"Come on gang."

Lily didn't break her gaze. Longingly her eyes stuck to the train disappearing in the distance. It was as if, if she could just keep it in her sights a little bit longer her brothers and cousin would still be with her as well; but then the tracks made a turn and they were gone. He shifted her eyes downwards, not really looking at anything, and followed passively when she felt her mother's hand in hers pulling her gently in the direction back to the muggle station.

She felt a hand caressing the back of her head. She looked up and found his father looking down on her, smiling a sad smile as if he knew exactly how she felt. He reached down and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up so her body rested against his side. It had been a long time since she'd grown too big to be carried, (especially in public) but right now she didn't mind. She hid her face in his neck breathing in the familiar scent of ash and dirt and coffee beans. He hadn't slept yet. He'd been out all night working for the ministry. He'd only come back right before they all set off for the station to send everyone off. Everyone but her that is. She tightened her grip around her father's neck and she could feel her face grow warm from holding back the tears. She was sure he could feel it too.

"Just walk on ahead love"

Lily peaked out from her hiding space within her dad's wild, black hair to receive a peck on the cheek from her mother before she upped her pace to catch up with her brother. She still had her brother around. Lily furrowed her brows and frowned, knowing full well that she's being petty and ridiculous, which only made her feel even more upset with the unfairness of it all.

"They'll be home for Christmas sweetheart."

"I know," she mumbled, pressing her cheek against his.

"You still have Hugo around," her dad tried hopefully.

"Hugo only wants to talk about Paxley."

"Yeah, he really does love that toad doesn't he?"

"How come Hugo gets to have a pet and I don't?"

"Because Hugo's parents aren't your parents. Besides, we already have Greg."

"Greg is your owl dad! And he's boring."

"Well, I'm sorry my 3rd most trusted companion doesn't qualify as entertaining"

"3rd most?"

"You and your mum, silly."

"What about the boys?"

"The boys? They're useless. Especially now they're away somewhere in Scotland."

"You know they haven't made it there yet."

"And you know what I mean."

With that he tickled her side right as they went through to the rest of King's Cross. Lily giggled, reluctantly giving up her distemper, and kissed her dad on the forehead; right where the faded outline of a lightning bolt ran down towards his bright green eyes.