Tom Stark-Malfoy

Chapter 12 - Returning Home

Unbelievable. . .

There were only two people in the entire building - one guard and the receptionist. Apparently everyone took the day off because it was the 24th.

Even if this situation is advantageous for me. . . Still. . . This is a government building with highly confidential files you know?! What would you do if I was a criminal set on stealing something very important!?

Probably because it is the day before Christmas and they are still working, that the only two employees didn't even greet or talk to me.

It is because of this situation that I had no problem passing through the building and stepping through the doors that divide the muggle and wizard worlds.

When I looked back at the building, I was surprised to find that it was the Woolworth Building. This can only mean that I am now in New York. About 2800 miles from Malibu.

This. . . This is . . .

I did not notice that my eyebrows had furrowed.

For a moment I considered going back into the building and finding some sort of interstate floo, until I remembered that Stark towers was also in New York. If I go there then Jarvis could do the rest.

I have neither a map nor a working phone and I can't risk using magic, so I'll just have to rely on people.

Since I can't use magic to look older or have a.d.u.l.ts start 'worrying' about me and take me to a police station, hospital, or orphanage. . .

I grimace at what I was about to do but it is the only way to prevent people from overly associating with me.

I turn a corner and disappear into the shadows between the two large buildings.

Bins fell to the ground, disturbed by a stray cat. The dead silence of night breaks with the crash or metal on the concrete floors as paper and plastic waste spill out, filling the air with a rotting stench.

How foul. . .

My lips curve downwards in disdain as I use one hand to cover my nose and mouth.

There is no other way.

I take off my enlarged scarf and cancel the spell before wrapping it around the lower half of my face. Slowly I bend over and swipe my hand on the greasy, mouldy, soot covered floor.

I internally gag as I wipe it on my face, hair, and clothes. I repeat this process until I was fully covered with it and ruffled up my hair.

Merlin's saggy pants. Breathe Draco. breathe

A hot burning liquid raced up my throat as the rancid smell enters my nose. Wrong place to breathe!

. . . wait. . . I can't cast magic but I can use one of its disciplines.

You stupid, idiotic, half-witted clot! Why didn't I use divination?!

I cover my eyes with the palms of my hands and grunt.

I glance at the putrid rusty bin and sigh. I try to focus on my sense of touch rather than the unpleasant smells as I dig into towers of rubbish.

"Gahhhh!"

I just touched something soft and slimy. What sort of horrid repulsive substance did I touch?!

I shook my head to forget whatever that thing was and dug through the rubbish once more. Soon, I found everything I needed. A paper cup, a half full bottle of questionable but clear water, and an old bag of tea leaves.

I washed the cup of any remaining impurities and filled it halfway with water before ripping open the teabag and dumping the fine tea leaves into the cup. I look up at the sky and identify the position of the stars and planets.

Andromeda is-. . so north is . . Cassiopeia . . . there Ursa Minor. Mars and Jupiter are at 5 and 4:30, Saturn is . . . there at 5:45

It must be 3:40 then so I must rely on the energy of Mars.

I inhale deeply and breathe-out magic into the cup. The leaves slowly whirl into figures as I turn on my spot. I stop when the image gets clearer. A falcon facing 1 o'clock.

I run out of the alley like a crab to prevent the cup from turning and cough deeply, expelling the putrid air from my lungs.

I didn't immediately run forwards as there was a shocked man standing stiff with a hot cup of coffee on one hand and a briefcase on the other. He must have been shocked when a child ran out of a dark alley before the sun rose.

After I blinked a small scowl appeared on his face before moving past me saying something about a dirty runt. A bubble of anger formed in my c.h.e.s.t but it quickly diminished as I thought of the more important thing I have to do rather than waste my time to teach that muggle a lesson.

As I run, I spot an abandoned skateboard. I guess now is a good time to learn. I snatched it as I ran by and place one foot on the board like I have seen in those highschool movies.

I'm coming dad, and that terrorist had better be ready for a world of pain.

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Timeskip~ 35 minutes

I arrive at the building, panting as if I had just run a 1000m race. Well, I guess I did do that. Wiping at my sweat with my forearm, I look down at my bloodied trousers. They're dark, so the blood is barely visible, but it just goes to show my foolishness at trying out something new while someone's life depended on it.

At least I now know how to ride a skateboard. Surprisingly it was more difficult than riding a broom. The physics are the same though.

As I recall, the building will only open about 2 and a half hours from now, but I can still get inside if I can contact Jarvis. Thankfully, dad installed the new wireless charger system on the ground floor.

I take out my phone and place it by the door. The screen lit up and showed the image of a battery being charged.

Excellent!

After the bar read 5%, I switched on my phone and opened Jarvis' user interface; commanding her to open the doors for me.

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I didn't take long for me to reach the pent-house where all the secret / personal/ iron man files are. I could probably use that to find and help him!

"Jarvis, where is my dad?"

"Last traced in 5 miles outside of Rose Hills, Tennessee on December 22, 22:59."

". . ."

What.

"Search for the most recent videos and articles mentioning my father."

A blue holographic 360 degrees interface appeared around me as boxes of images and texts appeared one after the other.

The most recent ones were just news reporters arguing whether he was already dead or not. However, there was one repeated video that was posted and reposted by hundreds of people. Most were amateur phone videos, while some were actually in HD. A sense of dread filled me, but I could not stop my finger from hovering over the foreboding image.

I shudder as I recall Mr. Grimsditch's words, "I'm sorry. It is taken with great pain, the loss of a such great man brings. Especially to family."

I shake my head, forgetting all that nonsense as I calm myself down. I gather enough bravery on my finger and click on one of the video links with the repeated image. 'Iron Man Challenges Mandarin and Loses Explosively!'

It mocks me. It is definitely mocking me, and I will find and kill the person who posted this. The image expands to fill my whole screen, and immediately I could hear my dad's voice.

{{{"Here's a little Holiday greeting I've been wanting to send to the Mandarin. I just didn't know how to phrase it 'til now. My name's Tony Stark and I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward. So I've decided, that you just died pal. I'm gonna come get the body. There's no politic here, just good old-fashioned revenge. There's no pentagon, it's just you and me.

On the off-chance you're a man, here's my home address. 10880 Malibu point 90265. I'll leave the door unlocked."}}}

What- what? W-why would he-?

.

.

It was all his fault. . . He basically just invited the terrorist to kill him in his own house! Bleedin' blasted bollocks, why does that sound so familiar?

He told the terrorist to go there. When was this? I scrolled down to see that it was posted on Dec.20.

In the NAME of ALL that is BLOODY MERLIN! T-That bastard! I trusted him and he invited a serial killer to the house! That house that I ignorantly stayed in for two sodding days.

Days in which I could have easily been killed by a murderer without anyone noticing!

He-! He lied to me. . . He tricked me into trusting him, then left me alone at the hands of a murderer without warning. He left me to die and- . . . and- . . .

It doesn't matter. . . It was my foolish mistake to trust him. I can't believe that I was fooled this easily! I should have never let my guard down. He isn't the first to betray me and certainly wont be the last unless I make them loyal myself.

Besides, I don't need him. Sure he has money and power, but he is too foolish and there are thousands just like him, thousands that I could control to my will, just like what father taught me. . . All of slytherin once bowed their heads to me. Both higher and lower years knew to respect me. I did it once, and I could do it again. I will make the WORLD bow!

He must have only adopted me to look good in front of the media, but now that the incident at the orphanage has completely been forgotten, he no longer has any use of me. I could feel anger take over my body, burning a fire from within, a rage that I haven't felt in ages. I took a deep breath and exhaled, expelling the vexation that may cause me to act violently without a backup.

Letting my emotions and feelings take control of my decisions is unbeffiting for a slytherin and heir of Malfoy house. Friendship and trust? HA! They're big jokes! There is only respect and subordination available to those who are capable enough of wielding them. A

Malfoy should never let himself be placed into a situation where he would owe anyone. Whatever is given I would return ten-fold, be it amity or blood. After living with these muggles for several tears, I almost forgot who I am. I was born a Malfoy, and I will be one 'til my last breath. I know who I am, my identity is my blood.

"Sanctimonia Vincet Semper."

(He is not serious. He is just so frustrated and angry, that he is spouting out nonsense).

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*December 27- 5:05 pm*

Though I am definitely sure that he has a black heart- I have to be careful and gauge out just how much of what he feeds me are lies before I strike back! -Is what I wish to do at once, but it has already been 4 days with no sign of Tony.

Well. . . There was the strange fireworks that were captured above Norco two days ago. (Which I have sufficient evidence to believe that they were all self-destructed iron-man suits, since a few minutes or hours before that, all of his suits had flown out of the building.) But after that was complete silence once more. Jarvis wouldn't even tell me why, "Insufficient Authorization" he says.

Another thing I noticed was that Pepper must really not like me. I have been missing for a total of 5 days but there were no news. missing reports, nor posters about me at all. She couldn't have known that I was here in Stark Towers since I had ordered Jarvis to hide any evidence of me living here. (To do this, I am not ashamed to say that I hacked and altered a few programs here and there. Totally harmless, nothing that can't be fixed.)

These past few days were dedicated to locating him on the gps (done by Jarvis), figuring out what his intentions were using all credible videos and articles I found on him (which remains to still be a mystery), and practicing my battle magic.

(The afternoon that I got here, in Stark Towers, I had gone back to Amorr Alley to purchase and illegal ward that identifies my house, or where the ward is, as being the home of an a.d.u.l.t wizard, thus making it free to use magic. Of course, it was nothing a few hundred stacks of cash can't buy. I had easily exchanged it for a generous mound of Dragots, there were also no problems with the transaction as well since all Goblins basically have little to zero interest in wizards. They only care about your money.

However, I could not get a vault since that would require me to give out my name, and I cannot risk having my identity by blood revealed just yet. Thus, I just put it all in a Mokeskin pouch which also costed a hefty, but not too hefty amount of Dragots.)

With each hour that passes, I have noticed my anger for Tony simmer to a sleeping state, with curiosity being my current major driving factor to figure out 'Why'? 'Why did he try to kill me, in such an incomprehensible way?' None of the evidence connects.

Finally, at 3:03p.m. There was news that Tony was back and that there will be a conference tomorrow at noon.

Typical of him to first contact the public before his own family!

/Tony's thoughts in double curly brackets {{ }}. Tom / Draco is the square brackets [ ] ./

~* Malibu, CA 11:50pm*

May I just dedicate this small paragraph to the American Wizarding System? I really appreciate how easy it is for me to Travel from one end of America to the Other. There wasn't even a line! Though this is true for me, it is definitely dangerous for other underage wizards to travel so unrestrictedly around the country so they should definitely fix that.

It was much harder to go in and out of the Muggle-Wizard borders without getting caught. It took me quite an amount of polyjuice potion, and disillusionment charms to escape all those Aurors, so I guess that makes up for the lack of security. I have hidden and ran away all my life so it is easier for myself than others. . . Though that is not something I wish to be proud of.

The crowds were getting much denser the closer I got to central square. And when I had found a good space to see the stage, I finally saw the man who was my father for the first time in a week. Which happened more times than I could count, but none of which are as stressful as this week.

That b*stard has the nerve to stand on a stage and get his pictures taken after plotting against me? Well now everyone will know who you really are! A sick murderer who tried to kill his own son! Though I can't have this broadcasted over the internet (for my safety), rumours would be enough for now. This incident shall plant a seed of distrust in the people, to have them believe anything thrown at them later on! I will crush that 'hero halo' of his, and personally make sure he never recovers.

(In my head, I had already constructed a well made plan to ensure his downfall!)

/Steps to destroy Tony Stark

1.) Reveal his true intentions

2.) Plant seed of distrust (By having no recording of this incident except a few pictures, people would wonder why "Stark Industries" is trying to hide it so badly. I also wont be under scrutiny of the MACUSA since there is no evidence of me using magic!)

3.) Reveal his secrets, and destroy his reputation and business.

4.) Reveal that I was the one that plotted his downfall!

It will be beautiful! /

I opened my phone and had JARVIS hack into all television stations recording and broadcasting this event. Shutting of all live streams and corrupting all video files as they are being made. The best thing about this is- I didn't even have to life a finger myself!

I slid off my hood to show my face and cast [Sonorus].

"WHY DID YOU DO IT? YOU SENT MANDARIN TO THE HOUSE, BLATANTLY KNOWING WHO LIVED THERE.

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/A/N: I will be placing Tony's thoughts in double curly brackets {{ }}. Tom / Draco is the square brackets [ ] ./

~* Malibu, CA 11:50pm*

May I just dedicate this small paragraph to the American Wizarding System? I really appreciate how easy it is for me to Travel from one end of America to the Other. There wasn't even a line! Though this is true for me, it is definitely dangerous for other underage wizards to travel so unrestrictedly around the country so they should definitely fix that.

It was much harder to go in and out of the Muggle-Wizard borders without getting caught. It took me quite an amount of polyjuice potion, and disillusionment charms to escape all those Aurors, so I guess that makes up for the lack of security. I have hidden and ran away all my life so it is easier for myself than others. . . Though that is not something I wish to be proud of.

The crowds were getting much denser the closer I got to central square. And when I had found a good space to see the stage, I finally saw the man who was my father for the first time in a week. Which happened more times than I could count, but none of which are as stressful as this week.

That b*stard has the nerve to stand on a stage and get his pictures taken after plotting against me? Well now everyone will know who you really are! A sick murderer who tried to kill his own son! Though I can't have this broadcasted over the internet (for my safety), rumours would be enough for now. This incident shall plant a seed of distrust in the people, to have them believe anything thrown at them later on! I will crush that 'hero halo' of his, and personally make sure he never recovers.

(In my head, I had already constructed a well made plan to ensure his downfall!)

//Steps to destroy Tony Stark

1.) Reveal his true intentions

2.) Plant seed of distrust (By having no recording of this incident except a few pictures, people would wonder why "Stark Industries" is trying to hide it so badly. I also wont be under scrutiny of the MACUSA since there is no evidence of me using magic!)

3.) Reveal his secrets, and destroy his reputation and business.

4.) Reveal that I was the one that plotted his downfall!

It will be beautiful! //

I opened my phone and had JARVIS hack into all television stations recording and broadcasting this event. Shutting of all live streams and corrupting all video files as they are being made. The best thing about this is- I didn't even have to life a finger myself!

I slid off my hood to show my face and cast [Sonorus].

"WHY DID YOU DO IT? YOU SENT MANDARIN TO THE HOUSE, BLATANTLY KNOWING WHO LIVED THERE."

The people around me backed away from me, leaving a wide space that made it easier for both Tony and the reporters to see who I was.

{{He should be resting! Secured and safe in Stark Towers as I clean up whats left of the Extremis Project. The last thing he should be is in front of the camera! How did he even get here? I'm sure he was in New York not even 30 minutes ago. Did he hack into Jarvis again?}}

"Son? Why are you here?! I thought you were-"

"I was what? lying half-dead in some out of gps coverage area? (On some random road where I was out of sigh, out of mind?!) You're dancing with death!"

{{Is he upset about that stupid stunt I pulled and leaving him alone in a hospital he didn't know? But's it's a little too much to call a small hospital a 'out of gps coverage area'. It's still in the city after all. He must just be unnerved after I had 'come back from the dead'.}}

"Listen, okay? I get where you're coming from, but-"

"You get where I'm coming from? No. You don't-"

{{He must have rushed here from the hospital after finding out that I was alive. I feel terrible for making him experience losing a parent at such a young age- even if I wasn't trully dead. But I'm sure he will forgive me after explaining to him that it was the only way to protect him from catching Mandarin's attention.}}

"Trust me. I do. Believe me- I was also young once. I've already experienced and gone through everything you still haven't done. I shouldn't have done what I did, I know. I also know exactly how you feel because it already happened to me before, and I'm sorry. I know just how much it hurts, but you'll get past this eventually. Let's just-"

I stare at him. A pleading stare to make him just shut-up for a second and listen. And surprisingly, he does. This is his last chance to explain himself and maintain my trust before I begin executing my plan. This time. . . I just want him to tell me the truth.

"You don't know. You haven't seen what I have seen, haven't felt what I have felt. I am never going to experience what you have and you will never experience what I have; so you will never understand and I don't expect you to. If you don't want to answer why you did what you did. That's just fine. You don't need to make excuses, they will never fool me anyway. Just, tell me this. Am I your son? I know I'm adopted. Do you really think of me as your son?"

Just tell me that you don't, so I can end all of this. I'll let this slide since wizards have nothing to do with muggles anyway. Just tell me that I'm not, so your disregard of my life will mean nothing. Tell me that I'm not your son, so you won't be my father.

". . . Of course. Are you jealous because I gave another kid presents? Well I did it because he saved my life, I owe him for that. If you want anything, you could just tell me. I'll even get you your own plane, I know you've always wanted one. We could also go to Disney Land, just you and me. What do you think buddy?"

What in hell-?! Excuses again. He isn't even answering me!

"Screw your plane! Screw your stupid Disney!"

A burst of magic came exploding from the tips of my fingers and toes from sheer anger. Rippling in the wind like water or sound-waves, and frightening the nearby muggles who felt the invisible force smack into them.

[Legillimency!]

All of my furry exploded into one burst of unstoppable raw magic. Letting it recklessly rampage through his mind, stripping him of his every last secret, every last memory. You should have never tried to hide anything from me!

Blood. A sea of blood, fire, gunshots, and people screaming. The Atlantic? Florida, Tennessee. The visions start to slow down, it gets harder to search his mind the deeper I go. But it's further, I need to know why. Why did you do it!?

{{{Pepper, it's me. I've got a lot of apologies to make and not a lot of time, so first off. I'm so sorry I put you both in harm's way. That was selfish and stupid and won't happen again. Also, it's Christmas time. The rabbit's too big. Done. The tree's gone, Sorry. And I'm sorry in advance because I can't come home yet. I need to find this guy. You and Tom, please, stay safe. That's all I know. I just stole a poncho from a wooden Indian.}}}

He contacted us first. . .and he never meant it? But that doesn't make sense! Only an impulsive, reckless, and incautious egomaniac, would create such a thoughtless, inconsiderate, and impetuous mistake. . .

Oh. . .

I have to stop this. The visions continue to surge past like a waterfall that can no longer be stopped.

[Wait!]

There's the image of our house and the explosion, flying in the air, bombing. They start to flash by faster and faster with every second.

[Stop!]

I push my magic out but it disappears into the flood of magic that is already being f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y pulled out of me. Oh no. I can't control my magic, I should have never used it recklessly. I can't control it yet!

[Wait, stop! Slow down]

If I can't f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y stop it, then I'll just cut off the magic supply!

Arrrrrrrgggggg!

The images start to slow down as the flood of magic gets thinner and thinner until only a hair thin, trickle, of magic is left to support the spell. I have to leave slowly and carefully, before I break his mind more than I already think I did.

I look up and see a familiar room, one I havent seen in years. Wasn't this, my room back in the orphanage. Except, half of it had been blasted away. It took me a few seconds before processing that this was the day I got adopted. Later in the evening I'd become Tom. . . But this is no time to reminisc. I have to go.

There was an almost incoherent voice that shouted {Save Me} in my ear that accompanied with it, a trace of a compulsion charm.

I raised my occulumency (which is a useless move since it was, after all, only a memory), before looking at who cast that spell. However, my anger dissipated into confusion when I saw myself, as a baby.

I looked around and could see traces of magic in air, but most of it was focused around dad. I could now clearly see my magic as it entered the suit, causing the arm-part of his suit to act up and release he tried to shake it off before anyone could notice.

{Put the child down or you will be in a hell of a lot of pain.}

{Whatever you say Tin-can.}

I saw myself get thrown in the air, and dad desperately reaching out to catch me. But then another spark flew out and he reached out with his other arm. However, before he could do so, a repulsor beam shot out, passing by me by a hair's width, coincidentaly (or not) hitting the criminal who was trying to escape.

Before I could hit the ground, he caught me with his functional arm.

Did I, do that to him? Did I enslave his will with my magic to protect me? Did I force him to become my guardian?

The trickle of magic was finally completely shut off, before I carefully withdrew from his mind. My vision was slightly off, a bit disoriented. What did I-?

Oh no, dad!

I looked up and saw Tony collapse on the stage while holding his head. Everyone around us screamed and chaos ensued.

"Move aside! Get out of my way!"

I shoved through the crowds that were either rushing towards him to see what was happening, or away from him in fear if they were next.

I tried to reach him but I couldn't, the onslaught of the crowd easily swept my small stature away with the force of a rushing river.

"NO! I need to get to him fast! Please! Don't push! MOVE ASIDE! I-I need to heal him! PLEASE! I need to-!"

My hand was tightly grasped by someone in the crowd who pulled me away. I forcefully struggled with all my strength.

"Let go! Let go of me! I need to heal my dad! Let go!"

We reached a part of the road that was not as crowded and I could finally see the features of my kidnapper.

"P-Potter?"

I looked up at the familiar messy light brown hair and hazel eyes that had turned fierce and sad.

"Where did you learn that?"

His voice came out, but it was not the familiar soft and warm voice that I was used to. It was sharp, hoarse, and as angry as his eyes.

"I-. . .I- didn't mean to-. I- I'm so sorry. Please help him."

Everything suddenly quieter, as if there was something blocking my ears. I couldn't hear anything he was saying and could only hear muted mumbles. Then there was a shrill ringing in my ears that pierced my head. My c.h.e.s.t is tightening up, and my arms feel cold and numb.

I can't breathe. I can't-

"-!"

Someone gripped my shoulders tightly and shook me to gain what's left of my attention. I looked up and saw Potter mouthing some words and gesturing something, while rubbing my back.

"-the! - - b-!"

? I can't. My c.h.e.s.t hurts. I can't hear.

"-th! To- -! breathe."

I open my mouth and gasp, letting the harsh cold wind fill up my lungs.

*cough**cough**cough* it hurts.

"-breathe! That's it. Breathe Tom."

*cough* *inhale* *cough* *cough*

"It's alright. You're alright and your dad will be too. Cecilia's here with us. She's healing your dad right now. It's alright."

Dad's going to be alright? He's alright. I didn't hurt him too badly. Thank god I didn't do something irreparable. I would never forgive myself if I killed him. I can't destroy my family again, and decimate what's left of my sanity.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry."

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