The New Marauders

The summer before 3rd Year

It was a warm summer afternoon at the Burrow, the Weasley family home, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and Quidditch from the makeshift game that had just finished. James and his younger brother Albus were sitting under the shade of an old oak tree, catching their breath after chasing the Quaffle around with their cousins.

James leaned back against the tree trunk, still sweaty from the game, while Albus sat beside him, fidgeting with a stray twig he'd picked up. The younger Potter had been unusually quiet during the match, and James knew why.

Albus was starting Hogwarts in the fall, and it was obvious he had a lot on his mind.

"Hey, James?" Albus finally asked, his voice tentative.

"Yeah?" James responded, glancing over at his brother. He could see the concern in Albus' eyes, and he had a feeling where the conversation was headed.

"What's it really like at Hogwarts? You know, not just the fun stuff like Quidditch," Albus asked, his voice quieter now, as though he wasn't sure if he really wanted to know the answer.

James smiled, knowing Albus had been waiting for the right moment to ask. He reached for a blade of grass and twirled it in his fingers before answering. "Hogwarts is... well, it's brilliant. But it's not just all flying around and casting spells. There's a lot to learn, and it can be tough sometimes. But it's also the place where you meet your best friends and have the most fun you'll ever have."

Albus nodded, still not looking entirely convinced. "I know you've got the new Marauders. I just... I'm worried about which house I'll be in."

There it was. The question that had probably been weighing on Albus for months.

James glanced at his younger brother, seeing the doubt written all over his face. He knew that being part of the famous Potter family came with its own set of pressures, and Albus had been feeling it more and more as the start of school approached.

"You're worried about the Sorting?" James asked, even though he already knew the answer.

Albus nodded. "Yeah. I mean... I want to be in Gryffindor. I really do. But what if I'm not?" He looked down at the ground, scuffing the dirt with his shoe. "What if I end up somewhere else? What if I'm not brave enough?"

James turned fully to face him, a serious expression replacing his usual carefree grin. "Al, listen to me. It doesn't matter what house you end up in. You'll be great no matter where you go."

"But you're in Gryffindor," Albus argued, his green eyes filled with uncertainty. "Mum and Dad were in Gryffindor. You're all so... brave. I want to be like that too."

James leaned back, his expression softening as he looked at his brother. "You *are* brave, Albus. You don't need a house to tell you that. And besides, Gryffindor isn't the only place where bravery matters. But..."

Albus looked up, his eyes wide with hope. "But what?"

James chuckled. "But I have a feeling you'll end up in Gryffindor, just like you want."

Albus smiled, though he still seemed a bit unsure. "You really think so?"

"Of course I do," James said, grinning. "You've got that Gryffindor fire in you. You might not always show it, but it's there. Trust me. And the Sorting Hat's not stupid, you know? If you really want to be in Gryffindor, that's probably where you'll go."

Albus smiled a little more, the weight on his shoulders seeming to lift. "I hope so."

James clapped him on the back. "And even if you don't, who cares? We'll still be brothers, and I'll still be there to show you around, no matter what. You'll still make friends, learn magic, and probably cause a little trouble along the way. And that's what really matters."

Albus nodded, looking more reassured now. "I think I'll be alright, as long as you're there."

"Don't worry, I'll be right there to make sure you don't get lost on your first day," James teased, ruffling Albus' messy black hair. "And we'll get to play Quidditch together at Hogwarts soon enough."

Albus grinned at that, clearly excited by the thought. "Yeah, I can't wait."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, just listening to the wind rustling through the trees and the distant laughter of their cousins. James glanced over at Albus again, feeling a swell of pride for his little brother. He might not have admitted it out loud, but James was looking forward to having Albus at Hogwarts too.

"Hey, Al?" James said after a while.

"Yeah?"

"You'll be great at Hogwarts. I know it."

Albus smiled, a real one this time, and nodded. "Thanks, James."

With that, the two brothers sat back under the tree, the excitement of the coming school year no longer feeling quite so overwhelming.