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14 Tony's Return
🕑 Added 2024-08-09 18:15:10 +0000 UTCWhenever the door of the café chimed open, Harry would gaze towards it with a mixture of hope and dread. Ever since his meeting with the Ancient One three months ago, Harry had struggled to rein in his urge to rush to Tony’s side and bring him back home. Each day had been a test of his resolve, and more often than not, he found himself on the brink of breaking.
Countless nights, Harry paced the floors of the café, his mind plagued with worry. The image of Tony, captive and suffering, haunted him. Every news update about Stark Industries or the conflict in Afghanistan sent a wave of anxiety crashing over him. His wand hand itched, ready to take action, but Yao’s words echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the bigger picture.
Yao herself was never far. She seemed to sense the exact moment Harry's resolve wavered. It helped that she had access to powers that controlled time, allowing her to know exactly when Harry's resolve broke. She would appear, sometimes with a gentle reminder, other times with a firm hand. Their encounters were fraught with tension, and many escalated into heated arguments.
“Why are you stopping me?” Harry would shout, his frustration boiling over.
“Because it’s not your place to intervene,” Yao would reply calmly, her eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom.
The fights were intense, magical duels that shook the very walls of the café. Spells clashed and energies flared, but in the end, Yao always emerged victorious, her power undeniable.
A few days ago, Pepper had burst into the café, breathless and eyes wide with excitement. "Harry, they've found him! Tony's been found!" she had exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and joy. It was only then that Harry felt the tension in his chest begin to ease. The constant worry, the sleepless nights, the relentless urge to act—all of it started to melt away.
His friend was safe. Tony was coming home.
Since then, Harry had been unable to sit still. Every few minutes, he checked his phone, his heart leaping with every notification. The anticipation was almost unbearable. The past three months of fear and frustration had built up inside him. His inability to go and help his friend was gnawing at his guilty conscience. and now, the dam was about to break.
When Pepper finally called to confirm Tony’s arrival, Harry could barely contain his excitement. "He's coming straight here to Lily's. Tony wants cheeseburgers," she had said, her tone light with amusement.
Harry chuckled, a genuine smile breaking across his face for the first time in what felt like ages. Of course, Tony would want cheeseburgers. It was such a Tony thing to do. The familiar request grounded him, making the surreal reality of Tony's return feel more tangible.
Harry had closed the café for the day, ensuring they had privacy for Tony's return. He busied himself in the kitchen, preparing a small feast, every dish infused with his eagerness and relief. The aroma of comfort food filled the air, mingling with the anticipation that hung heavy in the café.
The door chimed again, and Harry's heart raced. He wiped his hands on a towel and hurried to the entrance. As Tony and the gang stepped inside, Harry's eyes locked onto his friend, and in an instant, he was across the room.
"Tony!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of joy and relief.
Without hesitation, Harry enveloped Tony in a tight hug, holding him as if he might disappear again. The tension of the past three months melted away in that embrace. Tony, looking a bit worn but still with that familiar spark in his eyes, patted Harry's back reassuringly.
“You should have gone to the hospital first,” Harry scolded, his eyes narrowing with concern. “I would have made you cheeseburgers regardless and got them delivered to you.”
Tony smiled, a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. “No, I’ve rested enough. There are more important things to do than resting.”
“What are you talking about? You just came back from captivity after three months. You need to ensure everything is all right. Even if you’re not hurt, you should at least get a full body checkup done,” Harry insisted, his tone firm yet worried.
Tony chuckled, shaking his head. “I already got that done when the military found me. I’m fine, really,” he reassured, his voice softening. “Now, let’s have some cheeseburgers. I’ve got something important to talk to you about.”
Harry sighed, a mix of relief and lingering worry in his expression. “Alright, take a seat and I’ll get you some food.”
Tony patted Harry on the shoulder. “Thanks, Mom,” he quipped, heading to a table with a relaxed grin.
As Harry busied himself in the kitchen, he couldn't help but glance over at Tony. The man seemed almost unchanged, still exuding that same confidence and charm. But Harry knew better; there had to be something different, something Tony wasn’t saying. He prepared the food with care, adding a little extra to show his relief.
Returning with a tray laden with cheeseburgers, fries, and drinks, Harry set it down in front of Tony. “Here you go. Eat up.”
Tony didn’t waste any time and started devouring the food in front of him. Pepper and Harry gave him space to eat to his heart’s content, watching silently as he ate with a voracious appetite. Once he had his fill, Tony nursed his drink, his demeanour shifting from relieved to somber.
“I should have died in Afghanistan,” Tony began gravely, his voice tinged with the weight of his ordeal. He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a metal plate glowing with a blue hue embedded in his chest.
“What is that in your chest, Tony?” Pepper asked, her voice trembling with concern. Harry, too, couldn’t mask the shock on his face.
Tony sighed, the memory of his near-death experience clearly haunting him. “It’s a miniaturized arc reactor,” he explained. “If it hadn’t been for the conversation, we had about the arc reactor before I left for Afghanistan, I might not have made it back alive. When I was attacked, one of my own missiles exploded right next to me. The explosion embedded several pieces of shrapnel into my chest, dangerously close to my heart. To stop it from entering my heart, an electromagnet has been attached to my chest, powered by this arc reactor.”
Pepper gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock, while Harry gritted his teeth, anger and worry flashing in his eyes. “Tony, that’s... that’s insane,” Harry managed to say, his voice choked with emotion. “You could have died out there.”
“What happened out there, Tony?” Harry asked, his voice laced with concern.
Tony’s gaze flickered to a distant memory, his jaw tightening with unresolved emotions. “I had my eyes open. The weapons I built to protect were turned against innocents. They called me a mass murderer and celebrated it.” His voice wavered with bitterness, and Pepper gently squeezed his hand, silently urging him to continue.
“Harry, when we first met, you said it wasn’t the weapons that defined me. You believed I could leave a legacy beyond arms manufacturing. Afghanistan made me realize the consequences of my creations. Stark Industries needs to be accountable for what it puts into the world. So, that's what I am going to do.”
Harry observed the transformation in Tony, his resolve shining through the weariness. He understood now why Yao had urged restraint, knowing this reckoning would shape Tony’s future far more profoundly.
“I want to pivot Stark Industries in a new direction, and that’s why I’ve called for the press conference today. Will you two help me?” Tony turned to Harry and Pepper, seeking their support.
Pepper and Harry exchanged a knowing look, a shared relief at Tony’s safe return mingling with hope for a brighter future.
Pepper met Harry’s gaze with a reassuring nod, her confidence in Tony’s decision unwavering. “Absolutely,” Harry affirmed, his voice steady with conviction. “We’re with you, Tony.”
Harry arrived at the Stark Industries headquarters slightly later than Tony and Pepper. The bustling energy of journalists and photographers at the entrance made slipping into the conference room a quiet affair
The conference hall was expansive, adorned with sleek, minimalist décor that spoke of modernity and innovation. Polished steel accents complemented the pristine white walls, creating a backdrop that accentuated the gravity of the event about to unfold. Rows of seats were neatly arranged facing a raised platform where a podium awaited Tony Stark's address.
As Harry entered, he noticed a familiar figure standing off to the side—a composed and attentive Phil Coulson, his presence a reassuring constant amidst the flurry of activity. Coulson acknowledged Harry with a nod, his demeanour professional yet approachable.
“What are you doing here?” Harry’s voice held a hint of guardedness as he approached Phil, his gaze probing.
“Harry.” Phil greeted him with a nod, offering a handshake that was met with a slightly reserved response. “How have you been?”
Harry’s demeanour remained cold, a lingering distance evident in his tone. Ever since Natasha had been injured, Harry had grown distant from Phil, still harbouring some resentment for not being informed sooner. “Cut to the chase, Phil. Why did Fury send you?”
Phil sighed softly, his usually stoic expression softening with understanding. “I’ve been sent to interview Tony Stark about his experience with the Ten Rings and his escape from captivity.”
Harry’s brow furrowed thoughtfully, his mind racing through the implications. “What’s SHIELD concerned about?”
“There are two main concerns,” Phil replied evenly, meeting Harry’s gaze directly. “Firstly, the possibility that Tony negotiated his freedom by offering weapons to the Ten Rings. Secondly, and more concerning, is the possibility that he’s been indoctrinated and will willingly supply them with funds and weapons.”
Harry nodded slowly, weighing the scenarios with a seriousness that spoke of his own protective instincts. “Both scenarios pose a significant threat to global security, but I don’t believe Tony would do either. You can assure Fury that I’ll be keeping a close watch on Tony, just in case.”
“Thank you, Harry.” Phil’s gratitude was evident, his professional demeanour softening briefly. Before more could be said, their conversation was interrupted by Pepper, who approached them with purpose.
“Harry, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” Pepper said with a mix of relief and urgency.
“Miss Potts,” Coulson greeted Pepper politely.
“Yes?” Pepper replied, slightly taken aback by the formal greeting.
“Can I speak with you for a moment?” Coulson asked, his demeanour professional yet insistent. Pepper glanced at Harry, silently seeking guidance.
Harry nodded subtly, indicating she should hear Phil out.
“I’m not part of the press conference, but it’s about to begin,” Pepper interjected, trying to politely dismiss him.
“I’m not a reporter. I’m Agent Phil Coulson with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division,” Phil clarified, handing Pepper his business card.
“That’s quite a mouthful,” Pepper remarked casually, eliciting a chuckle from Harry.
“I know. We’re working on it,” Phil replied with a hint of dry humour, shooting Harry a pointed look.
“You know, we’ve already been approached by the DEA, FBI, CIA…” Pepper began, attempting to deflect.
“We’re a separate division with a more specific focus. We need to debrief Mr. Stark about the circumstances of his escape,” Phil explained calmly but firmly.
“I’ll make a note of it,” Pepper replied evasively, trying to politely end the conversation.
“Thank you,” Phil acknowledged, stepping back and nodding to Harry before moving away.
As the press conference commenced, Tony's whimsical request for everyone to sit on the floor elicited bemused looks from Pepper and Harry. They exchanged a shrug, accustomed to Tony's unpredictable nature, and complied with a hint of amusement. Rhodey arrived just then, his expression a mix of confusion and concern at the unusual sight.
“What’s going on here?” Rhodey asked, his brow furrowing as he took in the scene.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Pepper replied, offering a wry smile, while Harry raised his hands in mock surrender, signalling his ignorance alongside hers.
Ignoring Tony's beginning remarks to the press, Harry turned to Rhodey, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt.
“Why didn’t you let me join the search party?” Harry’s tone was direct, edged with disappointment. “I know I could have been invaluable. I’ve operated in Afghanistan before and faced the Ten Rings. My experience could have made a difference.”
It wasn't just about magic; Harry knew his insights into the region's complexities and the enemy's tactics could have been invaluable. Yet, Rhodey's adherence to protocol left Harry feeling sidelined, his skills underappreciated in a situation where every moment counted. The sense of being overlooked stung deeply, casting a shadow over their otherwise solid camaraderie.
Rhodey sighed deeply, his expression conflicted as he met Harry’s gaze. “It wasn’t a decision I could make alone, Harry. I appreciate your skills, but the chain of command didn’t allow for outside involvement.”
“Damn it, Rhodey,” Harry muttered under his breath, his frustration evident. “You could have pulled strings. You know I could have helped.”
Pepper hushed Harry and Rhodey, urging them to focus on what Tony was about to say.
“What happened over there?” one of the reporters at the front had just asked.
“I had my eyes opened,” Tony replied, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic gravity. “I came to realize that I have more to offer to this world than just making things that blow up. And that is why, effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries until such a time as I can decide what the future of the company will be. What direction it should take, one that I am comfortable with and is consistent with the highest good for this country as well.”
Pandemonium erupted almost instantaneously. Reporters jumped to their feet, shouting questions over one another, their voices merging into a cacophony of confusion and shock. Cameras flashed incessantly, capturing the historic moment, while microphones were thrust forward in a desperate attempt to catch Tony’s next words.
“What about national security?” one reporter yelled.
“Is this a permanent decision?” another demanded.
“Are you facing any pressure from the government?”
Amidst the chaos, Stane stepped forward, raising his hands to restore order. “Please, everyone, calm down. We understand you have questions, but we need a moment to process this announcement. Tony will not be taking any more questions at this time.”
Tony took this opportunity to step away from the podium, his expression a mix of determination and fatigue. He glanced at Harry, signalling for him to follow. Harry nodded, casting a quick look at Pepper and Rhodey before slipping through the crowd to catch up with Tony.
They moved swiftly through the throng of reporters, who were still clamouring for answers. Stane continued to address the media, trying to placate them with promises of future press briefings and more detailed explanations.
Tony and Harry made their way to the exit, where Tony’s car awaited them. As they slid into the backseat, Tony let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his decision settling on his shoulders. Harry remained silent, sensing the gravity of the moment, as the car sped away from the chaos, heading towards the facility that housed the Arc Reactor.
As they stood before the pulsating blue glow of the Arc Reactor, the hum of the powerful device filled the silence. Harry couldn't help but marvel at its potential, even as concern gnawed at him.
“So, clean energy, huh?” Harry asked, trying to keep his tone light but unable to fully mask his worry. A mischievous smile played on his lips.
Tony glanced at him, a hint of a smile tugging at his own lips, though his eyes remained serious. “You were the one who brought it up before I got captured,” he replied, shrugging as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Harry’s smile faded, replaced by a more cautious expression. “The technology isn’t perfected yet, Tony. I don’t like that you have a miniature Arc Reactor in your chest. I’ve gone through the designs. I know the Palladium cores discharge residue. That residue is going into your body. It could lead to poisoning.”
Tony sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly aware of the risks. “I know. But I have time. I think I can find a solution within six months, max. I don’t think there will be any major health issues until then.”
Harry’s concern deepened, his voice taking on a grave tone. “Be careful, Tony. This isn’t just about the future of Stark Industries; it’s about your health. A small mistake could cost you your life. I really think you should get the shrapnel removed as soon as possible. There’s no need for you to keep that reactor in your chest.”
Tony's expression hardened, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and guilt. “No, it stays,” he replied vehemently. “This is a reminder of the consequences of my actions. Only when I’ve redeemed myself from my sins will I consider removing the shrapnel.”
Harry felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. He wanted to protect his friend, to ensure Tony's brilliant mind and heart would not be lost to a preventable tragedy. “And how do you plan to redeem yourself, Tony?” he asked, his voice softer, almost pleading.
Tony stared at the Arc Reactor, the blue light casting a somber glow on his face. “I’m still thinking about it,” he admitted, his voice heavy with contemplation.
Harry’s heart ached for his friend. He understood Tony’s need for redemption, but the risks seemed too great. Memories of their conversations, Tony's enthusiasm for his inventions, and the bond they had formed flashed through Harry’s mind. He could only hope that Tony’s brilliance would outpace the dangers.
“Tony, I know you feel responsible for what happened, but putting yourself at risk won’t change the past. You need to think about your future,” Harry urged, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and care.
Tony’s gaze remained fixed on the Arc Reactor. “I know you’re worried, Harry, but this is something I must do. I need to make amends for the harm I’ve caused. The Arc Reactor is my reminder to stay on the right path.”
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when the door to the facility swung open, and Stane barged in, his presence immediately filling the room with tension. Harry’s heart sank further as he saw the calculating look in Stane’s eyes, a stark contrast to Tony’s sincere resolve.
“Well, that... that went well,” Stane exclaimed, frustration etched clearly on his face as he entered the room.
“Did I just paint a target on the back of my head?” Tony asked, glancing at Harry for support.
“Your head? What about my head? What do you think the over-under on the stock drop is going to be tomorrow?” Stane retorted.
“Optimistically, 40 points,” Tony replied, his tone resigned.
“At minimum,” Stane muttered.
“Yup.” Tony replied back dismissively.
Stane’s eyes narrowed as he turned his ire towards Harry. “This is all your fault,” he snapped, pointing an accusatory finger. “I bet it was you that filled Tony’s head with the nonsense to shut down the weapons manufacturing division. Ever since you came into the picture—”
Harry met Stane's glare with a steely one of his own. "If by 'nonsense' you mean wanting to stop the company from being complicit in mass murder, then yes, that was me."
Stane sneered. "You think you know what's best for Stark Industries? You're just a meddling outsider."
"And you," Harry shot back, "are a relic clinging to a dying business model. Maybe it's time someone brought Stark Industries into the 21st century."
“Harry has nothing to do with this,” Tony interjected firmly, stepping between Stane and Harry.
Stane’s glare didn't waver. “Tony, we’re a weapons manufacturer.”
“Obi, I just don’t want a body count to be our only legacy.” Tony tried explaining
“That’s what we do. We’re ironmongers. We make weapons,” Stane shot back, his voice rising.
“It’s my name on the side of the building,” Tony reminded him, his tone resolute.
“And what we do keeps the world from falling into chaos.” Stane reasoned
“Not based on what I saw,” Tony countered. “We’re not doing a good enough job. We can do better. We’re going to do something else.”
“Like what? You want us to make baby bottles?” Stane sneered, his contempt palpable.
“I think we should take another look into Arc Reactor technology,” Tony suggested, his gaze steady.
Stane scoffed. “Come on, the Arc Reactor? That’s a publicity stunt. Tony, come on. We built the thing to shut the hippies up.”
Harry bristled at Stane’s dismissive tone. “Maybe you should listen for once, Stane. The world is changing, and if Stark Industries doesn’t evolve with it, we’re going to be left behind. You can’t keep living in the past.”
Stane’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. “You think you have all the answers, Potter? You’re just a kid playing at being a businessman.”
“I know enough to see when something isn’t working,” Harry shot back, his voice firm. “Your way of doing things is outdated. Tony’s right to want a change.”
“And what do you know about running a multi-billion-dollar company, huh?” Stane retorted, stepping closer to Harry.
“I know enough to know that perpetuating a cycle of violence isn’t the answer,” Harry replied defiantly, standing his ground.
“Violence is part of the world we live in,” Stane argued, his tone patronizing. “It’s naive to think otherwise.”
“And it’s cynical to think we can’t do better,” Harry countered sharply. “Tony’s vision for Stark Industries isn’t just about profits—it’s about responsibility and innovation.”
Stane glared at Harry, his jaw clenched. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Potter. Don’t think you can sway Tony against me.”
“I’m not trying to sway anyone,” Harry replied coolly. “I’m just standing up for what’s right. If you can’t see that, maybe you’re the one who doesn’t belong here.”
Tony stepped between them, sensing the escalating tension. “Alright, that’s enough, both of you. It works, the Arc Reactor works” Tony interjected.
“Yeah, as a science project. The Arc Reactor was never cost-effective. We knew that before we built it. Arc Reactor technology, that’s a dead end, right?” Stane answered back
“Maybe,” Tony said, his voice betraying a flicker of uncertainty.
“Am I right? We haven’t had a breakthrough in that in what? Thirty years.”
“That’s what they say,” Tony replied, exchanging a glance with Harry. Stane's eyes bore into Tony’s, suspicious.
“Could you have a lousier poker face? Just tell me, who told you?” Tony asked.
Stane sighed. “Never mind who told me. Show me. I want to see it.”
Tony unbuttoned his shirt and revealed the implant, the Arc Reactor embedded in his chest. Stane approached it and took a good look at it.
“Listen to me, Tony. We are a team. Do you understand? There is nothing we can’t do if we stick together, like your father and I.” Stane affirmed
“I’m sorry that I didn’t give you a heads up, okay? But if I had...” Tony apologised.
“Tony, no more of this ready-fire-aim business. You understand me?” Stane’s voice softened slightly, though the underlying tension remained.
“That was Dad’s line,” Tony replied quietly.
“You got to let me handle this. We’re going to have to play a whole different kind of ball now. We’re going to have to take a lot of heat. I want you to promise me that you’re going to lay low,” Stane said, moving towards the exit.
Harry, unable to hold back any longer, stepped forward. “You know, Stane, maybe if you were half as concerned about the actual well-being of this company and its impact on the world as you are about your precious stock prices, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Stane’s eyes flashed with anger. “Stay out of this, Potter. This is between me and Tony.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Harry shot back. “Tony’s my friend, and I’ll be damned if I let you bully him into continuing down a path that’s destroying lives.”
Tony placed a calming hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Harry, it’s okay. I’ve got this.”
Stane’s expression softened slightly as he turned back to Tony. “Promise me, Tony.”
Tony nodded slowly. “Alright, Obi. I’ll lay low. But this isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”
Stane gave a curt nod before leaving the room, the tension still thick in the air.
