"No particular arrangements. What's the matter?" Pepper asked with curiosity.
Tony finished devouring his burger and took a sip of cola. "There's a charity gala tonight. I believe I require a companion—join me."
Pepper's expression immediately became somewhat strained. "Do you need me to arrange for a celebrity? Perhaps a model?"
"No, no, no—you. You and me, you as my date." Tony wiped his mouth and retrieved his book to continue reading. "You'll need to select an evening gown yourself—choose something you genuinely like, use my card."
Pepper's eyes widened in surprise. "You and me?"
Tony had already become completely absorbed in his academic material, nodding absently while ignoring everything else around him.
Pepper blushed faintly. "Very well—I understand. I'll make the necessary preparations."
After Pepper departed, Tony continued reading for some time before suddenly recalling something important. "FRIDAY, place a call to Gemini."
Following several rings, Gemini answered with obvious irritation. "This better be absolutely crucial!" Observing the unidentifiable substance emitting noxious fumes before her, Gemini's voice carried the chill of arctic ice.
"Are you familiar with George Weasley?" Tony pretended complete obliviousness to Gemini's barely contained fury.
"Naturally—Uncle Ron's elder brother, and my guardian's close friend." Upon hearing the familiar name, Gemini's tone finally normalized. "How did you encounter him?"
"Do you recall that alchemy establishment on the wizarding street? You failed to notice that enormous Weasley's Alchemy Workshop signage?" Tony spoke with theatrical emphasis.
"He genuinely owns that shop? I assumed it was mere coincidence." Gemini experienced sudden comprehension.
"Consequently—is he trustworthy? Specifically, what's the nature of your relationship?" Tony inquired further.
Gemini considered carefully before responding: "Weren't you interested in alchemical studies? He represented my primary candidate when seeking instruction for you. Although he never graduated due to certain circumstances, some alchemical products he created during his third and fourth years remain unsurpassed to this day."
"That impressive? What's your assessment of having him collaborate on armor improvements?" Tony stroked his chin while observing the Mark II undergoing its painting process.
Gemini couldn't suppress mental images of Tony in his armor suddenly launching a firework that screamed "Long live Weasley!" before transforming into a dragon head and blasting some unknown adversary charcoal-black. She shuddered and forcibly terminated her unreliable imagination. "I believe it's feasible, but you must exercise extreme caution regarding one particular aspect. Having met him, you should understand his personality. Incidentally—what animal did you become?"
"How could you possibly know?!" Tony recoiled in shock—he'd hoped to bury this humiliating incident. "No, I mean..."
Gemini covered her forehead with resignation. "No explanation necessary. Aerial or terrestrial?"
"Aerial," Tony replied with complete deadpan delivery.
Suppressed laughter emanated through the phone connection. "Absolutely predictable. My initial encounter occurred during pre-term shopping. He offered me confectionery—upon consumption, I transformed into a cat. In my panicked state, I nearly demolished half his establishment. If you proceed with Weasley collaboration, remember this fundamental rule: never accept anything from his hands."
"That intelligence is completely outdated. You should maintain vigilance regarding any part of his anatomy—today I merely shook hands once." Tony smiled with bitter experience.
"Apparently he's upgraded his methods. Appreciation for the warning. Do you require anything else?" Gemini glanced at the cauldron before her, her briefly relaxed mood immediately deteriorating again.
"Nothing further. I'll arrange dinner soon!" Detecting the tonal shift in Gemini's voice, Tony decisively concluded the conversation.
The Mark II had completed its painting cycle. Observing the crimson and gold armor, Tony nodded with supreme satisfaction—his aesthetic sensibilities remained absolutely superior!
The armor's finger sections featured several vacant positions, awaiting George's custom-fabricated metal components.
Precisely then, the gold Galleon in Tony's pocket began generating heat. Within mere seconds it became scalding. Tony frantically extracted the communication Galleon, examining his reddened fingers and throbbing thigh. Bloody hell—deceived again!
The Galleon's central portrait slowly transformed into George's features, grimacing and adjusting for several moments before speaking: "Mate, your commission is complete. Are you collecting personally, or shall I dispatch an owl for delivery?"
Tony verified the time—merely 2:00 PM. "I'll provide my address—visit personally. I have something remarkable to demonstrate." Tony shared his fireplace designation with George.
A fireplace name functioned as the Floo Network's access code. Knowing the correct designation permitted direct entry into someone's residence. Beyond public establishments, residential fireplace names were typically shared only with intimate friends and family. Should someone accidentally intrude, Tony'spremium custom fireplace would stun first and investigate later.
Tony emerged from his underground laboratory. Upon reaching the ground-floor fireplace, emerald flames materialized within, and George's silhouette appeared.
"Sir, unknown individual detected. Shall I issue warning and expulsion?" FRIDAY's voice immediately activated as George stepped through.
"Negative—this is my invited guest. Record entry: George Weasley, grant access and laboratory permissions." Tony quickly countermanded FRIDAY while approaching George with welcoming enthusiasm.
George examined the ceiling extensively, searching unsuccessfully for the voice's origin. "What was that? A House-elf?"
Tony's smile immediately crystallized. "Bloody hell! I completely forgot!" He struck his forehead with profound regret.
"What's the difficulty?" George appeared genuinely puzzled.
"I forgot I'd contracted a House-elf! I've never even summoned him!" Tony explained while hurrying toward the basement, gesturing for George to follow.
After extensively searching the laboratory's bookshelf, he finally located his signed contract. Tony frowned while carefully examining the document, identifying the contracted elf's name. He cleared his throat several times, positioned himself beside the table, and called softly: "Bogg?"
With a gentle pop, House-elf Bogg materialized instantly before Tony, wearing a tattered pillowcase, his enormous round eyes already brimming with tears. "Master! You finally remembered me!"
Tony glanced awkwardly at the ceiling. "I've been extraordinarily busy—the residence just completed renovation. Familiarize yourself with the binding process. Avoid detection by outsiders normally. Additionally—can you truly accomplish anything?"
Bogg bowed so profoundly his head nearly contacted the floor. "Absolutely, Master. I will definitely fulfill your every command."
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