It was a sad farewell at Platform 9 3/4. Tears were shed, none of them were tears of joy though. No one wanted to send their child to Hogwarts. I was not looking forward to returning at all. It would be James' fifth year, my third, and Lily's first.

I was terrified of ending up in the Hogwarts Games before. But James' and my names had never been pulled. Not yet. Lily now had a chance of winding up in the Games too. And neither James or I would be able to volunteer for her. And we didn't know if anyone else would be willing to become a tribute in her place. Rose had her own problems. She was deathly scared for Hugo. It would be his first year as well.

"You board in five minutes," Aunt Hermione checked her watch, "Have a good year. Don't get into trouble." Judging by her red rimmed eyes, I could tell she had been crying.

My mother pulled me into a hug. She whispered into my ear, "I know how hard this is for you. But please, Albus. Promise me you won't cause trouble. Albus, be safe. Be strong."

Over her shoulder, I saw Uncle Ron speaking to Hugo. James was looking at me with Lily clinging to his arm. Hermione was silently crying while talking to Rose.

I pulled out of Mum's arms to see tears tracks on her face. She walked over to James and Lily. I furiously wiped at his eyes and turned around. My father stood there, looking at me with eyes of despair. He bent down so that he and I were eye level.

"I can't promise you anything, you know. We all know things won't be fine. I know that it's rigged. I know that they increased the possibility of pulling our names. I know, Dad." I said.

Dad only said, "I know you know."

Ron shouted to us, "Boarding in a minute, Harry, Albus!"

My father turned back to me, "Things are going to change, Albus. I promise you that."

I nodded and decided not to ask, "See you soon, Dad."

"I hope not."

Tributes had one last moment with their family and close ones before going into the Games. And for twenty three of them, it would be the last time ever. Because only one emerged victorious.

"Bye, Dad."

"Bye, Albus. Look after yourself."

I boarded the Hogwarts Express alongside James, Lily, Hugo, and Rose. Since it was only four to a compartment, James went to look for his friends. Rose, Hugo, Lily, and I sat in a compartment together. I looked out the window as the train pulled away. I watched my mother and father until I could see them no more.