CHAPTER III: The Meeting with Dumbledore
"You may enter," came a voice from inside. Ron pushed open the door to reveal the Headmaster of Hogwarts: Albus Dumbledore. His bright blue eyes seemed to twinkle in the candlelight, and Ron knew he was not in trouble.
"That is all, Minerva," the kindly wizard gestured toward Professor McGonagall. "Thank you," and with that, the head of Gryffindor house had disappeared.
"I know what you asked me here for, Professor," Ron began slowly.
"Ah, I am sure that you do, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore answered back. "Now, what's this about you wearing some sort of wig at the Quidditch game this morning?"
"Well you see, Sir," Ron began. Then he was off, telling all about the trip to Hogsmeade, and pulling their money together so Ron could play in the Quidditch match. Even about how they had snuck into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom to determine Ron's eye and hair color. After the Weasley boy finished, he hung his head in shame.
"Sir, I'm sorry, I… I had to do it."
Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled. Then he looked down at the floor. "Mr. Weasley, in all my years of teaching I've come to realize that sometimes one will do something not for themselves, but for their friends." The Headmaster looked up. "That, my boy, is the meaning of true friendship. Not to mention why I have enjoyed watching you, Mr. Potter, and Miss Granger grow up together these past few years.
"And, I called you up here to my office to tell you that your detention is canceled for the rest of the week, and you are back on the Quidditch team."
"Sir, you don't mean… thank you, Sir, but… why, Sir?" Ron stumbled over his words.
"A certain Fred and George Weasley have confessed that they were the ones who set off those Dungbombs in the Transfiguration corridor. They couldn't stand seeing you get all the credit for one of their schemes." The wizard peered over his half-moon spectacles at Ron as his bright blue eyes danced. He winked. "Now, I suggest you go get some sleep. I expect you to be in front of those goalposts in tomorrow's makeup match."
"I will be, Sir," Ron felt like hugging the old wizard in forest green robes. "Can I.." the Weasley boy gestured toward the door.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore laughed. "Now, go have some fun. I'm sure Miss Granger and Mr. Potter are eager to see you."
"Well, how was it?"
Harry and Hermione were waiting right outside Dumbledore's office, ready to hear exactly what had happened.
"I'm back on the team!" Ron exclaimed. "Dumbledore said Fred and George did it, and they finally 'fessed up when they found out I got the blame!"
"That's great, Ron!" Hermione hugged him. Suddenly, she backed away as though she had hugged a porcupine instead. She cleared her throat and acted as though such an event had never occurred.
All Harry could do was pat Ron on the back. "I knew you didn't do it. Now come on, let's go back to the common room and celebrate. But, uh.. Ron?"
"Yeah Harry?"
"Do us all a favor and wipe off that blush."
"Harry?"
"What is it, Ron?"
"Shut up."
A.N. Ta da!! Like it? Great. Now there's only one more thing left to do… review it! ;)
