Ron Weasley: A Noble's Ascension

With Ron getting past her defenses. Daphne's mind slowly started to unwind. This would allow the invader to go deeper into their targets mind, but seeing as this was merely practice Ron halted himself. Although before exiting, he swept the entire plane with a cold gaze. It only lasted a fraction of a second before he vanished altogether.

_

Out in the real world, Daphne was struggling having her mental barriers shattered by Ron. Her small delicate face contorting in pain, while her delicate petite body trembled uncontrollably. Ron's actions might've appeared simple and nonsequential, but Daphne's reaction said otherwise.

" Daph, are you okay? What's going on!?"

Seeing her friend in such an intense state of suffering, Hermione rushed over to her. Thankfully her assistance wasn't needed as Daphne seemingly snapped awake. Almost at that exact same time a hand grabbed onto her helping to stabilize her. The owner of that hand was of course Ron, although wearing a visibly worried look.

" It's okay, try to relax, take deep breaths, it's over now."

Holding onto her still shaking frame, Ron intently gazed at Hermione, silently gesturing her to assist him.

" Ah, yes!"

Hurriedly grabbing onto the dazed Daphne, the two managed to move her over to the nearby bed.

" W-what happened? Why did she..."

Hermione anxiously asked, Ron rapidly answered surprisingly looking worse for ware.

" She'll be fine, it's just mental stress. After a quick nap she'll be good as new."

Right after spitting out that response, Ron let out an exhausted sigh. Though when this didn't attract Hermione's attention he straightened himself out.

' Thankfully all that practice I undertook during my little trip to Russia seems to have paid off. That said, Legilimency surely isn't a Magical Art for the mediocre, one simple slip up and you'll be left with a bumbling idiot. Even still my proficiency with it could use further work, specially with the monsters lurking around.'

Without his knowledge, Ron's body instinctively tensed up at the thought of facing off against such powerful adversaries. Standing just a few feet away, Hermione caught sight of an odd expression on Ron's face.

" Ron, what's wrong? Are you okay...?"

Hermione's words of concern awoke Ron from his daze, quickly responding with a faint smile.

" Yeah, it's probably just backlash from overexerting myself. Nothing to worry about."

" Are you sure, if you don't feel all that well you should take a seat..."

Reading her expression, Ron knew she hadn't entirely believed him. Leading to one of Ron's signature tactics, that of misdirection.

" Since Daphne is currently unavailable, would you like some help studying?"

Surprised at the unexpected offer, she failed to reply right away. Only when the same words entered her ears again did she blurt out an answer.

" Eh, oh, yes! Please!"

On the surface, Ron merely let out a low chuckle yet inside he felt quite happy with himself.

' Works everytime.'

Summoning the old tome towards his open palm, Ron took a firm hold of it prior to intently staring at Hermione.

" Are you ready?"

A soft gulp, resounded throughout the modest sized bedroom. The perpetrator of course being the momentarily stunned Hermione. Thought that didn't last for long seeing as she eagerly jumped at the opportunity.

" O-of course!"

Overwhelmed by optimism, Hermione wanted to start the lesson right away. Going as far as grabbing onto Ron's left sleeve in order to pull him along. Doing as such, Hermione looked absolutely overjoyed. Made glaringly obvious by a wide toothy smile adorning her round face. Her unusually cheerful demeanor, linked to this unforseen opportunity being offered by Ron.

' If I ever truly want to surpass Ron, I first have to catch up to him. He might come from an actual magical family, grew up surrounded by magic his entire life, and is by far the smartest person I've met so far. While by comparison numerous things are still new to me, so many I can't possibly count them. Those same things, I struggle to wrap my head around, are easily seen through by him... However, even someone like me surely had a chance, if I give my entire self to improving myself.'

Unbeknownst to Hermione who was feeling extremely confident in herself, a sentence seemingly uttered apathetically by Ron left her frozen in place.

" I'm actually surprised you'd agree for me to help you after witnessing what just happened to Daphne."

Listening to his words, Hermione immediately recalled the scene of a severely weak Daphne.

" ... "

Now another gulp was heard, although contrary to the soft sounding one before, this one was full of caution. To the point of causing a drop of cold sweat to fall down Hermione's now colorless face.

Left completetly speechless, Hermione struggled to get that specific image out of her mind. Only managing to snap out of it, when a giddy laugh came from behind her.

" Hahahahaha."

Red faced, Hermione turned back around shaking her small fist at a now hysterical Ron.

" It's not funny!"

She furiously yelled at him, and although he did settle down somewhat, traces of a smug grin remained on Ron's face.

" I'm sorry, but you should have seen your face. You're not mad right? I was just messing around with you, trying to lighten up the mood."

Seemingly trying to salvage the situation Ron weakly apologized. However before the person in question could answer, he effortlessly added to his earlier words.

" I mean, in all honesty I'm positive you possess more talent in mind arts than Daphne."

" W-what?"

Stunned at his sudden compliment, Hermione struggled to say anything. Granting Ron ample time to continue with this surprise monologue.

" Hermione, do you remember the first time we met?"

Albeit still rattled by his earlier statement, she slowly nodded prior to replying.

" Yes, on the train on our way to Hogwarts. Why?"

Taking a step forward, Ron now stood directly in front of Hermione. Gazing deeply into her light brown eyes, Ron confirmed her answer before pausing.

" That's correct, you rudely opened the door to our container looking for Neville's pet frog. You know, I'm grateful to you for that, since you presented me the perfect opportunity to get out of an excruciatingly insufferable conversation. However there is something else you should know about our first meeting..."

That unnaturally long pause further increased the already intense pressure Hermione was under. Thankfully it lasted a few seconds, as the intrigue was suffocating. Although after listening to what he had to say, she regretted doing so.

" Specifically about the fact that I casted Legilimency on you at that time."