This text has been updated with a new tweet from J.K. Rowling.
Updated Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Are you ready to feel old? James Sirius Potter, the eldest child of Harry and Ginny Potter is heading off to Hogwarts today. That's right, the 11-year-old wizard is crossing the barrier at platform 9 3/4, and is on his way to his new school via the magical scarlet steam engine.
In honor of James's first day at school, author J.K. Rowling asked Londoners to do her a favor and wish him well, as she wasn't near King's Cross Station to see him off herself. (Seriously, her love for this world keeps getting better.)
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Remember, in the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry and Ginny send their two sons, James and Albus Severus, off to school 19 years after Harry defeated Lord Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. But Albus has yet to join his brother at the magical school for witchcraft and wizardry, and a young wizard needs a little guidance in order to survive all 7 years at Hogwarts without hexing their own nose off. Here are 11 things we'd like James to know.
1. Don't steal another wizard's wand.The magic won't work the same way for you. No two wands are alike, after all.
2. If you ever run into trouble with Peeves, just threaten to tell the Bloody Baron.If there's one person Peeves is afraid of, it's his Bloodyness.
3. If you ever get tired of the Hogwarts Express, there are other ways to arrive at school.Maybe save that for your second year, though?
4. If the Sorting Hat places you in Slytherin, it won't be the end of your life.One of the greatest wizards your dad ever knew was in Slytherin. (Spoiler alert: Rowling says that James is a Gryffindor, just like his parents — much to the disappointment of Head Boy and Hufflepuff Teddy Lupin.)
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5. Don't judge people by your first impression of them.Seven years is a long time to be at school, and people can change a lot. Just look at Neville Longbottom.
__6. A bezoar is a stone found at the bottom of a goat that will save you from most poisons. __ Not only did this antidote appear three times over the course of your dad's career at Hogwarts, but it saved your uncle's life. Seriously, this is important.
7. If you ever feel homesick, you can always visit Hagrid's hut for some tea and a chat.He gave your dad a lot of guidance — and accidentally spilled more than a few secrets about what was happening at Hogwarts. Just don't eat the rock cakes.
8. Your dad might be one of the most famous wizards of the age, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle in school.In fact, he often had a really tough time. Magic is tricky! Don't be hard on yourself if you can't get a spell right the first time.
9. The school year will fly so quickly, you'd think it was on a broomstick.Before you know it, you'll have to sit through exams, and head back home on the train. Just think of all the ways you can pretend to hex Albus and Lily, though.
10. The friends you make at Hogwarts are going to be your friends for life.And they might even save your life. Where would your dad have been without Ron and Hermione? (Sorry, that's Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione to you.)
11. We're still waiting for our own Hogwarts owls.And yes, we're a little jealous of you.
Related: This Dumbledore Theory Will Blow Your Potter-Loving Mind
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