the_debt_of_time

platform and watched, misty-eyed, as the clock struck eleven and the train pulled out of
the station.
"They'll be okay," Mia said, swallowing down her building emotions.
"You sure?" Sirius asked.
She nodded and smiled when Remus took her left hand in his and Harry took the
right. Sirius wrapped his arms around her from behind, and she closed her eyes. She sighed
happily when she could feel—even if she could not see—Ginny link with Harry's arm, and
Tonks take Remus's. No one was left behind. Family.
Soon the Malfoys and Weasleys joined them, talking about grabbing lunch—and a
drink—to "celebrate" the kids being sent off. Those who were parting with their children
for the first time were hesitant about the meal but looked forward to a glass or two of
firewhisky.
"You doing okay?" Mia asked Draco, who was still staring off in the direction that
the train left.
"I don't know how the rest of you have done this before. He's my only son."
"It gets easier," she said thoughtfully. "When they write home and tell you about all
of their classes and the friends that they've made."
"She's lying," Sirius said.
Remus chuckled beside them all. "It never gets easier, and you worry about them
constantly. You just have to smother them even more when they come home."
"My kids hate that," Harry said with a grin.
"Doesn't matter," Sirius insisted, "it's your job."
Mia smiled. "Our job."