• Growing up Harry •

• goodbye •

September 1st 1991

Harry hesitated as he approached the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10

"Dad..."

James looked down at Harry concerned, "what is it? Did you forget anything at home?"

Harry shook his head

James frowned, he remembered ever since telling Harry of the magical school his son had had a keen interest for it and a desperation to go

"Harry honey don't be scared...you'll be safe there honey Hogwarts is the safest place"

Lately Harry had been antsy and uneasy due to the news that a particular dark wizard had escaped from Azkaban, though his fears were likely nothing major

Though Lily and James had both opted out of their jobs to join a special order designed for hunting this dark wizard, something that had made Harry greatly uneasy about going away

"You'll be fine sweetheart...I promise"

Harry nodded and slowly ran toward the wall squeezing his eyes shut as he felt himself pass through the wall

He stared wide eyed and mouth agape at the wall he'd just passed through

Lily gently placed a hand on Harry's back, "come on sweetheart let's get you in"

They took a few steps before Harry stopped once again looking up at his mother in a scared way

"Mum I-I'm scared..."

James was already loading Harry's stuff onto the train leaving Harry alone with his mother

"Shh" Lily gently pulled Harry into a hug, "sweetheart, there's no reason to be scared you know your father and I will love and support you no matter what house you're in, you're our son and I'll love you always"

Harry nodded sadly, "but dad would hate me if I got in Slytherin..."

Lily chuckled, "oh Harry you're father could never hate you...never okay? And if you are in Slytherin I think your dad will become a super fan of the serpents"

Harry giggled and blushed

Lily sighed, "you promise you'll be my brave boy?"

Harry nodded and smiled softly at his mother

Lily let out a small sound and pulled Harry into a tight hug, not prepared to depart from him for months

"I love you so so much Harry"

"I love you too Mum" he spoke softly as he hugged his mother tightly

"Please don't go looking for trouble...don't be your dad"

"I wont Mum"

Lily gently let go and kissed Harry's head, "have fun sweetheart"

Harry nodded and walked to his dad, giving him a tight hug

James ruffled his hair and wished him well

Harry climbed the steps to the train looking back at his parents and waving slowly at them

Lily held her heart as a few tears rose to her eyes

James took her hand, "honey it'll be fine you know...he's a pretty decent kid"

"I know that James But...he's growing up, before we know it he'll be married..."

James rolled his eyes, "hopefully not before we know it"

Harry took a seat in a small department with Ron and Neville waving goodbye to parents through the window

Lily smiled sadly, who knew parenthood would be this hard
——————