In an alternate existence

The attempted betrayal

In the dim light, Akira saw Hermione's face contorted with anger and determination. The knife gleamed menacingly in her hand, reflecting the turmoil that had consumed their once-flourishing friendship.

"You were always so naïve, Akira," Hermione spat, her voice laced with venom. "Did you truly believe I cared about you? It was all a lie. The headmaster coerced me into befriending you, all so we could take everything from you—your money, Ron, and even your life."

Akira's breath caught in her throat, the weight of Hermione's betrayal crashing over her like a tidal wave. In that moment, the façade of friendship shattered irreparably, leaving behind shards of broken trust and unanswered questions. Without warning, Hermione lunged forward, the knife slashing through the air with deadly intent. Instinct took over as Akira dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade that grazed her shoulder, leaving a searing pain in its wake.

Ronald's voice rang out through the chaos, filled with shock and urgency. "Stop!" In an instant, Ronald intervened, his strong arms encircling Hermione from behind, wrestling the knife away with a strength born of desperation to protect his friend. Hermione struggled against his grasp, her eyes wild with a mix of rage and anguish.

"Ronald, let me go!" Hermione screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. "I have to do this!"

Ronald held firm, his voice steady despite the turmoil. "No, Hermione. This isn't you. Don't let the darkness consume you."

Tears streamed down Hermione's cheeks as she fought against Ronald's grip, her resolve crumbling under the weight of her own betrayal. Akira watched in stunned silence, her mind racing with conflicting emotions—pain for the friend she had lost, and gratitude for the friend who had saved her.

Finally, Ronald released Hermione, letting her slump to the ground. Without hesitation, he rushed to Akira's side, concern etched deeply on his face. "Akira, are you okay?" he asked urgently, gently checking her shoulder where the knife had grazed her.

Akira nodded, still reeling from the shock of the betrayal. "I... I think so," she managed to say, her voice trembling with a mix of pain and relief. Ronald pulled her into a reassuring embrace, holding her close as if to shield her from the lingering shadows of betrayal.

"I'm here for you," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing balm amidst the turmoil. Hermione sat in her tears, watching them.

As they stood there, comforting each other in the aftermath of Hermione's desperate act, Akira felt a glimmer of hope amidst the pain. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with Ronald by her side, she knew they could navigate the storm together.

Together, they walked away from the shattered remnants of their once inseparable trio, leaving behind a chapter marred by deceit and treachery. In the uncertain haze of the future, one thing remained clear—their bond, forged in adversity and tested by betrayal, would guide them toward a new beginning, where trust would be earned and friendships forged in truth.

Akira glanced back one last time at Hermione, a mix of sorrow and determination in her eyes. "We'll find our way," she whispered to Ronald, squeezing his hand. "No matter what comes next, we'll face it together."

Ronald nodded, his grip on her hand tightening in silent agreement. As they descended the stairs of the astronomy tower, the weight of the past began to lift, replaced by the promise of a future they would build anew, side by side.