Title: The Protector
Author: Prima
Rating: G (?)
Pairing: Harry/Ron (pre-slash in my mind)
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Word Count: 200, double drabble
A/N: Written for hpslashpets's Two Hundred Terrier Challenge.
He was the best friend. The right-hand man. The confidant. The shoulder to cry on. Above all, he saw himself as the protector. Yes, the Boy-Who-Lived had others looking out for him, but Ron knew he was the only person who could protect Harry when he needed it the most. Whenever Harry let his guard down and relaxed into his surroundings, Ron would be there without fail.
Ron was always watching Harry. Ron saw it all. Harry's grief, his joy, his pain…. Ron marvelled that someone who had experienced so much darkness consistently showed a myriad of emotions in his face.
Ron had made a silent vow, one unremarkable wakeful night, to protect Harry from anyone who might cause him harm. He shielded Harry from Malfoy's irksome insults and the overly emotional girls that gravitated towards Harry. Harry had much more important things to deal with.
But in the end, Ron could not stop the inevitable. Harry had to face He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named while Ron sat on the sidelines hoping his friend would prevail. He didn't know what he would do without him. It was in this moment that Ron realised that he needed Harry's protection as much as Harry needed his.
