responsible for us knowing," he added.

"Then why did you ask?" she huffed; irritation clear in her voice.

"Okay, okay, sorry. Going back to why you called," he said, toeing off his shoes. He was in his suite of rooms, so he was going to get as comfortable as possible.

"I was going to offer my services," she said, more shuffling of papers was heard.

"As?" he asked, taking a sip. He placed the glass on the table next to the chair and leaned his head back. He closed his eyes and just relaxed.

"A lawyer?" she drawled, like he was being an idiot.

"Oh, I thought you were offering something magical, like a tutor," he said, chuckling a bit.

"I can do that too. Why, do they need one?" she asked, there was a perkiness in her tone.

"I think Tony is looking for an attorney more than he needs a tutor," he answered, smiling at the phone. His baby cousin was just so alive with happiness. "Ivy's godfathers are here for that. Plus, we have the Asgardians." There were more than enough magicals here to help Ivy learn magic.

"Good, because I really don't have the time, but I thought I'd offer," Jennifer said, sounding relieved. "Still, let him know I'm versed in law in both worlds. I can't actually take a case, because I'm working in the DA's office here in LA, but I can offer advice and point him in the correct direction," she offered. Finally, the sounds of papers shuffling stopped, and the clacking of a keyboard started.

"Are you at work?" Bruce asked, concerned since it was after eight in the evening. He knew she was a dedicated worker, but working this late was going above and beyond.

"Yes, I have a big case tomorrow and I need to finish up a few things," she said, still typing away. "I'll go home soon, I promise," she told the worrywart.

"How are you holding this conversation and working at the same time?" he wanted to know. He could do it, but it took a lot of concentration, and a brainiac mind. Tony could pull it off too. He knew his cousin was smart, most of his family was, but he never knew she was this smart.

"With years of practice," she said, there was a smile in her voice. "Can I meet Ivy?" she asked, wanting to meet the little girl. She was just so cute and adorable. There was a presence about her that made people want to cuddle and protect her.

"I'll asked Tony, but I don't see why you couldn't," Bruce said, sitting back up and putting his slippers on. He would ask tonight. Jennifer asked so little of the family and this was a small thing to do.

"Great. My schedule opens after next week," she said, the sound of typing stopped and there was silence at the other end.

"I'll note that and get back to you," Bruce said, finishing off his drink. He stood and went towards the doors to his suite.

"Okay, call me back when a good time is to meet up and I'll let you know if I'm available," Jennifer said, then she hung up the phone.

"Good-bye to you too," Bruce said with a chuckle. He went to find Tony.

After that call, Tony and Jennifer, along with Ivy and Bruce, met up the next week and it was the start of a beautiful working relationship. Ivy loved the woman. And of course, Jennifer loved Ivy. Tony was just tickled pink that he now had someone to represent him in both worlds. Or at least get him someone to represent him.

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"Anthony Edward Stark!" came the voice of a very pissed off male. It echoed throughout the house and made everyone take notice.

"Rhodey?" Tony asked, coming from the kitchen where he had been getting some coffee.

"Yes, Rhodey," James Rhodes said, standing in the living room with his hands on his hips and surrounded by the Avengers and magicals alike. They were all staring at the man, many with their hands on their weapons. He was wearing his military uniform like he had just come from his job as USAF Weapons Procurement Liaison. Though there hadn't been much use for him in the last few months. Well, not between him and Tony's company at any rate. He was still needed with other companies.

"What are you doing here?" the billionaire asked, coming up to his best friend and trying to hug him, only to get shoved away. "You're upset," Tony observed. James had been mad at him before, but never turned down a hug. This must be something very big.

"You have had a daughter for over two months now, and you haven't bothered to call and tell me. Your best friend," Rhodey stated, his tone laced with anger. He folded his arms and glared at Tony. He was hurt by learning about Ivy over the television.

"I'm sorry," Tony said sincerely. It never crossed his mind that Rhodey would need to be told. He always seemed to just know what was going on in Tony's life. "I thought you'd just know," he voiced his thoughts.

"How would I know that?" the man asked, waving his hands in the air. "It's not like I have your place bugged, or that I share gossip with Jarvis or Pepper. You're supposed to keep me informed on what is happening, you idiot," he added, still making grand gestures. Everyone could tell he was very upset over this.

"Excuse me, mister," Ivy said, coming up to the new person. "Hello, my name is Ivy Harriet Potter-Stark. Why are you yelling at my daddy?" she asked. She didn't like all the shouting and wanted it to stop.

"Hello, back at you. My name is James Rhodes, but your daddy calls me Rhodey," Rhodey said with a formal bow.

"Hello, Mr. Rhodey," Ivy said with a cute curtsey. "Are you done yelling at Daddy?" Her eyes got wide and teary.

"I'll stop yelling at him, but I am mad at him, sweetie. He didn't tell me about you and we've been best friends for years," James said, kneeling down to her level. "You are cuter than you were on tv," he noted. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. He had never seen such an adorable child before. She looked like a China doll come to life. There was a delicate nature about her, and you just wanted to take care of her. To put her on a shelf and watch her.

"Thank you, mister," she said, then frowned at her daddy. "Why didn't you tell him, Daddy?" she asked, wondering if he had just forgotten or was something the matter with her.

"I've been busy," Tony hedged. In truth it had simply slipped his mind to call Rhodey. He was just too used to the man finding everything out on his own. "I swear, it just slipped my mind," he said, once more voicing his thoughts.

"You need to talk to your friends more," she said with a decisive nod of her head. "I am sure Daddy is sorry he forgot about you, Mr. Rhodey," she said to the new man. "I will make sure he doesn't forget you again," she added, giggling her tinkling bell-like giggle, making everyone smile.

"I'll forgive him, for your sake," James said, caving to the cuteness. "However, he'd better not do it again," he said firmly to his friend.

"I won't," Tony said with a smile. He was so glad that Ivy was on his side. He did make a mental note to call Rhodey more often. They had had a bit of a falling out over the whole War Machine thing, but he was still his best friend.

"Come, let's have a tea party. That will make everyone feel better," Ivy said, grabbing Tony's and James' hands and dragging them to her room. She then set them at the table set aside for tea parties. There was chairs for five small people, two of which were occupied with large stuffed animals. She led them to two of the empty ones and handed them each a hat and boa to put on.

"Do we have to wear these?" Rhodey asked as she walked away, never having had a tea party with a small child before. He was out of his depth.

"Yes," Tony said, putting on the floppy hat and feather boa. They were both shades of purple, while James' were shades of orange. They looked good on his darker skin color.

"Damn," Rhodey said, quickly putting them on and settling in the too small chair.

Ivy came back in with a tea service and Goose on her heels. Goose jumped up on a windowsill and watched the two men play with Ivy. The tea party lasted a good half an hour and Rhodey and Tony left to chat about the armored suits that Tony was building and what he was doing now.

"I like him," Ivy said to Goose, who just rolled over and continued to rest. He could care less as long as the man didn't hurt Ivy.

Rhodey came over more often after that, and the rest of the household got used to having him around. Tony and James continued to come up with ways to improve their suits, but they spent most of their time just hanging out with Ivy and the Avengers.

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Ivy was now in school and was making friends left and right. She never brought any home because of who she lived with, but she had many play dates at other people's houses or at playgrounds. Tony was not above hiring out a place for just her and her friends. He was more than willing to close a restaurant down for the night so that Ivy could host parties. He had done it twice now.

That didn't stop her training in magic, or invasive tactics. Nor did it stop her experiments. Every night after homework she would work on one of the three. Mostly magic. Her experiments were kept mostly to weekend mornings with just her and her daddy. There was a bond happening with them as they worked together in the lab.

The household had devoured the books they had bought in the mall. Those that weren't magical now knew much more about the magical world and Loki had a better understanding of how their magic worked. He could help Ivy with her spell work. Sirius and Remus took some insight on his lessons as well. He had a different perspective than they were taught. Their spells were stronger and more precise than before.

It was about a month after Ivy started school that Loki finally found his second son, Jormungandr. He was hiding under the sea in his smallest form. There was a cave there that was hidden from Heimdall's all seeing eye.

"Stark," Loki said to the man one Friday evening at dinner, while everyone was finishing up, "I have located my son. May I bring him here?" His tone was wary. He knew that Ivy wanted his children here, but it was ultimately up to Stark.

"Yay," Ivy said, bouncing and clapping her hands. "Say yes, Daddy," she demanded, turning pleading eyes to the man in charge of the house. "Please," she all but begged.

"Which son?" Tony asked, looking everywhere but at his daughter, even though he knew he was going to say yes. He knew those eyes would be the death of him one day, but he'd die a happy man. He knew the myths about Loki's children. According to them, there were three males and one female. Only the female had a human form. There was the wolf, the snake, and the horse for the males and the hell goddess for the female.

"Jormungandr," Loki said, looking at Ivy and smiling. He knew why she was so happy to hear the news. Now she could talk her parseltongue language.

"The world snake?" Tony asked, intrigued. "How would he fit in the house?" was the question on many minds. It was purported that that snake could wrap itself around the world.

"He's magical," Ivy said, cutely. "That means he can take whatever form he wants." She only knew this from the stories, but they had proven correctly so far.

"My children have human forms," Loki said, a bit smug. That information was not in the stories. He made sure that no one knew it.

"Oh, I didn't know that," Ivy said, even more anxious to meet the boy. They could play so many more games if he could walk like she could. They could play house and have tea parties, and many other games that Goose won't play with her. She got lost in her visions of playtime.

"Aren't your children over hundreds of years old?" Bruce wanted to know as he finished off his curry. They had had Indian takeout this evening. None of them were cooks, so they had takeout more often than not. Tony was thinking of getting a house elf, from Sirius' suggestion. Ivy was trying to come to grips with what they were and that they were symbiote. It was something she was still learning.

"We age slower than you," Thor pointed out. "I am over five thousand years old and am considered still in my youth," he added, smirking at his brother, who was a few thousand years younger. He was only a couple thousand years old. Then again, he was a Frost Giant, they matured differently, though not by much.

"So, they are still children?" Pepper asked, putting her plate in the sink. The meal had been a bit spicy for her, but she was getting used to having different types of food each night. With so many different palates to feed, it was mandatory that different types of food were eaten. Last night they had had Italian, and the night before they had had Greek.

"Almost babies," confirmed Thor. His tone was wary. There was a reason the Allfather had gotten rid of the… children. They were monsters, according to Odin. He had only met them briefly and gotten the impression they were simply children, but his father's word was law.

"You disagree with them coming?" Steve said, catching his leeriness.

"I worry about our safety with them here," Thor confessed, looking to Ivy.

"I'll eat them if they touch a hair on your head," Goose said to Ivy as she petted him.

"I know," she said to the non-cat. "I'm not scared," she said to the rest of the room. "I think they will get along with us just fine," she offered, her eyes going wide and everyone caved. Even Thor.

"Loki, I'm holding you personally responsible for everyone's safety," Tony said, taking up his glass and drinking the last of his whiskey. He had regulated his alcohol drinking to dinner only. Well, maybe if he had a night terror, he had one to relax, but mostly he only had a glass with his evening meal.

"I will endeavor to keep them under control," Loki said, taking that as permission to go and get his son. "I require Sirius' and Remus' help," he said, looking to the two magicals.

"What can we do?" Sirius asked, pushing his plate away and patting his full stomach. He had never eaten so well as he had here. Not even at Hogwarts. The school's selection of food paled by comparison. He hoped that if they got an elf, they could teach it to cook these different meals.

"I need you to hide him from Heimdall," the Norse god said, looking to Thor to gage his mood.

Thor's nose flared, but he held his tongue. He disapproved.

"Why?" Remus asked, having finished eating ages ago. He was just picking at a bun. He didn't like the spicy food they had ordered. His taste buds were far more sensitive than the others.

"Odin fears my children," was the answer. "It is said they will cause the Ragnarök."

"What is Ragnarök?" Ivy asked, stumbling over the unfamiliar word.

"It means the end of the Nine Realms," Thor answered her. He had been told since the birth of these children that they were foretold to be the end of all things.

"Oh poppycock," Ivy said, making Pepper and Tony spit-take their beverages. "No one can truly see the end of the world," she said definitively.

"As you say, princess," Tony said, eyeing Loki like he was a timebomb.

"Please," Ivy said, her wide green eyes turning to the men. "I will keep my eye on Jormungandr," she promised.

"I have no issue with this request," Remus said, caving to the power of the cuteness along with the rest of the room. Thor's shoulder slumped in defeat. He might not like it, but Ivy would win the day again.

"Yay!" Ivy exclaimed, bouncing up and down with happiness.

"I'll call the goblins and get some paperwork for the kid. How old would you say he was in earth years?" Tony asked, getting out his phone to make notes, even though he knew Jarvis was recording everything that went on in the house.

"Ivy's age will suffice," Loki said, thinking about it for a moment. In earth years, Thor was around twenty-three years old, and he was sixteen, though he wasn't going to tell them that. His kids were probably closer to toddlers, but they would look Ivy's age. "Maybe closer to six," he amended.

"Alright," the billionaire stated, making a note. "I'll call them in the morning," he added, putting the phone down. "Jarvis, make a note to remind me to call Tarnak," he said to the air.

"Of course, sir," the AI said in his bland tone. "Did you want that reminder first thing? Or after breakfast?" It was best to get that right. Tony could be cranky before coffee. Especially now that he stopped drinking as much.

"First thing," Stark said, stretching and getting up from the table, making everyone follow him. They all rambled into the living room and took their normal seats.

"Very well, sir," Jarvis intoned.

"Now that that is settled, we need to talk about Dumbledore," Sirius said, picking up the Daily Prophet off the table near the couch where he had left it. "He's finally come out and said that Ivy's been kidnapped," he said, throwing the paper on the coffee table where they could see the headlines screaming, Ivy Potter Kidnapped.

There was an old picture of Ivy wearing some of Dudley's clothes on the front page. Even in those oversized clothes she looked adorable. Her hair was mussed, and she was smiling at whoever was holding the camera.

"Didn't this same paper have a go at him for trying to kidnap her from Tony?" Steve asked, reading the article, which said that an unknown American had kidnapped the national treasure.

"That doesn't seem to matter to them," Sirius said, slouching down in the couch. He was upset that his country was run by idiots.

"I mean, Dumbledore was raked over the coals for attempted kidnapping, and now he's spouting that we're the kidnappers? How does that work?" Tony asked, taking the paper from Steve and reading the article. He threw it down and then pulled out his phone and called Waters. He got up and took the call in his office.

"I knew that old man was bad news," Natasha said, grabbing the newspaper and reading the article. "I will shoot him if he comes back. Diplomatic Immunity be damned," she promised, looking at Ivy to see how she was taking the news.

"Are they going to try and take me from Daddy?" Ivy asked, a tinge of fear in her voice.

"Not if I can help it," Pepper and Sirius said in firm tones. They looked at one another and nodded.

"We'll shoot anyone who tries," Natasha promised again.

"Thank you," Ivy said, warmed to the bones at their words.

Goose came up to her and purred. "I'll eat that old man next time I see him. I won't miss this time," he said, winding his way around her legs. "I'm sticking by your side, day and night. I'll even follow you to school," he said, knowing he'd have to stay out of sight there, but he'd do it to keep her safe.

She bent over and picked him up and cuddled with him. It was nice to be surrounded by family.