This fan fiction consists of the next generation of Harry Potter. I, Hali, have been working on it with my friend Eva and we would like to share it with you guys. Have fun reading, and please make sure to recommend suggestions and comments so we can make our writing even better! My friend and I are uncertain whether we should continue through the rest of Rose and Albus Potter's first year, so it would be helpful to us if you could comment on your personal thoughts on that. Thank you and enjoy!

- Hali & Eva

Rose

Rose's pale face seemed to contrast her red hair even more sharply than usual as she slowly opened her eyes. This was it. The Hat rustled slightly on her mess of strawberry waves, and Rose flinched in anticipation of what she knew was going to come next.

The Hat seemed amused by her reaction to its idle movement on her curls, and Rose immediately raised her head higher despite her pounding heart to reclaim her dignity. Rose didn't know what house she'd be in, but she knew the one she wanted and hoped with all her heart it would be the one she'd end up with.

Ah, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, respectable houses on both sides of the family! Now let's see… Oh, you're a smart cookie, aren't you? Hm, but you aren't quite so strategic. Hufflepuff?

Rose shut her eyes tightly, feeling nauseous. Hufflepuff was the last place she wanted to go. Rose wanted to do something big with her life, to be truly great, and she didn't feel Hufflepuffs did that as much.

Hufflepuff? she asked curiously, making sure to not give anything away in her tone. She became a perfect mask of nonchalance. How's that?

Rose wished the Hat could be a little faster in its speech and decisions. She twiddled her thumbs and ran through the potions she knew already in her mind.

Well, now, you're quite loyal to those you know and sympathetic to those in need of it. Oh, I think Hufflepuff is a good fit… But.

Rose slowly began simmering. What kind of proof was that? She was annoyed something she'd been anxiously awaiting for so long could be so casual and flippant. Wait… but what?

Am I Hufflepuff or not? she interrupted rudely. The Hat was toying with her, she knew it was. And she absolutely hated it, the feeling of impatience and being manipulated. The Hat thought it was very funny, she realized, as it sensed her anger and annoyance. Rose clenched her fists and held her breath in apprehension.

…but not the best. What about Gryffindor? That might work. Ohhh, yes, I can see that. Those impulsive moments you get fit quite nicely there, hm? But how unusually smart and attentive of a child, too. I can feel that you love to learn. Mm, memorized some of a potions book already, have you? Which means the question that remains for us to consider is: Ravenclaw or Gryffindor? You have a quick temper, like your father showed me, but you very much care for your grades and education at the same time. A child that likes learning, but admires bravery… Oh, yes, I think I know just what you are, you complicated girl!

Rose knew she should listen, but as the Hat went on and on in its gravelly voice, she tuned back in only to voice her own opinions.

I just want to be known for doing something great, and Gryffindors probably accomplish that the most. I want to be good. Please, let me pick who I am and who I will be to some extent at least.

Rose wanted be as influential to everybody surrounding her as she could. She wanted to have a good reputation and make an impact on the world.

Hmm… seems like Slytherin, but not enough slyness, not cunning enough. Yes, I say no Slytherin. Do you agree, child, eh?

Rose caught her breath as the Hat finally seemed done. She didn't respond.

Then it spoke on, slowly.

Well, if you want to pick so much, what do you want to be?

Gryffindor.

Rose replied instantly and without hesitation.

Then so be it. I have deduced that this house will be good for you, as well. Maybe you'll even learn to control those mighty impulses and that mouth of yours at times.

Indignantly, Rose narrowed her eyes and stood a bit taller. After a moment of silence, Rose could hear the Hat deciding on an answer. Finally, it was announced.

Rose closed her eyes tightly. Please, she told herself and the Hat. Please!

"GRYFFINDOR!" it finally screeched out.

Rose knew it was her determination and temper that made the decision really, but a surge of hope flashed through her heart for one brief moment. Could it really be that she was as brave as her father? Was she really going to be able to live up to these standards?

Nervously, Rose turned to fully face the crowd. All she heard was the thundering applause that filled the auditorium and all she saw were the smiles and proud, shining faces of her friends, but for some reason her fears didn't melt away like she'd thought. What if the Hat had labeled her wrong? What if she'd really been Hufflepuff all along? She'd be doomed to live normally, boringly. At least, she'd assumed. What would happen now that she was officially in Gryffindor?

Rose felt like she was in a daze for most of the remaining sorts, walking with no purpose and almost stumbling. One of her new housemates smiled at her warmly and she sat down.

When Albus Potter, her cousin, appeared in the Sorting Hat, Rose felt her nerves lift again for him. She'd always been close to Al and she hoped he got Gryffindor like he'd wanted, just like she did.

Albus Potter seemed confident, but Rose knew he had to be terrified underneath. Rose listened closely to the silence haunting the fateful decision of the two friends' futures. She'd been near Al enough to understand him by some of his body language. He was shifting and fidgeting as he often did, indicating that he was especially anxious and annoyed. The Hat must have been confusing or antagonizing him, Rose figured. She could hear her heart beat and felt sure everyone else could, too. She hated the silence, feeling something needed to be spoken. Rose was going to go stir-crazy from just waiting there, she knew, and she started adjusting herself on her seat, trying to control her brash, active mind.

In contrast to her previous rapidly pounding heart, Rose could've sworn her heart just stopped when she heard the loud Hat proclaiming Al's house. Her face paled. No, it couldn't be true.

"SLYTHERIN!" came the gruff, but projecting, voice of the inanimate object they were all waiting on.

The auditorium was silent. Again. But this time it was a terse, shocked silence. Nobody wanted to be the first one to make a noise, afraid it would echo all around. Rose saw all of this, but she saw it from a distance; she thought she was dreaming, but the events in front of her unfolded so clearly she knew she wasn't. Her vision swam, first in disbelief, and then in slow anger.

All these people who didn't even know Albus Potter were judging him? How dare they! All the frustration boiled and squirmed inside of Rose Weasley until she snapped from the pressure. This wasn't only about Al now, it was about her own struggles combined with his.

As forcefully as she could, Rose jumped from her chair and started clapping furiously. She didn't care that it was extremely loud, almost too loud, and all she could see was Albus staring helplessly into the crowd, waiting futilely for that bail out of the room. What if she could be that bail? What if she didn't have to see her friend in such an awful position after all?

Rose kept her head high as she whirled to face the people closest to her. She glared at her housemates with a look that could freeze them if put to the test. Her hair flew around her like flames protecting her from the outside world. Rose was invincible, and she would convince her housemates to help Al feel that way, too.

"Don't just sit and stare, HELP me!" Rose whisper-yelled to her table. She roughly took the hand of the girl who had smiled warmly at her when she'd first been called to the house of Gryffindor. Pulling her up, Rose noticed that the girl was staring at her like she was completely stupid. Ignoring the look, she stared pointedly at the girl while continuing to clap. After a seemingly long, very awkward silence from her, the girl shook her head in exasperation and began to clap. A grin threatened to split her cheeks as she put her hands together for Albus, and Rose smiled too as she gratefully knew she'd picked the right person to confront.

Everybody in the room stood up and clapped as well, as if that had been the signal for them to join in, while attempting to steal glances at Rose and her housemate, both of whom were standing tall and proud.

Like the flower of her namesake, Rose could be gentle and knowledgeable. Sometimes. But it was times like now when you saw all of her, including her thorns.