Harry Potter Next Generation discussion

Gryffindor Tower, also known as the Gryffindor Common Room, serves as the common room for students. The entrance to the common room is located behind the portrait of the Fat Lady on the Seventh Floor of Hogwarts Castle. A password is required to enter it (Balderdash). A circular hole is behind the painting leading to the common room. The common room is a circular room where Gryffindor students can relax after a long day of studying. It is full of squashy armchairs, tables, and a bulletin board where school notices, ads, lost posters, etc. can be posted. A window looks out onto the grounds of the school, and a large fireplace dominates one wall. The walls are decorated with scarlet tapestries that depict witches and wizards, but also various animals. It is usually where celebration parties are held after Gryffindor Quidditch victories.

Ruby came into the common room from the girls dormitory and plopped down into one of the armchairs. She sighed, irritated at her brother,and missing her parents. Ruby leaned back into the chair and focused on her breathing.

'Inhale, exhale,' she thought to herself.

Evie looked up from her Quidditch of the Ages copy and saw a disgruntled Ruby. She stood up and made her way towards Ruby. "Hey, are you alright?"

Ruby looked at the girl. She sat up straight and smiled sweetly. "Yes, I'm okay," Ruby lied. She had always known that she was a fairly good liar, and decided to change the direction of the conversation. "What are you reading?" Ruby asked the girl curiously. "Oh, and I'm Ruby by the way," she introduced herself.

Evie grinned, feeling much more at ease. She didn't suspect anything was up. "So you're the famous Ruby! I'm Al and James' friend. James talk about you a lot, he seems really fond of you. I'm reading Quidditch Through the Ages, this is like the 100th time," Evie laughed. "Oh, and I'm Evie."

"Hi Evie!" Ruby said, brightening up. "So you know my brothers, huh? My deepest apologies," Ruby said with a goofy grin. "James talks about me?" Ruby said with a smirk. "He never told me that," she added. "Ya, I've read that book several times. Are you on the Quidditch team? I just got on," Ruby said with a huge grin. She was beyond excited.

Evie flopped down on the armchairs. "Well, Al can be a prat sometimes, but James is..." She laughed, changing the subject. "And he never stops talking about you! My brother likes to pretend I don't exist, except when we're on the field." Evie rolled her eyes towards a dark haired Sixth Year, surrounded by a group of people. "And congrats! You must be the new Seeker, right? I'm a Chaser. My dad would murder me if I didn't play. You might know him, Oliver Wood? Both of my parents were Quidditch players and both of my brothers have or are team captains, one plays pro, so I pretty much have my entire future laid out for me! Oops, sorry, I'm rambling. I do that whenever I make new friends. That's probably why I don't have many..." Evie laughed.

"Bus can sometimes be annoying, but he's actually pretty goofy and funny when he wants to be," Ruby admitted. "Still can't believe he's Slytherin!" she said with a smile. "I hope everything he says about me is good! Nothing embarrassing?" Ruby asked nervously. There were quite a few stories that he could tell. Ruby burst into a huge grin. "Yes, I am!" she exclaimed happily. "I learned from the best- my mum," Ruby admitted. She laughed. "Don't tell my dad though- he would be offended that I said that, even if he does know mum is the better Quidditch player," Ruby said with a smile. She laughed and scrunched up her nose while she was laughing. "Oh, Mr. Wood? Capable of murder?" Ruby said, still laughing. "And rambling is fine. I tend to ramble quite often. You never know what embarrassing story you might get out of me, and you probably will have a hard time getting me to shut up," Ruby said, grinning.

"Yeah, he and Scorp at practically made to be together," Evie grinned. "Oh, there've been some interesting stories so far... but nothing too bad." Evie's eyes lit up. "Right! My mum's told me about Ginny Potter - they used to play on the team together! I loved her on the Harpies, she was amazing." Evie's eyes flickered back towards her brother. "Honestly, my dad'll be happy if we won the Quidditch Cup and failed all our classes in the process. He's insane." Evie drew her gaze back towards Ruby. "Keep on talking then - I could use some embarrassing stories to keep me up in good spirits!" Evie joked. "As long as you don't ramble like Rosie after reading a good book, we'll be fine." She smiled largely back at her new friend.

"Nah, I think Scorp is amazing with Rose," Ruby said calmly, with a grin on her face. "Like what?" Ruby asked Evie nervously. "I hope he didn't tell you about the dog and the mud! It was so embarrassing. My mum wouldn't let me come inside for hours!" Ruby said with a groan. "My mum was amazing? She's STILL amazing. You should see her when we all play Quidditch together. I try my best to make sure I'm on her team," Ruby said with a grin. "From what I've heard from my dad, that sounds a lot like Mr. Wood. My dad told me that he loves Quidditch more than McGonagall. Honestly don't know how anyone can love Quidditch more than her," Ruby said with a laugh. "Oh my stories.. There are too many embarrassing stories. My life tends to be filled with them!" Ruby admitted.

"Oh he did tell me that one," Evie grinned wickedly. "He's also told me one about an exploding toadstool? If you know anything about that." She leaned back lazily in her armchair. "McGonagall does love her Quidditch, and that's a spot-on description of my dad. But I've always heard the Weasleys and the Potters are both amazing at Quidditch! I've heard about your mum and dad, obviously. My dad knew your dad from being his captain, and I swear, he loves him more than he loves me and my brothers. You've got like, the best of both genes." Evie laughed. "Tell me about it. Last week, Rose was sick, and she's always my potions partner. I had to work by myself and without her guidance, I completely blew my cauldron, it was awful."

"Nooooooo," Ruby groaned. "How did he tell it? Because he tends to exaggerate stories. Okay, what really happened was we were all playing Quidditch. Some dog came and caught our snitch in its mouth, so I flew close to the dog and tackled it, trying to pry the snitch from its mouth. I ended up getting splattered with mud, and a lot of dog slobber on me, but I got the snitch," Ruby said with a grin. "My mum made me hose down, but it all wouldn't come off. She had me strip down in our little broom cupboard in our backyard and hose down. She gave me a towel and she finally let me inside," Ruby said with a wince at the memory. "James usually tells it that the dog bit me several times, and that it swallowed the snitch, my efforts being not good enough," Ruby told Evie. "I'm fairly close to Minerva- err.. Professor McGonagall," Ruby corrected herself. "She is obsessed. It's quite funny," Ruby said with a grin. "Our family is pretty good at Quidditch. I've got pretty awesome genes," Rose admitted. "My mum and dad both playing Quidditch. I'm somewhat glad I didn't inherit the red hair though," Ruby said honestly. "I'd be lost in a sea of Weasleys!" Ruby said with a laugh. "Oh that's it? I've done worse," Ruby said with a giggle.

"Oh wow," Evie responded. "The way James told it - well, it was 'more of a dragon than a dog', and also, he said it tried to eat you and drag you away. I think he mentioned something about you swallowing the snitch? Just remind me never to trust him again." Evie shook her head. "That's definitely true! There's so many redheaded Weasleys, it's incredible. The power of genetics, I suppose. Scorp likes to say that a carrot attacked Rose when she was younger, I think he's incredibly stupid." Evie rolled her eyes. "Rose called him a bunch of words I don't think I'd like to repeat. I could use a laugh - I'd like hearing about your stories sometime!"

"James tends to over exaggerate stories. But on the subject of dragons, remind me never to fly on my broom around them," Ruby shuddered. "It wasn't pretty," she added. "There are so many red heads in my family, I'm actually kind of glad that I look like my dad. It is better than just being a Weasley, but I tend to get reactions when I introduce myself," Ruby rolled her eyes. "Boys are stupid at times. I have no idea how Scorp knows that story. It's one of the incidents Rose refuses to talk about. She blushes like crazy and leaves the room," Ruby said with a giggle. "I can understand her foul language. That's a pretty embarrassing story," Ruby admitted.

"And you just proved you have the most exciting life ever, Ruby." Evie shook her head, astounded. "You, Al, and James all do, right? Al and Mr. Potter look exactly alike, but Lily looks more like a Weasley, with the red hair and all." Evie's eyes widened, processing what Ruby had just head. "Wait, that ACTUALLY HAPPENED? He was just making up a whole bunch of lies! It doesn't totally surprise me though," Evie added after a second. "You all have such interesting lives, mine just revolves entirely around Quidditch.

((i have to go to a lesson :( i'll reply as soon as i get back!))

Ruby laughed. "My life isn't that exciting. I usually just play pranks on Bus and Lils and blame J. I find it hilarious that they still haven't found out it's me!" she said with a grin. "Lily and Teddy don't look like us and dad. Lily looks like my mum and Teddy looks like his dad," Ruby told Evie. Ruby started to silently laugh, so much that she couldn't breathe. Ruby inhaled deeply and looked at Evie with a grin. "Oh, Ro will kill me if I tell you," Ruby said with a smile. "And Quidditch isn't bad. You should come over sometime. My family is pretty funny, and there is almost always something exciting going on," Ruby said with a grin. "Or embarrassing. Mostly for me," Ruby said honestly.

((Okay! If you haven't noticed, Ruby nicknames everyone. XD))

"Well that sounds pretty interesting to me! Don't worry about it, though," Evie winked. "I'll squeeze the story out of Rosie eventually. I always do." Evie perked up visibly. "I'd like to come over sometime, that sounds great. Embarrassing moments make us interesting, which explains you, clearly." Evie grinned. "You could come over during one of the holidays too! We have huge fields and multiple Quidditch pitches, and the town's pretty quiet, it would be great."

((sorry about the wait!! and i like her nicknames haha))

((It's okay. :))

Ruby laughed. "Ro is a hard nut to crack with that story," Ruby said with a grin. "Well then, I'm beyond interesting," Ruby said, laughing. "Because my life is full of embarrassing moments. I've had enough that I could easily share. I have too many," Ruby said, still smiling. "That would be fun! I'd like to see which family would win in a Quidditch match. I would think your dad would be pretty irritated if we won," Ruby said, laughing.

((if you think James or Albus would be the major prankster, just wait! I think Ruby is the best at pranks. XD))

Rose walks down the stairs from her dormitory to the common room

"Ruby! are you telling stories about me again?! you know how I feel about that incident!" Rose blushed

"Irritated?" Evie gave an incredulous laugh. "My dad would first disown us, and then try and drown himself in the shower, and for good measure burn himself alive. My dad would absolutely die. He's been training us to be a team our entire lives. Caleb and Sammy are beaters, Thomas is the seeker, Xavier, Mum and I are the Chasers, and Dad's the Keeper. He's training us as a family team to take down everyone. It's ridiculous. He's obsessed."

((it usually is the younger sisters XD))

"Are you eavesdropping again?" Ruby said, rolling her eyes. "You know that the carrot incident isn't really that bad. Especially compared to my embarrassing stories," Ruby said calmly. "It's fine! Chill, Ro. I haven't told the story," Ruby added with a smile. "I would tell my family to go easy, then," Ruby said with a smile to Evie. "We'd probably purposely lose, if your dad would be that depressed," Ruby said, laughing.

"That would make Dad more mad," Evie laughed, and winked. "We'll just have to see what happens." She turned to face Rose. "Hey Rose, what's up? You know, besides you butting into our conversation." Evie grinned.

"Well then," Ruby said calmly. "He would either have to be a graceful loser, or he'd have to be ridiculously good. After all, when we play Quidditch we normally do a round beforehand for who will be seeker. I tend to win when we do that," Ruby said, grinning. "I can't wait to play here," she added.

"well, besides defending my good name" Rose said with a smirk, "I came down here to work on my History of Magic assignement about the Second Wizarding War. It's so weird hearing Professor Binns talk about my parents in a historical context"

"It's beyond weird to hear them talk about my dad," Ruby said, wincing. "Honestly. I mean, I already live with him. Do I seriously have to write a paper on him?" Ruby said, rolling her eyes. "I honestly don't see the point. I know it's important to know, but I already know it," Ruby admitted. "And dad would probably laugh at me, if he saw my paper on him," Ruby shuddered. "No one can tell him," Ruby concluded.

"Don't worry, I won't tell him" Rose promised"Everyone in my class thinks it'll be easy for me since it's about my family. they don't take into account how weird it is." Rose shuddered. "Luckily, I picked Professor Longbottom as my topic so that I could avoid one one my parents"

"I wrote about Albus Dumbledore," Evie chimed in. "I think he's very interesting. But Rose, you hardly need to do any work. Binns absolutely loves you, probably because you pay attention and all..."

"I haven't decided yet. Neville, i mean, er, Professor Longbottom would probably be just as bad as my dad if he found out," Ruby said sadly. "Everyone that really had to do something to do with the war is either a family member, or a close family friend. Oh! I know who I'm going to do it on," Ruby said excitedly. She finally knew what she was going to do.

"I figured the likelihood of Professor Longbottom finding out was lower than my dad. He'd get all puffed up and prideful about it, and Mum would say 'if you want any help just let us know! You're so lucky to be writing about people who are still alive and you can ask them for help! Much easier than trying to information on Herpo the Foul' " Rose cringed. "Dumbledore was a good idea Evie. Who are you writing on Ruby?" Rose asked

"Oh I can't tell you," Ruby said mischievously. Ruby grinned. She knew she would probably write about her namesake and godmother, Minerva McGonagall. Ruby was comfortable about writing about her, and knew she would be pleased, but humble about it. Ruby also had the idea of writing about Aberforth Dumbledore. "Do you think Professor Binns would give me extra credit if I wrote two papers?" Ruby asked excitedly.

Rose's mouth opened in surprise "you're starting to sound like MY mother. Why on earth would you WANT to write two papers?" Rose asked quizzically "I'm sure you would get the extra, but you have other assignments I'm sure you need to give your attention to for normal credit" Rose said

"Oh I'm ahead already," Ruby said with a grin. "I can't decide in between two people to write about, so might as well write two!" Ruby said happily. "I am finished with all the school work that I need to do for the next few weeks. I asked all of my professors if I could have the assignments early so I could have more time on them," Ruby said to Rose, grinning. "It leaves me more time to.. never mind," Ruby said, not wanting to tell Rose about what she did in her free time.

"Woah" Rose gasped, dumbstruck. Wasn't she, as the daughter of Hermione Granger supposed to be the crazy smart one? "Don't tell my mom, or she'll start expecting me to do the same thing" oh well, she thought to herself. There's no way she'll keep up with that once she has O.W.L.S to study for. "What on earth do you do with all your spare time?" Rose asked

"Oh nothing," Ruby said casually. "And I can always tell your mother if you want," Ruby said, smirking. "I bet she would love to know that I, the daughter of a procrastinator, am the smart one of the family," Ruby said with a grin. "I do quite a lot in my spare time, actually," Ruby told Rose. "I go visit Hagrid, because of course I'm going to visit my godfather," Ruby said, grinning. "I visit my godmother sometimes, and.." Ruby trailed off. She didn't want to tell Rose about the pranks she pulled quite often. Or about the Map and the Cloak she stole from her dad. Or the trips she went on to Hogsmeade. She visited quite often and stole treats. Ruby would always leave money on the counter though.

"Don't you dare!" Rose scolded Ruby. She began to wonder what it was that Ruby was really doing. Surely she didn't have to visit Hagrid or McGonagall nearly that much. Rose smiled and thought that if Ruby was anything like herself then she was probably nursing a secret crush or sneaking around with a secret boyfriend, like she had done with Scorpius

((oooh I freaking love the idea of a secret boyfriend! oh my gosh someone needs to make a guy!))

Ruby grinned at Rose. "Well then, I'd have to be pretty happy with you. So i suggest not making me mad, Ro ," Ruby teased Rose. She honestly didn't mean it.

"Well, unlike you, apparently-" Rose scoffed" "Some of us do have homework, so I better get started on it. I'll talk to you later"

((Haha I didn't think you'd actually want to use that idea :) I just wanted to show Rose's romantic side. Seriously though, we do need to get some boys in here. I wish the guy who claimed Scoripus would be more active. ))

((Ya me too.)) "Bye Ro," Ruby said quietly, hoping she didn't offend her.

“Cool,” Connor replied, and they trailed quietly towards the common room. Like usual, the common room was filled with laughing teenagers, with open books in front of them, procrastinating because of the large sum of homework they all received. A few people looked up as Connor and Ruby entered, and they got a few waves, but no one really said anything. “Er, how about those armchairs there?” Connor nodded towards two empty armchairs by the fire.

"Sure!" Ruby said happily. She practically threw her backpack on the ground and sat in an armchair upside down, her long black hair flowing down to the floor. "You can grab some candy from my bag," she said with a grin. "There's no way I can eat it on my own," she said, laughing.

“That’s an interesting way to sit down,” Connor remarked. “I’d join you, but I’ll probably choke on all the candy I’m going to take from you.” He took up her offer and seized a handful of sweets, and opened up a chocolate card. “Look!” He exclaimed. “It’s Dumbledore! That makes 100 Dumbledores in my collection.”

Ruby rolled her eyes but continued to grin. "I like seeing things from a new perspective. Keeps things interesting," she explained. "By the way you have a bit of boogers up your nose," she giggled. "Awesome!" she said enthusiastically. "You and your cards. if there was a fire and you had to save one thing other than your cards, what or who would you save?" she asked curiously, the thought randomly popping into her head.

"Aw, shucks," Connor pouted, "Now you just made me feel embarrassed." But his grin told her he was just kidding. Connor paused, pondering the question. Right when he opened his mouth, Lily Potter walked through the door, her long red hair swinging behind her like a curtain. Immediately, his attention was deserted. Why would his cousin think he liked her? Well, she was kind and not bad on the eyes, but he didn't like her as anything more than a friend. He hoped no rumors were going around. "Um." Connor drew his attention back to Ruby. "Hm, that's a tough question. I'd probably save my broom." Connor grinned crookedly. "What'd you save, little Potter?"

"Good," Ruby joked. "Everyone is bound to feel like that eventually. I caused your embarrassment for the day. Victory!" Ruby thrust her arm into the air, making a fist. She then had both her hands dangle from the chair. "Your broom?" Ruby asked curiously. "I would probably save someone. Not a material object. Those can be replaced. But a living thing? Those are the things you have to hold on to," Ruby said seriously and wisely. Though she didn't notice her wisdom- she just said what was on her mind. Ruby tended to think deeply often. It made people uncomfortable at times. "Life is such a precious thing," she said simply. She began to play with her hair. "I wonder what my hair would look like if I dyed it," she pondered aloud.

"Oh, shut up, Min." Connor laughed, "You see, Ruby, you think too deeply. Most living people can be replaced. You have a nice, close loving family that care about you deeply. I am an only child with parents who barely even noticed I was there. Forgive me for being materialistic," He said, not really apologizing for anything. And then he smirked, "What color are you thinking of? Bright magenta perhaps? Maybe a lovely turquoise?"

"Never!" she said fiercely yet playful. "Living people can't be replaced though," Ruby argued. "There are no two people alike. You may have people similar, but you can never find an exact replica. Take me for instance. If you were to suddenly not be friends with me, but you like my personality and qualities, it would be beyond hard for someone to replicate that," Ruby pointed out with a smile. Ruby smiled weakly. "Well you don't have to go home to them this summer! You can come over to my house. My parents already said you could," Ruby said, beaming. She grinned. "I was thinking more of an ombre of vivid blues and greens. Like the ocean," she said passionately. "I love the ocean. It's amazing and secretive and just breathtaking. It's rough yet calm and serene and beyond beautiful." Ruby's eyes lit up while she was talking about it- she absolutely loved being near the ocean. It always gave her a sense of.. peace.

"Min, there is no point in arguing with me about this." Connor said simply. "I am about as deep as a cauldron, though I admire your thoughtfulness, I really do." Connor smiled at her. "Thanks for the offer, it would be nice... I'd have to check with my parents first, obviously." Connor looked at Ruby in unveiled amazement. He didn't know how someone could be so... Ruby-like. She was so different. Connor laughed. "Do dye your hair then, I would love to see the look on your brothers and sister's face when you do."