Ready for a Day Trip? PV Marla Quinlan Finished

~ * ~

When the owl brought Marla's reply back, Ruby couldn't help but start uncontrollably smiling for the rest of the day. This was going to be so much fun! Just the thought of Marla as she read the letter over made her day so much better. She scrambled to write a reply, snatching up the nearest writing tool and paper that she could find.

America?! Why are you in America? I'm quite sure that there's an interesting story behind that, so I'll wait to hear it when we can discuss it over ice cream or a drink – pumpkin juice or tea or something. While we're on this topic, what's your favourite drink? What about your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Yes, a pet! It's crazy, right? I think it's time though, and seeing all the adorable little creatures running around Hogwarts after the pet ban was lifted only made me more eager to get one. I haven't decided what type yet, but I reckon I'll know when I find the right one for me. If you don't have enough money, I could help with that. No one in my household would notice if a few extra galleons mysteriously disappeared.

I feel the same way, I can't wait to see you! Don't tell me everything through letters, though, it isn't quite the same as exchanging tales in person. I can wait less than a week to get answers to some of my questions.

Ruby x

She was grinning foolishly as she gave the owl the letter, her thoughts occupied with the girl that she had somehow clicked with so quickly. It was true, she would wait in apprehension – counting down the days until they could finally see each other again. How wonderful it was to have a true, close friend at last…

~ * ~

~ * ~

Ruby was known to many as being cold and unemotional. In several of her old schools, people stayed away from her because she terrified them. It was something about her, perhaps the danger, the look in her eyes, the fact that she didn't need anyone, the power that she seemed to have within her, the confidence. A number of people that she had met in her short lifetime would have laughed at the mere thought that Ruby would ever come to be so soft around someone of her age, to make a close friend – a best friend, even, that she loved more than almost anyone. Yet there were a few that saw this side of her. The playful, the cheerful, the loving. Perhaps she was just lonely. Maybe she always had been. Even with all the experience she might have lacked in the friend department, especially considering she didn't know how to react to most girls because she had grown up being close friends with boys, she somehow managed to make this work. She was blessed with this angel of a Gryffindor that was her friend, Marla Quinlan.

I like those too! I think they're best in the winter, though. Personally, I don't have a favourite drink, but there are a lot that I like. Also, you've never had ice cream? How?! Oh, we are so fixing that. Again, I don't really have a favourite of many things, but I certainly like mint (or mint chocolate chip), coconut, raspberry sorbet, and strawberry quite a lot.

Duh, of course you are. That's not even worth questioning. You may snuggle with my pet and your own assuming you want one/are allowed it, of course. If you do truly want a pet, you will take the money, I insist. Think of it as a gift, not as something that needs to be paid back. Wait, why were pets even banned…?

Yes, we will be! They won't know what hit 'em. (Picture me smirking here. I know you know what it looks like.) Of course I'd be up for sharing a room! That sounds lovely. Now, save your poor hands and don't write back unless you must. As much as I adore receiving your replies, you should save it for when we're in person.

Ruby x

As if Marla could scare Ruby away if she tried. No, the Gryffindor was stuck with her now. Ruby couldn't wait for the 13th. Like Marla had said, they would be a force to be reckoned with. She had to force herself to not bounce around, squealing with excitement. Instead, she sat still at her desk, still grinning stupidly. It was going to be perfect.

~ * ~

~ * ~

Another letter flew in and Ruby smiled, reaching for her equipment again.

Like I said, we'll have to fix the fact that you haven't had ice cream yet. Just a warning – it's like most cold things in that it's easy to get brain freeze, so watch out.

I think dogs would require too much maintenance. They're loud, need a lot of attention, and couldn't just be allowed to roam the school. They need things at inconvenient times, and if students were allowed to have them, then they'd either be prioritizing their dog over their school work and class (which is stupid because that's what they're here for) or they'd have to find someone to take care of it (I have no idea who that would be or how). I could go on and on, but I'll spare you that lecture and simply leave it at this: I understand why dogs aren't allowed. Are you more of a dog person, then?

Well, of course it is. This will be a day to remember, my friend! I'm so excited. Don't worry about not being able to reply, it's best to save it for when we're in person anyway. Just meet me in the Leaky Cauldron at 9:00 am.

Ruby x

After sending the last letter for now, Ruby settled down with a book, trying to contain her excitement, but it was a futile attempt. She would not be able to rest properly tonight until she calmed down, but that was fine by her if it meant that she got to see Marla soon.

~ * ~