章 78: Confronting Evil

Ron wasn't used to being placed in intense situations such as this. He had a few negative encounters, but nothing he couldn't handle. Up to this point in his life Ron hadn't really been pressured. His earlier exchanges with Dumbledore for example had to a certain extent been part of his plans. Ron was certain that he wouldn't be seriously pressed by the Headmaster.

Voldemort on the other hand, was another beast altogether, totally unpredictable. Contrary to Dumbledore, he was certain to burn weeds down to their roots. One false step and Ron would be struck down mercilessly without warning. The former dark lord, wasn't as patient as his former teacher, he wouldn't wait for people to become a problem before acting. against them. Another reason for Ron to get away from his "Host" as fast as possible. He feared that his secret would be found out and lead to an early demise.

' I've got to get out of here right fucking now. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to hold my concentration!'

Anxious over his waning mental fortitude, Ron momentarily froze. Leading to a continuation of Quirell's horrendous concerned professor act.

" R-ronald i-is e-everything okay?"

" Everythings perfect, well I should get going my friends are wai-"

Ron's quick attempt to flee was swiftly shattered by Quirrell's abrupt interruption.

" Ahem! While I h-ave you h-ere I'd l-like for u-us to h-ave a chat. W-what do yyou s-say?"

Quirell's invitation, while not sounding rude or forceful, in actuality came very close. As the man took a step forward after every word, so as the last word left his mouth, he stood directly in front of Ron.

' It doesn't look like he'll take no for an answer, what exactly is his motive here?'

For his part Ron stood tall and more importantly with confidence. His proud stance widening the fallen Dark Lord's minions eyes. Although this lasted for a split second as he soon reverted back to a more creepy but fitting expression. Almost but certainly indicating that whatever he was after wasn't anything good.

' So, it's come to this. Can't say I'm shocked, but I'll concede that I wasn't expecting our clash to occur this early on. Now it's all up to fate, not! I may be currently weaker than you, but that fits my strategy perfectly. Now come if you want a fight, I'm more than happy to oblige. Let's see if I force you of out of that eyesore of a host and back to Romania!'

Taking a step forward Ron cut the distance between the two even more now they stood mere centimeters from each other. Instilled with a great sense of dread towards Legilimency, Ron faced Quirell without making eye contact. Instead focusing his sight on his nose, as he replied, meanwhile a hand gesture from him went unnoticed.

" I am in a rush, however if it's something short, I'm sure my friends won't mind. So what would you like to speak about, Professor?"

Gazing at his much younger adversary's acting so brazenly in front of himself and his master. Filled the once renowned scholar with a deep sense of annoyance and anger. His feelings stemming from his own insecurities and his envy towards Ron.

Unbeknownst to Ron but very clear to Quirell, was his Master's interest in the former. With his mind becoming ever more concerned with the boy after learning of his connection to the Black Family. Quirell wasn't allowed to know why this was so, but came to envy his student.

Due to the events that occurred in the Forbidden Forest, Quirell spent the day recuperating from his injuries. This forced him to a day of endless screaming, humiliation, and insult fueled tirades at the metaphorical hands of his Master. Having become accustomed to such treatment he silently endured. At least until a certain red headed boy person was mentioned.

' IT'S BECOMING MORE THAN EVIDENT THAT YOU'RE COMPLETELY WORTHLESS TO ME QUIRELL! LOOK AT YOURSELF, LOCKED IN THIS ROOM LIKE A SCORNED DOG LICKING IT'S WOUNDS. PATHETIC.../ You're right Master, please forgive me for-/ SILENCE! I RUE THE DAY I MADE YOU MY HOST, IF NOT FOR MY SPIRIT BEING TOO WEAK AT THAT TIME AND IN NEED OF A BODY. I'D HAVE NEVER MERGED WITH SUCH SPINLESS, INCOMPETENT, TRASH AS YOURSELF...'

' YOUR ONE SAVING GRACE WAS UNCOVERING REGULUS' BASTARD CHILD. TO THINK HIS FAMILY WOULD HIDE HIM AS A WEASLEY TO KEEP HIM SAFE, ONLY TO THEN BE DISCOVERED BY YOU. HOW UTTERLY LAUGHABLE, WHICH BRINGS UP YOUR NEXT TASK, I WANT YOU TO SECURE A PRIVATE MEETING WITH THIS CHILD. I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME I MEET THE BOY DESTINED TO BECOME MY PAWN./ Master, he's not worthy of your time! You should let me deal with the boy, lest you make your presence known to Dumble-/QUIRRELL! LET THIS BE THE LAST TIME I REMIND YOU TO NOT QUESTION ME! YOUR ENTIRE PURPOSE IS TO OBEY ME, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?/ Yes, Master, my deepest apologies Master./ SILENCE QUIRRELL, JUST DO AS I SAY!/ Y-yes Master...'

Looking down at Ron, while recalling his Master's orders, Quirell couldn't help feel disdain for the boy. To him it felt like he was looking at his inevitable replacement.

" That's unfortunate, s-ome other time perhaps. How about we have lunch in my office tomorrow?"

" Lunch, in your office?"

" Yes, you see what I want to talk about pertains to some very delicate matters. So much so that I wouldn't want others to interrupt our conversation."

Taking a moment to process what he's just heard, Ron noticed something odd. Knowing of Quirrell's dark and sinister secret, Ron was aware that he hid behind a "Mask". However in this moment, Ron believed he was seeing the real Quirell, without the facade.

' Quirrell shouldn't be so reckless as to drop his act in front of anyone. Isn't because he doesn't see me as a potential threat, or is this that bald psycho's doing? Luckily it seems their oblivious to my actions from yesterday. Meaning I'm not on their list of threat's or enemies, so how should I answer?'

Standing at a crossroads, Ron was forced to gamble on his future. If he declined the invitation out right, it could prove troublesome. On the other hand if he accepted he would be entering the snake's hole blindly. Neither option was without risks, nevertheless one had to chosen.

" I'll gladly take you up on that offer, Professor. I'll see you tomorrow then, if there's nothing else I'll take my leave. If you'd please excuse me... "

Having accomplished his Master's orders Quirrell also didn't stay long. With both of them moving out of the other's path, going their separate ways. Although when Quirrell walked passed Ron, he felt an oddly familiar feeling, that of extreme horror. It was only for a split second but it felt like his life was at someone's mercy.

Causing him to hysterically turn back towards the crimson haired boy.

' What was that? It felt as if I was being stalked by a Dementor! Could it have been the Headmaster!? If so I have to report this to my Master at once!'

Walking up the stairs in the hallway just up ahead, a thin streak slowly descended onto Ron's palm. Slowly wrapping his fingers around it's interwoven handle fitting his grip perfectly. Ron was finally able to let out a sigh of relief as in his hand was Longinus.

' It seems that for the most part you went undetected, apart from that little mishap in the end there. Although I'd bet on the both of them pinning that on the old man rather than a ten year old. That said, it would have definitely been exciting to know if that sort of sneak attack would have worked thought. Such a shame that we'll never know.'