Chapter Text
(Chapter 1)
Harry’s P.O.V
It has been just five minutes since I entered the compound and I already know I will hate this meeting.
After the battle of Hogwarts, Pudlemore United wanted me to sign a contract of two years as a star seeker and I did. I thought it was a safe career option than being in Auror programme. I want to be available for Teddy even though he will be raised by his Grandmother Andromeda. An unexpected call from Gringotts and an even unexpected huge amount of inheritances and lordships changed that.
After the ending of the contract from Pudlemore United, I traveled the world and invested in all small magical and non magical companies. During this traveling, I realized how important the mental health is. So I opened various resorts, Cafés, restaurants, parks for both magical and non magical people all around the world. Sometimes we help in restorations and cleanup projects what with all the super villains and aliens roaming around. And that is how Fury managed to rope me into a one on one talk to get his band of vigilantes pardoned. And that was an year ago.
I walked briskly to the meeting room not really listening to what Agent Hill is saying.
“It’s been six months Fury. You promised that they will sign the accords and I hate it when someone don’t keep their promises.” I said as soon as I entered.
“Your Highness..”, he started.
“Harry is fine, Director.”
“Agent, get the boy his favorite Pumpkin Juice and we will carry out introductions first.”
The corner of my lip lifted into a quirky smile. Don’t get me wrong, I like Fury, he’s got good head but, it is his band of misfits that irks me.
“Everybody this is Mr. Harry Potter- Black. You already know from the file I gave you.” Fury announced to everyone in the room.
I saw everyone around the table. And Merlin, they sure give off a very intimidating vibe.
The spy lady’s face is completely blank but, I would not turn my back in front of her. A guy with bow is trying to look like something but I’m not sure what is that. A woman dressed in red with slightly crazed look in her eyes, a completely unassuming guy, a big African-American dude and the Captain himself. I shook hands with each and everyone. I was about to sit in my chair when I sensed a presence and I simply waved a hello in the direction.
“So now that the introductions are over, can we get into the main issue? Why you didn’t sign the accords?” I asked looking at each and everyone.
“We still don’t feel safe with them. I can think of so many changes right of the bat and will give you the list so, you can take them to those accords people.”
I raised my eyebrow at that, “And why should I do that?”
“What?”
“Opinions, Ms. Wanda. Everyone have them. A completely random fellow with internet has his own opinions. That doesn’t mean ‘accords people’ need to amend accords,” I air quoted on accord people to emphasize the sheer stupidity of her argument.
Ms. Wanda narrowed her eyes and struggled to keep her temper in check, “You can’t say that. We and him are not same.”
“Exactly, that random guy is still a legal citizen of a country which signed accords and you are not unless you sign the accords. So, the ‘accords people’ most likely will listen to him.”
“Mr. Potter, that’s not fair…” Captain started but I cut him off.
“What’s not fair is Mr. Rogers that you expect a perfect deal handed on silver plate without you working anything on it. You need to sit with your team and work out what’s best for you and not demanding to handover the best deal. Don’t you think so Mr. Rogers?”
Before he answered, Ms. Wanda said something. I turned to her. “I’m sorry what?”
“You should address him as Captain, Mr. Potter. He is after all The Captain.”
“Not for me.”
I felt small force nudging me inside my head. I narrowed my eyes when I realized the type of attack. Temperature dropped ten degrees low, every item started moving around all of a sudden and I casted incarcerous wandlessly on the assailant.
“And pray tell me what did you do to that man Wanda?” Fury asked.
I turned to him, “She somehow thought trying to snoop around inside my head is a good idea.”
Fury released a deep breath, obviously vexed.
“Mr. Potter, I apologize on her behalf. She sometimes loses her control when she is emotional. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it. Please release her," Mr. Rogers requested.
“Umm not happening. You see, you don’t loose control and snoop around into someone’s head like that unless you are attempting to read the person in first place. I would know about these things. It’s violation of privacy and considered as an attack against me. So Ms. Wanda, this is my first and last warning to you. People call me ‘Master of Death’ for a reason.”
“They don’t know.” Fury said pinching the bridge of his nose.
I shrugged.
“I’m sorry, are you threatening her?” somebody asked.
I grinned, “That is exactly what I’m doing.”
The man with bow openly gaped.
I turned to Fury, “Why didn’t you arrange some kinda training to her?”
Fury sighed, “Strange gave one look at her and said no.”
My lips quirked, “Smart Man.”
After two minutes a figure plopped down in the empty chair beside me.
Ah, the infamous Winter Soldier with metal arm and everything.
He looks like a Terminator.
He regarded me for a moment before he waved his hand to me the same way I did before.
I gave him a nod and said, “Hello to you too,” specifically indicating the other one inside the head.
He gave a smile that is slightly sharp with mischievous edge to it, like he is pleased to have somebody address him wholly.
The smile I gave him is a ‘marauder’ smile only reserved for few.
I think I like him.
“Bucky is not Winter Soldier.” Mr. Rogers said suddenly and everybody nodded their heads.
I rolled my eyes openly at them.
That man lives in denial.
I sighed, “One month, I will give you all one month time to sign the accords or not even Wakandan royalty will host you this time. Seriously, I don’t want to involve in your mess but, Fury managed to rope me speed up your pardoning on one condition that you will sign accords after seeing all the changes. I read them. I won’t say they are perfect but I agree that they are as good as they can get now. And if you want something changed then do work, don’t expect everyone to fall over themselves to cater your needs.”
Ugh I need something inside my stomach.
I got up and went to Fury’s office and didn’t even bother to see if they listened. I said my piece. I took my shoes off and laid down a bit on the couch. I closed my eyes knowing that Fury knows I will be here.
Fury came inside with someone I didn’t bother looking at.
“I get it, that those guys are stuck up type but why didn’t you sign the accords?” I asked out of nowhere.
Fury looked at me like I’ve grown an extra head suddenly.
Winter soldier came out from his hiding spot and said, “I signed them the first week I came to compound.”
I raised my eyebrows at Fury’s gob smacked face.
Interesting.
“We like to go by James,” he said out of nowhere.
Okay James it is.
“Mr. stark and I explained accords to him after he showed up in his lab.” A voice piped up.
I turned my head to that voice.
Fury sighed, “Harry, this is Peter Parker, our resident Spiderman.”
That guy gave a small wave. A teenager?
Wow these guys recruit fast.
I smiled and shook his hands, “Harry Potter. You can call me Harry.”
Fury asked the room in general, “So pray tell me why Stark hid the file of your accords dealings?”
“Stevie nags,” was James’ answer.
I snorted. Looks like even James didn't like him better.
That’s well played actually. You don’t have to answer each and every question of over protective, self-appointed well-wishers who know nothing better about the situation and it doesn’t hurt that you are a law abiding citizen of the country at the same time. Over protective, self-appointed well-wishers are not bad per se but hey, I met Dumbledore.
So yeaa, not a big fan people who think they knew better to decide for others.
“How did you escape from her head attack?” James asked.
“My magic identified the attack and reversed it. Why?”
“Woah you can do magic? Like Dr. Strange?” Peter asked.
“Nope his magic works a lil bit different. He is not magical. He is a highly enlightened non-magical person who can work with magic and magical objects. I’m a magical person born with magic wielding capability.”
“Can those attacks cause nightmares?” James asked.
“Sometimes yes. Mind has a minor natural protection against these types of attacks. But, if someone pokes it from the outside with an intent, it creates a lot of stress and it triggers the painful memories or fears and amplifies them. It is bad, almost like as if you are in physical pain. If you have PTSD or panic attacks, then nightmares will be frequent.” I explained
Peter hesitated, “I-I sometimes have such nightmares out of nowhere.” I regarded him silently, “I mean, it can be just nightmares and I’m over reacting a bit but Mr. Stark have legit night terrors. I-I kinda saw that once. Can we know for sure if our minds are uh poked?”
Fury looked grave.
I nodded and called Kreature. He appeared with a loud crack and one of Fury’s ceiling-light got fried.
Both Peter and James are battle alert and Fury is looking at ceiling with a frown.
“What is that?” Peter asked.
“You guys can see him?” Both James and Peter nodded. Fury looked around and finally settled his one eye where both Peter and James are looking as if he can burn a hole in whatever we are seeing.
“I don’t like things I can’t see Potter. What is that creature in my office you guys are talking about?”
“Aw Fury, You can ask nicely if you wanna see magic.” I teased him. Because, why not.
“Potter, May I see what goddamn thing is in my office?”
I snorted, “You may.”
Kreature grumbled, “Master’s muggle friends being rude. I is Kreature, I serve the most ancient and noble house of Black.”
I smiled sheepishly at Kreature, “Sorry Kreature. Can you get those Revelius parchments from the Black house? Oh and also get that all seeing serpent pendant. Thank you.”
“Master is being kind to kreature.”
With that, Kreature popped away and came back with a small box and revelius kit.
I took our serpent pendant from the small box, spoke to it and gave it to Fury, “Wear it. And Don’t try to locate any magical places, cities or anything. It only works when I’m there or when you are in danger or when Sera, the serpent in your locket deemed it appropriate. Sera is kinda sentient, so don’t try to convince her or cheat her or test the pendant in your labs. She listens to only me. I’m her master and the only parselmouth alive.”
Fury took the locket and wore it around his neck muttering ‘god damn speaking snakes’ and then yelped suddenly.
“Oh did I forget to mention that she understands you perfectly and she has bad temper?” I said cheekily.
‘Brat’ he muttered and yelped again but kept his mouth shut.
I laughed. Peter is having hard time to control his laugh and even James looked amused.
“I still don’t understand how these two can see magical things.” Fury asked.
I shrugged, “Their bodies must have changed enough for them to experience the frequencies in which magic operates or it might be due to over exposure of any sort of magical object like those stones.”
“So Mr. Stark can see magic too?” Peter asked.
“I think so. Okay, now. Take a parchment each. And add three drops of your blood onto that parchment with the dagger on your right side. Trust me, it’s standard procedure.”
Both of them did as I told to them after hesitating a bit. And they watched entranced as their cut healed and writing started to appear on the page. Their name, place, date of birth, guardians, parents and all the information
Acromantula Queen Nixus Blessing – Age 15
I saw that and whistled, “Looks like you have been bitten by a magical spider that somehow ended up in non-magical world and turned radioactive.”
Both of them has one thing on their parchments blaring
Illegal legimency performed – Several times.
I showed it to Fury, “I’m willing to consider for a moment that this is unintentional on her part but, these people still suffered.”
“Can we do something about any future unintentional attacks?”
I nodded, “Dr. Strange must have many protective amulets from Kamar Taj. You should ask him.”
“Dr. Strange went to another dimension for his holiday. He said he worked hard enough last year and now that the new paroled avengers are here after two years vacation from wakanda, they should do some work.” Peter said
I laughed, “That’s not bad you know. You guys need to recuperate even after wearing those amulets. Mental health is as important as physical health. You should probably take some vacation. I recommend at least 2 to 3 months. I’m serious. You need the time to function properly if you don’t want your body to shut down at once. You see the ring I’m wearing? It’s all my Lordship rings combined. The ancient familial magic protects you from such mind magic and creates shields against minor attacks. I can add you into one of my houses under protection and give you family rings.”
I called Kreature, Tinky and Archimedes head elves of Black, Potter and Peverell houses. I ordered them to bring house protection rings.
I gave Potter house ring for Peter. It is a gold ring with roaring lion and a ruby within it. It is a beautiful ring. I asked him to wear it on his forefinger.
“I can’t take it. It looks so expensive.” Peter backtracked.
“I really treasure my house rings. If I think you don’t deserve it, I will probably ask kreature to buy some minor ward rings from Gringotts. You are under the protection of Ancient and Noble house of Potter and in times of extreme need you can be able to call Tinky and ask her to take you to potter manor. I think that kind of protection is useful to you with the work you are doing. So, I insist you take it.”
I gave Black ring to James. Blacks are notorious for their black madness and crazy people. So, I know that Black ring will accommodate with both of the James’ personalities treating the duo personality as a quirk. It is a silver ring with black opal with pouncing Jaguar on it. James just wore it to his forefinger without asking. I grinned. The rings fit automatically acknowledging them as house members.
I gave the Peverell ring to Fury. He raised his eyebrow at that, “Give it to Mr. Stark. I had night terrors after the war in the magical world. Peverell is one of the most ancient houses with powerful protective magic. Ask him to wear this on whichever finger it fits. And keep him from all this jazz for at least 3 months. I’m serious Fury, nightmares are one thing but night terrors are different matter altogether. Your mind creates a scene and watch it repeat and repeat with your decisions giving different outcomes until you can’t differentiate between what is real world and what is not.”
“Mr. Stark will not relax or go to any kind of vacation,” Peter said.
“Well then, we have to make appropriate calls and bring reinforcements.” Fury said smugly.
He then called the CEO of Stark industries and Colonel Rhodes who is undergoing some kind of therapy. Apparently they are like Ron and Mione of the great Tony stark. I listened to the video call from the side. Peter and Fury explained about rings, mind attacks, night terrors and how important it is for Mr. Stark to take rest or go on some sort of vacation. I tuned out rest of the conversation.
She sent Vision to get the ring to Mr. Stark. ‘Tell him it is gift from Rhodey’, she said.
The vision guy caught my attention. That guy can fly without broom?
I sooo did NOT pout.
But that's so unfair.
“But, what do you think is the best way to proceed Director?”
“I have signed both Peter and Stark for a holiday program with a professional consultant of Avengers who is knowledgeable in these things. He will accompany them for next three months.” Fury said.
I frowned. Stephen is on other dimension right?
“So Potter, I have signed them up with your holiday program next three months.”
I blinked twice.
“Stark industries will pay for everything they need.” Ms. Potts jumped in. She seemed amused.
“Hey, tomorrow I have to get my godson and my grumpy professor from the school. I promised them vacation with me.”
“But Mr. Potter, we have nobody with enough knowledge about how these mind attacks works. If we have to send them somewhere away from here, I would at least need somebody who knows about these things to be with them.” Ms. Potts said to me.
I glared at Fury.
“And why only Peter and Mr. Stark? What about James?”
“Steve will throw a fit if I go somewhere for three months and it is not good to keep me without any work, we tend to get restless.” James said.
I sighed. Makes sense.
“Your Captain have issues Fury.”
He snorted and Ms. Potts huffed a laugh.
Suddenly a video call popped up in Ms. Potts office, “Pepper..! Rhodey bear sent me a voodoo ring. It got stuck to my ring finger and a bird came out of it. I mean not an actual bird but a red and golden bird of light came swooping down on me and I swear I sparkled for a moment and no don’t you dare make a twilight joke on me. I feel all tingly but good kind of tingly. And that’s not it.. the blow torch is not blowing anymore. Do you think Rhodey will pull Dr. Strange on us, go to some ancient one to get his limbs back?”
Oh wow. The guy speaks like marathon. And red and gold bird? A phoenix? That’s unusual. The symbol on Peverell ring is Abraxas right?
Ugh. I need food for this kind of conversations.
“That’s not supposed to do that. Could you show me the ring?” I asked.
I didn’t realize I spoke it out loud until it’s too late.
Oh well.
“I’m coming through.” I said before silent shadow apparating inside his lab.
Perks of being Master of Death. Shadow travel.
I heard a loud yelp and a groan from Mr. Stark.
“So you gave me this ring? How did you manage Vision to do your bidding?” He asked me as a greeting.
“I didn’t.”
He raised an eyebrow at that, “Fury and Ms. Potts will explain all the details to you,” I said because I'm cranky enough to explain everything.
“I hate magic.” He grumbled.
“That’s okay. No one is perfect.”
I heard a snort and turned my head to see Ms. Potts is still on call.
“Can you show me the ring?” I asked
I aw the ring and blinked twice. Is that the same ring?
I touched it and called for Peverell House magic and it answered so, it is the Peverell ring I gave to him.
I gave him a white gold ring with Square cut big sapphire in the middle with Flying Abraxas symbol.
And now the ring looks like it is the perfect mix of white gold and gold with a square cut big pink tinged light ruby that is quite not red with artful Phoenix on the sides. If I look from far, it looks like my ring except for missing lion. It looks masculine enough with the ring design and all but, if I have to describe it in a word I would say it looks pretty.
“The ring is right one. I don’t know why it duplicated into mine or why Abraxas changed to Phoenix. But phoenixes are gentle protectors and healers, they are loyal. They are sentient even in the form of magical objects so I can safely say they somehow chose you. Don’t worry, it looks very pretty on your hand.” With that said, I apparated back to Fury’s office and plopped down on sofa.
“Give me food Fury, I skipped my breakfast to attend your stupid meeting. And it better not be some burger.”
“Yes I know you like your grass. Agent Hill, get him something with grass from a good place and get us some good ol’ cheese burgers and fries.”
“Vegetables Fury. Those are called vegetables not grass. You have to eat some of them. Ms. Hill. Get that man his burger and these two will have what I’m having.” I said. She nodded and left.
“Pickles are vegetables.” Fury quipped.
No. They are not.
I stopped for a second and shuddered. I’m becoming like Mrs. Weasley.
“May Parker is the guardian of Peter here and she recently found out about him being Spiderman. She thanked you for all your help and wants me to ask you if she can accompany to the trip.” Fury said suddenly.
I grinned, “She doesn’t trust me.”
“Nope, she doesn’t.” Fury nodded.
“Good guardian. I still wouldn’t send my godson to Malfoy’s house without Ron accompanying him too.”
“Is he dangerous?” Peter asked.
“Nope. He is my schoolmate. He once told to my godson that he broke into our common room and kissed me in front of everyone for a dare. My godson didn’t look me in the eye for three days. He wouldn’t believe me that didn’t happen. I had to rope my friends and Head Mistress to make him believe truth. Ron knows many embarrassing stories of Malfoy, so he goes with my Godson.”
“Why send him to this Mafloy’s place then?” Peter inquired.
I laughed, “Oh god, you butchered his name. I send my godson to that place because Teddy is Malfoy’s cousin.”
“Oh by the way, tell your aunt that she is also invited to the trip. I planned Teddy’s summer trip long ago, so we will also be going to the same places. We should get some supplies tomorrow before going to pick up Teddy. His grandmother already packed his stuff. I will pick both you, your aunt and Mr. Stark tomorrow at 7 a.m here in Fury’s Office. Just dress up and come.”
Ms. Hill bought us rice, Tom yum, green papaya salad and two large extra cheese Hamburgers and fries for Fury.
Eating time passed with small talk without me revealing any more details about the trip.
“I will take small nap in my room and don’t forget your end of the bargain Fury. I attended your meeting and you are supposed to give me those top artist names. I need to buy something for Professor Snape for his retirement.”
Fury nodded, “Do you want someone to accompany you to the art exhibit?”
That would be better. I wouldn’t be bored out of my mind.
“You are going to this year’s art exhibit?” Peter asked excitedly.
“Yep wanna come? James you too.”
They both nodded.
I took a nap setting a reminder at 5 p.m.
“Fury, are you sure these are big artists?” I whispered into my ear piece.
Fury’s exasperated voice came through, “Yes Potter. I’m pretty sure they are all top artists.”
I looked at a big 5 feet blank canvas with three bluish green dots.
I looked at Peter, “Should we like focus on dots like how they say on meditation videos?”
Even Peter appeared bewildered.
“Did you figure it out?” I asked James.
He raised an unimpressed eyebrow at that.
“I thought you were smart?”
Peter laughed.
“Really, aren’t you supposed to be good at figuring out all secrets?”
James glared so hard at the painting that I’m suddenly glad that we don’t have the artist here.
“So why are we waiting here?” Peter asked.
“It’s impolite to move to another piece within a minute. Plus I think it’s funny to see people come here to figure out this blank canvas. They come with interesting theories too. That bald fellow thinks it is beautiful art about tragedy of lost plane in Bermuda triangle.”
James looked like he lost the plot an year ago.
“How is it a triangle? The three dots are in straight line,” Peter asked.
“Well, it is supposed to be a tragedy..”, I shrugged
I heard a snickering sound in my ear piece.
“You heard that?” I asked both Peter and James.
The artist of the painting came to us and asked, “Hello gentlemen. Did you like my painting ‘The Busy road’?
Peter mouthed ‘The Busy Road?’
James looked at the painting with a heavy look of betrayal.
I nodded, “Yes we would like to buy it.”
We completed formalities and got that canvas in an expensive 'state of art' frame.
“Why did you buy it?” James asked me.
“My Potions professor is taking retirement tomorrow and he knows all about this art Jazz. So, I’m going to gift this painting to him and explain that it is about tragedy of lost plane in Bermuda triangle.”
James looked amused. Peter asked, “What if he figure out it is not the case? I mean he knows about art right?”
“Well, I have to explain the story convincingly then.” I said and grinned.
We checked few more art works and stopped near 3D section.
I frowned at first piece, “So they designed this beautiful marble pedestal and then they display two giant droppings on it?”
“Don’t you think they are fruits?” Peter asked.
James looked at Peter like he is the reason for global warming.
“I very much doubt so. But hey, what would I know? I know I wouldn’t eat such fruits. I doubt even Fluffy eats it. And Fluffy eats everything.”
“Is Fluffy your pet?” Peter asked enthusiastically.
“Nope. Fluffy is a giant three headed dog.”
“You are not joking. Are you?”
“Nope.”
“Thought so.”
“Marvelous art, isn’t it?” A man in his fifties with thick accent asked me.
I nodded.
“The journey of Adam and Eve. I’ve never seen it depicted so perfectly. Mr. Talbot of VP industries said, it is the very apt depiction of the ‘great cheese of hundred molds’. Every bite of it has the flavor of hundred molds. Silly man, that's no legendary cheese, I would know, I’m an Italian. The shape is all wrong. Now Adam and Eve journey, that’s perfect isn’t it?”
I nodded again.
I mean, what do you say to that…
“Good Lad,” he said and thumped my back and went his merry way.
I turned to James, “You don’t have any idea, do you? Man, you are slow for a super soldier.”
James went back to glaring the …the thing.
The artist of this piece popped by.
I directly asked him, “What is this?”
The artist told about meteor shower in his place and how formation of rocks inspired him. This is the duplication of those original rocks. I ended up buying this too.
“That actually makes sense. We should encourage art that makes sense. ”
Both of them nodded.
“So what is going to be the story behind this?” Peter asked.
I patted his shoulder, “Smart boy. The moldy cheese one of course.”
Peter snickered.
After coming out of the exhibit, I took a gulp of fresh air and said, “I don’t think I understand art.”
Peter nodded solemnly, “me too.”
James grunted. I looked at James and said, “Sorry James, art is not for you.”
I heard full blown laugh in my ear piece.
“Mr. Stark? is that you? Did you hack our ear pieces?” Peter whispered.
“Nope. That would be Friday. See you guys tomorrow,” came a nonchalant reply.
Hearing our conversation secretly? That’s so underhanded.
I shrugged. Marauders will approve him.
Tony’s P.O.V
This day started out real bizarre. Let’s make a list.
Voodoo ring.
Rhodey bear scare
Glowing birds.
I sparkled, for heaven’s sake.
A handsome magic guy like Strange popped up in my lab.
And said guy had gall to console me for not being perfect in one sentence, call me pretty in another and leaves me hanging there like gaping fish.
We have matching rings.
I can’t take off my ring and it is on my ring finger. I groaned, Oh the press will have field day.
He sicked Rhodey, Pepper and Fury on me to go on a vacation.
I’m right. Nobody is safe from Wanda’s voodoo magic. I would like to point out that I’m not happy that I’m right here.
I didn’t get last word in conversation. And I always get last word in the conversation.
So, it is safe to say that he hurt my manly pride. So, I hacked few things to get his schedule today. Oh and I hacked the entire art exhibit cctv cameras, Fury’s ear pieces and few of his spy cameras (Good ol’ paranoid Fury sending spy cameras on guests).
At least his cameras have good resolution than those rubbish exhibit cameras.
Not that it is a problem for me, Friday can still provide me with high quality videos. But I appreciate less work.
Now, I’m going to irritate him to the extent that he will cry and beg Fury to cancel this so called vacation.
Of course Pepper being Pepper insisted that she babysit me inside my lab until she shipped me off.
Rude.
DUM-E got us few pillows and I got two bowls of popcorn with me. Pepper and I sat on the mat with pillows on our laps looking at our screens.
Friday popped up video and audio screens.
Oh Soldier and Peter are there too.
Pepper raised an eyebrow at screens. I shrugged, “I’m bored.”
She rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything.
The first thing I heard is, “Fury, are you sure these are big artists?”
Fury’s exasperated voice came through, “Yes potter. I’m pretty sure they are all top artists.”
Ugh. Art from exhibits.
Pepper has an interesting look.
Pepper and I looked at what they are seeing. It is a big 5 feet blank canvas with three bluish green dots.
“That is art?” I whispered to Pepper.
She frowned at the piece.
Potter fellow looked at Peter and said, “Should we like focus on dots like how they say on meditation videos?”
Even Peter appeared bewildered on the screen.
“Really?” I asked Pepper. She shrugged.
“Did you figure it out?” Potter asked James.
There is a moment of silence and then Potter looked at Jamie boy and said “I thought you were smart?”
“Ouch.” I said. DUM-E agrees with me.
“That guy is rude Pepper. Are you sure, you still want me to go with him?”
Pepper threw a tissue ball on me and signaled her head towards the screens.
Peter is laughing on screen.
That kid looked like he is enjoying. Damn we really need a holiday.
But not three months…
And then Potter is talking ..
“Really, aren’t you supposed to be good at figuring out all secrets?”
James glared hard at painting.
“I’m glad painting is not alive.” I whispered to Pepper. She nodded but looked amused.
“So why are we waiting here?” Peter asked.
“Exactly my point.”
Pepper gave me a look.
“What?” I asked
“It’s impolite to move to another piece within a minute.” Potter said.
“At least that guy has manners. Learn something Tony.”
I huffed.
And he continued, “Plus I think it’s funny to see people come here to figure out this blank canvas. They come with interesting theories too. That bald fellow thinks it is beautiful art about tragedy of lost plane in Bermuda triangle.”
“huh how?” I asked Pepper.
Pepper didn’t answer so I pressed on the issue dutifully, “You are the one who is supposed to know all about art.”
She shrugged again.
“How is it a triangle? The three dots are in straight line,” Peter asked on the screen.
“Well, it is supposed to be a tragedy..”
Pepper and I snickered loudly at that.
“You heard that?” Potter asked both Peter and James.
Pepper and I are almost rolling on the floor laughing silently until tears are forming in our eyes. I missed our old times like this. If only Rhodey bear is with us…
Pepper seems to think about same thing because her eyes softened.
Some random guy walked towards the group and asked, “Hello gentlemen. Did you like my painting ‘The Busy road’?
Peter mouthed ‘The Busy Road?’
“Did I heard that right, Pep?” I whispered. She frowned and asked Friday to capture and enlarge the picture in one of our screens.
“It still didn’t look any less white or more busy.” I quipped.
Meanwhile Potter nodded and said, “Yes we would like to buy it.”
“What? I suddenly fear for my safety Pep. Is this guy normal?”
But she is till busy figuring out the blank canvas. So I ranted to DUM-E.
“Why did you buy it?” James asked.
“I would like to know that too..”, I whispered.
Potter explained, “My Potions professor is taking retirement tomorrow and he knows all about this art Jazz. So, I’m going to gift this painting and explain to him that this is about tragedy of lost plane in Bermuda triangle.”
Pepper and I snorted.
“Mr. Potter is smart. I will give him that,” Pepper said
I gasped, “You would totally berate me if I do such thing…”
“Well, he is not being obnoxious about it. It is kinda charming.”
“I’m humble as a needle. Thank you very much.”
“There is no such phrase Tony.”
“Exactly, there is nothing in the world that can describe my humility. And wait did he said potions professor?”
Pepper rolled her eyes. I huffed.
James looked amused. Peter asked, “What if he figure out it is not the case? I mean he knows about art right?”
“Clever boy. I taught you well.” I praised.
“Well, I have to explain the story convincingly then.” Potter said and grinned.
“See? Charming.” Pepper said.
Pfft. So what if his smile is good?
I took Ph.D in charming.
I am next level charming.
They checked few more art works and stopped near 3D section.
Potter stopped at an exhibit and frowned at first piece, “So they designed this beautiful marble pedestal and then they display two giant droppings on it?”
Pepper chocked on her popcorn.
“See that guy is dangerous..”, I said ineffectively because I’m partly amused too.
"Well that certainly looks like ‘Poop on Pristine Pedestal’." I said to Pepper. She snorted.
“Don’t you think they are fruits?” Peter asked.
“Oh hell no,” I said as Friday displayed big picture of the art on the screen. Pepper nodded her head.
Potter piped up, “I very much doubt so. But hey, what would I know? I know I wouldn’t eat such fruits. I doubt even Fluffy eats it. And Fluffy eats everything.”
“Who’s Fluffy?” I asked.
“Must be his pet.” Pepper said.
“What pet eats everything?”
“Is fluffy your pet?” Peter asked enthusiastically on the screen.
“Nope. Fluffy is a giant three headed dog.”
What?
“You are not joking. Are you?” Peter asked
“Nope.” Potter said.
“Thought so,” James grunted.
I blinked twice. Woahh.
“James looks like he is enjoying,” Pepper said.
“Pepper, darling, I think you should focus on giant three headed dog…?”
Pepper ignored me and turned towards the screen.
“Marvelous art, isn’t it?” A man’s voice popped up.
Potter nodded.
“What the hell…”
Pepper shushed me.
“The journey of Adam and Eve. I’ve never seen it depicted so perfectly. Mr. Talbot of VP industries said, it is the very apt depiction of the ‘great cheese of hundred molds’. Every bite of it has the flavor of hundred molds. Silly man, that's no legendary cheese, I would know, I’m an Italian. The shape is all wrong. Now Adam and Eve journey, that’s perfect isn’t it?”
“The shape is wrong? What is wrong with these people and why is there 'a great cheese of hundred molds' in this universe” I mused.
Potter nodded again.
“Good Lad,” he said and thumped Potter’s back and went away.
Potter turned to James, “You don’t have any idea, do you? Man, you are slow for a super soldier.”
James went back to glaring.
“Geez…I feel for Jamie boy.”
The artist of the piece popped by after sometime in one of the screens.
Potter directly asked him, “What is this?”
The artist told about meteor shower in his place and how formation of rocks inspired him. This is the duplication of those original rocks. Potter ended up buying this too.
“That actually makes sense. We should encourage art that makes sense. ”
Both of them nodded.
Pepper and I too nodded in our labs.
“So what is going to be the story behind this?” Peter asked.
Potter patted his shoulder, “Smart boy. The moldy cheese one of course.”
Peter snickered.
Pepper and I started laughing.
After coming out of the exhibit, I heard Potter speaking, “I don’t think I understand art.”
“You don’t say…” I said between laughs
Peter said solemnly, “me too.”
James grunted. And then a moment of silence and I heard Potter saying in patronizing tone, “Sorry James, art is not for you.”
Pepper and I collapsed into full blown laughs.
“Mr. Stark? Is that you? Did you hack our ear pieces?” Peter whispered.
“Nope. That would be Friday. See you guys tomorrow,” I said as nonchalantly as I could manage and collapsed into fits of laughter beside Pepper.
“Friday, is Rhodey bear free now?”
“Yes boss, he is in his room now relaxing and reading a book from stark pad.”
“Great connect a video call to him and also do you have the video recording of us last one hour?”
“Yes boss. Connecting Colonel James Rhodes…”
After talking about today, we played the video to Rhodey. Pepper and I laughed hard for the second time and Rhodey is wheezing with laughter.
After sometime Pepper turned to me and said, “Go and enjoy Tony. I’m sure you will have good time with Peter and Mr. Potter.”
“Yes Tony, you deserve a break from accords and avenging just like anyone.”
I sighed. I can’t say no when they use that voice with me.
Looks like I’m going to this vacation.
Friday woke me up at 6 a.m. I sighed. Even she is excited.
“Friday, is that excitement I’m hearing in your voice?”
“I have never been on a vacation Boss. The random data I have processed about humans shows that it is expected to anticipate more about such trips or vacations. I have opened a secret folder to store details about your vacation.”
Oh she is definitely excited. It always makes me happy when one of my AI’s understand genuine human emotions.
“Fri, show me the layout design of the secret folder.”
Friday showed screens that resembled quirky photo albums with space to write about it below and some preprinted pictures on the sides of paper. It looks like teenage girl’s journal.
I grimaced internally.
Never knew Friday is into that sort of thing. Well you learn a new thing every day; even if it is about the AI you created.
I put on a nice white shirt and black slacks with a nice pair of shoes. I then took my phone and nice pair of glasses in which Friday is connected, Iron Man suit bracelet, and my wallet.
Happy drove me to Fury’s Office and I met with Peter’s aunt at the entrance.
I’m still counting on small mercies that she didn’t punch me in the face when she knew about Peter.
Awkward.
“Mr. Stark, you are here.” I heard Peter’s voice before I saw him.
I released a deep breath.
Bless that kid.
Peter came with Potter fellow.
Peter’s aunt gave a smile, “Mr. Potter I must thank you for allowing me to come to trip. I admit I was kinda uncomfortable sending Peter with somebody for such a long period of time.”
Potter smiled, “I totally understand Mrs. Parker. I have a godson and I can safely say that I won’t allow him to go on an unsupervised holiday either. And please call me Harry.”
Mrs. Parker smiled and said, “Then you must call me May.”
They both smiled and Potter turned to me, “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself yesterday. It all happened so fast and Fury kinda dragged me here without breakfast. So I was a lil cranky. I’m Harry Potter.”
I shook my hand with him, “Tony Stark and nice to meet you officially. I hope you had your breakfast today.”
Everybody laughed.
“Yes, I had. Oh and May, please wear this locket. This will help you see my world and you are not allowed to talk about any of these things except for present company.”
She nodded seriously and wore the locket. “I know Fury told you guys all the details of statute of secrecy but, I thought I should inform once again.”
Potter then clapped his hands once, “Okay, it’s 7 :15 a.m. So we will go to my place in about 5 minutes and then we will have a lot of time to shop for things. Come on.”
“So where is your place?” Peter asked.
“Potter’s Emporium.”
“That’s like two hours from here.”
“You will see. Come on. Do any of you guys have motion sickness?”
Everybody shook their heads.
Potter smiled and flicked his wrist and a long stick appeared in his hand. Where did he hide it?
We went and stood on the road before Office. Potter pointed the stick to the road and grinned. A double decker bus appeared out of nowhere.
Whaa..
A man came out of it and recited, “Welcome to American knight bus, we provide service to all wizards and witches on the road. I’m Andrew Davis, your conductor for the day. Your driver Rick and his three ancestor portraits, welcome you aboard.”
I blinked twice but dutifully went inside the bus so I can freak out properly.
The conductor still didn’t see us but asked Potter about the destination.
The inside of the bus is wide with all sort of things that shouldn’t be there inside normal buses .. like beds, couches.
Mrs. Parker whispered to us, “Did that just happened?”
I huffed, “The magic people have no regards for laws of physics.”
Suddenly the bus lurched forward so fast that I might have face planted if not for the hand on my shoulder.
The bus travelled at impossible speed in between cabs and traffic lights and what not.
A strangled gasp from conductor broke my internal rant, “You are H-Harry Potter…! You are Tony stark..! And you,” here the conductor hesitated but recovered fast, “You are a teenage boy and a lady with Harry Potter and Tony stark.”
Peter wrinkled his nose. Potter smiled sheepishly at Peter and Mrs. Parker and said, “Yes and thank you for your services.”
“My nephew goes to your school Mr. Potter. The red house chaser he is.”
Potter smiled, “That’s great. My godson must know him then. This is his first year.”
How are these people able to talk when I feel like my innards are jumping around. I looked aside and felt a little better when I saw Mrs. Parker and Peter's faces.
Peter seems to feel the same way.
We took comfort in our mutual suffering.
The bus came to a screeching halt and I was saved from face planting the ground again by the hand around my waist.
My first feeling was Phew. And, my second one is utter embarrassment of having someone’s hand around my waist.
We got down slowly and Mrs. Parker clutched her stomach and I heard a distance voice shouting, ‘Thank you for using the services of Knight bus’.
We entered into the Emporium. Potter went aside to talk to one of his staff. They are all seeing him like he is some kind of a celebrity which kinda offended me a bit. Only a bit because, I’m busy trying to get the feel back in my limbs.
Potter took us into a suite and tapped three glass teacups.
“Are you guys okay?” Potter asked.
I groaned, “Nothing can prepare me to this,” I said truthfully.
Great, Tony. Way to stroke his ego.
Potter smiled sheepishly, “You guys did better than my first knight bus trip. Here have this tea, its moon root, a magical ginger type with lemon. It helps settle stomach.”
Oh okay.
I thanked him and took a sip of the tea. It did help soothe my stomach and it is refreshing too.
“Pepper will love these types of tea.”
I was about to ask if we could buy this tea but Peter interrupted me.
“So why are we in this suite?” Peter asked.
“Because my suite has a fireplace in it. Come on. Its 7: 30 and if we go now there will be only few patrons in the alley.
“That didn’t make sense whatsoever…” I said but got up and went near fireplace. Potter took a Jar and grabbed a fist full of something he called flu-powder and asked us to grab a fist full too. He told us how to use it with all instructions, do’s/don’ts and went in first shouting ‘Diagon alley’
A green flame engulfed him and he vanished.
“What the hell?” I exclaimed.