No, he’s not going to be sad. No, he’s not going to cry. He’s a big boy now, and everything will be a-okay.
Jace assured himself as he looked up from his dad who was pushing his trolley for him...and then back to the floor. Will his papa be really okay alone? He will be fine, he was sure of it because he was going to his papa’s old magic school. He was assured time and again that he will be fine...and that he will do well whatever house he gets after Sorting.
As soon as they reached the North End of the platform, Ryden stopped and looked over his son. He smiled, knowing exactly what he’s thinking. Parking the trolley behind, the diplomat turned and crouched in front of his 11 year old. “Merlin, he was just nine yesterday...” he thought proudly. “That’s not the face of an eager learner.” He cocked his head to the right and grinned at his worried child. “If you think that I will be lonely...well, I will. I am not going to deny that, BUT,” he paused as he rested both of his hands on his son’s shoulders, “I will be more sad if you’re going to leave like this.” He said as he gently stroked his son’s pinkish cheek. “You will be learning so many things in Hogwarts, I promise you. It won’t be long until we see each other again for the Holidays...and Summer.” He said, waiting for Jace to speak up.
It broke Ryden’s heart to see his youngest child on the platform, ready to board the train, but he must. Every parent in that station has to let go eventually. Merlin, where is the needed pep-talk when he needed it?
Now he wanted to cry. See, he was right all along! His papa will be sad once he’s gone! Jace bit his lip, and nodded, trying his very best not to shed a tear. But he did. He quickly wiped his tears ang quickly flung himself to his papa and hugged him tightly.
“I don’t want to go...but I want to learn new things, papa.” He said in Japanese, sniffing his snot in the process.
“We will write each other letters okay? I know you’re very busy...but...but I will write to you even if you don’t have the time to read it.” Jace buried his face on his papa’s shoulder and wished the tears would go away. He was ruining his papa’s suit!
Ryden sighed. He knew his son to be that observant, but speaking his mind out ever so bluntly had hit him hard. He must make time for him even if he’s away for school. Ryden hugged back the tiny form and whispered back his reply in Japanese. “I will read your letters, and I will write back. I promise.” And Ryden never breaks a promise. Ryden gently pulled away his son and wiped his tears. “Promise me that you will do well in Hogwarts. Doesn’t matter what house you will be in, just do your very best, okay?” he said rubbing his son’s arms to make his sobbing go away. “And listen to your teachers well. Follow instructions and rules. Rules are important, remember that.” He added with a grin. “Make sure you do get some fun in between. Make friends, okay?” Words of wisdom right there, yes?