Power of Love

CHAPTER 4 - THE TYET OF ISIS

"What time were you supposed to meet Hagrid?" asked Ron, who was sitting cross-legged on Harry's bed reading Harry's 1998 Guide to the International Association of Quidditch while Harry did some last minute revising for his Apparation Test.

"We're taking a portkey from Dumbledore's office at ten o'clock." Harry glanced at the clock. "I suppose I'd better head over there soon."

Harry slung his long legs over the edge of the bed and leaned over to tie the laces on his trainers. Ron scooted over to sit beside him, affectionately putting one arm around his shoulders.

"You'll be fine," said Ron, reassuringly. "You've practiced hard, and you haven't managed to splinch yourself yet!" Harry stood up and so did Ron. "Here, I'll walk over there with you." Harry looked at him gratefully, and they kissed before descending the steps to the common room.

Dumbledore and Hagrid were approaching from the opposite direction as Harry and Ron reached the stone gargoyle leading to Dumbledore's office. They looked to be deep into a serious conversation and stopped talking abruptly as soon as they saw Harry and Ron waiting.

Dumbledore broke into a cheerful smile. "Ah, here you are, right on time. Let us proceed then. Mr. Weasley, why don't you join us and see your friends off." Ron nodded appreciatively and followed the others up the moving staircase.

Ron had only been inside Dumbledore's office twice before, and it was always a treat to see the interesting and rare artifacts and magical devices in its confines. As they entered, Ron noticed the portraits surreptitiously peeking at them while feigning sleep or disinterest. Fawkes stood quietly on his perch, but when he saw Harry, he warbled a few strange, but eerily beautiful notes. Ron watched as Dumbledore reached for something behind his desk and returned to them holding an old watering can. He set it on the corner of his desk, pulled out his wand and chanted, "Portus." As he did so, a stream of blue light burst from his wand, and the watering can wriggled a bit before finally going still.

Dumbledore looked down at his strange watch, a complicated affair that had twelve hands, and announced, "The portkey is set to leave in one minute. Harry, are you ready for your test?"

"Yes, sir," muttered Harry, barely looking up from the watering can.

"Good! Well then, you'll be landing in the main entry of the Ministry of Magic. Hagrid, you'll need to leave this watering can with the security guard - let him know that it is your portkey back to Hogwarts. It is set to return here at two o'clock. Do try to make it on time. If you miss it, you'll have to take the watering can up to the Department of Magical Transportation on the fourth floor and ask them to reset it, which will annoy them greatly, I am sure. Any questions before you go?"

Harry and Hagrid shook their heads and looked nervously at each other. Neither was fond of portkey travel, but it did seem to make sense as the preferred method of transportation to London. Harry glanced at Ron who was smiling at him. "Good luck, mate," he said quietly to Harry. Harry nodded.

A small hand on Dumbledore's watch moved, and he said, "It's time. Farewell!" Harry and Hagrid touched the watering can and, a few moments later, they disappeared.

Ron watched the empty space where Harry and Hagrid had been for several seconds, thanked Professor Dumbledore, and then moved toward the door. The sound of Dumbledore's voice called him back.

"Ron, if I might have a word with you.... There is a matter of some importance we need to discuss." Ron turned immediately and approached Dumbledore's desk. He couldn't imagine any matter, big or small, that he might have needed to discuss with Dumbledore.

"Of course, Professor." Dumbledore offered him a chair and a cup of tea, both of which he accepted. He felt that if Dumbledore was offering tea, he must not be in trouble for anything. Ron watched Dumbledore conjure two cups of tea and, after handing him one of them across the desk, he sat back down and scratched his beard, as if looking for the proper way to broach the topic. Finally, he spoke.

"Certain things have come to my attention recently," Dumbledore began, "which I feel will have a significant impact on the work of the Order of the Phoenix and our efforts to defeat Voldemort. Harry might have told you that we have a plan - and a good one, I think - but I have not believed until recently that we had all the pieces in place to execute it successfully."

He paused, and Ron wondered exactly why Dumbledore felt a need to tell him this. But he kept quiet and listened respectfully.

Dumbledore continued, "I can't be sure that the missing component has been identified unless I receive honest answers to what I'm sure you'll believe to be embarrassing and prying questions. I can promise that, in exchange for your candor, you will receive a full explanation of this part of the plan, as well as complete confidentiality regarding anything you tell me. The topic, as you might have guessed, concerns the relationship between you and Harry."

Ron felt his face flush, and he avoided looking at Dumbledore's eyes, which were now fixed on him. He tried to stay calm, but he knew he didn't want to have this conversation and was starting to panic. Not knowing what else to do, he muttered, "Okay."

"You and Harry have been great friends for a long time, have you not?" Dumbledore asked.

Ron's throat had become very dry. "Yes, sir. We met on the Hogwarts Express coming here as first-years." He took a swallow of tea, but it only helped for a moment.

"And would it be correct of me to presume that the two of you have gotten quite a bit closer recently?"

Ron didn't know what to say. He could feel his face burning under the pressure, and he was sure that Dumbledore would be able to tell if he lied. He glanced at Dumbledore, who was serenely waiting for a response, watching Ron battle with himself over the top of his half moon glasses. "Er, yes, Professor," he choked, finally.

Ron had hoped his answer would satisfy Dumbledore, and was horrified when he continued the line of questioning. "Forgive the impropriety of this question, but I assure you it is relevant. Are you and Harry lovers, perhaps?"

Ron was sure his face was now purple. He was mortified that Dumbledore had somehow found out about them. They were going to be in so much trouble. He wondered whether students got expelled for having sex. No, half the school would have been expelled by now if that were true. Maybe if he tried to explain how it was between Harry and him, Dumbledore would let them off easy...

Summoning his Gryffindor courage, he started speaking in a panicked voice he hardly recognized as his own. "You see, Professor, we didn't mean for anything to happen, it just did. And then we fell in love..."

Dumbledore held up his hand, gesturing Ron to stop talking. Gratefully, Ron closed his mouth. "You have told me all I need to know to confirm my earlier suspicions," said Dumbledore, gazing kindly at Ron. "And if it's any consolation, dear boy, I doubt that there has ever been a wizard in love whose heart has not led him down a path that his brain strongly advised against. Yet it has always been my belief that when one has the capacity to love deeply, he ought to use it, by all means."

"Professor Dumbledore," Ron asked sheepishly, "how did you know about Harry and me? Have we been that obvious?"

Dumbledore smiled. "I do not believe you have been obvious to anyone else, although it is highly unusual for one student to give another an international standard racing broom. Actually, it was the amulet that you gave Harry that tipped me off to the possibility. Then, knowing what I was looking for, I was able to discern it from your eyes."

Ron was completely confused. Harry's amulet? But he might have given that to Harry even if they weren't lovers. His confusion must have shown, because Dumbledore continued, "I can see that I shall have to start at the beginning in order for this to make any sense to you."

"Before I begin, Ron, I must impress upon you the need for complete secrecy. I have made sure these many years that no one person, save myself, has enough information to endanger my plan for the destruction of Voldemort. His powers to persuade are legendary, and it is my belief that he has become even stronger since he returned. Even the bravest and most trustworthy person cannot be expected to resist his tortures should he attack them. I will, therefore, tell you no more than you need to know, and ask that you not discuss the details with anyone else, not even Harry."

Ron nodded his head in agreement. He was struck by Dumbledore's grave expression; the blue sparkle in his eyes was now replaced by a frightening intensity. This was serious business, whatever it was, and Ron sat very still, giving Dumbledore his rapt attention.

"Good," said Dumbledore. "You might recall a certain prophecy that Voldemort was quite anxious to obtain from the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry." Ron nodded. "The record of that prophecy was destroyed, but since it was spoken to me, I am quite familiar with its message. I shall not share it with you, but I will tell you that it confirms beyond a doubt that Harry, and no other, must play a central role in the defeat of Voldemort once and for all. This prophecy was made just prior to Harry's birth by none other than Professor Trelawney."

Ron snorted in disbelief and surprise. "You're joking, aren't you?"

The twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "I agree it seems hard to believe. It will also surprise you to learn that she spoke a second prophecy, much later, to Harry. It was after a Divination exam, the day the true identity of your pet rat was revealed and we learned the truth about Sirius Black. That prophecy correctly predicted the return of Peter Pettigrew to Voldemort, and Voldemort's return to power."

Ron was dumbfounded. Who would have believed that Professor Trelawney was actually able to predict something useful? It explained why she was allowed to continue on the Hogwarts staff - Dumbledore surely wouldn't want her wandering around blabbing predictions about Voldemort to anyone other than himself.

"Then there was a third prophecy, about which no one knows except myself and my brother Aberforth. Last summer, you see, Professor Trelawney went to the Hogs Head Inn and got into a bit too much sherry. Aberforth took her to one of the rooms to sleep it off, and sent an owl asking me to come and collect her. When we entered her room she was sitting upright on the bed, and we saw her utter the prophecy."

Dumbledore got up and walked to the black cabinet where he kept his pensieve. Ron had never seen the pensieve before, although he'd heard Harry mention it a few times. He watched as Dumbledore took the seat behind his desk again, raised his wand to his forehead, and deposited a few long silver strands of a shimmering substance into its stone bowl. "Watch closely," Dumbledore said, as he prodded the strands with the tip of his wand.

A ghostly image of Sibyll Trelawney, with her bug-like glasses, bangles and shawls, emerged out of the pensieve and rotated above the bowl. Ron watched as the figure opened her mouth, and bristled as the deep, rough, unnatural voice issued forth.

He who would try to vanquish the Dark Lord will himself have a Protector... The Protector shall be a brave and loyal friend and a cherished lover... The Protector shall save his life, and as long as the bond of true love remains unbroken, he shall be protected...

The image of Professor Trelawney collapsed back into the pensieve. Ron stared at the shimmering threads moving restlessly in the bowl. He was stunned. Was Dumbledore saying that this Protector was...him? He looked questioningly into Dumbledore's face. Dumbledore nodded, as if to confirm the answer to his unasked question.

"You see the dilemma I've been in," continued Dumbledore. "I have not wanted to set my plan into action knowing that Harry could have a Protector somewhere who had not yet been revealed." He smiled again at Ron. "I had rather thought it might be Miss Granger, but I believe you'll perform admirably."

Ron's brain seemed to be working in slow motion. This couldn't be right. He was just a bit player in the drama of Harry's life - the faithful sidekick and comic relief. And now, was he going to have to be constantly on guard for all the things that could harm Harry? If Voldemort was going to attack Harry, how in the world was Ron going to protect him? The questions and doubts flooded into his mind, and he caught himself swaying in his chair as the turmoil embraced him.

Dumbledore poured Ron more tea, giving him time to collect his wits. Again, as if reading Ron's mind, he said, "This is a serious and vital role you which has been presented to you. Any plan leading to Voldemort's downfall is highly dangerous, and Harry will be thrust right into the midst of it. The first prophecy did not predict which of the two would be victorious, only that they would battle. I'd like to believe the existence of a Protector on Harry's side is a good sign. But you will need to consider very seriously whether you are willing to risk everything to protect Harry."

Ron replied immediately, "Of course I am." Dumbledore looked surprised, so Ron continued. "When my little sister was trapped in the Chamber of Secrets, Harry didn't hesitate to risk everything to save her. When he thought the Death Eaters had Sirius trapped in the Department of Mysteries, we all went to save him, because...we just felt that's what had to be done. If you think for one minute that I could willingly sit by and watch Harry fight Voldemort without helping...well, I couldn't. He'd do the same for me, no questions asked."

Dumbledore stared into Ron's eyes for a long while, and surmised that Ron was determined to fulfill the role of Protector. When at last he stood up again, he strode over to a tall bookcase full of leather-bound volumes. He selected one of the books and returned to his chair. "Which brings us back to the Tyet of Isis." He flipped through the pages of the book until he found what he was looking for. Ron inched forward in his chair, trying to view the page of the book. "How much do you know," asked Dumbledore, "about Isis?"

"Not all that much, to be honest, sir. I know that she was a goddess in the ancient Egyptian religion and that she ruled magic and witchcraft and could offer protection."

"Isis is one of the most powerful spirits in the mystical religion. She has multiple aspects, which, it is claimed, rule nearly every positive force in our world. Now, as you know, we do not pursue religious study here at Hogwarts, but I daresay there are many respectable witches and wizards who follow a mystic slant in their magic, and magical mysticism has certainly proved to be a powerful force among those who choose to use it.

"According to this text, the amulet is the primary magical charm of Isis. In order to invoke her protection, an incantation must be said over it once it has been properly prepared." Dumbledore looked up from the book to Ron. "I gather no such incantation has been done on Harry's charm."

"No, Professor. I had no idea I needed to do anything to it."

Dumbledore folded the corner of the page, closed the book and handed it to Ron. "I believe the mechanism by which you will be Harry's Protector is through this Tyet of Isis. Isis also happens to be the Goddess of Love. According to this book, when a lover invokes Isis through the amulet on behalf of his beloved, the protection to the wearer channels through the lover and combines their magic as a protective force. Another risk, of which you ought to be aware, is the possibility that the protective force required by Harry might be so great as to drain you of enough magic to kill you."

"I'll risk it," interrupted Ron.

"Then I suggest you study this volume and empower the charm as soon as possible. There are rumblings afoot that Voldemort is planning his next wave of terror even as we speak. I do not know the exact timing of our counterattack, but I can assure you that it is not far off. Read the instructions in that book carefully. I believe Professor Sprout will be able to help you obtain the supplies you need from the greenhouses. You may tell her I have given my permission."

Dumbledore appeared to be finished with Ron, but Ron was full of questions that demanded answers. "Professor Dumbledore, when that prophecy predicted I'd save Harry's life, did it mean that I've already saved his life and that proves I'm the Protector, or will I save his life in the future because I am the Protector?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that. True, you've already had some adventures together that could be argued to have saved Harry's life - even that incident several weeks ago where you found him unconscious outside. But there is no doubt in my mind that there are other encounters still to come between Voldemort, his supporters, and Harry. Your role in those future events cannot now be known by us."

"And, if I might ask," Ron said quickly, "does the prophecy mean that, er, Harry and I were always intended to be together? I mean, was this our...destiny?"

Dumbledore smiled. There was nothing quite so refreshing as the irrational logic of a young wizard in love. "You'll notice, Ron, that the prophecy is vague enough to have applied to many individuals. Even the first prophecy, about Harry, could have been about someone else if Voldemort had not attempted to kill him as a baby. You see, predicting the future is always complex, and the actions of others and ourselves can greatly influence the eventual outcome."

"Just one more question, Professor," pleaded Ron. Dumbledore nodded. "How much of this should I tell Harry? You said you didn't want me to tell anyone, but if I activate the amulet, he's got to know what to do with it, doesn't he?"

Dumbledore considered this thoughtfully. "That is a fair point. I should think you could tell him about the Tyet of Isis - even show him the book if he seems interested. But it is important that you should empower the amulet, not Harry, in order to truly protect him. As for the prophecy itself, I do not believe he needs to know of its existence until Voldemort has been defeated."

"All right," said Ron, rising from the chair and grasping the heavy volume in his hand.

Dumbledore stood up and came around his desk to where Ron stood. He put his ancient hand on Ron's shoulder and they headed toward the door. "Now, as for you and Harry, I would recommend using the utmost discretion," he said with a gleam in his eyes. "We have enough drama at Hogwarts without a parade of disappointed girls moping around the hallways because the Boy Who Lived is no longer eligible."

Once out of Dumbledore's office, Ron bolted back to the Gryffindor common room and sat down by the fire to read the book. He was so engrossed, he didn't notice that lunchtime had come and gone, and was startled to see Harry's head pop through the portrait hole several hours later.

* * * * *

"Oi, how did it go?" Ron asked as Harry sat next to him on the couch.

"Very well. I've got my license now and I hope I'll never have to travel by floo powder again," answered Harry. "Oh, and we had lunch with your dad at the Ministry. He sends his love." Harry looked over at the book Ron had just set down. "What's that?"

"Harry, you just won't believe all I've learned about that Tyet of Isis. Dumbledore loaned me this book, and it seems there's much more to it than we ever realized!" Ron went on to describe Isis, and details about benefits the Tyet of Isis would bestow upon the wearer. Ron pulled out the book and began showing relevant passages to Harry, who seemed totally overwhelmed by this new information.

"This is brilliant, Ron," said Harry a bit impatiently, "but I was really hoping we could spend some time upstairs..."

Ron interrupted him. "We can't though, Harry. We need to go down to the greenhouse and have Professor Sprout show us how to make this flower-water stuff so we can prepare the amulet for the incantation. I was only waiting until you got back so I'd have some company."

"What's the big hurry?" pouted Harry. "It's not like Voldemort is standing on the castle steps waiting to attack me."

Ron slipped into his well-honed Hermione impression. "Honestly, Harry, you never know when you're going to need this. Don't put it off till later, you big second rater!" Ron burst into laughter, and Harry chuckled as well.

"All right, then, we'll go," sighed Harry. "But that means we get to do what I want to do later."

Several minutes later they were on their way to the greenhouses, Ron clutching Dumbledore's book in his hand. They found Professor Sprout in Greenhouse 3, where she had just finished pruning a flutterby bush. Ron showed her the section of the book devoted to preparation of the amulet, and she set about gathering the half-dozen required flowers. She loaned them a small cauldron and showed them how to properly separate petals and stems.

They carried the flower-filled cauldron back to their room, where Ron filled it with water and spoke an incantation over it. He then removed the amulet from around Harry's neck, took it from its chain, and immersed it in the flower-water. There it was to soak overnight.

By the time Ron finished his task, it was nearly time for dinner, and he was famished. He was feeling much better, though, knowing his important task would be completed by this time tomorrow. Now, he just had to keep Harry distracted so that he wouldn't ask too many questions. Well, that would be easy.

* * * * *

"I'm not sure about this, Harry."

"Come on, Ron. You said I could choose what we do tonight. Besides, everyone will be coming back on Sunday - we don't have much more time if you want to try it."

Ron was avoiding Harry's eyes. He was extremely apprehensive about taking this next step. As much as he loved Harry, and as much as he wanted to make Harry happy, he was having a very difficult time getting his brain to accept the level of intimacy that Harry was suggesting. He just couldn't ignore the loud voice in his head saying that only benders did this. He didn't feel like he was gay, and he didn't believe Harry was either, but if they actually shagged...

"You're sure it isn't going to hurt?" Ron said nervously.

Harry brushed Ron's face lightly with his fingertips, and then lifted his chin so that he had no choice but to look into Harry's brilliant green eyes. The lust burning through them was unmistakable, but so was the love. "We'll take it slow, and if it makes you too uncomfortable, I'll stop. Or, you could go first."

"No, I don't think I could go first," replied Ron. He knew he should trust Harry. He let himself wonder for about the hundredth time what it would feel like for Harry to be inside of him. Ron pulled Harry into a passionate embrace, tasting Harry's mouth with his tongue and gently sucking on his succulent lower lip. His body wanted it - that much was sure. Harry's nimble fingers unbuttoned his shirt, and he felt the rush of cold air on his skin. Harry's hands were roaming all over him, stimulating every little nerve on his exposed flesh.

"No fair," he moaned. "You can't expect me to think straight when you're attacking me like this."

Harry trailed his tongue across Ron's chest, where he had been lightly nibbling Ron's right nipple, all the way up to his left ear lobe. "That's the problem, Weasley," he whispered. "You think too much. Turn off your brain and just feel this."

After nearly two weeks of experimenting, Harry knew exactly what to do to persuade Ron. He felt guilty about resorting to these tactics for about five seconds, and then went to work. Clothes started flying every which way and the next thing Ron knew, he was naked and lying flat on his back on the bed. Harry's lips were all over him, his hands caressing and massaging and exploring. Ron had no idea how he could be feeling so much pleasure from so many different body parts. Harry's lips found their way back to his, and his tongue was flicking in and out of Ron's mouth. Ron was in far too deep now; there was no other option than to lie back and enjoy it.

And enjoy it he did. Harry was going out of his way to make it pleasurable for Ron, although it was the expression of urgent need on Harry's face that Ron found the most exciting. Ron urged him on with dirty words of encouragement. It wasn't long before Harry's release struck him like a well-hit Bludger. When he was finished, all Harry could do was let out a throaty little low-pitched giggle. He kissed Ron, not with urgent, lustful need, but with a passion and love so deep that Ron thought Harry just might crawl right into his skin.

"I love you, Ron," he said, opening his eyes just enough to gauge the reaction on Ron's face.

"I love you too," whispered Ron.

For a couple of minutes they lay in each other's arms, kissing, caressing and stroking. Harry had calmed down enough so he could no longer feel blood pulsing through his veins. His wandering hands discovered Ron's lingering excitement, and remembered that Ron still needed some attention. He raised himself up on his elbow and asked, "Do you fancy a go?"

Ron considered this. "Tomorrow, I think. What I'd really like now..."

"I know exactly what you'd like," interrupted Harry. And he proceeded to work his magic on Ron until he, too, was completely knackered.

* * * * *

They had shifted to Ron's bed and were snuggled together, each boy enjoying the feeling of his bare skin against the other. They had extinguished the candles and pulled closed the bed hangings to ward off the draft from the dormitory window. The gentle movement of Harry's arm across Ron's chest indicated that Harry was still awake, but they had said nothing for a long while.

Ron finally spoke. "You were incredible, Harry. I'm sorry I made us wait so long."

Harry's voice was muffled by Ron's shoulder. "Mmmm. You were worth the wait. And tomorrow you can find out what else you've been missing."

"Harry," Ron asked curiously, "how did you know exactly what to do? You seemed quite sure of yourself, and you had that slimy stuff and all..."

Ron could feel a wide smile spread across Harry's face that was still nestled against his shoulder. Harry rolled onto his side and said, "Justin Finch-Fletchley."

Ron's eyes opened wide, but he could see nothing in the darkness. "Blimey, Harry, you and he didn't..."

"No, we didn't. But, you know he begs me for sex at least once a week," started Harry.

Ron interrupted, "Once a week? A bit keen, isn't he?"

"Don't be impressed. Everyone knows he bats for both sides and he'll have sex with anyone who's willing."

"Maybe, but he's only asked me once."

"He says I have a nice bum..."

"You do."

"Anyway, as I was saying, a few weeks ago Justin asked me and I told him 'no' again, but said I was curious. He agreed to tell me exactly what he would do if I ever said 'yes'."

"Ew, you let him talk dirty to you?" asked Ron, with disgust.

"Sorry," replied Harry. "But it was worth it because I learned a lot. I kept asking really detailed questions so he would get more explicit and I think he thought I was just trying to get a good mental image."

"Harry, you're a right little tart. What are you going to do next time Justin asks you?" sniggered Ron.

"I've got it all worked out," said Harry. "I've bought him a tube of MagicGlide and I'll tell him we're even."

* * * * *

When Harry burst through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor common room at ten o'clock the next morning, he was fuming. He collapsed into the nearest armchair, clutching his head and swearing angrily under his breath.

"Rough lesson?" asked Ron, looking up from his Charms homework.

"I can't believe it," stormed Harry. "Dumbledore has decided that I'm far enough along in Occlumency now to take my lessons from Snape. He thinks the challenge of keeping Snape out of my thoughts is closer to what I'll experience if I encounter Voldemort. I've just had my worst lesson in two years, and my head is pounding."

"He didn't, er, find out anything...about us, I mean," said Ron, hesitantly.

"No," snarled Harry, "but he was looking for it. Bastard. I had to block him with a Protego charm, but now he knows there's something I'm trying to hide. And I'm supposed to repel him without using my wand, so now he thinks I'm an idiot."

Ron stood up from the table and walked over to Harry. He massaged the tense muscles in Harry's neck for a short while and then said, "Why don't you have a kip upstairs for a bit? I'll wake you up when I finish this assignment."

"Yeah, I think I will," answered Harry, getting up from the armchair. "I've got to get rid of this headache or I'll be useless all day."

Ron grinned at him. "Oh, I shouldn't like that - I've got several good uses in mind for you." He watched Harry disappear up the dormitory steps and turned his attention to the table where his Charms homework was spread out.

About fifteen minutes passed before Ron realized he'd been looking at the words in the book but not comprehending a single one. Knowing that Harry was upstairs in bed was way too distracting. Ron allowed his mind to drift, thinking of how much things had changed between Harry and himself over the holidays. They'd had some variation of sex every day, slept in the same bed together nearly every night, and admitted that they loved each other. Ron had discovered that he was Harry's Protector, and he wasn't quite sure what that meant, but he knew for certain that he would need to maintain the bond of true love with Harry in order to protect him.

It was going to be a problem, though, when everyone else returned to Hogwarts. He was so horny all the time - all this sex seemed to make him more so, not less. And every time Harry gave him "the look" he wanted to jump his bones. Well, no...he wanted to jump his bones all the time. Like now, just the thought of what they might be doing later was making him hard. He shifted uncomfortably in the chair. What Ron had failed to consider, when he was busy developing his clever plan to be together with Harry, is that they would want to continue to enjoy each other on a regular and frequent basis. He hadn't counted on the fact that he would become addicted to Harry's body, Harry's soft lips on his skin, or that moment of utter bliss when his body is completely overcome with pleasure. They had just two days before their lives became very complicated.

Dammit, thought Ron. Even if they did manage to avoid discovery by their schoolmates, they'd both fail their coursework due to their inability to concentrate. Ron shoved his books aside and headed up the stairs. He quietly peeked into the dormitory to see if Harry was asleep. He could see Harry through his partially open bed hangings, lying on his back and stripped to the waist. Ron crept to the bed and examined his face - Harry had removed his glasses, and his eyes were closed. His hair had fallen away from his forehead so that his lightning bolt scar was plainly visible. The tension Ron had noticed around his eyes earlier had melted away, and his lips were pressed lightly together in a tantalizing pout.

Ron reached forward to gently stroke Harry's cheek, but just before he made contact, Harry said, "About time," causing Ron's startled heart to leap to his throat.

"Don't do that!" gasped Ron, whose heart was now pounding rapidly.

"Sorry. I was just expecting you to have given up at least ten minutes ago. Did you finish your work?"

Ron lay down on his side next to Harry; his head propped up with one hand so he could watch Harry's face. "You've got to be kidding. I read the same page fifteen times while trying to decide if you really had a headache," replied Ron. "So do you?"

Harry grinned and flashed Ron the lustful look again. "Now my other head is throbbing, mate."

That was all the invitation that Ron needed. With wild enthusiasm he dropped his clothing into a heap on the floor and removed what remained of Harry's. The two of them rolled around like charged up cubs fighting to see who would dominate this time. Ron finally won when he purred into Harry's ear, "I think the time has come for me to shag the famous Harry Potter. Would you like that, Harry?" Harry's eyes brightened and without words he let Ron know he was eager to try it.

Harry definitely benefited from Ron having been on the receiving end the night before and having had a while to think about it. Ron pretty much imitated what Harry had done, but he was much more aggressive. Ron had always been a quick study.

Afterwards, Ron's heart was racing and he could feel beads of sweat on his brow. Between labored breaths, he whispered nonsense words of love into Harry's ear. He wasn't sure how he had expected it to feel, but it had felt better and more fulfilling than anything he could imagine. Sweet Harry. How could Ron ever deny him anything again? As they shifted to a more comfortable position, Ron gazed at Harry's physique with loving admiration. Hundreds of witches, and probably a fair few wizards as well, would have given anything to be where Ron was right now. But Harry was his. They belonged to each other. And as long as the bond of true love remained unbroken, Harry would be protected. Well, that will be my dying day, thought Ron.

* * * * *

The late afternoon sun was casting long shadows on the sprinkling of snow that still remained on the castle grounds. Harry held the great wooden door open for Ron as he hauled the heavy cauldron out into the courtyard where they usually took their breaks between lessons.

"I still don't understand why we have to do this outside," muttered Harry.

Ron looked at him impatiently. "I told you - I'm going to have to light a fire under the cauldron and it sounds like the cauldron is going to shoot flames. With all the other things we're going to be hiding from Seamus, Dean and Neville, we don't need to add 'having blown up their dormitory' to the list."

"How long do you think it will take?" Harry asked.

"Probably about ten minutes. Unless I mess it up, in which case, your guess is as good as mine." Ron set the cauldron down on the pavement, and pulled Dumbledore's book out of his pocket. He had read this section over and over since yesterday, but he was extremely nervous since so much was at stake. He sloshed his arm around in the cauldron and verified that the amulet was still at the bottom.

Fortunately, Harry was oblivious. For him, it was just a lark. It would be great if it worked, but he'd be able to take care of himself. He'd gotten past Voldemort enough times to know that any bit of protection could mean the difference between life and death, but if it came down to death, he was prepared.

"Right then," said Ron. "Ready?"

"Yes, let's get on with it," replied Harry, who was feeling rather foolish at all this fuss over the tiny amulet.

Following the instructions from the book, Ron lit a fire under the cauldron. The pale blue flame heated the water rapidly, and the steam rising from the top gave off a floral aroma that reminded them of Professor Trelawney's classroom. When the water in the cauldron came to a boil, Ron held out his wand over it and said an incantation to summon the spirit of Isis to the amulet. Red sparks flew out of his wand, and the bubbling water turned amber, then became light as the color of champagne. Ron consulted the book again, and was relieved to see that he'd done right so far.

"Now, Harry, I need a couple of hairs from you," Ron said, looking up.

Harry yanked a few from his head and placed them into Ron's outstretched hand. "I didn't realize you were expecting me to sacrifice body parts for this," he said snidely. Ron glared at him and said nothing.

Ron dropped the hairs into the cauldron and they watched as orange flames shot up above the cauldron before dying out. The water was still boiling, and the bubbles looked like shimmering green crystals. Ron glanced over at Harry, who had gone totally white and looked as if he was about to faint.

"All right, Harry?" Ron asked with concern.

Harry sat down in the snow and put his head between his knees to try to keep from passing out. "Go on," he said weakly. "I'll be fine in a minute."

Ron decided the best course was to finish this up as quickly as he could. If Harry did pass out, at least he wouldn't hurt himself now that he was sitting. Ron quickly scanned the passage with the incantation and raised his wand above the cauldron again. He saw Harry look up as he clearly spoke the words, "The Blood of Isis, and the Strength of Isis, and the Words of Power of Isis shall be mighty to act as powers and protect Harry Potter, my beloved. They shall prevent wrong from being done to him." White sparks flew from Ron's wand this time, and red flames flared. When the flames died down, Ron could see the water was a bright red.

He extinguished the flame underneath the cauldron, and sat down next to Harry, who was still very pale. Knowing they could be seen by anyone, and had possibly attracted some attention by shooting flames several meters into the air, Ron did not touch him, but whispered, "Harry? Are you okay?"

Harry looked into his eyes, and for the first time in ages, Ron saw fear. Merlin, what had this spell done to him? It was supposed to protect him, not scare the shit out of him. It was obvious that Harry had lost the ability to speak. Ron levitated the Tyet of Isis out of the cauldron, put it in his pocket and helped Harry to his feet. They went inside without speaking a word.

Ron directed Harry back to the common room and nudged him onto the couch by the fire. He noticed for the first time that Harry was shaking. Ron took his hand and spoke his name, and without warning, Harry broke out of his trance.

"That incantation," he said, staring blankly into space, "was nearly identical to the one Voldemort used to come back. He said the spell was of his own making, and the words were different, but the flames, and the water glittering like diamonds...it was just the same."

Bloody hell - nice work Weasley, thought Ron. Instead of protecting the boy, why not remind him of one of his top three nightmares! Ron remembered seeing Harry in the hospital wing after he had witnessed Voldemort's rebirth. He recognized the haunted, hollow look in his eyes as the same he had worn then. Ron had no idea what to do, so he put his arms around Harry and held him tight, hoping like hell that the Gryffindor girls were far away. He gently whispered, "It's okay, Harry. He can't hurt you now. I'll protect you."

Harry sighed deeply. "I'm sorry," he said at last. "It was my own stupid joke about sacrificing body parts that reminded me. I wasn't prepared for that memory and it caught me off guard. I'm fine."

Ron seriously doubted this, but Harry seemed quite anxious to drop the matter, so they did. Ron dug into his pocket and pulled out the Tyet of Isis. They looked at it in the firelight and noticed that it now had a very faint glow when it caught the light at a particular angle. Harry put it back on its chain and Ron fastened it about his neck.

"Does it feel any different?" asked Ron.

Harry shook his head. "No. It feels just like it did yesterday."

They sat side-by-side watching the flames dance across the fireplace. Suddenly, Harry sat up straight and turned to Ron. "Ron, why was Dumbledore talking to you about the Tyet of Isis and not me?"

As this question came totally out of the blue, the best Ron could do was sputter, "Oh, it just came up when I was leaving his office yesterday." Damn, he was a bad liar.

"But if he knew which book to give you, he must have read it, and he must have seen the section on empowering the amulet on behalf of the one you love... then--"

Ron interrupted, "Yes, Harry, he knows." Ron knew he must look terribly guilty.

"He knows...everything?" asked Harry in a panic.

Ron started rambling. "He guessed, and I couldn't lie to him. You know I'm a bad liar and anyway, you said he can tell when people are lying to him so, er, I confirmed it." He looked uncomfortably at Harry. "But he seemed, er, pretty supportive, you know."

Harry stood up and began ranting, "Damn it, Ron! I know it's not your fault, but I am so tired of living my life in a fish bowl where everyone is constantly watching my every move. Just once I'd like a little privacy!" As if on cue, the portrait hole opened and in walked the two second-year girls. "See?" stormed Harry, as he ran up the dormitory stairs in a huff, leaving Ron somewhat dumbfounded and the two girls thoroughly confused.

"He's having a bad day," Ron said to them as he pursued Harry up the stairway.

Ron hesitated when he stepped into the dormitory. Dusk had fallen, and Harry had not lit any of the candles on the walls. He listened for Harry's breathing but heard nothing. He waited, and then heard a faint rustle coming from Harry's bed. Ron's eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and he moved noiselessly into the room.

"Harry?" There was no answer. "Harry, are you in here?"

"Go away," said a steely cold voice that hardly sounded like Harry.

Ron approached Harry's bed. The bed hangings were drawn, and Ron pushed them aside and poked in his head.

"You don't listen very well, do you?" came Harry's voice from under his pillow.

Ron smiled. "No, I don't." He sat down on the bed beside Harry and began gently rubbing his back in what he hoped would be interpreted as a comforting gesture. Harry didn't protest, so he continued. "Harry, mate, I'm so sorry about dredging up that memory of You-Know-Who. I - I didn't know..."

Harry uncovered his face and turned toward Ron. "Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." He paused for a moment, trying to make out Ron's features in the dark. He shook his head in disgust. "No, you've done everything right. It's me. God, Ron, I'm such a prick."

"Sorry?"

Harry sat up and turned to face Ron. He fumbled for Ron's hand in the darkness and, when he found it, entwined his fingers with Ron's. "I thought I was so clever," said Harry quietly, "giving you that Firebolt for Christmas. It was kind of a thrill for me, you know? Let's give Ron a Firebolt and see what he does. Oh, I knew you'd like it, and I really wanted you to have it, but make no mistake - it was no sacrifice for me to give it to you. Just spend some gold that I was lucky enough to inherit and for which I have no immediate need.

"And when you gave me the amulet, I thought it was wonderful - endearing, sweet, even charming. But at the time, I had no idea what you were really giving me. It wasn't until you did the incantation that I even understood what you were doing. And I just sat there and let you do it. You just committed yourself to saving my sorry arse, didn't you, Ron? And all I gave you was a ruddy broomstick."

Ron was in shock. Of course he was going to protect Harry! Harry would protect him if his sorry arse needed saving... And since when is a Firebolt a ruddy broomstick? No, no, there was something else going on here. Harry was wallowing all right, but there had to be a deeper issue.

"Are you quite finished?" asked Ron. "Because I have a few things I need to say."

"Go ahead," said Harry, sulkily.

Ron took a deep breath, and his voice became very authoritative. "First off, I only got the amulet for you because I saw it in the shop and thought it would be cool if it could protect you somehow. I had no idea until yesterday that we were talking about serious magic and 'saving your sorry arse' as you said. But when I found out that there was a way that I could use it to protect you, yeah, of course I wanted to do it. Let's think about why that would be... oh yeah, because I love you. Don't be thick, Harry. We have no future together if you're a corpse. Secondly, I think the Firebolt is brilliant, and I love it, and I think it's great if it gave you some kind of thrill to give it to me. Even if I didn't love flying it, the fact that I have one and Malfoy doesn't is worth twice the gold that you paid for it. Finally, Harry, there are many adjectives that would describe your arse, but 'sorry' isn't one of them."

Harry's grip tightened on Ron's hand. "But, Ron, I should never have let you do that incantation. That magic...well, that type of magic, is so powerful that it could give Voldemort his body back. There's a price to pay for magic that powerful. The force has to come from somewhere, and the book as much as said that the protection would be coming from you. What if it kills you?"

"The power of Isis channels through me, I think. I don't think it will affect me at all," replied Ron, who had no idea if that was true.

Harry was very agitated, though. "Ron, you don't understand. People die when they try to protect me!"

So that's it, thought Ron. Sure, it all made sense. First Harry's parents, then Sirius died trying to protect Harry. Add Cedric, who had the misfortune of intruding on Voldemort's little rebirthing party, on top of that - no wonder the boy was going round the twist.

"Not everyone - look at Dumbledore! Besides, I have a secret weapon that they didn't have," said Ron, with a smile. "I have Isis, the Goddess of Luuuuv!" Retrieving his wand, Ron uttered, "Lumos," and looked at the clock. "Come on, Harry. The only thing I'm going to die from tonight is hunger if you don't get your sorry arse off of that bed and moving to the Great Hall."

Harry rose to his feet and caught Ron in a heartfelt embrace. "Ron, you have no idea how much this means to me. I don't even know what to say."

"Well, I never said that I wouldn't let you show me a little gratitude," said Ron, mischievously. "But it will have to wait until later, because I'm starving."