Chapter 67: Ron's Safety
Ryan explained his idea for a "Magical Artificial Intelligence" to Dumbledore, detailing his design and asking for any suggestions. After all, the concept was simply a novel application of existing alchemical principles, and as one of the two greatest alchemists in the world, Dumbledore was sure to have some valuable insights.
"Absolutely brilliant!" Dumbledore exclaimed after hearing the plan. "To think of applying the consciousness-infusion techniques of magical portraits to an alchemical device, to give it a form of artificial intelligence! Alchemists throughout history have dreamed of creating sentient beings, but no one has ever conceived of a device that could autonomously manufacture other items." He tapped his long fingers on the desk. "Ryan, your way of thinking never ceases to amaze me. Even if your natural magical talent were not so great, your mind alone could turn the mundane into the miraculous."
I am just standing on the shoulders of giants, Ryan thought. This way of thinking, which came so naturally to him now, was a product of a lifetime of observation and learning from the triumphs of another world.
"When do you plan to begin building these devices?" Dumbledore asked.
"Tonight, during the detention," Ryan replied. "We'll start with one component and see how it goes. And I'd also like to have a chat with them."
"Them?"
"More specifically," Ryan said, "Mr. Ron Weasley. I'm sure you also noticed his... unusual behavior the other night. But you have yet to speak with him about it."
"Oh, Ryan," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile, "I care deeply for all my students. I have been keeping a very close eye on our youngest Mr. Weasley these past few days. I have refrained from any action that might provoke Voldemort, for fear of endangering him."
"Harry is his friend," Ryan said, his own voice now a hard line. "Percy, George, and Fred are his brothers. They are all very close to him. I will not allow a potential Voldemort to threaten them."
"Even if it endangers Ron?" Dumbledore asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Forgive my arrogance, Headmaster," Ryan said, "but since Harry entered the wizarding world, I am the one who has guided him, who has given him confidence. And since their first year, I have helped and guided Fred and George on many occasions. They trust me implicitly. And as for Percy, he was obsessed with besting me in some area, any area, a one-sided rivalry that, over time, has forged a deep, if strange, bond between us. He may not listen to his own father, but he will always seriously consider my advice. These people," he said, his gaze firm, "are my friends. I will ensure their safety. As for Ron… I will do my best to protect him, for their sake. Unless there is no other choice, I will not abandon him."
Dumbledore's expression was a mixture of resignation and pride.
Ryan, of course, was not actually worried about Ron's safety. He knew Dumbledore had also seen Ron's odd behavior. He wouldn't push the boy, wouldn't provoke Voldemort, but as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, he would never leave a student in danger. There were, without a doubt, a series of powerful protective enchantments placed on or around Ron.
"The Headmaster has always enjoyed… guiding the heroic qualities of his students, has he not?" Ryan said with a knowing smile. "Observing from the shadows, watching a young wizard find the courage to overcome adversity. And now, we have a prelude to just such a drama. So, Headmaster, what is your plan? How may I assist you in this little play, 'The Courageous Trial of Young Ron'?"
"So few things get past you," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "I have placed a protective charm on Ron, one that Voldemort cannot detect."
"Because he's weak now? His magic has diminished?"
"Not at all. Even now, Voldemort's magical senses are still sharp. But this," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling, "is a magic of love. A power he will never be able to understand, and therefore, never be able to detect."
Oh no, here we go again, Ryan thought, holding up a hand to ward off the impending lecture. Besides the whole 'love magic' thing, he thought, the more important factor is that you're Dumbledore. The Weasleys love their son, but could they cast a charm so powerful that not even Voldemort could detect it? Of course not.
"Let's put a pin in the 'magic of love' discussion for now, Headmaster," Ryan said. "Tell me how this little play of yours is supposed to unfold. How do we help Mr. Weasley find his courage and safely expel Voldemort?"
"So," Ryan said, after Dumbledore had explained the mechanics of his charm, "if Ron realizes that he is a Weasley, not Voldemort's pawn, and that he must fight to protect his brothers and friends, the charm will activate and harm Voldemort?" He was genuinely impressed. Dumbledore's mastery of "love magic" was apparently on par with his skill in Transfiguration and Alchemy. A shame he's a lonely old widower, Ryan thought, then quickly suppressed the thought.
"Quirrell's story now seems seventy percent credible," he mused. "If Voldemort is in a weakened, wraith-like state, and Ron's charm can harm him…" He looked at Dumbledore, but saw no trace of hope on the old wizard's face. So he doesn't think this will be enough to finish him. Voldemort's sleep quality must be terrible in his old age…
"It has nothing to do with Voldemort's means of self-preservation," Dumbledore's voice was now grave, "for he has never truly been alive. How, then, can he ever truly die?"
~~~
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