This is a James/Rose Second Gen fic, so if you're not a fan of 'cousincest' then I advise that you don't read. There is Teddy/Rose as well... This is a test chapter really..though I do plan on writing more even if it's just for my benefit :P I have great plans for this one. I hope you like it! Please review, I would be most grateful.

Rated M for language and later lemons :)

~Lizzie

It Must be the Chemistry
Chapter 1 - Graduation

"It gives me the greatest pleasure to present to you...this year's Hogwarts graduates!"

Rose fidgeted impatiently, tugging at the extremely itchy maroon coloured robe that she had to adorn for her Graduation, whilst the Slytherin graduates filed one-by-one up to McGonagall to collect their certificates. Bursts of applause ringing out through the Great Hall from the students' proud, rich, pure-blooded families.

Yes, Rose Weasley was finally graduating from Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

It seemed like she had been there for century's, having grown accustomed to its intriguing decor, the numerous pieces of homework and settling into the welcoming arms of Gryffindor house for eight, long years.
It was sad that she now had to say goodbye to her childhood and close such an important and memorable chapter in her life. The time had come for her to finally become (as completely corny as it sounded) a 'woman' and move into independence; a thing that Rose had craved for a long time. But now... as it stood right in front of her eyes, she almost felt reluctant to take hold of it...

From her first day at Hogwarts, Rose Weasley completely threw herself into the world of magic. With the brains and beauty of her mother and the strength and timidity of her father, she was one unique individual that held her own, not wanting to be solely recognised as simply 'the Golden Couple's first born'...

She was simply 'Rose' and in despite of being a poised and self confident individual, it just so happened that 'simply Rose' was not one for loving any sort of occasion that thrust her into the limelight. So, as Headmistress McGonagall droned on about the pride she held for her graduating students, Rose sat shaking her leg and biting her lip in anxiety as she willed for the whole bloody ceremony to be over.

"Flippin' heck, Rose you're going green!"

Rose glanced to her left where the whisper of her best girlfriend and cousin had come from. She rolled her eyes at Roxanne's over-dramatic character and continued to shake her leg gently, ignoring her completely.
Having grown up with one another, Rose and Roxanne (or R&R as Scorpius Malfoy had named them) had always been close with one another, happily growing up into the Weasley family together. If it hadn't been for their familial connection, Rose was unsure of whether they would have actually been friends at school at all?

The fact was; Rose and Roxanne were like chalk and cheese. Roxanne's daring and feisty personality contrasted with Rose's coy and calm nature, but they functioned so well with one another and remained inseparable for the duration of school. Roxie would constantly attempt to coax out Rose's adventurous side whilst Rose herself reined in Roxanne's temperamental wild-side when necessary. It was the perfect friendship and one that Rose wouldn't sacrifice for anything, even if her cousin-come-best-friend did get on her tits sometimes...

"It's only graduation...anyone would thing that you're about to be eaten by a fucking dragon!" she continued.

A low snort emerged from Rose's right and her head snapped towards the sound, eyes completely unimpressed as she glared at Albus Severus Potter. In dissimilarity to Rose, the 'Boy Wonder's' second eldest reclined into his seat comfortably without a care in the world as he chortled inaudibly to himself at Roxie's teasing comments. It took just a mere second for Rose's hand to fly up and clip Albus round the head.

"What the bloody hell was that for!"

"You deserved it!" she hissed, "Stop encouraging her, I am absolutely fine. You know how I am with this kind of stuff," she turned back to Roxie, addressing them equally, "I just want it over and done with."

Roxie simply winked at her friend before placing a comforting hand on hers, squeezing lightly. "You'll be fine..."

"Oh sweet Merlin! Look whose next!" exclaimed Albus, a sly grin sliding onto his features. "I'll bet James is having a right blast watching that little prick in those ghastly robes."
The two Weasley girls turned their heads to see the smarmy figure of Scorpius Malfoy stalking across the stage, not pausing once as he snatched the scroll out of McGonagall's hands and proceeded down the steps and back to his seat.

Albus was right. The vomit coloured attire clashed horrendously with the pallor of his skin. Rose couldn't help but let out a high pitched giggle, smacking her fingers to her lips as a pair of Hufflepuff's turned to stare at her with quizzed brows.
She continued giggling noiselessly as Al lifted his head to the non-existent ceiling and mouthed a silent 'Thank you' to the heavens, elbowing Rose playfully.

"Please tell me that someone has taken a photograph of this." said Roxie, smirking widely. "Where are they all, anyway?"

Al shrugged lightly, "They'll be there somewhere... I think Teddy came as well, he did say that he would."

Rose's heart leapt at the mention of Teddy Lupin, heat impulsively flooding her cheeks as she thought of the tall, exceptionally attractive young wizard with mesmerising, glittering sapphire-coloured hair. He'd remained a close friend to the Weasley's since he was a child, grew up best mates with James and just so happened to share a flat with him nowadays.

"Oh, is he now?" drawled Roxie, giving Rose a lingering look and raising her eyebrows in a suggestive manner. "Did you hear that Rose? Teddy's here."

Rose gave her best death glare and squeezed Roxie's hand exceptionally tight, a clear warning that she should button her lip. Teddy Lupin had been Rose's crush since Third year, so that made it four years, nine months and ten days exactly since the day that she had become completely enamoured by his charms. James was constantly taking the piss out of her through her fourth and fifth year until finally deciding to grow up and stop acting like a complete twat in his own seventh year.

Speaking of James Potter...here was yet another guy and another cousin that frequently managed to get Rose's wand in a knot, but in spite of the fact that he was a year older and used to relentlessly tease her when they were younger, Rose now regarded James as her best male friend. However, even after growing out of his immaturity, he would still get on her nerves at times. But of course; any man that had the Weasley blood in them would tease and joke habitually.

It was in the blood.

Rose's relationship with James was completely different to her friendship with Roxanne in many ways. To begin with; he was a bloke, so she couldn't exactly flounce about and talk about bras and the menstrual cycle with him...
The difference was; Rose could truly pour her heart out to James and do so without worrying about a thing. She could tell him her wildest dreams and deepest secrets, go to him when she was stressed, upset, excited about this that or the other. Any time that she needed him, he was always there for her.

She truly loved him for it.

Rose smiled lightly as she thought of her favourite cousin, predicting a wide and cheeky grin from him when Scorpius had made his way across the podium.

Would he be sitting next to Teddy?

Soon her thoughts were once again filled with the image of the wizard who had clouded her thoughts for many years. Though of course, for a vast majority of those years he was happily smitten with Victoire. Perfect, prissy, too-good-for-anyone and yet another bloody cousin Victoire. She always got there first, always insisted that she was one step ahead of everyone else and made sure that she had absolutely everything that she wanted; including Teddy Lupin.

Ugh.

Nevertheless, there was no need for Rose to worry about that particular concern anymore as the couple had split just two months back. She had never found out the reason that they had separated, but gossip had certainly been making its way about. Regardless of all the pestering that Roxanne would give her, Rose would still not 'make a move' as they would say... Her timidity, as always, would get the better of her.

"You wait, Rose." Roxie whispered eagerly, looking up at her blushing friend. "When he sees you in that sexy little dress of yours tonight, he'll be like putty in your hands honey..." She finished with a wink and rose from her seat, pulling Rose along with her as their house was announced.

Rose flattened down her own appalling robes as she waited behind Albus to go and collect her certificate. The restlessness had somewhat disappeared as she began to think ahead to the Graduation Party - the only occasion in Hogwarts history that was an informal 'Students only' event.

Albus made his way up the marble steps to McGonagall, smiling broadly as he held his hound out for his certificate. A variety of whoop's and cheers erupted from the crowd which, Rose could only presume; was her extensive family that had shown up for the special occasion. She felt a squeeze on her shoulder before she shuffled forward and up the steps to where the headmistress was waiting, certificate in hand. The cheers continued as Rose smiled pleasantly at McGonagall, who offered her congratulations and handed over the scroll, copious camera flashes going off from the direction of her bustling relatives.

Making her way off' the stage, Rose glanced over to where the cheers and applause was coming from, spotting the various tell tale red-head's all gathered together.

She could see Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny sitting next to Grandma and Grandpa Weasley as they cheered for Roxie, who was now sauntering across the hall without a care in the world. Then there were her parents; Mum blowing a kiss as Dad gave her that stupid goofy grin that he had.

It wasn't long before she spotted the pair that she was looking for, her heart pounding as Teddy looked straight at her, smiling from ear to ear before he gave her a small wink. Rose blushed wildly and looked to her right, spying the unruly ruffled locks and piercing green eyes of James, who smiled so warmly at her as their eyes connected. Gods… It felt strange that just one affectionate gesture from her friends could make her feel so reassured and at ease.

It definitely had to be said that no matter how much Rose Weasley hated having the attention fixed on her; it only made her realise again how much she respected and appreciated the continuous unity and support of her family. It meant such a great deal.

Roxie continued to bound off' the stage and over to Rose, smiling brightly. "Right, over with the bollocks and on with the partying I say!" She chirped, lightly.

'Merlin... it's going to be one heck of an evening…' Rose thought to herself as she sidled back into her seat for the rest of the ceremony.

She couldn't help but feel a hesitant, budding excitement for it. After all, it was the last day of Rose Weasley's adolescence…

And Merlin, she certainly intended to well and truly let her hair down!

'It's finally time to be a little more adventurous…'

…

The typical jovial atmosphere continued on at The Burrow, as Arthur Weasley toasted the trio of graduate's' good health at the dinner-table…

"Well, I think that all that's left to say is that we are all tremendously proud of the three of you and hope that you all endeavour for the best in your futures! Congratulations Rose, Albus and Roxanne!"

Another ripple of applause and echo's of congratulations surrounded the dining area, swiftly followed by a frantic pandemonium as the male equivalent of the table immediately began to dive into the magnificent feast that Grandma had put on.

Molly looked on merrily as Hugo and James fought over the sausages whilst Ron, George and Teddy equally grappled for control of the mashed potatoes.

'There's nothing like dinner at the Weasley's…' thought Rose, as she sat back and watched the blitz with an amused, raised eyebrow.

After everyone had had their fill (and then two more helpings if you were Ron, Hugo and George), talk soon turned to the approaching party of the evening, excitement brewing amongst the younger individuals.

"You all had better be careful! I don't want to be making late night trips to St Mungo's because one or more of you have been careless…" preached Hermione, looking directly at Albus and Fred, who had taken up the late Fred and George's' position of family pranksters.

"If anyone's going to end up in St Mungo's, Mum, it'll be Rose!" piped Hugo, who was busy sucking on an ice-cream covered spoon, throwing a sly smile at Rose as he did so. "She dances like a complete harpy, so there's bound to be an injury…"

Rose swiftly slammed her foot down nice and heavily onto her 'dear little brother's' big toe, causing him to yelp loudly. "If you want to keep the rest of your toes, I suggest that you shut your mouth, Hugo…" she hissed, humiliated at his mockery of her.

Giggles emerged from the rest of the adolescents, who looked on amusedly. Their typical sibling relationship was of no surprise to anyone, as most of them had the same opposition to their own brothers and sisters. One day it would be Al and James, Fred and Roxie… Hugo and Rose would be the ones that mostly fought, though.

Rose's sixteen-year-old little brother was the bane of her existence… entirely determined to make her life a living hell in any way possible.

"Mum! She kicked me! I demand punishment!" cried Hugo, playing the innocent.

"You demand nothing, Hugo Weasley," retorted Hermione, in a stern voice. "Rose, don't kick your brother!"

"Bu-"

"Listen to your mother, champ. No back chat." Ron ruffled his son's burgundy tresses, warning him lightly.

Rose continued to glare at her brother, a snigger from James coming from her left. She cocked her head to the side and directed the glare at him but her fierce look soon fizzled out as he gave her another of his striking grins. She looked down into her lap, heat rising to her cheeks in embarrassment.

"Don't worry, Aunty 'mione. We'll take good care of the girls…" he said, his voice soft and reassuring.

"Where are you staying tonight?" Ron asked his daughter, warily.

"They can stay with us, Uncle Ron," proposed, Teddy, "Al and Fred are staying too, we have plenty of room at the flat…" he looked over at Rose, causing her heart to start pounding at a rate of knots.

At that moment, a lively Roxanne poked her head around the doorframe, simply buzzing in excitement. "Rose, we'd better go soon. We need to get ready!"

"Yeah Rose, you'd better go. It's going to take years to tame that birds-nest on top of your he-"

With one flourish of her wand, Hermione had silenced her son's incessant teasing. "I warned you, you little git." she clipped, before approaching Rose and tucking a stray crimson curl behind her ear. "Okay darling, you stay with Teddy and James this evening. Have a great time and be responsible. I love you." She kissed her forehead.

"Love you too, Mum…Dad, see you tomorrow."

"Alright sweetheart. James. Take care of my darling girl, won't you?"

James took Rose's arm and began leading her towards the fireplace, where Teddy, Roxie, Al and Fred were already disappearing. "I always do, Uncle Ron." He assured kindly, studying Rose's features.

For a second, Rose swore that she could see heat rise in James' eyes…not the usual warmth that he constantly gave her, but instead a passionate smoulder that went straight through her. She barely had the chance to give it the slightest thought as she felt the familiar pulling in her abdomen and she and James disappeared in a cascade of green flames.