Albus's POV:

I've never felt like this about anyone ever before.

All I can think about is her. Her pretty blonde ringlets; her beautiful sea-green eyes, which are always sparkling with amusement and joy; her tiny yet curvy frame, which holds much more strength than anyone would guess; and her dazzlingly brilliant, toothy grin, so full of happiness that I want to explode whenever I see it. Her witty remarks, hilarious jokes, and tender words of kindness fill my heart to the brim with delight. She constantly pervades my thoughts. I can't get her out of my head although I don't object whatsoever.

I can't sleep without dreaming about her. I can't eat without thinking of her stuffing her face with treacle tart, her favourite food in the entire world, the second day of school. The way her eyes lit up when she saw it, the sheepish grin she gave me when she shoved half of it into her mouth at once...

I can't do anything without Emmeline in my mind.

I honestly only planned to put on the Invisibility Cloak when I pulled her into the clearing. But then, we were so close, and she looked up at me with that beautiful smile, snowflakes on her eyelashes. She was so beautiful, and I...I couldn't control myself.

The kiss we shared was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. I've kissed girls before, but this...this was different.

And after, I didn't know what to say, and I completely blew it. "To the Three Broomsticks." What was I thinking? Well, I actually know what I was thinking, but I'd prefer to keep that to myself...

And after we visited Amber Trelawney for the prophecy, I didn't tell her anything. I knew she was angry; I could see it in her eyes. I dunno if the anger was for her unknowingness of what just happened, or at me. I'm sure it was both. But, either way, I still messed up.

And then James, my dear older brother James, came up and decided, hey, I know Albus fancies Emmeline, but why not steal her from him? It would be a load of fun, wouldn't it?

Sometimes I really hate my brother. I still love him at heart, but he really angers me at times.

I know I should've told James, "No, sorry. Emmeline's mine, and you can never have her." But, I didn't. And she didn't say anything to stop James or me from saying otherwise. She must fancy him, then. Maybe I did the right thing.

But not the right thing for me...

I'm storming around Hogsmeade, all of these thoughts inside my head at the same time. I never knew I could feel so much together. Aunt Hermione may be right about Uncle Ron having the emotional range of a teaspoon, but not her nephew Albus. No, he has too much in his mind. Way too much.

While I'm glaring at the disgusting couples inside Madame Puddifoot's, I hear a familiar feminine voice say behind me, "You fucked up, didn't you, Al?"

I turn around to see Rose's familiar face. Though slightly flushed with what I assume is happiness, she still manages to give me her signature look, her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I mumble, continuing to glower at the two sixth-years who are staring at me from within the shop. The guy, who I think is Simon Davis, holds up a finger that is considered quite rude to most people.

I hear Rosie stifle a giggle, and she says, "C'mon, Al. We need to talk."

I reluctantly turn around and walk to my cousin. She slips her hand in mine, just like she did when we were little, and gently pulls me over to the Hog's Head. I follow her inside. She waves to Ariana Dumbledore, Aberforth's granddaughter, who now owns the place. Ariana nods at her while pouring two butterbeers. We're regulars, so she already knows what we want.

Rose and I sit down at our usual table, and I look around. The same shifty crowd is here, as per usual.

Ariana brings our butterbeers, and I take a large swig. Rose raises her eyebrows and says, "Okay. What's going on?"

I sigh. "I don't want to talk about it," I say gruffly.

Rose gives me the signature Weasley glare, and I relent. I tell her the entire story, from walking into Hogsmeade to Emmeline leaving with James, her sea-green eyes full of an emotion I could not determine as she walked away.

The first thing Rose says is, "Was it good?"

I blink. "Was what good?"

She laughs. "The kiss, dunderhead. Did you like it?"

I say, "I dunno..." I don't think she needs to know that piece of information.

She rolls her eyes. "Fine. Emmeline will tell me later, anyway."

"How do you know?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Rose smiles. "Girls tell each other everything, Al. Get used to it."

I moan, "Don't say her name, Rosie. Please."

Rose grins impishly. "Wow, Albus. I haven't seen you this Romeo-like since Minnie Longbottom turned you down in third year." She adds with a wink, "Sorry, Al, but you never had a chance..."

"I don't care about Minnie, Rosie!" I exclaim. I sink into my chair. "I care about Emmeline."

Rose says, "Stop moping about, Al! It's not going to help you. Do you want some advice?"

I plead, anguish in my voice, "Please." I feel so horrible, like I want to rip out my own heart. I know that, right now, Rosie is the only one who can help me.

Rose's expression softens. She says, "What you need to do is first, apologize for your dreadful behaviour. Admit that you were a prat and she doesn't deserve you."

"What? But—"

Rose continues over me, "Then, tell her how you feel. Everything. Even the things you wouldn't tell me."

"Then what?" I ask.

Rose turns her hands over, palms out to me. "That's all you can do, really. I think that's all you need to do. If you truly mean what you say, she'll forgive you." She drops her voice and says, "She fancies you, Al. I can see it in her eyes. She might even love you. It's a possibility. And you don't want to lose her, I know. So you have to take action. Be a man! And you can win her back."

I smile gratefully. "Thanks, Rose. I don't know what I would do without you."

She grins. "Well, that just made my day even more fantastic."

I smirk. "More fantastic? You didn't do anything naughty on your date, did you, Rosie? Uncle Ron would not approve."

She swats me. "Oh, shut your mouth."

I shout, "That's not a no! Rose Weasley, are you saying you—"

She giggles and says, "Shush, Al! People are listening!"

I laugh loudly, enjoying teasing her. "Fine."

Rose is trying not to laugh. Her face is a bright red, matching her hair. She changes the subject, "So, what's this prophecy you got from the little Trelawney?" She mutters, "I'm glad I wasn't there because, honestly, that Divination stuff is a bunch of doxy droppings."

I smile but say, "Rose, you know some of it's for real. Dad's life was basically created by a prophecy." I pull out the little slip of paper and push it towards her. "Read this. Amber predicted it when we were first years. She was only four years old."

Rose picks up the paper with trepidation. She reads it aloud.

"Darkness was vanquished twice before,

But will return evermore

If two do not vanquish the Eye

Darkness will be an unwelcome spy

The two who will save all kinds

Share the same turning of minds

The Light, born the Third of the Third Month after eight years

Without the pain, deaths, and fears,

The Light must overcome the Dark

Or forever the world will lose heart

The Light, with aid from her Chosen Son

Must destroy the Shadowed One

For if this is never to occur

The land will surrender to the dark murk

The Light will have two times

To make everything back to right

The first, if she shall fail,

Will leave her with nothing to prevail

But the second, if she shall succeed

Will return all taken from this creed

The Light must kill the Shadowed One,

Or the whole universe will come undone."

Rose says, "That's a lot of words on this tiny sheet of paper."

I say, "That's not the point. Reread the second paragraph."

Rose does so, and her eyes widen with fear. "March third. That's..."

"Emmeline's birthday," I finish, feeling something constrict my chest as I finally voice my fears aloud. "She's the Light."

Rose knits her eyebrows. "But...who's the Chosen Son? Is she gonna have a kid or something?"

I shrug, hoping her guess is not the case. Teenage pregnancy isn't the way to go. "I dunno. It could be anyone!"

Rose puts her hand over her eyes. "So, if this is true, Emmeline has to destroy some hidden evil wizard that nobody knows about?"

I feel a despair that awakens suddenly. I worry about Emmeline more than I do for myself. I'm not in any danger; she's the one whose life is on the line. And she has no idea.

"Yeah," I say, closing my eyes. Opening them, I say, "And I'm going to help her."

Rose gives me a look of incredulity. "And you think I'm not?"

I shake my head. "No, Rosie, it's not safe enough. It's too dangerous. I won't let you."

She repeats, "You won't let me? Al, I'm helping, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"But I don't want you to get hurt!"

She says, "You're so much like your father, it's crazy." Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron told us all about how my dad loves to play the hero, how he wouldn't let anyone get in harm's way. He would rather die than have someone else's life be in danger.

Rose continues, "I'm not going to get hurt, Albus. I can take care of myself. And I won't be alone; I'll be with you and Emmeline." She smiles a small, sad smile. "We'll do this together."

I know there's no way to stop Rose, and frankly, I'm glad she's going to be with us on this. Rose is my rock; without her, I'd be flailing about, not knowing what my purpose is in the world. I now realize my purpose is to protect her—and Emmeline—no matter the cost.

"Together," I repeat. Rose smiles.

I won't let them down.

Note: HP belongs to J.K. Rowling. I do not own it. All other characters (i.e. Emmeline) are mine.