Chapter Nine - Dealing with Expos and Committees

Six Months Later

The crowd at the Stark Expo was electric, the energy in the air palpable as thousands of people cheered and clapped in anticipation. The massive stage was flanked by towering screens displaying the Stark Industries logo, while the voice of the announcer echoed across the venue, hyping up the gathered audience.

In the midst of the crowd, Harry stood beside Pepper, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. The lights of the stage reflected in his glasses, and a small smile played on his lips as he took in the excitement around him.

Pepper glanced at him, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You'd think they were about to see a rock star perform."

"Well," Harry said with a shrug, "Tony does love to put on a show."

Pepper rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. The booming music shifted, signaling the start of the presentation, and the crowd roared in approval. The screens lit up with a dramatic montage of Stark Industries' achievements, the voiceover celebrating decades of innovation and progress.

"You've got to hand it to him," Harry muttered, leaning toward Pepper. "The man knows how to make an entrance."

As if on cue, the lights dimmed, and the music swelled to an even more dramatic crescendo. Spotlights converged on the center of the stage as the screens switched to a live feed of the night sky. A streak of light appeared, growing brighter as it descended toward the Expo. The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch.

"There he is," Pepper said, her voice tinged with fondness.

The glowing figure of Tony Stark in his Iron Man suit burst into view, his thrusters flaring as he slowed his descent. He aimed for the center of the stage, and just before landing, his body shifted into the iconic pose: one knee down, one fist against the ground, his other arm stretched out for balance. The impact sent a metallic clang reverberating through the stage, and the spotlights caught the gleaming red and gold of his armor.

Fireworks exploded overhead, the bright colors reflecting off the suit's polished surface. The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers nearly deafening.

Harry smirked, shaking his head. "Classic Stark."

Pepper sighed, but there was a faint smile on her face. "Let him have his moment. It's not every day you get to launch the Stark Expo."

As the crowd roared their approval, the small landing platform beneath Tony began to shift. Panels slid apart, revealing a set of automated robotic arms that extended upward, each moving with precise coordination. The mechanical limbs reached for Tony, disassembling his Iron Man suit piece by piece in a seamless display of technology and flair.

The gold-and-red helmet was the first to go, revealing Tony's smug grin as the cheers grew louder. Piece by piece, the armor was removed, exposing the tailored black suit and red tie he wore beneath. Tony stepped forward onto the main stage, arms outstretched, basking in the adoration of the crowd.

Around him, female dancers clad in mock Iron Man suits—designed for maximum showmanship and less practicality—moved in a synchronized, high-energy routine. Their outfits gleamed under the stage lights, and the glowing "repulsors" on their gloves added to the spectacle. The music blasted through the speakers, AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" driving the electric atmosphere.

As the final notes of the song played, the dancers formed a circle around Tony, their arms outstretched toward him, their mock repulsors aimed as if ready to fire. The stage lighting highlighted Tony in the center, his grin widening as he gave the crowd a playful bow.

The audience erupted into deafening applause, fireworks bursting overhead in a dazzling array of colors.

Tony turned to the microphone at the front of the stage, raising his hands to quiet the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice amplified across the venue, "welcome to the Stark Expo!"

The crowd's cheers renewed as Tony paced the stage, his confidence filling the space. "Tonight, we're not just launching another year of technological innovation—we're launching a vision. A better tomorrow. A future powered by ingenuity, by collaboration, and by some of the best minds in the world."

He paused, gesturing toward the massive screens, which now displayed scenes of groundbreaking Stark Industries projects. "My father, Howard Stark, had a dream: to create a world where innovation knows no bounds. A world where technology can solve the unsolvable. And tonight, we carry that dream forward."

The audience's attention was rapt as Tony continued. "This Expo isn't about me—although, come on, it wouldn't be nearly as exciting without me." The crowd laughed, and Tony's grin turned cheeky. "No, this Expo is about the future. It's about what we can accomplish together, what we can build, and how we can shape the world for generations to come."

He stepped back, spreading his arms as the screens shifted to show the words STARK EXPO 2010 in bold, glowing letters. "So, buckle up. It's going to be one hell of a ride. Let's kick off this Stark Expo the only way we know how—with a bang."

On cue, another round of fireworks exploded overhead, filling the sky with color. The crowd erupted into cheers once more, and Tony turned to the backstage exit, his energy unrelenting as he waved to the audience.

As the crowd's attention remained fixed on the vintage footage of Howard Stark, Harry turned to Pepper. "I'm going to check on him," he said, his voice low to avoid drawing attention.

Pepper nodded, her eyes still on the screen. "Make sure he's not causing any trouble."

Harry smirked faintly. "When isn't he?"

Weaving through the throngs of people milling about the Expo grounds, Harry made his way toward the backstage entrance. Security personnel gave him a brief glance but stepped aside without question. After years of working with Stark Industries, Harry's face was familiar enough to bypass most barriers.

The backstage area was dimly lit, the excitement of the Expo replaced by the quiet hum of machinery and the occasional chatter of staff. Harry spotted Tony standing near a small table, his back to the entrance. He was fiddling with something, his movements tense and uncharacteristically subdued.

"Tony," Harry called, approaching slowly. "You alright?"

Tony turned, his face shifting into a casual smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Potter. Didn't expect you to leave the adoring fans to come hang out with me."

Harry crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing slightly. "You left the stage looking less than your usual self. Figured I'd check in."

Tony waved a dismissive hand, his usual bravado creeping back into his tone. "I'm fine. Just handling a few things. You know how it is—greatness never rests."

Harry's eyes flicked to Tony's jacket pocket, where the faint outline of the blood scanner was just visible. He didn't press the issue, though, knowing Tony well enough to recognize when he wasn't ready to talk.

"You've got the crowd eating out of your hand out there," Harry said instead, changing the subject. "The Expo's off to a strong start."

Tony chuckled, his smirk becoming a little more genuine. "Of course it is. Did you expect anything less?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Not for a second."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the Expo filtering faintly through the walls. Finally, Tony clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Thanks for checking in, kid. But don't worry about me—I've got it handled."

Harry nodded, though a part of him wasn't entirely convinced. "Alright. But if you need anything..."

"I know," Tony said, his voice softening slightly. "Go enjoy the Expo. I'll catch up with you later."

With a final glance, Harry turned and headed back toward the main hall, his thoughts lingering on Tony's unspoken tension.

As Harry made his way through the bustling Expo crowd, his thoughts drifted, unbidden, to a memory from a few months ago.

Flashback

The workshop had been quiet that night, the hum of machinery and the faint clink of Tony's tools the only sounds breaking the stillness.

Tony was hunched over his workbench, meticulously adjusting a gauntlet. The faint glow of the Arc Reactor in his chest reflected off the polished surface of the table. Harry, sitting nearby with his own notes and sketches, had paused to watch the light flicker with each of Tony's movements.

Without really thinking, Harry broke the silence. "Tony, have you ever thought about getting rid of it?"

Tony's hands stilled. "Getting rid of what?" he asked, glancing at Harry over his shoulder.

Harry gestured toward Tony's chest. "The Arc Reactor. If you wanted, I could find a magical healer to remove the shrapnel and heal everything. You wouldn't need that anymore."

Tony turned back to his work, his posture stiffening slightly. He didn't respond immediately, tightening a bolt on the gauntlet with precise, measured movements. Finally, he set the tool down and leaned back, tapping the Reactor lightly with his fingertips.

"You think I haven't thought about that?" Tony's voice was quieter than usual, his tone lacking its usual bravado.

Harry frowned. "Then why not do it? Wouldn't it be worth it to be... free of it?"

Tony's gaze dropped to the Reactor, his expression contemplative. "Maybe. But this?" He tapped the glowing circle, his fingers lingering on it. "This isn't just some piece of tech keeping me alive. It's a reminder."

"A reminder of what?" Harry asked gently.

Tony's eyes lifted, meeting Harry's. "Of who I was. Of what I let happen because I didn't care enough to stop it. This thing—it's not just a Reactor. It's my second chance. A way to remind myself why I'm doing this."

Harry sat back, his brow furrowing. He could hear the sincerity in Tony's voice, the weight of his words pressing on the air between them. "So you're keeping it as a symbol," he said after a moment. "To remember why you're changing things."

"Exactly." Tony smirked faintly, his hands returning to his tools. "It's not always comfortable, but some things are worth holding onto—even if they're a pain in the ass."

Harry nodded slowly, a quiet respect blooming in his chest. "Fair enough. Just know the offer's there if you ever change your mind."

Tony glanced at him, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "I appreciate it, kid. But I think I'll keep it—for now."

Flashback End

The memory faded as Harry blinked back to the present, the glow of the Expo lights replacing the dim workshop. He adjusted the mithril ring on his finger, the quiet determination in Tony's voice from that night still echoing in his mind.

As Harry weaved through the dispersing crowd, heading toward the parking area, another memory surfaced. It had been shortly after that late-night conversation in the workshop, when Tony had casually mentioned an idea for improving the Arc Reactor.

Harry had initially thought it was just another one of Tony's brainstorming moments—half ideas thrown into the air to see what stuck. But, true to form, Tony had turned that spark of inspiration into something tangible. The upgrade had been deceptively simple but brilliant: instead of building entirely new Arc Reactors when the palladium core degraded, Tony had modified the design to allow for core replacements.

It wasn't just practical—it was quintessential Tony. A reminder of his ability to innovate under pressure, to find solutions that no one else would consider. Harry smiled faintly at the thought, his pace quickening as he approached his car.

Even now, walking through the warm glow of the Stark Expo's lingering energy, Harry found himself marveling at how Tony approached life. Every decision, every creation, even the things that caused him pain, were part of a bigger picture Tony was determined to build. It was a perspective Harry respected—and one that drove him to keep pushing his own limits.

The soft glow of the television illuminated the living room as Harry reclined on the sofa, a mug of tea in his hands. The faint hum of an action movie played in the background, though Harry's focus was more on unwinding after the excitement of the Expo than on the screen.

The sound of the front door opening broke through his thoughts. Harry turned his head just as Tony walked in, his usual swagger muted by a slight edge of irritation.

"Back already?" Harry asked, sitting up and setting his mug on the coffee table.

Tony shrugged off his jacket, tossing it onto a nearby chair. "Yeah. And with fantastic news, no less," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I've been issued a subpoena."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "A subpoena? For what?"

"To appear before the Armed Services Committee tomorrow," Tony replied, collapsing into an armchair with a dramatic sigh. "Apparently, they're not thrilled about me keeping my suits to myself."

Harry frowned. "They want to force you to hand over the Iron Man suits?"

"Something like that," Tony said, waving a hand dismissively. "Not gonna happen, obviously, but they're making a big show of it. You know how politics work."

Harry leaned back, crossing his arms. "Sounds like they're trying to flex their authority. What's your plan?"

Tony smirked, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Same as always: be smarter, faster, and way more charming than any of them."

Harry chuckled. "Well, I don't doubt you'll make an impression. Need backup?"

Tony shook his head. "Pepper's coming along to keep things from spiraling too far. You're welcome to tag along if you want to watch the show."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I'll be there. Someone's got to make sure you don't get too carried away."

Tony grinned, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. It's always nice to have an audience that doesn't hate me."

The next morning, the hearing room buzzed with tension and anticipation. Journalists crowded the entrance, snapping photos and recording footage as the attendees filed in. The Armed Services Committee members sat at the raised platform, their stern expressions adding an air of formality to the proceedings.

Harry entered the room alongside Pepper, both of them following closely behind Tony. Dressed impeccably in a sharp suit, Tony looked as calm and collected as ever, though Harry could sense the underlying confidence that bordered on defiance.

They took their seats in the audience, Harry settling beside Pepper in the front row. She leaned over to whisper, "Brace yourself. This is going to be... something."

Harry smirked faintly. "With Tony involved? Always."

As Tony approached the table at the center of the room, Senator Stern, the committee chair, tapped his gavel to call the session to order. "Mr. Stark," Stern began, his tone clipped and formal, "thank you for joining us today."

Tony slid into the chair with a smirk, his posture relaxed. "Always a pleasure to be here for my adoring fans."

A murmur of laughter rippled through the room, though Stern's expression remained stony. "Mr. Stark, let's get to the point. The Iron Man suit—while undoubtedly a technological marvel—is also a weapon. A weapon that you've decided to keep entirely under your control."

Tony's smirk didn't falter. "Technically, it's not a weapon. It's a high-tech prosthesis. I wear it. It's part of me."

Stern's jaw tightened. "Semantics aside, the committee believes that the Iron Man suit represents a significant threat if left unchecked. We're here to determine whether it should be turned over to the U.S. government for safekeeping."

Tony leaned forward, his smirk turning into a grin. "Let me save you some time: the answer is no."

The boldness of his response sent a ripple of gasps and whispers through the room. Harry fought the urge to laugh, glancing at Pepper, who pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation.

Stern's expression hardened. "Mr. Stark, this isn't a negotiation."

"No, it's not," Tony said, crossing his arms. "It's a show trial. Let me ask you something, Senator: have there been any threats—foreign or domestic—that my Iron Man suit hasn't handled?"

Stern opened his mouth to respond, but Tony pressed on, not giving him the chance. "Of course not. Because I've privatized world peace. You're welcome."

The room erupted into murmurs again, the committee members exchanging uneasy glances. Stern raised his gavel, banging it to restore order.

"Mr. Stark," Stern said, his voice tight with barely concealed frustration, "this committee will determine the best course of action regarding the Iron Man suit. Your personal opinion is irrelevant."

Tony leaned back, his grin widening. "Good luck with that."

The tension in the room remained high as Senator Stern leaned forward, his voice sharp. "And what about the so-called Iron Mage? Should we consider this another rogue operator, potentially even more dangerous than Iron Man?"

Tony raised an eyebrow, his smirk faltering slightly. Harry stiffened in his seat, his gaze darting to Pepper, who kept her expression neutral but alert.

Before Tony could respond, a man in a crisp suit rose from the audience, carrying a briefcase. His demeanor was calm and composed, but there was an unmistakable authority in the way he addressed the room.

"Excuse me, Senator Stern," the man said, stepping forward. "Before this line of questioning goes any further, I have documents that must be entered into the record."

Stern frowned. "And you are?"

"James Whitaker, legal counsel for international affairs," the man replied smoothly, his tone betraying nothing. "I represent a coalition with direct jurisdiction over the entity known as Iron Mage."

Stern exchanged a glance with one of his aides but nodded reluctantly. "Proceed."

Whitaker opened his briefcase, pulling out a set of official-looking documents. "This is a directive issued by the United Nations, outlining the Iron Mage's operational status and the protections afforded to them. The Iron Mage is recognized as an independent agent acting under the authorization of the UN and is therefore outside the jurisdiction of this committee."

The room erupted into murmurs, and Stern's expression darkened. "Let me see those." He gestured for an aide to retrieve the documents.

Whitaker handed them over without hesitation. "You'll also find the President of the United States has signed off on this directive, fully supporting the decision. As for the identity of the Iron Mage, that information remains classified at the highest level."

Stern's face tightened as he skimmed the papers, his annoyance visible. "So, you're saying this committee has no authority over the Iron Mage?"

"That is correct," Whitaker said evenly. "Any attempts to interfere with their operations would be in violation of international agreements."

Tony leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. "Well, isn't that convenient?"

Before Stern could respond, another voice cut through the tension. "If I may, Senator?"

Justin Hammer stood, his polished demeanor and smug grin drawing attention as he made his way to the front. "Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture here. Whether it's Iron Man or Iron Mage, these suits are walking arsenals. And while Mr. Stark is clearly... entertaining, perhaps it's time we consider more reliable partners for national defense."

Tony sighed theatrically. "Oh, great. Here comes Hammer Time."

Hammer ignored the jab, turning to address the committee. "Stark's suits—and this Iron Mage nonsense—are liabilities. Stark refuses to share his tech, and now we're dealing with someone who doesn't even show their face? If the government is serious about security, they should be working with someone who understands transparency. Someone like me."

The murmurs in the room grew louder, and Harry shifted in his seat, his hands tightening into fists. He resisted the urge to speak, knowing any comment could raise questions.

Before Hammer could continue, another figure rose—Colonel James Rhodes. Dressed in his Air Force uniform, Rhodey's calm authority silenced the room. "With all due respect, Senator Stern, and Mr. Hammer," he said, his tone steady, "I've seen firsthand what these suits can do. Stark's technology has saved lives, and I have no reason to believe the Iron Mage operates with anything less than the same responsibility."

Hammer scoffed, but Rhodey ignored him. "If the government wants to push for oversight, that's one thing. But let's not pretend we're going to replace Stark or Iron Mage with something half as capable."

Stern's gavel banged loudly, demanding order. "Enough. This hearing is about determining the best course of action for national security. If these individuals are going to operate independently, we need assurances that their actions won't endanger this country—or the world."

Tony grinned, leaning forward. "Senator, if I may? I think the Iron Mage and I have already proven we're more effective than anyone else in this room. So why don't we let the results speak for themselves?"

Senator Stern's jaw tightened as the room quieted down. He set the UN documents aside with a huff and turned his full attention back to Tony. "Very well. If the Iron Mage is untouchable due to this... UN directive, that still leaves the matter of the Iron Man suit."

Tony's smirk remained fixed in place. "I'm listening."

Stern leaned forward, his tone sharpening. "Mr. Stark, the Iron Man suit is a weapon—a highly advanced, dangerous piece of technology. It is the belief of this committee that such technology should not remain in private hands. It belongs in the custody of the U.S. government."

Tony crossed his arms, looking every bit the picture of calm defiance. "Let me stop you right there, Senator. You're making a lot of assumptions."

"Am I?" Stern asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Enlighten us, then."

Tony stood, addressing the room confidently. "First of all, the Iron Man suit isn't a weapon. It's a high-tech prosthesis. It's part of me. You're not asking for a weapon—you're asking to dissect me."

The committee members exchanged uneasy glances as murmurs rippled through the room.

"Secondly," Tony continued, pacing slightly, "let's talk about the law. There's no statute, no legal precedent, that allows the government to seize my property without due process. And I don't see a court order on your desk, Senator."

Stern's face reddened, but Tony pressed on, his voice steady and commanding. "What you're asking for is unprecedented. You can't just waltz in here and say, 'Hand over the suit,' because you think it's convenient. That's not how this works."

The crowd murmured louder, some of them nodding in agreement. Even Pepper and Harry exchanged subtle glances, impressed by Tony's argument.

Tony smirked again, his tone turning lighter. "And, let's be honest, even if you somehow convinced me—which you won't—you wouldn't know what to do with it. The Iron Man suit isn't just tech—it's me. Without me, it's a paperweight."

Stern slammed his gavel down, his frustration boiling over. "Mr. Stark, this isn't about you! This is about national security!"

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Is it? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're more concerned about control than security."

Before Stern could respond, Tony leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. "Here's the deal, Senator. The Iron Man suit stays with me. Period. If you've got a problem with that, I suggest you start building your own."

The room erupted into whispers and applause as Tony sat back down, crossing his arms triumphantly. Stern's gavel pounded again, his attempts to regain control overshadowed by the murmurs of approval from the audience.

As Tony sat down, the room erupted into cheers and applause. His confident smirk deepened as he leaned back, basking in the approval of the audience. Pepper gave a small shake of her head, her lips twitching into a faint smile, while Harry let out an amused huff, unable to hide his admiration for Tony's bravado.

Senator Stern, however, was livid. "Order! I demand order in this room!" He slammed his gavel repeatedly, but the cheering only grew louder. The murmurs of agreement from the audience turned into outright applause, leaving Stern visibly fuming.

After several more futile attempts to regain control, Stern glared at Tony, his voice tight with frustration. "Fine. This committee meeting is adjourned."

He banged the gavel one last time before storming out, flanked by aides who scrambled to keep up. The other committee members exchanged glances before following suit, their expressions ranging from annoyance to quiet amusement at Tony's unshakable demeanor.

As the room began to clear, Tony stood, turning to Harry and Pepper with a triumphant grin. "Well, that went better than expected."

Pepper rolled her eyes. "You just made half the government hate you."

"Half?" Tony quipped. "I was aiming for all of them."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got a knack for showmanship, I'll give you that."

Tony gestured toward the exit, his grin widening. "Come on, let's get out of here. I'm starving. All this political theater works up an appetite."

Hours after leaving the committee meeting, Harry sat in the living room, scrolling idly through his tablet. The earlier events of the day replayed in his mind, each detail sharpening his understanding of just how precarious his dual life as Iron Mage could become.

His phone buzzed on the table, breaking his thoughts. He picked it up, frowning slightly at the unknown number. "Hello?"

"Potter," came the unmistakable voice of Nick Fury. "We need to talk."

Harry leaned back, his curiosity piqued. "Director Fury. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I heard about the circus act at the Armed Services Committee today," Fury said dryly. "Impressive performance, by the way. The ICW was watching closely."

Harry straightened, his grip on the phone tightening slightly. "The ICW?"

"Yeah," Fury confirmed. "They caught wind of the hearing and weren't thrilled about your name—or the Iron Mage's name—getting dragged into government politics. That's where our friend Whitaker came in. MACUSA worked with the ICW to draft that UN directive. The President's signature sealed the deal."

Harry blinked, processing the layers of international and magical cooperation that had unfolded without his knowledge. "So, the ICW... covered for me?"

Fury's tone softened slightly, though it still carried his trademark edge. "They did what they had to do to protect you and, by extension, the magical world. You're too visible to risk exposure now, Potter."

Harry nodded to himself, his respect for the ICW growing. "I'll have to thank them for that."

"I'll pass along the message," Fury said. "Just remember, Potter, this whole thing only works if you keep playing your part. Don't give anyone a reason to doubt you."

"I won't," Harry said firmly. "Thanks for letting me know."

"Don't mention it," Fury replied. "And try to keep Stark in line while you're at it."

With that, the call ended, leaving Harry staring at the phone for a moment before setting it aside. He touched the mithril ring on his finger, his thoughts already shifting.

"Hermione?" he asked mentally, the connection to the magical AI activating instantly.

"Yes, Harry?" her voice echoed in his mind, calm and warm.

He sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Looks like the ICW has my back after all. I was worried they might be hesitant after the Stane incident, but they went out of their way to protect me."

"They see the value in what you're doing," Hermione replied. "And they're not wrong. The more allies you have, the better."

Harry nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "True. It's just... complicated. Balancing all of this—magic, technology, the non-magical world. Sometimes I wonder if I'm in over my head."

"You're not alone," Hermione reminded him gently. "You've got allies, friends, and the determination to make this work. You'll figure it out."

Harry exhaled, the knot of tension in his chest loosening. "Thanks, Hermione."

"Always," she replied with a hint of fondness.

As the connection faded, Harry leaned back into the couch, the weight of the day lifting slightly. For all the challenges ahead, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.