𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓂𝑒𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝓎𝑒 | Ron Weasley x Reader

✧ 23 | Noble sacrifices on the battlefield

The atmosphere is chilling. Not because it's still winter or that the sky is gray. But because everyone knows the dangers of this day. The Dementors are hovering over the invisible shield that the Professors have casted since their first sighting three years ago. You glare at the Dementors from the astronomy tower in the early morning. Ron had left moments ago to attend his prefect duties in the morning.

Despite how late you and Ron stayed up together to distract yourselves, your mind still ran wild about todays events. When will Voldemort arrive? You're sure the man is just as impatient as you are. You wish for the war to end today. You want nothing more than peace and to continue living the rest of your life with your friends, family, and Ron. You inhale the crisp morning air into your lungs. 

Closing your eyes, you lower your head with your hands clasp together. Mentally you wish for everyone's safety. No matter how slim the chances are for everyone to survive. There will be casualties but you wish there is none. "Odd to see you here Y/L/N." The distinct voice of Draco snaps you out of your inner thoughts. 

You turn around to stare at the white blonde haired boy. There are bags under his eyes. Looks like Draco didn't get much sleep either for other reasons than yours. The boy slowly walks over to you. He stops short by your side to look up at the gloomy sky. Neither of you say anything for a moment. 

Your eyes just remain on Draco until he speaks. "We'll have to kill lives today Y/N." Draco's words are blunt. You feel your heart sink from them. "And lives will be taken from us too." Draco lowers his head with a deep exhale. He then casts his eyes over to his left to look at you directly. 

You feel yourself stiffen from being under his gaze. But you refrain from looking away from his light grey eyes. "No matter what happens. You must stay alive. Do you understand?" Draco wears a more serious look in his glossed over eyes. His brows knit together and you remain still. 

Why is he telling you this? Seeming to know your question you asked mentally, Draco parts his lips to speak again. "It's rare for someone like you to come around in my lifetime. For everyone's lifetime. I'm not saying this to flirt with you. I'm well aware you're with Ron." Your eyes dart around Draco's face and body as you try to read his body language. 

But Draco is someone you can never get a read on. The boy hides his true feelings well. He's mastered it. "You're a girl with a golden heart, Y/N. No matter who it is and what they've done to you...your heart aches for them. Without a second thought you will protect them. Foolishly you put yourself in harms way." Draco goes on a full rant as you silently listen to his every word. 

This is the most you've heard from Draco. The words he may say sounds harsh but between the lines there's care. "You protected me despite how dastardly rude I've been to you and your friends. I will never understand it. But I..." Draco looks away, his lips forming a tight line. His hands ball up into fists as Draco digs his fingernails into his palms. 

There's clearly a look of frustration in Draco's face. His head hangs low as he inhales deeply. "I ask you to not protect me this time. This is a battle we all must face on our own accord. I do not want to die from guilt if you stepped out of line to protect someone like me." 

Your gaze drops down to your shoes when you hear Draco's trembling voice. You can only think about his father and the way the man easily would've ended Draco. He must think his father will be out for him again this time. You're not in the right position to interfere with family affairs. But you'd be lying if you said it didn't bother you that you wouldn't be able to help him if you're there. 

Draco may not be someone you consider as a friend. But he is a classmate. One you've grown up with since being first years at Hogwarts. Maybe down the line he can be a friend to all of your friends including you. It's clear his mind has cleared up from being brainwashed after all these years by his father. Swallowing your saliva, you part your lips to speak finally. "Okay. I won't get in the way."