The train began to move, and Harry walked alongside it, watching his son's face already ablaze with excitement. Harry kept smiling and waving, even though it was like a little bereavement, watching his son glide away from him. . .
The last trace of steam evaporated in the autumn air. The train rounded a corner. Harry's hand was still raised in farewell.
"He'll be alright," murmured Ginny.
As Harry looked at her, he lowered his hand absentmindedly and touched the lightning scar on his forehead.
"I know he will," Harry replied.
"Daddy, can I come with you to the Ministry today? Pleeeaaase?" asked Lily, pleadingly, as they all began to walk away from the platform.
"No, Lil, I'm afraid not; the Auror's office is no place for children," Harry replied, "and I also have to make sure Teddy doesn't break anything," he ended with a tone of humor.
"Don't worry, honey, I'm going to take you over to Grandma and Grandpa's house today," said Ginny. "You'll be able to play with Hugo, isn't that right, Ron?"
"Yeah! You'll have a great time cooking and cleaning with Grandma, and I'm sure Grandpa will love to show you his motorcycle," said Ron enthusiastically. "I heard he almost blew up the chicken coop last weekend," he said aside to Harry.
Hugo looked excited, but Lily looked disappointed.
"Actually, Hermione, could you take the kids over to the Burrow?" asked Ginny. "I have an interview with ol' Gwenog Jones; word is she's retiring."
"Sure, it'll be no problem, I have a meeting with my boss later, but I have time," said Hermione.
"Harry, you and I should get going, I don't suppose we should be much later than we are already, even though you are the Head of the Auror Office," chuckled Ron.
"I suppose," mumbled Harry. He bent down and gave Lily a kiss on the cheek, "Be good to Grandma and Grandpa."
"I always am," she replied exasperatedly. Harry laughed softly. He also gave Ginny a kiss goodbye. Lily looked away in disgust.
"Be safe," Ginny said to Harry.
"I always have been," he replied.
Ron kissed Hermione, then she and the children walked off through the brick wall they entered, while Harry and Ron Disapparated to the Ministry, and Ginny to the Daily Prophet.