LONDON – In the post-Harry Potter years there are constant reminders of just how old we're all getting: first, Neville Longbottom vanished and then made a sudden reappearance as a jaw-droppingly chiselled hunk, and now James Sirius Potter is starting his first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry and Ginny's eldest son is already at Hogwarts in the final book's epilogue, which takes place on the 1 September 2017 (the year their second son Albus Severus Potter is due to start at the school) – meaning his first year at the school would start today.
The reminder came on Tuesday morning from J.K. Rowling herself.
I'm in Edinburgh, so could somebody at King's Cross wish James S Potter good luck for me? He's starting at Hogwarts today. #BackToHogwarts— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 1, 2015
Some people were shocked.
James Potter is a first year today. WUT. NOPE— eowynhearts (@eowynhearts) September 1, 2015
I'M DEAD JAMES POTTER JR IS FUCKING STARTING HOGWARTS TODAY WHEN WILL IT E N D— potäto (@kyliebunburys) September 1, 2015
While others shared tributes and good luck messages.
Today it's James Potter's, first ever day in Hogwarts!!!#BackToHogwarts #BackHome pic.twitter.com/tdDm0Dmuhy— Leni Sheerio (@LeniWatson) September 1, 2015
Good luck James Potter for seven years of Hogwarts to come — sofina (@Inaissocoollike) September 1, 2015
Oh my god I just got the feels cause I remembered that James Potter is starting Hogwarts this year! Oh god my heart September 1, 2015
@jk_rowling #BackToHogwarts If only it was real Good luck James Potter— Jared Forman (@Jared_HGForman) September 1, 2015
Some people even tracked down James and said hello...
@jk_rowling im on the train now he says hi pic.twitter.com/kqkO7xfXIE— ren (@renontheroad_) September 1, 2015
....which seemed to please Rowling.
Thanks! Say 'hi' back, but only if it won't interrupt any burgeoning friendships. https://t.co/Al54tGHvWK— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 1, 2015
(Although she did start to worry that she may have drawn too much attention to his celebrity status.)
@jk_rowling I just met him, he said thanks!— torrealba's (@mariapaulaax) September 1, 2015
Now worried that he'll be irritated by the number of people saying hi. https://t.co/6keaEOsKS0— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 1, 2015
Could James Sirius Potter be a candidate for the mystery "Cursed Child" in Rowling's upcoming play? It's certainly a possibility.