[Author Note: English isn't my first language.]
The air was still charged with tension, though the storm had passed for now.
Pervical stood near the entrance, arms crossed tightly across his chest, eyes flicking between Tony and Grindelwald. His jaw was tight, as though he was fighting every instinct not to drag Tony out of the room and seal Grindelwald in a magical prison—just to be safe.
"I don't like this," Pervical muttered, loud enough for Tony to hear.
"I'm aware," Tony replied flatly, finishing his second cup of coffee. "You've glared enough holes in the air to start a space program."
Still, Pervical didn't budge. His fingers twitched near his wand holster. Finally, he exhaled in defeat. "I need to go. Now that I know he's here, I have to inform the higher-ups. Discreetly."
Tony nodded, standing and walking him to the door. "You'll keep it quiet?"
"For now," Pervical said, then lowered his voice. "But be careful, Stark. Blood ties don't erase history."
"I know," Tony said softly.
Pervical's eyes lingered on him for a beat longer than necessary, as if trying to commit every detail of his face to memory. Then, with a stiff nod and one last look at Grindelwald, he disapparated with a muted crack.
Tony turned around slowly.
Grindelwald was already making himself at home, legs propped up on the table, swirling his glass in lazy satisfaction. He looked utterly unbothered by the earlier confrontation.
Tony leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Alright. You've had your drama for the morning. Now tell me—what's your plan?"
Grindelwald tilted his head. "Plan?"
Tony arched a brow. "You didn't crash into my kitchen, flirt with everyone, and sip wine for nothing."
A brief pause. Then Grindelwald grinned, genuinely amused.
"I didn't plan that far," he admitted. "Though I am considering visiting some old friends. There were still a few loyal voices—older ones, of course—who believed in the Greater Good, in magical solidarity. Perhaps it's time to rebuild... not for conquest, mind you."
Tony blinked. "Oh?"
Grindelwald's expression turned thoughtful. "Protection. We live in strange times. If wizards and muggles are to coexist, there must be power to defend both worlds when the line blurs."
Tony stared at him for a moment, analyzing every word. It didn't sound like a lie—but that didn't mean it wasn't dangerous.
"Well, lucky you," Tony said, his voice sarcastic and dry. "You just so happen to land in the house of Earth's self-appointed defense coordinator."
Grindelwald smiled. "How convenient."
Tony looked away, uncomfortable. "You can stay, for now. I mean, it's not like I'm going to throw out the ancient dark wizard sleeping in my kitchen. We're family, right?"
Grindelwald chuckled low in his throat. "I graciously accept your invitation, dear nephew."
Tony waved a hand in the air, trying to shoo off the weight of that title. "God, don't say it like that."
"But it's true."
"Yeah, and so is the fact I need therapy."
Before Grindelwald could quip again, a sharp digital chime rang out from the ceiling.
"Sir," came Jarvis's smooth voice. "Director Fury is requesting your attention. He says it's urgent."
Grindelwald glanced up, then stared at the ceiling in fascination. "Is that where your house-elf lives? How remarkable... the muggles have trapped a soul in the ceiling to serve them. Efficient, if a bit tragic."
Tony blinked. Then blinked again.
"That's Jarvis. He's an AI. artificial intelligence, Not a soul. It's technology."
Grindelwald's eyes sparkled. "Muggle magic. Fascinating."
Tony sighed. "Jarvis, ignore him."
"As you wish, sir."
Grindelwald leaned forward. "This Fury... who is he?"
"Nick Fury," Tony said, walking over to his console. "Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.—big scary spy boss, eye patch, always scowling. He's like a wizard, except instead of spells he yells at people until they do what he wants." Honestly, He had one damn meeting with Fury and already had a feeling what kind of man he is.
Grindelwald leaned his chin into his hand, curious. "And you work with him?"
Tony hesitated.
"I tolerate him," he said, then paused. "Actually... I've got an idea."
He slowly turned back to Grindelwald, a spark dancing behind his eyes. "You ever think about running an international intelligence agency?"
Grindelwald raised an eyebrow. "Is that a proposition?"
Tony grinned. "Why not? You want to protect the magical world? S.H.I.E.L.D. already walks the edge of everything weird. Merging magical oversight into the equation could change things. And honestly, Fury needs a vacation." Permanent, As much as he came to hate him doesn't mean Tony wants him dead.
Grindelwald's smirk widened, eyes gleaming. "I'll do anything... for family."
"Jarvis," Tony said, not taking his eyes off Grindelwald, "give Gellert access to the classified S.H.I.E.L.D. files. Level six and below for now."
There was a long pause.
"Sir, are you certain? This individual—"
"Yeah. I'm sure," Tony cut in. "Let's see what the world looks like when old power meets new chaos."
"Oh, Tony," he murmured with a devilish smile, "we're going to have so much fun."
———
Christmas came faster than Tony had anticipated.
One day he was juggling S.H.I.E.L.D. politics, and AI upgrades—and the next, he was standing in the kitchen of Stark Tower, staring at a turkey that was much too large and wondering how he'd been roped into hosting Christmas Eve dinner.
Snow drifted gently outside the vast glass windows, blanketing the New York skyline in quiet wonder. Inside, the tower was warm, alive with the smells of roasting food, Tony had even put up a artificial tree—And to his own surprise, it felt… good. Almost normal.
Sirius, Harry and Remus had arrived first, just as promised. Sirius immediately tried to charm the fireplace to shoot glitter instead of sparks ("Festive, don't you think?"), while Remus kept adjusting the ornaments Tony had randomly thrown on the tree, muttering about "aesthetic balance" and "chaotic holiday placement."
Harry eyes wide as he looked around the tower. He didn't say much at first, but Tony caught him standing in front of the window, quietly watching the snow fall. Something about the boy's silhouette, framed against the twinkling city lights, tugged at Tony's chest. Maybe it was the knowledge that this was Harry's second real Christmas—last year at Hogwarts being his first. Maybe it was the fact that this kid, with all he'd gone through, still found joy in something as simple as snowfall.
Tony was just happy he could give him a place to feel safe.
Then came a surprise.
Someone cough making Tony look up from the kitchen counter where he was slicing bread.
"Rhodey?" Tony blinked, mouth slightly open. "What the hell are you doing here? You're supposed to be in D.C?!!"
Rhodey grinned, holding up a bottle of wine and a wrapped gift. "Got leave last minute. Thought I'd crash the Stark Christmas Disaster in person this year instead of over a phone call."
Tony couldn't stop the genuine grin that spread across his face. "You soft bastard."
"I bring wine, you bring sarcasm. Balance is restored," Rhodey said, stepping inside and immediately shedding his coat.
Tony took the wine, already uncorking it. "Well, come in, Honey bear, Meet the magical portion of the Stark guest list..."
"Way ahead of you"
Dinner was loud, messy, and oddly perfect. The table was full of laughter and stories—Remus talking about his time studying at Hogwarts, Sirius bragging about how many times he'd snuck out past curfew, Harry trying not to grin and eating his food.
Tony sat back at one point, watching them.
Watching his... family.
It still felt strange to think about it that way. This odd collection of magical and non-magical people. But it felt right. He hadn't felt this sense of belonging in a long time.
Though one seat remained conspicuously empty.
Grindelwald.
No, Tony didn't hate the man. In fact, their dynamic had evolved into something curious—a tangled mix of blood ties, protection, understanding, and the occasional inappropriate flirtation.
Tony still didn't back down, He wasn't a playboy for nothing, Although, it feels stupid. He had laughed just thinking about it.
But he hadn't told anyone yet. Not about their connection. Not about the man hiding just a few blocks away. Everyone—especially Johnny—was searching for Grindelwald, and here he was, sipping tea on Tony's couch two nights ago, commenting on the "wonders of drone surveillance."
Tony felt guilty. Sort of. But also amused.
Only Tony Stark would host a fugitive dark wizard during Christmas in New York.
But right now, it wasn't about that.
It was about tonight. This moment. The people in front of him.
"So," Rhodey said mid-bite, nudging Tony with his elbow. "Pepper not coming?"
Tony shook his head, sipping his wine. "Nah. She's visiting her relatives. I sent her presents in advance. Tried to get her a self-wrapping bow...."
Sirius, lounging sideways on his chair like he owned the place, raised an eyebrow. "Pepper. Is she your girlfriend?"
Tony snorted. "Please. No. Pepper is the one who keeps me from falling apart. She's like a really hot drill sergeant with excellent taste and zero patience for my antics. More like my executive babysitter than girlfriend."
"so basically, if anyone wants to get you straightened out, they call Pepper."
Sirius cracked up, nearly spilling his drink. "Noted. I'll keep her on speed dial. Tony's a maniac when left alone."
"Hey," Tony said, feigning offense. "I resemble that remark."
"Strongly," Remus murmured with a sly grin, raising his glass.
"I thought you be gay"
Tony blink at Sirius who said that, he shook his head. "I mean, I am into both ways..."
Rohedy snorted. "Tony date more girls than boys, I believe he did date one or two guys but he wasn't that interested, were you?"
"Kinda? Guys were hot- You know what? Let's change the subject" Tony glance at Harry who was talking with Remus. "How's the turkey?"
Sirius and Rohedy understood, they didn't ask him and change the topic. Laughter echoed through the dining area, warm and real.
For the first time in what felt like ages, Tony let his shoulders relax. No suits, no secrets—well, one big secret, but still—just people who genuinely wanted to be here. People who weren't here because they needed Tony Stark the genius and billionaire.
Best Christmas ever.