Chapter 9
Razortooth sits behind the desk, opening the briefcases he’d brought into the room and shuffling through various sheets of paper. “This is the Potter account manager Griphook he’s here to bestow the heirship ring to Heir Potter along with a brief overview of his accounts and properties. Here is a physical copy of the reports that go more in depth.” Razortooth hands a thick stack of papers to Harry, a lot thicker than the teen had thought it would’ve been by the look on his face as he grabbed it. “Now before we go over the accounts let’s get the heirship rings out of the way. We brought an inheritance test with us four drops of blood if you would Mr. Potter.” Griphook holds out a sharp thin dagger for Harry to take sliding a roll of parchment under his hand. Harry slides the knife across his palm letting the required amount of blood fall onto the parchment allowing McGonagall to heal his hand immediately after. They all watch as words start to write themselves on the parchment. It starts as expected with his name, his parents, his godparents, and his grandparents. Things start to get unexpected as his heirship start appearing. Heir Potter is expected and known, Heir Black is unsurprising but bot expected, Heir Peverell is surprising to everyone and so is the Heir Gryffindor when that pops up. They all stare in disbelief at the teenager who just became one of the most influential people in the magical community.
Harry shrunk down in his seat at the sudden attention everyone was giving him. “I’m just as surprised as the rest of you why are you staring at me like that?”
“What do you mean Mr. Potter? You should’ve known all this ahead of time from the first time you came to Diagon Alley I gave Hagrid your key to see your account manager.”
“He just took me to my vault. And the vault that the Sorcerers Stone was in. And then he went to get my school supplies and Hedgwig while I got my wand and we left.”
McGonagall has a deep frown on her face after Harry says that before a look of deep concentration appears on her face and she nods sharply dismissing the topic for now. The goblins started pulling more paperwork out of their briefcases beginning the process of signing over Harrys guardianship to Tony. Compared to the paperwork Tony has to fill out the day before it was surprisingly quick and easy to finish. After that matter was settled they moved onto giving Harry his heirship rings and briefly going over the important documents that need his attention since the houses have sat in disrepair and unrepresentated for so long. Tony opened up another trust vault for Harry from the Stark vault smaller than Shoutas considering his parents had already opened a trust vault for him from the Potter account but still nothing to sniff at since he was a billionaire. The last manner of business the group had with the bank was a quick trip to the trust vault for both the teenagers to get a small amount of spending money for the weeks coming since Christmas was right around the corner.
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By the time the unlikely quartet walk out of the bank together Shouta’s potion had worn off and he was fighting off a killer headache. Nothing he wasn’t used to considering his quirk but still annoying.
“Before heading off to the ministry let’s get some ice cream for the children Minnie.”
“I suppose they do deserve it it’s already been a long day for both of them and we’re not even done yet.”
With that said they make their way to Florean Fortescues. Tony gets butterbeer, McGonagall gets earl grey and lavender, Harry gets sticky toffee pudding, and Shouta chooses the chocolate raspberry.
“Now Harry I know this all must be a shock to you I’m sorry we couldn’t handle this at a slower pace where you’d be able to meet me and we could’ve discussed this without so many other people involved. Especially Dumbledore. Now that your vaults and heir rings are taken care of we’re headed for the ministry for a couple of reasons. Mainly like we told your headmaster we’re getting you legally in my care and then we’re going to bring up the matter of the magical contract being held over your head. I sent a letter to Madam Bones from the DMLE so she knows we’re coming but she said she doesn’t know how much she’ll be able to do about it considering how little research is done into the goblet and other such items. We’re going to do our best to get you out of it but if we can’t we’ll make sure you get the help you need to keep up with the literal adults competing with you.”
“Thank you sir.”
“None of that makes me feel old.”
“You are old dad. You were just complaining about your hips and your back literally this morning.”
“Not another word Fluttershy.”
“Then what should I call you?”
“Tony’s fine for now. Cousin if you want. We are family so I wont have you calling me by my last name capiche?”
“Yes sir.. er Tony.”
“Good we’re square now finish up your ice creams we’ve got an appointment to keep and plans to ruin.” With that they all quickly finish their ice creams before heading to the Diagon Alley entrance to the ministry. The division between Tony and Shouta and Harry and McGonagall still there but not as noticeable. They get through security pretty easily first heading for the family magiks department where they’d settle the custody paperwork. That barely takes any time the woman in charge of his case already has the paperwork set and all they needed was a few signatures before ushering them back out the door. Next was the hard part, trying to get his name out of the tournament contract. It goes about as well as expected Madame Bones tells them she doesn’t have authority over Hogwarts and therefore can’t investigate the age circle without explicit permission from the Minister and the board of directors for the school. The next best thing she offers is a copy of the actual magic contract that is written when somebody’s name is drawn from the goblet. The legalese goes straight over Shouta and Harry’s heads (Nedzu hasn’t gotten around to the law portion of his education yet that was set aside for next semester) but Tony sums it up by saying that she can offer adjustments to the contract based around his age and get Harry’s magic out of the question entirely. McGonagall takes the two children for a tour around the ministry departments when Tony and Madame Bones begin combing through the documentation that appears to start making amendments.
“Come Mr. Potter, Heir Beoucroft let’s leave the paperwork to Anthony and Amelia they hardly need us to help them go through all the legal lingo. We shall take a tour about the ministry. Maybe we can even steal a peak into the department of mysteries.” The boys dutifully follow the severe faced woman along as she points out different parts of the ministry and eventually takes them down an elevator to a long hallway where she points out the Unspeakables work and the Hall of Prophecies right behind. They’re turning around to go back to the DMLE office when a paper airplane flies directly to them dropping into McGonagall's hands. “And just in time to. It appears they’ve finished everything they can. Let’s get back now.” They make the trek back to Madame Bones’ office in compatible silence, Shouta pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing his temples to stave off the rising migraine.
Once they make it back to the office Tony’s head shoots up a grin on his face before catching Shoutas face. He gets up from his seat before grabbing his son by the shoulders and shoving him into it. “Sho you’re looking pale again. I’m guessing the potion wore off did you bring your medication?”
“It’s in the bottom of my capture scarf but I don’t have anything to take them with.” Shouta would deny it until his dying breath but there was a distinct whine in his voice.
“I’m sure our darling Amelia wouldn’t mind summoning some water for you right?” Tony turns to look at Amelia here who nods and waves her wand a pitcher and five glasses appearing on the table. Tony hands one to Shouta who gulps it down with his medication before placing his head between his legs and holding his head.
“Oh dear is he ok Anthony?”
“Yeah Minnie he gets chronic migraines not much we can do for them outside of his medication.”
“Does he need to lie down Lord Stark?”
“At this point I know you’re calling me that to bother me I refuse to allow you the satisfaction. No he’ll be fine in a few and then we’ll be on our way home.”
Madame Bones just has a smile on her face while Tony talks making it very obvious she was in fact just doing it to bother him. He made it so easy. “Alright then. Here’s the completed paperwork a copy will be sent to the ministry officials in Hogwarts as well as the other headmasters. Lady Magic has deemed them all acceptable amendments so they have nothing to argue about. Come by again or send an owl to catch up Tony alright?”
“Yeah yeah always a pleasure to speak with you. You’re the least irritating person I’ve had to deal with in the British Ministry and not half as demanding as MACUSA. Speaking of irritating British wizards where’s Lucy?”
“You know he tries to hex you every time you call him that.”
“And that’s where I get most of my exercise and entertainment whenever I have to come in this building.”
“Tony you’ve barely come to Britain at all in the past 15 years. You don’t work with our ministry like that anymore.”
“No but I used to when I was a starry eyed twenty something. Memories.”
“I’ll send word to Lord Malfoy that you came by and were looking for him. I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know you’re around.”
“Considering I saw his dragon spawn at Hogwarts when I broke in this morning I’m pretty sure he’ll already know I’m in Britain. But please do pass along that I missed seeing him today. I do love to watch him squirm.”
Madame Bones rolls her eyes, “get out of here Tony. It was nice meeting you Mr. Potter, Tony’s son who he never introduced. Always pleasant to see you McGonagall I shall see you for parent teacher meetings for Susan at the end of the month correct?”
“Yes though you have nothing to worry about with her my dear, I’m sure you know. Your niece is like a miniature you you’re doing wonderfully.”
“Thank you professor. Now get out the lot of you I have a meeting soon.”
“Detour before heading back to the school let’s get to our house Sho Minnie we’re staying at the cottage you remember the floo password right?”
“As if I could forget. Mr. Potter and I shall be through right behind you.”
“Sounds good come on Sho let’s get you in a nice dark room.” With that Shouta and Tony step through the floo and back to their house facing the highlands. Not too much later they hear the floo sound again and Harry steps out followed by McGonagall. “Minnie make yourself at home you know where everything is Harry take a seat wherever me and Fluttershy here will be back momentarily gotta take care of his head.” Tony gently pushes his son forward heading toward his room so he can take a dose of his stronger medication. Tony helps Shouta lay on his bed closing the blinds and encompassing the room in pitch blackness. He grabs a cool towel from the bathroom and places it over Shoutas eyes hoping it’ll have the same effect for his magik sight as it does for his quirk overload. “You stay in here for awhile take a nap if you can I’ll keep you up to speed on everything later if your headache gets much worse you won’t be able to use your quirk for at least a couple days.”
An unintelligible grunt is heard from beneath the blankets, assuring Tony that his son heard him, before he backs out of the room shutting the door tightly behind him. He walks back to the kitchen and sees Minerva and Harry with a shortbread tin opened between them and both holding steaming teacups of what smelled like chamomile. “Well back to business. The gist of it is we couldn’t take you out which we figured. Something funky happened regarding that age circle and the magic inside of the goblet it warped the contract. However we were able to change the clauses with Lady Magics approval. You now are the sole competitor who is able and required to get physical help from a set of chosen adults per task. You will know ahead of the task what the task will be and any task you feel violates your human rights or goes completely against your religious, moral, or ethical beliefs you can forfeit out of as long as you still show up. You also get an emergency port key to keep on you at all times it will change per task and there will be one kept on you outside of the tasks as well. Your magic is no longer on the line you will not lose it even if you don’t compete, instead the wording has been changed the person who entered the name will be the one who forfeits their magic. However our best chance at finding whoever wanted you in this tournament so badly is having you at least go through the motions. We protected everything we could but whoever wanted you in this competition that badly obviously is planning something nefarious.”
“But if my magic isn’t on the line anymore why bother going through with it at all. I don’t care who’s trying to kill me this year it’s nothing surprising or new. I’d rather just say no and drop out altogether.”
“See we both thought of that too but we were warned against it. The age circle is something we can’t investigate without explicit permission from around 25 people who all disagree on the most minor of things never mind something of this scale. We believe that they put a failsafe in the age circle so whoever’s name was entered that hadn’t turned 17 yet and who’s name was pulled would be pulled into the tournament anyway they could be.”
“So no matter what I have to compete?” Suddenly Harry sounds tired. More tired than any child who’s only 14 has a right to sound.
“Hit the nail on the head. Like I said though you get extra protection being that you’re underaged.”
“I suppose you’re right. When will they tell me the first task?”
“Probably as soon as you get back to Hogwarts. Shouta won’t be making the floo back due to his current migraine but I will just to make sure nobody tries anything funny. I’ll be here the rest of the tournament since we couldn’t get you out of it even if Shouta isn’t he’s got some important stuff back home he was in the middle of.”
“He didn’t have to drop that just to come here. He doesn’t even know me.”
“Maybe not but you’re family and family is top priority around here.”
“Anthony.”
“Yes Minnie dear?”
“You’re not planning on visiting poor Severus are you?”
“Emo is still a teacher?”
The sigh professor McGonagall let out was audible. “Yes Anthony. Please be mindful you know how sensitive he is.”
“How could I forget? I’ll just pop by and see how his potions are going maybe make some small talk. Nothing major promise.” The look he was given spoke volumes of how little Minerva believed him but he just smiled his best paparazzi grin at her making her roll her eyes and turn away from him.
“You know professor Snape?”
“Old Sevvy? Of course I do ran in the same potions circles for awhile. He’s 7 years younger than I am of course but he always was a prodigy with a cauldron. Honestly was surprised he went into teaching it was never his strong suit at conventions and he never did know how to interact with children.” The longer Tony talked the wider Harry’s eyes got. He was surprised to hear anyone talk of Snape with anything other than derision in their town besides his Slytherins, which honestly didn’t help things considering how most of the rest of the school treated them. “Enough about him I’m sure I’ll end up telling you plenty more later let’s move on to catching up we have another two hours before Dumbledore gets suspicious on why you’re not back yet. Minnie you’ve been dying to ask all day go ahead.”
“When did you acquire a 16 year old child Anthony?”
“Last year. He was in a bit of a spot and it woke up my sleeping parental instincts.”
“He has the gold of your eyes. But he’s fully 16 and I know for a fact you didn’t have a child in that time tell me the truth and the whole of it.”
“Long story short we went in for a blood adoption and left hours later after a blood replacement.” The gasp that sentence drew from the wizened professor made Tony nod in agreement and Harry to stare in curiosity. “I know very drastic for precautionary measures but I didn’t realize how bad Britain had gotten a little word from you would’ve been nice.”
“If I had known you were coming maybe I would’ve been able to send word you buffoon.”
“Fair point. Anyways found him and his cat he mostly lives with my sister and nephew.”
“Inko had a child?”
“Darling little boy his names Izuku sweet as can be. He can do no wrong.”
“Now I’m getting mad that I wasn’t told beforehand she always was a nice girl if a bit rough around the edges.”
“You always did have an appreciation for kids with spite.”
“It’s why we got along great Anthony and don’t you deny it.”
“I would never pinky promise. If it makes you feel any better you’re not the only person who I haven’t talked to. But the other person I’m holding off as long as I can. Don’t want to hear him gloating.”
“Oh Tony it isn’t?” There is a distinct tone of laughter in her voice.
“And so what if it is I have a right not to listen to him rub it in my face. Even worse if Selina is still around as well.”
“Oh Tony you should call him he’s done this enough times you’d probably be able to get valuable tips.”
“And another thing he’d try to help me parent and that sounds so wrong especially when you think of what he considered responsible behavior when we were children.”
“Bruce isn’t that bad Anthony. He actually was the most responsible of the three of you which isn’t saying much but still. Call him.”
“When this year is over and we can get back to the states I’ll call him square deal?”
“If you don’t I will.”
“And there’s a scary thought. You and Alfred teaming up is always a horrifying conclusion I think we should be glad Jarvis isn’t here or the apocalypse would happen.”
“As always Sir I am here. For the record I’ve been telling you to contact Mr. Wayne since you first said you were thinking of adopting young Shouta. It’s like talking to a wall.”
“Again with my own AI betraying me. Jarvis remind me to donate you’re database to the community college when we get back to Malibu.”
“Of course sir and shall I also cancel your recurring deliveries of coffee to the lab?”
“Never mind point taken you touch my coffee subscription and I’ll rewrite your code.”
“It’s been a pleasure helping you Sir.”
“Yeah yeah laugh it up J. Let me know when sleeping beauty wakes up alright?”
“Of course Sir his health and comfort is top priority.”
“Now we’ve got a school to get back to soon let’s wrap this up. Harry any questions for me?”
“How come you’ve only just come for me?”
Tony can tell this question had been sitting in his mind for awhile now and his heart ached for this child he hadn’t known existed until less than a week ago. “I didn’t know you existed. My families connections to the Blacks were partially erased because my grandmother was a squib. When my mother was also born a squib the house magic didn’t recognize her and when I was born I didn’t have enough magic to get enrolled in any specific magic school so again the Blacks weren’t notified of a new member. My son didn’t gain a large magical core when he was added to the family tree but he was added. He’s not in any position of importance within the Black family but his name is there right alongside yours. I swear if I had known you’d existed before this week I would’ve tried to get you even if it wouldn’t have worked.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Everything. You’re almost like the first adult in my family whose cared about me enough to try to stop the kind of stuff that happens. It’s nice if a little uncomfortable because I’m not used to it.”
“Like I said earlier family is top priority. You’re now a part of that and even if you don’t remain in my care past this year that will never change.”
“If I stay with you does that mean I don’t have to go back to the Dursleys?”
“Who’re the Dursleys?”
“My mums sister and her husband and son. I’ve been living with them since my mum and dad died and overstayed my welcome the entire time. I’d prefer it if I didn’t have to go back to them.”
“Then yes. If I remain your guardian you’d spend your time outside of school with me and Shouta. I tend to go between the states and Japan where Sho goes to school because his class schedule is so much different than ours. If you were to live with me we’d probably stay in New York we’re about halfway through building the new Stark Tower in Manhattan and the penthouse there has more rooms than I know what to do with we’d run our base of operations there.”
“Then.. if it’s alright with you and Shouta I think I wouldn’t mind staying under your guardianship. At least through the summer. A test run let’s say.”
“Great then we’re agreed. Now let’s get you two back to the castle before Dumb as a door sends a search party.” And the three of them head outside to the same well he and Shouta had used to travel to Hogwarts earlier that day.
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The trip back to Hogwarts was far less exciting than when they’d first left earlier. As soon as they walked back on the grounds Harry and McGonagall were gone towards Gryffindor tower to change for dinner. Tony headed towards the dungeons to bother his favorite potions master before dinner started. Almost as if anticipating Tony’s arrival the dour man is standing in the doorway towards his private rooms deadly scowl already in place. He turns around once their eyes meet, robes billowing out dramatically behind him as he walks inside without acknowledging Tony’s presence outside of leaving the door open. Tony rolls his eyes before following him inside, door shutting itself firmly behind him.
“Stark”
“Snape”
“Always a displeasure when you’re around. Surprised my peace has lasted this long.”
“What can I say Britains a little slow for me these days.”
“Ah yes the giant mechanical suit you fly around in like an imbecile how could I forget.”
“Awe Sevvy you do care.”
“How dare you put such vulgar words in my mouth Stark.”
“Come on you know it’s true sour puss.”
Severus rolls his eyes downing the finger of whiskey he’d poured himself after letting Tony into his rooms. He slowly poured himself another finger as he raised his eyes towards Tony, “and the whole show in the Great Hall? What was the deal with Potter?”
“Why the disgust at a child Sev? Story there that I’m missing or?”
“I hated his father. Brats just like him.”
“Slow your role dude the kids like 14 I guarantee you he’s not even developed his own personality yet never mind stealing it from a man he never met.”
“He’s lazy and arrogant and relies entirely too much on his fame.”
“The kid’s at the very least neglected and at most highly abused. I promise you he’s not any of that. Me thinks that you’re letting your past get to you oh so sullen potions master. I wonder how many people would be surprised that you do in fact have emotions and more often than not they tend to lead your decision making.”
Snape scowls into his glass before rolling his head around to stare down at Tony “Answer the question Stark. I thought you’d never show your face in Hogwarts after the last debacle with Trelawney and Dumbledore. Now suddenly you’re here grabbing the number one trouble maker of Hogwarts during a feast after the most surprising result of the Goblet of Fire disappear for an entire day and what?”
“And adopting him. Try to get him out of a magical contract that he had no say in, fail at that and instead get Lady Magic to change the contract itself so he at least isn’t forced to risk his life during the tasks lest he lose his magic.”
“Hold and reverse. You? Adopting Potter? Never mind that a child? I didn’t think you’d ever have or want a child considering your preferred past times and everything. Everytime anyone brought up families or marriage at the potions conventions you shot them down faster than I take house points from anyone not a snake.”
“Funny story actually he’s my second kid. First ones at home he’s got migraines real bad and sometimes even his meds don’t help so he’s just laying in a dark room with a cold face cloth. I actually hope he’s getting some sleep kids got insomnia too.”
“Well cheers to old dogs learning new tricks I suppose. How’s fatherhood treating you? Everything you’ve never dreamed of?”
“And more actually god I love it and I’d try to deny it but nobody who knows about him would believe me.”
“Any talent at potions?”
“Don’t know yet we haven’t gotten that far into the magical world yet.”
“I’d be more than happy to administer the test if you wanted. I won’t even charge you.”
“How generous of you Severus.”
“Quite. We’re short potions masters lately. At least ones who have actual talent for the art instead of subpar skills that lead to garbage potions. You’d make a pretty penny for your skills right now even though you haven’t been in the circles in a few years everyone remembers just how good you were at it.”
“Never as good as you Mr. Youngest Potions Master Ever. It’s basic chemistry if you think about it. You’d probably have more talented potions masters if you taught squibs like me or taught magical children actual science on top of their magical shit.”
Severus snorted at that, “you try convincing Albus Dumbledore to add in worthwhile classes that actually teach a valuable skill to the students. He insists that it’s unnecessary since muggle technology isn’t supposed to work in the magical world anyways. Instead he keeps the bumbling fool Trelawney and the insipid ghost Binns on staff even though divination is a skill that one is born with and it can’t be learned and Binns has only taught about the same Goblin War every year to every class since the year he died. Not to mention pure blood Charity Burrage is teaching muggle studies and that curriculum hasn’t been updated since before cars were invented. Students learn nothing about important history in either world. And for half-bloods or muggleborns who don’t continue their muggle education they’re severely behind basic knowledge of their muggle peers which is just as dangerous to the Statute of Secracy if you ask me.”
“So there’s a lot of basic human information that Harry will need to be caught up on is what I’m hearing.”
“If what Dumbledore had told the world is true, which considering your comments about neglect and abuse I’m suspecting he was not, he was raised by magicals.”
“According to Harry he was living with a family called the Dursleys.”
“Dursley? Are you sure?”
“When am I not?”
“But Lily never wanted her children to go to Tunia, she hated everything magic since she was told she couldn’t go to Hogwarts with us. Even James would’ve wanted me to take Harry over her and he loathed me almost as much as I him. He knew how deep the resentment went between the two sisters.”
“Harry did mention his aunts family being magic hating muggles so she never grew out of it.”
“I imagine not. As soon as Lily graduated and got married she said she was orphan and an only child. She barely let Lily home that summer long enough to pack all her things and the heirlooms their mother bestowed to her before throwing her out and selling the house.”
“Doesn’t sound like a healthy relationship so I can imagine how that turned into abusing an unwanted nephew. Wonder what Dumbledick was thinking putting a baby in that environment if the animosity is that widely known.”
“Albus has this thing about family always loving each other. It’s his whole schtick. Even if there’s proof of the other fact he refuses to hear mention of family being capable of hating each other to the point of children getting hurt. A decent portion of abused children end up in Slytherin under my care and I try to find solutions to their home life over the summers but the other heads of houses aren’t as diligent with their student care as I am. Not that you can blame them, their course load is heavier than mine considering I’m allowed to nitpick my students in sixth and seventh year and they’re for the most part not. It honestly all comes down to Dumbledore. He doesn't care about the Slytherins so he lets me but he has a hand in every other house especially Gryffindor so he adds extra work to keep the professors busy and doesn’t hire extra teaching hands to lessen the load.”
“Sounds exhausting. This is why I’m my own boss for the most part. It’s why I gave the CEO position to Pepper so I barely have to deal with people who want to tell me how to do my job.”
“Yes that’s why it has absolutely nothing to do with heavy metal poisoning and almost death from what I’ve heard. I may not keep entirely up with the muggle world but I keep up enough for those I reluctantly call a friend.”
“I think that might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
The two sat in Severus’ quarters for a few more hours catching up before Tony used the floo in the room to return back home. He walked into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water before heading up the stairs to check on Shouta. He cracked open the room door and peeked his head in. Seeing the teenager curled up under his blankets he closed the door and heads back to his own room for the night wishing for this whole mess to be over with already.