HPNSA - BOOK ONE

CHAPTER FOUR
CURSE OF THE IRANNA
TIMELINE: FIFTH YEAR JANUARY TO APRIL




“Harry, Ron, wait up!” Hermione said. Harry and Ron had just finished Divination and were headed toward their next class. “I’ve got something you have to see.”

They went outside and sat on a bench, it was early January and the courtyard was still filled with snow. Hermione was carrying a bag made of thick buffalo hide with great difficulty.

“Viktor gave me this.” She said placing the heavy bag down on the snow-laden ground. She untied the bag but Ron and Harry had to help her halfway because the knot was tied too tight. Inside they saw two books; one was thicker than the other and older, much older. She then stood in front of them making sure her cloak would provide cover.

Harry had asked Hermione to gather information from Krum regarding Nymphrodites; since Durmstrang taught the Dark Arts there was a remote possibility that they had more information than Hogwarts did. He didn’t think Krum would do it, but here they are – two books that would either liberate him or add to his already growing frustration. Harry looked at them for a while then with Ron’s help took the books out. Ron got the thicker one while he took the other.

“Careful Ron, the pages no longer connect to the spine.” Hermione gasped, Ron placed the book in his lap and looked at the one that Harry had.

“The Gatekeepers? They sure have strange lessons in Durmstrang.” Ron said.

“No, they don’t teach these in Durmstrang. Mind you, these are banned books, Viktor had to smuggle them to me. So please be careful not to let anyone else see them, or we’re done for.” Hermione said.

Harry looked at the one Ron had in his lap; it looked like it had some kind of skin as covering and etched on it was the word IRANNA.

“Here Ron. Let me have a look at that one.” He said and they exchanged books.

Ron paged through the Gatekeeper book and at the end he saw a dagger. It was buried in a secret compartment in the back of the book; he flipped the end cover over to see if it was thick enough to hold it but it wasn’t though when you look at it from the inside it appears to be. Ron nodded his head; no doubt, the dagger was placed there by magic. He ran his finger through it and admired the artistry for indeed it was beautiful. “Wicked!” He gasped

Harry carefully opened the thicker one. The picture on the first page caught his eye. It appeared to be a ritual-- there were several wizards around a large altar and a young man was chained to the altar. The young man’s body arched obviously from the pain they were inflicting upon him. On top of the altar, bending over the young man was a large beast with six hands and bat-like wings.

The air around him seemed to have chilled even more as he scanned the page. The look of horror and agony on that face made him wince as he could almost feel the pain as though it traveled out of the pages.

“What are they doing?” Ron said a horrified look in his face. Harry closed the book abruptly, which made Ron jump. “Harry! What’s the matter?”

“I think I should read this alone.” Harry said.

“No. Whatever it is you should share it with me.” Ron said, putting down the Gatekeeper book, which Hermione took immediately and placed inside the buffalo bag. “We are in this together, I’m not going to let you…”

“Be careful…” Hermione whispered.

“Ron…I can’t share this with you. Not yet.” Harry said.

“And why the hell not?” Ron said loudly.

“Hush!” Hermione warned.

“I just can’t” Harry said. Hermione kept turning her head for the two were talking much too loud for comfort.

“That’s not good enough.” Ron said and waited for Harry to open the book again. “Harry.”

Harry just sat there and stared at Ron hoping he would understand. Ron just looked back at him, stubbornly waiting for him to give in.

“Please understand, I need to, Ron!” Harry begged.

Ron stood and walked away muttering.

“Ron! Ron! Blast it!” Harry cried in exasperation.

“Harry, he is only worried about you.” Hermione said.

“All the more reason not to show him this.” Harry opened the book again and the picture seemed to cry out to him, asking for help, begging for mercy. He closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath then closed the book again.

“I’ve read it Harry. I don’t like it either, there are things there that are too dark and evil to read and you may not be able to handle it. This is something we need to tell the Order about.” Hermione said.

Harry was repulsed by the idea. “No. I don’t want Sirius thinking that I’m some kind of freak!”

“Hush! Don’t say his name aloud.” Hermione said. “Snuffles loves you like a son, he’s not going to let this thing ruin what you have. We have to tell them Harry. The sooner the better.”

Harry thought about it; Hermione was right, of course, Sirius would protect him. He was not like the Dursleys that never gave a damn about him. Then he remembered Uncle Lars and what he did to him. A vision of Sirius actually molesting him made him shake his head, horrified at the possibility. Nevertheless, it was not far-fetched, Lars did it and he did not know about the Iranna and what it does. Sirius would and therefore would have more reason to do it. Disturbed by the idea Harry decides against it.

He shook his head and carefully placed the book inside its bag. “I need to read this alone. You will never understand what it’s like. The Order will find out but not from me, not from you, or Ron, and certainly not at this time.” He then stood and sighed. “Thank you, Hermione. Thanks for getting them.” Then he headed off to his next class his mind filled with dread.

That night Harry sat near the hearth in the Gryffindor common room reading the book. It was entitled Curse of the Iranna and had detailed information about Nymphrodites and how wizards extracted, or rather harvested them. Several methods were used; one was to cut them up and get the Iranna, which was inside the Nymphrodites right ovary. However, this meant killing the Nymphrodite who before existed in great number at one time. They dwindled quickly because the Iranna could not be found once the Nymphrodite died. Then a man - a muggle - who did not know about the Iranna, bragged about having sexual intercourse with a Nymphrodite and said that he found the boy produced gold during sex, but that the gold turned to dust after a while. A wizard overheard him, kidnapped the Nymphrodite, and raped him until he died. Then the word spread; the Iranna could be extracted only through sexual intercourse and so Nymphrodites were hunted down, raped, and killed. The Iranna remained unseen.

One time, a sorcerer discovered another method that was almost successful. He found out that there was another creature that was by nature drawn to it – the Incubus, a demon that roamed the land that fed on women’s liquids and egg cells. They were condemned to die a horrible death every fifteen years only to inhabit another body and go through the same agony all over again until they are killed – which was by beheading or by the killing curse, which is why they feared wizards and never dealt with them unless they were forced to. The Iranna was the only cure for them, and so they too, hunt the Nymphrodite for it. Their method while subtle is even more painful than what the wizards initially came up with. They had long serrated tongues that sought the Iranna and when it reached the right ovary it tears the protective membrane surrounding the Iranna, which was tightly attached to the ovary, and then they suck it out: a slow painful business that takes three days to complete. The pain this inflicts usually kills the Nymphrodite mid-way, or they bleed to death. However, one Incubus was able to get an Iranna before the Nymphrodite died. His name was Aveddon. No more was written of him.

Harry read one horrifying account after another and decided he could not go on further when the next chapter title read, PRIORI-MORTEM. He closed the book and holding his head with both hands, he looked at the fire and felt like he wanted to scream. His life was certainly dammed from the day it was conceived. Not only was Voldemort hunting him for reasons he could not explain, but also others hunted him for what he was. He wondered why Dumbledore did not suggest killing him when he found out; a short unhappy life only to die in great pain and anguish was certainly nothing to look forward to. There certainly was no reason to go on living anymore. He was condemned with two curses. He thought of committing suicide and leave while he still had a chance.

Then he remembered Ron, what they have, and what they planned to have together. Of all the Nymphrodites recorded, no one had his advantages – he was a wizard, and a damn good one at that – and he had the love of another who like him has powers that are getting better everyday. He had the protection of the Order and of Dumbledore who was the greatest Sorcerer in the world. All the others were not even treated like humans, like their very existence was solely for the production of the Iranna: nothing more, nothing less. They were alone, unprotected, unloved, and they died alone. In fact, aside from Uncle Lars, Harry could not remember any mistreatment he’s had for being a Nymphrodite. He was protected, he was not alone, and he was loved.

He slowly took the book again and looked at the last pages. There he saw a list of all the Nymphrodites ever recorded, their names, birth dates and the dates of their deaths and the method used upon them to get the Iranna. He noticed that until the last millennia, Nymphrodites existed every ten thousand years. Then he found out why; for one thousand years the Nymphrodites died because of the ritual called Priori-Mortem. He remembered that page and went to it.

“Priori-Mortem.” It began. “This ritual requires Incubi-Combibo, a Hundred Lashes, and the Kiss of Eros.” Harry remembered reading the chapter on the kiss of Eros, which plainly put, was gang rape on an altar. The Hundred Lashes included several helpings of the unforgivable Cruciatus curse, while Incubi-Combibo was using an Incubus to suck the Iranna out. The Hundred Lashes was used to weaken the Nymphrodite who is half man. Then the Kiss of Eros was to ensure that the ovary was open; during sex be it consensual or not, the uterus of a Nymphrodite releases liquids as a defense mechanism to protect the inner layer from lacerations, which usually happens when one is raped or when one engages in dry sex. When done often and if the Nymphrodite is weak, enough he reaches some form of orgasm and this opens the ovary. Then the Incubus is used to tear the membrane protecting the Iranna and force it out with its tongue.

Harry felt like throwing up. How anyone could do this to another living being without pity is inconceivable. No doubt, this was the cruelest ritual he has ever heard of and this they did within three excruciating days. All the Nymphrodites that went through this died on the fourth day and although in more than one occasion the Iranna was extracted, the wizards fail to take them in immediately and so the Iranna turned to dust. Since the ritual proved to be the most effective one it was passed down from one dark wizard to another. Then, by some form of magic, the Nymphrodites started to vanish existing one only every century. Perhaps to ensure that Nymphrodites were not put to this horrifying experience. Perhaps to have enough time to find them, understand them, protect them…or love them.

Harry felt numb; the fire in the hearth had become impotent. His mind whirled at what could be his fate and it made him sick to the bones. No doubt, Voldemort knew this. No doubt, the Death Eaters know this as well. No doubt if they realize he was this century’s Nymphrodite they’d used this ritual on him without pity or remorse. He’d be another name in the long list at the end of the book. He carefully closed the book and looked at the title again – CURSE OF THE IRANNA. It certainly was a curse. Then it occurred to him, curses could be broken. Other than the Killing curse, which had no protection against, Harry knows there was certainly no other curse known to the Wizarding world that was unstoppable, or incurable. He was able to break the killing curse when it rebounded to Voldemort proving that it, too, had a cure. Could he do it again? Could he break the Curse of the Iranna?

He put the book down and took the other that came with it. It was covered in red leather with gold trimmings. The book was called THE GATEKEEPERS. He opened the book and saw rituals concerning the four gates - The Gates of Morning, the Gates of Night, the Gates of Death, and the Gates of the Living. The rituals were for opening and closing the gates, one pentagram for each and incantations that involved offerings in gold, blood, ash, and flesh. At the end of the book was a beautiful dagger shaped like a snake. It was made of Gold and silver. The hilt had runes on them and a ruby was encrusted at the center. This certainly had nothing to do with Nymphrodites. He wondered what it was for and planned to ask Hermione about it.


***

“So, the gatekeepers book, what’s it for?” He asked her during Defense Against the Dark Arts. Umbridge was again teaching them rubbish and because he hated detention with her he tried greatly not to get noticed.

“It’s for Ron, actually.” Hermione whispered.

“What?” Harry asked. Umbridge turned around and he and Hermione nervously pretended to copy the writings on the board.

“Let’s talk about this later.” Hermione whispered.

Harry knew it was hopeless; Hermione was not one to break rules. He already was in bad terms with Umbridge with his unexpected outbursts and did not want to risk another reason for detention. He waited until after their class.

During dinner, Harry pressed Hermione for the answer. Ron was with them and he was speaking to Harry again though still a bit angry at what had happened yesterday.

“The Gatekeeper book is for Ron. Krum said he should learn the passages by heart.” Hermione said.

“You told Krum?” Harry said panicking. “Why did you do that? I told you not to!”

“Hush! I did not tell him about you.” Hermione said frowning at Harry’s lack of confidence. “Do you really think I don’t know the situation well enough to cover your arse? He was asking too many questions and was already hinting about you, so I had to devise a way that would divert his attention away from you.”

“So why did he give you the book for me?” Ron asked.

“I told Viktor that you have fallen in love with a Nymphrodite from Beauxbaton, and that you have no idea about it, and he told me about the book with the history of Nymphrodites. He took it at great risk, from Professor Karkaroff, who by the way is a former Death Eater.” Hermione said. “And he gave me the gatekeeper book as well. He said you would need it.”

“Why would I need it?” Ron asked.

“Let’s not talk about this anymore.” Harry said; Ron was not going to learn about the rituals and he wasn’t going to change towards him.

Ron hit his fist on the table angrily. “What the bloody hell is the matter with you?” He said. The plates and utensils jumped and so did those who were sitting near them.

“Keep it down.” Hermione said. The other students were now aware of them. “The last thing we need now is for this to go public!”

“Why did he give me the book, Hermione?” Ron said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll just give you the damn book, Ron!” Harry said.

“What are you hiding from me, Harry?” Ron said.

“I’m not hiding anything…just…can we just forget about it until later?” Harry said.

Hermione cleared her throat to warn the two that many pairs of eyes are now watching them. Ron though didn’t care and demanded that he and Harry take this issue upstairs.

“We can talk about it some other time, I’ll just give you the book.” Harry said. He knew Ron’s temper but he has never really seen it aimed towards him.

Ron stood and threw the napkin on the table. “Fine!” Ron said and left angrily.

Harry felt wretched but he didn’t want Ron to be filled with the same worries that he was now carrying. The last thing he needed was for him to be paranoid. “Was it this hard when you two were together?” Harry asked Hermione.

“No.” She answered. “We only had one problem…you.”


***

That night, Harry found Ron lying in bed his face covered with a pillow. It was only eight o’clock and he knew Ron was only pretending to sleep. They needed to talk but Dean, Seamus, and Neville might just come in anytime now. So he took out his father’s invisibility cloak, took off his glasses, wore the cloak and slowly slid himself between Ron’s blankets. Placing his arms around Ron’s body he pushed the pillow a bit so that it covered both their heads.

“I’m sorry…” He whispered. Ron took a deep breath. “I couldn’t share the book with you because I’m afraid.” Harry weaved his fingers through Ron’s. “Please believe me. I didn’t want to hurt you, or to make you feel like I’m keeping something from you, I’m just protecting you, Ron.”

“Protecting me from what?” Ron said.

“From getting hurt.” Harry answered.

“You’re breaking my heart by not trusting me enough, do you know that?” Ron said. “What good am I as your partner if you can’t even trust me with these things.”

“Because I don’t want you to change the way you look at me.” Harry said.

Ron shifted his position so that they now faced each other and took off the cloak that covered Harry’s face. It was dark and cold and Ron could hardly see.

“How do you think I see you, Harry?” Ron said. “What do you think I see when I look at you?”

“You see someone you can spend a lifetime with.” Harry answered. “To have a family with. To have forever with.”

Ron pressed his lips on Harry’s, then said, “Do you think whatever is inside that book will change my mind?” Harry did not answer. “Then you obviously underestimated my love for you.” Ron said, kissing him gently. “Not even death can stop me from loving you.”

“I know.” Harry whispered hoarsely. Ron’s kisses warmed his feet. He bushed his toes on Ron’s leg. “I want to keep it that way.”

“So…what is in that book?” Ron said. Immediately the mood disappeared and Harry felt the temperature drop a bit.

“Can’t you just trust me on this? Don’t look into the book, please. I will tell you what it says, but only if you promise not to look into it anymore.” Harry said.

Ron took off the cloak and sat with his back turned against Harry. Harry reached for his glasses then stood and kept the cloak. He went back to sit beside Ron who was still upset about the whole ‘lack of trust’.

“The book is a history of Nymphrodites. What was done to them before was unthinkable.” Harry said. “It has nothing to do with us, we will put an end to the cycle. We already have by going into a relationship together which is founded on true love. No Nymphrodite has had that. But after me, all Nymphrodites will have love and protection, and dignity.”

Ron looked into Harry’s eyes. “That’s not all that it says. That’s not what is scaring you.” Ron said.

Harry was expecting as much, Ron knew him too well to just accept the explanation he came up with. “No. It’s the rituals. They were described in complete detail. The way the Nymphrodites were treated you’d think they were some kind of animal – the lowest form of creature that roamed the earth. I don’t want you to see what they did to my kind.”

“Your kind? Why do you take names to yourself now.” Ron said. “You and I are humans, we’re the same.”

“I’m not entirely the same as you.” Harry said.

“No. You’re special, much more special than I am.” Ron said smiling.

“Special…” Harry said mockingly.

“Listen” Ron said holding Harry’s chin and turning his face to him. “Those who treated the Nymphrodites like they were animals or worse were dark wizards; Sorcerers hungry for power and immortality. Those we don’t even see as human, they are demons. Nothing more. Just like Voldemort. Do you consider him human?”

Harry smiled and shook his head. “I suppose I’m just being silly.”

Ron reached out for him and laid him on the bed. “Tell you what, I won’t read the book anymore, and I won’t press you for it. I believe if you say that it’s that then it’s that. But I want you to promise me that you will share everything with me from now on. I felt a little jealous that you trusted Hermione more.” Ron said.
Harry pushed Ron’s head towards him and kissed him, raking his fingers through his hair then moving them down to his back. “She really is a wonder isn’t she?” Harry said hoarsely as the room became warmer again.

“Yes, she is.” Ron said kissing Harry’s neck and ears. This made Harry moan.

“Was she good in bed?” Harry said with difficulty.

Ron looked at him with a curious smile in his face. “Don’t you think it’s inappropriate for us to discuss my ex and what we did in bed?” Ron said.

“Well, I just wanted to know. We’ll be having a sexual life together soon and well, I don’t want to get upstaged.” Harry said sarcastically. Ron went back to kissing him.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Ron said as he slowly rubbed himself against Harry. Harry felt like he could not longer contain the excitement and reached out for Ron’s shirt taking it off.

“Let’s get out of here.” Harry said his mind was nearly overcome by the anticipation.

Ron stood immediately and wore his robes while Harry went for the invisibility cloak. He also took the Marauders’ Map with him. Slowly they went to the Room of Requirement and on a pile of throw pillows continued kissing and necking each other until they were unable to control their excitement. Ron took off Harry’s clothes and prepared to insert himself when his eyes fell on the Marauders’ Map and saw Filch heading for them.

“Damn it!” He said. Then he placed his hand on Harry’s mouth and reached slowly for his wand. “Put on your clothes.” He whispered to Harry. He then took the invisibility cloak and covered them with it in the nick time for Filch had gone in and his cat was now sniffing her way towards them.

Since no one was in the room Filch turned to leave. Then he noticed Mrs. Norris was sniffing at the throw pillows and thought that she might have been looking for mice. “What?” Filch said. “Come on, we better get you some food.” Then he left with Mrs. Norris hesitantly following.

“Get dressed. Hurry.” Ron said and they both put on their clothes and covered themselves with the cloak. Taking the Map, they headed back to their dormitory just as Filch went back to the room.

“That was close.” Harry said when they were inside the common room.

***

It was the weekend and Harry and Ron went with Hermione to Hogsmeade. Fred and George were there as well and Ron confessed to Harry that he had told his twin brothers about him being a Nymphrodite and about them having a relationship.

“We have not spoken a word about it to anyone.” Fred said.

“I really don’t mind.” Harry said. “I’m glad he did we need all the help we can get.”

All five of them then headed for the shrieking shack and there discussed whether or not to tell the Order about the information that Harry had found in the two banned books.

“That is if Dumbledore has not told them about it yet.” Hermione said.

“No. I don’t think he has. The only other people who knew I was a Nymphrodite were my parents.” Harry said.

“But I thought you said the Dursley’s knew?” Hermione asked.

“Well, they did see me in my birthday suit, I suppose they made their own conclusion when I started to look more like my dad.” Harry said. “But they don’t know about Nymphrodites. They called me freak. I guess that’s the muggle equivalent.”

“You say that you have a book with their history?” George asked.

“Yes. They’re from Durmstrang.” Harry said.

“They taught those in Durmstrang? They deal with the Dark Arts deeper than we think.” Fred said.

“No, they don’t teach those there. Viktor had to smuggle them out.” Hermione said.

“Hope he doesn’t get caught.” Ron said.

“I asked dad about it the other day and he said that Nymphrodites are protected creatures by the highest law, higher than those protecting the Unicorns. He almost pressed me why I asked him about it. But of course I told him I heard it from the Slytherins.” George said rather proudly.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Ron said.

“Why not? He doesn’t have a clue that I was talking about Harry plus I got information that might help us. He told me that as long as a Nymphrodite remains hidden, they are in no danger at all.” George said.

“Which means your marriage plans are over.” Fred said.

Harry frowned. “No. There’s got to be a way.” He said.

“Unfortunately no. I don’t think there is any other way. Marriage requires registration,” Fred said.
“Registration is public announcement.” George continued.

“There goes your cover.” The twins said together.

“We can always have a family without marriage Harry.” Ron said reassuringly.

However, Harry would have none of it. It was the Curse taking over and he felt the need to stand up to it. “No. I will get married, the sooner the better.” He said.

“Harry, I hate to burst your bubble, but Fred and George are right.” Hermione said.

“No, they are not right. There is a way, I’ll find it, and I will get married.” Harry said.

Ron stood and held Harry’s hands. “Maybe we should listen to them. Harry, marriage is good, but if it means placing your life in jeopardy then we shouldn’t do it.”

“You think we can do it the next weekend.” Harry said.

“Harry, aren’t you listening to us?” Hermione said. “You will place your life in danger.”

“My life is always in danger.” Harry snarled.

“Not like this. If the Dark Lord finds out you’re a Nymphrodite he will seek you more vigorously.” George said.

“Plus he’s not the only one who will come after you.” Hermione said.

“Stop it now Hermione.” Harry warned.

“What do you mean, Hermione? Who else would come after him?” Ron asked.

“Not a word!” Harry said.

“Who? Who Hermione?” Ron pressed her.

“The Incubi of the south.” Hermione said.

Harry faced her angrily. “You’re not suppose to tell them that!” He said.

Hermione’s eyes brimmed with tears. Ron came between them.

“Is that the secret that you don’t want me to find out? Is that what that other book discussed?” Ron said.

Harry turned away from them. He knew that the future he so longed for now hung upon a thin thread. “Will you marry me or not?” He said.

“Not until I know the whole story. What are these…these Incubi?” Ron asked turning to Hermione. “Don’t be afraid, Hermione, look at me.” He said and Hermione looked at him and began her tale.

“According to the book, the Incubi are demons. They were created to torment women while they sleep, entering their dreams filling them with an insatiable desire.” Hermione began. “They exist in two forms- their original form is impotent and powerless, and they suffer greatly in this form, unable to satisfy their hunger for actual sex.”

Harry paces around the room muttering to himself. He glares at Hermione angrily trying to warn her with his eyes but she continues with her tale.

“The second form is when they inhabit a human body. This physical form enables them to have a physical shape to the spirit form.”

“And how does that physical shape look like?” Ron asked.

“According to the book, they have six hands, large bat-like wings, and some are about seven feet tall.” Hermione answered.

“Okay, in short they’re monsters,” Ron gulped.

Hermione looked at Harry waiting for him to say something. He just kept pacing around, so she decided to continue.

“Well, these ‘monsters’ do not live for long, the body they inhabit develops a disease that eats the flesh from the inside at a rapid pace within fifteen years. The only way to break the cycle is for them to get an Iranna and immortalize the body.” She said.

“And how do they do that, exactly?” George said.

“They…” Hermione hesitated. “They…” She looked at Ron, then at Harry.

“They insert a long serrated tongue inside the Nymphrodite, tear the ovary that holds the Iranna, and suck it out.” Harry coldly answered. “It’s a painful cruel business! There, you happy now?” He cried aiming his anger at both Ron and Hermione. “I don’t want to be constantly reminded of whatever fate is before me.”

“It won’t happen to you, not if we’re careful enough.” Ron said. “The wedding is out of the question. We’re not doing it.”

“This is why I didn’t want you to know!” Harry yelled. He punched the wall and it cracked on impact. “You said you wouldn’t change your mind!”

“It hasn’t changed the way I feel about you, Harry! I still love you, more than you will ever know. But if this is the only way to keep you alive…” Ron shouted.

“ALIVE? DO YOU THINK I AM ALIVE?” Harry cried. He was now shaking with anger. “I EXIST! THAT’S WHAT I DO! I EXIST AND I FOLLOW ORDERS!” He said panting with every word. “I follow Dumbledore, I follow the fucking school, I follow the Order, and I even follow Hermione!” He said Hermione flinched as though the words scarred her. “If you deny me this then you might as well kill me because I will not spend the next years doing nothing but breathe. I want to live, Ron.”

“You do understand that living means not being dead? If we do this, you will surely die. They will not stop until they have the Iranna.” Ron said. “

“I’m already hunted down. How long do think it’ll be before they find out? One way or another they’ll know. My parents relied on secrecy to preserve their lives, and look what happened to them? Voldemort still found them, and they’re dead.” Harry yelled.

“That’s right, and I will be damned if I will let that happen to you.” Ron said.

“But it will happen, Ron. It’s only a matter of time. But it will happen you and I can’t stop it, not unless we break the chain. This will break the cycle Ron. If we don’t do this I’ll just be another name in the long list of Nymphrodites that died without love, or family, or marriage.” Harry said.

“But you won’t be, for I do love you, and we can have a family without marriage.” Ron said.

“What? Illegitimate children?” Harry said.

“Then we won’t have children!” Ron cried.

“Oh, that’s right, FUCK THE NYMPHRODITE!” Harry snarled.

“I resent that. You know I love you before I knew you were one.” Ron said angered at the insinuation that he was only after the sex. “I can live without sex, Harry. If it means keeping you alive, then I will do without it.”

“You think those Nymphrodites had a choice like I do now?” Harry said. “Some of them had to live far away from civilization to save themselves the agony of going through the horrible things that most went through. But they were still found. Don’t you see? If you and I get married, I will be the first Nymphrodite to go against the curse. I will break the curse and the Nymphrodites will be free from it.”

“Marriage has nothing to do with the Curse.” Ron said.

“Actually it just might work.” Hermione said. “The curse says that no Nymphrodite may have love, have children, or live beyond sixteen years. If Harry could do all that and live beyond his sixteenth birthday, it could break the curse and send back the Iranna to the one who bestowed upon them in the first place.”

Ron fell silent and thought about it for quite some time. Then he sighed and said, “Alright. We’ll find a way. I promise that if there is a way to do this without it going public we will do it.” Ron said.

“We’ll help you. We’ll ask around. But we have to wait until you’re both legal age.” George said.

“No. We can’t wait, that will be too long. Next week, before the O.W.L.’s.” Harry said finally seeing a ray of hope.

“No one will marry you until that time.” Fred said.

“Then we’ll find someone who will do it then.” Harry said.

“They don’t do teenage marriages in Hogsmeade.” George said.

“They do.” Hermione said. All eyes now turned to Hermione. “I read in the Daily Prophet the other day that there is a new priest in town who accepts marriages of all kinds: Magical creatures, half-breeds, gay marriages, and teenage marriages without parental consent, and he agrees to do it in complete secrecy. ”

“Brilliant!” Harry exclaimed.

“Finally a smile.” Ron said jokingly.

“That’s the plan then. George and I will go to this priest and ask if he’ll agree to marry you both in secret.” Fred said.

“We better get to it, it’s getting late. See you later.” Then George and Fred left. Ron went down with them. Hermione prepared to leave as well and Harry knew he owed her an apology.

He went to Hermione and hugged her tightly. “I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry.” Hermione hugged him back.

“It’s all right, Harry. I understand you more than you know.” She said. “Do you really feel like I give orders?” She asked. And they both laughed.

“Yes, sometimes you do.” Harry said. “But I follow because I know the orders are for my own good.”