Behind the mask

The Final Battle: Part 2

(Hermione's Point Of View)
As if we were in a movie, everything was in slow motion. The spell was headed right for me. I have already accepted what's about to happen.

The pain I witnessed in the past half-year would immediately go away if I died. There was no use for me at Hogwarts now anyways. I caused mass destruction even though it was intended.

I had to get Ron to trust me so I could free everyone from him, but now I've made things much worse. I stare back at Delphini with pain and acceptance. She's smirking wildly and Draco is running towards me.

But someone jumps in front of me and is struck with the curse instead.

(Ron's Point Of View)

I wake up after what seems like a year and for once feel as if I'm in control of my own mind and body again. I remember Delphini taking control of me in the beginning of the year but everything after that is a blur.

I hear commotion in the dining hall and slowly get up, feeling sore and exhausted. As I near closer, I hear spells being casted and people screaming.

All sorts of animals come out of the hall along with students. As I enter, I notice Delphini in the middle of the hall casting spells towards someone. Malfoy and Harry are together casting spells at Delphini as well. When Delphini looks towards Draco she says his name, retrearing.

"My conniving cousin. Are you honestly helping the mud blood and that pesky little twit that killed my father?" She screams.

Malfoy is silent as she hops off her broom and saunters over to him. "He killed innocent people, Delfini. He's a monster that deserved it."

Her face begins fuming with rage. "Draco Malfoy, you will regret saying that you traitor."

He holds up his wand ready to rebound any curse she attempts but she turns around, facing who I finally notice: Hermione. "Avada Kedavra!"

I don't think twice before jumping towards Hermione and taking the curse for her. As I drop down I hear someone take Delphini's wand.

Soon I lose all feeling and close my eyes, knowing I'm going to die.

(Hermione's Point Of View)

As I stare at Ron's dead body I can't help but cry. Draco's voice beats through my head as I drop to the floor. As much as he hurt me, he still chose to save me.

----

I can't remember when I passed out, but I do remember waking up. Faces surround me and one face sticks out.

"Hermione, you are being questioned in a while, you need to get up." Draco's arms hold me tight as he helps me up to my feet. "Not sure I want to be around you after what you've done so I took your wand for the time being."

As we travel to the wizard council meeting, I can't help but wonder why no one's worried about everything that just happened.

I'm put in handcuffs for the time being and notice a rough-looking Ron in a cage, bound by chains. I almost faint, or cry when I see him but stay silent and do as I'm told. I sit on the chair facing everyone as they proceed with the meeting.

"Miss. Hermione Jean Granger. You are here today because you have assisted Mr. Ronald Billius Weasley in the destruction of Azkaban and allowed over thousands of inmates to escape. You also used one of the unforgivable curses on the entire school of Hogwarts. Now, I would honestly be amused to hear anything that you could possibly make up to make yourself be deemed innocent. So go on, I'll be patient."

I look down into my lap. I did do these things. "I did." Gasps erupt from the council and I continue. "But please listen to me. I didn't want to hurt anyone but I had to. Ron was casting a spell on the school to keep me in a time loop for six months. I had to gain his trust so I could save Hogwarts and lock him away." More gasps erupt along with light murmuring. I sigh, feeling defeated. "But I did do these things, therefore, I honor the code. So I will willingly take the life in Azkaban."

"Wait! Please don't send her away. It was all me. I used the curse on her to make her do those things. Take me but please let her go." Ron speaks up. My eyes widen. He's lying. A vote goes up to me and Ron.

"Very well." The head of the council clears his throat and speaks. "On behalf of the Wizarding council, Miss. Hermione Jean Granger is released from custody and will be deemed innocent. I'm not quite sure how, however." I bow my head in defeat. I don't deserve to be let go.

"Mr. Ronald Billius Weasley, however, is sentenced to life in Azkaban." The grovel is struck down and my wrists are released.

I take one long look at Ron and see his eyes. Full of love and guilt. He's Ron. The one I fell in love with. And I've never been more confused. The cage lowers and I hold back my tears. This isn't a dream anymore. We're not in a time loop. This is real life. And Ron just spared mine.

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I'm super sorry for how long that took. I'm not going to end it quite yet. I have a few tricks up my sleeves. Give me a few chapters and then we'll talk. Haha. Thanks for reading! <3 -Amber