Ruby Dellamark ⍎ Malfoy

26) Fear the Unknown (HBP)

Summer passed as quickly as it came, and Ruby absolutely hated it. She didn't go on any adventures, she didn't travel through the wizarding world. Instead, she spent her days sitting at the train station. She watched the people pass by, and heard the trains whizz and squeal on the tracks. It wasn't her best summer ...but it also wasn't her worst.

She received several letters from Ron and Hermione, inviting her out to the Weasley's house in the fields. She declined politely, as this summer, she didn't feel like being around a bunch of homely people. Ever since school ended, she always had a sudden chill on the back of her neck. It was like goosebumps had formed on her skin and refused to go away, and she always felt shivers running through her body. It had been this way ever since her last chat with Draco, and she was scared to guess why.

She tried as hard as she could to forget him. Any emotion that she had for him, she tried to push it down and ignore it. But it kept happening again, and again. And when another school year came around, and the feelings still hadn't subsided, she knew it had to be true;

She had a crush on Draco.

Never had she felt more free, exposed, and dirty in her entire life. If her friends found out, there would be no telling what they would do, or say. The most terrifying fear is the fear of the unknown, and wondering what destiny your life is faced with.

She threw her suitcase up on the carrying racks and slumped down in her seat. Biscuit hopped up next to her, and took her usual position next to Ruby. Ruby didn't even feel the need to scowl at Biscuit. After this summer, Biscuit was the only person Ruby had to talk to; and somehow, it made Ruby appreciate the black cat a teeny bit more.

As the train began to depart from station 9 & ¾, the door to her compartment slid open. She looked up, relieved to find Cho sliding in with her.

"Good to see you," she said as she sat down.

"You too," Ruby smiled. The two girls sat comfortable in their silence, then the train began to chug its way to Hogwarts. 

Ruby just shut her eyes, ready to drift into a much-needed sleep, but she suddenly felt something drip on her skin. Her eyes flew open, and she looked down at her hand, finding a drop of blood. Then it was followed by another. She touched her nose, feeling the sticky substance on her fingers. Cho held out a tissue for her.

"Blow your nose," she told him.

"Thanks," Ruby wiped the blood from her nose, as the rest of the train disappeared into a thin fog.

-

Ruby woke up with a sudden jolt as the train came to a halt. The sky was dark now, with the ugly illuminations of the white lamps lighting up the platform. She looked over, finding Cho was gone. Ruby didn't realize how tired she truly was.

She grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder. Biscuit hopped down with her and they headed for the main exit. She shuffled out of her car and went into the next, the Slytherin car. Luckily, they were gone. She walked down the isle, until she nearly tripped over something. The only issue was that there was nothing there. Ruby kicked her foot again, making contact with something heavy, and slightly soft.

She reached down, then felt a piece of fabric. She pulled it away, revealing Harry. He was on the ground, unconscious.

"What the, what?" she took out her wand and cast a charm, "Rennervate!" Harry opened his eyes and fumbled to sit up.

"Ruby?" he groaned.

"Harry. I know I'm going to regret asking, but what are you doing?" she asked him.

"Bit of a long story," he replied as he stood up.

"It always is with you,"

-

"So, you going to tell me what happened back there, or are we just gonna pretend like your nose broke by itself?" Ruby asked. They were making their way to the castle gates

"Honestly Ruby, as much as I enjoy it when you interrogate people, could we just have a regular, non-magical conversation?" he asked her.

"Alright, what did you do over the summer?" she asked.

"I rode trains," he replied.

"Trains? Like the tube?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said.

"That's funny, I've been watching trains all summer," she replied. Professor Flitwick stood at the gates, looking very flustered as he clutched a parchment scroll.

"Oh, about time! I've been looking all over for you two!" he exclaimed.

"Sorry," the two kids muttered

"Right...names?" he asked. The two sixth years looked at each other, then back at Flitwick.

"Professor Flitwick, you've known me for five years," Harry said.

"No exceptions... Potter," he stammered out. Ruby looked up, finding a few people surveying a student, Draco.

He had grown much taller, and his hair was much neater now. He looked more masculine as well, last year he donned the face of an adolescent, now he looked more like a man.

"Who're they?" she asked.

"Aurors. Security," he replied.

"What's this cane here, then?" Mr. Filch asked Draco.

"It's not a cane, you cretin. It's a walking stick," he replied. Ruby scoffed at his response.

"And what exactly will you be doing with this all year? As it can be constructed as an offensive weapon?" Filch asked. Snape suddenly loomed from the darkness and joined them.

"It's alright, Mr. Filch. I can vouch for Mr. Malfoy," he said. Filch nodded and gave the stick back to Draco. Draco then turned his head and noticed the other two staring at him.

"Nice face, Potter," he called. Harry huffed.

"You want me to fix it for you?" Ruby asked.

"Have you ever fixed a nose before?" he asked.

"No, but I did a few of my fingers from time-to-time," she replied.

"Um, okay, yeah," he replied nervously.

"Fair warning, this is going to burn and then freeze all under a second," she said as she took out her wand, "You ready?" she asked.

"I guess so," he replied.

"Episkey!" Harry's nose snapped back into place, sending a shock of pain, heat, and cold through him all in under a second, just like Ruby said. When he recovered, he looked at her.

"How do I look?" he asked.

"Like the brave and scrawny little git I've grown to love," she replied. Harry took that as a compliment and they headed for the castle, passing Draco, Snape, and Filch on their way.

Ruby didn't make eye contact with Draco, she just looked ahead and marched forward.

"Evening, Dellamark," Draco said.

"Frog," she replied. Nobody thought it wise to ask what she meant by that, but they figured it best to leave it be.