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Chapter 23 - Chapter 23

STARK EXPO – LOUNGE AREA – NIGHT

The lights of the Expo still glowed bright outside the glass walls. People continued mingling, tech whirred in displays, and music echoed in the distance. But away from the crowd, in a quieter part of the lounge, Tony, Harry, Rhodey, and Amelia regrouped.

Amelia Bones stepped back in from the secure side entrance, removing her enchanted glasses and tucking her wand into the inner holster under her blazer. Her expression was firm, but not alarmed. "Nothing concrete. Traces of apparition magic, but already fading. My guess—it might've been an American witch or wizard. Curious sort. Poked around, then vanished."

Tony grins. "So you're saying Stark Expo is that irresistible, huh? Magical folk peeking in from the shadows? Gotta admit… I'm flattered."

"Flattery or not, Stark, tell your AI to keep monitoring. If they're just curious, fine. But if someone's testing your defenses, we need to know."

"Already on it. Jarvis has a lock on magical fluctuations. No unauthorized guests allowed—not without getting their robes fried."

He glanced at Harry, who was sitting on a nearby couch, sipping from a juice box and trying to suppress a yawn. His eyes were slightly glazed, the excitement of the night catching up to him. The kid had been holding it together well, but Tony could see the signs—he was running on fumes.

Tony crouching near Harry asked "Hey, kid. You holding up?"

Harry blinked, then gave a small smile. "Mhm. Just… tired."

Tony nod. "Thought so. You've been on your feet for hours, taking in tech, and dodging cameras" He ruffled Harry's hair lightly, earning a surprised look from him. "As much as I'd love to parade you around a little more, I think it's bedtime. Even superheroes-in-training need sleep."

"Yeah… going home sounds nice."

"Home it is." He stood and glanced at Happy, who was already approaching from across the room. "Happy, get the car. We're heading out the back."

Rhodey ruffles Harry's hair. "You did great, champ. Next time, I'm bringing earplugs for when Tony starts his speeches."

Harry smile. "I'll bring two. One for each ear."

Everyone chuckled. Tony gave Amelia a look of gratitude—unspoken, but clear.

Tony smile genuinely. "Thanks for keeping an eye on him."

Amelia nod. "Of course. I'll update you if anything changes. Be safe."

As they walked toward the exit, Tony rested a hand on Harry's shoulder, guiding him out of the limelight. The boy leaned into it ever so slightly.

And for the first time in a long while… Harry didn't dread going home. Because now, he actually had one.

STARK TOWER – PRIVATE RESIDENCE FLOOR – NIGHT

The sleek elevator opened with a soft ding, revealing Tony and Harry stepping into the calm, warmly lit living quarters of Stark Tower. Outside the tall windows, the skyline shimmered against the night.

"Welcome home, Mr. Stark. Welcome home, Mr. Potter."

Tony sighing, tossing his coat along with tie on the back of a chair. "Home sweet tower."

Harry followed, a bit wobbly from fatigue. He looked around, already more familiar with the place but still in awe of how big and clean everything was. Hedwig was perched near the table, letting out a quiet hoot in greeting.

Tony glancing at Harry"Let's get you out of the tux, royalty. I don't want Pepper yelling at me if you fall asleep and wrinkle that thing."

Harry gave a sleepy laugh and nodded.

STARK TOWER – HARRY'S ROOM – A FEW MINUTES LATER

The room was soft and peaceful—designed with Harry's comfort in mind. Light navy blue walls, shelves with books and model planes, and a real bed with actual pillows. A small nightlight shaped like an arc reactor glowed faintly near the dresser.

Harry had changed into pajamas and was sitting on the edge of the bed. Tony knelt down, helping him untie the laces of his dress shoes.

Harry quietly says "Thanks… for tonight."

"You're welcome. You earned a fun night. Just… don't get used to red carpets. I don't even like them."

"You still walked on it like you owned it."

Tony smirks. "Well, I kinda did."

Harry snorted softly, then climbed under the covers. Hedwig fluttered over and perched on the footboard, watching silently like a white-feathered sentinel.

Tony sat beside the bed, hands in his lap. "Hey… You okay?"

Harry hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just… feels weird. Good, but weird. I never had a night like this before. Or… a place like this."

Tony's chest tightened a bit, but he gave a soft smile. "Well, get used to it. This is your home now. You've got your own room, a snarky AI nephew, a very overqualified owl, and a genius billionaire for a big brother."

Harry yawns. "You forgot Pepper…"

Tony let out a mock gasp. "How dare I. Pepper—your big sister in everything but paperwork. She'll bake you into a casserole if you forget her."

Harry chuckled, nestling into his pillow. His eyes fluttered shut slowly. "Night… Tony."

"Night, kiddo." He stayed there a little while longer, watching as Harry's breathing evened out. Then he gently stood, dimmed the lights, and stepped out of the room, letting the door softly click shut.

HALLWAY – OUTSIDE HARRY'S ROOM

Tony leaned against the wall, exhaling slowly. He glanced at the door, then spoke softly. "JARVIS?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Keep a perimeter around his room. If a magical even blinks wrong—wake me."

"Understood. Goodnight, sir."

"Yeah… goodnight." Tony walked away quietly, the weight of responsibility heavier than any suit of armor—but worth every ounce.

That kid is worth everything, Tony is gonna make sure Harry knows this well. Now, He gotta figure out a way to prepared a werewolf proof and track said the werewolf down. No way, he was going back on his word.

Harry deserves everything, And Tony, his big brother is gonna bring it to him.

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