DAPHNE FELT HER CHEEKS GROW HOT . She could only imagine the state of her complexion , picturing it to likely be flushing the same brilliant scarlett that cascaded down past Ronald’s shoulders . She did her best to ignore the embarrassment pricking at her skin , not wanting to encourage it any further . Truthfully , his query had her stumped . Her lips moved to respond , but to her dismay , no words could be mustered . Her mind reeled , desperate for an answer that embodied some degree of intelligence . No such answer presented itself , how could it ? She did not know what she was trying to brew , and even if she did she wouldn’t have the first idea of how to go about brewing it . She remained mute , hoping the question could pass as rhetorical .
She listened intently as he spoke , not wanting to mishear a single syllable . ❝ That’s good to know , thank you ! ❞ She wanted to wince . Of course she had picked the most difficult substance . Most would choose to just abandon the mission all together at this point - admit they had asked for the wrong phial . But Daphne was far too committed now , she had already made herself look an utter fool and to back pedal at this late stage just seemed far too mortifying to even comprehend .
Her heart practically leapt out of her chest at his recommendation , a beaming smile now taking the place of her previously forlorn expression . ❝ I honestly can’t thank you enough . I’m not sure what’s wrong with me today - I promise I’m usually not this hopeless . ❞ It wasn’t a complete lie . In her other subjects she was extremely competent ; often the student others seeked for guidance when they were lost . She hoped that fact would help sell the fib , that maybe he wouldn’t brand her as completely clueless . ❝ I really appreciate all your help . ❞
Her brow furrowed slightly at his second query , a heavy sigh slipping past her lips and filling the space between them . ❝ Draco refuses to partner with me anymore . ❞ Traitor . It had been far simpler convincing people she had a handle on the subject when Draco had deigned to assist her . He took charge of the brewing , while she fetched and stayed well out of the way ; a perfect partnership , she had thought . She was certain it hadn’t been her fault when the pair received an EE , as opposed to their typical O in one of their assignments - she hadn’t even touched the potion for merlin’s sake ! But that hadn’t mattered to Draco , he dropped her soon after that , leaving her to fend for herself .
❝ I’m supposed to be paired with Pansy , but she’s not exactly the most … proactive of students . ❞ The fact infuriated Daphne to no end . She would give anything to have Pansy’s alchemistic talent , however , her friend seemed hell bent upon wasting it . ❝ So I have the great pleasure of deciding everything . ❞
THE YOUNGEST WEASLEY BROTHER WATCHED with something akin to amusement how the emotions on Daphne's face changed so quickly ━━━━━ from flustered, to embarrassed to something sort of like frustration. It was oddly endearing and he couldn't help his eyes from softening as he looked down at her. ❛ Hey, it's okay, potions sucks and Snape doesn't exactly make it easier. ❜ Ron pointed out, trying to soothe her. He wasn't one to judge anyone on their academic accomplishments, it wasn't any of his business plus he was sure pretty much anyone was smarter than him.
Her next words surprised him, for Ron hadn't really been paying attention in class much. He never really did ━━━━━━ going through the motions during the classes he had no interest in, and that included his peers lives and relationships. He knew of Harry and Hermione because they were his closest friends, knew of Ginny because she was his little sister therefore it was his duty to protect her but other than those people, Ron was pretty much clueless. He could vaguely recall something about an EE and a discussion but other than that he had no clue as to why Malfoy refused to pair up with Daphne. ❛ Malfoy is a prat even to people in his house, huh? ❜ Ron winced in sympathy for her, according to Hermione, Pansy Parkinson was an infuriating partner to have.
❛ Oh well, why don't I help you pick another potion? ❜ he suggested, he had his book with him, they could look something up ━━━━━━ something easy, that Daphne could brew without much of Pansy's help. ❛ I'll help you look for the ingredients too if you want.... ❜