September Challenge: Anticipation
Title: Anticipation
Words: 499 words
Rating: PG
Characters/pairings: Harry/Ginny, James Sirius
Summary: James is about to start his first year of Hogwarts.
Authors Notes: Written for hpgw_drabbles, for Sept 2010 Challenge
James Potter received his Hogwarts letter to join the school just weeks before his first year was to start.
Since then, the atmosphere in Potter house had been festive. All James spoke about for the remaining days was Hogwarts. He had also bugged Harry and Ginny about each minute detail --which was very uncharacteristic of him and made his parents raise their eyebrows.
The letter had worn out as a result of reading it countless times. He knew the words by heart, but he wouldn’t admit it to others.
A trip to Diagon Alley was nothing but ‘icing on cake’ for his excitement.
The pride of going to magical school when they purchased his robes; the happiness of having his own pet owl; thrill of having his own wand, all these emotions oozed from him.
Joy and contentment stole over Harry and Ginny's hearts and awe was clearly written on Al and Lily’s face.
Beneath all this joy, a tinge of sadness tugged at Ginny’s heart -- to see her first born glide away from her, but nonetheless she kept it hidden. Only in quiet moments with Harry at night would she spill her feelings and waves of sobs would escape her, while Harry would comfort her in his own way.
And that is why both Harry and Ginny were surprised to see James knocking at their study the night before his departure.
“Why aren’t you asleep, James?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “I...I couldn’t sleep.”
Harry beckoned him inside and offered him a seat.
As James sat down, Harry noticed that his usual air of light-heartedness had faded, and nervousness was lurking.
Ginny ruffled his hair and said, “I’ll get some hot cocoa. You’ll feel better.”
James looked around the room as though studying it for last time, while Harry continued with his work.
“Dad, what if I’m sorted into Slytherin?” His eyes sought Harry’s.
Harry put down his quill. “Then Slytherin would’ve earned a fine student.”
“You won’t be mad at me?”
“No. Although you can ask the hat to put you in any house you like.”
“Really? Does it work?”
“It did for me,” said Ginny. She had heard enough of their conversation.
“You asked to be sorted in Gryffindor?” asked James and Harry’s face mirrored the same questioning expression.
Ginny coloured a little at the admission. “You can ask the hat to do that favour,” she said, kissing the top of James’ head.
At this, James nodded and drank his hot cocoa, and when he ran off to bed he seemed more at ease.
“Care to explain why you asked to be in Gryffindor?” asked Harry.
“Because,” said Ginny as mischief danced on her features, “Dean was there.”
“Minx!” said Harry and pulled her in for a searing kiss.
The next day, all the Potters and Weasleys stood on 9¾ platform waving to the kids.
When the train rolled off, Ginny said, “McGonagall better brace herself, because the next set of Marauders are on their way!”