Ron Weasley: A Noble’s Ascension - Volume 2: First Year. Chapter 80 Ron's Past: Intense Gaze
Awaiting Hermione’s arrival, Ron took a seat near the Common Room’s corner. Which due to the day’s classes coming to an end was currently bustling with students. They mostly talked with friends, other’s self studied and some read by themselves. Yet Ron did none of these, instead he stealthy observed. Quietly watching, learning and studying everything he saw. Focusing on every person’s body language, speech pattern and mannerisms. His gaze recording then deconstructing it all down to the smallest and minute detail. All in order to grasp ahold of any weaknesses or secrets of those present.
“* The petite blonde girl seated next to far-right bookcase… her accent, it’s forced. She’s not from Britain, Russian? No, it’s Ukrainian. Interesting, why is she here in Hogwarts? I’ll keep an eye on her, as for the others there’s nothing really going on. Only the usual Half-Blood trying to pass off as Pureblood, boring.*”
Ron did this mostly out of boredom or when made to wait for an extended period of time. Interesting enough this “Habit” of his was one he’d manifested in his former life. Back then he couldn’t afford to drop his guard specially around strangers. He feared that if he ever did, it would be the end of him and it was. However that was way back when and in a different world altogether. So it wasn’t very surprising that after years of living a quiet life. He’d almost totally forgotten about this “Habit” of his. That would have probably been the case if not for his Aunt Lucretia.
—————
Some Months Ago…
After a long day of spell training, Ron was resting in his Aunt’s living room. He sat alone as she’d gone upstairs to “Rest” and Brownie was off who knows where. Being absolutely exhausted his mind wandered around, all the while inspecting the old Manor. His gaze swept through the entire building and furnishings.
“* Just when exactly was this house built? It’s so bewildering, it’s interior seems so old yet it lacks any real wear. The wood floor is spotless and gleams but creaks at the lightest touch. The art, such as the paintings hanging from it’s walls or the porcelain ornaments give it an almost… *”
While Ron’s mind was preoccupied analyzing his surroundings. He failed to notice his Aunt who’d just walked down. Curious as to why her nephew was in a trance like state. She stood a few feet away from Ron and carefully observed him. It didn’t take long for her to figure out what he was doing. However the question remained, why exactly was he doing such a thing. She doubted his interest in her home was that high, but then what was it. Done waiting she took a step forward breaking Ron’s concentration.
” I had every single one of those chairs carved by hand from unique Oak only found in the Forbidden Forest.”
Hearing his Aunt’s voice Ron hastily rose from his seat. As it wasn’t becoming to address one’s host while seated. At least not according to his Aunt’s strict etiquette lessons.
” Aunt, you’re here! I’m terribly sorry. I was-”
” Ronald! Have you learnt nothing!? One must never fumble their words. If you don’t have an adequate response don’t just babble on, its unsightly. Also don’t let your unpreparedness show, it’s pathetic. Now, tell me why are you inspecting my living room? I doubt you seek advice in interior decorating.”
” No, ma’am. I was merely intrigued by the room’s decoration.”
” Is that so. Then am I to believe that was the reason behind such an intense gaze and immense concentration on your part?”
” That’s… ”
” Are my words falling on deaf ears!? Answer me, what exactly were you to doing?”
” Aunt Lucretia, it’s nothing really. My mind and eyes just wondered aimlessly from exhaustion. There’s nothing more to it than that, I promise.”
” Ronald, I hope that unlike everything else I’ve taught you. What I’m about to say actually stays with you, don’t make promises so lightly. As a Noble and Pureblood Wizard your word and by extension your promises hold value. Understand?”
” Yes, aunt.”
” As for what happened earlier, I’m more than familiar with that gaze. However I’m interested in how you a young child have such eyes. Eyes thay belong to rouges, thieves and the like. So now tell me why do posses such evil eyes, my dear nephew?”
“* I thought I’d stopped doing that long ago, I guess I was wrong. It probably has something to do with my new surroundings… *”
” Aunt, can I keep that to myself? It’s something I’d rather not speak about, not yet. My apologies.”
” It’s fine. One should always be prepared lest they be pushed into a disadvantageous position. That being said I do think it would be more effective if it comes off more natural.”
” More natural?”
” Yes, you see, only when people feel safe do they drop their guard. That of course is more likely to occur if you come off friendly and charismatic. Then once their guard is no more, you can get a glimpse of a their True Self.”
” Their True Self? What is that exactly?”
” It’s what every human hides from everyone else and sometimes even themselves. It’s also the key to their weaknesses and secrets.”
” I see, then I can use those details to my advantage!”
” That is correct, although you’ll first have to mask your gaze. Since it’ll all be for naught if you’re caught staring straight at your target. Hmm, taking your appearance into consideration, I’d suggest you smile more. It’ll help shift attention away from your invading gaze. Coincidentally it’ll also emphasize your Black Family features. Luckily you don’t share your in your parents mundane… ”
” I understand… Aunt Lucretia.”
” Fine, then be off.”
Ron cut her off as he wasn’t particularly interested in hearing his aunt belittle his parents. Fortunately she didn’t pressed further on, simply rolling her eyes as she left. However he found himself constantly cutting her off in similar fashion during his stay with her. As she wasn’t particularly fond of his family’s bright red hair and freckles. Both being features he purposefully altered on himself. Allowing for an immense sense of guilt to take hold of his heart and mind.
“* Mom, Dad I’m sorry..*”
———
” Ron!”
Right as his mind reeled back from the past, he spotted a rushing Hermione. Surprisingly her usually wild hair was neatly tied in a ponytail. The sight was new but it hardly changed Ron’s view of her. For he looked towards the future while barely glancing at the present.
” Hermione, is that you?”
” Yes, why do I look weird? I knew I shouldn’t have-”
” No, of course you don’t look weird. If I was to describe it, I’d say you look, cute. Or maybe pretty? Is that the same thing? Then maybe beau-”
” Ron! Why are you here!?”
She hastily let out as she wasn’t exactly ready to hear him call her that. Although that wouldn’t stop her from replaying this moment in her head later on.
” My schedule just happened to free itself up and I wanted to see how you were doing. Is that not what friends do?”
” (I see.)”
” Hermione did you say something? I didn’t quite understand it.”
” Ah, no, no I didn’t say anything!”
” Oh, okay. Then what do you say to some personal tutoring?”
” Personal… Tutoring?”
” Oh, are you occupied with something else? If that’s the case I can-”
” No it’s fine!”
” Alright, then let’s go.”
Not waiting for her response Ron reached out and grabbed her hand before he pulled her along. Shocked by his sudden action Hermione didn’t notice that he was leading her towards the boy’s dormitory.
