章節 71: Stop and Stares.

With the help of the Marauders Map the time required to reach their classes was insignificant. Ron wasn't worried about arriving late since there was nothing for him to learn from said classes. In fact he was more concerned as to how he would recruit Susan Bones and Theodore Nott.

So as they made their way through a secret corridor he started to brainstorm some ideas.

"* Susan is a Hufflepuff who usually tend to be quite easygoing and friendly. Making them perfect targets of manipulation, yet they shouldn't be underestimated. As quite a few of them are strong-headed to such a degree that they almost rival the Gryffindor's.*"

Exiting the corridor Ron led the girls towards a staircase leading to the first floor. All the meanwhile continuing his recent train of thought.

"* Luckily Transfiguration Class is a joint one with the Hufflepuff's. I'll first observe her and try to find out more from her, she's too important to my future plans. She must join the Study Group.*"

Arriving at a busy and packed corridor, Daphne and Hermione readied themselves to push through the mass of students. However to their surprise as soon as the large mob of people caught sight of strands of crimson hair a path opened up.

Without a single change in his gentle smile Ron made his way through. It wasn't until he stopped Midway to call-out to them did Daphne and Hermione follow after him. As they passed through the corridor the surrounding students began to gossip in hushed voices.

" That's the kid who got that Malfoy brat kicked out right?"

" I heard he sent him flying up to a classrooms ceiling before dropping him on his head."

" Someone who was present during the whole thing told me that he threatened to kill him."

Hearing such falseties irked the two girls to the point that they were about to turn around. Their purpose was to clear up the outlandish rumors spreading. Yet as they were just about to do so a whisper coming from ahead.

" Ignore them."

" But the-"

With no desire to let her Fiancee be the subject if such rumors Daphne didn't want to stay quiet. However Ron did not repeat himself, rather he raised his head up high as he walked down the open path. Ron did so because he was more than aware that no matter what either one of them said, it would be a futile effort.

Wizards weren't that different from Muggles in the sense of being quiet judgemental. They were quick to form biases just on bloodlines and Hogwart's House's for example. Knowing that why should they waste their time having a verbal spar with those present. Specially when they were so kind to get out of his way. Of course it came with baseless rumors and glares but that didn't matter to him in the slightest.

Not wanting to be left behind Daphne begrudgingly followed after him. However when they entered an empty corridor Daphne wanted to hear an explanation. Consequently she stood her ground and directly asked Ron:

" Ron, why did you stop me? What they were saying about you are lies. Draco was the instigator, not to mention an absolute bully."

With his mind preoccupied on his recruiting plans, her sudden outburst caught him off guard. Nevertheless he was happy that she felt so strongly about his personal Image. Not one to disappoint he quickly formed an appropriate response to her question.

" Daphne, they can think and say whatever they want, honestly I don't care. Let them think whatever they want right now, soon everyone not just them will learn the truth."

" You mean that you've already found a solution to all of the gossip and rumors?"

" Of course, trust me. Everything's going perfectly. Now c'mon, can't you see that Hermione is almost shaking in nervousness?"

Being too cought up in her own feelings, Daphne hadn't noticed Hermione. Who was anxiously looking towards the end of the corridor. Which was were Professor McGonagall's classroom was located. Reaching out and holding on to her still shaky hand she pulled Hermione along.

" Last one there is a trolls butt!"

Albeit a bit shocked at first Hermione soon found herself giggling at the sight of the dumbfounded Ron.

" What was that all about?"

Entering their classroom the three instantly became the focus of attention. Obviously it was no surprise that it was because their peers had already heard about Draco. Those in Ravenclaw simply nodded towards Ron before turning away. The Hufflepuff's on the other hand stared at him for a while before breaking into whispers.

With a quick surveying look around the room that went unnoticed Ron found his current target. Seated on the front row of the class was a young girl with a long braid running down her back. Currently she was one of the many Hufflepuff's glancing at him while whispering to the girl seated next to her.

"* At least it seems there's no need for me to introduce myself. Still, I haven't come up with any full proof plan to have her join the Study Group. Thankfully I have this entire class to think of one.*"

Taking their seats, the class soon settled down. After which Prof. McGonagall strided inside, unsurprising she didn't seem all too cheerful. Although it was safe to say that was how she normally looked. As soon as she made her way to the front all eyes were on her.

" Ronald, take out your book. As for the rest of you, clean out your desks. Today you'll be taking notes so take out a piece of parchment and a quill."

Expecting that sort of instruction, Ron slowly retrieved the book. He was certain that this sort of lesson was most likely proposed by the old man. That was due to Prof. McGonagall being an impeccable teacher. She wouldn't waste someone's time and talent reading books.

"* Well it's fine for now, this actually benefits ne more. It gives me more time to concentrate on a viable plan to befriend Susan.*"