1 Chapter 1

Ruby Nightingale was in a rage.

Now, she was usually a calm person. Until her parents brought up the idea of boarding school. Ruby was a home pigeon, and she absolutely hated being away from home for long periods of time. She had clearly stated to her parents, "If it is not Hogwarts, then I absolutely refuse to go."

When her parents said that she would be attending Harriet Baxter Boarding School for Girls, she completely flipped out.

Her parents arguing that it would be beneficial to get her "out of her shell" and "meeting different people" but despite their efforts, Ruby still was very, very, angry. She ran up to her room hugging her Hedwig pillow, sobbing into it. She furiously wiped her tears and clenched her fists, she did NOT want to go! She'd have to share a dorm room with other girls, not only that, but girls she did not know.

Perfect for an introvert like her. She glanced around at her beloved bedroom. She had a tall book case, filled with her favorite books, a wide desk near her window, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings posters plastered on the cream colored walls. It was absolutely ideal to her taste, and yet she'd have to leave it all behind.

Soon came the dreaded day were Ruby would have to leave. Her father loaded up the car with her bags, and she sat in the backseat wistfully. She felt sick to her stomach, her head throbbing from crying the night before. Her parents had tried to make her feel better, and while she did appreciate the efforts, it didn't erase the fact that she had to leave home. She nervously twisted her curly brown hair, her hazel orbs looking from from side to side. Her usual bright and cheery face was now drained and pale. She wore a blood red jumper, blue jeans, and well-worn sneakers. It was a chilly day, but not too cold. Ruby tried to stay optimistic, perhaps her parents were right, maybe she would enjoy it. Still, deep within herself she remained bitter and held a slight grudge against her parents. 

The entire way seemed to drag on for ages, each minute slowly passing, only to increase her anxiety and the thoughts that flowed through her brain, giving her more and more time to worry. Some would call her a worry wart, but she thought she was simply careful. Eventually she dug around in one of her bags and grabbed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, one of her most cherished books. She thumbed the worn page as her eyes speedily went from one word to the next, getting more and more absorbed. If only I was going to Hogwarts, she gloomily thought. She'd definitely rather learn defense against the dark arts than mathematics. Eternally groaning at the thought of math class, along with the math homework, and the tests—she shook the thought. She vowed that she wasn't going to think about all that until she got to school. Getting back into her book, her heart soared as she was at her most favorite part—when they brew the polyjuice potion and meet Moaning Myrtle. Hermione being her usual know-it-all self and taking charge, and Ron being totally confused.

Ruby at always admired Hermione for her wits and being able to always stand up for herself and others, as well as constantly saving Harry and Ron. Her heart clenched at the thought of Harry and Ron, she wished she had best friends like them. Sure they were stupid at times, but they were loyal nonetheless. Doubting that anyone would want to be her friend, a single tear falling, she quickly wiped it away and looked out the window. They still had a long way to go. Good, Ruby thought. Resting her chin on her hand she wondered what the kids would be like at school, the teachers—she caught herself, no, I'm not worrying about that, I promised myself! Yet she found it hard to focus on her book, her mind was racing with the 'what-if's'.

She pulled out her phone instead, maybe that would distract her. Mindlessly scrolling through pages and playing some low-brain level games, she sighed and shut it off. Her legs began to fall asleep from staying in the same position of a while, and she longed to get out and stretch her legs.

Around half an hour had passed, and they still had a ways to go. This school was really out in the country—which was honestly quite lovely, in Ruby's opinion. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Still, she'd rather be at home. She wanted to go to her old school, she didn't have many friends there, but at least she knew the people there. Unlike this school. Peering out the window, her eyes gazed upon the rolling hills and the tiny towns. Little cottages with old fashioned feels to them were scattered about, with different shades on the shutters, some red, some blue, you name it, but the paint was old and chipping, still, it gave to the aesthetic. Behind the windows there were old curtains, frayed and worn. On some windows you could see little flower boxes with tiny flowers just barely peeping out. It was very charming, and certainly these homes had a lot of character.

Another town they passed through, called Edwin, was a just a tad bit more populated than the before. There were town homes and a little shopping center, with a cute book store and cafe, which very much appealed to Ruby.

Small town after small town, each one had its own personality. Some had more people, others less and practically a ghost town. All of them did have that cozy feel to it. Where everyone knows everyone and they're all friendly. They'd then pass by large farms and beautiful hills, with breathtaking trees and landscapes, but then of course, all good things must come to an end at some point.

The horrendous moment that Ruby knew was coming.

They had arrived.