Chapter 8:
As soon as Professor McGonagall opened the door of the Hospital wing two body dropped in. The twins had fallen asleep leaning against the door. They were woken up by the sudden movement and when they looked up they saw a rather stern-looking Professor McGonagall.
'-Messers Weasley I recall having sent you back to your common room.' She said.
'-We are sorry but we couldn't leave. It was my fault that Ruby ended up in the Hospital Wing.' Fred said with puffy red eyes. Her face softened when she said.
'-She's awake and shes finde. You can go in.' When she ended both boys jumped up and ran into the Hospital wing looking for Ruby.
They found her in the sternmost bed. She was awake and looked at them with worries in her eyes. George immediately jumped on her bed and gave her a bone-crushing hug.
'-Ruby I am so so sorry. I was so scared.' He said feeling relieved to have her back. He let her go and she looked over at Fred. Fred was standing at the end of her bed unsure what to do.
'-I am so sorry. It is unforgivable what I said to you. I had no right to scream at you.' He said with watery eyes. His voice broke. Ruby got up and made her way over to Fred. She looked him in the eyes and the only thing she could see was guilt and regret. She jumped into his arms. He was at first shocked but then recovered and hugged her back. Not wanting to let go of her for a little while. When George coughed they let go of each other and made their way back to Ruby bed. She wrapped a blanket around her still feeling a little cold and Fred joined them.
'-We were really worried. What happened to you?' they asked and she explained everything.
'-You were lucky.' George said.
'-I know.' She said.
'-Look I need to tell you something. I didn't know what my uncle did. My mother never told me. The truth is the only thing I knew was his name and that he and my mother were close.' She explained.
'-Stop you don't need to do that. We had no right.' Fred said.
'-Yes you did. You have the right to know the truth. We are friends after all.' She said with a small smile.
The twins said nothing. They just leaned forward and hugged her.
In the last couple of days, she had a lot of visitors. All her friends made it their duty to check on her every single minute. They made sure that she was never alone. Madam Pomfrey wanted to keep her a day longer so she could make sure everything was back to normal. She was just laughing at something Lee said when Cedric entered. When he spotted her he made his way over.
'-Ist not hard to miss your bed. You've got quite the party going on.' He stated.
'-They are here to cheer me up. I'm still not allowed to leave.' She said a little bit annoyed at the fact that she was forced to stay in bed.
'-I think we will head down and get you something to eat.' Angelina said and got up. She looked at the twins and pointed at the exit. They reluctantly got up and left with the rest oft hem.
'-One could think they don't like me.' He said.
'-I think they are maybe a little overprotective over me after everything.' She said while pointing at her and her situation.
-What happened? I only heard this morning and just because Alicia said something.' He said a little reproachful that he didn't hear it sooner. She told him everything from her being related to Sirius Black to being found half-frozen to death.
'-I can understand if you don't want to be friends anymore.' She said looking at her fingers.
'-And why would I want that?' he asked. When she looked up he looked genuinely confused.
'-Because everything I just told you.' She said like it would explain everything. He looked her in the eyes and he took her hand.
'-I still see no reason. You are not your uncle. You are a different person. It's not your fault that he did what he did.' He said squeezing her hand.
'-You're not getting rid of me.' He said genuinely.
'-Thank you Ced! Thank you for being my friend.' She said with watery eyes. He smiled at his nickname. He liked it.
'-Of course!' he replied. Just at this moment, the twins came back with a lot of food. Angelina and Alicia were coming right behind them. They were a little out of breath. It looked like they stopped the twins from returning to early but failed.
'-So Cedric. I hope I can call you Cedric.' When Cedric nodded George continued.
'-You are a very good friend to our dear Ruby. She means a lot to us hence we are now going to become friends.' He stated like it was the most normal thing to do.
'-I'd like that. Ist better to be your friends than become one of your victims for your pranks.' Cedric replied smiling. He took Georges hand and shook it firmly. He looked over at Fred and they repeated the handshake. They all had a smile on their faces.
'-Finally! Can I now get something to eat?' Ruby asked looking over at the Blueberry muffins. Angelina handed her one over and the twins gave Cedric one. He looked at them suspiciously because both oft hem had a mischievous look on their face. Ruby took Cedric's muffin and faked a bite. Both didn't react.
'-Its safe you can eat it.' She said.
'-How do you know ?' Cedric asked. Instead of Ruby Alicia answered. Ruby was to busy eating her muffin.
'-Because the twins would never dare prank her. She is just as big of a prankster as these two and they didn't want to get on her bad side.' She said with a smirk on her face.
'-I didn't know you were that bad.' Cedric said laughing.
'-What I'm an angel.' She said with her angelic look. She mastered this look almost to perfection.
'-When even the twins are afraid of you I wouldn't be so sure.' Someone behind the group said. They began to laugh when Ruby was grimacing Charlie.
'-I see you are feeling better.' He said.
'-Yes I am. Thank you for coming. I didn't expect so many visitors.' She said honestly. Sometimes she couldn't believe how many friends she made over a week.
'-I need to go now. I just wanted to make sure you're ok. Glad to see you have good company.' Charlie said. He hugged Ruby and left.
'-So guys I was thinking.' Ruby said before she was interrupted.
'-Oh no I know this look.' Angelina said and Alicia nodded rolling her eyes.
'-What face?' Cedric asked.
'-Look at her! Don't you see this mischievous sparkle in her eyes? And look at the twins! They can't wait.' Angelina continued.
'-So I was thinking before I was rudely interrupted.' Ruby said shooting Angelina a pointed look.
'-I trust Cedric enough that he can be part of my plan I have for special ginger.' She said. She looked around the group checking if anyone had any objection.
'-You can still run if you want you know?'Fred said almost challenging.
'-I think I am good.' Cedric said confidently.
'-Ok so many of you know that I promised Charlie to prank him.' She said with a devilish grin on her face. The twins couldn't almost sit still in their seats.
'-I was thinking of turning him into a fairy.' She said leaning back. The group exploded in laughter. Even imaging it was amazing.
'-How are you going to turn a grown boy into a little fairy ?' Alicia asked skeptically.
'-He's not going to turn into one. He is going to look like one. Okei so listen. I was thinking of mixing a potion I read in one of my books into his shampoo. This potion will turn his hair color from red to pink. Then I will apply a sticking charm to his body wash. So when he used it almost anything will stick. I was thinking of then glitter bombing him. Sounds good?' she asked. The twins almost peed themselves. They were going to help her. Cedric was laughing as well and looked at ruby with a mix of awe and fear. The girls were also on board.
'-I'm never getting on your bad side.' Cedric stated and the friends continued laughing.
'-The next part is a little harder. I want to turn or replace his uniform with a fairy costume. Therefore his dorm needs to be empty and no other clothes are in reach for him.' She said. The others looked thoughtful.
'-I think we can manage.' Fred said confidently.
'-Good to that's settled. Now, let's start planning.' Ruby said.
More then a month has passed and the group has caused some stir. The twins were almost every week in detention. Sometimes they were joined by Ruby but rarely because she understood the importance of planning. Charlie was feeling a false sense of security and Ruby didn't mind. It was better this way. She wouldn't want the surprise to be ruined by a conscious Charlie. The group was working hard on the prank. Ruby was brewing the potion in a secret passageway they found in their second week. The passageway didn't lead anywhere but they used it as a hideout or for doing stuff they weren't allowed to. The plan was going to be executed tomorrow morning. It was Sunday evening and they were preparing the last bits. They have asked the seventh year to transform he fairy costume into Charlie's school uniform. As soon as he enters the Great Hall the seventh year will perform the counterspell and the fairy costume will be revealed. The glitter bomb was also in place. As soon as Charlie will enter his dorm from the bathroom he will be covered in glitter. The twins were now exchanging his normal shampoo by the potion and his body wash with a body wash equipped with a sticking charm. Just when Ruby was beginning to worry the twins entered.
'-Good I just thought something happened.' She said relieved.
'-No everything went according to plan.' Fred assured her.
'-Wanna head to dinner ?' George asked offering his hand. She linked her hand with his and they made their way into the Great Hall. It was already decorated for Halloween, which was tomorrow. They thought it would be the perfect opportunity fort he prank. They spotted their friends and made their way over. They all looked expectantly and Ruby simply nodded. This was enough for them to continue eating.
Tomorrow was going to be a good day.
Ruby was currently sitting in the Great Hall. She was rather early but the rest of the house slowly arrived. She was joined by the twins and she just spotted Cedric heading to his table. He waved at them and gave them a thumbs up. She was eating but kept staring at the entrance. The rest oft he group joined them.
'-When did you get up?' Alicia asked rubbing her eye.
'-As soon as breakfast started we were here. First, we can't miss the moment Charlie storms in and secondly I would rather want him finding me here with witnesses than in our common room. If he plans on murdering me I still got the professors.' She said seriously. But then she smiled and Alicia realized that the last part was only a joke.
'-No I just think its funnier for everyone when Charlie storms into the Great Hall.' She said shrugging.
A couple more minutes passed and she grew more and more anxiously. What if something went wrong ? Then she heard it. They looked at each other. It was distant laughter. It grew louder and louder and she knew Charlie will be soon entering the Great Hall.
And there he was. Standing in the doorway was Charlie. Charlie with pink hair and glitter all over his body. He looked around trying to find her.
The Great Hall went deadly silent. Everyone was looking at him in disbelief. Ruby nodded towards the seventh year and he performed the counterspell.
Now standing in front oft he whole school was Charlie Weasley in a fairy costume. The whole school erupted in laughter. Some of them were even clapping. When Charlie realized that he was wearing a fairy costume he couldn't believe it. He knew exactly who did this to him. When he found her she was laughing so hard that she had tears in her eyes. He was going to murder her.
When Ruby realized that he spotted her she stopped laughing. She was now smirking at Charlie who was standing in front of her.
'-Well look who decided to dress up.' She said trying to contain her laughter.
'-You !' Charlie said furiously.
'-Charlie I have to say you look dashing.' Ruby said ignoring the murdering look on Charlie's face.
'-You did this to me !' he continued.
'-Of course, I did. A promise is a promise.' She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
'-You are so dead.' Charlie said. Ruby got up and ran away only to be chased by Charlie. The Great Hall continued laughing. This was quite the sight. When Ruby passed the teachers table she could see that some oft he professors were laughing with the students. Even Professor McGonagall had troubles keeping a straight face. Dumbeldore was openly enjoying the show when he began to clap his hand. The whole Hall cheered. Ruby took the moment to take a bow and then ran away when Charlie got nearer. She ran towards the dungeons. She was hiding behind an armor when Charlie passed her murmuring some things he would like to do to her. She needed to stay silent. After a while, Charlie headed back up thinking he lost her.
Well, that was quite the success.
When she entered the potion classroom her friends were already waiting.
'-That was brilliant.' Fred said and the others all excitedly nodded. This is when they saw Snape coming over. The quickly got quiet and Ruby sat down.
'-Well Miss Fineau this was quite the show this morning.' Snape said looking indifferent at her.
'-Thank you, Professor.' She said smiling.
'-I think I am also right to assume that you brew the required potions yourself ?' he asked. When Ruby nodded he continued.
'-You brew the color-changing potion all by yourself ?' he asked again.
'-Yes Sir I did. I found the instructions in the library.' She said honestly. There was no point in lying.
Snape knows exactly when someone does.
'-The potion is taught in the third year. I appear that you have quite the hand for potion.' Snape said.
Ruby couldn't believe what she just heard. Was Snape complimenting her?
'-Thank you, Professor.' She replied.
'If you pass the first year exams with good grades and you keep up the good work I will start tutoring you in the second year. You have the talent and I want to nurture it.' He said not waiting for an answer.
'-Oh and Professor McGonagall wants to see you in her office after this class is finished.' When ruby nodded Professor Snape started his lesson on Forgetfulness Potion.
'-Did I just hear this right? Not only was Snape complimenting your prank he was also complimenting your brewing skills?' Angelina asked in utter disbelief.
'-Yes I know I can't believe it myself.' Ruby said honestly.
'-Let's focus on his class before he decides to follow his favorite occupation -taking points from Gryffindor.' Alicia said and the other two girls nodded.
After class Ruby made her way to McGonagall's office. There was still some time before lunch officially started and she hoped she wouldn't get lectured. But she knew that wouldn't be the case. It bugged her that she forgot to bring a camera. She wanted to keep a reminder of this event but now it was too late. When she knocked on the door and then entered. Standing in the office already waiting for her was McGonagall and Charlie himself. He got rid of the costume already but he still had the hair and the glitter all over her body. She smirked at the sight.
'-Good Miss Fineau. We were waiting.' Professor McGonagall said pointing at a comfortable looking chair. Ruby sat down and looked over at Charlie. He still looked annoyed but he wasn't mad anymore.
'-Miss Fineau I must admit it was a long time ago that I saw such a prank.' Professor McGonagall started. Ruby looked up and she saw that despite the stern-looking she was giving Ruby there was some amusement visible in her eyes. Ruby decided it would be best when she remained silent and just waited.
'-I will not punish you for your actions.' She said while leaning back. She looked at her two students in front of her. Ruby was looking baffled while Charlie looked annoyed.
'-What she is not going to e punished?'Charlie said in utter disbelief.
'-I said I'm not going to punish her.' Professor McGonagall said with a smirk.
'-So who will?' Ruby asked realizing what Professor McGonagall meant.
'- Miss FIneau I will not say that I approve of your pranks but as soon as your not harming any students I will not end this. Your mistake was that you pranked a prefect. So I will approve of every punishment he thinks is suitable for you.' Professor McGonagall said. She knew exactly how risky her statement was but she also knew Charlie. He would never hurt her or put her in danger.
When Charlie realized what this meant he couldn't help but smile. He beamed at Professor McGonagall and all the possibilities he had.
'-Oh I know exactly what her punishment is going to be.' He said. He turned to Ruby and it was his turn to smirk. Ruby looked indifferent but he could see it in her eyes that she was slightly worried.
'-and what would this be Mister Weasley?' Professor McGonagall asked.
'-She will be my assistant during Quidditch practice. She will supply the team with water and clear up the Quidditch pitch when we are done practicing. Stuff like this.' Charlie said.
'-I think this is suitable.' Professor McGonagall said smiling at the'-e girl who looked at her like she had to be kidding.
'-And how long do I have to do this?' she asked.
'-Until Christmas for sure. Then we will decide. There is an important game coming up and I expect you to help Charlie as good as you can. He is the Captain after all.' Professor McGonagall said.
Charlie had the largest grin on his face when they stepped out of Professor McGonagall office. Ruby, however, looked angry.
'-So when is Quidditch practice?' Ruby asked annoyed.
'Ist Wednesday and Friday. We will meet at 5 o'clock in the common room so we can go to the quidditch pitch together.' Charlie said amused at the sight of Ruby.
'-Great. I can't wait.' She said overacting feeling honored of being his assistant.
'-Come on it will be fun!' We are spending more time together and you will meet the rest of the team.' He said trying to cheer her up.
She looked doubtful when he continued.
'-You will see.' He said.
'-How did you like my prank?' she asked.
'-First I was furious but know that I got over the shock that I was a fairy I think it was brilliant. You put a lot of work into it.' He said honestly.
'-Well thank you, Mister Weasley.' She said bumping into him.
'-You are the most welcome Miss Fineau.' He said.
'-I wanted to ask you something. How long am I going to look like this?' he asked indicating his hair and body.
'-Well Mister Weasley at least for a week.' She said and run away not wanting to be near him when he processed this information
It was Wednesday and Ruby just got ready for tonight. She was going to meet Charlie in about 5 minutes and she wanted to be prepared. It was getting rather cold and she had no intentions of freezing. She had enough freezing for her whole life. She was currently standing in the bathroom brushing her hair. She made a ponytail and decided to head down. When she arrived Charlie was already waiting in his uniform.
'-Your pink hair suits you. Maybe you should change your hair completely.' She said smirking.
'-What a nice greeting.' He said rolling his eyes.
'Ready?' he asked.
'-Ready to be your slave? Absolutely' she said jokingly.
They left the common room and made their way to the Quidditch pitch. When they entered the pitch the team was already waiting for them. Ruby was feeling a little bit uncomfortable meeting so many people at once.
'-Hi everybody. This is Ruby. She will be my assistant for the next couple of weeks' Charlie introduced her tot he team. She waved at them and gave them a small smile.
'-And why is that?' a girl asked. She was carrying a beater's bat.
'-I think all of you remember the incident on Monday. Well, this little devil was the mastermind behind it. As a punishment, I made her my assistant. She is going to help me and after practice, she will clean up the pitch.' Charlie explained. Ruby was rolling her eyes behind his back and the team began to laugh.
'-So Ruby we usually start to practice by running a couple of laps and then we get in the air.' Charlie said looking at her.
'-And what am I going to do?' she asked not at all keen to go running.
'-You can keep track of the rounds.' He explained. The team began to stretch and she sat down looking at them.
'-Charlie why don't you turn this into a sort of competition?' she asked.
'-What do you mean ?' one of the boys asked.
'-Well I think its rather boring running some laps. But when you turn this into a race there will be some competitive spirit.' She said lying down. Charlie was eyeing her and then he looked at his team. The idea seemed to indeed spark something within the team.
'-And what are they doing to win?' Charlie asked.
'-How about being allowed to tell you what to do for half of the practice. After all, the Captain should be the fastest.' She said with a smirk and a challenging tone.
'-I already like her.' The girl with the beater bat said.
'-I'm going to play referee. How about three laps around the pitch?' she asked looking at Charlie.
'-Ok deal. Let's do this.' He said and the whole team got excited.
Ruby pointed the start and finish line and the team got ready.
'-Charlie can I get your whistle?' she asked and he gave it to her.
'-Okei are you all ready?' she asked and they nodded. They nodded and she continued.
'-Good I want a fair race. No cheating. All ready? Good. When I blow my whistle the race begins. Ready steady GOOOO!' she said and then blew her whistle. They all started to run. First, they were all pretty even but soon they realized that they started to fast and that they couldn't keep the pace for three laps. In the end, it was a race between Charlie and the boy who spoke earlier.
'-GO, GO, GO, GO. GOOOOO!' Ruby cheered.
When Charlie crossed the finish line she ran to him and hugged him.
'-Well done Captain!' she said beaming. Charlie looked proud and then turned to the boy.
'-You almost had me, Oliver.' He said.
'-Next time I will.' He said with a Scottish accent.
'-We will see.' Charlie said laughing.
'-Good now get your brooms and get your asses in the air.' Charlie said.
'-What am I going to do?' Ruby asked.
'-You can think of other ways to warm up. Your idea was quite brilliant.' Charlie turned and mounted his broom. He took off and she lay back down.
She hah a couple more flying lessons the past couple of weeks and she loved it. When she was observing the team she wanted to be a part of it. A part oft he team. Angelina and Alicia already told her that they wanted to join. So did the twins. She never said anything. She was still conscious of her background. Was she able to be part oft he team? Was she good enough? She watched Charlie catch the snitch. He was a brilliant flyer. Maybe she could ask him for his help. After all, he was the Captain. The beater was good but they were the seventh year. Which means this position would be open. When she looked at each member she slowly realized that only Charlie and the boy in the keeper position would be here next year. Everybody else would be leaving. This means that Charlie had to find five new members. Ruby was dreaming about her being a Chaser when suddenly someone was standing next to her. It was from Charlie.
'-It's not that hard being my assistant after all is it?' he asked amused.
'-No it's quite comfortable down here.' She said not wanting to get up.
'-I'm going to change. Do you mind cleaning the pitch up and then we can head up together.' He asked.
'-Aye aye Captain.' She said holding her hands up. He took them and pulled her up.
'-Thank you. Know to go have a shower and I clean up' she said waving him away.'
She made her way around the pitch and collected the Quaffle. She put it away in a box where the Bludgers were already stored. She took the brooms and stored them in the broom shed. She was walking out of it and straight into someone. Form the impact the bounced back and fell on the ground.
'-Oii are you alright?' a boy asked. She covered her eyes and lay back down.
'-Why does this always happen to me ?' she asked herself. What she didn't realize ist hat she said it loud enough for the boy to hear it.
'-So not the first time he?' he asked with a smirk. He offered her his hands and she took them. She pulled her up and she stared at him.
'-Thank you. No ist, not the first time I bumped into someone. I think I got quite the talent for it.' She said honestly.
'-You're welcome. I was wondering I you have seen one of my gloves. I must have lost it when I walked back to the locker room.' He said.
'-No I have not but I can help you look for it.' She offered and he nodded leading the way.
'-After all, you are the assistant.' He said and winked at her. She felt herself blushing at the comment.
'-Well I was damned to do it. I had no say.' She said defensively.
'-It was a brilliant prank you pulled on Charlie. Quite impressive.' He said. Then he stopped.
'-Oh I didn't properly introduce myself. I'm Oliver. Oliver Wood. Keeper of the Quidditch team.' He said looking at her with his big brown eyes. They reminded her of a doe or a puppy. She couldn't decide. Oliver was tall and had large shoulders. He got brown hair as well and a charming smile.
'-Nice to meet you Oliver Wood, Keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team.' She said smirking.
'-I'm Ruby. At your service. Because I have to' she said jokingly. He laughed and they continued looking for his glove.
'-Here it is.' Oliver exclaimed.
'-Thank you, Ruby. For your help.' He said eyeing the girl. During practice, he kept staring at her. She looked so at peace lying down there. The sun began to settle.
'-You know what would be wonderful?' she asked him. He looked at her waiting for an answer.
'-To grab a broom and watch the sunset from above.' She said.
'-You're right that would be amazing.' Oliver said. Before he could say anything else Charlie cut in.
'-And Professor McGonagall would kill us.' He said. Ruby knew he was right.
'-One day I will do it. Maybe just not tonight.' She winked at Oliver and Charlie left the Quidditch pitch alongside her. Oliver was gobsmacked. Ruby was one of a kind. He made a note for himself to keep an eye on her.
'- So are you wrapping my keeper around your little finger.' Charlie asked her with a raised eyebrow and smirk on his face.
'-What? What do you mean?' she asked blushing furiously.
'-You know exactly what I mean. I hope you are helping me and not distracting my team with your presence.' He said teasing her.
Ruby muttered something under her breath when they met Hagrid. Ruby has spent a couple of hours with him looking after some of the animals. She loved it. She was looking forward to the next meeting.
'-Hello you two. Where are you coming from ?' he asked.
'-We had Quidditch practice and know we head up for dinner.' Charlie explained.
'- Ahh Professor McGonagall told me you are now his assistant.' Hagrid said looking at her. She just shrugged and he continued.
'We can meet again but after Christmas. I want to show you a special magical creature. Or maybe I have to specify. You are going to meet a whole bunch of them' he said
'-What is it? What is it?' Ruby asked jumping up and down. She wasn't able to contain her excitement.
'-I'm not going to ruin your surprise.' Hagrid said happily.
'-Can I come to ?' Charlie asked.
'-Yes you can. The more the merrier.' Hagrid answered.
'-So I have to leave you two. Got a couple of things to do in the Black forest. See ya' he said while walking away.
'-No Ruby you are not following him.' He said holding her back.
'-But but but…' she said pointing at him. Charlie just laughed and pulled her along with him. When they made it to the castle. They were currently walking down a corridor when the twins burst out of a room. George had a piece of parchment in his hand and Fred was throwing some dung bombs over his shoulders. When they were running by they just mouthed 'Filch' and ran away.
'-You two have you seen them?' Filch the caretaker asked them. He was a rheumatic man with a hunchback. He also had a horrible, pouchy and pasty face and bulging, pale eyes, along with sunken, veined cheeks. He had thin gray hair and wore a brown coat.
'-What are you two doing here? And YOU causing some troubles as well ?' he said realizing Ruby was standing in front of him. Before he could say anything further she gripped Charlie's hand and they both walked away. She pulled Charlie into their secret passageway where she knew the twins would be hiding.
'-What did you do?' Ruby asked amused.
'-Well we were in Filches office. He caught us pranking some Slytherins and decided to punish us. When we entered the office there was a drawer piquing our interest.' Fred explained. Ruby waved her hands meaning Fred to continue.
'-Well the drawer was marked with 'Confiscated and Highly Dangerous.' Fred said like it would explain everything. Ruby began to laugh. Charlie who got over the shock that they were standing in a secret passageway eyed his brothers and asked.
'-What did you take? The drawer is full of confiscated magic items.' Ruby looked at him with a smirk.
'-How do you know this as a Prefect ?' she asked.
'-Does it matter? what did you take?' he asked the twins eager to know.
They pulled out a blank parchment.
'-I don't know what secret this parchment is hiding but we are going to find out.'