Author's Note: Hey everyone, this is my first fanfiction ever, so I would really, really appreciate constructive criticism when warranted. I've had this Next Generation story idea in my head for a while and I wanted to put it out there. This will take place during first year only, but I will have sequels up to seventh year and beyond. This is story will mostly feature Albus Potter, Rose Weasley and their friends. I will also feature their siblings (mostly James) and other cousins will make appearances, but they won't be focal points of the story. Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but there are seriously WAY TOO MANY WEASLEYS out there.

* Harry Potter and JK Rowling's Wizarding World belongs to her. Any characters you recognize as canon also belong to her and their publishers. I don't own anything, except my ideas and the characters I invented. Enjoy!

Chapter One: Pocket Watches and Chocolate Frogs

Albus Potter knew things would be different for him once he and his cousin Rose Weasley boarded the Hogwarts Express for their first year of school. He knew that he could now openly perform magic, where he didn't have to worry about attracting unwanted attention from muggles. He also knew that he would be living far from home and away from his family. Well, most of his family, anyway. There would always be his older cousins, and of course his brother. One difference that Al noticed right away, but never thought he would encounter, was how much attention he and Rose were receiving. The moment the pair would be within sight of the other children on the train, they would drop the conversations they were previously engaged in simply to stare at them. Many students openly gaped, while others whispered rapidly to their friends.

"Merlin's beard, is that Harry Potter's son?" a young girl with dark braids whispered to the stocky boy next to her.

"Looks like it," the boy said aloud, staring right at the pair. "And that's that Weasley girl."

"Another Potter, eh?" an older boy said to his friend. "Wonder what this one will be like?"

Al's cheeks flushed. He never received this much attention before, at least not directly aimed at him. People stared at his dad, simply because Harry Potter was a hero in the wizarding world. He vanquished the century's darkest wizard. It was only natural that people would worship him like a demigod. Al, on the other hand, felt odd knowing that people were focusing so much on him. And he wasn't sure that he liked it. Rose, however, seemed unfazed. He wasn't sure whether she was ignoring their stares, or was simply oblivious. Either way, her nonchalance impressed him.

"Here Al, I think this compartment's empty," said Rose Weasley, opening the door.

Al's head was spinning as he wandered down the busy corridor. The scarlet train was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for yet another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While Al was happy to finally be going, he desperately needed some peace and quiet so he could think. Of course, looking at all the children who were gawking at him and Rose because of their famous parents was not helping at all. Al tried his hardest to ignore it and instead let his father's words resonate.

"The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account."

Al could not express the relief he felt when his father told him that freewill was an option in all of this. His blood nearly boiled thinking about how horribly James antagonized him over possibly being in Slytherin. Part of him knew that his older brother was jesting, but he really didn't find it funny. Slytherin was notorious for producing bad witches and wizards: Lucius Malfoy, Barty Crouch Jr., Bellatrix LeStrange—only to name a few. And of course, Lord Voldemort. He was as bad as a wizard could get! Why would Al want to sleep in the same dormitory as the most evil wizard of all time?

"Al, aren't you coming in?" Rose asked, holding an old leather-bound book in her tiny hands.

The dark-haired boy nodded his head, entering the compartment in a daze. He looked out the window just as the train was leaving London. They traveled beyond the industrious city borders, into a greener area. He placed his hand on the window, inwardly bidding his family a final farewell.

"Something's on your mind, isn't it?" Rose inquired.

Al looked across from her, his almond-shaped green eyes falling upon his astute cousin. Rose, clad in her school uniform, let her thick russet hair drape over her narrow shoulders. On her lap was a thick leather-bound book entitled The Standard Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk, which she focused on but a moment ago. Her electric blue eyes ignited with curiosity and that famous Granger intellect. Freckles lightly dusted her nose and cheeks like fairy dust on her fair skin. Her once buck-toothed grin was corrected through muggle dentistry, thanks to her maternal grandparents. After two summers of painful tightening and pudding dinners, Rose finally had straight teeth. Now all she had to do was wear a muggle retainer at night. She wore black thick-rimmed glasses for reading. She drummed her fingers on her book, waiting for an answer. Nothing could get past his precocious cousin. Al was unsure if this was a blessing or a curse.

"Is it the Sorting Hat again?" she asked softly.

Al nodded his head.

"Don't worry Al, Mum told me it's advanced magic—very advanced," said Rose knowingly. "It knows what it's doing."

"But Rose, it's deciding where I'm going to live! It's going to define who I am. It's going to define who you are too!" he bellowed. "Doesn't that make you nervous?"

"Slightly," she admitted. "I don't want to disappoint my dad."

"But Mum told me that a house doesn't define a person," she added. "She said not all Slytherins were bad and all Gryffindors are good. Look at Peter Pettigrew."

Al remained skeptical, but before he could say anything more, there was a loud, obnoxious knock on the door. Al and Rose turned. On the other side of the door, James, Fred and their friend Hector Richardson began hissing at them. Al threw daggers with his eyes. Rose rolled hers.

James' brown eyes gleamed mischievously as Hector, a short twelve-year-old wizard with curly, dirty-blonde hair opened the door. All three boys entered the compartment.

"What do you want, James?" asked Rose tersely. "I'm trying to read."

"Oh, our precious Rosie-Posy is quite the little bookworm, isn't she?" James teased.

Rose scooted away from them. Fred peered down at her, looking at the book.

"Charms, Rose? You know classes don't begin until tomorrow, right?" Fred laughed.

Rose looked up at her cousin. Fred, the tallest of them, did not have as many of the characteristic Weasley traits. Dark freckles coated his olive skin arms, but were mostly absent from his face. His dark brown hair was in dreadlocks. His large brown eyes were teasing and his teeth were completely white. While he physically resembled his mother, he was notoriously mischievous—a true Weasley.

"Yeah, too bad you're more likely to crack open your skull in quidditch this season than a book the entire year," Hector said cheekily.

Fred punched his friend in the arm while James focused his attention on his younger brother, who pointedly ignored him. James ruffled Al's hair, snickering.

"Stop it, James!" Al growled, facing the window.

"Oh, lighten up, Alby," said James. "You know we're just teasing, right? Come on, we're family. It's our job."

"It's not funny," Al grumbled.

"Are you still on that Slytherin rubbish?" said James. "Look, don't get your knickers in a twist. Slytherins are bad. You're not bad, so you won't be in Slytherin. Stick with us, Alby. We'll take care of you."

Al seemed to consider this for a moment. "Alright."

"So you'll quit worrying, then?" asked James.

"For now," he said softly. He wasn't confident he could keep that promise.

James patted Al on the shoulder warmly. "Good," he replied. He looked over at his friends. Hector seemed to be having an animated conversation with Rose about Hogwarts classes, while Fred was clearly wishing he were somewhere else. Hector's heavy-lidded hazel eyes glinted with gold flecks as he vigorously spoke.

"My favorite subject is Charms. I think you'll really enjoy it," he told her. "James claims it's for nancies, but he's just jealous that I'm better than him."

Rose giggled. "Would you mind tutoring me, then, in case I'm not very good?"

"With brains like yours, you'll likely be tutoring me in a few years," Hector laughed. "But sure, I can help you if you need it."

Fred, standing impatiently, rolled his eyes. "Oi, can we go? I could really use some sweets."

"Yeah, let's find the trolley," said James. "Hector, leave our cousin alone."

Hector sighed. "Yes, Master," he said sarcastically. He turned to Albus. "Al, it was good seeing you again." He turned to Rose, grinning. "Rose, good luck in classes."

"You too," she smiled.

With one more shove from James, they left Al and Rose alone. Once the door was closed, Rose returned to her book, muttering. "Hector seems alright."

"He came to the house this summer," said Al. "I like him."

At that moment, there was another knock on the door. This one was far gentler, less intrusive.

"Hello?" said the voice. "I was wondering if someone could help me?"

The source of the meek voice opened the door cautiously, revealing a small, wiry boy with wavy, light brown hair, large blue-green eyes, medium-toned skin and a slightly hooked nose. His square jaw boasted a dopey, lopsided grin. He blushed deeply, shifting his feet.

"What's up, mate?" Al asked.

"I, umm, lost something," said the shy boy. "I was wondering if, if someone had seen it?"

"What is it you're looking for?" Rose asked, flipping the page down on her book.

"I'm looking for my dad's pocket watch," he said in a thick Scottish accent. "It's very old. It's been in the family for generations. Have you seen it? It's made of real gold with an iron chain. "

Al and Rose both shook their heads apologetically.

"Sorry, we've been in here the whole time," said Rose.

"But we can help you look," Al offered.

The boy seemed visibly relieved by this kind gesture. "Would you? Thank you so much," said the boy, holding out his hand. "Name's Craig. Craig McDonald."

Al got up and shook the boy's hand. "I'm Albus Potter, but you can call me Al. And this is my cousin, Rose Weasley."

"Potter? Weasley?" said Craig slowly. "I think I've heard those names, but I'm not sure where. Are your parents politicians or something?"

Both children held back grins. Finally someone who didn't know who they were!

"No, they're not politicians. Are you muggle-born, by chance?" asked Rose innocently.

"Born and raised," said Craig. "I don' know if any of my family were magic folk. My parents died when I was young."

"I'm so sorry, Craig," said Rose empathetically.

"What happened to them?" asked Al, regretting it the moment the words left his mouth. Craig seemed to ignore this blunder with a shrug.

"Killed in a plane crash," said Craig. "You know what airplanes are, right?"

They both nodded. "Our grandfather is fascinated with all things muggle," said Al.

"And my mum was muggle-born," Rose added. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's alright," said Craig sincerely. "I just don' like to fly, you know? But that watch is all I have left of ye dad, and I can't lose it."

"We'll help you," said Al and Rose in unison.

They dropped their belongings onto their benches and left the compartment. The corridors were considerably less crowded than they were when they first boarded the train, but everywhere they turned, people were once again ogling Al and Rose, whispering among their friends. Clearly, having famous parents made you famous by proxy, Albus decided. He concluded he didn't like that. Were people really going to compare him to his celebrity-war-hero father for the rest of his school days? They haven't even started yet!

After minutes of unsuccessfully crawling on the floor, none of the three children had any luck finding the watch. Rose quickly became frustrated while Craig grew progressively more apprehensive with each passing second. Al seemed to be the only one remaining calm.

"This is getting us nowhere!" said Rose crossly. "Are you sure you didn't lose it at the station?"

"Positive," said Craig, "I saw it in my bag on the train, then a few minutes later, it was gone. I really hope we find it."

"Where was your compartment?" asked Al.

"Just a couple down," said Craig, pointing down the hall. "Ah, there it is, that one right there."

When they got there, they noticed it was already occupied by three girls, most likely first years. Two of them were giggling while one was just politely listening. Rose knocked on the door as to not disturb them.

"Come in," said one of the giggling girls.

Rose, Al and Craig entered while the girls looked at them curiously.

"Hi, I'm Rose. This is my cousin Al and our friend Craig. We're searching for something and we think it might have gone missing in here," said Rose.

"It's a gold pocket watch," said Craig. "Do you think any of you may have seen it?"

They shook their heads uncertainly.

"What's a pocket watch?" asked a pale girl with straight brown hair.

"It's a muggle device that tells time. It looks a lot like a time turner," said Al. "Have you seen it?"

"I don't think so," said a dark-skinned girl with long, straight black hair and large brown eyes. "But you can look around. Maybe it's under the seats?"

"I looked before, but I didn't see it," said Craig.

"It never hurts to double check," said the third girl with thick curly honey-blonde hair.

They all got down on their hands and knees, searching low. Craig and two of the girls were searching the seat cushions while the rest of them were searching under the seats. A moment later, the blonde haired girl squealed, "I found it, I think."

They all gathered around her, looking under the seat. Craig was visibly relieved.

"Oh, thank you," he said. "Thank you so much, that's my pocket watch."

He started to reach for it, but the seat trapped his hand at the knuckle. The space was too narrow for him to fit his hand through. Rose, noticing this, offered her smaller hand. Hers, too, was too large to fit. They all frowned.

"Hmm, how are we going to get it out?" asked Craig.

"We could rip the seat out?" the dark-haired girl suggested.

The other girls glared at her. The dark-haired girl muttered an apology. At that moment, Rose's eyes gleamed brilliantly.

"I've got it!" she exclaimed. "Why didn't I think of this before?"

"Think of what?" Al asked, raising his brows.

Before he received an answer, however, she ran back to their compartment. Al and Craig followed her baffled. The other three girls remained in their compartment. Rose starting rummaging feverishly through her bag, throwing out two textbooks, a muggle camera in its case, and her retainer case before clutching a mahogany box. She opened the box, pulling out a 10 ½ inch oak wand with a unicorn hair core. She beamed, holding the wand in her hands.

"We're magic," said Rose. "It's only logical we use magic to retrieve it. Al, can you hand me The Standard Book of Spells?"

Craig handed her the book before Al had the chance. Al started playing with the camera and its case absentmindedly while Rose was reading the pages. Once she found the page, she looked triumphant.

"Found it," she said, pointing at the page. "Accio Pocket watch. That's the spell we need to get it out. Come on!"

Quickly, the boys grabbed Al and Rose's trunks, knowing it was unlikely they were going to return to that compartment. Once they made it back, the three girls were still trying to pry their hands under the seat.

"Move over," said Rose, pointing her wand under the seat.

She got down on her hands and knees while the other children observed the sharp witch. She concentrated deeply on the task at hand, knowing that this spell may be tricky for her. It was, after all, meant for fourth years.

"Accio pocket watch!" she said firmly.

Much to her chagrin, nothing happened. The others looked at each other uncertainly. Rose gave a light chuckle to alleviate some of her embarrassment.

"Hmm, guess it's a little stubborn," said Rose. "Let's try that again. Accio pocket watch."

Rose was stumped. The watch didn't even so much as giggle once she cast the spell. The brown-haired pale girl lost her patience as she pulled out her walnut wand.

"Let me try," she said assertively. "Accio pocket watch."

Still, there was nothing. "That's strange," said the girl. "It doesn't seem to be working for me either. I've done this spell before on a drinking cup."

"Maybe it doesn't work on muggle things," the blonde-haired girl suggested.

"It works on muggle items, so that's not the problem," said Rose absolutely. "Maybe we just need an older wizard to cast the spell."

"Maybe one of the prefects can do it?" asked Craig.

"Our cousin Victoire might be able to help us," said Rose. "She's Head Girl."

Al, who had remained silent this whole time, looked down at his hands, realizing he was still holding Rose's camera. He lifted up the flap, only to have it snap down again instantly. Suddenly an idea flashed before him.

"Craig, what did you say the watch was made of again?" asked Al, looking at the camera case.

"It's gold, but it has an iron chain," said Craig, "I lost the original chain a few years ago."

"Brilliant," said Al ecstatically, throwing the camera onto the seat. The others were very confused as he hopped onto the floor.

"Al, what in Merlin's name are you doing?" asked Rose. "And why did you just throw my camera like that?"

He was ignoring her as he held the case under the seat as far as his hands could reach. The chain gravitated toward the magnet in the camera case, allowing Al's fingers to lace into the chain. With a slight jerk, Al freed the pocket watch from its dark crevice. The others were speechless as Al stood up with the watch in his hands.

"How did you do that?" asked the brown-haired girl. "What are you holding?"

"It's a magnet," said Craig, smiling broadly. "Clever solution, Al!"

"Thanks," said Al, looking at the intricate design of the pocket watch. On each side of the crest, two armored knights sat on mounted unicorns. The knight on the left side held a chalice whilst the knight on the right wielded a sword into the air. In the center of the crest was a young maiden with flowing robes and wild hair, standing ankle deep in a river. Her hands were open and soft flames appeared on her perfectly carved palms. Her eyes boasted tiny emeralds. Arched above the crest itself, he noticed that there was writing on the watch. He furrowed his brows as he read, realizing it was in an unfamiliar language.

Le cheile I neart, le cheile I toil, faoi cheangal ag a fuil, scarifice muid

Al was impressed with the intricacy of the crest. He had never seen anything quite like it before.

"That's a brilliant design, Craig. Is it a family crest?" said Al, tracing fingers around the maiden's beguiling eyes.

"Of sorts," Craig replied, taking the watch back. "It's been in the family for hundreds of years, apparently."

"Do you know what the writing says?" asked Al. "I couldn't really make it out."

Craig shrugged. "I'm not sure what it means, to be honest. It's Gaelic, that's all I know."

"Well, it just goes to show magic isn't always required to solve a problem," said the dark-haired girl. She held out her hand warmly to Craig. "I'm Cleomora Thomas, but call me that and you'll never live to tell the tale."

"So, is Cleo fine, then?" asked Craig, laughing. She nodded her head. "I'm Craig McDonald, I'm muggle-born and proud of it. This is Al Potter and Rose Weasley."

"Potter?" Cleo gawked. "You mean, you're Harry Potter's son?"

Al nodded his head uncertainly. Cleo started squealing in delight, hopping up and down. "Oh Merlin! Merlin, merlin, merlin, merlin . . . Ahh!"

Al and Rose shuffled their feet awkwardly. It was one thing for people to be whispering whilst staring at them. That was a reaction the cousins could possibly learn to live with, but this was beyond over the top. The green-eyed boy coughed dryly. Once Cleo calmed down a bit, she fanned herself.

"Wow, I'm so sorry about," said Cleo, blushing deeply. "I solemnly swear it will never happen again."

Craig laughed. "You act as if you've just met The Beatles."

The honey-haired girl laughed while no one else seemed to get the reference. The other four raised their brows at her.

"I'm muggle-born too," said the girl. She held her hand up. "I'm Holly Hill and this is Tanith . . . umm. You never told me your last name."

"If there's another Tanith, I'll tell you what it is," she told them nonchalantly. "It's incredibly difficult to say."

Tanith shook everyone's hand, not allowing anyone to give much thought to the girl's reluctance on providing her surname. "It's nice to meet you all, Al. That was very clever what you did with that, uh, muggle thing. I never would have thought of it myself."

Even while she tried to play it cool, Al could see sorrow resonate in her dark alder eyes, but he was not sure why. He did not, however, want to dwell on this until he had a chance to talk to her later.

"Not many magical people know what a magnet is," said Al. "You're probably pure blood, aren't you?"

Tanith nodded her head. Once they were done introducing themselves, the sound of the trolley cart passing by caused the children's ears to perk.

"Trolley cart!" said an old, squat witch. "Anything from the trolley?"

"What's on the trolley?" asked Holly. "Do you have any Mars Bars?"

"I'm afraid not," said the trolley witch sweetly. "But I do have all the wizard sweets you can eat: Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, cauldron cakes, chocolate frogs, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, jelly slugs, liquorice wands, and pumpkin pasties. Take your pick."

The children's eyes were gleaming as they examined the plethora of delectable, bright-colored treats all on the red trolley. Everything just looked so wonderful, Al thought, it would be nearly impossible to choose what he wanted to try first.

"I'll take six of everything for my friends," said Craig, interrupting Al's thoughts.

The others were all shocked by this. "What? Craig, no, that's too much," said Rose.

"You really don't have to do that," said Cleo.

"No," he insisted. "I want to. All of you helped me find my pocket watch. I can never replace it if it were gone forever. Buying you sweets is the least I can do to thank you."

"Are you sure?" asked Holly. "This can't be cheap."

Craig shrugged. "It's no bother at all. Go on, help yourselves."

"Thank you Craig," said Al, as he was grabbing a handful of licorice wands.

In turn, everyone else thanked the Scottish boy. He smiled at his new friends. The trolley witch looked at him when everyone was done grabbing sweets.

"That will be seventy sickles," said the trolley witch.

Craig gave the trolley witch an entire purse of coins, telling her to keep the change. The squat witch blushed, realizing this was well over one-hundred sickles in there. Before she left, Craig asked, "So, what's your favorite treat on the trolley?"

"Pumpkin pasties," said the trolley witch. "They're my mum's secret recipe."

"I'll try that first then," said Craig, taking a bite. He was taken aback by how wonderful they were. "Mmmm, these are brilliant. This is the best pasty I've ever had. Thank you, ma'am."

"My pleasure, dear," said the witch, grinning lightly.

Once the trolley rolled away, Holly and Cleo were giggling as they were sampling the different jellybean flavors. Holly, having apparently eaten an awful flavor, started gagging while Cleo laughed at the girl. Tanith was sitting next to Al, gracefully biting down on a cauldron cake. Rose put her camera back in her leather satchel before eating one of her jelly slugs. At that moment, she took her wand out of the wooden box, examining it carefully. Craig sat down next to her before taking another bite of his pasty.

"I don't understand it," she said disappointedly. "Why didn't accio work on your watch?"

"Don't worry about it," Craig assured her. "We haven't even started our classes yet. Don't be so hard on yourself."

"But I've been working on magic all summer!" she stated exasperatedly. "I don't get it."

"Rose, it's okay," said Tanith. "I've done accio before and it didn't work for me either. It's a spell meant for forth years."

Rose shook her head. A strand of hair caught in her eye, which Craig moved away with his finger. She thanked him.

"Cheer up, we'll be at Hogwarts soon," said Craig. "And then I'm sure you'll beat the trousers off us in every subject."

"You think so?" asked Rose uncertainly.

"Well, I've never done magic on purpose before, so you've got me beat there," said Craig. Rose giggled at that. Craig smiled. "There, now keep that attitude until we get to Hogwarts, alright?"

She nodded in agreement. The two of them started discussing some of the different houses at Hogwarts, wondering where they would be sorted. Al, meanwhile, opened one his chocolate frogs. As it started hopping away, Tanith caught the bounding treat, giving it back to Al. He began eating the chocolate as his focus shifted toward the card in his box. On the card was a picture of a thin, black-robbed man with sallow skin and a large hooked nose. He had shoulder-length greasy black hair and dark eyes, reminding Al of a cave's dark abyss. He flipped the card over and read the contents on the back.

Severus Snape

1960-1998

Former Headmaster

Former Potions/Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor

Former Member of the Order of the Phoenix

Former Death Eater

Sorted into Slytherin during his time at Hogwarts, Severus Snape was an exceptional student, particularly in the subjects of Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts. He received a N.E.W.T in those subjects, as well as Transfiguration and Charms. During the First Wizarding War, he was a loyal Death Eater, but became Albus Dumbledore's agent after Lord Voldemort murdered Lily Potter and attempted to murder Harry Potter. He was an accomplished potioneer, occlumens, legilimens, spell creator, and duelist.

"He was one of the bravest men I've ever known. Without him, I don't think my defeat against Lord Voldemort would have been possible." – Harry Potter

Al read the card over five times, his eyes growing larger with each word he read. It became more apparent now why Al's father chose him as well as Dumbledore as Al's namesake. He really was an exceptionally brave man.

But he was sorted into Slytherin, Al considered.

He mused at the chocolate frog for moments, finally deciding that maybe being sorted into Slytherin wouldn't be such a horrible fate after all.