Chapter 10:

It felt good to be back home. On the first evening, she spent a lot of time with her parents and told them everything she was up to the last couple of months She also wanted to talk to her mother about Sirius. She needed to hear it from her. It was Christmas morning and she was ready to go down for breakfast. Her father was as usual already awake cooking for the whole family, which contained only the three of them but that was enough. She made her way down into the kitchens. There was a Christmas song playing and her father was joyfully dancing to it. He turned around and found Ruby standing in the doorway. He grabbed her hand and spun her around to the beat of the music. He missed his daughter. The housed seemed empty without her. She laughed to the actions of her father but danced either way.

'-Breakfast is almost ready.' He said after the song ended.

'-Good I'm starving. Do you need any more help?' she asked. When her father shook his head she made her way to the table, where almost everything was already ready. It smelled wonderful and her stomach began to grumble.

'-Guess there is no breakfast at Hogwarts.' Her father said jokingly when he saw the hungry look in his daughter's eyes.

'-Oh believe me there is! The feasts at Hogwarts are incredible. And not that it matters but I'm able to get food whenever I want. So I will not die of starvation.' She said nonchalantly and began to eat.

'-And why ist hat. I thought you had prearranged times for dinner etc. ?' her mother asked who just entered the room.

'-Yeah well. We found the kitchens and befriended a house-elf. Her name is Ella and she is adorable.' Ruby said unsure on how her parents would react.

'-That's my daughter. Not being able to wait like everybody else.' Her father said laughing. He poured himself and his wife a cup of coffee and then made Ruby a Hot Chocolate. Her mother, on the other hand, had a look on her face she couldn't point.

'-You remind me so much of someone.' She said quietly. More to herself but Ruby heard her.

'-I remind you of your brother. Because he found the kitchens as well.' Ruby said looking her mother in the eyes.

'-How do you know?' her mother asked shocked.

'-The house-elf we befriended said that I have the same eyes as him.' Ruby explained. When her mother stayed silent she continued.

'-I know what he did. I know that he is in Azkaban. The only question I have for you is why didn't you tell me? Why did I have to hear this story from my friends, which some, by the way, didn't react well that I'm related to him.' She said. Her voice was growing louder and louder. She couldn't help herself. She was mad at her mother and she felt betrayed.

'-Honey I thought you were too young to know the truth. I didn't want you to find out this way.' Her mother said sadly.

'-Love, I knew your uncle as well and I still can't believe that the Sirius I knew was able of such a crime.' Her father said patting her hand.

'-Professor McGonagall said the same thing.' Ruby mumbled.

'-She did?' her mother asked peaking up at this statement.

'-Yes. She said that something doesn't add up. That something doesn't feel right.' Ruby repeated the words she heard after the incident. Her parents shared a look.

'-You both don't believe he did it either.' Ruby exclaimed.

'-No we don't.' her father said.

'-But there is nothing we can do about it.' Her mother explained.

'-And why is that?' Ruby said bugged.

'-Because he made sure that we are safe. I am the only one who can get him a trial and by stepping forward I'm putting you in danger.' Her mother explained.

'-We don't know for sure if he is innocent. I just don't want to risk our safety for someone who may be killed these peoples.' Her mother continued.

'-But what if he's innocent. He's your brother after all.' Ruby said now really shocked.

'-I know he is. It is bothering me very much but you are more important.' Her mother said.

'-I can look for myself.' Ruby stated.

'-Yeah and where did that go? You almost died.' Her mother said seriously.

'-The only person to blame is you. Because of you, I ran away. Because I didn't know the truth.' Ruby said and left the room. She suddenly didn't feel hungry anymore. She needed time to think.

After some time passed her father entered her room.

'-Get ready. We are going to ski. Just you and me.' He said and left her room.

xXx

When they got back from the trip Ruby felt better. She was hurt by her mother's action, but she could also understand her reasons behind it. When she entered the living room the Christmas tree was decorated and it smelt wonderful. She got a bit sad that she didn't partake at this tradition but it wouldn't have happened either way when she was mad. She got upstairs and changed. She put on her Christmas sweater and comfortable slippers. She made her way downstairs and sat down on the sofa. She couldn't help herself. She had to eat the freshly baked cookies. They were her favorites.

'-Did you have fun today, Honey ?' her mother asked a bit hesitant when she entered the room. When Ruby nodded she continued.

'-Look Honey I need to apologize. I didn't mean for it all to happen. I just didn't know how to tell you. When I heard of Sirius's crimes I lost my brother. He always protected me along the way and when he was arrested I was lost. You were my top priority and I just wanted to keep you safe for as long as I could.' Her mother said tears running down her cheeks.

'-Mum I just wished you would have trusted me.' Ruby said.

'-I trust you more than anyone else in the world, well maybe except your father.' Her mother replied chuckling.

'-Is there more family history I need to know ?' Ruby asked.

'-Oh there is plenty. But it's all not Christmas material, but I want to tell you. How about we postpone this conversation and just enjoy Christmas ?' her mother proposed.

'-But I want to have this conversation on these holidays.' Ruby said determinedly.

'-Alright Honey. We will. Now make your way to the dining table. Your father is almost starving.' Her mother said.

xXx

They had a delicious Christmas dinner. Her mother outdid herself. After the promise, Ruby's mood-lit up and she could finally enjoy spending time with her family. They were laughing and the fight was forgotten. After dinner, they made their way over to the Christmas tree, where Ruby sat down on the floor eager to distribute the presents. Her parents were sitting on the sofa enjoying a cup of mulled wine.

'-This one is from me for you.' Ruby said handing presents to each of her parents. She loved the moment when a person opens a present and their reaction. Her mother's eyes lit up and she couldn't stop smiling.

Ruby gifted her a self-made photo book with pictures of the adventures they had together as a family. Her father received the same gift. Both books featured different pictures and paintings. Both parents were touched by her gesture.

'-This is for you from us.' Her father said gently.

Ruby took the package and unwrapped it. She was holding a brand new camera. She looked at her parents in shock.

'-You were telling us in one of your letters that you pulled a prank on Charlie. You were upset that you didn't have a photo of it. We found it fitting for you to have a camera so you can take pictures of your adventures and never forget them.' Her father explained.

'-This is incredible!' Ruby said. She jumped up and hugged her parents tightly.

'-Thank you so so much. It's perfect.' Ruby continued.

'-If you develop your photos in the right solution they will be moving.' Her mother added.

'-That's brilliant. I have to look this up!' she said beaming.

She was ready to head up to look up the solution but she was stopped by her parents.

'-I think there are more presents for you.' Her mother said. Ruby looked confused but her mother pointed at the large package under the tree.

'-From who is it ?' she asked.

'-I think it's from a certain red-headed family.' Her father added.

She found a letter sitting on top of the package. She took it and began to read.

Dear Ruby,

George and I wish you a merry merry Christmas!

We hope you enjoy spending time with your family. Ginny begged me to say hello from her too.

We look forward to seeing you on New Year's Eve.

Mum made you a Weasley sweater. It's our family tradition. So welcome to ours.

She also made fudge for you and your family.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Love,

Fred and George

Ps: Thank you for your presents and homemade cookies. They were delicious.

Ruby looked up and chuckled. She was wondering if all of their family had a bit of the cookie or if the twins ate it. She did instruct them on sharing. She unwrapped the present and got hold of a sweater. She looked at it and it had a large R on it. It was a light purple sweater- her favorite color. She was wondering if the twins remembered when she told them once. She tried her sweater on and it was warm and comfy. Her parents were trying the homemade fudge and they couldn't stop eating it. She was beyond happy. Her sweater was amazing. Then she remembered that there was still a present left. It was waiting upstairs. After a few hours, she got tired and excused herself. When she entered her room she grabbed the present and opened it.

Laying in front of her was a picture. A picture was taken on Halloween. It was a picture of the Fairy prank. She was speechless. She opened the letter and began to read.

Dear Ruby,

I wish you a Merry Merry Christmas.

I know how much you enjoyed that moment and how upset you were afterward when you had no picture of it.

I asked a fellow Hufflepuff beforehand to record this moment.

I wanted to surprise you so I didn't tell you.

I hope you like it,

Love,

Cedric.

Ruby was grinning from ear to ear. This was perfect.