Chapter Nine: Lesson From Loki

-Eleven Years Old-

Harry wasn't talking to them.

He didn't talk to them for his last month at home, before he was scheduled to leave for Hogwarts. And yes, he did feel guilty especially seeing his parents heartbroken expressions as well as the rests of his family's, but he couldn't help being angry.

They didn't seem to have a good reason for lying to him, other than they were afraid, according to Tony, but wasn't he the one that had always told him to face his fears. He had been hiding the truth for six years because of fear.

Hagrid had come and help him purchase his school stuff in Diagon Alley and now here they were at King's Cross station looking for platform 9 ¾.

Except there didn't seem to be a platform 9 ¾.

"I'm telling you Natasha that we should just ask somebody," Clint told her annoyed.

Natasha looked up from the map that she had been reading. "Barton, I'm a top assassin I can assure you I can read a map."

"Well, assassin you seem to be as lost as them." Clint said sarcastically.

Natasha threw him a death glare and Clint kept quiet.

"Don't bother," Tony scowled as he followed them. "I already asked, the man laughed in my face. Somebody's getting fired."

Pepper rolled her eyes.

"Harry!"

Harry turned around and saw Ron running towards him with his own stuff. He was being followed by the rest of the Weasley family, each with bright red hair. "Ron!"

"It's good we found each other mate, hello Mr. Stark, hello Miss Potts." he gaped when he saw the rest of Harry's relatives. "Um. . Hello."

"Hello, young English migardian" Thor boomed as he hastily shook Ron's hand practically picking him up. "I am Thor of Asgard. This is my brother, Loki."

Loki didn't say anything.

"Forgive my brother, he is rather cross today."

"No, I am not." Loki replied curtly. "I just have no desire of acting foolish."

Harry hesitated he really didn't know how to introduce the rest of his family, ever since the fight he had refused to speak to them. He finally said. "Ron, this is Aunt Natasha, Uncle Clint, Uncle Bruce, and Uncle Steve."

The rest of them seemed to relaxed as they said their hellos.

Ron introduced the rest of his family and showed them how to cross so that they could actually see platform 9 ¾.

Harry felt the anxiety rise up in his chest. Everyone around him was hugging and kissing their parents goodbye and Harry didn't know what to do.

"Harry." Loki was motioning for him to come forward. He was standing farther away from the crowd.

Harry walked towards him. "Are you going to tell me to apologize?" he blurted out.

Loki shook his heart. "No, nobody can force you to apologize, well they can, but it doesn't matter unless they really mean it. Harry I don't know if you know this, but I'm adopted as well."

Harry's eyes widened. "You're not Thor's brother?"

Loki shook his head. "Not by bloodline. Though the big oaf certainly thinks so. He has never stopped thinking of me as his brother despite how much hurt and anger and shame I bring him." he paused. "I had two parents that actually loved me, Harry. They weren't my birth parents, yet they still treated me like their son. Family isn't entirely made up of bloodline. There are people who are related and who hate each other or don't even speak. Family is a group of people who love and support each other no matter what. Tony and Pepper aren't your birth parents and we aren't your real uncles and aunt, but we're your family Harry. We all love you and believe me you don't want to lose that, I already lost it once. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded as he suddenly wrapped his arms around Loki's neck, surprising him. "I'm going to miss you, Uncle Loki." he mumbled.

Loki felt a lump in his throat. "I'll miss you too, Harry. Hurry the train is about to depart."

Harry nodded as he said goodbye to his aunt and uncles, now this was the hard part he had to said goodbye to his parents.

"Mom, Dad." his voice cracked as he hugged them both. "I'm sorry for everything I said. You are my real parents and I-"

"Harry." Pepper whispered. "We have nothing to forgive. You had a right to be angry. Me and Tony made our mistakes." she gave him a little smile. "Hopefully not too many."

"Yeah, we love you kiddo." Tony said as he ruffled his hair. "Be sure to send lots of letters all right?"

Harry smiled and nodded. "I will."

"Come on, Harry." Ron pulled him inside the train. "The train's leaving."

Pepper and Tony watched as Harry boarded the train. Tony squeezed Pepper's shoulder.

"Do you think he'll be ok?" Pepper asked him.

Tony nodded. "I'm sure he will be."

"What do you think, Loki told him?"

"I don't know, but remind me to thank him."

Harry stood near a window as the train left the station. He waved goodbye at them until they were no longer visible.

"Come on Harry," Ron pulled on his robe. "Let's go find some seats, it's mighty crowded."

Harry nodded as he followed Ron through the corridors. He was nervous and scared and even a little jumpy. But a part of him was excited.

This was the first time that he would truly be on his own. The first time that neither his parents or the avengers would be there to protect him.

He would learn new things and tell them about Hogwarts and the friends he'd make and Ron.

Harry smiled as him and Ron sat in an empty compartment. He looked out the window and saw the country running past them.

Ron babbled on that they wouldn't reach Hogwarts until nightfall.

It was time for a new adventure.

-End of Chapter Nine-