AN: This story will be centered after the War and Voldemort's defeat. Only for a few years after Hogwarts.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and the title of this story is based on a song by the Rolling Stones. I only own my OC's.

She would never say where she came from

Yesterday don't matter if it's gone

"Ruby Tuesday"

- Rolling Stones

OoOoO

Chapter One: Ruby Tuesday

Fred was standing in the middle of the shower. The water was dripping hot against his back. He had long finished showering, he was just taking time; thinking about what George told him last night. Sure, he was absolutely happy that his brother is getting married, but he also felt absolutely depressed at the fact that his twin will no longer live with him. George was just a step behind his new and independent life. The day his twin will say "I do" will be the day he will truly feel lonely.

Shutting off the tab, he stepped out into the foggy bathroom and wrapped the towel around his hip. Wiping the fogged mirror, he stared at himself. His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to scrutinize what was before him. His hair was a bit too long; it was a long time since he had a haircut. He figured he'd get it cut, eventually. Today was just not the day.

After he got dressed, he made his way to the kitchen. George was already there, he was drinking coffee while reading today's Daily Prophet. Once he acknowledged him, he set the mug down and wiped his mouth. "Morning, Fred."

"Morning, George," he replied. He poured himself some cereal and sat down, expecting George's unspoken question.

"Are you gonna come with me, right?"

"Yes, I told you I will help you. Just let me finish my breakfast," he swallowed the honey flavored grain.

George nodded and went downstairs. Fred glanced at the Daily and saw that his twin had already marked a few flats he'd might want to go check. Some were crossed, indicating that he had already gone there and probably didn't like them. He figured the ones in circles meant are the ones they were gonna look for today. Flat hunting; almost as boring as History of Magic.

Today, they decided to take the day off. George wanted to buy a house for his new family. Yes, Katie Bell was pregnant. Already four months. That's why George was looking for a new place so quickly. The sooner, the better. This made him wonder if he should be doing the same with his life; settling down and raising a family. He pondered, but not for too long. The thought was absurd. He could never be a good father... At least not yet.

"Ready?" said George. They both stepped outside of their shop. Fred only nodded.

The first flat they went to was too small, only for one of them. It had only one room, one bathroom, and the kitchen was extremely tiny that there left no space for a single couch. The second one was better than the first. That's for sure. This one had two rooms, one bathroom, and definitely a space for at least a love seat. It was still cheap, but there were more flats left to hunt before deciding on this one. The third was spacious; it was more of a studio kind of flat. George thought Katie wouldn't want it.

They kept going on like this. Flat after flat. Fred was already getting riled up, but he didn't want to say anything. He knew George wouldn't ask for his help if he didn't need it. And besides, he knew his soon to be sister-in-law was in a foul mood to even step one foot outside into the world.

By the time they reached the fifth house, they were drained. Still not convinced, they went back to the Leaky Cauldron. That is, until George suggested to try a Muggle cafe down the street. Fred had never heard of it, but he followed anyway. When they got there the place was full. It was noon and they were hungry.

And thirsty.

The door gave away a little ring as they stepped inside. He and George were glancing at an empty table in sight, seeing as the place was packed, they both glanced opposite ways. Fred found one as it was being emptied from some funny looking teens. All wearing leather clothing and neon hair. Both twins walked towards the table, but they stopped when a waitress got in front of them and began cleaning the messy table. She was quick, but that did not stop Fred from taking her in. He couldn't help it. She walked away and his eyes followed her - until George hit him on the head.

"What?" he asked as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Nothing. You were just staring like a starved animal, that's all..."

Fred was about to retort, but a clear of a throat grabbed his attention. He turned to his left and saw the same waitress that was cleaning his table. From what he could take in, he saw she was pretty. Perhaps not the brightest crayon in the box, but she could still defend herself with her looks. She arched an eyebrow, obviously noticing his staring.

"Can I get you something to drink?" she asked politely, placing the menu in front of them each. When she slightly bent to place his, being the pervert that he was, he averted his eyes to her breasts. He licked his lips before looking up at her, which now she was looking him dead in the eyes.

"Uh..." George cut in. "I'll have a tea, please."

She nodded as she was scribbling on a notepad. "And for you?" she said, her smiled seemed forced and he was sure her eyes were glaring at him.

He liked it.

"I'll have the same, darling," he gave his best charming smile.

"My name is Ruby," she pointed her blue pen to the name tag below the collar of her uniform.

"Nice to meet you, Ruby. My name is Fred," he was enjoying the flustered look.

"Oh, no... I wasn't..." she began, but quickly refrained. His smug grin giving away. "I'll be back with your drinks."

She walked back to the kitchens. When he turned to see his twin he just chuckled at him.

"You sure know how to make a girl swoon with your charming ways," George shook his head disapprovingly. But still a small smile on his face.

"Ah, mate, you know me," he smiled. "Girls just fall for my wits and good looks."

"Yeah, I'd like to see you try to charm this girl."

"You just watch me. No girl can resist me."

The girl, Ruby, came back with both of their drinks and placed them on the table. "Ready to order?"

"Yes. I'd like...this one," George said, his slender index finger pointed at the first dish on the menu. She nodded and quickly scribbled it down.

"And for you?"

"This one, Ruby," she did not miss the tone in his voice. He pointed at the dish, but the menu was a bit too far away from her. She knew he did that on purpose, so she could bend again. With another forced smile, she took a look at his order.

"I'll be back with your orders shortly," with that, she walked back.

"Yeah...I'll keep my statement," said George.

"But this is only the start, wait and see..."

When she came back with their food he noticed a few more details about her. The jeans she was wearing hugged her hips and bum very well, but she wasn't all too voluptuous. Her bosom was what attracted him the most. She was wearing a t-shirt and the first three buttons were open - not giving much away, but just enough for him to enjoy. He looked up at her face, finally noticing her features. Her brown eyes held some sort of peace and innocence, but once they were directed at him, they turned darker and intense.

"So...what were you saying?" George asked him once the girl was out of sight.

"About?"

"That you were gonna charm this girl with your wits and less handsome face. Because if you ask me, I'm pretty sure it's the other way around."

"You don't know what you're talking about. Let's eat."

After they finished, George paid for the food; lucky he had some extra Muggle money from their dad. Fred walked behind his twin, but before he could step out, he turned back to the table they were sitting. She was cleaning it. And just in time, he saw her as she grabbed the little note he left there. She glanced back at the front door and once their eyes met, he winked.

To the beautiful gem,

We shall see each other again.

She really hadn't expect such sweet words coming from the guy who was practically eating her with his eyes. But she figured all players were like this; always getting what they want. With an exasperated sigh, she resumed to her duties.

When she got home, after a long and busy Tuesday, her feet were killing her. She made a mental note to wear more comfortable shoes to work for tomorrow. Stepping into the shower, she remembered the note. The note from that ginger who seemed to think he could sweep her off her feet. Yeah, right...

He was good looking, she noticed. But his overly stroked ego made her want to punch him in the face. She disliked people like him. But the boy was trying, she could give him that. It's just the fling type of thing isn't for her. She was nowhere flirty or sensual. She was just an awkward girl, odd and indifferent to relationships. She wasn't a romantic type of girl. The only experience she got was from her long time ex, John.

She had met him in the bar. The bar that she worked in weekend nights. She played guitar in a band. John was in another band, too, and they were both introduced by her friend Pattie. Pattie was a bartender, an average redheaded woman. John was very attractive; his blue eyes captivated her. John was her first kiss, her first ever serious relationship - if you could call it that... She gave him everything, even her virtue. But things escalated quickly from that. He grew tired of her, and just like that, he dumped her.

She figured he might have cheated on her. All musicians do. She just promised herself not to fall for that game again. That illusion that made her believe she was in love. Of course she wasn't. And she never will.

The next morning, she got ready for work and refreshed her thoughts from last night. She wasn't gonna let that redhead ruin her day. She hoped he didn't stick to his word, she wasn't in any mood to deal with that prick. But, as she was getting out of the kitchens, tying her apron, she could make out the mane of red hair in one of the tables. Actually, the one far in the back, the one he sat last time.

"You got to be kidding me," she muttered to herself. She gripped her notepad tightly, and her pen in the other hand, almost breaking it in half. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, walking over to his table.

When she was making her way over to his table, she could make out the mischievous glint that his eyes held. He was looking back at her, and that stupid grin needed to disappear from his handsome face.

"Morning, Ruby," he greeted her. "Ah...you look very lovely today."

"Good morning," she tried not to grit her teeth. "Thank you. What can I get you to drink?"

"What, no compliment back?"

She still held the forced smile. "You got a haircut. It's suits you well."

He chuckled.

"Yes. I cut it yesterday. Do you like it, then?"

"Your drink, sir?"

"Please, call me Fred."

"I'm sorry, but I'm just doing my job here," she pursed her lips, chin held up high.

"I see you're not from around here," he looked her up and down, ignoring her comment. "Are you American?"

"I don't see how that's any of your business. We have coffee, tea, orange juice, what would you like, sir?"

"A coffee. And it's pretty much my business, since we are getting to know each other, darling," he gave a lazy smile as she handed him the menu.

"I'll be right back," she turned and left quickly. The git was getting the best of her. She wasn't gonna let her guard down. She needed to be polite for the sake of her job, but she feared he might break any control she had.

Just as she said, she was back with his coffee. "Are you ready to order?"

"Sure. I'll have...eggs - scrambled eggs - and bacon," she scribbled down, and when she was about to take the menu from his grasp, he pulled it back slightly. Her eyes met his, annoyed and fiery. She made to grab them again, but this time he didn't pull away. Instead, he didn't lose his grip on it. They both held the menu, not wanting to give the other one the satisfaction of surrender.

At last, he let go with a smirk.

He sat there waiting for his breakfast. His fingertips were drumming on the table, his right hand was feeling his wand through the fabric of the jeans. He was sure this girl was a Muggle. This whole place was packed with Muggles. He looked around, no faces he could recognize. He was thinking of George, and how he was doing alone in the shop. It's not the first time he has ever dealt with customers alone, it was just that he felt a bit sorry for letting him alone today. He knew his brother was already stressed, but he thought this little 'delay' wouldn't hurt much.

She came back with his food and placed them delicately in front of him. This time, she wasn't smiling, she was looking annoyed and angry. He couldn't help but to feel a little pride to be able to get under her skin. Maybe he could get under her skirt if he wanted to. Clearing his throat, he said thanks and she walked away.

He ate his breakfast at an impossibly slow pace. He didn't know why, but he didn't want to go. Not yet. It was not for the girl, he reasoned. But it wasn't also for his job; he loved his job. Pranks are his passion. Perhaps it was the fact that this new found thrill for the chase of a new affair had him seated here. Perhaps...

When he finished, he walked over to the cashier. He was about to pay, but he soon realized that his wallet was not in his pockets. He felt alarmed for a second there, but then, he felt a light hand tapping his shoulder. She was right behind him, holding his dragon-skin wallet. He laughed a bit as he took it from her hands.

"Thank you, Bee," he smiled.

"Oh, so now we're into nicknames?" she arched her eyebrow critically. If he thought she looked fierce before he was sorely mistaken.

"Of course. We're friends, aren't we?"

"No," she answered without hesitation. "Have a good day, Frodo."

"Frodo?" he asked as she walked away from him. He didn't know who or what this Frodo was, so he paid the bill and left, slightly confused.

AN: So there you have it. I decided to make this Fred a bit more of a crude boy. Please, let me know what you think. :]