Ron Weasley: A Noble's Ascension

Exiting his room with Daphne and Hermione close behind him earned Ron more than a few curious gazes. Yet when they remembered that it was dinner time they continued on their way. Ron had also seen no reason to explain himself so after nodding at the other remaining boys in the Dormitory he led the two girls towards their Common Room.

Both of the girls had completely opposite reactions to their first study session. At first Daphne was extremely excited at the thought of having Ron personally teach her Legimency. That excitement however didn't last long since after Ron very briefly entered her mind to point out the basics. He handed a book on Legimency to her while he sat on his armchair and opened an old journal. Feeling frustrated at his neglect she tried to make said feelings heard, but Ron simply brushed them off.

Hermione on the other hand was on cloud nine. One of her real loves was reading and learning both of which she was able to do. During the entire time she quietly sat down in a corner of his room and read. Ron found her attitude much more pleasing as she didn't bother him as much as Daphne.

As such when they were walking down to the their Common Room Daphne wore a pout while Hermione had an smile from ear to ear.

" Ron, could I borrow those books so I can read them on my own time?"

Now that she'd been shown a new form of magic she wanted to learn as much about it as fast as possible. If Ron agreed to lent her the books she was more than positive that she'd be done with them in a matter of days.

" Sadly I can't Mion, those books aren't exactly allowed in the School. So if you were to so much as be seen with them, you'll be facing a severe punishment. Don't worry for the next couple of weeks leading to the winter break I'll be helping you two."

When he denied her request she felt saddened but quickly bounced back when he said he'd help them. Daphne next to her also smile but she turned away as to show it to Ron but Hermione noticed it.

-

Arriving to an almost empty Common Room, they realized they'd taken more time reading than expected.

" It seems we're running late for Dinner."

" I'm sorry guy's I know it's my fault for trying to squeeze another chapter."

Before Hermione could ask for their forgiveness, Ron reached inside his pocket.

" It's fine, you two remember the parchment of paper I showed you earlier right?"

They both thought back and remembered the map with all sorts of passages and filled with names. Thinking of it as a test question Hermione wanted to be the first to answer, yet her answer was cut short.

" Ah! Yes, the ma-"

" Mion."

" Oh, right sorry."

" Come follow me, we'll reach the Great Hall right on time."

With Ron leading them they walked towards a corridor before they stopped in front an odd Portrait. The image depicted was of an old Wizard pointing of into the distance with an excited expression.

" Um, Ron why did we stop at this weird painting?"

" You'll see."

Making sure they were alone, Ron activated the Map which then showed him the password. After that he simply spoke it and the portrait opened up revealing a hidden passageway.

" Whoa!"

" That's amazing!"

" C'mon, we wouldn't want to be late to dinner would we?"

" With that map well never be late again!"

" Where else can it take us!?"

Ron kept being bombarded with their questions the entire way, making him doubt if he should've shown them the map in the first place. The silver lining was that thanks to the map the trip was a short one

-

Shortly after their Trio walked out of an empty hall on the ground floor and made their way to the Great Hall. Getting closer to the doors they saw a familiar face also approaching them but from the opposite side. Ron wanted to continue his attempts at distancing him from the old man so he called out to him.

" Hey, Harry! Why don't you come sit with us?"

As Ron signaled Harry over, Daphne and Hermione waved at him. Harry was beginning to walk over towards them, before he was was suddenly stopped by a group of Gryffindor's. Not being able to get away Harry sent them an apologetic look. Ron didn't say anything but did nod towards the now crowded Harry who due to the large group was unable to notice.

" It seems Harry's busy at the moment, c'mon let's head inside."

" It's too bad that he can't join us, I wanted to tell him about the map."

" Mion, you cannot tell anyone about what we did or will do. Didn't you listen to Ron we'll be severely punished if anyone funds out."

" But.. it's Harry I don't think he'd.. "

" Let's not talk about that right now there are others present, we'll speak on the matter after dinner."

Daphne held onto Hermione's arm while whispering into her ear as they entered.

-

Once inside Ron scanned the entire Hall. As always his entrance caught the attention if many specially after the rumors of him being expelled made the rounds. He cared little for their ogling, and made his way to the Ravenclaw Table.

On the corner of his eye he caught sight of a Gryffindor waving at him. Ron replied with a wave of his own which caught the attention of those around the boy. It seemed the sudden attention their interaction garnered was welcomed by the Gryffindor who was all smiles.

"* I see Cormac has already forgotten all about Fred and George's prank. His usefulness will be important later on for now I'll make sure to have him nearby.*"

Arriving at their Houses Table two people walked over to their Trio, Anthony and Sue Li. Ron gave them a simple greeting as he took a seat while Daphne and Hermione both began to talk to Sue Li. Seeing them getting along so well, Anthony decided to start a conversation with Ron.

" Um, Ron...?"

Before answering Anthony, Ron placed his napkin over his l.a.p and began to serve himself. Only after his plate was full did he turn to face the nervous boy.

" Yes, what's the matter?"

" Um, I was wondering if you could- if you wouldn't mind joining our study group."

Ron had never thought about "Studying" at least not for his current classes, for the simple reason that he found them too easy. He'd read and completely memorized the class books up to the fourth year making studying obsolete. He could've continued onto the following years but that's when he went to Russia and trained real magic under his Aunt.There were more obscure and rarely taught courses that interested him but they were obviously way to advance for his peers.

" Who else is in the study group? Anyone I know?"

" I'm still asking people, but those who've accepted so far are; Me, Sue, Padma Patil, Micheal, and Terry."

" So you've only asked those from our own House? What about those from other Houses have you asked them about joining?"

" No, I'm not really good at talking to people so I only asked those I knew... "

" It's okay, Daphne, Hermione and I will join. As for inviting new members I'll take care of gathering them, if that's okay with you."

" YES! I mean of course. Actually many of those who refused me did so because they didn't believe I was fit to lead the group. However with you in charge I'm sure they'll change their minds and also reconsider joining."

" Alright, then after I've gathered the new members we'll set up the first study session."

" That's perfect! Thank you Ron!"

" There's no need for you to thank me, I'm more than happy to do so. I'm sure the group will be a great success."

With his ever present grin Ron shook Anthony's hand, while simultaneously begining to decide who he'd invite into his group. Anthony who'd been one of Ron's avid supporters was over the moon with their arrangement. Never imagining that his Study group would be used as a recruitment center by Ron.