Hotel Room – Later That Evening
Tony collapsed onto the hotel room's couch and immediately tossed his phone onto the table. He sighs, He honestly wasn't expecting to see him there. Rhodey walked out of the room holding two cups of coffee. "What's wrong? You text me saying to prepared the strong coffee..."
Tony rubbed his face. "I met him."
Rhodey froze mid-step. "What?"
"Park bench. Complete accident. He was alone, so I played it cool. Offer him a sandwich." Tony leaned his head back. "Kid was starving, Rhodey." In all honesty, Tony wanted to have a picnic party and about to called Rhody when he saw Harry, phone forgotten and his attention instantly on his baby brother.
Rhodey handed him a coffee. "You're sure it was him?"
Tony takes the coffee. "Same hair, same eyes, same look I used to give my reflection when I didn't know what the hell I was doing." God, Up close, he can see how tired, sickly and skinny he looks like. The clothes he's wearing are hands down and too big for him.
Rhodey exhaled and sat. "How'd he take it?"
"I didn't drop the whole truth. Just said I was looking for someone. Okay, maybe I just said too much but not a lot! Give him a sandwich... I was gonna hand him the whole basket but I don't know what will those pigs do" Tony took a sip. "He's smart. Too smart. He knew something was up."
Rhodey nodded. There had been too many close calls when Tony almost wore his Iron suit and wanted to go there, Even Rhodey wanted to join, However it's too risky. Tony is too familiar and famous, they can't let anyone know his relationship with Harry. It would be a problem. A danger. "We won't be leaving him there"
Still, that doesn't mean they aren't gonna take little kiddo out of that hellhole.
"Exactly." Tony stared at the coffee, swirling it slightly. "He didn't ask questions. Not yet. But he'll think about it. I saw it in his eyes. He's curious."
There was a pause.
Then Rhodey asked, "You okay?"
Tony chuckled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I just met my baby brother, and he's a half-starved eleven-year-old who thinks kindness is a trick. Yeah, I'm fantastic."
Rhodey set his cup down. "We'll get him out. The right way."
Tony nodded. "He deserves better than a blast-the-door entrance."
Another pause.
"…Though it would be pretty satisfying."
Rhodey grinned. "We'll keep that plan B."
"I'm not gonna leave him behind," Tony said quietly. "Not ever."
Privet Drive – Night time.
Harry sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the locked cage in despair. He really did his best to make a deal with his aunt to let hedwig out and he promised he won't send any letters but she didn't believe him at all, like she does any other time. Hedwig rustled softly inside, her golden eyes watching him. He gently pushed an owl treat through the bars, whispering, "I'll get you out of there, I promise." Such empty promises, He hasn't done anything at all.
It's worse that owl treats will be running out soon.
There was no light in his room except what leaked in from the streetlamp outside. The Dursleys had gone to bed an hour ago. He'd washed the dishes, mopped the floor twice, and been given a bruised apple for dinner.
But all he could think about was Tony.
Not just the food, though, Merlin, the food. But the way he talked. The way he didn't ask too many questions, and still managed to say a lot. Like he knew exactly what kind of silence Harry had lived with.
Harry didn't trust easily. But something inside him whispered that this man hadn't just stumbled into the park. Even if he did, He had found Harry.
He needs to clear his head.
Moving quietly, Harry reached for Dudley's old jacket. Leave the room, He tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding the creaky step, and slipped out through the back door.
For once, the air didn't feel cold.
He takes a walk behind the backyard, just to clear his head, He was given a little bit of freedom to move around the house as long as Harry doesn't touch their fridge or anything else. Oh and doesn't leave the house.
There were times when he wanted to sneak out the letter however he's too paranoid, one moment he sneak out and next moment he returns back to find both of them standing looking at him like Christmas came early. Throw him in the room, locked the doors and strave him. They just need an excuse, Anything to make his life miserable.
So, he doesn't try, however, Harry was glad for such small thing, to let him have a walk in backyard, The cold air was doing a wonder and stand still staring at the night sky filled with stars. He wish he could leave this place like every single time.
Unknown to him, His wish will be coming true soon.
Privet Drive – The Next Morning
Petunia tapped her fingers against the kitchen table. She has been feeling uneasy lately. "There was a man near the house yesterday."
Vernon grunted behind his newspaper. "There are always people, Petunia."
"No," she snapped, lowering her voice. "He wasn't from around here" She glance at her son. Dudley was too busy shoveling toast into his mouth to care.
Vernon grunted. "Did he knock? Speak to you?"
"No. But I don't like it. And Harry came in late last night. I heard the door. He claimed he was 'just out for air.'" Her nose wrinkled. "That boy is up to something."
Vernon growled. "If someone is snooping around, it better not be some freak business. If this is one of their people—"
"He didn't look like them, He looked... expensive. Like he belonged on the telly."
Vernon grumbled under his breath and folded the paper. "I'll keep an eye out. If he comes back again, I'll call the police."
Petunia glanced out the window again, lips pressed tight. For the first time in years, Number Four didn't feel so untouchable.
As everyone says, Karma will get you.
The Park – Late Afternoon
Tony was already on the bench when Harry approached. The same bench. The same basket, though this time, it was a little fuller. He noticed Harry isn't that fond of sweets, or maybe he just didn't had something he likes? Nonetheless, He brought a lot to feed an army of mouses.
Rhodey stood nearby, pretending to scroll through his phone but very much alert. He tag along to see Harry, He needed to see the kids condition himself and make plans immediately, if kid cooperates.
Tony sees his baby brother walking towards him, The happiness he felt with him, Oh boy, how badly, Tony wanted to cheer and run over to him, give him a hug. Thank him for coming here, and trust him. And how he has been. Everything. He wants to know so much about his baby brother. His like, dislike, hobby and dreams.
Harry hesitated at the edge of the path, unsure if he should walk closer. Seeing Rhodey there, Then Tony smiled that half-smirk of his as kiddo looks at him.
"Hey, look who decided to crash the picnic."
Harry's stomach answered before he could. It's like usual greetings, He nodded once, quietly stepping forward. It's little embarrassing. His stomach says hi before he does. Tony found it funny and yet concerning.
Tony popped open the basket. "Brought extra today. Turkey sandwiches, crisps, apple slices. A guy can't eat all this alone."
Harry didn't argue. He sat, took a sandwich, and tried not to wolf it down too fast.
Rhodey gave Tony a small look. Tony just nodded subtly and turned to Harry.
"You don't talk much, huh?" Tony said lightly.
Harry shrugged. "Depends on who's asking."
That made Tony smile. "Fair enough."
There was a comfortable silence. Then Harry asked, "Yesterday... you said you were looking for the kid..." Well, better get to the point.
Tony paused, eyes on the park trees. Rhodey turned his head slightly, just enough to listen in.
"Yeah," Tony said after a moment. "I was."
"Did you find them?" why was Harry acting so stupid, The way, Mr. Stark gave him description of said kid, it was him. Why would he be looking for him? Sure, He could say 'Why are you looking for me?' Even though, Mr. Stark told him yesterday he is possible related to his parents, friends or maybe co worker?? Relative?
And why was Harry here sitting and eating the food offer by the guy who's looking for him? Argh, Hermione is right, Sometimes, He is too dense to see the danger.
However, all he sees infornt of him, Was a guy offering him food, no ill intention and just wanna talk. And again possible family member. He's too desperate isn't he?
Tony looked at Harry for a second, and something in his expression softened.
"Not yet. But I think I'm getting closer."
Harry chewed his food, curious. "Who is he?" Why are you looking for me?
Tony leaned back on the bench. "A kid. Smart. Quiet. Way too used to being ignored. Doesn't think he matters to anyone, but he's wrong. He matters a hell of a lot." It was creepy, Tony has a gift ability to tell about other person even sometimes he is wrong but seeing Harry and spying on him, He can tell.
Harry's chewing slowed.
Tony went on, casually but with weight in his voice. "He's the kind of kid who's had to grow up too fast. Got dealt a pretty crap hand, but still does the right thing. Even if no one sees it." Harry acts like an adult, Kids at his age are running around in park, whining for more ice cream, games more games, make excuses not to do homework and play outside, Have friends and such. He does none of it. What Harry does? He cleans, works around the house and never once taken a break.
Harry swallowed and looked away. "What's his name?" he asked, barely above a whisper.
Tony looked down at his hands. "Can't say yet. Don't wanna spook him." You. It's you. My baby half brother, Harry James Potter Stark. Why can't he just fucking say it damn it! Tony hate it that he cannot tell harry anything other than few tips here and there.
Rodney reminded him, He's Tony Stark. If anyone finds out about Harry existence they come after him, Press, government and such. Tony roll his eyes, He's damn stark and Iron man, He can handle them. But press, He isn't a fool, Many people are after him.
He just needs to make a safe place for Harry and himself. Gather more evidence, Throw these pigs into the jail and fly back to America because screw them all.
Harry glanced up sharply, but Tony had already turned his attention to the sandwich in his hand. Was... He really someone who knows him? He honestly can't tell.
Rhodey caught the flicker in the boy's face. Recognition. Confusion.
Maybe even a flicker of hope.
"Anyway," Tony said, shifting gears, "what about you? Got any siblings?"
Harry shook his head. "No." Oh, how he wish he did.
"You ever wish you had one?" Tony asked without looking at him. That was something he needed to know badly.
Yes, a lot. Harry hesitated. "Sometimes."
Tony nodded slowly. "Yeah. Me too." Oh thank god, you sweet little angel. Your sibling is right here.
Another beat of silence passed between them.
Then Harry asked, "Are you gonna be here tomorrow?" Please say yes.
Tony smiled. "Wouldn't miss it." Always.
Once in a long time ever, first time was when Hagrid came to give him Hogwarts letter, take him to daigon alley, meet Ron and Hogwarts then becoming best friends with Ron and Hermione, this was second time, Harry openly smiled. His real smile.
Hotel Room – Evening
Rhodey was standing over a whiteboard propped up on a chair. On it were notes, arrows, and a basic weekly timetable.
"Okay," he said, tapping the board with a marker. "So far, Harry's only allowed out once or twice a week. Midday, maybe an hour, tops."
Tony paced behind him, brow furrowed, tossing a pen from hand to hand. He looks very displeased by the idea.
"We can't push it," Rhodey added. "One too many disappearances and those walrus people'll lock him up again."
Tony stopped. "They did that?"
Rhodey gave him a look.
Tony muttered, "Right. Dumb question." How the heck did he forget when they were secluded a time table for Harry to meet up with Tony in Park with food prepared and he slip out if he stays too much outside they will lock him up. That made Rhodey and Tony froze, their fear were coming true.
They both looked at the schedule.
"Alright," Tony said finally, pointing. "Every Tuesday and Friday. I'll be at the park early. Basket ready. Casual. You stay close—check the perimeter, see if anything weird happens. Anyone watching us, following him."
"Got it."
Tony turned and walked to his laptop, where JARVIS was quietly processing.
"Anything on Vernon Dursley?" Tony asked aloud.
JARVIS responded, smooth and polite as ever. "Only standard records, sir. Employment history with Grunnings, a drill company. However—"
Tony straightened. "However?" Did his baby boy found something?
"There have been several anonymous deposits made to his account over the past eleven months. Significant ones. The source is untraceable."
Tony frowned. "What do you mean untraceable?"
"I've traced the origin through six dummy corporations, all collapsed. No trail. No digital identity behind them. Nothing legally binding."
Rhodey stepped in. "You're telling me Vernon Dursley, is laundering money?" Oh, this is good.
"I'm saying," Tony said slowly, "either he's smarter than he looks, or someone doesn't want this money connected to anything."
"Could it be hush money?" Rhodey asked. "For keeping Harry?"
Tony rubbed his chin. "Maybe. Or maybe it's something else entirely."
He clicked his pen again. Once. Twice. His mind ran a mile a second.
"Keep digging," he said to JARVIS. "If someone's paying that man to keep Harry in that house, I want to know who, and why."
No one will stop him from going after whoever gave his baby brother life a living hell. Tony will shoot the bastard with his blaster.