Sorry this one's shorter than usual. It was created out of the last few paragraphs of the original version of the previous chapter. In the original version of this story, Harry finds out about a younger brother, Ethan, next chapter/year. I'm a little iffy on that. Should he get a biological brother, or no?
Chapter Eleven: The Responsibility of the Adults
Well, until after the dinner, and, even then, for other reasons, it remained the best night of Harry's life. He could see that his friends, other than Hermione, were acting oddly, as they started frogmarching him and Hermione in a different direction from Ravenclaw Tower. A minute or so later, he realized they were heading for Professor Snape's office. He stopped them. "What's this about, guys, and why are you taking Hermione and me to Professor Snape's office?"
Sue started to respond. "Harry, it's because we need you to understand that you can't just go off and do dangerous things without asking for help." Padma added, "You don't need to hide things from us. We're your friends, and we care about you."
"We're kids, this stuff isn't something any of us should have to handle alone," Terry added. Anthony nodded, "and it's something that the adults here who were involved," at this he glanced shrewdly at Professor Snape, "should have handled."
The conversation returned to Sue: "Hermione, while we were happy to help Harry, all of us were terrified out of our wits, and you broke through that to help Harry." Here, Parvati, who had not yet spoken, chimed in: "And that's great, Hermione! But I want to know why you two seem used to handling things like this. And we want you to hear it from Professor Snape too."
Hermione was tearing up, but Harry noticed that aforementioned professor had heard at least the latter half of what had been said.
"Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger, your friends are concerned. Mr. Potter, when danger arose, you asked your friends to leave you behind. Your behavior all year suggests that you act without care for your own safety. You made an improvement when you came to me for help, and I am glad that you did, and that we were able to heal you this time. Earlier this year, you took on a troll singlehandedly, Mr. Potter, but your actions here suggest that you are not accustomed to asking for help, either of you. We are here to help you, Harry. It's the responsibility of the adults here to protect you, and it's what we want to do."
Harry appreciated the sentiment, but knew that he would be returning to the Dursleys the next morning.
"Thank you professor, and thanks to all of you," Harry responded, touched.
"I'll work harder to be a good friend to all of you," sobbed Hermione.
The next day, they were boarding the Hogwarts Express; all of them talking and laughing but Harry as the countryside became greener and tidier. They all noticed this, but assumed he was just glum after the previous night's talk. Eventually, they pulled into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station.
It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform. When they finally did, the band of first-year friends searched for their families.
"Hermione!"
Harry and Hermione turned and saw Hermione's parents waiting next to Harry's Aunt and Uncle. The others went off to find their parents, making Harry and Hermione promise to write, and to visit.
Before Harry left, he asked, "Mrs. Granger, why were you staring at me at the beginning of the year?"
Hermione's mom reddened slightly and said, "You reminded me of my husband when he was your age."
Harry nodded, seeing how that might have been odd, as Hermione asked, "Can Harry visit during the summer?"
Hermione's parents looked at each other and said, "I don't see why not."
Harry and Hermione smiled at each other as Harry's Uncle looked torn, obviously wanting Harry unhappy but gone at the same time.
Uncle Vernon nodded and introduced himself to Hermione's parents, obviously relieved that they were normal.
Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to review.