Harry Potter strolled into the CEO's office at Stark Industries with a broad, goofy smile plastered across his face. He was in high spirits due to his recent conversation with Natasha. However, as he crossed the threshold, his grin faltered slightly. The scene before him was anything but the polished, orderly office he had anticipated. Instead, it resembled the frenetic atmosphere of a bustling fish market, with people darting around in a flurry of activity. Voices clashed in a cacophony of shouting and urgent discussions, creating a chaotic symphony that seemed far removed from the world's leading tech company.
Harry blinked, momentarily unsure if he had wandered into the right place. The chaos was so overwhelming that he had to take a second glance to confirm that he had indeed arrived at the CEO's office. Navigating through the sea of hurried employees, he made his way to Pepper's cubicle, which seemed to be the most chaotic place of all.
Stacks of paperwork surrounded Pepper Potts, and a multitude of buzzing phones while everyone crowded around her. With a sigh of resignation, Harry settled onto the sofa opposite her desk. He leaned back comfortably, the chaotic environment doing little to dampen his spirits.
"Ms. Potts, can you please finalize the statement that Stark Industries needs to issue regarding yesterday's Senate hearing in DC?" a young woman called out, clutching a stack of papers.
Pepper glanced up, clearly irritated. "We don't need to make a statement," she snapped, her voice tinged with frustration. "The Iron Man suit is Tony Stark's personal property, and Stark Industries doesn't have any claim on that technology. The Senate hearing was about Tony Stark, not Stark Industries. Just because the Stark name is involved doesn't mean we're a representative of the Stark family. We are two separate entities."
Before she could finish, a man burst into her cubicle, panic evident on his face and a large report clutched in his hand. "Ms. Potts, we're in trouble," he said, his voice trembling. "We don't have enough funds. The revenue from closing the weapons division hasn't been recouped, and if we're to keep the expo running for the entire year, we need either a loan or more investments."
Pepper's gaze sharpened as she absorbed the news. "Speak to some investors or venture capitalists in Silicon Valley; they'll be interested in the new technologies we're developing," she directed. "Secure a few sponsorships for the expo as well. And get a loan by leveraging the partnership deals we have for the Stark Expo. It doesn't matter if we lose money; just ensure we're breaking even."
As if on cue, her landline rang. She answered it on the speakerphone, her attention still divided. "Ms. Potts, this is Kim from the Research and Development department," came the voice from the other end. "We've hit a major snag with the virtual AI we're trying to incorporate into our phones. It's taking up too much space, making it impractical to include it on the smartphone."
Pepper's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she responded. "Why are we trying to cram everything onto the phone? Utilize the internet and our mobile telecommunication systems to host the AI on our servers. We could even bundle internet access with the SIM card data packages as a cross-selling opportunity. Let's think outside the box and find a solution that works."
The relentless barrage of queries and issues continued unabated, with Pepper Potts handling each one with her characteristic blend of grace and efficiency. The chaos of the Stark Industries office was a stark reminder of the underlying turmoil within the company.
Since the death of Obadiah Stane, a significant power vacuum had emerged at Stark Industries. While Tony Stark remained the public face of the company, his role was more focused on innovation and high-profile ventures rather than the day-to-day management of the company. Tony's genius was in his designs and visionary projects, not in the meticulous grind of daily operations. His preference for operating at a grand scale meant that he avoided getting bogged down by routine matters, leaving a substantial gap in the management structure.
In response to this vacuum, Pepper had stepped up. Her deep understanding of the company's inner workings and her unique position as Tony's assistant made her the de facto overseer of daily operations. Initially, Pepper would bring all issues and decisions to Tony, seeking his input and approval. However, as time went on, she found herself increasingly taking matters into her own hands. Tony's disinterest in the minutiae of business operations meant that he often deferred to Pepper's judgment, further consolidating her role as the primary decision-maker.
Pepper's transition to this new role was not without its challenges. The pressure of balancing immediate crises with long-term strategic goals fell squarely on her shoulders. She managed a myriad of issues—from financial concerns and investor relations to operational inefficiencies and strategic planning—while maintaining the company's public image. The responsibility was immense, and though she felt overwhelmed at times, Pepper's resilience and dedication to Stark Industries were unwavering.
As Harry observed the chaos around him and saw Pepper tirelessly addressing each crisis with unwavering resolve, a wave of concern washed over him. It was clear that she was shouldering an immense burden, one that seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment. Harry couldn't help but question Tony's apparent disinterest in the day-to-day operations of Stark Industries. The chaos unfolding in the office was a stark contrast to the smooth, innovative machine Tony was known for. The thought of Tony, so absorbed in his latest ventures and personal projects, leaving Pepper to navigate this storm alone made Harry uneasy. He admired Pepper's capability and resilience but wondered if Tony's focus on the grandiose was undermining the stability of his own company.
As the commotion around Pepper began to subside, she glanced at Harry and gave a subtle nod, signalling that it was time to leave. She gathered a hefty stack of files and folders and handed them over to Harry. "Please hold these for me," she said, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. As they made their way through the throng of people, Pepper's phone buzzed incessantly, and she continued to field questions and directives with a calm but strained demeanour. Harry could sense the mounting frustration behind her composed exterior, the weight of her new responsibilities visibly taking a toll on her.
They navigated through the bustling office to the parking area, where Pepper's steps were brisk and purposeful. As they reached Harry's SUV, Pepper slid into the passenger seat, her phone still pressed to her ear. She spoke in quick, clipped sentences, her focus divided between the call and the overwhelming task of managing a company in flux. Harry placed the files neatly in the back seat, his concern for Pepper growing with each passing moment.
As they drove towards Tony's mansion, Harry glanced over at Pepper, noting the lines of stress etched on her face. The usual sparkle in her eyes seemed dimmed by the weight of her new role and the relentless pressure she faced. Despite her dedication and resilience, it was clear to Harry that the transition had not been easy. He wished he could do more to alleviate her burden, but for now, he could only offer his presence and support
Once the phone call ended, Pepper released a deep, weary sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as she turned to face Harry. "I don't want to hear it," she said, her tone tinged with a mix of frustration and fatigue.
"I haven't even said a thing," Harry responded, feeling slightly defensive.
Pepper cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Just take the job, Harry. Having you as Chief Operating Officer would make my life so much easier. I'm already at my limit, and if you're not officially on board, Stark Industries is going to crumble from the inside. I need you there with me to steady the ship and reduce the burden."
Harry raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "I think I'm already doing that job. Do I really need a title for it?" Since Stane's death, Harry had been performing many executive functions informally, stepping in wherever needed.
Pepper's eyes narrowed slightly in exasperation. "Yes, you need to make it official. If you have the title, people will come to you for permission instead of flooding me with every decision. It's about structure, Harry."
"What happened to all the candidates you and Tony interviewed for the executive positions?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
Pepper's frustration was evident as she shook her head. "They weren't the right fit for the company. Honestly, some of them were just clueless. I could do a better job than some of those idiots we interviewed." Her voice carried a note of bitterness, reflecting her exasperation with the current state of affairs.
She paused, looking at Harry with a weary smile. "Anyway, enough about Stark Industries. What's got you so cheerful today? I don't think my misery is funny enough to make you smile like that. What's the cause of your ear-to-ear grin?"
"Natalie asked me about kids and how many I want," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he spoke.
Pepper's fatigue was momentarily forgotten as she focused on her friend's news, her curiosity piqued. "That's incredible! When did this happen?"
"Just the day before on the way to the Stark Expo," Harry replied, his grin not fading. "I wasn't expecting it, but she just brought it up out of nowhere."
Pepper's eyes widened in surprise. "And you're only telling me now? What did you say?"
Harry's smile softened as he recounted the conversation. "I told her exactly what I've been dreaming of—a future with her, kids and all. I was completely honest about it."
Pepper leaned in closer, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "And how did she take it?"
Harry's gaze became distant, his mind replaying the moment. "She seemed really moved. There was this moment when she looked like she might cry, but in a good way. It felt like a pivotal moment for us."
Pepper's eyes lit up with genuine delight. "That's amazing, Harry. So, do you think this is the sign you've been waiting for?"
Harry nodded, his voice tinged with hope and a hint of anxiety. "I've been a bit unsure of taking our relationship to the next level. I know she's still adjusting to this new life. Marriage might seem like a big leap. But she asked about kids on her own, without me bringing it up. I can't help but wonder if she's been thinking about our future more seriously."
Pepper's smile grew as she considered this. "I'd say it's a very good sign. She didn't ask about general stuff or how you both might handle marriage. She went straight to asking about children. It means she's not only thinking about a future with you but also wants to understand your vision for it. Either she's seriously considering starting a family or she's already thinking long-term with you."
Harry's eyes shone with a mix of relief and excitement. "I hope you're right. It would mean a lot to both of us. Thanks for helping me see it in a clearer light."
Pepper reached out and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, Harry. I'm excited for you both. Whatever happens next, remember that you're both moving forward together. And that's what truly matters."
"Alright," Harry exclaimed with a burst of enthusiasm. A sudden thought struck him, and he continued, "I need to buy a ring!"
Pepper's attention snapped to Harry with renewed focus, her exhaustion completely forgotten now. "Absolutely. We'll need to get the perfect ring. I know just the place to go. But we should also think about the proposal itself—the engagement ceremony, the setting. It all needs to be special."
Harry's face lit up with excitement. "I've been thinking about how to make it memorable. Maybe something that reflects Natalie's strength and elegance. What about a place that's significant to both of us?"
Pepper nodded vigorously. "That's a great idea. We could consider a location that holds meaning for your relationship—perhaps somewhere private and beautiful." Pepper's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "And what about the ring? We should make sure it's as unique as Natalie. I know a few top designers who could help us create something truly special. We can also incorporate some personal touches—maybe an engraving with a meaningful date or phrase."
Harry's excitement was palpable. "That sounds amazing. And the ceremony—perhaps a small, private gathering after the proposal? Just the closest friends and family. I want it to feel intimate and heartfelt."
As they continued their drive to Tony's mansion, their conversation buzzed with ideas and enthusiastic planning. The drive became a brainstorming session filled with laughter and joy as they envisioned the perfect proposal.
Once Harry and Pepper reached Tony's mansion, they kept the conversation about the proposal on hold and went to Tony's Workshop. On the way, Pepper went back to corporate mode and wore an angry face. She barged into the workshop as angrily as possible, and Harry followed closely behind.
"Is this a joke? What are you thinking?" Pepper asked Tony angrily.
"Hey, I'm thinking I'm busy and you're angry about something," Tony replied
"Did you just donate our entire modern art collection to the Boy Scouts of America?" Pepper exclaimed
Harry knowing that the couple were going to bicker like they usually did, headed towards the Iron Man suit armour to start checking out the new suits that Tony was designing currently.
"Yes, it is a worthwhile organisation. I didn't physically check the crates but basically yes. And it's not our collection, it's my collection. No offense." Tony confirmed.
"No, you think what I think I'm actually entitled to say Our Collection considering the time that I've put in over 10 years curating that." Pepper replied back
"It's a tax write-off, I needed that." Tony retorted causing Pepper to huff and stamp her foot down. As Tony continued to walk through the workshop, Pepper took a deep breath and calmed herself down.
"The expo is a gigantic waste of time." Pepper continued.
"There is nothing more important to me than the Expo. It's my primary point of concern." Tony stated
"The Expo is your ego gone crazy. Stark Industries is in complete disarray. Do you understand the cost that the Expo has caused Stark Industries to bear?" Pepper shouted.
"No, our stocks have never been higher" Tony started.
Pepper cut him off "Yes, but from a managerial standpoint."
"Well, if it's messy, then let's double back. Let's move to another subject."
"Oh no no no no." Pepper exclaimed. "You are not getting away from this so easily. We have already awarded contracts, to the windfarm people. And to the Plastic Plantation Tree which was your idea by the way. Those people are on the payroll, and you won't decide."
"Everything was my idea. I don't care about the liberal agenda anymore. It's boring, I'm giving you a boring order. You do it." Tony exclaimed.
"I do what?" Pepper asked confused.
"Excellent Idea, I just figured this out. You run the company." Tony said in an epiphany. "Pepper, I need you to run the company.
"Yeah, I'm trying to run the company," Pepper confirmed. "You will not give me the information I need in order to make the decisions."
"Well, stop trying to do it and do it," Tony exclaimed.
"Well, I am trying to do it." Pepper restated.
"Pepper, you're not listening to me," Tony shouted. "I'm trying to make you CEO."
Harry and Pepper stopped whatever they were doing and stared at Tony for a long while. "Have you been drinking?" Pepper asked and took a sniff at Tony.
"I hereby irrevocably appoint you Chairman and CEO of Stark Industries, effective immediately," Tony declared, his tone resolute. Harry and Pepper were left speechless, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
"Yeah, it's a done deal," Tony continued, unfazed by their reactions. "I have actually given this a fair amount of thought, believe it or not. Been doing a bit of headhunting so to speak trying to figure out who would be a worthy successor. And then I realised it's you. It has always been you. I thought there would be a legal issue, but I'm capable of appointing my successor, my successor being you."
As if on cue, one of the workshop's robots rolled in with a tray carrying a bottle of champagne and three glasses. Tony deftly popped the cork and poured the bubbly into the glasses, handing them to Pepper and Harry.
"To new beginnings," Tony toasted, raising his glass with a confident smile.
Pepper, still reeling from the announcement, whispered, "I don't know what to think."
Tony gave her a reassuring look. "Don't think. Just drink." They clinked their glasses together, the sound echoing in the workshop, and took a sip.
As the champagne's effervescence settled, Pepper's emotions surged. She excused herself, the weight of the new responsibility settling heavily on her shoulders. Harry watched her go, sensing the mix of pride, fear, and uncertainty she felt. He knew that this moment, while daunting, was also a testament to Tony's trust in her capabilities.
Turning back to Tony, Harry raised his glass slightly, acknowledging the gravity of the decision. "You sure know how to drop a bombshell, Tony."
Tony smirked, leaning back against a workbench. "What can I say? I have a flair for the dramatic." He paused, his gaze softening as he looked in the direction Pepper had gone. "She's going to be great; you know. Better than great."
Harry nodded, believing in Pepper's abilities but also aware of the challenges ahead. "Yeah, she will but that was a big decision, Tony. I know you've never been one for the day-to-day grind, and I completely support making Pepper CEO. But I must ask why now.
Tony shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but there was a weight in his eyes that Harry couldn't ignore. "It just felt like the right thing to do," Tony replied, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic seriousness.
Harry nodded, sensing there was more to Tony's decision than he was letting on. Before he could probe further, Tony's expression shifted to one of quiet contemplation. He looked at Harry, his gaze steady and sombre. "Harry, can I ask you a favour?"
"Of course," Harry replied, noting the unusual gravity in Tony's voice.
Tony hesitated for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. "If anything, ever happens to me, could you promise to look after Pepper and Stark Industries?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears. Harry felt a chill run down his spine. "What do you mean, 'if anything happens'?" he asked, concern etching his features.
Tony forced a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You know, this whole hero business is unpredictable. We face dangers that most people can't even imagine. I just need to know that if something were to happen to me, Pepper wouldn't be left to handle everything on her own. The company, her... everything."
Harry's mind raced, piecing together the implications of Tony's words. He knew Tony was speaking from a place of vulnerability, perhaps more than he had ever shown. "Tony, nothing's going to happen to you," Harry said, trying to sound reassuring. "But if it makes you feel better, you have my word. I'll be there for Pepper and the company."
Tony's smile was tinged with sadness, as if he already knew a truth, he wasn't ready to share. "Thanks, Harry," he said quietly. "It means a lot."
Author's Note:
Thank you everyone for the support and thank you for your kind words and all the reviews that you have left.
Whatever I wanna say feels like it's gonna be spoilers. So I will keep this short. Also, this isn't a social commentary. I find the confusion between the opposite sex because of misunderstandings and misinterpretation funny and frustrating at the same time.
For the guys out there, have you felt like Harry did when dating a girl? In 21, Nat's purpose for asking Harry was something completely different. Yet as guys, we aren't able to see the deeper meaning causing us to see it more positively causing unnecessary issues later on. And then girls say that we don't get them. It can be frustrating at times.
For the girls out there. Have you felt like Nat, where the guy doesn't understand/ misinterprets your meaning behind a discussion? Guys can be dense that way. I agree.
Does Harry and Nat's current predicament feel relatable to you? Please share your opinions.
I have a P. A.T.R.E.O.N with the name Bivz643, if you guys are interested in reading ahead. For now, you can read ahead to chapter 41 of this fanfiction. In that chapter, Harry is stuck in Asgard and getting some training in. There is only one tier for $5 with the benefit being access to the library and that I will be posting 2 chapters per week there. I understand that not everyone can become a Patron and support me monthly. However, if you'd still like to read ahead, you can do so by getting the PDF version of the 3rd arc of "A Wizard in the MCU" for $3 each at P. A.T.R.E.O.N. shop
Anyway, see you all next week. Happy reading.