What Voldemort Left Behind

Chapter 38 - The Train Leaves

AUTHORS NOTE: So yeah i've half forgotten whats even happened in the written part of this story cause now the whole thing's just in my head. i'm so tired and i feel like this chapter is better than the last one but i'm too lazy to add a random bit about MnMs in this chapter that is supposed to be there and now it annoys me that it's missing 😂 anyway this chapter holds meaning that only me and slipperyslytherin know so other people reading hope you enjoy and you'll find the meaning later on 😂

James was happy to get back to Hogwarts, mainly for the change of scenery. It was the last evening of August and he spent it with his siblings and grandparents, his parents were supposed to be there too as they celebrated the last day of summer but his mum had went upstairs to check on their dad an hour ago, who had disappeared before dinner.

Their grandfather stood up. "Your grandmother and I would like to give you three a small treat before you go away seeing as you've been so good all summer stuck in the house with us."

"We were hoping to wait until your mum and dad were here but I don't think they will be tonight, your dad isn't feeling the best, but this is a little something for each of you dears from all four of us," Granny added.

Their grandad flicked his wand and three huge trunks made up like giant hampers floated effortlessly into the room, each almost the height of Lily. They were filled to the brim with sweets, both magical and muggle, the new Weasley's Wizard Wheezes products as well as some old favorites, the Wildfire Whizzbangs were shooting from the top. All three siblings rushed towards their trunks and as they looked further they found new clothes, including new sets of robes and very expensive looking dress robes.

"Your dad and mum bought some of it, us too and some we ordered. Quick, eat your ice cream before it melts!!!"

James picked up the massive cone at the front of his hamper, and began to eat his cookie dough ice cream as he searched through the other objects in the trunk. All his seventh year books as well as many extra Defense books, a pocket Sneakoscope. He discovered another rubber duck, his Grandad loved to collect them.

"We are so proud of you three for how you've handled this past summer, I know it has not been easy especially not getting outside the boundaries of our home. I hope you know how much we love you and care for you and we wish we could give you a better life, your parents feel so guilty knowing they can't do everything they want for you."

Lily gave her grandmother a hug. "You've given us everything you can, all of you have and I wouldn't want any other family. But we really appreciate the presents too."
Lily's voice turned quieter. "How's Dad doing?"

"Your mother seemed a little worried before she went upstairs, I think it's just one of his bad days."

Neither of her siblings were listening, too preoccupied with their many presents.

"We didn't get you other broomsticks this time because you all seemed happy enough with your Easter ones but feel free to send an owl if you change your mind, and if a new model is released soon I have a feeling your dad will be straight on it."

"No that's far too much," James protested, "We don't need new ones every time we come home! But I did see this Beater's bat..."

His grandfather chuckled. "All right, it's nice to see our efforts appreciated, sometimes I wonder if us and your parents may spoil you three a little."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Have you seen the size of these trunks full of presents for your so called "small treat"? And most people don't have the house elf to pack the trunks after their family spends weeks thinking of gifts to go with new clothes and uniforms and school books as they worry about whether or not broomsticks need replaced after four months of use. We love you and we're thankful for all we get so it's all right, you haven't spoiled us rotten yet."

-

"Explain to me why there needs to be four of you to take the three of us to the station?"

"We want to." Ginny replied simply. "We couldn't decide who gets the privilege and since I could get the day off work there was no reason why we couldn't all take you, your seventh year James, that's a big achievement."
James groaned, "Everyone makes it to 7th year Mum, it's called growing up."
James could hear his mother talking to his Granny. "Help Harry out of the car, will you? I'll carry the trunks."

He couldn't understand why his father had come to leave them off this morning, he was left barely able to stand after a bad night of the flashbacks caused by his curse. He was in terrible pain as well as hardly recognizing his own children when he had that scary blank stare in his eyes. It only took a minute before he would refocus but James knew his dad thought he was back there in the war for a second, it was scary to see. James and his siblings felt guilty leaving when everything was so bad, and causing their parents more stress by being away where they couldn't protect them, their dad was much better when they were with him. Their grandmother always told them not worry, to enjoy themselves at school but they could see that she was very concerned about their father and so was their mum so it was difficult to ignore it. James saw his grandmother supporting his father's arm as he slowly began to walk, every step seemed to take all of his strength.

"I'm so sorry Molly I'm sure I'll be all right from here just let me..."

"Don't take this the wrong way dear, but you certainly aren't all right as far as I can see."

His father stumbled and James moved forward to take his other arm, helping his grandmother lead his dad through the platform and into a nearby seat as people began to stare.

"James I'm fine honestly, you need to hurry up if you're going to make it on the train..." His dad broke off into a coughing fit.

"I'm so proud of my grandson the seventh year, you're so grown up dear, go say goodbye to your mother before the train leaves!"

"Thanks, bye Dad, bye Granny!"

He hugged each of them, his grandmother kissing him on the cheek as he rolled his eyes.

"Good luck, have a great year and we'll see you at Christmas."

James's mum whispered in her son's ear. "I'm proud of you. Have the best last year at Hogwarts, I never thought I'd see this day."

"Remember James be careful and protect yourself, Al and Lily, whatever it takes."

"Okay, okay can I go?"

"Remember to write and tell us anything that seems wrong, no matter how insignificant it seems it could save someone's life."

James rushed onto the train just as the doors began to close.