First a small note: I have some more illustrations on my (German) page (strangely ff.net doesn't show the page-address so just use the link in my bio ok?).
Just click on "Galerie" then "Zeichnungen" then "Ruby Goes To Hogwarts" The picture with the guy is in their first year and shows the three with Carey's brother Martin, then I have pics of Witty. The one with Ruby's wand is my fav one.
Latest news: 1. I made myself Salem earrings by combining three sets of Creoles (photo in my gallery), 2. Remember I told you about the HP-fanclub I joined as Ruby Riders? Well, I'm now Keeper in their Quidditch club. Next Friday is the first training – pretty cool!
@Totally cliched: Well, I told you my opinion about the "deal". I read your story because you "asked" for it and I reviewed because I liked it! And I'll be in your next chapter, YAY!!!
Now on with the story. I don't know if I got the way to the kitchens right, as my HP4 is far beyond reach at the moment… And I've been too lazy to check spelling and the likes, sorry.
Don't forget to review!
~*~
On Saturday morning Ruby woke up late, finally her body had been lacking sleep for an entire week! She was lying in her bed wondering how late it might have been but too lazy to check the clock on her bedside table.
"Witty!" she called out "H'late issit?" Ruby was still a bit dreamy and needed some time to realize that Witty didn't answer. Sighing Ruby struggled to sit up and set out one foot on the floor – and quickly drew it back under the blanket.
"Brrr, that's cold." So she just fumbled with the bedhangings to cast a short glance on the clock without leaving the bed. It was 12.00. "Lunch-time" her stomach said and Ruby happily obeyed. She jumped out of the bed to find a clompletely empty dormitory, all her room-mates were home over christmas and Witty was probably searching for entertainment anywhere in the castle. Ruby dressed herself hopping from one foot on the other until finally she was slippin into her boots. It was holidays so she was wearing her favourite blue jeans and dark green pullover when she was walking through the empty common room. Obviously everybody was in the Great Hall, already. Quickly she made her way to the dining hall and sat down at Hufflepuff table next to Pat who grinned at her with a nasty grin and a
"Sleeping princess is up and awake!"
Ruby chose to ignore him and instead of snapping back she filled her plate with roast potatoes.
"Where's the ketchup?"
Cedric, the hirstory.loving third-year handed her the bottle without looking up. Everybody was used to Ruby's habit to put ketchup on nearly everything. She was about to begin eating when she noticed that her fairy wasn't at the table, too.
"Where's Witty?"
Pat looked suddenly a bit gloomy. "Gryffindor." He mumbled.
"WHAT?" Ruby looked over to Gryffindor Table and spotted her little fairy sitting with Oliver and Prefect Boy obviously enjoying herself. They seemed not to have noticed her arriving.
"WITTY!" she called out then quickly leaned over her plate to avoid Oliver's eyes and began eating which went amazingly quick. She was about to start her second helping when the pet fairy finally arrived. "What took you so long?" Ruby asked through gritted teeths. Pat butted in, to.
"Fraternising with the enemie ts ts ts!"
The carefree fairy only chuckled "Enemie, oh really! You attend the same school so how can you be enemies?"
Pat was quick to answer "The first Quidditch match after the holidays is Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor and you spend the meals with their Keeper and one of their Prefects so what should I say else?"
Ruby finally had finished her meal and nodded and agreement. Then she noticed a dinky roll of parchment under Witty's arm.
"What's that?"
Witty looked rather smug and important now. "It's a note from the *enemie* I am to deliver to Ruby Riders only."
Pat mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "Delilvery slave for Gryffindor" then left the Hall with his girlfriend Gertie, sixth-year and Paul, another fifth-year, both of them Hufflepuffs. Pat seemed to give a lot on House pride. Ruby shook her head, remembering she actually disliked that House system. She grabbed the rolled up piece of paper and managed to look to Oliver's seat while she got up but he already had left the Hall.
She was about to do so, too when she heard a loud cold voice in her back coming from the High Table.
"Riders, where are you going?"
A shiver ran through Ruby and she turned to see professor Snape looking down at her with his usual nasty stare.
"You got holiday detention when my memory isn't failing me. So where were you heading to?"
Ruby's face fell. "Detention? But…but it's Saturday!"
Snape made a gesture as if he wanted to shove her objection away.
"That doesn't matter! I don't know what lax rules dominated your old school but here detention exists independently from holidays ar weekends. By the way what are you wearing?"
Ruby felt rage crawling up her spine. Why did he have to treat her like this in the middle of the remaining students? She could hear some Slytherins snicker and was somewhat thankful that at least Oliver didn't see her now.
"Clothes as you should actually see yourself."
She had gone too far she could immediately see. His eyes became menace slits.
"Thirty points from Hufflepuff, ten for trying to get away from your detention, ten for not wearing your school robes during school activities such as detention and your staying here IS detention, and ten for being cheeky against a teacher. And be grateful I don't report it as reason for expulsion. Now go get your robes and come to the dungeons. You have ten minutes or else it will be 50 points and a report."
'Ten minutes!' Ruby thought outraged while she hastily made her way to the dorms. That meant she had to run and she hated to run after stuffing her stomach with that lot of lunch.
However she reached the dungeons just in time and was awaited by freezing coldness and a Snape with pursed lips.
"So, you managed it. I'm delighted." He didn't look it. "I'm afraid your talking flea isn't allowed to stay."
Witty was about to say something about being called a flea when Ruby gave her a look which said clearly it was better to leave or else Ruby would be in deep trouble. Well, deeper than already. As soon as Witty had left with a hanging head Snape closed the door and stretched out his long white hand.
"Wand!"
Ruby looked up "Huh?" She didn't like the thought of being defenceless down in Snape's dungeons. But then she remembered she was to clean Muggle-style and reluctantly handed him her wand.
It was disgusting. The floor was full with dried frog spawn and the corners were full with what Ruby didn't want to know. The tables looked like some first-years had had an accident with lizard brain. There was no warm water in the dungeons so she wasn't allowed to boil some water in the bucket ("Next time use your brain and bring your cauldron, Riders."). And all the time Ruby could feel Snape's intense stare in her back ("You call THAT clean?", "There are some spots of boil-poison left on the wall. I'm afraid you have to scrub it again." And so on). By the end when she couldn't feel her hands anymore, was really outnerved and in an exceptional bad mood he took out her Potions test.
"Well, let's see how you did in my exam. Be sure you get what you deserve." Ruby stared at the parchment dumbfoundedly "You can go now." He said unfriendly almost regrettingly.
Slowly she left the chamber and headed directly to the dorms. She was dirty and very tired. On her bed sat Witty looking a bit lost alone in the big room. Ruby slumped onto her bed right next to her fairy who soared away immediately.
"Urgh! You smell like a wet bison!"
Ruby was too tired to answer so she just glared into her direction then closed her eyes again just to feel Witty tugging at her ears as the fairy always did when there was something important she wanted to direct Ruby's attention onto something. This time it was
"Dinner-time!"
Ruby snapped her away with her fingers "I've spent the last hours with scrubbing away lizard brain. Do you think I'm hungry?"
Witty didn't answer but she could feel the fairy rummaging in the folds of her robes but didn't care until
"A-ha!" Witty exclaimed
Groaning Ruby opened her eyes. "What?" she could see Witty holding triumphiantly the message she had given her that morning.
"I knew you had it in your pocket! What did it say?"
"I don't know." Ruby suddenly felt very curious (though still in a bad mood) and snatched the note out of Witty's diminutive hands. Even if she hadn't known before you could have told immediately it came from Oliver: it was written in Runes! Sighing she rolled her eyes but nevertheless translated the message:
Ruby,
meeting in our classroom after dinner?
Oliver
He could only mean Babble's classroom where they had held their tutoring lessons. She knew had to talk though she was fearing it.
"I'm still not hungry, Witty. You can go alone … and tell him I'll come."
Witty nodded happily then added "Um, better have a wash and a redressing before you go then quickly flew away to avoid Ruby's nudge.
But Ruby followed her advice and had a hot bath then dressed herself in a new set of robes. Shortly before she left the common room she had a short look in the mirror and renewed the curly hair charm. For some reason she wanted to look good.
On the corridors Ruby met the chatterings Hufflepuff group on their way back to the common room discussing about the chess match Paul and Gertie were going to fight that evening. Some of them eyed Ruby suspiciously but most were so stuffed and happy they didn't care where she was going.
When Ruby entered the classroom she found Oliver sitting on the desk accompanied by Witty. Ruby gave her a look and Witty understood. She wanted to be alone with him without interference. So Witty was to stay in front of the door to warn them if somebody was drawing near.
Ruby sat down next to him but all the time avoided his stare not knowing how to prevent to fall into the deep pits of his brown eyes.
Finally she managed a "So?"
"So…I'm glad you came. I wasn't sure if you'd come, y'know."
He seemes to be nervous for he fumbed with his hands and his voice seemed to be a bit hoarse.
"I almost didn't for I actually was too tired to translate Runes. You were lucky it was so short."
He grimaced then mumbled "Sorry."
Now followed an uncomfortable break which Ruby didn't intend to break. HE had asked HER to come so it was his task to begin. But she began to feel annoyed by the silence. Finally he heaved a deep sigh then began.
"Well, I wanted to talk with you about that k-evening, you know which…"
Ruby was strangely calm. "Yes?"
"Well, why did you pull away? I mean first you lean on my shoulder then you treat me like I wanted to do something worse than just get a small…kiss."
Ruby was even more annoyed. What was so bad about the word "kiss"? Her friends were right about the Brits' attitude to emotions…
"It wasn't your fault, Oliver. I just didn't control myself."
He seemed to struggle with the next question "So…you – have a, well.."
"…a byfriend? Somehow, yeah." Ruby who usually liked it direct was more and more annoyed by his hesitating talking.
He looked gloomy "Babble Franklin is the lucky one, isn't he?"
"His name is Franklin Abbott – and no, he isn't!" Ruby found it a bit ridiculous that she and Franklin could be considered as couple. Sure they got alog rather well by now but being more than friends? Never! Oliver obviously thought different. He sounded angry suddenly.
"Don't lie to me! Isn't it enough you played with me and hurt me like this?"
Ruby looked at him blankly. "WHAT?" she was truly outraged now. She came here though all she wanted was to sleep away that horrible day and now she was called a liar by a fifteen-year old who felt hurt in his stupid ego. "I haven't played with you and I certainly didn't lie to you!"
"There! You are doing it again! Do you think I haven't seen him kissing you every morning the last week ever after I revealed my feelings to you? Did he encourage you to fool me? To get better on Runes and by chance enquire something about Gryffindor's Quidditch tactics?"
For a moment Ruby stared at him with open mouth. Then she erupted.
"ARE YOU PARANOID OR WHAT?" she had that word from Edith's father who was psychiatrist "I never wanted to find out ANYTHING about your Quidditch tactics and it had been YOUR idea to give me tutoring lessons as I might remind you! It's a deep insult to call me a spy." Ruby hopped back on the floor "Never even LOOK at me again, Wood, or I might remember some of the nastier curses I learnt in the dueling club last year!" and without giving him another glance she furiously stomped out of the classroom leaving a flabbergasted but nevertheless also angry Oliver Wood behind.
Out of the room she snatched Witty and instructed her "I don't want to see you with that BASTARD anymore, understand?" carefully she had called out loud the word "bastard" to make sure he had heard it. Witty who wasn't used to a rude Ruby anxiously nodded then was released again.
When Ruby entered Hufflepuff Gardens she still looked so fuming that nobody dared to talk to her. Quickly she entered her dorm and went straight to bed but couldn't find any sleep. As the anger finally faded she had time to think if she REALLY had a boyfriend. Christopher still hadn't written a line though she had sent him three letters in a row. What kind of boyfriend was he when he didn't even write?
Wood would have written she knew for sure. Angrily she shoved that unwelcome thought away and forced her mind on happy sheep jumping over a fence. When their heads began to resemble Wood she gave up. Ruby lightened a torch and finally dug out "Hogwarts, a History" she had gotten from her parents for her birthday. She was halfway through the book when morning dawned and hunger found its way back to her stomach. Very slowly Ruby dressed then set out for the Great Hall with Witty who still looked sleepy but wanted to keep her company during breakfast. Entering the Hall Ruby immediately spotted Wood who sat in his normal seat, his hair a bit untidy. Angry about herself that she'd forgotten he was an early bird Ruby sat down with her back to him, nagging silently that he hadn't combed his hair. First she had liked the way he had let it grow the last weeks but now everything about him annoyed her. She gave Witty who looked a bit longingly at him a disapproving nudge then helped herself with ham and eggs and blueberry muffins.
Soon the few Professors who stayed over the holidays entered the Hall along with Hagrid who greeted them both with his usual good morning mood. Neither of them answered. Hagrid sensed their bad mood then took his seat at the High Table. Professor McGonagall made her way directly to Ruby. She was accompanied by Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse.
"Well, Ms Riders, I hope you have slept well, though you don't look it." Ruby looked up. What would detention be today? "You will help Madame Pomfrey with her holiday chores today. I think it will take both, morning and afternoon." 'So that I'm under observation all around the clock' Ruby added gloomily in her mind but said nothing. "You will go up to the hospital wing with her directly after breakfast." Madame Pomfrey gave her an ecouraging smile then Ruby watched them both going to the High Table while she saw Wood in the corner of her eyes leaving the Hall.
The day turned out to be better than the last one. She had to help the nurse to rearrange all the potion-bottles and instruments and clean the wing and especially Madame Pomfrey's office which was quite in a mess. They even had a nice talk. The nurse was indeed said to be strict but she seemed to be like this only to her patients for she and Ruby got along rather well. Especially after Ruby told her she had taken Medi-Wizardation at Salem Institution. The nurse told her about the possibilites to get into that field of work with a Hogwarts diploma. At the end of the day Ruby was almost reluctant to leave but Madame Pomfrey promised to arrange she had to come on Monday, too. And so she did.
During dinner on Sunday Ruby saw Snape again and tried to find out about her exam results bus his expresion was unreadable as always and she didn't dare asking him.
Monday confirmed Ruby's new friendship with the matron. She even almost told her about her conflict with Wood and Christopher but could hold her tongue just in time.
On Tuesday she was to help her Head of house, Professor Sprout, in the green houses. She got bitten and stitched several times but it was ok as Sprout gave away toher she had passed her exam easily. With a heart that was a fraction lighter Ruby went to dinner that evening finally taking part in the conversations of her fellow Hufflepuffs. After dinner she was told to be in the Entrance Hall at 7 sharp the next morning – Christmas Morning! Ruby inwardly groaned but set her alarm clock.
At 6.00 she was painfully pulled out of a dream by the impertinent ringing of her alarm clock. Witty didn't so much as opening her eyes but silently nagging scrambled under the pillow. Ruby couldn't blame her and reluctantly left her warm bed to find – presents! They were placed on her trunk, a rather small pile but nevertheless… There was a package of Chocolate Frogs from Frank and Hannah, the next one was from – her mother! Quickly she opened the letter
My dear daughter,
I wish you a merry christmas inspite of your detention.Your father doesn't know I'm sending you something but I could hardly let my baby [Ruby smiled] be without any christmas presents from me, couldn't I? I'm sad you don't like Hogwarts as I did when I was there but as we can't change it I hope you will now try to settle in better. I send you what I'm sure you will appreciate much as you always wanted it.
Love,
Mom
Ruby ripped the package open and found the shawl of her mother. The light one which seemed to have no color as it was changing its color depending from the mood of its bearer. With a smile Ruby felt the soft cloth. As kid she had admired the Mood Scarf which cleaned itself as a miracle and begged her Mom to get her one, too. Her Mother then had promised her to give her the scarf when Ruby was old enough as she wasn't wearing it anymore… And now she had it. She wrapped it around her cold neck and it quickly turned beige – a sign that Ruby was happy. She then opened a warm (?) package bearing the quick scribble of Carey and containing two small parcels when a strangely familiar smell met her nostrils. First she read the letter filled with Edith's neat handwriting.
Our dear Ruby,
MERRY CHRISTMAS! It's a shame we can't be together. Curse that Hogwarts teachers! We wanted to visit YOU instead but our parents agreed so perfectly with your parents (as usual…) that they didn't allow it. It's already three months we haven't seen, do you know that? It's time for a fire place meeting again, don't you think? A pity we're at my place now and the school fire places only allow incoming calls. Is it the same over there at Hogwarts? Well, we decided to give you something against the cold (honestly, haven't they ever heard about heating walls at Hogwarts?). The notes explain everything.
Love and hugs,
Carey and Edith
Ruby opened the smaller of the packages. She found a yellow round thing with eyes and a mouth filled with a liquid. It looked like one of those buttons this Muggle-born first-year Carey was tutor of had been always wearing on his robes. It was called Smilie. Ruby read the note written by carey: "You have to crease the little metal swimming in the liquid then the whole things gets rigid and warm. Edith's mother called it chemistry – you know, that Muggle Potions Professor Telly once mentioned in Muggle Studies. Then put it into boiling water for about 15 minutes until it's al liquid again. Then you can use it again. Fascinating." Ruby smiled, she was fond of Muggle presents and that would be a good help against her always cold hands. Then she opened the second parcel and in the same moment recognized the smell. Quickly she ripped away the remained paper and found her opinion confirmed: Riders Breakfast!!! It was made of roasted pieces of white bread, eggs and cheese (A/N: yummy!). Her great-grandfather once brought the recipe to Salem Institution and only the Riders family members ate that, so it soon had the name Riders Breakfast. Ruby hadn't eaten it since her last morning at home (her father made a delicious Riders Breakfast!) and was somehow missing it really! The note read: "We thought you'd miss that by now. On our last day we asked Barry to make you some as you always say he is the best at making it. He was really stunned we were friendly to him and hit his head against the table for being surprised. He is an out-of-kitchen-elf for so long now but still isn't quite used to friendly requests! He is really fond of you and well, we told you about his reactions when he got to know you were gone. He asked him to put it into a self-heating bowl so that the cheese stays melted. DUG IN!"
Happily Ruby was about to transform her pencil into a wooden spoon when she heard McGonagalls voice magically thrown into her dorm.
"MS RIDERS YOU HAVE EXACTLY TWO MINUTES TO TURN UP IN THE ENTRANCE HALL OR ELSE!" Cursing Ruby threw away her pencil and the bowl then hastily pulled some baggy pants over her pajama trousers and throwing her Hogwarts robes over herself she quickly left Hufflepuff Gardens and finally arrived the Entrance Hall panting heavily to meet a rather pissed off McGonagall.
"It is 17 minutes after seven o'clock I hope you had been enjoying your christmas presents? Ruby looked down at her feet – to find them still in her slippers. She cursed inwardly then followed McGonagall back through the door which lead to Hufflepuff Gardens. But instead of turning left then she turned right instructing Ruby constantly.
"I'm sure you're clever enough to imagine what will happen if you ever let slip how to reach the kitchens." Ruby nodded "You are to help whenever it is needed and not to use the submissive nature of the House Elves!" Ruby nodded again "I will leave you under supervision. Only break is at 13.00 where you will take a small lunch without leaving the kitchens, of course." They had reached a picture of a fruit bowl. McGonagall tickled the pear which turned into a door knob then they entered the room behind it. Ruby was stunned. The kicthen was huge and by its shape and the fact that there were four long tables exactly the size of the House Tables Ruby supposed they must have been under the Great Hall. It now dawned on her how the thing with the food worked. McGonagall refused the friendly offers of the Elves ("Coffee?", "Toast?" etc.) and led Ruby over to a painting of a knight on a grey fat pony which looked like it didn't belong down here.
"This is Sir Cadogan. He will make sure your break won't be longer than 30 minutes and he will have a look on you that you follow the rules I set you and the House Elves." Then she held out her hand "Wand, please." Sighing Ruby took her wand out of her pocket and handed it in.
The day was a torture. Her Mood Scarf turned a bright pink and stayed it meaning she was annoyed beyond belief. The House Elves were really uncomfortable with a student whom they usually serve workin with them. But Sir Cadogan (Ruby suspected him to be a bit mad) made sure they didn't serve her. In fact he scared them so much nobody dared to speak even one word to her. Ruby had to wash and cut vegetables, potatoes and many other stuff for the small breakfast for a few early birds (If Wood was amongst these? Bah, stop it, Ruby!) and the big Christmas dinner. It smelt deliciously in the kitchens and it was a shame she wasn't even to taste the fancy food: roast turkeys, buttered pears, cranberry sauce and much much more before the Elves sent it up. Her stomach was growling loudly and longingly she thought about her bowl full with Riders Breakfast. After dinner in the Hall was over the rests arrived back in the kitchens. Now Ruby was allowed to have her lunch break before washing the dishes. She was so hungry she managed four helpings before Cadogan called her back to work with a loud "Go back to work or feel the sting of my sword, lazy lady!" Ruby got up and tried to ignore the fact she just had been insulted by a painting she could spoil with a stream of painting if she only had her wand right now. She began to wash the hight pile of dishes and pots (she tried to console herself by the fact that so at least her hands would be warm) when a fmailiar smell met her nose. She turned to see some Elves laden with Parcel paper and other Christmas garbage. Ruby just caught a glance of a House Elve throwing her precious bowl of Riders Breakfast away.
"NO!" she called drawing the whole kitchen's attention onto her. Ignoring Cadogan's objections she ran over to the frightened looking House Elf. "What have you done? That was no garbage, it was my breakfast!" Ruby shot a sad glance into the garbage can.
"Me is truly sorry, miss." The House Elf assured her over and over again but that didn't bring her breakfast back. Ruby finally obeyed Cadogan's yells and went back to work. Perhaps Carey and Edith could send another bowlful…
The rest of the afternoon went on dully and very slow. Ruby almost felt like time was gong backwards until finally McGonagall turned up to release her. Ruby received her wand and left the kitchens feeling very relieved. Next day she would have to work in the laundry but she didn't care right now. All she now wanted were some Chocolate Frogs and a chair next to the fire place. She quickly walked through the corridors without looking right or left. Somehow she managed to find her back to the main corridor without being lost. She entered the passageway leading to Hufflepuff Gardens and promptly bumped into somebody. Mumbling an apologize she looked up – into the eyes of her fairy Witty! She was sitting on a shoulder, Wood's shoulder.
Ruby's eyes narrowed.
~*~
Woah, that was long! Hope you liked it, please review ppl!
Just click on "Galerie" then "Zeichnungen" then "Ruby Goes To Hogwarts" The picture with the guy is in their first year and shows the three with Carey's brother Martin, then I have pics of Witty. The one with Ruby's wand is my fav one.
Latest news: 1. I made myself Salem earrings by combining three sets of Creoles (photo in my gallery), 2. Remember I told you about the HP-fanclub I joined as Ruby Riders? Well, I'm now Keeper in their Quidditch club. Next Friday is the first training – pretty cool!
@Totally cliched: Well, I told you my opinion about the "deal". I read your story because you "asked" for it and I reviewed because I liked it! And I'll be in your next chapter, YAY!!!
Now on with the story. I don't know if I got the way to the kitchens right, as my HP4 is far beyond reach at the moment… And I've been too lazy to check spelling and the likes, sorry.
Don't forget to review!
~*~
On Saturday morning Ruby woke up late, finally her body had been lacking sleep for an entire week! She was lying in her bed wondering how late it might have been but too lazy to check the clock on her bedside table.
"Witty!" she called out "H'late issit?" Ruby was still a bit dreamy and needed some time to realize that Witty didn't answer. Sighing Ruby struggled to sit up and set out one foot on the floor – and quickly drew it back under the blanket.
"Brrr, that's cold." So she just fumbled with the bedhangings to cast a short glance on the clock without leaving the bed. It was 12.00. "Lunch-time" her stomach said and Ruby happily obeyed. She jumped out of the bed to find a clompletely empty dormitory, all her room-mates were home over christmas and Witty was probably searching for entertainment anywhere in the castle. Ruby dressed herself hopping from one foot on the other until finally she was slippin into her boots. It was holidays so she was wearing her favourite blue jeans and dark green pullover when she was walking through the empty common room. Obviously everybody was in the Great Hall, already. Quickly she made her way to the dining hall and sat down at Hufflepuff table next to Pat who grinned at her with a nasty grin and a
"Sleeping princess is up and awake!"
Ruby chose to ignore him and instead of snapping back she filled her plate with roast potatoes.
"Where's the ketchup?"
Cedric, the hirstory.loving third-year handed her the bottle without looking up. Everybody was used to Ruby's habit to put ketchup on nearly everything. She was about to begin eating when she noticed that her fairy wasn't at the table, too.
"Where's Witty?"
Pat looked suddenly a bit gloomy. "Gryffindor." He mumbled.
"WHAT?" Ruby looked over to Gryffindor Table and spotted her little fairy sitting with Oliver and Prefect Boy obviously enjoying herself. They seemed not to have noticed her arriving.
"WITTY!" she called out then quickly leaned over her plate to avoid Oliver's eyes and began eating which went amazingly quick. She was about to start her second helping when the pet fairy finally arrived. "What took you so long?" Ruby asked through gritted teeths. Pat butted in, to.
"Fraternising with the enemie ts ts ts!"
The carefree fairy only chuckled "Enemie, oh really! You attend the same school so how can you be enemies?"
Pat was quick to answer "The first Quidditch match after the holidays is Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor and you spend the meals with their Keeper and one of their Prefects so what should I say else?"
Ruby finally had finished her meal and nodded and agreement. Then she noticed a dinky roll of parchment under Witty's arm.
"What's that?"
Witty looked rather smug and important now. "It's a note from the *enemie* I am to deliver to Ruby Riders only."
Pat mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "Delilvery slave for Gryffindor" then left the Hall with his girlfriend Gertie, sixth-year and Paul, another fifth-year, both of them Hufflepuffs. Pat seemed to give a lot on House pride. Ruby shook her head, remembering she actually disliked that House system. She grabbed the rolled up piece of paper and managed to look to Oliver's seat while she got up but he already had left the Hall.
She was about to do so, too when she heard a loud cold voice in her back coming from the High Table.
"Riders, where are you going?"
A shiver ran through Ruby and she turned to see professor Snape looking down at her with his usual nasty stare.
"You got holiday detention when my memory isn't failing me. So where were you heading to?"
Ruby's face fell. "Detention? But…but it's Saturday!"
Snape made a gesture as if he wanted to shove her objection away.
"That doesn't matter! I don't know what lax rules dominated your old school but here detention exists independently from holidays ar weekends. By the way what are you wearing?"
Ruby felt rage crawling up her spine. Why did he have to treat her like this in the middle of the remaining students? She could hear some Slytherins snicker and was somewhat thankful that at least Oliver didn't see her now.
"Clothes as you should actually see yourself."
She had gone too far she could immediately see. His eyes became menace slits.
"Thirty points from Hufflepuff, ten for trying to get away from your detention, ten for not wearing your school robes during school activities such as detention and your staying here IS detention, and ten for being cheeky against a teacher. And be grateful I don't report it as reason for expulsion. Now go get your robes and come to the dungeons. You have ten minutes or else it will be 50 points and a report."
'Ten minutes!' Ruby thought outraged while she hastily made her way to the dorms. That meant she had to run and she hated to run after stuffing her stomach with that lot of lunch.
However she reached the dungeons just in time and was awaited by freezing coldness and a Snape with pursed lips.
"So, you managed it. I'm delighted." He didn't look it. "I'm afraid your talking flea isn't allowed to stay."
Witty was about to say something about being called a flea when Ruby gave her a look which said clearly it was better to leave or else Ruby would be in deep trouble. Well, deeper than already. As soon as Witty had left with a hanging head Snape closed the door and stretched out his long white hand.
"Wand!"
Ruby looked up "Huh?" She didn't like the thought of being defenceless down in Snape's dungeons. But then she remembered she was to clean Muggle-style and reluctantly handed him her wand.
It was disgusting. The floor was full with dried frog spawn and the corners were full with what Ruby didn't want to know. The tables looked like some first-years had had an accident with lizard brain. There was no warm water in the dungeons so she wasn't allowed to boil some water in the bucket ("Next time use your brain and bring your cauldron, Riders."). And all the time Ruby could feel Snape's intense stare in her back ("You call THAT clean?", "There are some spots of boil-poison left on the wall. I'm afraid you have to scrub it again." And so on). By the end when she couldn't feel her hands anymore, was really outnerved and in an exceptional bad mood he took out her Potions test.
"Well, let's see how you did in my exam. Be sure you get what you deserve." Ruby stared at the parchment dumbfoundedly "You can go now." He said unfriendly almost regrettingly.
Slowly she left the chamber and headed directly to the dorms. She was dirty and very tired. On her bed sat Witty looking a bit lost alone in the big room. Ruby slumped onto her bed right next to her fairy who soared away immediately.
"Urgh! You smell like a wet bison!"
Ruby was too tired to answer so she just glared into her direction then closed her eyes again just to feel Witty tugging at her ears as the fairy always did when there was something important she wanted to direct Ruby's attention onto something. This time it was
"Dinner-time!"
Ruby snapped her away with her fingers "I've spent the last hours with scrubbing away lizard brain. Do you think I'm hungry?"
Witty didn't answer but she could feel the fairy rummaging in the folds of her robes but didn't care until
"A-ha!" Witty exclaimed
Groaning Ruby opened her eyes. "What?" she could see Witty holding triumphiantly the message she had given her that morning.
"I knew you had it in your pocket! What did it say?"
"I don't know." Ruby suddenly felt very curious (though still in a bad mood) and snatched the note out of Witty's diminutive hands. Even if she hadn't known before you could have told immediately it came from Oliver: it was written in Runes! Sighing she rolled her eyes but nevertheless translated the message:
Ruby,
meeting in our classroom after dinner?
Oliver
He could only mean Babble's classroom where they had held their tutoring lessons. She knew had to talk though she was fearing it.
"I'm still not hungry, Witty. You can go alone … and tell him I'll come."
Witty nodded happily then added "Um, better have a wash and a redressing before you go then quickly flew away to avoid Ruby's nudge.
But Ruby followed her advice and had a hot bath then dressed herself in a new set of robes. Shortly before she left the common room she had a short look in the mirror and renewed the curly hair charm. For some reason she wanted to look good.
On the corridors Ruby met the chatterings Hufflepuff group on their way back to the common room discussing about the chess match Paul and Gertie were going to fight that evening. Some of them eyed Ruby suspiciously but most were so stuffed and happy they didn't care where she was going.
When Ruby entered the classroom she found Oliver sitting on the desk accompanied by Witty. Ruby gave her a look and Witty understood. She wanted to be alone with him without interference. So Witty was to stay in front of the door to warn them if somebody was drawing near.
Ruby sat down next to him but all the time avoided his stare not knowing how to prevent to fall into the deep pits of his brown eyes.
Finally she managed a "So?"
"So…I'm glad you came. I wasn't sure if you'd come, y'know."
He seemes to be nervous for he fumbed with his hands and his voice seemed to be a bit hoarse.
"I almost didn't for I actually was too tired to translate Runes. You were lucky it was so short."
He grimaced then mumbled "Sorry."
Now followed an uncomfortable break which Ruby didn't intend to break. HE had asked HER to come so it was his task to begin. But she began to feel annoyed by the silence. Finally he heaved a deep sigh then began.
"Well, I wanted to talk with you about that k-evening, you know which…"
Ruby was strangely calm. "Yes?"
"Well, why did you pull away? I mean first you lean on my shoulder then you treat me like I wanted to do something worse than just get a small…kiss."
Ruby was even more annoyed. What was so bad about the word "kiss"? Her friends were right about the Brits' attitude to emotions…
"It wasn't your fault, Oliver. I just didn't control myself."
He seemed to struggle with the next question "So…you – have a, well.."
"…a byfriend? Somehow, yeah." Ruby who usually liked it direct was more and more annoyed by his hesitating talking.
He looked gloomy "Babble Franklin is the lucky one, isn't he?"
"His name is Franklin Abbott – and no, he isn't!" Ruby found it a bit ridiculous that she and Franklin could be considered as couple. Sure they got alog rather well by now but being more than friends? Never! Oliver obviously thought different. He sounded angry suddenly.
"Don't lie to me! Isn't it enough you played with me and hurt me like this?"
Ruby looked at him blankly. "WHAT?" she was truly outraged now. She came here though all she wanted was to sleep away that horrible day and now she was called a liar by a fifteen-year old who felt hurt in his stupid ego. "I haven't played with you and I certainly didn't lie to you!"
"There! You are doing it again! Do you think I haven't seen him kissing you every morning the last week ever after I revealed my feelings to you? Did he encourage you to fool me? To get better on Runes and by chance enquire something about Gryffindor's Quidditch tactics?"
For a moment Ruby stared at him with open mouth. Then she erupted.
"ARE YOU PARANOID OR WHAT?" she had that word from Edith's father who was psychiatrist "I never wanted to find out ANYTHING about your Quidditch tactics and it had been YOUR idea to give me tutoring lessons as I might remind you! It's a deep insult to call me a spy." Ruby hopped back on the floor "Never even LOOK at me again, Wood, or I might remember some of the nastier curses I learnt in the dueling club last year!" and without giving him another glance she furiously stomped out of the classroom leaving a flabbergasted but nevertheless also angry Oliver Wood behind.
Out of the room she snatched Witty and instructed her "I don't want to see you with that BASTARD anymore, understand?" carefully she had called out loud the word "bastard" to make sure he had heard it. Witty who wasn't used to a rude Ruby anxiously nodded then was released again.
When Ruby entered Hufflepuff Gardens she still looked so fuming that nobody dared to talk to her. Quickly she entered her dorm and went straight to bed but couldn't find any sleep. As the anger finally faded she had time to think if she REALLY had a boyfriend. Christopher still hadn't written a line though she had sent him three letters in a row. What kind of boyfriend was he when he didn't even write?
Wood would have written she knew for sure. Angrily she shoved that unwelcome thought away and forced her mind on happy sheep jumping over a fence. When their heads began to resemble Wood she gave up. Ruby lightened a torch and finally dug out "Hogwarts, a History" she had gotten from her parents for her birthday. She was halfway through the book when morning dawned and hunger found its way back to her stomach. Very slowly Ruby dressed then set out for the Great Hall with Witty who still looked sleepy but wanted to keep her company during breakfast. Entering the Hall Ruby immediately spotted Wood who sat in his normal seat, his hair a bit untidy. Angry about herself that she'd forgotten he was an early bird Ruby sat down with her back to him, nagging silently that he hadn't combed his hair. First she had liked the way he had let it grow the last weeks but now everything about him annoyed her. She gave Witty who looked a bit longingly at him a disapproving nudge then helped herself with ham and eggs and blueberry muffins.
Soon the few Professors who stayed over the holidays entered the Hall along with Hagrid who greeted them both with his usual good morning mood. Neither of them answered. Hagrid sensed their bad mood then took his seat at the High Table. Professor McGonagall made her way directly to Ruby. She was accompanied by Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse.
"Well, Ms Riders, I hope you have slept well, though you don't look it." Ruby looked up. What would detention be today? "You will help Madame Pomfrey with her holiday chores today. I think it will take both, morning and afternoon." 'So that I'm under observation all around the clock' Ruby added gloomily in her mind but said nothing. "You will go up to the hospital wing with her directly after breakfast." Madame Pomfrey gave her an ecouraging smile then Ruby watched them both going to the High Table while she saw Wood in the corner of her eyes leaving the Hall.
The day turned out to be better than the last one. She had to help the nurse to rearrange all the potion-bottles and instruments and clean the wing and especially Madame Pomfrey's office which was quite in a mess. They even had a nice talk. The nurse was indeed said to be strict but she seemed to be like this only to her patients for she and Ruby got along rather well. Especially after Ruby told her she had taken Medi-Wizardation at Salem Institution. The nurse told her about the possibilites to get into that field of work with a Hogwarts diploma. At the end of the day Ruby was almost reluctant to leave but Madame Pomfrey promised to arrange she had to come on Monday, too. And so she did.
During dinner on Sunday Ruby saw Snape again and tried to find out about her exam results bus his expresion was unreadable as always and she didn't dare asking him.
Monday confirmed Ruby's new friendship with the matron. She even almost told her about her conflict with Wood and Christopher but could hold her tongue just in time.
On Tuesday she was to help her Head of house, Professor Sprout, in the green houses. She got bitten and stitched several times but it was ok as Sprout gave away toher she had passed her exam easily. With a heart that was a fraction lighter Ruby went to dinner that evening finally taking part in the conversations of her fellow Hufflepuffs. After dinner she was told to be in the Entrance Hall at 7 sharp the next morning – Christmas Morning! Ruby inwardly groaned but set her alarm clock.
At 6.00 she was painfully pulled out of a dream by the impertinent ringing of her alarm clock. Witty didn't so much as opening her eyes but silently nagging scrambled under the pillow. Ruby couldn't blame her and reluctantly left her warm bed to find – presents! They were placed on her trunk, a rather small pile but nevertheless… There was a package of Chocolate Frogs from Frank and Hannah, the next one was from – her mother! Quickly she opened the letter
My dear daughter,
I wish you a merry christmas inspite of your detention.Your father doesn't know I'm sending you something but I could hardly let my baby [Ruby smiled] be without any christmas presents from me, couldn't I? I'm sad you don't like Hogwarts as I did when I was there but as we can't change it I hope you will now try to settle in better. I send you what I'm sure you will appreciate much as you always wanted it.
Love,
Mom
Ruby ripped the package open and found the shawl of her mother. The light one which seemed to have no color as it was changing its color depending from the mood of its bearer. With a smile Ruby felt the soft cloth. As kid she had admired the Mood Scarf which cleaned itself as a miracle and begged her Mom to get her one, too. Her Mother then had promised her to give her the scarf when Ruby was old enough as she wasn't wearing it anymore… And now she had it. She wrapped it around her cold neck and it quickly turned beige – a sign that Ruby was happy. She then opened a warm (?) package bearing the quick scribble of Carey and containing two small parcels when a strangely familiar smell met her nostrils. First she read the letter filled with Edith's neat handwriting.
Our dear Ruby,
MERRY CHRISTMAS! It's a shame we can't be together. Curse that Hogwarts teachers! We wanted to visit YOU instead but our parents agreed so perfectly with your parents (as usual…) that they didn't allow it. It's already three months we haven't seen, do you know that? It's time for a fire place meeting again, don't you think? A pity we're at my place now and the school fire places only allow incoming calls. Is it the same over there at Hogwarts? Well, we decided to give you something against the cold (honestly, haven't they ever heard about heating walls at Hogwarts?). The notes explain everything.
Love and hugs,
Carey and Edith
Ruby opened the smaller of the packages. She found a yellow round thing with eyes and a mouth filled with a liquid. It looked like one of those buttons this Muggle-born first-year Carey was tutor of had been always wearing on his robes. It was called Smilie. Ruby read the note written by carey: "You have to crease the little metal swimming in the liquid then the whole things gets rigid and warm. Edith's mother called it chemistry – you know, that Muggle Potions Professor Telly once mentioned in Muggle Studies. Then put it into boiling water for about 15 minutes until it's al liquid again. Then you can use it again. Fascinating." Ruby smiled, she was fond of Muggle presents and that would be a good help against her always cold hands. Then she opened the second parcel and in the same moment recognized the smell. Quickly she ripped away the remained paper and found her opinion confirmed: Riders Breakfast!!! It was made of roasted pieces of white bread, eggs and cheese (A/N: yummy!). Her great-grandfather once brought the recipe to Salem Institution and only the Riders family members ate that, so it soon had the name Riders Breakfast. Ruby hadn't eaten it since her last morning at home (her father made a delicious Riders Breakfast!) and was somehow missing it really! The note read: "We thought you'd miss that by now. On our last day we asked Barry to make you some as you always say he is the best at making it. He was really stunned we were friendly to him and hit his head against the table for being surprised. He is an out-of-kitchen-elf for so long now but still isn't quite used to friendly requests! He is really fond of you and well, we told you about his reactions when he got to know you were gone. He asked him to put it into a self-heating bowl so that the cheese stays melted. DUG IN!"
Happily Ruby was about to transform her pencil into a wooden spoon when she heard McGonagalls voice magically thrown into her dorm.
"MS RIDERS YOU HAVE EXACTLY TWO MINUTES TO TURN UP IN THE ENTRANCE HALL OR ELSE!" Cursing Ruby threw away her pencil and the bowl then hastily pulled some baggy pants over her pajama trousers and throwing her Hogwarts robes over herself she quickly left Hufflepuff Gardens and finally arrived the Entrance Hall panting heavily to meet a rather pissed off McGonagall.
"It is 17 minutes after seven o'clock I hope you had been enjoying your christmas presents? Ruby looked down at her feet – to find them still in her slippers. She cursed inwardly then followed McGonagall back through the door which lead to Hufflepuff Gardens. But instead of turning left then she turned right instructing Ruby constantly.
"I'm sure you're clever enough to imagine what will happen if you ever let slip how to reach the kitchens." Ruby nodded "You are to help whenever it is needed and not to use the submissive nature of the House Elves!" Ruby nodded again "I will leave you under supervision. Only break is at 13.00 where you will take a small lunch without leaving the kitchens, of course." They had reached a picture of a fruit bowl. McGonagall tickled the pear which turned into a door knob then they entered the room behind it. Ruby was stunned. The kicthen was huge and by its shape and the fact that there were four long tables exactly the size of the House Tables Ruby supposed they must have been under the Great Hall. It now dawned on her how the thing with the food worked. McGonagall refused the friendly offers of the Elves ("Coffee?", "Toast?" etc.) and led Ruby over to a painting of a knight on a grey fat pony which looked like it didn't belong down here.
"This is Sir Cadogan. He will make sure your break won't be longer than 30 minutes and he will have a look on you that you follow the rules I set you and the House Elves." Then she held out her hand "Wand, please." Sighing Ruby took her wand out of her pocket and handed it in.
The day was a torture. Her Mood Scarf turned a bright pink and stayed it meaning she was annoyed beyond belief. The House Elves were really uncomfortable with a student whom they usually serve workin with them. But Sir Cadogan (Ruby suspected him to be a bit mad) made sure they didn't serve her. In fact he scared them so much nobody dared to speak even one word to her. Ruby had to wash and cut vegetables, potatoes and many other stuff for the small breakfast for a few early birds (If Wood was amongst these? Bah, stop it, Ruby!) and the big Christmas dinner. It smelt deliciously in the kitchens and it was a shame she wasn't even to taste the fancy food: roast turkeys, buttered pears, cranberry sauce and much much more before the Elves sent it up. Her stomach was growling loudly and longingly she thought about her bowl full with Riders Breakfast. After dinner in the Hall was over the rests arrived back in the kitchens. Now Ruby was allowed to have her lunch break before washing the dishes. She was so hungry she managed four helpings before Cadogan called her back to work with a loud "Go back to work or feel the sting of my sword, lazy lady!" Ruby got up and tried to ignore the fact she just had been insulted by a painting she could spoil with a stream of painting if she only had her wand right now. She began to wash the hight pile of dishes and pots (she tried to console herself by the fact that so at least her hands would be warm) when a fmailiar smell met her nose. She turned to see some Elves laden with Parcel paper and other Christmas garbage. Ruby just caught a glance of a House Elve throwing her precious bowl of Riders Breakfast away.
"NO!" she called drawing the whole kitchen's attention onto her. Ignoring Cadogan's objections she ran over to the frightened looking House Elf. "What have you done? That was no garbage, it was my breakfast!" Ruby shot a sad glance into the garbage can.
"Me is truly sorry, miss." The House Elf assured her over and over again but that didn't bring her breakfast back. Ruby finally obeyed Cadogan's yells and went back to work. Perhaps Carey and Edith could send another bowlful…
The rest of the afternoon went on dully and very slow. Ruby almost felt like time was gong backwards until finally McGonagall turned up to release her. Ruby received her wand and left the kitchens feeling very relieved. Next day she would have to work in the laundry but she didn't care right now. All she now wanted were some Chocolate Frogs and a chair next to the fire place. She quickly walked through the corridors without looking right or left. Somehow she managed to find her back to the main corridor without being lost. She entered the passageway leading to Hufflepuff Gardens and promptly bumped into somebody. Mumbling an apologize she looked up – into the eyes of her fairy Witty! She was sitting on a shoulder, Wood's shoulder.
Ruby's eyes narrowed.
~*~
Woah, that was long! Hope you liked it, please review ppl!