#rubyria

“This is a flash grenade.”

Ruby gulps nervously, not because she understands what that Muggle terminology means but because of You and Chika’s serious expressions. Chika is seated in one of the couches with her arms folded and her characteristic ahoge drooped, while You is carefully inspecting the object before placing it back into the wooden box.

“Even in the Muggle world, this isn’t something accessible to civilians,” You says thoughtfully, her gaze trained on the item as if she could unravel the mystery. “Chika-chan and I have seen enough movies to recognize it. Even if it’s not a flash grenade, it’s… still a grenade, a bomb.”

“Why would they give me something like this though?” Somewhat frustrated, Ruby begins to pace around the her Prefect dorm, a habit she’s picked up from Kanan since her First Year. “I wonder what Osaka-san and Kazuno-san have in their boxes?”

After the end of the First Task, it was announced that the Second Task would be held after New Year’s. The official only stated that the item in the wooden box is vital to the nature of the Second Task, and that the champion should get to know their respective item before then. Each champion is also allowed to bring one more item with them in this Task, and the only hint was that the two items should balance each other.

Furthermore, there is one special condition that will be announced on the day of the Second Task, and Ruby had an iffy feeling about it so she’d like to prepare for the worst.

But, what is she supposed to do?

“Hmm, no other hint at all huh?” Chika slowly chews on her mikan pastry, her eyes not shimmering as usual whenever she enjoys her snacks, but rather filled with concern for her friend.

“No. I heard the Durmstrang principal was rather upset about the secrecy but that’s it.”

“I guess this is fair. Unnerving, but fair.” You pats Ruby’s head, prompting the latter to smile. “We’ll research more on the grenades, you can count on us! How about the other item?”

“Onee-chan suggested I bring the Kurosawa sabre. Since there’s so much we don’t know about the Second Task, the sabre can at least protect me.”

Truthfully, Ruby isn’t as keen on the idea. She would much rather bring a bottle of Dittany in case she gets injured but in the end, she agrees with her sister that prevention is much better than treatment.

“That’s a great idea, as expected of Dia-san! I bet she’ll be surprised when she sees you in action~” Chika also bounces up from her chair and wraps her arm around Ruby’s shoulder. “Hehe, she doesn’t know what you’ve been working on, right?”

At this, Ruby grins playfully and does a Rubesty pose. No matter how much she practices, she acknowledges that she will never be skillful in swordsmanship. Therefore, at her request, Chika had been more than happy to teach her the complex Charm that makes her Beater bats hover around her like sentient guards. Except, in this case, Ruby has utilized it on the Kurosawa sabre. The last time they dueled in the Room of Requirement, the sword was quite the force to be reckoned with.

“That’s our girl! Uuuaaaah, You-chan, I can’t believe our Ruby-chan’s all so grown up now.” Dramatically, the Head Girl flops against her girlfriend and pretends to wipe away her tears with the latter’s scarf.

“A true champion of Hogwarts! We’ve raised her well~” You picks up Chika and spins her around while pretending to sniffle.

Ruby chuckles at the duo’s familiar antics. The couple never excludes her from their theatrics and she always enjoys watching them interact anyway. Being around them makes her feel happy and at ease, all the troubles churning in her mind evaporating away. You and Chika truly are magical in their own special way.

Not to mention, they’re both very perceptive.

“Something’s bothering you, right? And it’s nothing to do with the Tournament.”

Ruby doesn’t see a point in hiding it. “I’m worried about Yoshiko-chan and Hanamaru-chan.”

The duo exchanges a knowing look. “Right, we’ve been trying to grab hold of them too but they’ve gotten pretty good at evading.” You chuckles quietly at the last bit. Years of running away from the You Watanabe Fanclub must have trained Yoshiko well.

“I’ve talked with Hanamaru-chan, but it wasn’t enough - that’s the bad thing about having my own Prefect dorm, I miss being roommates with her. Outside of my Prefect duties, I try to look for her but she must’ve learned from Kanan-san where the best hiding spots are around the school. There just aren’t any… right opportunities.” Exasperated, Ruby resumes pacing around the room. “The most I’d gotten out of her is that, she kept saying it’s her fault but Yoshiko-chan won’t accept her apology and insisted she’s the one at fault instead.”

This isn’t a fight where she could just make the two talk and compromise. There’s no side to coax into admitting fault and apologize, not when both parties believe they’re the guilty ones. Both are very reluctant to talk about the subject further. Hanamaru had requested her to drop the subject and she couldn’t bring herself to push it. After all, Hanamaru had never asked her for anything, so how could she refuse?

“You just focus on the Second Task. Leave Hanamaru-chan to You-chan and I!” Chika pumps up her fist. “No one can evade our MVP Seeker for long! And I’m sure Riko-chan can grab hold of Yoshiko-chan and talk some sense into her.”

Ruby trusts the duo and her future sister-in-law, she really does, but it’s gnawing away at her conscience that she hasn’t been helpful towards her best friends. This useless feeling, it’s all too familiar, like how things were years ago back in the Estate.

“Aww, don’t make that face, Ruby-chan! You have a lot on your plate and you’ve already tried your best, cheer up!” Chika’s smiles then shifts to a mischievous one. “Don’t you have something else urgent that’s coming up very soon?”

You catches the drift and snickers. “Oh yes, the fun stuff~ I heard you have gained quite a bit of following after your awesome performance at the First Task~”

Ruby twitches uncomfortably. A tradition that’s existed for centuries, one that each champion must participate. A mandatory ‘task’ that she really doesn’t want to be under the spotlight for.

“So, who’re you taking to the Yule Ball?”

A strangled whimper is all she could reply to that.

==================

“There! How’s Yohane-sama’s amazing skills!?”

“Thanks for styling my hair! You really are good, Yoshiko-chan!”

“It’s Yoha-... whatever, hmnff, as long as you recognize my awesomeness, little demon no.4!”

Even though Yoshiko quickly hides it, Ruby notices that fleeting hesitation and that confirms her doubts. Still, she decides to put that on hold for now so they can finish dressing up. She glances around at all the makeup and accessories as well as the various clothes they no longer need, and acknowledges that this is the messiest that her Dorm has become in a while.

She couldn’t help but smile as Yoshiko poses in front of the mirror, relieved at this arrangement. It definitely is more relaxing to be in her best friend’s company instead of a fan’s. She thought You was joking but there had been several ambushes in the preceding weeks, including the time she almost drank a glass of juice that has Love Potion in it! It was downright scary!

Is it really such a big deal, to be featured on the front page of the Daily Prophet as a champion’s partner?

After much consideration, Ruby had originally asked Riko to accompany her for many reasons. Even though You and Chika had volunteered, Ruby did not want to split the couple especially since this is their last year at Hogwarts. Riko was in charge of performing with the piano so Ruby would only have to open the dance floor as Hogwarts’ champion and she is done. It would also be nice to spend time with her future sister-in-law, showing their closeness under public scrutiny. Neither Dia nor Riko has expressed concerns for the public’s opinion of their engagement but Ruby still wants to show her support whenever there’s an opportunity.

But then, Yoshiko had demanded to accompany Ruby. In spite of her best friends’ situation, Ruby had hoped that Hanamaru and Yoshiko would go to the Ball together. What surprised her more though, is the fact that Leah asked Hanamaru and the latter agreed. It didn’t seem like Leah got along with any of her schoolmates, at least the ones within Durmstrang’s entourage, but she did not expect Leah to ask Hanamaru of all the people.

Sighing, Ruby half-heartedly fixes her cloak and tries to ignore the weird feeling in her chest. Ever since this strange turn of events, she’s been feeling restless and confused. She doesn’t get annoyed often, which is why she has no idea how to deal with this tension in her body. True to their words, You and Chika had hunted down Hanamaru, and Riko had a long chat with Yoshiko as well, but Ruby has yet to see any improvement in their situation. Why else would Yoshiko go with her and Hanamaru still going with Leah? And Yoshiko hadn’t complained that her girlfriend was going with someone else. Just what’s going on? This doesn’t make any sense!

“Why the serious expression, Ruby? The fallen angel-”

“Yoshiko-chan. Tell me what’s going on between you and Hanamaru-chan. Please.”

It’s now or never. Ruby feels awful for ruining the merry atmosphere but she can’t bear it any longer. As expected, Yoshiko’s grin drops but she continues to stare at her reflection in the mirror. Ruby patiently remains silent as her friend fiddles with the ribbons and puts on her earrings. The raven-haired girl then reaches up for the quill affixed in her bun but stops at the last moment and leaves it be.

“... I guess it’s been long enough. Lily’s urged me to talk to you about it but…”

Ruby panics at the sight of shimmering tears in her friend’s eyes but Yoshiko irritably wipes them away with her gloved hand.

“Goddamit. It’s just hard to talk about, especially… to you.”

“Me?” Ruby hasn’t expected that, and is more than startled when Yoshiko whirls around and enters her personal space in one swift stride.

“Who am I, Ruby Kurosawa?”

The husky tone and the proximity cause her to cringe and instinctively clutch at her chest. Her heart quickens in fear in spite of her mind inwardly screaming otherwise.

“... I’m sorry. I just wanted to see your reaction.” Yoshiko murmurs sadly and backs away, returning to her spot in front of the mirror.

“Y-Yoshiko-chan, that’s not… I didn’t mean-” Ashamed, Ruby tries to ignore the prickling ache from the scars of sectumsempra and boldly places a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder. Yoshiko smiles slightly at that, but the sight just makes her feel worse.

“It’s okay. I thought I’ve gotten over it. I thought we’ve all gotten over it, but it’s not that easy is it?” Yoshiko gingerly touches the mirror’s surface, her fingers trailing the shape of the quill before clenching into a fist. “I am Yoshiko. But I am also Yohane. I’ve accepted that. Or I thought I did.”

“Yoshiko-chan-”

“Things were going so well, y’know, between Hanamaru and I. Both of us, we thought we’ve moved on. But then, this one time, when we were kissing and things were getting heated between us, she… started crying. She was horrified and kept apologizing for thinking of...”

Ruby feels cold. No wonder this has been so difficult for her two friends to talk about. Back in their Second Year, Hanamaru had confided in her that she would involuntarily recall the first kiss she shared with the Yoshiko she fell in love with, and how guilty and conflicted she felt about being so intimate with the Yoshiko now. Ruby had tried her best to reassure her friend and always made sure to give the two privacy to sort things out, so things had never escalated to this point.

It was already painful to put herself in Hanamaru’s shoes, let alone Yoshiko’s.

“I told her it’s not her fault but, well, I’m just… I don’t know what to do anymore,” Yoshiko chuckles dryly and turns away from the mirror at last. “I love her, Ruby, but maybe she loves the Yoshiko I used to be more.” Yoshiko closes her eyes and shakes her head. “No, I shouldn’t doubt, I shouldn’t… I-I’m sorry to just dump this on you-”

Not knowing what else to do, Ruby hugs her friend tightly. “I’m the one who made you talk, Yoshiko-chan. I’m sorry I’m not helpful at all. It’ll be very hard, I understand that, but things cannot go on like this. I’ll be there if you two need an extra voice, anything, but please promise me you’ll talk to her. I w-will too. You’re both too important to me, I refuse to let the past get in the way of my best friends becoming h-happy.”

“Hey now, why’re you the one crying? You’re messing up my masterpiece!” Yoshiko laughs, sniffling hastily and hands over a handkerchief to Ruby. “Thank you though. I… I really appreciate it. I needed that. I really, really am grateful.”

Ruby smiles weakly, forcing away that horrible memory of Yohane almost killing her to the back of her mind. She needs to be strong, especially now.

“Heh, I remember you used to be a lot shorter than me.” Grinning, Yoshiko mischievously pats her head before tugging on her side ponytail. “Not anymore though. You’ve grown into your princely outfit for sure.”

“I’d r-rather wear a dress like you do. I look weird! Even the outfit I wore to the Banquet in our First Year is better than this…”

“What, you’re doubting Yohane-sama’s fashion sense? Trust me, you look great. Those two Gryffs will be all over you, not to mention your little fanclub-”

“Yoshiko-chan!”

“Fine fine. Why don’t you escort the great fallen angel to this Yule Ball and show the rest of the mortals what dancing truly is?”

Ruby stands straighter and chivalrously takes her partner’s hand, finding herself relaxing now that Yoshiko is smiling again. The expression still looks a bit stiff and her eyes are clouded with doubts, but overall she appears more relaxed at least.

The Christmas Banquet in their First Year was when her two best friends finally faced their feelings and confessed. Ruby fervently hopes that the magic of such dance would bring them back together once more.

====================

“They seem to be having fun.”

Ruby couldn’t help but mumble as she and Yoshiko sway along the waltz. It probably looks comical for any onlookers, that their attention is not on each other but on another pair. Indeed, after the first dance that each champion is obligated to start off the night, Leah and Hanamaru have remained on the dance floor and are seemingly absorbed in each other.

At first, the Durmstrang champion looks just as placid as she always does. She seems to despise the spotlight being on her just as much as she dislikes dancing for the formality of the Tournament. However, she is now chuckling at something Hanamaru said. That’s a positive expression, one that Ruby has never seen before. When did they get so close?

“That’s just the way Zuramaru is. She’s good at making us loners open up.”

Ruby frowns at Yoshiko, tugging so that the latter is close enough to hear her whispered words. “Even with the situation between you two, I don’t see Hanamaru-chan just agreeing to being Kazuno-san’s partner. It’s not like her.”

“Well, I agree this isn’t like her, but maybe she just wants to get her mind off of things. Maybe that Durmstrang champion has something I don’t?”

Ruby deliberately steps on Yoshiko’s foot, earning an angry yelp. “None of that, Yoshiko-chan. I was going to wait until after they finish dancing to get you two to talk, but I think enough time has passed.”

“W-Wait, now? But, what should I say?”

Yoshiko’s uncertain expression softens Ruby’s heart, but she recalls their earlier conversation and steels her resolve. “What you said to me. Knowing Hanamaru-chan, she would understand. If she continues to apologize, you just need to hug her and express your feelings until she can’t possibly think of anything else.”

“... where did you-? I’m gonna tell Dia-san that Kanan and Mari have been teaching you unnecessary things. Or was it those dunderheads?”

Ruby blinks. “What’s wrong with hugging? You-san and Chika-san hug all the time, they would cheer each other up that way.”

Yoshiko still looks dubious for some reason but sighs and nods. “Alright. Let’s go for it.”

After giving her friend’s hand one last encouraging squeeze, Ruby leads her around the crowd and towards the dancing pair. Leah’s expression darkens as soon as she notices her, which inexplicably irks her.

“What do you want?”

The Durmstrang champion is clad in a formal outfit fancier than her school uniform. The furred cloak is styled over one shoulder, with the school’s double-headed eagle embroidered proudly over the velvet scarlet. Her shoulder length hair is pulled to a sleek low ponytail, giving her a refreshing and regal demeanor in contrast to her usual slightly unruly appearance. If it weren’t for her vicious scowl and biting tone, she would have passed as a foreign royalty.

Hanamaru, dressed in a pretty but simple dress of white and dark crimson, drops her gaze nervously at their approach. If it weren’t for Leah’s tight grip on her wrist, she might have bolted from the dance floor. Ruby wistfully reminisces how she used to be the one fleeing from confrontations and Hanamaru being the one to give her courage.

Taking a deep breath, she firmly steps forward and reaches for Hanamaru’s hand.

“Kurosawa, what’re you-”

“Couples should spend the rest of the night together.”

“Ruby-chan, I-”

Ruby simply gives her dear friend a soft smile before nudging her towards Yoshiko, who’s been standing awkwardly to the side. Just as Leah is about to reclaim her partner, Ruby loops one arm around hers and drags her away. Soon, other dancing pairs obscure her view of her best friends but she trusts them to at least try to make it through one song together.

If glares could murder, Ruby is certain Leah has killed her a dozen times already. “You’ll pay for this!”

“I do apologize for interrupting your night with Hanamaru-chan, but-”

“Ha! I don’t really care, Kurosawa, but your friend’s stories are entertaining at least. Between a dreadful night with an eyesore, like you, she’s the better alternative.”

Frowning, Ruby tries to ignore the insult. “Stories?”

“Yup. She won’t stop talking about you and that girl… her girlfriend, I assume?” Leah rolls her eyes. “Like I said, rather than useless chatters, I do find her stories interesting.”

“I see… that’s why you asked her to the dance?”

“That’s right. She did Disarm me that time in the hallway. More impressive than you anyway.” Leah trails off, glancing between their connected hands and the fact that they’re swaying to the ballad. “... are we dancing?”

“Oh. I suppose we are-?” Truthfully, Ruby hasn’t realized that she’s taken the lead position with one arm loosely wrapped around Leah’s waist. She was too focused on getting the Durmstrang champion as far away from Yoshiko and Hanamaru as she could that the Pureblood etiquette ingrained in her soul must have automatically kicked in.

“This is ridiculous! Two champions dancing together?” Leah tries to back away but Ruby tightens her hold, worried that the former might storm back to her friends. “Hey, let me go! Do you have any idea how stupid we must look?!”

“I-I think we look okay, Kazuno-san. Um, in fact, I think you look quite nice.”

“What-? That’s not the point! We’re both donning the formal capes! No other pairs are like us!”

“That’s not true. Osaka-san is dancing with her senpai from Beauxbaton, and they’re both wearing dresses. Oh, Yoshiko-chan and Hanamaru-chan are in dresses too-”

“Have you even seen suits from Beauxbaton? And your friends are weird so they don’t count! Look at the rest of the room, everyone else is in suit-dress pair! Why is my logic not getting through your dumb brain?!”

Ruby dares to sneak a peek around, all the while making sure Leah doesn’t break free. Kanan and Mari had gone to Australia shortly after the First Task but managed to return here in time to attend the Ball. The married couple is putting on quite the performance at one corner of the Great Hall, along with a couple of alumni that Ruby recognized to have participated in the past dance competitions. Unlike two years ago though, Kanan is wearing a satin tux that shimmers in dark violet, while Mari is wearing a lovely turquoise cocktail dress.

Among the onlookers are Chika and You, who look ready to join the impromptu show judging by their excited grins. The Head Girl’s glossy suit must be handmade by her girlfriend, whose complementary mermaid dress gives her a mystic quality. Another quick glance to the unoccupied piano tells Ruby that Dia must have escorted Riko somewhere quiet, perhaps at the various food benches, but she isn’t given the chance to search further.

“Tch, you’re stronger than you looked-!”

The abrupt tug almost causes them to lose balance, but Ruby manages to use the momentum to twirl and dip Leah before returning to their previous position. Quiet applause indicates that there are people watching them and, judging by Leah’s frown, she definitely did not like that.

“I’m very close to giving the proverbial middle finger to the Yule Ball’s decorum and just leave this accursed dance floor.”

Ruby has no doubt Leah would go through with her threat, and a part of her is tired of having to put up with the hostile Durmstrang champion. However, the atmosphere around her is just so nostalgic that she doesn’t want anything to ruin this pleasant moment. Many things have changed since the Christmas Banquet two years ago, but Ruby is confident to say that they’re all mostly for the better.

Her friends are all here and, at the end of the day, they’re happy with their lives. Even Yoshiko and Hanamaru, Ruby believes with all her heart that they can sort through their issue together.

How about herself? She doesn’t know. She’s certainly come very far since the friendless scaredy-critter living a lonely life in the Kurosawa Estate. She’s content with the way things are already. There’s no need for more, just a bit of peace is more than enough for her.

“Let’s just have fun dancing, Kazuno-san. It’s the holidays, so we’re meant to relax. How about a truce, please?”

Maybe her calm tone is finally getting through to Leah, since she only sighs instead of struggling again. “... why do you have to stick to me anyway? Don’t you have a horde of merry friends to dance with?”

“They’re with their respective partners, and I really want Hanamaru-chan and Yoshiko-chan to make up. Things haven’t been going well with them-” Ruby stops herself, wondering if she’s revealing too much to someone who, technically, isn’t even her friend.

“Really? With the way Kunikida kept talking about her, I never would’ve imagined they had any problem at all,” Leah huffs, scrunching her nose in disgust. “And make up? More like make out.”

Ruby looks over her shoulder to see that her friends are indeed kissing. Although, unlike Leah’s exaggeration, Yoshiko and Hanamaru are simply sharing a chaste kiss. The exchange appears hesitant, but at least they’re both smiling at each other and that’s all that matters.

A warm sensation fills Ruby’s heart at that wonderful sight. Her steps become lighter and she really feels immersed in the calming movements of the music now. She has to blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay though, and she isn’t surprised to find Leah deadpanning at her.

“Seriously, are you crying? Hnff, you’re so weird.”

Perhaps the joy has emboldened her, for she blurts out an ongoing question before she could stop herself. “Why do you dislike me so much, Kazuno-san?”

Leah raises an eyebrow, as if not expecting her to be so direct. “I have my reasons, Kurosawa,” she says coolly, “Are we done yet? I’ve already put up with you long enough, not to mention I was unknowingly involved in your little circle’s drama.”

This is probably the longest and sort of civil interaction she’s ever had with the Durmstrang champion, so she doesn’t want to waste this chance. “The music is getting good! Besides, I’m enjoying dancing with you. You’re a good dancer.”

“Duh? Much better than you are. While we’re on this, why are you leading anyway? I’ll show you how it’s done.”

True to her words, Leah switches their position and smoothly demonstrates the movements, each and every step precise yet graceful. Their cloaks flutter slightly at each turn, adding to their dance as if they’re part of the routine.

“See that? Come on, match my steps, don’t be so clumsy.”

Sure, Leah is chuckling at her expense but it doesn’t feel as mocking as it was before. As the melody continues to play in the background, their discussion becomes more light-hearted the more they focus on various aspects of dancing and eventually about wandworks.

At one point, Leah even laughs at a joke she made.