September 1st is always the most magical day of the year, because it's the day in the "Harry Potter" series when every little British witch and wizard leaves their home and travels to Hogwarts.

But this year's September 1st is especially magical, because according to author J.K. Rowling, it's James Sirius Potter's first day of school! You might remember him as Harry and Ginny's oldest son in the epilogue of the final book, who is already a full-fledged Hogwarts student by the time we meet him and his brother, Albus Severus.

Of course, James is going to need more than just a wave goodbye -- this is his first time away from home, after all, and that can be a stressful situation for even the most well-adjusted boy wizard. Here's some helpful advice for him, and for any other 11-year-old boarding the Hogwarts Express today:

Get there way before 11 so you don't miss the train.

You don't want a repeat of what happened to Harry and Ron their second year!

Make friends before you're sorted!

Harry and Ron (and Hermione, too!) ended up in the same house together eventually, but before that they had fun getting to know one another on the train ride over. Even if you're not sorted into the same place as any one of your new friends, it helps to know some people from other houses.

And be sure not to let anyone push you around, either.

Bullies can be intimidating, but it's important to stand your ground.

Don't worry about which house you're sorted into.

Harry and Ginny did well in Gryffindor, but you'll make friends and achieve great things no matter where you go. Yes, even Slytherin!

Make sure you don't forget your house's password.

That would just be embarrassing.

Bring a buddy with you when you go exploring for the first few weeks.

All those moving staircases means you're bound to get lost. Make sure you're not going it alone!

Don't rely too much on your father's reputation.

You know who did that? Draco Malfoy, and everybody hated him.

Make sure to study!

Being in a new environment can be overwhelming, but you're there to learn, so don't forget to open a book once in a while!

Finally, make sure you find some adults you can trust.

Neville Longbottom is the herbology professor at Hogwarts by the time the original dream team reaches adulthood, so he'd be a great resource for you -- he knows all about what it's like to to struggle through your first couple of years at school. And Hagrid's still tending the grounds as far as we know, though he's pushing 90 at this point so maybe don't come to him with any really crazy adventures.