Conversing with the Enemy?

Sitting across from Ron, was the one person he feared and respected, the current Headmaster of Hogwart's and arguably the world's strongest Wizard, Albus Dumbledore.

When they both looked at each other, Ron was grateful for his aunt's lessons, although he was nervous he was able successfully to mask it under a calm facade.

"* It would have been more beneficial to my plans having this conversation further down the line, but I'm not going to back down from it now.*"

" I've heard from Professor Flitwick that you allowed him to address you by your first name?"

" Yes, that is correct Headmaster. Of course I'll also extend that to yourself, so please call me by my given name."

Leaning back the old Wizard, gave Ron a smile that resembled the one he'd always have when talking to everyone other than his aunt.

" Then Ronald, did you know that I've known both your parents for quite sometime now?"

" Yes, I have Sir. I know that you were their teacher and mentor when they studied here at Hogwarts. Something they are still proud of to this day I must add, they've also read me tales of your numerous accomplishments. My favorite was your battle against the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald."

Ron wanted to get a reaction from the wizard with his last line but like himself Dumbledor's smile never left his face.

"* That was a long shot, but then again it'd been disappointing if he actually reacted to that obvious taunt.*"

" For that reason I was surprised that they allowed your aunt to become your Legal Guardian. It didn't seem like a decision they'd make on the spur of the moment."

" Is that a question, Sir? Or are you asking for confirmation? If it's the latter, then yes my aunt Lucretia is my Legal Guardian."

" I see, and how is Lucretia? I haven't seen her since your uncle's funeral's. If I remember correctly their tragic deaths were at the hands of Death Eaters. I remember that took a heavy toll on her. The last time I heard about her, was when she left Britain, with the supposed intention to never return."

"* Bringing up my aunt and deceased uncles? That's quite cruel, and bringing up the Death Eaters is a nice touch. Thought the delivery was a bit dry... *"

As Dumbledore did before, Ron's expression stayed the same, as he responded:

" She's well, as for why she became my Legal Guardian, it's simply due to our close relationship and her weak health. She didn't want her husband's, my uncle's Family name to be forgotten. As I'm not in line to take over the Weasley family, she convinced my parents to let me take over the Prewett Family. This would allow me to continue their legacy, as for the Black Family I'm only a member."

Having made his position clear Ron waited for Dumbledor's response, which did catch him off guard.

" Hmm.. Meeting you and speaking to you Ronald, it reminds me of one of my former students. He was also quick witted, charming, and always had the correct answer. By all accounts he was a brilliant Wizard one of the best I'd ever seen..."

" Could you tell me his name, Sir? I'd like to know who was capable of making someone such as your esteemed self to call them Brilliant."

" His name was Tom Riddle. Sadly he died several years ago, In a tragic accident, but seeing you, I can almost see part of him in you."

"* You're not going to sugar-coat it, are you? Others might not now his real Identity but, to say I remind you of 'Him' that's putting it quite bluntly don't you think? But if you want to play this game I'll gladly play along with you.*"

" I've never heard of him before, Sir. Yet you called him a brilliant Wizard, I wonder, did he die young or did he never have a chance to prove himself?"

Not wanting to continue on that topic, the old Wizard instead changed the subject. Before he did however, Ron noticed him take a pause before continuing.

" That's a story for another time, what I called you in here today, was to talk about three matters pertaining to your classes. I-"

Not waiting for him to finish Ron stood up and bowed before an intrigued Dumbledore.

" I'm guessing that you're referring to the small altercation in Professor Snape's Class. I know better and should have dealt with it in a better way, I let my emotions get the better of me, causing the situation to escalate. To the point that you the Headmaster were dragged into it, and for that reason I'd like to sincerely apologise, Sir."

" So are you admitting to being in the wrong, Ronald?"

" No, Sir. I'm simply stating that I could've handled the situation better, such as by pointing out Prof. Snape's error in referring to my person by the incorrect family name."

" Is that really the issue, since you've already allowed several other Professor's and even myself to address you as Ronald. I doubt that was what caused you to react in such a manner. Prof. Snape informed me that he addressed you as Mr. Weasley, which I don't believe was in any way disrespectful. Of course that was his side of the story, so now would you care to explain your side?"

" Headmaster, to be perfectly clear, I don't have an "Issue" being referred to as Mr. Weasley. However I do find it quite detasteful for a Professor to intentionally disregard my other Family names."

" Oh, and why is that exactly?"

" Because I'm now the Heir to a dying Noble House, House Prewett to be exact. Thus, I need to constantly keep proving myself, making allies with other Noble's, and not allowing anyone to discredit the Family name. There are no more chances, I have to succeed, I have to raise the honor and prestige of my family. There is no room for failure as that would mean the extinction of the Noble Prewett Family."

Dumbledore glanced at him causing Ron to ever so slightly divert his line of sight. He then sat back down while the immense pressure he'd felt before got heavier.

" Ronald, I've seen many Noble youths walk down the path that you've just described and let me tell you something, they never have a happy ending.

Many succumb to the pressure that managing and upholding a Noble House entails, others become mere pawns for the more affluent and older Noble Families, lastly those who somehow managed to overcome impossible odds, those very lucky few, lose something very important, their Humanity."

So I ask you not as your Headmaster but as a long time friend of your family, what makes you think that you won't meet the same ends as the countless Wizards before you?"

Ron stayed silent and even hung his head low as if he was deep in thought. Meanwhile Dumbledore's gaze was fixed on the boy, trying to get a glimpse of his face.

" I don't... "

Said a low monotone voice, coming from the downcast Ron causing Dumbledore to slightly lean forward.

" I might succumb to the pressure, become someone's pawn or even turn into a monster. Yet I fear none of those outcomes, what I fear is becoming complacent with what I already have. My desires could never be achieved by being safe, and I'm sure your old student, Tom Riddle would agree with me, there's nothing to gain from being normal."

"* You never believed him, and you'd never believe me. So there's no point in trying to reassure you that I'll be different. Now what will you do, old man?*"