Ron Weasley: A Noble's Ascension

With Lucius's departure the grand office fell into silence, until Ron stood up and went towards the hanged Portraits. Taking a short bow Ron thanked his Ancestor for his assistance in dealing with Lucius.

" Ancestor Black, you have my most deepest gratitude. Soon I will head over to the Family Home and will properly pay my respects to you and the other Elders. I hope to see you there."

" Bah! Me speaking out in your favor only proves how much the Family has fallen. Don't forget that! You're only receiving my support due to that girl Lucretia speaking on your behalf and there being no other male Heirs in the Family. If there was, I would never have done what I did just now. So don't disappoint Lucretia or Me."

As the old man's gaze was fixed on Ron's leaning figure, the boy raised his head and met the gaze head on. With both of their gazes locked together the the man in the Portrait suddenly remembered another boy one with pitch black hair who also has the same gaze.

"* He's just like that child... *"

Suddenly Dumbledore's voice rang out interrupting their intimate conversation.

" Ronald, now that you have successfully managed to impede Lucius's plan. What are you going to do now, I'm sure you don't expect him to take this sitting down. If you'd like I could speak to some of my connections to try to settle this in a much more civil manner."

Saying those words the aged Wizard focused on Ron's reaction and reply. Not one to disappoint the boy rejected his proposal instead opting to take a more personal approach.

" I'm grateful for your help Headmaster but, this is something that I started thus I should be the one to end it. As for my plans I'd like to know the punishment you've decided on as part of my service to the school."

" Ah, yes you're punishment... "

Dumbledore didn't reply right away instead he slowly brushed his beard. Ron and the stubby Professor stood waiting as he to come to his decision.

" Recently Hagrid came to me with concerns over suspicious activity near the outskirts of the Forest. So for your punishment you'll tag along with Hagrid and inspect the surrounding area. Since you weren't being challenged in your classes I thought you'd find this more to your liking, unless of course you would rather help Mr. Filch clean the corridors and bathrooms."

Ron also took his time to respond but Prof. Flitwick wasn't too fond of the idea and quickly tried to get the Headmaster to come to his senses.

" Headmaster! You can't possibly be serious! While I do agree with you about Ronald's talent he's still a child! How could we possibly send him out to the forbidden forest, which if I have to remind you, yourself forbade anyone from going anywhere near it."

Wether he did so on purpose or wasn't even paying attention to what the Professor was going on about the old Wizard totally ignored him as he was completely focused on Ron. Who at the moment was in deep thought trying to figure out what exactly he was playing at.

Being ignored didn't stop the concerned Prof. Flitwick from continuing to plea Dumbledore.

" Headmaster! You have to rethink this decision! It isn't safe out in those woods!"

-

Ron's intrigue about his proposed Punishment came from the fact that he'd planned to actually sneak into the woods in the next couple of days. Yet his almighty headmaster just presented him with a perfect alibi which couldn't possibly be a mere coincidence.

"* Could he have used Legilimency on me!? No! I made sure to take extra precautions. So this is most likely either a test or there's more to this "Punishment" then what he's let on... *"

-

Sure enough his suspicions were proven right as Dumbledore calmed the heated Prof. Flitwick.

" I share your concern Filius, ao to lessen our worries I'll ask Severus to serve as another chaperone for Ronald. I'm sure that with him around nothing will happen to Ronald here, don't you agree?"

" Headmaster if someone is to chaperone Ronald, I would like to be the one to do so, he's from my House after all."

" I did think about that Filius, but Severus is in need of some ingredients from the forest and it just so happens that this situation came along. So why not let him be the one to go, it can also prove to be educational for Ronald as he will learn about the Forest's ecosystem specifically about the myriad of ingredients and plants that can only found inside."

" I understand Headmaster... "

With Snape's addition guaranteed Ron's outward composure was calm, while he was inwardly snickering at the old man's blatant attempt to test him.

"* So that's what you were planning. By sending Snape along you'll know everything that occurs in the firest and unlike the other Professor's he's much harder to fool. My only question now is what do you think will happen? You must know that Psycho is going to come here so are you... F.U.C.KER!*"

" What do you think, Ronald? Is the punishment suitable, or would you like to help clean up our school?"

When he asked that question to Ron he made sure to out on that kind grandfather facade he loves to use. Causing Ron to put in his own mask, covering his anxiousness.

"* F.u.c.k You! Old Man! You're lucky I'd already planned to head into the forest. Don't think I haven't figured out that you're trying to use me as bait for that Psycho. Since you have so kindly gifted me this timely opportunity I won't decline it, but I won't become another one of your Marionettes!*"

" I don't mind Professor Snape's company, I'm actually quite looking forward to this Punishment now."

Having his curiosity piqued Dumbledore couldn't help but ask what was the cause.

" Since you and Severus had a small conflict I thought you might not be willing to have him escort you."

" Oh, no it's quite the contrary, in fact I really admire Professor Snape, and hope that this time together brings us together. After all where else could I find a talented Potions Master so close."

Albeit with a slight tone of condensation and skepticism Dumbledore accepted his reasoning for not declining Snape.

" I see, then I hope your d.e.s.i.r.e come true."

With the matter of his fight against the Malfoy's and having his Punishment settled, Dumbledore asked Prof. Flitwick to escort Ron out of the third floor.

" Headmaster I actually have a question if you don't mind."

" Oh, what is it? Does it have anything to do with what we've discussed here?"

" No, I just wanted to know if you happen to have any Phoenix Tears."