The second of the set. J.K. Rowling owns.

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1st September 2016

Harry was carrying his eight-year-old daughter in his arms. She was really getting too big to be carried, but the whole family was feeling slightly sentimental that day. It was his eldest son's first year at Hogwarts. Sure, Harry had been putting Teddy on that train for the last seven years, but it was much different when it was your own son.

The son in question insisted on pushing his own trolley through the platform, followed by Ginny and Albus, who had been upset that morning. He hadn't wanted his big brother to go away without him. They had been nearly inseparable for years.

Together the little family crossed through the barrier. They lost sight of James almost at once as he disappeared onto the busy platform. The two adults clung to their children as they searched up and down the platform, eventually locating the small patch where the Weasleys held fort. James was chattering away excitedly with his cousin Louis.

"James, you know you aren't supposed to do that," Harry said sternly.

"Chill Dad, I'm fine," James sighed, irritated at being treated like a child.

Harry lifted his son's trunk onto the train and stowed it in a compartment. He got back to find Ginny looking seriously at her son, who was beginning to look a little nervous. When she saw Harry, she straightened up, and ruffled her son's hair.

"Don't be scared James," Harry said, bending down. "Hogwarts is amazing. These will be among the best years of your life, I promise."

"I'm not scared," James said, looking the exact opposite.

"Good. Now, remember to stay away from Peeves. Hagrid's invited you to tea next Friday. And, whatever you do, do not under any circumstances copy Fred and Dominique. They get in enough trouble as it is without you helping them."

James smiled weakly.

"We love you, no matter what happens." The whistle began to blow. "Now, on to the train with you."

James suddenly hugged his father. "Write to me?" he whispered, and Harry knew that he was more scared than he was letting on.

"Every day," Harry said.

"Not every day. I don't want to be a loser," James said, embarrassed.

"Every day," Harry repeated, "as long as you need us to. We are always here for you James." Harry looked at his eldest son. He had been putting Teddy on the train for seven years, but it was so much harder when it was his own son leaving him.

"James Sirius," he said, getting sentimental but not caring. "You are named after two of the greatest father figures I ever met. You are also named after two of the biggest trouble-makers in history, which, I admit was probably asking for it. You make me proud, my boy." Harry hugged him again. "Now, get on that train, or it'll leave without you."

James jumped up onto the train and disappeared instantly, ready to make new friends and meet new people and generally grow up to be the extremely talented wizard he had showed signs of being since he was five years old. Harry couldn't deny that it saddened him to see his oldest all grown up.

Ginny was suddenly at his side, and she took his hand. "He's more scared than he's letting on," she said sadly.

"I know. But he'll be fine. I'm sure. He's tough. And he'll make friends easily."

"Our James all grown up," she whispered.

"It's about time." He turned around to see Lily looking as though she was about to cry and Albus looking upset as well. Now was not a time to be selfish. How could they worry themselves about their eldest son growing up when their two younger children had to deal with losing their older brother, if only until Christmas?

"Don't worry love," Harry said, lifting Lily up, although she really was getting too big. "Christmas will be here before you know it! Come on now, we're all going to lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's. Won't it be nice to see them?" Lily perked up at this. Harry could see more and more people staring at him. "Come on Al, don't look so upset. Only a year and you get to join him."

Albus smiled, anxious to please his parents. Harry called over Lily's head to the group of Weasleys "We'd best be off!"

"See you at mum and dad's" Ginny said, waving, before taking Albus' hand and leading him back to the gateway.

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In the last chapter the phrase "twenty-seven left to go" troubled a few of you. The way I intended it is that Harry essentially has four kids, including Teddy. He has to say goodbye on the 1st of September every year for seven years per child, therefore making twenty-eight. That was my logic behind it anyway.

I hope you've all had a wonderful September!

Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter! My name is RoLouG. Message me saying you're a reader and I'll follow back!