𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 - 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒗

3

Shouldn't the library be a safe space for me? Well, now wondering if the library was about to become another place for more disagreements.

The moment I hear steps behind me I know what's about to happen.
You always think you're so much better than us, don't you, Hermione?" Ron sneers, his face twisted with anger.

Harry joins in with accusations, "Skipping class while we're risking our lives, and for what? To play the victim card?"

Their words cut deep, each accusation tearing at the bonds that we had before. Actually no, they were already gone but the weight of their criticism became almost unbearable as they questioned my commitment and sacrifice.

"I've been dealing with more than you can imagine, trying to save both of you countless times," I yell, my voice laced with frustration. "And this is how you repay me? Accusing me?"

They know what I've went through. They know how I looked down at my arm, at the dark mark that had been forced upon me by the Death Eaters. It wasn't by choice, they wanted me to betray my friends so of course I had to do whatever necessary to save Harry and Ron. It was a twisted kind of loyalty test.

As I tried to explain this to them, the disbelief in their eyes stung more than the mark itself. I could see it – doubt, mistrust, and the weight of their judgment. They never believed that I was forced into this situation, that I had fought against the very people who wanted to use me against them.

In their eyes, I was just another Death Eater, marked and tainted. The pain of their lack of understanding, their inability to see the turmoil within me, echoed in my mind. I fought for them, sacrificed for them, and yet, they couldn't grasp the complexity of my situation. It felt like an inner battle, trying to make them see the truth when their minds were closed to the possibility.

But Ron, with his face contorted in anger, spat out a venomous word that made me break down like: "Death Eater slut." The shock on my face mirrored the sting of his insult, a reminder that even after all we'd been through, distrust still found its way into our friendships.

Before I could process the hurt, an unexpected savior emerges – Draco Malfoy of all people. "Back off, Weasley," he sneers , surprising everyone, including himself.
I couldn't believe my ears when Malfoy, of all people, stepped forward to defend me. His unexpected intervention is like a sudden twist in a story I didn't see coming.

"Leave her alone, Weasley," Malfoy sneers , a strange determination in his eyes.

Ron, taken aback, shot back, "What's it to you, Malfoy? She's always been the know-it-all, not your concern."

Malfoys expression darkens as he talks, "I may not like her, but I won't stand by while you insult her. Have some decency."

Harry, caught in the middle, tries to diffuse the tension, "Guys, let's not escalate this."

But Ron, unwilling to back down, snaps, "Decency? Coming from you, Malfoy? It's a joke."

Malfoys patience disappears as he responds, "Believe what you want, Weasley. But I won't let you talk to her like that."

The Library became a battlefield of words, the air thick with tension. I stay there, watching the unexpected clash unfold, torn between gratitude for Draco's defense and the fear of escalating conflict. It feels like a surreal moment, my enemie standing up for me, while my friends turned into accusers.