Sooo may have lied in my last update. Turns out full time work really does a number on my creative juices. That and I don't really like this chapter, so I wanted to finish Ch32 as an apology- that will be up tomorrow, for sure. But yeah, it's been what? Like, a month? Sorry about that. Didn't mean to. :S

This stars part three of this ridiculous story. It's largely character-driven; as you'll notice in the next update.

I felt like there was more to say here... but I honestly can't think of anything anymore. So whatevs. Read on.

Part Three: In Which

Chapter Three: There is an Intermission

The return to the tower didn't go as smoothly as they would have liked. Fury had somehow gotten wind of Harry's 'retrieval' (if finding him in the company of an old friend, unharmed and expectant could really count as a retrieval), and was waiting with a nameless agent in the open-plan living area of Tony's monument to himself. Tony- always one to rebel in the face of authority- is unhappy at the invasion of privacy.

"May I remind you, Director," He snarks, catching sight of the man, "That this is private property."

Uncaring, Fury crosses his legs, lounging on the oversized settee as though he owns the place, "May I remind you Stark, that the Avengers Initiative is a subsidiary of SHIELD. Beyond that, whilst Potter, Granger and Malfoy are under your supervision, their custody lies inevitably in SHIELD's jurisdiction."

Steve shares an uncomfortable look with Harry. Something about the way the Director speaks makes him feel like the magic users are nothing more than property to the organisation. Steve respects Fury; which doesn't necessarily mean he likes the man, and he certainly doesn't trust him- not after he'd found those weapons that bore a frightening resemblance to Hydra's. He respects the older man for his unwavering leadership of SHIELD, and trusts him to make the hard decisions- but not necessarily the right ones. But the way Fury refers to the newcomers sets his teeth on edge- it speaks of ulterior motives and machinations towards ends he can't yet see.

Oblivious, Fury carries on, "SHIELD should have been notified of Potter's appearance immediately for unobtrusive retrieval." He eyes Harry speculatively, a sharp expression on his face, "For all you know, that might not be Potter at all."

Hermione steps forwards, "I can assure you Director Fury, this is indeed Harry."

Thor nods sagely to Steve's right, "I sense none of Loki's trickery on our friend."

Fury nods once in acknowledgement, "Be that as it may, there are procedures that need be followed; procedures that don't include running off into an unknown situation with no back-up." He motions towards Harry with a hand, waving in the general direction of his head, "And Potter looks like he needs medical. Looks like Loki wasn't the most hospitable of hosts."

Confused, Steve glances back at Harry; he hadn't noticed any-

He sucks in a surprised breath. Harry's face is a mess of bruises and small cuts, and there are the beginnings of deep, purple marks on his forearms. He almost looks like Steve often did before Bucky could haul his stupid ass out of a fight he knew he was going to lose (part of him aches at the memory of his lost brother).

Harry grimaces at the attention, and subsequently winces as the movement pulls on a nasty cut on his lip, "Glamours have a finite lifespan," he offers in explanation, sheepish, "I didn't want to scare people on the street."

Tony huffs, "What about Bruce? He's a doctor- he can take care of Potter."

Fury stares at Tony for a long moment, face impassive. Steve watches as Hermione visibly restrains herself from pointing out that Bruce was technically not that kind of doctor, and he gets the sense that she and Tony are likely interested in keeping any further medical 'examinations' of her people as in house as possible. He wonders if anyone will mention the fact that there was another wizard out there, with a child.

Finally, the other man nods, "Very well." The tension in the room eases, "But I still need Potter- and the rest of you debriefed. I want to know what Loki wanted, what he was doing and what his plans might be."

Steve feels the stirrings of uneasiness in his gut; he had no idea if Harry and Hermione wanted anyone to know of Sirius' existence- in hindsight it should have been a topic of discussion before they'd gone back to the Tower. He's sure they'll want to keep the family a secret, and he can't exactly blame them. Soldier or no, in their situation he'd likely do the same. But it did bring into question just how far his team's loyalty would- or could- extend to them. Natasha and Clint in particular were as closely tied to SHIELD as one could get- if directly questioned, he wouldn't doubt for a second that they would talk. Not that he holds it against them; he knows the precarious position the pair share- it's one Fury's been frequently suggesting he join.

Tony moves over to the kitchen and pours himself a glass of water, "Now, if you don't mind Director, it's late and well past little Harry's bedtime." Beside him, Harry scowls at Tony's snide remark. On his abnormally youthful face it just makes him look surly.

Fury stands up, his glare heavy, but Steve gets the feeling that he's aware that it may well be in best interests to leave it be, for the moment, "I'll be back tomorrow for that debrief. Early."

"We look forward to it, Director." Tony drawls and leans with feigned nonchalance over the granite bench.

Fury waves his wordless acknowledgement on the way to the lift and he fights a smile. For all the man's evident dislike of Tony, he was remarkably similar to him.

Steve wonders if the fact had ever occurred to the Director.

So there you go- short, to the point, mostly there to wrap up some loose ends in preparation for the next installment.
See you tomorrow!