It's Better If You Do

"You know," Rose began as they crossed the bridge over the pond. "I don't think I know very much about you. Or, atleast, not as much as I would like to."

He asked simply, "What do you want to know?"

She pondered this over for a moment, taking in the scenery. The water was medley of colors from all the surrounding plants; the willow tree hung low, swooping into the water, while the red leafed plants grew along side, brightening up the atmosphere. Ducks prattled to each other, shaking off their feathers every now and then, dipping and gliding over the calm surface of the water. She spared a glance at their reflections, and saw that he had a very simple, yet earnest smile on his face.

She revolved towards him slowly, looking very serious, though he knew she was half way joking from the look in her eyes. "What," she said slowly, "is your favorite color?"

Fred laughed merrily, and said, "Red. Why?"

"Colors say a lot more about a person than you would realize. I studied a lot about it, because it's even important in the magical world. Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, and courage, as well as love, passion, and desire. Red also gives a sense of protection from fears and anxiety." she said thoughtfully.

He nodded, surprised at how much sense that made. Gryffindor was known for couragenessness. "Alright then. What is yours?"

"I've never been able to chose," she smiled, shaking her head. "There are so many different meanings and feelings behind all the colors," She paused, and said ruefully. "My parents chose my name well. Roses can be of any color."

"I would assume you're a white or yellow rose," he said lightly, touching the hair falling down from her bun.

"And you a red one," she giggled. "Your favorite color, too."

He playfully swatted her, "I'll have you know, that I am not a flower. I am a male, thank you."

"Ahh well, there's enough roses in this garden anyway," Rose said loftily, hopping up to sit on the railing of the bridge. Her feet swung high off the ground, and she smiled delightedly, "I'm actually your heighth now."

Fred snickered noticing how childlike she appeared. "Why are you and your sister so short?"

"Why are you and your brother so tall?" she retorted, crossing her arms across her chest. He nodded, accepting the defeat.

"Touche," he said. His eyes narrowed, looking out over the water. Glancing back at her, he pursed his lips, thinking of how much trouble he'd get in. He spared her a mischevious grin.

Her eyes hardened into a glower, and she growled, "You wouldn't dare."

"You're right. I'd like to live another day." came the reply full of subdued laughter at the thought of her chasing him around the garden, looking very much like a wet kitten.

Rose looked anxiously at the ground, noticing just how high up she was. If she tried to get down, she was more than likely to fall, and she'd rather not add another series of scars to her already extensive collection. Squirming, she gave him a pleading look. "Help me down?"

"It's not even five feet." Fred pointed out, smiling at the girl.

"Please?" she whined, looking rather pitiful as her legs swung back and forth. He sighed dramatically, and picked her up as if she weighed but twenty pounds. Setting her on her feet carefully, he smirked widely. "Thank you."

"Your welcome, Rosie... That was only one question, you know," he reminded her as they walked down the bridge to the green. Sitting down on the soft grass, she looked over the water watching the ducks, absentmindedly pulling up grass.

"Right... Well, you told me about your family, and I already know that you left school early, so... What 'ouse were you in at 'ogwarts? I've heard a lot about them, from when the other students went. They said you were sorted based on your personality?" she looked up at him for an explanation, her eyes wide and curious.

"They do sort you on personality," Fred said, nodding. "You're sorted by the Sorting Hat, and it chooses where you go. At first, when the Hogwarts founders were still alive, they chose for themselves, but after a while Godric Gryffindor took a hat off his head, and each of the four founders put in what they liked for each of their Houses. I was in Gryffindor, as has the rest of my family. 'Where dwell the brave at heart; Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart'."

Rose was thoroughly intrigued, and wished they had done this at Beauxbatons. "What about the rest of the Houses?"

"Ravenclaw is known for learning and intelligence. Hufflepuff, though is supposed to be as good as any other House, is a bit picked on for being a bit, err, spineless. They're extremely loyal, though, and not afraid of hard work. The last House is Slytherin, and no one really likes them."

"Why?" she asked eagerly, and he smiled a bit darkly.

"You remember Lucius Malfoy, of course. Well, he, and almost every other Death Eater, including Voldemort, came from that House." he informed her, watching as her nose wrinkled up in disgust. "They're a mean lot. Gryffindor and Slytherin especially have a problem with each other."

"I'll bet. But, why on earth would they even keep that House if all the people that go are bad?" she asked incredilously, her eyebrows raised.

"They aren't all neccesarily bad," he said, trying to be fair, though finding it very hard as he thought of all the atrocities that he'd faced from the students in that particular House. "But... I don't know, really."

Rose opened her mouth to ask another question, when her stomach let out a very loud, angry snarl. She hadn't eaten breakfast, and it was soon to be lunchtime, but she hadn't noticed because she'd been so busy with everything. Blushing, she looked down embaressed, while he smacked his forehead. "Some tour guide I've been, letting you starve. Come on, then. Let's go get a bite to eat."