AN: This is part of the Express Universe (the same storyline as my story 'Riding the Hogwarts Express'). It's just a short little one-shot I wrote about James and Rose's relationship and how they're close cousins. The italic part is a direct quote from chapter 3 of RtHE.


September 1, 2019

"Finally! I've been looking up and down the train for you," Shiloh McManus said as he entered the compartment. "Passed Rose and the Elder Potter on the way and she pointed me to where you were all at." Scorpius saw Brennan frown at the mention of Rose's name, but it seems like no one else had noticed.

"Elder Potter?" Albus parroted. Beside him, Edgar let out a low chuckle.

Shiloh shrugged and sat in the now-empty seat between Albus and Brennan. Across from him, Ella went back to reading the book that she had dropped minutes earlier. "He is your older brother, yeah? So he's the Elder Potter," Shiloh explained easily. "Why does Rose go off with him all the time? I thought you were her best mate, mate."

July 9, 2006

"Sister."

This was the simple word that sent a small family reeling. Hermione Granger-Weasley burst into tears. Her husband Ronald Weasley, who had been standing next to her, quickly put his arms around her in a comforting embrace. Ginny Potter stood still with wide eyes and one hand on her round stomach, staring at the people in front of her. Harry Potter held Ginny's other hand tightly, a lump forming in his throat. He cleared it.

"Jamie," Harry addressed the eleven-month-old propped on the bed in front of him. "Rosie's not your sister—she's your cousin. Rosie is Auntie Hermione and Uncle Ron's daughter. She's going to go home with them."

James looked up at his father, brown eyes lacking any comprehension. He turned back to the small bundle in his aunt's arms. "Sister," he repeated. He reached out to hold onto the baby's tiny hand.

It was James' first word.

September 1, 2019

"So what's with you and the Finnegan brat, Rosie?" James asked as they walked down the corridor to the compartment where Roxanne, Fred, Emmett, and Rowan sat. Rose's ears turned bright pink.

"He's a friend, James. We play chess together, and if he makes the team this year, we'll be playing Quidditch together, too," Rose replied.

"If that's what you say, Rose," James said, entering the compartment and sitting next to Fred. The small group inside greeted Rose immediately, and Roxanne pulled her down to sit between her and Rowan Thomas.

"And how did James get you all flustered this time, Rosie Pudding Pie?" Fred asked.

"By being his usual nosy self," Rose said, fiddling with the buttons on her denim vest. James smirked as he noticed that she was avoiding Emmett's gaze.

"Rosie's got an admirer," James replied, smiling wide as Rose's ears turned crimson while her face and neck flushed.

Emmett Wood was suddenly paying attention. "Little Rose is breaking hearts already? Oh my," he said, looking at Rose and smiling. James frowned for a millisecond before settling his face into a neutral expression. He was hoping that Emmett would show a hint of jealousy.

"Moving away from discussing my baby cousin's love life," Roxanne began. Rose shot her a look full of gratitude. "We should go over what return prank we'd like to pull this year." She grinned mischievously and motioned to Rose. "Our little flower here has never fully participated in our little pranks. This being Lily and Hugo's first year, we should make it something good."

Fred looked like he was deep in thought. "We should wait until we find out what houses the two land in before we do anything—so tonight is out of the question."

"I don't think we'd have time to plan anything that soon anyway," Rowan said from his spot next to Rose. "At least nothing worthy of Rose's little Ravenclaw efforts." He chuckled as Rose's ears became pink again.

"It doesn't have to be anything extravagant on my behalf," Rose replied. "As long as Hugo gets a laugh out of it."

"Such a good sister," Fred commented.

James smiled broadly. "Yeah, she is." He didn't care if Hugo or Lily enjoyed their efforts at mischief—as long as Rose had a good time, he'd be happy.