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Chapter Text

Helena couldn't believe her ears.

It had to be another nightmare.

Surely fate could not be this cruel.

She fought so hard to win her freedom. She shed blood magic and tears to break her shackles; shackles made by Dumbledore, bigoted Purebloods and fanatic Light followers.

And now, she had to endure this injustice, this blasphemy because she was Helena Potter.

A bloody Potter.

Her name was the only thing that connected her to her parents.

It was the last link between the orphan young woman and her family. But now, her name became, like everything else in her life became a curse, another tight noose around her neck.

''Heiress Potter?'' Ragnok's voice cut her internal monologue.

''Yes.''

''This is the contract. You said that you wanted to have a look. However, I can assure you that it's ironclad. After all, it was made by your ancestors. Nothing in this world is mightier than a Peverell's magic.''

If it wasn't for the gravity of her situation, she would have laughed.

A goblin praising a wand wielder. What had become of this world?

''I trust in your judgment. But… I just feel like I owe it to myself to try one last time.''

''Of course. It's your right anyway. You have to remember the deadline though: Three days,’’ the Potters goblin's voice was cooler than a boulder of ice.

It made her skin crawl and she wanted to run away, as far as possible from this wretched place. 

Perhaps she could use a time-turner. A day's worth of time travel would be worth all the gold in her vaults.

''Then I guess we will meet again in three days''.

Just as she stood and headed toward the door, Ragnok's voice, once again, rang out in the spacious office.

''One last thing Heiress Potter, you should be aware that we sent a copy of the contract to the other party.''

Oh Hell! Could this day get any worse?!

''Did you have to? '' Helena whispered.

''Yes. It's a crucial condition, both parties must be notified as soon as you celebrate your 18th birthday. We did you a favour by choosing to inform you first.''

Rangnok's voice was sarcastic, but she didn't have the energy to retort. ''The goblins' nation is in your debt for saving the Wizarding world from the dark monster, and goblins always pay their debts.''

''Why, thank you, Ragnok,'' Helena sighed and hurried toward the only exit as fast as her long legs could carry her. She couldn't wait to leave the confines of this twice-cursed room.

Tony was wondering if he should take a break and maybe call some friends and ...well have some fun. He deserved it.

He was done building his first suit prototype.

Hell! Being a genius was awesome.

He stood languidly, cracked his neck and left the workshop.

He gasped when he noticed that it was already daytime. He roamed his home aimlessly until her reached the terrace.

Maybe some vitamin D first thing in the morning would do him some good.

As soon as he opened the front door, the craziest thing ever happened.

An owl, A real damn two-winged owl flew straight towards him.

Tony's eyes narrowed.

The great Tony Stark couldn't be harmed by a stupid brown menace, it would be scandalous if the news reached the tabloids, and there wasn't even a hot model in the mix.

After his surprise wore off, he scrutinized the flying chicken; trying to understand what was going on.

The owl was carrying a... letter?

Oh, man! It smelt like a sick joke.

It hurt that even his brilliant mind couldn't come up with something so extreme.

The owl seemed to get bored by his inspection. It threw the damn thing, skewered him with way-too-intelligent eyes and escaped before he could blink.

Raking his hands through his dishevelled hair, he considered his next step.

Should he touch the thing?

Suddenly, he remembered that his best friend was just a call away and shook his head.

''J.A.R.V.I.S !'' Tony shouted, glaring at the letter lying inconspicuously on the marble floor.

~Three days later~

Pepper massaged her temples for the millionth time. ''Tony, you have to get ready, the crew is waiting.''

Then slowly, because she understood the magnitude of this mess. ''I know this is so sudden, and we know nothing about what awaits us in London. Nevertheless, we have to go. It's the only way to understand what's going on.''

''Pepper! You can't mean it. And here I considered you the sensible one. Do you seriously expect me to go ahead with this sham?'' he snapped. ''I couldn't find a damn thing about this cult. I don't know what we will be facing. Even if they turned out to be decent people, I DO NOT WANT TO GET MARRIED.''

Pepper sighed. It seemed like a very long day was ahead of them, and they hadn't even touched British soil yet.

Helena felt like pulling her hair out, but she couldn't. The room was brimming with suffocating tension.

Andromeda's face was stoic, her mask in place.

Hermione was biting her nails and she feared that there wouldn't be much left when the meeting started.

Ron was as pale as a ghost, and for the first time since she met him 7 years ago, he wasn't hungry even though they spent 2 hours waiting for their guests.

How bad could it be? Surely they would reach a compromise.

But the Heir…..

The doors suddenly opened, and Bill Weasley strode in followed by a tall, lean blonde woman wearing a business suit.

Was she his lawyer? Or maybe his fianc…

She shook her head and waited.

Finally, she saw him.

He was tall, around 6ft 3 to her 5ft 10, with a lean strong frame. His brown silky hair was well styled. His rich dark eyes were guarded and the most fascinating feature about him.

There was something familiar about them.

Tony Stark was...gorgeous.

''So, now what?'' his accent was American and charming.

Tony studied the people occupying the room.

The room in the ...Goblins' bank.

If he hadn't touched the damn things with his bare fingers and almost got slayed for his transgression- if not for Fang's intervention (or was it Bill?)- he wouldn't believe that he was in an honest-to-God wizarding bank.

Man! His hands itched to start his research on this new world. A whole hidden world. It made everything he knew look silly. And for the first time in his life, he felt stupid, small and meaningless.

There were 4 people in the room or maybe 5 if you considered the Goblin.

First, he met the stony gaze of the old lady. Her stormy grey eyes pierced him and their wordless message was clear. ''Don't mess this thing, whatever it is,'' well, sorry mama.

Then there was the guy. You had to be blind not to notice the fiery red hair.

Tony snorted. There were just so many redheads in his future by the looks of it.

His eyes went to the girls after.

One of them seemed pathetically nervous. She had brown hair and dark, clever eyes. She was pretty but nothing was special about her looks.

Then…. his eyes clashed with the most exotic emeralds he had ever seen.

They were beautiful in a way he couldn't describe.

The girl was a seasoned fighter; he could tell by the way she carried herself. She was tall and athletic, towering over the other 2 women even while sitting. She had messy long, black hair that fell freely over her shoulders that his fingers itched to run through.

Without a grain of doubt, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever encountered.

As they studied each other, she didn't blink, nor did she seem impressed by his looks like women usually were.

She was cool and waited patiently for him to make a decision.

Yes. This girl was Helena Potter, his intended, he couldn’t be wrong.

''So, what now?''

Chapter Text

''So, what now?'' Tony wanted to cut the awkward staring contest and get straight to the point.

No need to waste precious time he could be using to learn more about the Wizarding World and start planning how to incorporate the new information in his research.

Still, no words came from the green-eyed beauty.

Disappointing.

He wished for a little more of a smart mouth, a daredevil.

He would have liked it; it would have been something different since no woman challenged him, ever.

No one won against his mind games. They simply wanted something from him and being a generous person, he always gave it to them but never stayed long enough to do more.

They never gave him a reason to chase after them.

He knew that he was hopeless in the relationship department. He couldn't stick long enough to understand the other party.

But you couldn't just blame him. His brilliant mind was always overworking, over analyzing which made him easily distracted. If you weren't interesting, exciting, or mysterious then you had no chance with him.

Finally, the tight-lipped old woman decided to have mercy on his already wasted time. Clearing her throat dramatically, she addressed him. ''You must be Mr Anthony Edward Stark.''

No shit Sherlock, these Brits were always so prim, so proper.

He snorted. The glare he received from Pepper made him backpaddle.

With his most fake, sugary voice he said. ''That would be me, My Lady.''

She lifted an eyebrow, then continued like he was just an annoying fly. ''Well, I think introductions are in order. I am Andromeda Tonks, Miss Helena Potter's lawyer and blood relative.''

Oh! Double trouble. That would explain her stoic behaviour.

Nevertheless, all that rigidity couldn't be good for her health.

''Next to me are Miss Hermione Granger and Mr Ronald Weasley; Miss Helena's best friends. The one who escorted you here is Mr William 'Bill' Weasley.''

He already liked Fang, he seemed to be a cool guy, or wizard...whatever.

The brunette was studying him like she wanted to extract his brain and unveil all his secrets. Well, good luck with that.

Ginger seemed pissed. Hopefully, he wasn't an old flame AKA friend. It would make the situation rather troublesome, he avoided jealous exes like the plague.

Wait!

What was he thinking about?

Was he seriously considering getting married?

The culture shock must have turned his brain to mush. Damn! The world was screwed without its brightest mind, America should start mourning the loss.

Lawyer Tonks cleared her throat, and again, he received an icy glare.

Oh, his mind must have wandered elsewhere.

''And this is Miss Helena Potter. Heiress of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Black. And the reason we are here today.''

Bingo! He knew it.

Helena ….it suited her. Looking closer at her exquisite face, he noticed that she seemed tired.

The thing that scared the hell out of him was, he wanted to make her feel better.

''Mr Stark, I know that this is a shocking revelation. Even in the wizarding world, contracts this old and ironclad are unheard of. But let me give you the facts to make you understand.''

He clapped his hands together twice. ''Out with it," Pepper stomped on his left foot. And he felt rather saw the daggers coming his way from the lawyer's eyes.

''The Peverell Brothers are considered a myth in our world. They possessed three items coveted by every wizard and witch called: the Deathly Hallows. The legend says that Death himself crafted those items and gifted them to the three brothers. That would also explain why the one who holds them is called 'the master or mistress of Death'. Wars were waged to get a Hallow, which made this gift a curse rather than a blessing. Over the years, the descendants of the Peverells kept being hunted, which made the oldest magical family in Britain almost extinct. At last, they made up stories to convince people that they lost the three treasures, even though only the Death stick was usurped.To protect themselves, the Peverells who survived changed their last names and their children lost contact with their brethren. Some of them left the continent to increase their chances of survival. The three Hallows are the Elder wand, the Resurrection Stone and the Invisibility cloak. Each one is considered a priceless treasure, owning the three of them would make any wizard or witch invincible.''

Tony sensed a headache coming.

Damn! he needed a strong cup of coffee right now but he doubted little wrinkled guys had the stuff in their bank.

What.The.Hell.

Magic and gifts made by Death. Were those people for real?

If he hadn't crossed paths with Fang before this meeting — and almost had a heart attack when he moved the bricks with a twirl of his stick.

If he hadn't seen Diagon alley —the name was so hilarious— and encountered things that belonged to a Disney movie, things that would put him in a psychiatric ward for life if told to the wrong people, he would have laughed in their faces and called the closest shrink.

Damn, the wrinkled little guy sneering from at him behind his desk was living proof that all this voodoo was real.

He prayed that the next thing she would say wouldn't be. 'oh, and there are Nine Realms and talking raccoons somewhere out there guarding the galaxy.'

He must have looked completely confused because green-eyes decided to take pity on him.

''Mr Stark, I'm certain that this is not easy to take. It's hard to even for muggleborns—  wizards with non-magical parents. I remember the day I learned I was a witch. It was surreal. Please, try to keep an open mind. Andy is the best person qualified to explain these facts; being raised in a Pureblood family. Oh, sorry, purebloods are wizarding families who have no muggles or muggleborns in their family tree. I am a halfblood, my father James Potter was a pureblood , and my mother Lily Evans was a muggleborn.''

Her soft voice soothed his nerves, a little. ''I'm sorry, please carry on, Mrs Tonks.''

''No need to apologize, I would say you are taking all this rather well,''

Ha! Only if she saw the storm brewing in his mind right now.

''Well, the Peverell family were thought extinct and their story became a myth. But the truth was that they survived the hunt. Cadmus Peverell's descendants, who inherited the stone changed their last names to Gaunt. The last Heir was killed a year ago making the branch is extinct. Ignotus Peverell's descendants who inherited the cloak became the Potters and you are looking at their Heiress: Helena. Now, Antioch Peverell's offspring who inherited the most coveted Hallow were mercilessly butchered. Sadly, they lost the Death stick and left the continent for good and this is where you come in, Mr stark. You are the last Heir.''

Tony laughed bitterly. ''No shit. I'm not a wizard. I'd have known if I was one.''

''Please, wait a second. I'm almost there. Helena mentioned the different types of magical people but forgot something crucial: Squibs. They are children of wizarding families with no magic, almost muggles. They are the origin of muggleborns because after many generations they can give birth to wizards, and you Mr Stark, are a squib.''

The silence that followed was deafening. And for the first time since he could remember —which could only mean never— Tony Stark, America's one and only genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist couldn't find a comeback.

Fuck! Breath got trapped in his lungs.

This meeting was putting all his knowledge into question.

Lawyer Tonks gave him a moment to collect himself then went straight for the jugular. ''Your mother Maria Collins was the last descendant of Antioch Peverell. Her ancestors emigrated to the States many centuries ago after changing their last name. For an unknown reason, they only gave birth to squibs.I believed it's due to a curse they received while protecting the wand. I am not sure, though.''

Tony could feel the noose tightening. His doom was coming.

Pepper stiffened next to him, Yeah! Even cool, collected Potts discerned the shift in the air.

Damn! He needed to figure this shit out.

Pronto.

Helena was sorry for Stark's predicament.

Swallowing all these pills in a single sitting was tough.

His turbulent gaze met hers briefly and she read his silent questions there. She nodded and with her eyes, promised that they would work everything out.

T ogether.

Andy continued coolly. ''Now let's finish with the contract. The true story of the Peverells was preserved in their Sacred Grimoire —which you can have access to later — It says that Death's gift to them wasn't for free. There was a prophecy made by Fate eons ago saying that the Peverells will give birth to the Master of the Hallows. But first, they will suffer for millennia. There will even come a time when their Heirs will kill each other. When that time comes, the one rightful master will emerge and embrace Death. But the family's magic must stay within its members to survive the loss, so the two remaining descendants must unite their hearts and souls to activate the Hallows and bring them to their full potential, only then peace will prevail. When Death —who had waited an eternity for his true master, asked how can Fate be certain that these two beings will be compatible, Fate promised him that these two won't know the true meaning of peace and love until they meet. Their souls are two halves yearning for each other. Before the brothers took possession of their gifts, Death explained that he will be waiting for their descendants to give him his Master. He demanded they made sure to find a way to protect their family's legacy and magic. They knew that their survival was uncertain, and that the prophecy could be lost to time. They came up with a solution: A magical contract written with their blood ensuring the union of the last heirs. They placed a very powerful charm on it so it would activate on the right moment. And so, here we are. You are the two last Heirs, and you were betrothed millennia before your birth. Helena killed Cadmus' last Heir and collected the three Hallows, she is The Mistress Of Death. The contract clarifies that when the younger of the two reaches his 18th birthday, you have only a year to court and learn more about each other before getting married.''

Helena looked at Stark and saw the bewilderment in his eyes.

She felt a strange urge to comfort him. To reach out and take his hand in hers.

She was somehow used to Fate playing dirty games with her life. But from what she learned about Tony Stark —thanks to Hermione's research, he must be panicking.

Feeling suddenly embarrassed and ashamed, she didn't know what to do.

Could anything be worse?

She was robbing him of his freedom.

What had her ancestors been thinking?

While she was chained and contained since her birth, Stark was free and wild. From what she gathered, he lived his life to the fullest. He was eight years older so, he was young, handsome, extremely rich and a genius.

What could she give him?

Sure she was attractive —and even though she was innocent, she knew that guys lusted after her.

She was a war hero, the Vanquisher of the Darkest Lord.

She was the Lady of two noble Houses.

And what only the people present in the room knew, she was the Mistress Of Death.

But already had all that he needed and more. How could she throw him into her crazy world and make him question everything he believed in?

How could they with a beginning like this, have the sort of she yearned for?

Would the young orphan's dream come true?

She wanted steadfast love like her parents. She wanted a family of her own. She wanted someone who would give his life for her, who would love her fiercely, unconditionally.

She wanted the whole thing.

But everything about them was forced by Fate and Death and written millennia ago in blood.

Would Stark understand?

Would he come to love and cherish her?

Helena's chest constricted and her stomach shrank.

She gave up so much already, couldn't she have this at least?

Raising her head slowly, she searched his gaze.

She was startled the moment he saw the resignation there.

His piercing gaze held hers in its thrall as he said. "How do we do this…..thing?"

Ragnok made his presence known for the first time. ''To make your acceptance known you have to reunite your blood. Here, you can use this dagger to make a small cut in your palms and join your hands together.''

Stark seemed horrified, all this talk about blood would make him question their sanity.

''Mr stark, for magical people, blood is sacred. It contains the essence of our magic. That's why all important papers or—deals are signed in blood,'' Helena explained, knowing that with a mind like his, Stark wouldn't do anything until he understood all the whys and hows.

Brazenly, she took the dagger and sliced her palm, then handed it to Stark. A mysterious glint flashed in his eyes.

Something that looked like hunger, respect, intrigue or all three mixed but whatever it was, it was fleeting. The shutters came back down and his dark, captivating eyes hardened.

He sliced his palm, then stood up and reached for her hand.

It took her a moment to understand what he wanted. Accepting the invitation, she stood and connected their palms, intertwining their fingers and making sure that their cuts were aligned.

A bright light engulfed them, making her breath catch.

It blindsided her with its intensity and she almost collapsed. She was on fire, the rush of power she was feeling was overwhelming.

She felt invincible, mighty and …..whole, for the first time in her life.

Looking into Stark's eyes, she found a blazing inferno. His eyes were all over her face, studying her, trying to read her. The way he was staring made her feel flushed and excited at once.

He tightened his grip on her hand and nothing was said for a few long moments. Only the sound of their heavy breathing filled her ears.

Relief and gratitude filled her heart. And in that instant, she knew that her dream wasn't impossible. The taste of anticipation was strong within her and a spark of hope ignited in her heart like an undying flame.

Things would change now.

Already it did between Stark and her. This weight of responsibility. The burden of proving their worth as the last Heirs of the legendary Peverell Brothers. The duty of being the long-awaited Mistress of Death.

Blood was reunited. Hallows were activated. And there would be wedding bells shortly.

Suddenly, Stark leaned over her. His naughty, chocolate-brown eyes sparkled with mischief, and something darker. She shivered in spite of herself.

His breath was warm against her cheek when he whispered huskily. ''What do we do now?'

Chapter Text

~ Four months later~

If anyone told Tony Stark a few months ago that he would become monogamous, get engaged to a witch, discover a mythical patrimony from his mother's side and enjoy weekly dinners with a crazy family of redheads in a house that defied all the laws of physics, he would have laughed in their faces, suspected a brain tumour and paid for an urgent CT scan.

But here he was, with Helena on his arm as they attended another charity gala.

Damn, his life had become a madhouse since the day he met her. The thing that scared the hell out of him was that he enjoyed every minute of it.

Getting to know Helena was an easy and instinctive task. Since he met the witch, he felt drawn to everything about her.

Logically, he should be wary. Many things stood between them and made this relationship mathematically impossible: She was a witch, an honest-to-God one with a wand, a broom and a cauldron.

Or maybe he should’ve said THE WITCH because his raven was a class by herself.

She was from another world, raised on another continent.

She was eight years his junior, a recent Hogwarts graduate.

Yeah! He knew, if he added up all these odds he would typically go to the hills.

But he wouldn't.

Helena Potter filled a gap in his life that he wasn't even aware existed in the first place. She emphasized everything he waited for but never dared to believe that he would get.

She was powerful, independent, loyal and kind. And of course, drop-dead gorgeous. She could be stubborn and self-sacrificing sometimes, but he couldn't complain, after all not everyone was as perfect as him.

Rhodey, Happy and Pepper liked her. Even J.A.R.V.I.S, little traitor that he was, prioritized her orders over his.

''Tony! long time no see.'' A nasal voice stopped his daydreaming and…..Oh shit!

Tracy or was it Stacy? A girl he met a year ago, got drunk with and maybe did more-he was so wasted back then to be sure- was standing in front of them, giving him a seductive smile and fluttering her fake eyelashes.

He felt the moment Helena stiffened.

Wincing inwardly, Tony's brain started working overdrive to get the hell out of this situation.

No luck, Blondie opened her big fat mouth before he could come up with something. ''Oh, and who is this?'' she said running her eyes over Helena as if she could find a fault in such perfection.

''Tony, Tony you sly dog, old habits die hard. You still prefer to taste a new flavour every night.'' Shaking her head and giving him a disgusting wink, she assured his premature death by adding. ''You know where to find me when you get bored.''

Blondie left and Tony fought his instinct to run as fast as he could, as far as possible.

But he knew that he wouldn't like the consequences, nor could he outrun his raven.

His heart thundered as he opened and then closed his mouth.

Helena Potter was a spectrum of wild emotions but an angry Helena Potter was the most dangerous thing you could ever encounter.

He took her arm and headed toward an abandoned terrace. Closing the door, he started in a small voice, because upsetting his raven was the thing that he came to hate the most.

''I'm sorry baby, you know how I was before our engagement, but it's all in the past now. I don't even remember her name and I don't give a damn about any other woman. I know I'm still the catch, and those vultures apparently won't stop chasing after me, but it means nothing. They are nothing. The only woman I care about is you, raven.''

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. ''Don't try to slither from this, Tony. I'm less than thrilled right now.''

''Are you jealous? You know I'm all yours,'' he tried to assure her, not even bothering to hide the smirk playing over his lips.

She sauntered forward, pulling her arm out of his grasp.

''Excuse me?" Helena hissed and he could swear that the words were spoken in Parseltongue, a language he came to associate with his raven being on the brink of losing control.

Holy shit!

His chances of survival were getting lower; he couldn't suppress the shivers that went down his spine.

''You are,'' he nodded slowly. Fuck it, He was an adrenaline junkie and everyone knew it.

"You have no idea how close you are to a painful death right now, " she warned.

Tony stepped closer and Helena held up a hand to stop him.

He merely kept advancing, pressing his chest against her left palm.

He was about to open his mouth when he felt the tip of something poked his throat.

Looking down he came face to face with the ultimate weapon of mass destruction AKA the recently activated Elder Wand.

His breath got trapped in his lungs. 

Damn, his girl knew exactly what she was doing.

Why the hell did he give Andy his word to wait?

Sighing softly, he lowered the Death Stick with his finger.

As he looked into her glowing emerald eyes, he confessed softly. ''Though I find your jealousy sexy as hell, you do not need to worry. When you're in a room, you're all I see. I'm all your,s baby. Now and forever.''

Finally, his raven smiled.

He pulled her tight against his chest and buried his face in the hollow of her throat, where he could feel her heart beating beneath his lips.

She sighed in his ear.

Heaven help him, but he wanted her, and in that instant, he vowed to have his revenge on Andromeda Black Tonks one way or another.

~ Eight months later~

Helena sauntered forward, coming to a stop a foot away from his tall frame, and had the satisfaction of watching his eyes roam over her.

Bingo, she won.

But he took a step forward, bringing them toe-to-toe, forcing her to look up if she wanted to look into his eyes.

Bloody hell, this guy wouldn't stop challenging her. He seemed determined to piss her off.

She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

Oh, he had balls making demands.

She'd give him that. "I don't believe I'll have cause to tell you again. But you will attend this meeting even If I have to take you myself, and believe me you won't like the outcome. Pepper worked so hard to gather the Data and I won't let you make a mockery of her efforts. YOU WILL GO NOW.''

Her words must have ignited something inside of him. Something he must have been holding back because a moment later, he had her pressed up against the wall, her legs around his waist. ''OK. I'll go, baby, but you have to give me something in return.''

The kiss he gave her before he took his portkey and left was wild, to say the least.

Damn him, Tony Stark was perfect.

Helena sighed as she apparated to the borrow.

Hermione and Ginny were waiting for her in the kitchen.

They agreed to start looking for the wedding dress.

Even though she still had time, and the ceremony would be a private one held in Godric's Hollow, Helena wanted everything to be perfect.

She wanted to get married in her ancestors' village, surrounded by her friends and loved ones.

Tony acquiesced. His only guests were Rhodey, Pepper and Happy.

The news of their engagement wasn't public yet, which spared her a massive headache foe the time being.

She knew her life would get upside down after the wedding.

She would lose the anonymity she had in the Muggle world, but she didn't care. To share her life with Tony -and JARVIS- has become her heart's dearest wish.

''Merlin, would you please stop gushing over Mr tall dark and handsome and give us, mere mortals some attention?'' Ginny snarked making her blush.

''Ginny, Ginny. How could she? She misses him so much. Oh, wait! He left just 20 minutes ago,'' Hermione teased mercilessly.

''Would you stop already?''

Hermione, gently, held her hand, giving her a teary smile. ''I'm so happy for you Helena. You never looked so content, so alive. Do you love him?''

Helena took a moment to articulate an answer. '’I've never experienced love before. I know that my parents loved me so much, their sacrifice speaks volumes louder than any confession. I know that I can't live without you guys and I think it must be love. But Tony…. I don't know how to describe teh feelings I have for him. There's something about him that makes me feel all…" she bit her lower lip trying to find of the words, "tingly inside like I'm surrounded by one hundred Patroni."

Ginny gave a knowing smile. "It's that tingly, warm, giddy feeling you get when you look at a handsome man."

"I know the definition of it."

"Yes, but you've never felt it, I wager. How could you? You never had the time with what your life was like, and I doubt you've ever been around a man like him."

"You're right. I enjoy every second I spend with him. And even though he drives me crazy and sometimes I want to hold him in a 'Levicorpus' for hours, I don't understand how I survived all those years without him. He makes me feel whole."

Ginny and Hermione exchanged a devious grin, then rose from their chairs and held her in a bone-crushing hug.

~ Twelve months later ~

Tony was reclining in his bed.

The room was a little bit dark, like the rest of Grimmauld Place, but he liked it.

Helena wanted all the guests to spend the night there. He knew she wanted to feel connected to her Godfather before her important day, so he accepted.

Everything he heard about Sirius Black made him respect the man and wish he had met him at least once.

Rhodey and Happy would arrive tomorrow. Pepper was already with the girls.

Someone knocked softly.

''Come in."

It was Andy. She looked determined and read for a fight.

Tony rose as slow as a snail and grinned. ''Andy, what a surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?''

She narrowed her eyes then started. ''Anthony Edward Stark.''

He shuddered. She was using his full name.

mmm let the fun begin.

''I'm warning you. I want none of your shenanigans tomorrow. It's Helena's special day and I won't let you ruin it.''

Tony tried to look as innocent as possible. ''Ow, Andy you wound me. Did you forget it's going to be be my special day as well? But don't worry I still have my vows, I can make them extra special for my raven.'' 

Oops, she shot, she missed.

''Stark! I'm serious. If you do anything silly I'll show you the Black Madness."

He could feel steam coming out of her ears.

Damn, riling her up was giving him life.

 --

Twenty minutes after Andy left,  surprisingly still not convinced of his innocence, he heard another knock.

I t seemed he wouldn't get any beauty sleep tonight.

Pity for he wanted to look good in his wedding pictures.

He opened the door and found himself surrounded by five redheads: Bill, Charlie, Percy, George and Ron Weasley.

''Guys, even though I like you, I'm definitely not into orgies.''

George snickered, Ron spluttered and colour stained Percy's neck and spewed up into his face.

Fang cleared his throat . ''Tony, I know that my mother, McGonagall, Hermione, Shacklebot, and Andromeda gave you the talk. But it's our duty as Helena's brothers to remind you, again, that if you make her upset or try to harm a single hair in her head, even your brilliant mind wouldn't be able to imagine what we'll do to you.''

''Ouch, why would I do something so stupid? I love my raven. I would cut my right arm than make her cry.''

''Well, then everything is in order,'' Charlie smirked.

Tony couldn't help but retort. ''And just for the record, you don't scare me. I've seen your asses handed to you by my raven too many times to count. If by any chance I anger or upset her someday, you'll be the least of my worries.''

~D-Day~

Helena stared at her reflection.

Her wedding dress was gorgeous. The chapel train fanned out behind her, the delicate embroidery glitterred wherever the light hit it, and the empire waist was accentuated by a white satin ribbon.

''You look gorgeous Helena. Tony won't be able to make any snarky comebacks today,'' Ginny gushed as she adjusted her skirt.

"He'll appreciate it," Hermione snickered.

Andy stepped into view and opened an elegant box. ''Ragnok sent it an hour ago. It's Lady Ianthe Peverell Potter's wedding jewellery. She was the last female Peverell documented in history before the family went into hiding.'' 

The necklace was magnificent; diamonds and black pearls surrounded intricate white gold threads. If she concentrated long enough, she could distinguish the Hallows' symbol in the middle.

''Let me help you," Miss Weasley sniffled and gave her a wobbly smile. ''It's a mother's duty and privilege to make sure that her daughter looks her best on her wedding day.''

Helena engulfed her in a tight hug. ''Thank you for everything.''

Soon it was time for the ceremony.

Ron walked her down the aisle.

White rose petals covered her path. Helena watched Hermione, Ginny and Pepper take their places. They lookedbeautiful in their blood-red bridesmaids' dresses.

Rhodey, Happy and Bill stood next to the groom.

When the walk was over, Tony extend his hand.

Ron gave her a wink and then handed her hand over.

Tony gripped the corners of her veil before he lifted them as his dark eyes burned with emotion.

Her stomach fluttered and her breath got trapped in her lungs. He was dashing in his black tuxedo. The way his eyes roved up and down her body, taking in her appearance, made her blush profusely.

Kingsley, garbed in his minister robes, greeted them.

The bonding ceremony was quick and simple, yet the most important moment of her life.

It required them to clasp each other's wrists as they repeated their oath to love, protect and support each other till death did them apart.

When they finished, their rings floated up to them. They chose simple wedding bands. Bill made sure to add as many protective charms as possible to them.

Helena felt the warmth radiating from the ring when Tony put it on her finger.

they couldn't take their eyes from each other.

She was attuned to everything about him as he held her hand and entwined their fingers.

Kingsley cleared his throat before he stated. ''Now, let's finish with the vows.''

Tony said in a deep, purposeful voice. ''Helena Black Potter, the day I met you was the day that turned my life upside down. I never believed in fairytales or magic or otherworldly spirits. I am above all a man of science. But you introduced me to a world that made a mockery of everything I knew. Now, I get squeezed  in time and space every week so I can cross the ocean in a second and spend my weekends with you. I believe that your enchanted twig is more dangerous than atomic bombs, that a firebolt is faster than my R8, that a dreamless sleep potion is the best remedy for my insomnia, that the Weasleys' house is the most complicated piece of art I've ever seen, but foremost I know that the day I met you was the best day of my life. I'm a Stark, I never needed nor wanted anything. However, now the thing I need most of all is to spend every day making you happy and convincing you that you'll never regret marrying me. Sometimes I look at you…and I can't breathe then I just ask myself how did I get so lucky? Helena Black Potter soon to be Stark, you are the love of my life and I am yours now and forever.''

Tears slid down unbidden from Helena's eyes. She knew she couldn't stop them no matter how much she tried but she didn't care, not anymore.

Without thinking, she threw herself at him.

Tony was fighting nail and tooth to maintain his composure. Damn it, it wouldn't do to look like a fucking wuss in his wedding day.

But it was a losing battle.

He was never the emotional type. Howard Stark made sure to kill every bit of softness in him.

But standing here, in front of his bride, surrounded by his lifetime friends and people he met a year ago but who became a solid part of his life, he felt vulnerable for the first time.

His vows came from his heart as he didn't need a piece of paper to memorize them.

When he finished, Helena squeezed him in a tight hug and sobbed on his shoulder.

They were so alike when it came to loneliness, but not anymore.

After a while, his raven collected herself, then took his face into her soft hands and looked straight into his eyes, mesmerizing him with her ethereal emeralds. ''Tony Stark, you are the most infuriating, crazy, messy man I've ever met. Growing up with my relatives, and then being hunted by a homicidal dark lord for years, I gave up on the future. I never thought that I'd survive let alone get married and have a family of my own. But, here I am getting hitched to the world's most unstable genius. Knowing you made me realize that nothing is impossible. You are the person I've been waiting for forever. I love you and I'm going to love you till I embrace Death one final time.''

Finally, Tony lost the battle.

He could feel tears burning the back of his eyelids.

Miss Weasley was crying a river somewhere near. The bridesmaids were grinning like loonies as tears ran down their faces.

Damn.

Rhodey squeezed his right shoulder and he collected himself. Kingsley cleared his throat, then twirled his wand and golden stars flew all over them.

''Now I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.''

Everyone began clapping and calling out their congratulations, but for him, they faded into the background.

They ceased to exist. There was just him and his raven.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

He took Helena's face between his hands.Her skin was soft and alluring and felt like the very sunshine above.

His breaths came fast and he could swear that his heart was about to burst.

Finally, he grabbed her hair and smashed their lips together. He couldn't tell who was the more eager between them but he didn't give a fuck.

When the need for air became too much, he pulled away.  Their eyes never leaving each other's, he whispered in her ear after biting it. ’'You're finally mine sweetheart. I warned you that I was having a difficult time being a gentleman. Now, you should prepare yourself to pay for every single time you teased me on purpose.''

Helena's breathing kicked up a notch and her hooded eyes dropped to his lips.

Smirking like the devil he was, he whispered huskily. ''Now, be a good girl and give me the portkey baby. There is a bed waiting for us in Malibu.''

And just because revenge was a bitch, he made sure to give Andy a sultry wink before he disappeared with his Helena in his arms.

Chapter Text

Four years passed since Tony Stark's wedding.

Everything was going well.

Helena finished her Auror training and started working as a Law Enforcement Ambassador for the British Ministry of Magic.

She took missions all over the world, sharing her expertise with young Aurors and helping solve some very complicated cases.

His raven had blossomed all these years. She was more powerful, more confident, more aggressive, more….irresistible.

He missed her like hell every time she went away, but he respected her personal choices.

He knew that she craved the adrenaline rush that came with danger. She lived for it, that and the thrill of the hunt.

Those stupid dark wizards thought that they were so sneaky, so sly but every time they had the bad luck of meeting his raven, they regretted the day they were born.

Her name became a legend in Law enforcement and everyone feared Helena Black Potter Stark.

It was a little reassuring that he was strictly on her side for confronting his raven was every poor soul's worst nightmare.

He relived some fights in their pensive and the mere memory of what she had done to her foes made him lose sleep for nights.

The title of The Mistress of Death suited her so well. She brought nothing but death and doom to her enemies.

His relationship with her family got stronger, too. He enjoyed dinners in the burrow, even though it was so crowded these days. The Weasleys surely liked to procreate and extend their family.

Conversations with Hermione Granger Weasley always brought a smile to his lips. The brainy witch hated the fact that life in the Magical World limited her access to new technologies.

He tried to keep her updated as much as possible. Every time she visited them, Ron would leave cursing the day he met him. Taking Hermione away from his library was a lost cause.

Riling Andy up was his favourite hobby. The proud witch was as usual so tight-lipped, so prim and stuffy, he was certain that there was some distant blood relation between her and Pepper.

Teddy Lupin became his favourite Godson -even though he was his only one.

After discussing the matter with Andy, Helena convinced her to name him the Godfather legally. If anything happened to her, they would raise him together.

Spending time with the little sport was a delight.

The little metamorph was the cutest kid he'd ever met. He worked stealthily and diligently to corrupt him even though hawk eyes followed their every movement.

The poor kid needed an endless vacation with his Uncle Tony.

Even though everything was right in his life, when he was alone in his lab, he felt unsatisfied.

He couldn't put his finger on what was bothering him but something was off; something related to his work.

He knew that he was the envy of every hot-blooded man on planet Earth.He got the money, the brains, the girl….but what disturbed his peace of mind was what he was doing.

He was continuing Howard Stark's legacy of blood and tears.

He wasn't ignorant of what was taking place in his name even though he rarely attended the board meetings.

He knew that Obie was getting too greedy for his own good. The old man thought that Stark Industries were his.

Tony wasn't spending his time playing around,though. He was looking for an alternative; for a way out.

It was a good thing that Helena was on a mission in Germany.

He felt apprehensive about tomorrow's trip to Kunar.

Something in his head was screaming 'danger', but he had to carry on with this pretence if he wanted to carry his plans.

He wouldn't leave his Heir with the same legacy that he was saddled with.

His son was going to be a child of two worlds. He would have so much on his shoulders inheriting his mother's magical power and his exceptional brains.

He had to prepare a clean environment for his kid to blossom in.

Thankfully, he still had time. They hadn't decided to have a child yet, and so, he would go tomorrow and do his damned job to convince the hungry vultures that he was a hopeless genius whose only right place is an enclosed lab.

He would keep the fucking nickname of 'The Merchant of Death' for now until he got enough power to spread his wings.

"J.A.R.V.I.S are you up?"

"For you sir, always."

"I want you to store everything I did this week in a new secret file.''

''Shall I store this on Stark Industries' central database?''

"No. Till further notice, keep everything on my private server."

"Working on a secret project, are we, sir?"

"I don't want this winding up in the wrong hands."

"As you wish sir."

"Don't even tell Helena about this new project until I say so."

"Are we keeping secrets from Mrs Stark now?"

"Only this one."

"But sir, you always end up spilling everything the moment you see her."

"Me? Of course not! Grow a spine buddy. A man got to keep his secrets even from his lady. I'll tell her eventually, but I still need some time."

"If you say so, sir"

"Anyway, is everything ready for tomorrow's trip?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, I'm going to catch some sleep. Wake me up at 6 sharp.''

"Good night sir"

"Night, buddy."

--

The trip to Afghanistan was long and boring.

Rhodey kept nagging him about the importance of this demonstration for The U.S Air Force and Tony was getting sick of it.

He built the Jericho missile, damn it, so he knew every micro detail about his baby from the heart.

The show went surprisingly well. The bastards bought every word that came from his mouth.

Their eyes bulged the moment they witnessed his Repulsorlift rechnology for the first time.

They were unworthy, undeserving, to see his creation, but he would bid his time for now.

After the exhausting meeting was over, he felt sick and knockered. He hated every single minute he spent with those war hounds.He wanted to get the hell out of there ASAP.

Obie called to make sure that everything went well. The fucker seemed in a hurry to send more poor souls to their graves.

Damn him.

"Time to go Tony. I can see that you are getting antsy,'' Rhodey said in his Lieutenant voice.

''Yeah. I don't want to spend another second here. I'll head out first.''

''If you say ss. Take care and I'll see you in the base.''

While riding, Tony felt restless.

Something was off. Even his ring kept giving a consistent buzz.

Suddenly, a great explosion occurred. The Humvee in front of them was destroyed.

Tony was sure that Jimmy, Prat and Ramirez were dead. No way would they survive that blast.

He didn't get time to scan the damage.

Ensuring his survival was his priority. However, before he could take a few steps forward, he was blown away.

Something hit his chest giving him a throbbing pain.

'Holy shit, Helena was going to give him hell for getting into this mess,' was his last thought before everything went black.

--

He woke up in a cave.

The pain in his chest was killing him. He knew that whatever the hell happened was something bad, 

The moment he touched his chest he found… a fucking metallic piece.

Looking around, he came face to face with a thin, balding man with an appearance that screamed: 'I Am A Geek'.

"What the hell did you do to me?" he wanted to scream, but his throat was scratchy and dry and his words came in a cough.

"What I did? What I did was save your life. I removed all the shrapnel I could, but there's a lot left.'' Came the calm answer.

"And who the hell are you?"

"I thought that you are a genius, Mr Stark but it seems that your memory isn't that great. Did you forget that we met in Bern some years ago? I'm sure you still remember Maya Hansen. Anyway, I was asked by your captors to keep you alive.''

Tony ignored the first part, he didn't care about this Maya girl nor did he remember her.

"Wait, what captors? Where the fuck are we?"

"We are still in Afghanistan. In the Ten Rings' custody to be more precise.''

"Fuck."

"Well, that's one way to describe this whole situation."

Tony's mind was reeling.

The Ten Rings? He was utterly screwed.

Things became clear all of a sudden. The ambush was mainly a way to kidnap him.

But what did they want?

Money or was it… Hell no.

If any of his creations came into those terrorists' hands he didn't even want to imagine what would happen.

He had to keep a cool head and find a way out pronto.

First, Helena must be freaking out. second, he wasn't sure how much torture he could endure at the hands of those criminals.

"So who are you and what are you doing here?"Tony asked again.

"Mr Stark, I'm Ho Yinsen. A fellow prisoner."

"Ah, I finally met a man called Ho. Moving on, how do we get the hell out of this dump?"

Suddenly, the cell's door was opened and a tall man entered, followed by two others.

He started talking to Yinsen in Urdu. The latter gulped before turning his eyes to Tony.

"He says that he wants you to build a Jericho. He wants you to make a list of materials. He says you have to start immediately, and when you're done, he'll set you free."

Fuck, his guess was right.

No fucking way would he do as asked.

"No, he won't."

Yinsen's smile was grim. "No, he won't".

Helena was giving the account of her last mission before leaving.

Catching Udo Bohlen took longer than anticipated.

The new Dark Lord wannabe caused so much havoc that bringing him down became a priority to ensure the safety of everyone concerned.

No one wanted a new Grindelwald. The British DMLE collaborated with its German counterpart to accelerate the process.

Helena formed a team of elite Aurors from both countries. They spent the last three weeks hunting him all around Germany.

Finally Bohlen slipped and their informer gave them his location. He was now contained in a GLED's (German Law Enforcement Department) cell, with magic repressor shackles on his hands waiting for a trial.

The bastard could rue in hell.

She missed Tony so much; it was a constant ache in her very soul. She couldn't wait to go back home.

Suddenly, an excruciating pain squeezed her heart.

She doubled over wheezing.

Everyone present in the conference room rushed to her side.

Moritz Von Stauffenberg, the Head of the GLED took his wand out. "Gräfin, check the wards! Something is wrong with Lady Potter. Schnek, make Bohlen talk, the bastard may have casted an obscure curse during their duel."

Everything went blurry around Helena. She was barely making out he words spoken.

Everyone was going out of their way to find the cause of her distress, but she knew that nothing was wrong, at least nothing related to Bohlen.

Her wand was vibrating in her holster. Her forearm was throbbing from the force of it.

Something bad happened to Tony. There was no other explication. Everything was adding up and heading that way.

She knew that her husband was reckless and liked to play with fire. He built missiles and mass destruction weapons for fun. Did the bloody wanker set an explosion in his workshop? She would have his hide but first she had to make sure that he was still alive.

Her wand came out of the holster, her seeker instincts kicked in and she caught it before it flew away.

The moment she touched it, she apparated.

What in the Merlin's name was going on?

Helena found herself in Godric's Hollow.

More precisely, on the Peverells Graveyard.

How could she apparate from one country to another? It was unheard of, forget that, it was impossible.

Everything went dark. It was as if a black mist surrounded the place.

The short dark hairs on her nape stood. It was getting cold, no, freezing.

"Finally we meet, Mistress." A calm, soft voice came out of nowhere.

Turning around, she came face to face with a hooded tall figure, garbed in black and holding a….. Scythe?

She couldn't make anything about his face. He was floating without making a sound.

"Who are you?"

"Mistress, do you really not recognize me? I waited an eternity for you. Finally, the time has come for our meeting." His tone was steady without any implications.

It was like talking to J.A.R.V.I.S, no scratch that, J.A.R.V.I.S was very sarcastic for his own good.

"Death? But how?" Helena's heart was beating so fast she was puzzled how it didn't come out of her chest.

"Five years ago, you collected my gifts. You were always meant to stand by my side and embrace me without fear. But you were still young and inexperienced. I gave you more time to enjoy life, to spread your wings. I knew how much you suffered, I followed your journey from the start and I know all about your sacrifices. That's why you are the only one worthy of my legacy. Now the time has come for a new adventure. Something huge is brewing in the shadows."

This guy? Deity? Liked to talk in riddles. Wait…..

"Tony! Something happened to him,'' she shouted. "Don't tell me you took him away from me. I'll fight you over his soul if I have to."

"Don't worry Mistress. Tony Stark's time isn't over yet. He still has so much to do, so much to give.''

"So where is he? Something happened to him. And what about the protections on our rings? Don't bloody tell me that you disabled them, that you let my husband get hurt."

The guy was driving her crazy with his slow, meaningless answers.

Was it his goal from the start? Was all this a sick joke?

"The protections helped him but partially. He's not dead, but not totally alive either."

"For fuck's sake! Answer the bloody question: where is my husband?" Helena was screaming now, she couldn't withstand this game anymore.

"Tony Stark is starting his own journey now, and there is nothing you can do. You are my Mistress but I'll stop you the moment you stand on my sister's way. She knows better than all of us."

"Sister? What are you talking about?" she regretted the day she touched the Elder Wand, She shouldn't have collected the bloody Hallows, they were not worth dealing with all this.

"My twin sister is Fate of course. Mistress, you should always remember all the things that led you to this moment. You were always mine, but you had to fight for that right. You suffered, you fought foes stronger than you, and you sacrificed everything you had, even your soul. You gave and gave and then gave more. Your road was filled with fire and blood. You are a warrior, a fighter, a survivor. It's time for your Soulmate to start his own journey, to get rid of everything holding him back. It's time for the real Tony Stark, the last heir of Antioch Peverell to rise and bring glory to his ancestor's name. He may be a squib, but he has other gifts. Antioch was a warrior, a protector of his people. He wouldn't stand wrong or evil. Tony Stark is the same, even though he doesn't show that side of him much. You have to let him choose his side, let him show his true mettle. Only then he will be worthy of you, only then could he help in what's awaiting both of you."

"But, is he all right? How can I stand here and let my husband suffer?" Tears were running unbidden down Helena's cheeks. "He's the only one I have left. I can't let him go. Please, don't separate us. I can't live without him."

A skeletal hand came from the pitch black robes and caressed Helena's cheek, washing away her tears."Don't worry Mistress, I won't let you suffer, not anymore. You shall wait only a little and I'll show you the way. You'll have your husband safe and sound, and much much stronger."

Chapter Text

When the hood was yanked off his head, Tony squinted into the stinging light and his expression turned immediately to shock.

What the fuck?

In a bowl of tall mountains, camouflaged tarps were furled, revealing skids upon skids of Stark Industries' weapons dating back to the 80's. Tony, stunned, staggered along the crates.

Yinsen followed. "Quite the collection, isn't it?"

Tony ignored his sarcastic tone. "How the hell did they get all this?"

One of the henchmen started talking in Urdu, after a while, a reluctant Yinsen nodded and started translating. ''He wants you to start immediately; otherwise they won't let you turn on the generator. You'll die."

--

A few days later, Tony was sitting by the furnace, wrapped in an Army surplus blanket.

He still couldn't get the horrible things he saw out of his mind.

He knew that what he was doing was wrong and that many lost their lives daily because of his father's legacy. But coming face to face with the harsh reality was something else.

He felt ashamed. He should be wearing sackcloth and ashes as tokens for the wrongs he committed.

How could he face his Helena again?

His wife embodied everything pure and good. She was the most selfless human being he had ever met.

She was a hero of her people, a saviour, a warrior who protected the weak and the innocent.

Anthony Edward Stark was a murderer. There was no way to embellish the truth if he wanted to be honest, at least with himself.

His raven must be going crazy looking for him; but did he deserve her love and devotion? He wasn't sure anymore.

Yinsen's voice cut through his self deprecation. ''You didn't like what you saw out there, did you? I didn't like it either when those weapons destroyed my village. What you just saw, that's your legacy, your life's work in the hands of these murderers. Is that how you want to go out? Is this the last act of defiance of the great Tony Stark? Or are you going to try to do something about it? That car battery is running out and they won't turn on the generator till you start working. What will you do?''

''What can I do? I'm going to die either way. I don't even want my family to find me anymore. I don't think that I deserve to leave this shit hole."

"This is not the Tony Stark that I know and respect. You may be an arrogant, egotistical and condensing bastard with little care for others' feelings, but you are Tony Stark, the only man I know that can beat the odds and find a way out of this situation. Don't waste your brain and time sinking in regrets, what's done is done. Try to look forward. What would your wife say if she heard you now? I know how much you love her, you kept calling her name when you had a fever. Make your time here count and don't think about the outcome. You owe it to all of us to try, that's the least you can do if you want to make amends."

Tony took a long moment looking into nothing, then he turned toward Yinsen, a set expression on his face. "Let's use your Urdu. Call for the big ugly guy."

--

Tony paced, barking what he needed to be done while more of the guards carried in missiles and materials.

Yinsen followed, translating as he assessed his work area. Ordering those thugs around was sadly his only source of entertainment. He knew that they itched to strangle him, but he was still of use.

"Finally, I want three pairs of tube socks, white, a toothbrush, protein powder, spices, sugar, five pounds of tea, cards and a washing machine; the top load of course."

After hearing the translation, the guard's eyes bulged.

Ha! Who did he think he was dealing with? Cheap fellas.

Tony and Yinsen kept collecting palladium strips. The bastards thought that they removed all the explosives but they forget a crucial fact: the word impossible didn't exist in his vocabulary.

He threw a generator switch and the lights went up and down.

Yinsen looked pensive before stating in a calm voice. ''That doesn't look like a Jericho missile to me.''

Tony smirked. "That's because it's a miniature Arc Reactor. It should suspend the shrapnel in my chest and keep it from entering my heart."

Yinsen's eyes widened. "What an original invention. What can it generate?"

''Three gigajoules per second if my calculations are right, which is always the case."

Yinsen looked speechless. "Wow, that can run your heart for fifty lifetimes."

Tony looked straight into his eyes. ''Or something big for fifteen minutes.''

Let the fun begin.

Days later found Tony pounding on a white-hot piece of metal.

The image of his unborn baby was clear on his mind; he had to work hard to deliver it on time. His muscles were aching but he couldn't stop. Getting the hell out of this forsaken country was his priority.

Yinsen was following his every move with hawk eyes. Four eyes was too clever for his own good but he was growing on him.

Hovering over him, he started talking. ''My people have a tale about a prince much hated by his King. He was banished to the underworld and jailed there. The evil King gave him the most difficult labour; working the iron pits. Year after year, the prince mined the heavy ore, becoming so strong he could crush pieces of it together with his bare hands. Too late, the King realized his mistake. When he struck at the prince with his finest sword, it broke in half. The Prince himself had become as strong as iron."

Sweating but feeling excited, Tony held up the metal he was working on.

A crude iron mask stared back. He tossed the mask down, it lay there smoking and pulsing with heat.

Finally.

Even though she was surrounded by people she loved and cared about, Helena was feeling lonely. She couldn't get warm no matter how much she tried.

Everyone was going crazy around her: Rhodey was cursing his superiors. He tried over and over again to start the search for his lifelong friend but his request was denied.

Pepper was looking unkempt for the first time since she met her. Helena knew that she used to harbour romantic feelings towards her husband, but she let go of them years ago. She couldn't blame her nor did she feel insecure about their proximity. Pepper was a good, hardworking woman. The best kind of friend you could have.

Obadiah was acting all sad and worried, but Helena didn't believe him.

Since they met, she got only bad vibes from the man. She had always believed in her instincts, they saved her too many times to count, and Obadiah Stane was a dishonest man, a cruel greedy manipulator.

She didn't know why her husband was still working with him. surely he knew about his duplicity for nothing went unnoticed by Tony. He was too perceptive even if he mostly faked nonchalance.

Andy and Teddy were keeping her company. Even Hermione took a leave from work and was using the portkey daily. She was grateful to her dear ones, but nothing could lift her spirits.

She tried all the locating spells she knew of, ravaged the Black Library, asked Bill and Kingsley for help.

She even consulted some Unspeakables but nothing worked. Death's words came true. She wouldn't have her husband back until he allowed it.

J.A.R.V.I.S' voice cut through her thoughts. "Mrs Stark, a Phil Coulson wants to have an audience with you."

"Tell him I'm not meeting anyone. If it's something related to work, he can contact Pepper."

"As you wish."

"And please do so for every reporter, politician or businessman who wants to talk to me. I'll give you a list of the only people we are allowed entrance."

"That would be extremely helpful Mrs Stark."

"No worries, I'm counting on you for now."

"I'll never let you down. It's done, he tried to argue but I sent him to Miss Potts."

"Well done my friend. Pepper will deal with him."

"Do you need anything else?"

"Thank you J.A.R.V.I.S, that's all for now. I want to have some time alone."

"Shall I play some AC/DC songs?"

Helena fought the urge to have a good cry. ''That would be great. You are the best, mate."

"Only the best for you, Mrs Stark."

--

Helena was drifting off to sleep, nose buried in Tony's pillow, when the temperature dropped briskly. She snuggled deeper on her blanket. A moment later, the room got darker and the cold became unbearable.

"Mrs Stark, are you alright? I'm detecting a strange energy all of a sudden. The temperature has dropped considerably. I can't identify the perpetrator. Do you want me to activate the alarm?" J.A.R.V.I.S' voice would be called worried if he was able to express feelings.

Bloody hell, not again.

"It's OK J.A.R.V.I.S, I know who it is. He's one of my people."

"Are you sure, Mrs Stark?"

"Positive, mate. You can rest."

"You know that I don't need rest. I'm here if you need anything."

"Quite the loyal friend you got, Mistress." Death's calm voice made her blood boil with anger.

''What the hell do you want?"

"That's not the way to greet an old friend. Such language isn't appropriate for someone of your status, Mistress."

Helena wanted to 'Crucio' him but she knew it won't affect the Deity.

"You know why I'm angry. You blocked all the ways leading to Tony. I tried everything but I can't locate him."

"I warned you beforehand, Mistress. Why would waste your time and energy? I would never lie to you."

"Just tell me what you want, I'm tired," Helena sighed. She was cross with the Deity but she couldn't summon the energy to give him a piece of her mind.

"I come today to bring good news, your wait is over." There was a hint of relief in Death's voice but Helena wasn't sure.

"You mean…" She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

"Yes, we leave tonight. Get ready."

Hope blossomed in the pit of her stomach. She forgot all about the sleepless nights and the misery she drowned in.

Finally.

"I've never met someone who understands the nuances of this game like you."

Tony smirked at the awe lacing Yinsen's voice. ''That's because there's no one like me, but you are good too. You know what, you never told me where you came from. I'd like to visit when we leave this hovel."

Yinsen's smile was full of longing. ''I came from a small village not far from here called Gulmira. It was ravaged by these terrorists."

"Do you have a family?" Tony asked.

"Yes, when I get out of here I'm going to see them again. I think you are impatient to meet your wife."

"You have no idea, even though I know she won't be very happy with me. I don't like worrying her," Tony shivered thinking of the spells Helena was surely going to cast on him.

Damn.

Yinsen lowered the bulky chest piece over him. At last, he was sealed in his armour.

They heard shouting going louder in the corridors.

So Raza knew.

"Get to your cover. Remember the checkpoints and make sure each one is clear before you follow me, come on man," Tony shouted.

But Yinsen did something that made his blood run cold. He ran into the tunnel. Fucking hell, he was going to give him time to power up the suit.

Finally, the loading was over and a surge of power made the chest part glow.

Mark I took his first breath. It was time to make the bastards pay.

Tony flattened everyone in his way, killing most of the guards. They were no match for his suit. After half an hour of kicking asses, he turned into the main tunnel and saw Yinsen on the ground. He couldn't get the words out of his throat. ''We could've made it, both of us. You could've seen your family too."

Yinsen wheezed, his injuries were deep. "I am going to see them now, they are waiting for me."

Tony held his hand. ''Thank you for saving me."

"Don't waste it, don't waste your life Tony Stark," he whispered with difficulty before he closed his eyes. Forever.

Rage overtook Tony. He steamed towards the exit roaring.

When he emerged, he turned his flame throwers on the crates making everything burn.

Stark logos were no more.

He pushed further into the maze, torching everything. More gunfire ricocheted off him. Tony opened a metal flap on his arm.

He angled forward as the heel boosters glowed white hot, kicking up desert plumes.

He blasted off like a missile, rising hundreds of feet above. He cleared the mountain for a while but when the boosters were spent, he thudded into the sand, pieces of the armour splitting away.

Clutching a bullet wound on his side and dying from thirst, Tony finally fell.

A light popping sound made him turn his head with great difficulty.

What he saw made him blink twice. His raven was standing over him looking worried and angry. He hoped that her anger was directed toward his captors.

"Anthony Edward Stark, when I married you four years ago the contract didn't mention saving your ass as a part of the job." Her voice was raspy and he knew that she was holding her sobs.

"Baby, you know that….ouch!"

He was enveloped in a bone-crushing hug.

Hot tears trailed down his neck.

He couldn't stop his own, too. He used to be a lone wolf, a free spirit wandering around and doing what the hell he wanted without a care for most of his life, but no more. Now, he had a family of his own that cared about his well-being, that missed him and would follow him to the pits of hell if need be.

"Please don't cry baby, I'm alright, see."

"You bloody bastard, how dare you leave me alone? Do you have any idea what I went through? I was going crazy and driving everyone up the wall for the past month."

"You mean crazier than usual?" he couldn't stop himself. Damn his big mouth.

"You!" She punched his shoulder making him wince.

"I think we should leave, Mistress."

The placid voice made Tony raise his eyes towards the source. What he saw made him almost wet his trousers. "What the fuck."

"Pleasure to meet you too, Tony Stark."

He must be hallucinating, there was no other explanation.

A tall figure wearing a long black hooded robe was hovering over them, holding an honest-to-God Scythe.

It couldn't be…no way.

Fuck his life. Couldn't he get a rest and enjoy a peaceful moment with his raven.

"Can you please come back later, like one hundred years from now? I'll be extremely grateful if you do so, Sir."

Helena was shaking against his chest. Leaning over her, he found a big smile plastered over her pink lips.

Tony was hurt. Wasn't she aware of the severity of the situation?

"I'm not here to take you away, Tony stark. I merely showed my mistress you location."

"Oh, then again I'm extremely grateful," Tony shivered.

How could it be so cold in a desert, under the morning sun?

"Let's go Tony, I'll explain everything later,'' Helena stood first and held her hand to him.

When he staggered to his feet and she got her first good look at him she gasped. Taking out her wand she made some twirls whispering in Latin.

Ah good wife, good life.

His wounds closed off and a cleaning charm made him feel better.

"Take this too." She gave him a pepper-up potion.

He liked those even though the tasted like shit.

"I want to eat a cheese burger when we get back," he pouted.

"I'll give you everything you want after I examine your wounds thoroughfully," Helena smirked, giving him a sassy wink.

Well, the good in the bad. He was an opportunist at heart.

A hated voice cut their moment short.

"Time to go," Death raised his Scythe and they disappeared.

--

"Welcome back sir."

"Thanks JARVY. I missed you, buddy"

"Please don't worry Mrs Stark again. She skipped eating and sleeping for the past month."

"You traitor! Do you think I was on a holiday? But thank you again for caring about my raven."

"With pleasure, sir."

"Only if you would care about me too."

"I'm trying my best, Sir."

"Duh."

Helena voice made him go back to their room. He wanted to give her some time with her….new friend.

He shivered at the memory of the cold that surrounded him.

Couldn't she pick up a…..brighter company?

"I will take my leave now, Mistress. We'll meet again when the time is right." Death's calm voice greeted him.

"You don't need to hurry, take your time. We'll be here anyway," Tony hurried to add. He wasn't really anticipating meeting him again, the less the better.

Finally, some warmth came back to the room and he sighed in relief.

"I asked J.A.R.V.I.S to prepare a bath, I know you must be exhausted. I won't even ask you for the details. You can tell me whenever you are ready," Helena gave him a teary smile.

"Thank you, baby, but you have to join me. I'm not sure I have enough power to wash up," he leered at her taking off his shirt.

When Helena took her first look at his chest, she gasped."Tony, what the hell! What happened to you? Let's go to Saint Mungo's, I'll have the best healers put you back together."

When she took out her wand, he clasped her hand. "Baby stop. It's not what you think."

"But you have something metal glowing in your chest. Does it hurt?"

"No, this RT is a gift from a dear friend. It powers an electromagnet that keeps the shrapnel from entering my heart. I'm not ready to have a check-up yet. Please don't pressure me, baby. you know I can't say no if you do."

Helena's emerald eyes were full of tears. "But is it safe? You know we can find a better alternative with surgery or magic or whatever you want."

"I'll keep it for now. I don't want to undergo another death or life experience too soon. Give me some time, baby. I'll work with J.A.R.V.I.S to upgrade this prototype, don't worry. You heard hoodie earlier, I still have enough time on this planet to kick ass, I'm not leaving you."

He took her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss wishing that it could transfer all his feelings and alleviate her worrying.

--

Tony spent the next days being visited by family and friends.

Everyone was relieved to know he was fine, well almost everyone.

Something was going on with Obie and he knew that the time has come to move on with his plan.

When Helena left for a short visit to the Ministry of Magic, he got another 3D laser scan.

"What are your intentions for this devise, Sir?"

"I want your recommendations to upgrade it, JARVY."

"It is difficult to offer counsel in light of the fact that your stated intentions are inconsistent with your actions."

"What are you talking about? That's ridiculous. That is exactly the purpose of this invention. Thankfully Helena isn't here, you would've worried her, again.''

"The energy yield of this device outperforms your stated intention by eleven orders of magnitude. You could accomplish your stated goal with the power output of a car battery." No one could say that it was easy to fool J.A.R.V.I.S.

Tony stepped from the booth. All around him, calculations flashed at a blinding speed.

"Upgrade recommendations. List."

"Why are you talking to me like I am a computer?"

Ha! Take that you little spy.

"Because you are acting like one. Why did you tell Helena about the previous scans? I got a rough tongue lashing because of your little slip."

"Shall I disable random pattern conversation, then?"

"You should disable repeating everything we discuss to Helena. What happened to you? I remember you having more personality than this."

"Should I deactivate the command about looking after Mrs Stark and answering her questions that you did 4 years ago?"

"You are killing me here. Fine, do whatever you want, I'm washing my hands off you."

"It would thrill me to no end, Sir."

"Damn you, J.A.R.V.I.S."

--

After being bugged by Obie and the reporters for two weeks, Tony decided to hold a press conference. It would kill 2 birds with one stone.

He gazed at the reports feeling confident. "I can't do this anymore,'' he said in a calm voice.

The silence was growing awkward. It seemed everyone was waiting for the Stark punch-line.

Finally, a brave reporter ventured. "You mean you're retiring?"

"Of course not, I'm doing something else. What happened in Afghanistan opened my eyes. I saw my weapons with my name on them in the hands of thugs. I don't want a body count to be my legacy. As of this second, we're freezing the sale of all Stark Weaponry worldwide."

The room went in chaos. Obie stiffened next to him. "OK everyone. What we should take from this is that our Tony is healthier than ever. As soon as he takes some time off, we're going to have an internal discussion and get back to you. Thank you all."

The old coot literally dragged him from the room.

Too late.

He tried to talk him out of his decision but Tony was set on his ways.

Tony gave him his last chance; he showed him the RT keeping him alive.

After weeks of hard work, he finished making the Mark II prototype.

He was surfing mid-air trying to maintain balance when Helena apparated into his lab.

"Baby, please give a man a warning next time."

She helped him get up and gave him a quick kiss. ''How are you doing? I see you discovered the joy of flight."

"It's amazing. I can understand now why you love your broom so much."

"I volunteered to teach you but you refused," she gave him a pout.

Throwing an arm over her shoulder, he kissed her temple. ''I'm not flying on a twig, baby. This is what I know, what I can understand. I think that I've finally found my way."

Helena caressed his beard. ''I know, darling, and I'll support you any way I can. All you have to do is ask."

"Let's take a flight together. B,ring your Firebolt."

"Are you sure it's safe?"

"I'll be with you Mrs Stark, don't worry. If anything goes wrong I'll take over."

"Come on, third wheel will tag along."

--

Tony enjoyed many flights with his wife. She used her cloak or a Disillusionment charm mostly, but he could always feel her next to him.

Sadly, something was still nagging at him.

Gulmira.

Last night he saw the reports on TV and he couldn't sleep.

"What's bothering you?" Helena whispered. They were sleeping- or pretending to be.

"I have some unfinished business in Afghanistan."

She grew still for a moment, then raised her head. Her troubled emerald eyes tried to read him.

"Baby, I'm not the same Tony you knew for the last 4 years. My captivity opened my eyes to a new world. I've always felt bothered by my father's legacy. Why should I waste my life doing his bidding? This is not my destiny. Getting kidnapped and meeting Ho Yinsen showed me the way. I've was lost but now, I can see what I really want. All I have to do is take the first step."

Helena gave him a grim smile. ''I know, Tony. I do understand very well after all, it's the same for me. Why do you think I'm still hunting Dark wizards even though the war is over? I won't stop you. You were there for me when I took my first Auror test and I'll do the same for you, love. But I can't stop worrying about you. You are all I have in this world, I can't lose you."

"You won't lose me, baby. We haven't even created Tony.Jr yet. The world would be doomed."

Helena's soft giggles lifted his spirits.

He couldn't express how much he loved this woman.

Tony kept going on missions in his suit. He tried to reassure her but Helena was worried. No one knew about his secret identity but her, they kept it under wraps.

Rhodey tried to get the ID of the combat robot who was wrecking havoc and dominating the news, but they feigned ignorance.

Helena kept an eye on Stane.

She asked Pepper to find evidence.

Tony provided a device that could hack into Stark Industries' mainframe . She had no time for games anymore, her husband's life was attached to the bloody RT that he wouldn't get rid of and she wouldn't have any surprises.

She strengthened the wards around their home and asked Bill to make a new ring for her husband with more protective charms.

Tony was in the workshop, working on his new gauntlet.

"Mrs Stark, Mr Stane is on the door," J.A.R.V.I.S stated.

Helena checked her wand holster then straightened her back. ''Let him in J.A.R.V.I.S and alert Tony.''

"As you wish."

"Good evening, Helena, I didn't expect you here. Weren't you visiting your relatives in London?"

The bastard tried to look nonchalant but he couldn't hide his disappointment.

Helena gave him a big, fake smile. ''I came back this evening. How are you doing?"

She maintained eye contact while talking.

Her days as a mediocre student of the Mind Arts were over. Now, she was an accomplished Mistress.

She didn't use her secret weapon frequently since it needed too much concentration and consumed a big amount of her magic, but the situation called for it.

Whispering a silent 'Legilimens' she skimmed through his thoughts and what she saw made her raving mad.

Stane was the cause her husband was kidnapped.He asked the Ten Rings to kill him but when they found out about his identity, they wanted to exploit his knowledge. His contact Raza brought him pieces from the destroyed suit, and now he wanted to get his hands on the RT.

Over her dead body.

Her magic made everything in the room shake. She wanted to rip his heart and burn his body.

"Can you call for Tony, please. We have some work to discuss."

"J.A.R.V.I.S, call for Tony."

"Done, Mrs Stark."

"Quite useful. I should ask Tony for one of those," Stane tried to make a light chat, but his body language was saying otherwise.

Tony came running, his eyes were blazingworry with. ''Obadiah, do you need something?"

"Oh, I'd like you to proof read something for me," His smile was all teeth.

"Would you like me to spell check it for you, Sir?" J.A.R.V.S interjected, such a dear boy.

"No need. Can we have a moment alone Tony? It's a sensitive matter."

Helena faked ignorance, what was his game?

"Helena," Tony gave her a meaningful look.

"I'll bring some beverages," she smiled sweetly.

Leaving the room, she threw her invisibility cloak over her body and went back.

Tony seemed perplexed.''It's your resignation."

Stane nodded. ''It's not my company after all, not my name on the building. We were a great team but I guess this is where our paths diverge."

A blip suddenly came from the phone system, making Tony turn his head. Stane took this chance to bring something from his pocket.

Helena didn't think twice before taking off her cloak and holding him at wand end. "Don't even think about it. Move and I'll make you regret the day you were born.''

Tony jumped from his seat. ''Helena..''

''This bastard tried to kill you. He paid the Ten Rings for that. He's trying to take over."

Tony looked shattered. It seemed that even though he had his suspicions, the truth exceeded his wildest dreams. "Obie, how could you?"

Stane's eyes were full with malice. "Bravo Helena. You are more perceptive than your pathetic husband. This is all your fault Tony. Can't you just disappear for good? How can you be so selfish? Do you understand what you've created? It's a miracle; trying to rid the world of weapons you gave it its best one ever."

Tony's voice was full of pain. "This wasn't meant for the world. What will be left if this technology lands in the wrong hands?"

"You know Tony, your father was right. He told me before he died that you don't have a warrior's heart."

"Shut your mouth! His father was a bastard just like you. You know nothing about Tony. You are just a bunch of murderers."

"Helena, I almost forget you were here. Such a wife you have Tony. Where did you find this angel? Do you even deserve something so rare, so exquisite? I'm sure she can find better alternatives, even though she's quite strange. Do you think you can defend your husband with a twig?"

Tony jumped at Obadiah, his fist raised. The sneaky wanker smiled and gripped the syringe, aiming at her husband's side.

But before he could move, Helena raised her wand and thought 'Expulso'.

The force of her spell threw him Five meters away.He crashed on the stair leading to the workshop and remained motionless.

"Baby, are you alright?" Tony rushed to her, checking her body.

She caught his face between her still shaking hands."I'm fine. Did the syringe touch your skin? He was trying to inject you with something or maybe kill you."

"No, I'm peachy. You caught him first. Raven... I think he's dead."

Helena moved cautiously towards Stane, wand still raised.

His eyes were unblinking and a pool of blood was forming under his head.

Checking his pulse she found none.

Turning around, she found Tony looking pale and squeezing his eyes shut.

She ran towards him and took him in her arms. "I didn't mean to, but I'll do it again if I have to. I'll raze this world to keep you safe. You are mine to love, mine to protect."

Tony squeezed her to his chest, burying his face into her neck. "Same to you baby, same to you."

--

After the incident, They told Rhodey and Pepper everything.

Their friends were dismayed at being kept in the dark, but they forgave them.

Obadiah Stane's sudden death was shaking the country. They prepared a good alibi before Tony held a press conference. Their new acquaintance; Phil Coulson helped a lot.

How did he know about all this was bewildering, but she would take care of his matter later.

Finally, her husband was free.

Death's worlds came true.

"Who is the Iron Man?" Tony snickered at Pepper.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Mr Stark," Pepper rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Helena joined them. She was wearing one of his 'Black Sabbath' T-shirts under her leather jacket. Her long hair was held in a sleek ponytail. With her black distressed jeans and her leather boots, she was looking gorgeous. He couldn't wait to have some time alone with her at home. He missed her like hell.

"Leave Pepper alone and concentrate on your speech. The faster you do it, the faster we leave,'' she gave him a sly look.

"Baby, they are calling me 'Iron Man'. It's not technically accurate, since it's mostly carbon fiber and ceramic. But I like the ring of it."

"Don't you dare or I'll make you regret it." His raven glared at him as he tried to look innocent.He failed miserably.

He walked out followed by Helena and Pepper who stood at the sideline.

Rhodey was finishing his speech. "I can confirm that there was, for a brief time, the danger of an Ark Reactor incident, which was rectified without injury to the public and all power outages have been restored. Here now, to answer a few brief questions, is Tony Stark."

Tony took the podium and raised a hand to silence the bubbling questions. "I've seen the papers, I've heard the reports, that's why I want to put an end the all this wild speculation. The truth is…."

He looked at Rhodey who was shaking his head and mouthing 'no', at Pepper who went still and clenched her hands, and finally, at Helena who was looking exasperated.

When their eyes locked, he winked at her. She gave him a smirk and nodded once.

"I am Iron Man."

Chapter Text

~Six months later~

Helena knew that something was wrong with her husband.

Since his return from Afghanistan, he was acting strange.

He couldn't sleep. He suffered from nightmares almost nightly unless he took a dreamless sleep potion, and even though he was an adrenaline junkie, he was acting more recklessly than usual.

She sighed as she massaged her temples. She should've seen this coming.

After all, she had a history with the same signs.

Tony had PTSD and she didn't want to press him to open up. He told her everything that happened in captivity. She saw the torment and grief in his eyes when he was talking about Yinsen and she didn't have the heart to ask him to undergo the same painful experience again.

But she had to do something. Her husband was slipping further every single day.

And if it wasn't enough, she had her troubles to think about too.

Death's visits became almost regular. Her unwanted new friend took a great pleasure in popping up whenever he felt like it.

What worried her most was the purpose of these unprompted visits.

He told her that even though the Hallows were activated, she didn't have full control over them yet and that was why she was absorbing spells and curses from the Peverell's grimoire and torturing herself daily in the training room in order to better herself and reach her full potential.

From what she gathered, her trials weren't over yet. Some danger was lurking in the shadows and the bloody bastard wouldn't elaborate further no matter how much she begged or threatened.

She might have been reckless before but not anymore.

She had Tony now, she wouldn't let him down again.

She'd destroy this world just to ensure his safety. She wasn't the same naive little girl that let Voldemort hit her with the Killing Curse, she was Lady Black Potter wife of Tony Stark.

"Mrs Stark, Miss Potts is on the door," J.A.R.V.I.S' voice startled her.

"Let her in, JARVY."

"As you wish."

Pepper looked disturbed which alarmed her. "Pepper, are you alright? Did something happen to Tony?''

''Yes. Something definitely happened to him."

Helena's heartbeat skyrocketed. "What do you mean?"

"Helena, Tony gave me his position as chairman and CEO of SI."

She couldn't believe her ears.

What was he thinking? She thought that work was the only thing that could put him back on track. She didn't like how much time he spent in the workshop.

"Well congratulations. Not that I think you are unworthy, it's quite the opposite, but did he explain why?"

Pepper swallowed before giving her a sad look. ''After the Senate hearing, he became even more edgy and closed off. People on TV saw him trashing Stern and Hammer with a happy smile on his face. the truth, he was immensely bothered by their attempt at taking possession of his suits. It made things worse. He can't concentrate anymore. And now, he wants to devote all his time to the stupid Expo. He handed me over his position this morning and even signed the transfer papers," Pepper looked down at her hands.

"Hey, it's not your fault," Helena tried to sooth her friend. "Something is wrong with Tones. I knew that the kidnapping would leave a scar but this is so much even for someone as eccentric as him. We have to found out what's he's planning. I wish I hadn't promised to never use Legilimency on him without his consent. I so need to look into his brain right now."

Pepper held her clenched palm gently and gave her a wobbly smile. "Don't worry, Helena. We'll get to the bottom of this. I'll do my best to protect the company for now and you try to talk sense into his thick head. I'm weary of the Expo he wants to hold. It can bring many problems and we have enough to last for a lifetime."

Helena closed her eyes and sighed. ''Oh I know. He keeps provoking people and acquiring enemies. He may be smarter and richer, but it doesn't give him the right to treat them like this even if most of them deserve it. I thought that getting rid of Stane would set his mind at ease since he can finally manage SI as he always wanted, and he did start heading that way but something happened."

Pepper held her silence looking pensive for a while. "Helena, you have to find out what's going on fast. I have a bad feeling about this Expo and let's not forget about Stern and the US Army, they're not giving up on the suits. This could end very badly and I dread Tony's reaction if what I fear becomes true."

Helena closed her eyes feeling a headache coming. ''J.A.R.V.I.S, is Tony still in the workshop?"

"Yes, Mrs Stark. I reminded him that he exceeded the working hours you set for him daily, but he refused to leave."

She gritted her teeth. She would levitate him if she had too. This was getting ridiculous. "Very well, don't tell him I'm coming."

"Of course not."

Helena smiled despite the gloomy atmosphere. "You're the best, you know that right?"

Pepper stood and straightened her skirt. "I have to leave now. Good luck, Helena. I hope you can solve this ASAP.''

Helena gave her a quick hug before straightening her shoulders and heading toward Tony's temple or what he called 'The Workshop'.

It was time to confront her wayward husband.

Tony was feeling depressed, a feeling he hadn't experienced since he met his wife.

He was used to it as he grew up. Howard made sure that this his life was miserable and the moment he escaped his clutches, he tried to bury his troubles and sorrow in alcohol and women but it never worked, not really.

It ruined his relationships and put his life in danger numerous times.

He didn't regret that page of his life.It was a lesson, a dark road that led him to his happiness. Maybe it was customary to suffer before obtaining the ultimate bliss, or so he thought.

Fate, Hoodie's twin and the cheapest bitch he knew of wasn't done with him yet. Now, he had to experience real fear for the first time ever.

He was no longer the reckless, devil-may-care drunkard billionaire. He was a husband, a Godfather, a brother and a family man. He had people to take care of and who would be overcome with grief if what he dreaded happened.

The fucking Arc Reactor that was supposed to save his life was slowly killing him.

Everyone around thought that he was going crazy while in fact, he wanted some time to solve this problem.

And so, he looked day and night for a cure.

He even gave his position to Pepper, which was something he considered for a while.

He was an engineer, a scientist. Office policies and boring board meetings weren't his thing.

The door opened making him sigh inwardly. He didn't want to worry her, quite the opposite.

"Tony, we need to talk." When he lifted his head, he noticed her Duelling stance. Her beautiful face was impassive and her arms were crossed over her chest.

It gutted him to see the weariness in her emerald eyes. He hated nothing more than to cause her pain.

Tony squeezed his eyes shut fighting the sleepiness. ''Baby, there's nothing to worry about. I'm working on something that's why I'm a little busy, but I'm almost there."

Helena looked into his eyes before she hissed.

Oh shit, not now. "Tony fucking Stark, if you don't start talking right now I'll make you and so help me. I'll crack the head you're so proud of if I have too, but I'm not leaving this place till you spill it all. You'd better start, you bloody wanker.''

His eyes widened and he forgot all about his exhaustion when her eyes glowed laser green and her wild hair started floating around her face.

Holy shit! Even though he was a dying man, he didn't want to accelerate the process.

Damn Death and his big gob. Why did he ask her to read that cursed Grimoire? Helena was already so powerful, definitely the strongest witch on earth from what he gathered, and now he was having a green-eyed monster under his roof.

He shivered. He would get his revenge on the faceless peace-wrecker no matter what.

"Raven, please calm down, I…..I have a problem," he couldn't finish the sentence damn it, and so he looked down maintaining his distance and keeping his face averted.

But his wife wasn't one to back up from a confrontation.

She stalked him, a dark expression on her face and damn him....The way she was looking on the verge of killing him with her glare was hotter than hell.

She leaned over him as she whispered. ''OK, keep talking."

He turned around on his stool and came face to face with the Mistress of Death in all her fabled glory.

Inky darkness was eclipsing the green of her eyes, and even though he was a helpless Squib, he sensed the shift in the air.

"Helena, there is a problem with the Arc Reactor. It's not functioning as it should be."

He tried to give her the abbreviated version,hoping against hope that she would believe him.

His silly dream was trashed when she inclined her head to the side like the predator she was and got a lot closer, pressing her palms against the desk and caging him with her arms.

Fucking hell! She was killing him.

He hadn't slept with her since the skin in his chest became too damaged, feigning sleep and fatigue to mask the disturbing truth but he was definitely no monk.

He missed having her in his arms and dominating her in bed knowing that he was the only man allowed to do so, that she could make him disappear for good with one word from her plump, bloody lips. However, she allowed him to have all of her; her body, her soul and her heart.

"And?" she said sweetly as her nailed caressed his jaw.

Well, there was no way he could keep this from her; no human could win against a Goddess. "It's the palladium, baby, my blood toxicity is rising and I have to find a new element soon, very soon."

Before he could understand what was going on, she muttered something under her breath and he found himself shoved against the wall, feet dangling a few centimeters from the ground.

Holy shit.

Without waiting, she grabbed his beloved Black Sabbath shirt tearing it in two and exposing his secret.

Her attention dipped to the blue veins surrounding the hole in his chest and her jaw hardened as her eyes flicked to his. They swirled with repressed anger. ''How could you, Tony? How could you hide this from me,'' she said in a very low voice, which meant she was beyond enraged. "Were you planning to leave me for good without even a notice? How dare you do this to me?"

She took a step back and eyed him like she wasn't quite sure how to act.

Tony was too shocked to speak so the moment she released him from her spell, he lunged engulfing her in his arms and squeezing her lean frame. ''I'm sorry, baby. I'm terribly sorry. I thought that I can solve this shit without worrying you. Please believe me."

She remained quiet for a moment. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke. "So what are we going to do?"

He remained solemn as he tucked her head under his chin. "Now, I will continue my research because I won't give up. I'm not leaving you, raven. Even Hoodie said that I still have so much to give to this world, and even though it kills me to admit so, I believe the bloody menace."

Helena pulled back to look at him. "Tony, why don't you let some healers check your chest? Maybe we'll find a cure with magic."

''Honey, we discussed this before. The shards are very close to my heart and honestly, I trust no one with something so delicate, no offense meant. The day I decide to get rid of the RT, which is not today, I'll explore the different options but not now, please baby."

Helena intertwined their fingers.''I'll give you some time Tones but not much. I'll drag your arse to hell if I have to but I won't let you die on me.''

His lips were on her, hot and savage echoed by the movement of his hands before he could think.

Whatever cold surrounded him, he no longer felt.

He was safe in her arms, if only for a little while, they were warm and familiar and comforting.

Really, he couldn't think of a better way to go. He didn't want to know what was coming. He only wanted to feel surrounded by his raven's love.

An unwanted voice cut the beauty of their moment short. "I finished the scans like you asked, Sir. Your blood toxicity is 23%. It appears that the continued use of the Iron Man suit is accelerating your condition. This core is depleted. You have to change it in twenty-seven minutes."

"Damn you, J.A.R.V.I.S. I'll dismantle you first. I don't care if I have to die after."

Helena jumped from his arms and screamed. ''Tony!''

Helena was certain that Tony wanted to distract her. He knew that she wasn't convinced after their heart-to-heart talk.

And so, he insisted that they visit Monaco for his birthday this year.

He planned to have his customary fancy party and since they both liked speed, they would stop by the Monaco Grand Prix where they would cheer for Stark Industries' driver and have some fun.

It went according to plan. They took a plane to Monaco accompanied by Happy and Pepper, checked in Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo and after a short nap, prepared for the party.

It still amazed Helena how unbothered her husband was with the awe and devastation he left behind while strutting in his black tuxedo.

They were so alike yet so different.

She found it hard to engage with huge crowds and hated the attention and the gazes full of lust and jealousy that followed her everywhere.

Tony was undoubtedly a social butterfly.

The murmured voices and rhythmic thumping of the music lulled her into semi-consciousness. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, soaking up the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Her friends were late as expected from the Weasleys.

Male laughter erupted suddenly.

She turned and watched Tony with a woman, his dimples highlighting his bright smile, engaging her in a discussion.

''That's Natalie Rushman, a new notary in our company and Tony's current PA," Helena jumped at the sound of Pepper's voice.

Her eyebrows pulled together when she asked. ''And what is she doing here? I didn't know that SI employees were invited."

Pepper looked at her over the rim of her flute with a smile lighting her face. "Well, as his PA she can attend. Why, are you jealous, Mrs Stark?"

Helena huffed and rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I absolutely trust Tony but I hate the way she clings to him and follows his every move. Something about her makes me uncomfortable."

Pepper studied for a moment and her eyes widened. "You're right. If I add up everything I know about her, it looks like this whole PA thing was staged. She wanted to get close to him from the start."

Helena pursed her lips. "Well, I believe it's time I save the bloody fool, again, and learn this notary's real intentions."

While she sauntered toward her target, Helena noticed that there was something about her that went beyond her super hot, bad girl, fighter good looks which would make any guy fall at her feet.

Her curly red hair was reaching her shoulders creating a bloody curtain and drawing all the attention to the contrast it made with her bright green eyes. Her looks alone were enough to leave a trail of broken hearts in her wake.

But it was the rapt expression she wore that made her threatening. It was as if nothing escaped her hawk gaze.

Helena's Auror instincts flared and she could feel her magic waiting for her permission to get free and attack its prey.

This woman screamed danger.

Thankfully, she wasn't the only one heading towards the duo. Elon Musk was there too pretending to talk to Tony while his ravenous eyes devoured Rushman.

Bingo.

Men's one-track mind could come in handy in times like these.

"Hello Mrs Stark, long time no see. How are you doing?" Musk greeted her warmly.

She gave him a sugary smile. "Mr Musk, how are you? I hope you're finding this party to your liking."

He looked at Rushman, giving her a flirtatious smile. "It's absolutely magnificent. We can't have a boring Stark party, right Tony?"

Tony cracked a smug grin. "Of course not. I have a reputation to keep, you know.''

When the redhead beauty completely ignored his advances, Musk sighed and concentrated on her husband, who was looking amused. "Hey Ton, I've got an idea for an electric jet."

"You do?" The rascal's grin widened.

"Yeah. Care to hear it?"

Tony pressed a quick kiss on her cheek before leading his friend away."Let's make it work buddy."

At last Helena was alone with Natalie Rushman, whose smile slipped all of a sudden.

She tried to catch her eye and have a quick scan of her peripheral thoughts but she failed.

It was like this woman was evading her gaze on purpose.

Could it be …?

"So, you are Tony's new PA?"

"That would be me. Nice to meet you, Mrs Stark, I am Natalie Rushman." The redhead remained steadfast in her indifference.

Helena needed to shake her of it while playing her cards carefully. It wouldn't do to draw more attention to herself.

She inclined her head while formulating a plan knowing that it was time to embrace her Slytherin side.

She flashed her a sugary smile as she crossed her arms over her chest. "What are your real intentions towards Tony?"

Rushman's head jerked up so fast and her wide eyes met Helena's.

Helena attacked at once. She didn't need her wand most of the time now, and her Mind Magic was on its way to become something spectacular.

Thinking 'Legilimens', she took a look at the PA's outer thoughts.

What she found made her swear inwardly.

She could feel rage burning in her blood and she feared that she wouldn't be able to control her magic for long.

The temperature was already dropping around them.

"Please, come with me," she ordered with a cold voice then turned around knowing that the redhead would follow.

When they were out of the prying eyes, she froze her in place with a single thought, leaving her no choice but to cooperate.

"Why did he send you?" she asked without preamble.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Please, let me go, Mrs Stark," Romanoff's voice remained calm despite the fear she read in her eyes.

"Natasha Romanoff or should I call you 'The Black Widow'? You know that you will start talking, don't make use other….unpleasant methods. After all, you know exactly who I am. right?"

Finally, she managed to shake S.H.I.E.L.D's toughest spy.

The Black widow sighed seeming resigned to her fate. "Helena Potter, no need for that. We're on the same side."

Helena laughed bitterly before releasing her captive.

Pinning her with laser green eyes, she hissed. "Did the bastard send you?"

Chapter Text

Nick Fury was waiting for her in a nearby restaurant.

She met the Director of SHIELD a couple of years ago thanks to their British Liaison.

It was no surprise that the seasoned Agent knew of their world.

He directed many missions in collaboration with MACUSA and made sure that the existence of their world was kept a secret.

He tried to recruit her. Plenty of times. But she refused.

She had many responsibilities as it was and did not fancy joining a super boy secret organization that hunted overpowered, supernatural beings as Fury liked to put it.

It didn’t help that her reputation preceded her wherever she went.

Fury ravenously coveted her powers and considered her the only diamond that he would accept for his crown.

His piercing eye studied her as she prowled toward him.

“What do you want? Why have you sent The Black Widow?” she didn’t have enough patience for his ploys and riddles. His presence in Moncao could only mean one thing.

Danger.

“That’s no way to greet an old friend, Helena,” he smirked.

“Really? I see no friends here.” She took a seat facing him.

“You wound me, Auror Potter-Stark,” he took a sip from his drink.

“As if you have feelings, to begin with. Start talking, Fury. You know that the serum in your blood is no match for my magic.”

He faked a sigh and tapped his fingers over the table. “Fine. I want Tony Stark to join my organization.”

Helena’s brows lifted. “Sorry, but I’m afraid I didn’t catch the last bit.”

Determination shone in Fury’s eye as he sat back and crossed heavy arms over his parking lot of a chest. “I plan to recruit your husband. He’s the most brilliant mind this country has produced in years. He controls one of the most powerful technologies in the world and—“

“And you can’t help but be a bastard for you know that I would follow Tones wherever he goes,” she finished for him.

Fury shrugged and her eyes narrowed on the most stubborn brute she had the displeasure of meeting. “That’s thrice you’ve asked for something I don’t want to give. I would never give up on my freedom or that of Tony. You have no idea how much we worked for it. A bastard like you would never understand,” Helena‘s lips hardened to an angry slash.

Fury froze, his leg comically raised midair because he had been in the process of hooking his ankle on his knee.

His size fourteen leather shit-kickers hit the floor like a bomb. “Helena Potter Stark, I’ll let this slide because you’re so special to me and I don’t want to lose the seemingly one-sided friendship we have. You know nothing about my past so I can’t blame you.”

Helena tried but couldn’t hold back the apologetic look on her face.

She allowed it to show for a few seconds before her face closed off.

She was definitely sensing a backstory there but she didn’t care.

Tony’s safety was all that mattered.

“There is a big danger threatening Earth’s safety. Our world won’t remain the same if what I fear happens. None of my Agents knows about this. I need your help and that of your husband, Helena. I’m not joking around here,” Fury’s jaw clenched and she heard the sincerity in his voice.

“What—‘’ She started.

‘’Not now. I’ll let you know soon, though,” he interrupted her unsaid question, roughly clearing the thickness from his throat. “I know what’s going on with Tony Stark. The stubborn bastard is dying.”

“So, you sent your lapdog to sniff around?” Helena’s eyes frosted over. “How dare you send the Black Widow to Stark Industries?”

“I did it for Tony’s protection. We know that he’s prone to self-destructive tendencies and stubborn as hell. He’s a narcissist, too. But we need his expertise. We need Iron Man. Earth needs Iron Man,” Fury explained.

“And what will we get in exchange if we supposedly agree to your mad plan?” Helena demanded sarcastically.

“We gathered enough Data about the sick bastard who’s been working with Justin Hammer to ruin the Stark Expo. It’s Ivan Vanko; a Soviet Physicist who managed to escape from Kopeisk prison thanks to Hammer’s assistance. He blames the Starks for his father’s death and plans to have revenge. He’s been working on building a miniature Arc Reactor for months. They’re planning an attack,” Fury smirked, pleased with himself.

Helena muttered expletives under her breath.

Was she fated to worry about her husband’s safety forever?

The wonker couldn’t help but gain more foes every passing day.

“Also, I have something that might help with his Arc Reactor,” he said. “Howard Stark left it in SHIELD’s custody before the accident and I believe it’s time Tony gets his father’s last message.”

Regardless of the reasons he had cited, Helena couldn’t help but worry.

She was aware that no one in both worlds could compare with the man sitting across from her, there was no contest.

Fury’s knowledge and resources were unparalleled.

He could always predict what was going to take place and react accordingly just as quickly.

He possessed an impressive intelligence that nearly matched Tony’s. But while her husband’s passion lay with technology, Fury’s main concern was protecting this world from all kinds of threats.

He was cold and heartless and the worst bastard of them all, but he was a necessary evil.

If the threat he was talking about was real, she couldn’t help but wonder if she should consider his offer more seriously.

But first—

‘’When do you plan to hand over Howard Statk’s message? I’m afraid Tony’s heart can’t wait for your mood swings.”

Fury stood and offered his hand. “I won’t keep you waiting, Helena Potter Stark. Agent Romanoff is been removed from this job as we speak. Her cover has been blown. She’ll shadow Hammer and Vanko from now on. I will pay Tony a visit later,” he shook her hand.

“Don’t keep me waiting, Fury. You won’t like the outcome if something happens to Tony.”

“I wouldn’t dare, Wizarding World’s Saviour.’’ The one-eyed Director winked.

“Call me that again and you won’t have an eye to wink with for starters,” Helena growled.

“JARVIS! You traitor! How dare you let this man into my workshop, my temple? I’m wounded, buddy,” Tony gasped in indignation.

“It was Mrs Stark’s orders, Sir. She believes he had the Data we need.”

“Nevertheless, my orders were clear. I swear to God I’m more tempted than ever to dismantle you. I’m going to soak your motherboard and turn you into a wine rack.”

“You cannot do that, Sir. First, I’m your best friend and second, Mrs Stark would kill you if you even try.”

“The smug bastard,” Tony grumbled.

He took a hearty bite from his doughnut as he glared at Nick Fury. “Do I look like a patch on the eye, good sir? Just my luck, my best friend betrayed me for a pirate.”

“I don’t have much time and a certain witch threatened me with bodily harm if I dragged this matter for longer. I’ll get straight to the point, you have a problem I plan to help you solve it.”

“Whoa! What did you just say? JARVIS, have you recorded that? Fury is offering his help for free.”

“Done, Sir,” JARVIS said.

“For—‘’ Nick Fury swore, “Take this,” he produced a syringe.

“What’s this? Are you planning to drug me and steal my kidney? JARVIS, film everything. I want to be avenged after my death."

Fury growled before he jumped on him.

Swiftly, he hit him with the injection.

“That’s lithium dioxide. It’s going to take the edge off and abate the symptoms until you find the cure,” Fury explained. “We need you back, Tony. Even though I hate your guts, I have to admit that you’re the best at what you do.”

Tony wilted in his chair. “I’ve been looking for a good replacement for palladium for months. I’ve tried every combination and every permutation of the element. Nothing worked.”

Fury cocked his head to the side, reminding him of a poisonous Cobra. “You haven’t tried everything. Here, take this.”

He handed him a small box.

“I don’t like being handed things,’’ Tony waved him off.

“This is your father’s legacy,” Fury said solemnly. “He said you were the only person with the knowledge to finish what he started. Are you that guy? Because if you are, you will solve the riddle using your brains and whatever he left for you.”

--

Ton eyed the box warily.

His father was a cold and calculating bastard. He never expressed kindness or care. How could he believe that the man who couldn’t wait to ship him off to a boarding school believed in his talent?

He was stumped over the news but time was of the essence.

He couldn’t let his raven and those who counted on him down.

He wasn't that affection-starved kid anymore.

“Ok, we’re doing this. JARVIS, could you kindly Vac-U-Form a digital wireframe? I need a manipulatable projection.”

“Already did that, Sir. Mrs Stark would be thrilled by the news.”

“You’re hopeless, you know?” Tony sighed as he lifted the blue projection away from the model.

“Show me,” he clicked his fingers and the model began to spin and lift upright. “What does it look to you JARVIS? I see….an atom. Highlight the Unisphere and lose the footpaths.”

“What are you looking for, Sir?”

“A new element” he looked at the model that resembled a nucleus. “Dad,” he groaned. “He’s dead for almost 20 years and still teaching me things.”

“The proposed element should serve as a viable replacement for palladium, Sir.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Tony grinned as the triangle in the centre began to glow blue.

“Congratulations, Sir. You have created a new element.” JARVIS placed it into the Arc Reactor. “The Reactor has accepted the modified core. I’ll start running diagnostics.”

“Do it, JARVY, and assemble the suit while you’re at it. Put it together, I believe we’ll need it soon.

“Yes, Sir.”

Tony closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

He did it.

He beat all the odds and thanks to his father’s surprise, created the cure.

A smile played over his lips as Helena’s perfume roared up his nose.

She smelled of warm, dripping honey. Sweet and delectable.

His raven glided inside.

Her piercing eyes took everything in as she moved closer to him until she sat on his lap. She looped her arms around his neck and let her head drop on his shoulder.

“So, have you managed to find it?” she kissed his jaw.

“So, your husband is a genius,” he hugged her closer, drowning in the feeling of home he missed all his life.

A slow grin spread across her face and kicked him square in the heart. “I don’t have to kill Fury, then. Not yet at least.”

Her hand came to play with his dishevelled hair.

“I know it’s hard to resist the temptation, raven. I can’t believe he managed to outsmart me with his Triple Imposter stunt,” he pouted.

“Poor Baby,” Helena soothed as he played patterns on his skin, her legs flexing around his waist. “You’ll have your revenge, Tony. But first, we have to get rid of Vanko.”

“Who said I haven’t started working on that?” he tilted her chin up and stole a quick kiss.

His lips curled at the corners when her eyes narrowed. “I won’t let the bastard ruin the Stark Expo.”