A/N: OK, I don't want to distract from the story, so please read the author's note at the end! Thank you, and thank you for reading!

It was a frightening sight, looking up at the scarlet steam engine with the words Hogwarts Express blazing through the mist. James had been waiting to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for years. In fact, ever since his sort-of cousin Teddy Lupin had gone. Teddy was quite a few years older than James, having graduated a couple years ago. He was James's dad's godson, but was closer than a brother to James himself. James had a few cousins at the school at the moment, but both his siblings were younger, so James had to be the first brave one to board the train, and speed off into the unknown.

James was distracted from staring at the train, lost in his own thoughts, by a pair of slim, smooth arms surrounding him in a hug.

"Now, James, I want you to have an excellent year, you hear me? But, no blowing things up, or getting into trouble. I don't want even one call, you hear? One owl from Headmistress McGonagall and I swear you won't get any ice cream all next summer!"

"Gin, don't you think that's a little harsh?" James's dad asked with a slight laugh. "He is after all related to the infamous Weasley twins, or do you try to forget that?" he asked with a teasing grin.

"Oh, no," Ginny responded gloomily, "I don't forget. That's why I wanted to remind him. Now, do I get a good-bye kiss?" She asked her son.

"Muuuum," James moaned, "Mum, no one gives their mum a goodbye kiss! Merlin's beard, I'm eleven already!"

Ginny just laughed, and leaned in to kiss James's cheek. A little hand pulled her skirt on one side, while a slightly bigger hand poked her ribs. "Mum, mum, can I go too?" Little Lily asked hopefully, blinking up at her mom.

"What about me?" that was Albus, the only one to inherit their father's eyes, though James looked the most like him in all other regards. "I'm older than Lily, I should get to go!"

Ginny looked at both her younger children, and sighed with a little chuckle. "Al, you will be there before you know it. Next year, you'll be running the place! And Lils, remember what I said? Just three more years. That means you only have that long to study at home and make sure you're all ready!" Knowing Lily's thirst for knowledge and preparation (that was well known to the whole family), she figured that this would calm Lily down, and it did. But Albus still looked solemn, as he gazed longingly at the train. Preoccupied as she was with her two younger ones, she didn't notice Harry pull James aside.

"Hey James" he began, ruffling his son's hair affectionately. "I'm really going to miss having my boy home this year."

"Aw, dad, it's all right. I'll be home at Christmas, you know."

Harry nearly laughed at his son trying to cheer him up. He was really happy for the boy. Hogwarts was Harry's first real home, the first place he felt like he truly belonged. He hoped James would love it as much. Before Ginny turned back, he pulled a flat package out of his robes, and put it in his son's knapsack.

"This here is something very, very important. One day you will learn the full history of it, and the meaning, but for now just know to keep it safe, hidden, and very secret."

"Dad, what is-"

"No time right now. Your mother would kill me for giving it to you your first year, but you need it. Instructions are inside, only show people you would trust on your life, and owl me if there's a problem." James could only nod at his dad's instructions, and commit them to memory, before his mum's voice interrupted.

"Harry! James! The train's ready to leave!"

"That's your signal, James. Ready?" Harry asked, with a small smile at his son's nervous gulp. He just looked for a moment, until James nodded.

"Harry!"

"Coming, Gin, he's right here." Harry had already helped James stow his trunk outside of an empty compartment, so with one last hug and kiss for his parents, James jumped into the train just moments before it began to move. He leaned out the window, waving to his parents.

"Oh, and James?!" It was, who else, his mum. "Do remember to give Neville and Luna our love, won't you? And Hagrid, and Professor McGonagall, and-" at this Harry cut her off with an arm around her waist. She looked at him, then back at the train as they both waved goodbye to their firstborn.

James leaned out the window till the very last second, watching as his parents and sibling disappeared around a corner.

A/N: Hey Everybody!

So, I hope by now you've read the story. I have a couple of chapters done and ready to put up, but I need some reviews first, to make sure it's worth the editing and all. I just want to know someone, anyone, is reading. And hopefully enjoying. I appreciate all sorts of constructive feedback, but please don't diss the story because you feel like it, or because you don't like it. Details! I need details so I don't make the same mistakes again! Thanks in advance for all the lovely reviews I'm sure I'll be getting! ;)

On another note, I can really use a Beta. I feel I do all right editing my own work, but I could use someone to catch all my stupid mistakes, and to help me with inspiration. So please let me know if you're interested...