Golden Quartet

Exiting the Room of Requirements, Ron walked over to another secret passageway. Leading directly to the first floor, where the great hall was located at. The trip would take him no more than a handful of minutes. So while he took a quiet stroll through the castle via a secret passageway. The other students would have to rush out of their classrooms, in order to arrive on time.

' You'd think that since the number of attending students was low, they'd stop with the unnecessary tricks. I mean shifting staircases, are cool to look at, not so much to climb up.'

_

Stepping out of a whimsical yet off-putting portrait, Ron quickly reached the grandiose cafeteria. Due to most students being on their way, his appearance garnered only a few stares.

' It seems that I arrived earlier than expected. Whenever I arrive I'm usually stared down by the entire place.'

Arriving to the Ravenclaw Table, he nodded towards a few other early arrivals. They were mostly older students who rarely stayed in the common room. So while they knew of Ron they weren't overly concerned with him.

' I see that the majority of food hasn't been brought out yet. Thought there is some bread and smaller dishes...'

Staring at the baskets full of bread, while his stomach was growling, Ron made a rapid decision.

' Albeit a bit rude and improper, I doubt anyone will notice If I have a quick bite.'

Not long after he served himself a small plate and started eating.

-

Several minutes later, the first wave of students made their way into the Hall. Some of which he actually knew, such as the twins. He'd also smile at a girl every now and then to see their reaction. As they'd smile and wave back at him, angering their male friends.

Then as more students started to arrive and the hall began to fill up with people. Ron could clearly make out several hushed whispers spreading rumors about him. Acting oblivious to their slanderous gossip, Ron patiently waited for his two companions.

With his gaze fixed at the entrance, he soon caught sight of the two girls. One in a uniquely chaotic state while the other imposingly prim and proper. Glancing at them both, he subconsciously commented how their contradicting personalities and appearances complemented each other perfectly.

' How is it that I've not seen this peculiar sight before? It's quite remarkable to see such perfect balance between two people.'

-

" Ron!"

They both spoke with a layer of shock and surprise. Which he knew came from his unusually early arrival.

" So how was, History of Magic? Was is as fun as I remember it?"

" Oh, stop it. You've never even gone to a single class."

Replied Hermione before Daphne chimed in;

" Yeah, and you're lucky since we had to cover for you again. We told Prof. Binns you were still too weak from the night prior and stayed in your room to rest."

Not hiding their annoyance with him, Ron could only plead with them. Promising to make it up to the both of them, something they'd expected him to say.

" Hmph, at this rate you'll owe us more favors than we can count."

Daphne instantly added while Hermione nodded her head right next to her. Ron could only smile wryly, before scooting over to make room for the pair. When he did so, he caught a slight glance of his two recruiting targets.

' While I already have Daphne, Hermione, and Neville on my side. I'm still lacking two important pieces, Theodore Nott who's surprised me twice now, and Susan Bones the key to my emergence into the big stage. I want them by my side.'

Unsure of his following actions, Ron silently sighed before taking his napkin, unfolding it and placing over his lap. He was still very hungry, and hopefully he'd come up with something after his meal.

-

Unconsciously or unwittingly Ron actually caught himself staring at Susan's back. Turning away, he was met by Daphne staring directly at him, with a small pout. In an attempt to blow things over, he tried to play dumb.

" What?"

As soon as he heard what came out of his mouth, he instantly regretted it.

' Not that dumb!'

Likewise Daphne wasn't pleased by his hasty response. Made evident by the question she asked while she looked him directly in the eyes. As to not have him play coy or disregard the question as he was known to do.

" You were staring at Susan. Why?"

Sitting but a few inches away, Hermione heard what was said and turned towards them both. As for Ron he simply smiled as he tried to come up with an adequate and believable answer.

' My lack of knowledge and understanding of the female mind is truly one of my biggest flaws. Do I answer honestly or do I formulate another white lie? Also why didn't I notice Daphne's gaze? Simple carelessness? Either way she noticed me staring at Susan... Wait! -- She named her!'

When Ron came to, he took Daphne's small delicate hands into his own. Bewildered by the abrupt action she was momentarily stunned. Causing her to not catch a single word of what he'd said to her. As her entire concentration was on his hands tightly holding on to hers.

" ... So could you do that for me, Daphne?"

As the last few words made it to her ears she subconsciously answered;

" Sure, anything you want."

Receiving the desired response, Ron pulled back his hands, snapping her up from her daze. Still a bit disoriented, she looked over to Hermione for answers. Only to see her friend in a similar state as her own. In that moment she realized she'd just agreed to something which she had no recollection of. Yet now it seemed far to late to go back on her word.

' What did I just agree to do?'

-

With Daphne accepting to use her familiarity with Susan to bring her into the fold, only Theodore remained. With only one remaining target, Ron was feeling confident and full of himself. While he was feeling pressured to come up with two separate plans to bring them over to his side. Dealing with just one didn't seem all that challenging now.

As such, Theodore's inclusion to the Study Group was almost a for gone conclusion in Ron's mind. Making him that much more calm as he joyfully consumed his meal, this time savoring every bite. Disturbing Hermione, since Daphne was still trying to remember what he'd asked her to do.

" Would you like another helping of roast potatoes, Hermione? Or would you rather try the smashed potatoes?"

Caught off guard by Ron's sudden shift in personality, Hermione wasn't able to respond before having her plate filled with side dishes.

" Here, you should eat more. Studying takes alot out of people, so you need to properly recuperate your energy."

Taking her plate back she wryly smiled at the unrecognizable boy. Sure he was always charming and confident but rarely so happy and overbearing.

' What in the world just happened?'

-

As lunch came to an end, Ron waved goodbye to Daphne and Hermione before heading to the Slytherin Table. Facing each other they both asked themselves the same question;

" Why is he going over there?"

It was important to note that their concern wasn't entirely unfounded. The relationship Ron shared with Slytherin House was, at best antagonistic. With neither side giving an inch and unable to coexist with the other. So it didn't come as a shock when the Slytherin's showered him with insults.

" What do you want, huh?"

" This isn't your table, brat."

" You're not welcomed here."

Childish insults, proving completely ineffective as Ron came to stand in front of a tall lanky boy.

" Hello, Theodore. Could I please borrow a minute of your time?"

While Theodore Nott easily towered over Ron height wise, his weak build made them appear almost equals. More so due to Ron's charisma and his imposing character than anything else.

" I'm sorry, but I don't want to be tardy for my next class. Maybe some other time, please excuse me..."

Hearing that it would be obvious that he was brushing Ron's invitation aside. However, Ron noticed how just before answering Theodore looked at his surroundings. Which coincidentally was in the middle of dozens of the Slytherin students. After a sweeping apathetic glance from Ron, he faced Theodore and invited again.

' So what if you're all here? So what if you scowl like rabid dogs at me? I'm certain you're not going to do a damn thing.'

" Your next class is Potions correct? We can walk together, what do you say?"

Theodore wasn't blind and witnessed first hand how Ron belittled his housemates without a care in the world.

' He's a complete madman! For someone to taunt members of Slytherin House to their faces has to be one. Such a person is definitely trouble, yet it's truly captivating to see someone so daring.'

For the next couple of seconds, the area around the two of them became even rowdier but neither one of them said or did anything. Then out of nowhere, a calm somber voice was heard.

" Alright, after you then."

Theodore had accepted, earning him furious glares and insults from his fellow housemates. As for Ron he nodded in agreement and led Theodore out of enemy territory.

" Great, let's talk and walk."

Like that the two walked out of the dinning hall side by side, shoulder to shoulder.

-

After leaving the dining hall, they entered a mostly empty corridor. There Ron motioned Theodore to follow him into one of the nearby classrooms. Once inside Ron slowly drew Longinus causing Theodore to take a step back. Fear and confusion visible on the surface of his face.

" What are you doing!?"

Instead of answering his panicked question, Ron made a quick gesture followed by a incantation.

" Muffliato."

Now that no one could eavesdrop on their conversation, Ron faced Theodore directly. Who's current expression was nothing like a few seconds ago, he was much calmer, at ease even.

" That's not the same wand you used to against Draco, is it. The design is nothing like any wand I've ever seen before, this is your true wand, right?"

Having one of his biggest and most well kept secrets exposed, even intentionally caused Ron's heart to ache. Nevertheless, things had just begone, so he answered albeit somewhat forced.

" Correct, and congratulations you're the fourth person in the entire world to know of it's existence. However I didn't bring you here to simply display my wand to you."

" Why did you bring me here? As far as I'm concerned there isn't any type of relationship between the two of us."

" That's right, however I wish to change that. I want you to join me, or more precisely a Group I'm creating. To be more precise, a study group..."

" A study group? Not to be disrespectful, but what could I possibly gain from joining such a group? I'm not sure if you're aware, but I have little to no trouble passing my classes."

" You disappoint me Theodore. The Group isn't what's important, what's important are the people in it..."

" Who's in the group then, if you don't mind me asking?"

" Daphne Greengrass, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Cormac McLaggen, Susan Bones and a handful of others. Oh, and myself of course."

" Daphne and Susan are somewhat competent, but the other three... Granger is a Muggle, Neville is an utter mess and I don't even know the third. Truth be told you're the only one remotely interesting in the names you've listed."

" Ah, but that's because you're only seeing them at face value. That's a childish mindset to have, and a terrible mistake to make."

" That may well be the case, but it's not enough to get me join the group."

" I see, then what if were to let you in on a bit of my plan?"

Taking a few steps forward, only stopping until he was directly in front of Theodore. Causing the latter to subconsciously take a step back in panic. Leaning in closer, Ron began to whisper into his ear. After but a few lines Theodore's eyes had gone completely wide.

-

Moments later the door to that classroom opened and they both walked out. When they did so Theodore walked next to but slightly behind Ron.

' I've successfully recruited Theodore and Daphne will hopefully bring in Susan. The next steps have to be taken with extreme delicately. One single misstep and I risk the danger of being sent to Azkaban. What sorry tale that would be...'

Sidetracked by their earlier conversation, and nowhere near their next class. Ron decided to travel by secret passageways, luckily for them their was one nearby. With this particular passageway leading directly to the dungeons. Not surprising he didn't tell Theodore anything beforehand. Who grew increasingly confused as he followed Ron towards a dead end.

His doubts vanished into thin air the second Ron showed him what lay behind an otherwise normal wall. A completely hidden tunnel which he'd never even heard about much less seen. He was then amazed again when told they'd quickly reach their class via this passageway. Theodore instantly asked how Rom learned of this passageway only to be told he'd soon find out.

" It's much better to see it rather than be told, since I doubt you'd believe me if I did."

Ron was right about them making it to their class on time as it didn't take even five minutes for them to reach the dungeons. When they did so Theodore was shocked to find Daphne and Hermione waiting for them. He would have thought for Ron to have kept the secret of the passageway to himself.

' He's much more lenient than I originally thought. Most wizards wouldn't disclose such information, then again Ron's not most people.'

Stepping out of the concealed corridor, Ron greeted both girls before taking two steps forward. Stood in front of Theodore, wearing his signature grin and reintroduce them all.

" Ladies, I'd like to introduce to you, Theodore Nott. He's shy, but I do hope for the three of you to get along. Ah, right, Theo here will also be joining our Group."

Getting such unexpected and odd news, they both looked at Ron bewildered before turning to each other shocked, before looking at him again. As far as they knew their "Group" was a Trinity, meaning three people, not four. What made it worse was the fact that the person in question was a, Slytherin. A group of people they both loathed after their recent Interactions. So it came as no surprise when they pulled Ron towards them while simultaneously stepping away from Theodore.

" What are you thinking, Ron!?"

Hermione loudly whispered as Daphne added her own thoughts.

" Have you already forgotten how the Slytherin have treated us? The name calling and the multitude of insults? Have you!?"

Facing such criticisms, Ron put on his best effort as he tried to reason with them. Meaning that he told, formed and spewed lie after lie until they eventually agreed with him.

" I've not forgotten about that, but Theo isn't like those guy's. He's a great guy and if you just give him a chance I'm sure you'll warm up to him. Trust me, when have I ever lied to either of you? See you can't think of one, because I've lied to you."

Taking one last look at each other, the girls could only sigh as they caved. Although they added another I.O.U to Ron's ever growing tab.

" Alright then, now we can make it official, Theodore will join our group. May this be the beginning of a long and prosperous friendship between us four!"

' Another piece has fallen, soon enough the rest will follow suit.'