A/N: I don't own Harry Potter.
This was written for Schermionie.
"Try not to get in too much trouble."
"Don't forget to write."
"Make sure to study."
"Make your mom and I proud."
"We'll be wishing you luck for tryouts."
"Remember to feed your owl."
"Always do your best."
"Have fun!"
"You'll do great."
"Make good choices!"
"If your friends do something stupid, don't do it too."
~hp~
It was September again, and all of the parents were giving out last bits of advice and well wishes to their children before the Hogwarts train left for school. Among these parents were a man with green eyes and a woman with red hair.
Their names were Harry and Ginny Potter, and they had come to see off their three children.
~hp~
James and Al had run off already. They had been to school before, and they couldn't wait to catch up with their friends.
Lily was chomping at the bit to take off as well.
"You're sure you've got everything?" Ginny asked for the millionth time.
"Yes, mom."
"And you'll remember to write us every week? You can write us every day if you like."
"Yes, I know. I'll remember."
"Your brothers will look after you, so don't give them too much of a problem, okay?"
"Okay, okay. Can I go now, Mum?"
Ginny smiled and pulled her daughter into a hug. "I'm sorry. I'm just going to miss you."
"I'll miss you, too, Mum."
Lily pulled away and turned to look at her father. He pulled her into a strong hug. His voice was thick with emotion as he spoke.
"I'll miss you, Lily. But you're going to love it at Hogwarts. Some of the best moments of my life were at Hogwarts. Enjoy every minute of it. Make good friends. Learn a lot, because that's important, but be sure to have lots of fun, too."
"I will, Daddy. And I'll miss you, too."
Then she ran off, her red hair flying behind her.
~hp~
As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, Mr. and Mrs. Potter waved until the train disappeared from view completely.
~hp~
Later that evening, the couple sat together in front of the fireplace.
"I can't believe our little girl is off at Hogwarts already." Ginny mused. "I know she was ready, and she was so excited, but…"
"Does she remind you of someone?" Harry asked his wife playfully.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about," she replied.
"Really? I seem to remember a young girl with red hair who couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts."
Ginny feigned ignorance. "Oh? And what happened to that little girl?"
"She made many friends, and grew up to be a beautiful and strong woman that any man would be lucky to have."
"Any man? It's lucky for you, then, that she only ever wanted one."
And then she leaned over and captured his lips in a kiss.
Harry did feel lucky, and he knew that, together, they could deal with anything that life threw their way.
Although, Lily better not be planning on dating until she's thirty, because he didn't feel quite ready for that yet.