Ron Weasley: A Noble's Ascension

Once Ron felt that he was in the clear, he drew Longinus and casted an Immobulus spell which halted Fang. After that he crouched down and calmed down the giant dog before undoing his spell.

" Recipio."

With that done, Ron didn't really want to drag around a scaredy cat, dog, so he let him head back. Fang didn't try to stick around and gladly went back to Hagrid's Hut.

"* All right let's get to it then!*"

-

The forest was pitch black and deathly silent, yet a single ray of moonlight shined through, illuminating Ron's path.

"* With Quirell going around hunting the Unicorns I doubt anyone has been able to collect any Ingredients. So I'll be able to get several rare ingredients and plants to myself. *"

After making the coast was clear Ron would stop to collect the his samples which were only found in the forest. He'd of course read the Herbology Journal before handing it over to Neville. That journal was written by an old Hufflepuff alumni which described all of the ingredients found on the Forest's outskirts along with some of their uses.

He knew that he couldn't possibly collect all of them since Snape and Hagrid were surely looking for him. So after he grabbed a sample of rare black Knotgrass he began to head back towards Hagrid's Hut.

"* I wanted to find some werewolves or some Unicorns but alas, I'll just return later. Hopefully then I'll have a bit more luck and run int-*"

Ron couldn't complete that thought because the scenery in front of him was oddly familiar.

"* Wait I've seen this before, but when? I've surely never come here before... *"

Taking a moment to listen to his surroundings, at first he only heard the sound of rustling leaves. Taking a few more steps forward the sound became clearer, it wasn't the wind rustling leaves. It sounded more like something heavy was being dragged through the ground blowing the leaves away.

"* Oh, this just might be my lucky day. What could it be? A Werewolf, Unicorn or don't tell me... Voldy!? Oh I've got to see this!*"

Not wanting to alert whatever it was Ron drew Longinus and casted two spells on himself.

"* Abscondam. Aspectu Deflectere.*"

Although both spells did about the same thing with Abscondam obscuring the caster presence and Aspectu Deflectere making it's caster perfectly blend in with his/her surroundings, Ron would make sure he was more than ready when his life was on the line.

Walking ever so slowly, Ron was soon able to see a small clearing up ahead. Right behind the clearing were a pair of rustling bushes. Ron raised Longinus and aimed it between the two bushes ready to fire at anytime.

"* C'mon. C'mon!! Show yourself! What are you, beast or Dark Lord!?*"

Ron's dream of grandeur however were quickly destroyed when what came through the bushes was neither. What come through was a half man, half horse, while from the head down he was man, below that he was all horse.

"* A Centaur. Well it's no rare beast or Dark Lord but it's still an amazing sight to behold.*"

" Who's there!? I know you're there there's so come on out, show yourself!"

"* Eh, how did he.. well this certainly is interesting I didn't expect him to notice me, at least not while I'm still under the effects of two spells. Well I doubt Centaurs are hostile, but if they are, well... *"

Ron quickly placed Longinus under his right sleeve as he stepped into the clearing.

" Who are you!? Why are you in the forest at night!?"

With his charming smile on full display Ron cordially responded while placing both of his hands in front of his body.

" I'm a student at Hogwart's, my name's Ronald nice to make your acquaintance. As for the reason behind me being here, I was brought to the forest by Rubeus Hagrid before I subsequently got lost and ended up here."

" Hagrid? Did he not tell you anything about this forest!? --

*Sigh*

Well, I'm called Ronan."

" Good evening, Ronan."

Ron walked over and shook the centaur's hand. The centaur accepted his handshake but right after he flung back his head and stared at the sky.

" The sky is dark tonight."

Although Ron was not expecting to be so blatantly ignored, his friendly grin didn't waver.

" The sky?"

Ronan did not reply to him, instead he unblinkingly stared upwards.

" The sky is dark tonight. So dark.. "

Ron's knowledge of Centaurs was limited but he couldn't believe that a magical being would speak gibberish. So his curiosity won him and he also looked up at the night sky in hopes of somehow being enlightened. Ronan took notice of Ron's action noting his effort in trying to see beyond.

" You're different from most Wizards that I've come across."

Not sure if that was a compliment or not Ron ended up not to replying. A movement in the trees behind Ronan startled Ron for a moment before he saw that it was another Centaur. Who was actually much bigger and more intimidating than his counterpart.

" He is Bane, he's one of my Clansmen."

Like before Ron was very respectful and introduced himself before offering him a handshake.

" Good evening I'm, Ronald."

" Name's Bane."

After his short introduction Bane walked over to Ronan. Instead of shaking Ron's hand he raised his head.

" The sky is dark tonight."

Hearing the same line again, Ron had to really fight the urge to roll his eyes.

" Ronald, I would of liked to personally escort you back but we're currently.. busy. I'm sorry, I coul-"

" It's fine, please don't worry, I understand. If you were to simply point me in the right direction I'm sure I can get back safely."

" Are you sure? I could send a signal to Hagrid-"

" Oh, no that's quite alright. I wouldn't want to draw attention to myself, besides I have my Wand for emergencies."

" Okay, Well first you'll... "

Walking out of the clearing Ron began to trek through the path Ronan suggested. The Centaur duo kept their gazes on him, until they could no longer see his crimson hair.

-

Alone again, Ron calmly strolled along the dark forest as if he was was in some Muggle park. At first he was wary of what could possibly lurk in the forest, but after continuously not coming across anything that pose a threat to him he stopped caring.

"* This almost feels underwhelming, should I go pay a visit to the giant spiders in my way back?*"