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It was loud at the Burrow. But it was always loud at the Burrow.
There were muddy knees, jelly sandwiches, and Fred had just declared war on a garden gnome again.
James Sirius Potter, recently turned five, sat on the back step with his chin in his hands. His trainers were muddy, and his hair stuck up in odd places. He was waiting for his dad to pick him and Teddy up after Mum’s Quidditch practice.
And while he waited, he couldn’t help feeling a little fed up.
“They’re everywhere,” James muttered, waving towards the garden.
Uncle George appeared, holding a cold Butterbeer and watching the chaos with an amused smile. “Who’s everywhere then?”
“The girls,” James said. “Victoire’s bossing everyone around. Molly says I’m too noisy, and Dominique told me I had worms in my brain. Which is not true.”
George chuckled. “Sounds like you’re outnumbered.”
James sighed. “I need a brother. Someone who won’t cry when I put mud in his socks. Someone who can be on my side.”
George raised an eyebrow. “You really think you can order a brother like a new broomstick?”
James nodded seriously. “I asked Mum for one for my birthday. Told her if she didn’t get me a brother, I wanted two birthday cakes instead.”
George laughed, nearly spilling his Butterbeer. “That’s a bold way to ask.”
James looked towards Hermione, who was sitting nearby with a book, her hand resting gently on her round belly. She was four months pregnant.
George nodded toward her. “Well, don’t expect one from that side. Looks like it’s another girl.”
James stared in disbelief. “Another one?”
Hermione smiled warmly. “We don’t know for sure, but Ron’s already worrying about tea parties.”
James groaned.
Just then, Harry appeared at the lane, his hair messy and his eyes tired. James ran up to him, tugging at his sleeve.
“Dad. I really need a brother,” he said. “Everyone’s having girls. I’m outnumbered.”
Harry crouched down and smiled. “I hear you, mate. I’ll talk to your mum.”
Teddy rolled his eyes. “He’s been going on about this all day. Says he’s going to start interviewing for brothers if no one helps.”
Harry laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
It was December when James finally met his new brother.
The Burrow was glowing with Christmas lights, and the fire crackled in the hearth. James stood wrapped in a scarf, watching as Mum and Dad fussed over a tiny, squirming baby wrapped in blankets.
“That’s him,” Harry said softly.
“Albus,” Ginny whispered.
James’s eyes were wide. “He’s really here.”
Teddy grinned. “Looks like you got your brother after all.”
James smiled, feeling like everything was just right. “I think he’s going to be alright.”