Ch-2
The moment Ruby entered Diagon Alley, she had made a beeline for Ollivander's. Then after finishing her other shopping (which included a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans; she had the misfortune to get a very rare bogey-flavored one) they had left.
In her room, though, nothing was calm. She was busy making things fly, repairing stuff with magic. She wanted to try out whatever she could. She wasn't yet aware of the fact that they weren't allowed to use magic outside of school till seventh year.
For the next few days, this attitude continued. All too soon, it was 1st September. She arrived at King's Cross early. She knew where the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ should be but wasn't sure that it would work. She took a deep breath, bracing herself and ran toward the barrier. But when she opened her eyes, she saw the most magnificent sight. Her breath was quite taken away.
Children, some in black robes and pointy hats, were standing everywhere. Parents were talking to each other. Some students were running around. In the midst of it all, The Hogwarts Express was standing still.
Her parents had quite the same reaction as she did. And it was to be expected. After all, they were Muggles and never seen anything like it before.
Not wanting to be late, Ruby climbed aboard immediately. She settled in one of the empty compartments. At dot 11:00 a.m., the train left the station.
She was chomping on some Chocolate Frogs with 'The Standard Book of Spells-Grade 3' open in her lap. Seeing the children outside laugh and play and chatter away together, she couldn't help feeling a little lonely. But then, she often did.
She was sitting thus, lost in her thoughts, when a girl about her age, with reddish-blonde hair and a nice look on her face, entered her compartment. She said,'' I hope I am not disturbing you, but can I please sit in this cabin? All the others are full.'' Ruby replied timidly,'' Of course you can.'' Sitting down opposite to her, she introduced herself as Lily Luna Potter. Ruby nodded and introduced herself.
Intrigued by the book in her lap, Lily asked which one was it. She shyly replied that it was the Standard Spell book for grade 3. Lily blinked. ''Really? But we are supposed to have Grade 1!'' ''Oh, I have that. But I was curious about this one, so I bought it too,'' she said bashfully. '' ''So, what spells have you learnt yet?''
They spent the next few hours talking happily about spells and sweets and whatnot. When the food trolley arrived, Lily offered her some Every flavor Beans, but she refused, relating her experience with the Bogey-flavored one. At this Lily burst into laughter.
She had started to relax around her. Slowly she asked Lily,'' Lily, do you think you could be my friend?'' Lily stared at her incredulously.
Then she burst into peals of laughter. ''I'd have thought we are already friends by this time'' she explained between giggles. Relief and happiness coursed through her and she too joined in the giggles.