Unexpected Encounter

Feeling mentally drained after his intense exchange with Quirrell, Ron decided to forgo his visit to the Room of Requirements. Opting instead to head over to the Ravenclaw Common Room in search of Daphne. Who he'd asked to secure Susan's inclusion into the Study Group.

With map in hand, Ron looked for any passageway near his current location leading to Ravenclaw Tower. Sure enough he found one that'd leave him right outside it's door. Easily finding it's entryway, Ron thought back to just a few minutes ago.

' My run in with those Slytherin third years was surely orchestrated by Millicent. Which I actually commend her for, to send three third years after me. That obviously means that she thinks quite highly of me.'

The first part of his day post Charms was light-hearted, at least he thought so. One would be hard pressed to find even another first year who'd welcome such odds against third years. Although compared to what came after, most would probably take the former. Recalling his interaction with Quirell, Ron's usually composed grin faded.

' For Quirell to appear out in the open, hours after taking several Expulso Máximas from me head on. Without fully recovering from his injuries, evident by his feeble appearance. Doesn't give me a good feeling about our impending lunch engagement. Seeing as all the clues point to it being one of Voldy's ploys, his endgame a mystery to me.'

Reaching that point in his thoughts, Ron let out a long breath and shook his head. Attempting to clear his mind, as overthinking wouldn't be of any help. Rather it would only hinder him, not necessarily something you want when facing an all powerful Evil Wizard.

' Let's leave Voldy's ploys aside for now and focus on pressing matters at hand, specifically those pertaining to the Study Group and Susan...'

Shifting gears, a more relaxed but pensive Ron steadily continued on his way.

_

Exiting the secret passageway he'd taken, Ron got through it's entrance and entered the common room. Where he was almost instantly greeted by a very excited Anthony.

" Ron! Ron!"

Incidentally Ron hadn't recognized him at first glance, only after a while did he recall the large boy.

" Good afternoon Anthony, I see you're quite cheery. So tell me what has you all worked up?"

" What do you mean!? I'm so excited because of you! Hermione told me how you've already gotten several people to join our study group! I knew you were the perfect person for the job. Although with so many new people joining, I'm afraid it'll become a mess."

Listening to Anthony's panicked thoughts, Ron tried his best to not openly snicker. Truth be told, he'd forgotten about Anthony's involvement in his Study Group. As far as Ron we concerned the group was simply a cover for his inner circle to convene. A fact he didn't disclose to the group's founder and who he quickly dismissed.

" There's nothing for you to worry about Anthony, I'm certain everyone in 'Our' study group will become friends."

" Do you really think so Ron?"

" I do. Speaking of friends have you seen Daphne?"

" No, I've been here since lunch ended but I haven't seen her yet. Who I did see arriving was Hermione, thought she went to her room straight away."

" I see. Thanks for the heads up. Regarding the study group, I just need to confirm some minor details before we can hold our first meeting. Obviously the date and place are still to be determined, but I'm optimistic that'll be in a couple of days."

" That'll be perfect! I'll tell the others of the great news!"

" If you wouldn't mind."

Getting rid of the overzealous Anthony, Ron approached the first girl he saw. With the intention of getting her to go up to the girls dormitory and call down Hermione. Since being a boy restricted him from going himself. A rule Penelope, their Perfect and Percy's paramour made very clear to him. Who just so happened to be seated adjacent to the staircase leading to the female dormitory. Forcing him to ask a random girl for assistance.

Whether by chance or due to Ron's impeccable luck, the girl he approached was a raven haired beauty. From his memory he recognized her as one of the more prominent fifth years.

" Excuse me, you are Angelique Yaxley correct?"

" I am. Is there something you require of me?"

" There is actually, I wanted to ask a favor from you miss if that's possible."

" State the favor, depending on what it is I'll accept or decline."

At this point in the conversation Ron felt a certain sense of nostalgia from the girl. Ultimately deciding to not get sidetracked by the feeling, Ron clearly stated his favor.

" Of course, I'd ask for you to inform my friend, Hermione Granger that Ron would like to speak with her."

Taking a few seconds to respond, Angelique seemed to be almost ignoring Ron before finally speaking.

" Is that all you want me to say to her, Ron?"

Not understanding what she was trying to imply, Ron simply repeated his previous words.

" Just that I wish to speak with her."

Gracefully rising from her seat, Angelique, who easily towered over Ron, walked right past him, then Penelope before ascending up the stairs. As for Ron he took her recently vacant seat, to await Hermione's arrival.

_

Upstairs Hermione was digilently doing her homework. Inspite of Ron's insistence to simply utilize the enchanted quill he'd gifted her. His intentions were to lessen Hermione's workload as he'd seen how hard she'd push herself if left alone. Unfortunately, Ron hadn't counted on her work ethic to be so relentless as she never once used the quill.

" The correct use of the Fairy wings is... "

*Knock*

Hearing the sound of knocking, Hermione carefully placed her quill down on her desk. After which she causally went over to open the door, believing it to be her neighbor. Who'd constantly come and bother her to borrow her notes or ask her some questions regarding class.

Whoever when she opened the door, her klutz of a next door neighbor turned out to be a total stranger.

" Samantha isn't this the--"

" Excuse me, are you Hermione Granger?"

" Uh, yes... I'm sorry, but who are you?"

Not exactly sure what was going on, Hermione cautiously observed the mysterious teen. Sensing the young girl's confusion, Angelique introduced herself and stated the reason for her visit.

" My name is Angelique Yaxley, I was asked to tell you that Ron is waiting for you downstairs."

" Ron did? I see, um thank you for coming to tell me."

Angelique responded to Hermione's words of gratitude, with a kind smile. After which she turned around and walked away heading back. Leaving Hermione somewhat bewildered at her odd behavior. That said she did wave her goodbye, before she too headed downstairs.