Capítulo 72: Shortcomings

Formulating a plan, specially one guaranteed to succeed was quite the hassle. Ron didn't have numerous tries, he needed his plan to be a success. He couldn't have Susan becoming hostile or distant towards him. Her role, as the bridge between her Aunt and Ron was a crucial part to his future endeavors.

' She's surprisingly complicated to figure out. Evident by all the research I've done on her, yet the only notable detail being most of her family murdered by Death Eaters. How much that helps is debatable, I could see how she'd be charmed by the old man and Harry, but how can I do it?'

Somewhat aware of his surroundings, Ron made sure to maintain his reading act. It wasn't enough to fool everyone, Daphne being the exception. However that was because he'd act similarly while tutoring her before. Luckily for him, Prof. McGonagall wasn't privy to any of this information.

As the end of class was drawing nearer Ron was still without a concrete plan. He'd thought of several scenarios such as; being upfront and asking her, but wasn't certain that she'd accept. Another was to have either of the girls befriend her, but that would surely take too long. There was old reliable, where he saves her from a dangerous situation, but he didn't want to go through all that ordeal.

After a few more minutes of coming up absolutely nothing, Ron was leaning closer to the idea of just going with the last idea.

' Should I just go ahead with the last scenario? It's almost a given that it'll work, yet I'm hesitant to, as it'll paint me as some sort of Hero. A tittle I greatly desire to hold, just not right now. Not while I'm under the watchful eye of the old man. That would draw unwanted and unnecessary attention to myself. Even more than I already attract... (Sigh)'

Unexpectedly his presumably silent sigh, turned out to not be all that silent. Drawing the entire classrooms attention, who all turned back to stare at Ron. Caught off guard by this outcome, he tried to hide behind his book. Although that quickly failed when they noticed the books cover.

Unlike them who were utilizing first year books, Ron was holding a second year book. This seriously bothered those students who were having problems with the former. They believed that Ron intentionally drew attention to himself to show off.

" It's him again."

" I bet he just did that to draw attention to himself, again."

" Yeah, he always has to be the center of attention."

While some whispered their words, others weren't so courteous.

" Insufferable twat."

" Hmph, so what if you're a little good at transfiguration Magic?"

The latter of these came from Hufflepuff's since the majority of the Ravenclaw's liked Ron. Listening to their comments annoyed Ron, yet remained calm, unwavering. At least outwardly, inside he berated himself for the unwarranted slip up.

"* Damn it, why the hell did I do that!? Good thing aunt Lucretia isn't here otherwise I'd of earned a scolding and maybe even a smack on the head.*"

While Ron was reminiscing about his etiquette lessons with his aunt, Prof. McGonagall firmly brought back order to the room.

" Silence! Where do you think you are? Let me remind you that you're in a classroom, not the Quidditch Field!."

" ... "

With those two sentences, she put an immediate stop to the whispers. That however wasn't the end of the situation, as she then turned to Ron.

" Ronald, it seems that even a second year textbook isn't challenging enough for you. It seems I'll have to speak with the headmaster about finding you something more, appropriate."

Ron wasn't an idiot and knew if the old man was heard that he'd be in deep trouble. Pushing him to try to remedy the situation as fast as possible.

" Deepest apologies Professor, it was not my intention to distract the class at all. Of that I can assure you, my sigh came from finally understanding a difficult magical theory. However, I would gladly welcome the chance to learn more about transfiguration."

Secretly glancing at her expression for her reaction, Ron was pleased when her frown was becoming less prominent.

" Then let this be the first and final time you do so. Although I'll still have to ask you to remain after class."

" I understand."

Even though Ron's reply was done in an impeccably formal manner. Inside he was a more than a bit annoyed as well as a tad vengeful.

' That's just great... As for those who insulted me earlier, I'll be sure to remember your faces, for when Voldy returns. I mean not even heroes can save everyone right?'

At his response Prof. McGonagall gave him a slight nod. Being one who cared for such formalities. Ron was obviously aware of this trait and acted accordingly. Winning him points with the Professor, while angering the Hufflepuff's.

Gaining their acceptance wasn't high on his list of priorities. Susan's on the other hand was, but when he glanced at her, all he saw was the back of her head.

' Eh, that's interesting. I mean it's not exactly what I was expecting. Though she's finally managed to peak my interest in her. I mean, not that I'm actually bothered by it, but why is she ignoring me? Is she that engrossed in her classwork or is it something else entirely?'

Going back to his book reading act, Ron carefully observed Susan. All the while trying to figure out the answer to his previous question. Lasting all the way until the end of class.

" Alright everyone, we'll end class right here. Make sure to head straight to your next class, don't be tardy."

" Yes, professor."

As the class came to it's end, everyone gathered their things and got up to leave. Everyone except Ron who simply put his book away, while remaining seated. As for his two companions, they would wait for him outside.

" We'll be right outside. Don't take long."

" Hopefully you don't get detention."

" Don't worry, I'm probably going to be praised or what not."

" I'm sure you are."

Not being content with the presumed light punishment for Ron. Several Hufflepuff's sent glares and scowls his way as they left. What they didn't expect was for Ron to reply with a wide smile akin to a Cheshire Cat.

' Do you honestly believe that somehow bothers me? At best you resemble annoying flies, ones I'll be quick to swat away.'