James was outside, sitting down on the grass, having a lot going through his mind.

His family had just had a special dinner to celebrate him going to Hogwarts tomorrow.

For as long as he could remember, James had wanted nothing more than to attend Hogwarts. He had heard countless stories from his parents, aunts and uncles about their time at the institute. Once he attended he would learn all the wizarding world had to offer.

Like many children born into a wizarding family, James had gotten his wand earlier than most, his parents had gotten him one once he was around five years old and had taught him simple spells. But once he got to Hogwarts, he would have a whole new arsenal at his display.

And it wasn't just spells, he would be able to learn history, herbology, alchemy, runes and the various magical creatures that inhabited the world.

His mom had made sure both him and his sister had a good understanding of potions. Being a world renowned potion mistress, there was no way she wasn't going to have her children not at least be adequate when it came to brewing.

James had visited Hogwarts a couple of times in the past, most of them when his dad had business to deal with there.

One of the times, his dad had apperated them to the front gates, where they met a large giant of a man who apparently his dad was good friends with. The man introduced himself as Hagrid and he was the Groundskeeper.

When they had entered the school, James was enamored by how large and vast it was. He stared at all the paintings, suits of armor and awards that were spread out through the place.

His dad needed to speak with the headmistress, probably about boring grown up things, so James entertained himself by looking around the headmistress' office. There were many paintings mounted on the walls, and upon closer inspection, James saw that they had plaques underneath them which led him to deduct that these paintings were of previous headmasters. Engraved on the plaques were their names and their tenure. One name that stood out to him was Phineas Nigellus Black. Perhaps he was a relative of Sirius? He would make sure to ask grandpa next time he saw him.

Oddly, none of the portraits were moving. It was common in the wizarding world that most portraits were enchanted once painted and acted like they were almost alive. Most people used recording crystals to take their pictures or recordings, but there were those who preferred the old-fashioned way. Potter Manor had many such paintings, so James had gotten used to seeing them move.

When he asked why they weren't moving, Headmistress McGonagall answered by saying that the paintings only moved when asked by the current headmaster.

When his dad and the headmistress had finished whatever business they had, his dad began to lead him out of the office, but stopped when McGonagall called out for James.

"Mr Potter." James looked up at his dad, thinking she was referring to him, but the look on his dad's face told him that she was actually speaking to him.

"Uh, yes?" He asked, wondering what she could want.

"I hope you aren't too much like your namesake. I would like to not see you in this office a majority of the time."

James gave her his best disarming smile. "I'll do my best, Ma'am."

McGonagall looked over at his dad, unimpressed.

"I see you've already taught him how to use his "Potter Charm"."

His dad just shrugged, giving her a smile in return. "See you later, Minerva."

She gave his dad a small smile. "You as well, Hadrian."

Up until today, James couldn't wait to finally go to Hogwarts. He had Teddy send him letters about what the school was like, and had let his imagination run wild.

But, now, he found himself nervous, scared.

Which is why he found himself outside, surrounded by the vast greenery of the backyard. The sun had set so the sky was now black with stars sparkling like diamonds. The wind gave a light breeze, one that wasn't cold, it was just pleasant.

He normally came outside whenever he needed to think and make sense of the jumbled mess that was his mind.

His dad often stood over by the cliffside, gazing at the beautiful scenery that laid before them.

Occasionally, the sounds from griffins filled the air, causing him to look over at the stables. The stables held horses, something his mom had added since she liked to ride them as a kid, and griffins which had been housed there for centuries.

The Potter children were not allowed to visit the griffins without supervision, since griffins were notoriously temperamental creatures. Grumpy and easily angered. However, like many things in the world, they were completely comfortable in the presence of his dad. His dad had the unique ability to somehow make anyone feel relaxed and at ease in his presence, which led to the unusual sight of the normally angry griffins acting like docile pets.

There was a particular griffin that had taken a liking to James, which he reciprocated. He had named the griffin Ezekiel or Zekie.

He didn't need to look over to the person who sat down beside him to know who it was.

"What's wrong?" His dad asked.

James debated whether he would say anything. He didn't want his dad thinking he was weak.

"James?" His dad asked again, a soft caring tone in his voice.

James looked over at his dad, his hero, the man he wanted nothing more than to be like, and saw the same kind and loving look in his eyes that was always there.

Seeing that spurred him on to speak.

"I'm… I'm scared…" He finally admitted.

"Scared? Of what?"

"Of… Of letting you down… Of people thinking I'm not worthy to be your son…"

James turned his head from his dad and hugged his knees to his chest.

"I mean… You and Mom are heroes, the best in the world. What if… What if people think I'm not like you? What if they start saying that I'm an embarrassment?"

"Oh, James…" His dad said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, bringing him in for a hug.

"There is nothing I would like more than for you to not be like me."

"Huh?"

What would his dad say that? His dad was Hadrian Potter, the strongest wizard in the world! The-Man-Who-Conquered, Vanquisher of Voldemort, recipient of an Order of Merlin First Class, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, and many other accolades.

Why wouldn't he want James to be like him?

Sensing his son's confusion, Hadrian answered.

"James, when me and your mother were at Hogwarts, we dealt with life threatening situations day after day. We had a war to deal with. I would love nothing more for you to have a normal time at school."

When he put it that way, James could see his point.

"And who cares what everyone else thinks?" His dad continued. "Do you think I'm busy worrying about what news outlets like Witch Weekly and the Daily Prophet are saying? They don't matter. What does matter is what the people close to me feel. And if I'm happy. So don't pay attention to what everyone else says. All that matters is if you are happy. The greatest gift a child can give their parents is to be happy in life."

James felt his eyes start to water and wiped them clean.

"But, what if I'm not in Gryffindor or Slytherin?" James asked. He knew how much Hogwarts houses mattered. Or at least he thought he did.

His dad gave him another gentle smile.

"I won't lie and say I wouldn't be happy if you were sorted into Gryffindor, but if you aren't then that's ok. If you're in Slytherin then that's great, you get to join all the other Potters who were there. But if you're not and you're in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, then that's fine too. Whatever house you enter is going to be so lucky, because they will be gaining an incredible, brilliant student."

James felt the tears starting to form again. He grabbed his dad and pulled him into a hug. His dad returned it, rubbing his back in a soothing motion.

The two stood up and began walking back to the manor.

"You know, you're lucky." His dad spoke up. "When I was at Hogwarts there was a huge prejudice between the houses."

"Really?" James asked.

"Yep." His dad confirmed with a nod. "Gryffindors were characterized as being the types to charge into things without thinking them through, kinda like a bunch of meatheads. Hufflepuffs were soft and weak. Ravenclaws were too into books and learning to care about anything else. And Slytherins were evil and needed to be avoided at all costs."

"That's stupid!" James said. "A Hogwarts house can't tell who you really are, it just shows what your dominant traits are."

His dad laughed. "Where were you when I was in school? Thankfully, ever since the Second Wizarding War ended that's pretty much all but died. Now the only rivalry that exists between them is a friendly one for the House Cup."

James was glad to hear he wouldn't be entering an atmosphere like the one his parents went through. He didn't know how he'd survive there. He'd probably have multiple detentions.

"Did you ever win the House Cup, Dad?"

"Yeah, a couple of times." His dad began listing all the years. "We won first year, second year, third year, fourth year there was no cup because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, fifth year it went to Slytherin, mostly due to Umbridge's interference. Sixth year it went to Ravenclaw and seventh year it was thrown out, like most of that year."

"I'll make sure whatever house I'm in wins the cup the whole time I'm there!" James promised.

His dad chuckled. "I look forward to seeing that!"

When they made it back inside, James began walking up the stairs and to his bedroom, but stopped and called to his dad.

"Hey, Dad. Thanks."

His dad smiled. "Anytime, Buddy."

Hadrian entered his bedroom and saw his wife was already in bed, she was writing in her potions book.

"So, how is he?" She asked, not looking up or stopping her writing.

"Fine." He responded, walking over to his closet and beginning to change into his night clothes. "He was feeling nervous about Hogwarts. Last minute jitters. He was worried about living up to us. I talked him down."

"Aw, my poor baby." Daphne cooed.

Hadrian smirked, his wife was always so protective of their kids.

"What are you writing?" He asked.

"Just what potions I need to make for my next session."

"Anything interesting?"

"Not really." She said, "Just your basics: Pepper-Up Potions, Strengthening Solutions, Enhancing Elixirs…" She trailed off seeing him getting dressed.

"What are you doing?"

He paused midway putting a shirt on.

"Uh, putting a shirt on…"

"What's the point in doing that, if it's going to end up on the floor anyways?" She asked, putting her book and quill down on the night table beside her and giving him that look.

Hadrian smiled and chucked the shirt away. "You're right."

He made his way to the bed and laid down beside her. She moved closer to him, wrapping one leg around him and trailing her fingers across his chest.

"So, what's the reason for this time?"

"Oh, I don't know." She teased. "Maybe for cheering my son up when he was feeling down. That's something any mother can appreciate."

She began giving him kisses on his neck.

"Oh, so this isn't Wife Daphne? This is Mom Daphne?"

"Indeed." She whispered, moving her mouth right up to his ear. "And mommy needs to give daddy a reward."

A big grin grew on Hadrian's face. "I really like where this is going."

"I'm sure you do."

Daphne snapped her fingers and the lights in the room went out.

To the many muggles who were populating the train platform it would seem weird that a boy with a suitcase was staring at a wall. But to wizards, this was a normal sight. Because that wall was in between platforms nine and ten, the secret entrance to the Hogwarts Express, located on Platform 9 and .

"Why can't I go now?"

James' sister Lily complained. He turned his head and saw her pouting up at his mom.

"You're not old enough yet, sweetie. You can go next year."

"Aw, but that's so long!"

A hand grabbed his shoulder and James turned to see his dad. "Ready?"

James steeled his nerves. "Ready." He said.

His dad turned to look at the wall. "Best to do it in a run." He advised.

James looked at the wall, not moving. He had ran through the wall plenty of times before when his family had gone to see off Teddy. But this time they were going for him.

His dad squeezed his shoulder, trying to offer comfort.

"We'll go together."

James gave him a grateful smile.

"3,2,1."

At the end of the countdown the father and son duo ran through the gateway and onto the platform.

James stared at the red train. How many times had he imagined stepping foot onto that train and riding it all the way to Hogwarts.

Now, he wasn't sure that was what he wanted.

"Hey, James!"

James turned and smiled seeing his best friend.

"Scorp!" James called, waving at his cousin.

Scorpius ran over to him, a huge smile on his face.

"Can you believe it? We're finally going to Hogwarts!" He exclaimed excitedly.

James just gave a smile, trying not to show his doubts.

Two adults walked up behind Scorpius, the male was carrying a suitcase, likely belonging to the young blond.

"Hi, Aunt Tori, Uncle Draco."

Astoria Malfoy beamed at her nephew. Draco gave him a small smile and a nod.

"Hello, James!" Astoria wrapped him in a tight hug. She let go when his parents and sister walked over. She greeted them with hugs of their own. His dad and uncle greeted each other with a handshake.

He still couldn't imagine those two being arch rivals like all his family said they were when they attended Hogwarts. He guessed time really changed people.

"I'm surprised we arrived before you." Daphne said to her sister. "After how excited you've been…"

Astoria let out an exasperated sigh. "We would've been here earlier, if someone hadn't taken forever to get ready!" She gave a pointed look at her husband.

Draco straightened his tie before responding. "Seeing my son off to Hogwarts is a massive event, and a Malfoy must-"

""A Malfoy must always dress for the occasion" Yeah, yeah, I know, I know."

Astoria then grabbed her son and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Aw! My son is leaving for Hogwarts! I'm gonna miss you so much!"

Scorpius struggled against her but to no avail. "Mom! Come on!"

James laughed at his cousin's misfortune, until he saw that same look from his aunt start to form in his mom's eyes. It seemed it had finally clicked for her as well.

'Oh, no.'

Before he could react, James was brought into a similar position as his cousin.

"Aw! My baby is going to Hogwarts! I'm not going to see him for most of the year!"

Unlike Scorpius, James knew there was no escaping and accepted his fate.

Hadrian watched the antics of the Greengrass sisters, amused, when he felt a tug on his pants. He looked down and saw his daughter.

He kneeled down to her. "What's wrong, Princess?"

"Why can't I go to Hogwarts yet?" She asked.

"You're not old enough yet, hon." He gently told her. "You just need to wait for next year."

"But that's going to feel like forever!" She complained.

"Oh, are you saying you don't want to spend time with your parents? I see. You're already tired of us."

She suddenly began panicking. "Uh, maybe waiting isn't that bad."

Hadrian chuckled and rubbed her hair. Worked every time.

His daughter's eyes widened and a huge smile appeared on her face. "Teddy!" She rushed off and hugged the blue-haired boy. He was already dressed in his Hogwarts uniform. An H pin on his lapel.

"Hey, there, Flower!" He greeted.

Hadrian walked over to his godson and hugged him in greeting.

"Hey, Dad." Teddy said.

Despite knowing that Hadrian was just his godfather, Teddy had constantly called him dad. This was because Hadrian was the biggest father figure in his life. He did the same with Daphne, referring to her as mom. Neither of the Potters complained, since they had begun seeing Teddy as their son from the very beginning.

"Your final year, how are you feeling?"

Teddy shrugged. "Doesn't feel any different."

Hadrian pointed at his pin. "Ready to handle the responsibilities that come with that?"

Teddy gave him a grin. "I'll do my best. I honestly have no idea what McGonagall was thinking handing me this thing."

Hadrian chuckled. "She loves you. You remind her too much of your mother."

"I'm not sure that's a good thing." An approaching voice teased.

Andromeda Tonks and Sirius Black were walking towards them. With Sirius at a much slower pace due to his cane.

"Hello, Grandma Andi! Hello, Grandpa Siri!" Lily said.

"Hello, Lily." Sirius said. "Oh, I think you've got something behind your ear."

Lily checked for something but found nothing.

"Here, let me try." Sirius reached behind her ear and after pretending to struggle he opened his hand to reveal a piece of candy.

Lily smiled, thanked him and unwrapped the sweet, popping it in her mouth.

Hadrian greeted the elder Blacks with a hug and a kiss on the cheek for Andi.

"What, no kiss for me?" Sirius asked.

"After knowing where you've been? No way!"

"...Fair enough…"

"Oh, crap, is that the time?" Teddy asked, looking at the clock on the wall.

"I promised my friends I'd meet up with them before finding a compartment."

"By friends do you mean Icky Vickie?" Scorpius asked. Both he and James had been released from the crushing embrace of their mother's.

"I think you're right, cousin of mine." James agreed. "We both know Teddy has no other friends, so he must be talking about his sweet, Victoire."

Both boys began making kissing noises before bursting out laughing.

Teddy's hair turned red, signalling his annoyance. "I can ruin both of your reputations before you even set foot in Hogwarts." He threatened, his voice deadly serious.

Both cousins immediately stopped.

Teddy smirked, satisfied.

He kissed his grandmother on the cheek and ran off to meet with his friends, waving at them as he left.

Hadrian followed his godson get lost in the vast bustle, and spotted some familiar faces.

There was George and his wife Angelina with their son Fred, named after George's late twin. Ron was there with his wife Lavender, they were seeing off their daughter Rose.

He looked over at the clock, seeing the train would be departing soon.

"You two should probably start boarding now if you want to get a good compartment." He told his son and nephew.

Both he and Draco grabbed their son's cases and lifted them onto the train. Scorpius went to say his private goodbyes to his parents and Hadrian kneeled down next to his son, seeing the look on his face he was reminded of their talk last night.

"Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah…"

"Hey, if you're really worried about not being in Gryffindor the sorting process does take your feelings into account." He told him, being careful not to reveal how the sorting actually happened. It was an unwritten rule amongst Hogwarts alumni that they must keep the sorting ceremony a secret from the next generation.

"Really?" James asked.

Hadrian nodded. "Really. It did for me. If your uncle wasn't such a fu-"

"Ahem."

James saw his mom staring at his dad.

"A knucklehead then I would've been in Slytherin."

"I wish you were." His mom joined his dad kneeling down next to him. "Then we could've known each other sooner."

She turned to address him. "What your father says is true. All that matters to us is that you are happy."

James smiled at the reassurance.

"But, seriously, if you're not in Gryffindor we'll disown you."

"Harry!"

"What? He knows I'm joking!"

James laughed and gave his parents a hug. "Thanks."

They let go and he hopped onto the train, picking up his suitcase and going to find a compartment with Scorpius.

"The first one has left the nest." Daphne said.

"Yeah."

"We spoiled him, didn't we?"

"Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"Oh, well, can't be helped now."

"Too late to change our ways."

Inside the Hogwarts Express, James and Scorpius had found a nice compartment that wasn't too far away from where they had left their families.

"Mom wasn't doing too well last night." Scorpius spoke up. "We were afraid she wasn't going to make it today."

James placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder and offered what he hoped was a comforting smile.

Scorpius seemed to appreciate it as he returned it.

When the train began to move, both boys peeled their heads out of the window and waved at their family, who waved back.

When the train was out of sight, the Potters began making their way to the floo.

"Excited to have the house to yourself, Lily?" Daphne asked.

"Y-yeah…" Lily said. Both parents could tell that she would miss her brother. The siblings were incredibly close to one another, similarly to Daphne and Astoria.

"You know," Daphne whispered to her husband. "In a year, it'll just be us. Alone in that large manor by ourselves."

"Yeah…"

"Which means, we can have a lot more fun. A lot more loud fun."

"Don't we do that anyway?"

"Yes, but now we don't need to use silencing charms. Makes it more daring."

Hadrian smirked at her. "I guess it does."

"Are you two flirting with each other again?" Lily asked, annoyed.

"You should be glad to have two parents who love each other this much. Otherwise you and your brother wouldn't be here." Hadrian said.

"Ew! I'm shocked there aren't more of us…" She said.

"That can be arranged." Daphne said, glancing at her husband with a sultry look in her eyes.

"Ew! Mom!"

Both parents laughed.