A Horcrux's Fate

Chapter 10

Ron lay on his bed, the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains, creating a warm cocoon around him. It was one of those rare moments of peace he cherished, a brief escape amid the chaos that often engulfed his life. Just as he began to drift into a daydream, a muffled knock on the door pulled him back into reality. Curiosity piqued, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and padded over, a smile spreading across his face as he opened the door to find Hermione standing there, her expression a blend of concern and determination.

"Hey, Hermione! Come in," he welcomed her, gesturing for her to enter. Relief washed over him as she stepped inside. The familiar presence of his best friend always had a way of easing his mind.

Hermione settled into a chair opposite him, her brow furrowed with an intensity that made Ron sit up a little straighter. "You know that look you gave me at lunch earlier? It seemed like you suspected that Harry was hiding something, didn't it?"

Ron nodded, a sigh escaping his lips. "Yes," he admitted, his voice low with worry. "Harry lied about feeling better when Ginny said he was napping. But I heard him getting sick in the bathroom again. He keeps refusing to take any of the healing potions, and it's really starting to worry me."

A crease formed between Hermione's brows, her concern deepening. "What do you mean by 'he keeps refusing'? Harry has always been so diligent about taking care of himself," she mused, her voice trembling slightly.

"It's like he doesn't trust the potions anymore," Ron explained, frustration creeping into his tone. "He said they weren't helping with his pain, but he agreed to take them if he got sick again. I can't help but feel like he's just saying what he thinks I want to hear."

Hermione's gaze fell to her hands in her lap as she mulled over Ron's words in silence. She struggled to come up with an explanation for Harry's sudden change in behaviour, her mind racing with possibilities.

"I wonder what could be causing this," Ron pondered aloud, his brow furrowed in thought. "It's unlike Harry to refuse help, especially when it comes to his health. There must be something more going on that we're missing," he concluded, a glimmer of concern in his eyes.

Hermione nervously bit her lip and absentmindedly tugged at her hair, clearly distressed. "He confided in me about his desire to end his life," she confessed in a hushed tone. "And I feel lost on how to help him."

Ron was visibly shocked by Hermione's revelation, shaking his head in disbelief. "Surely, Harry can't be serious about something so drastic," he exclaimed. "We must find a way to lift his spirits and show him the value of his life."

Expressing her own concern, Hermione sadly acknowledged, "I fear Harry doesn't realise the profound impact he has on those around him. We must ensure he understands the significance of his existence and the positive influence he has on others."

"Maybe he just needs a distraction," Ron suggested, trying to inject some positivity into the dark mood that had settled over them. "I would certainly welcome one myself."

Hermione looked up at him, clearly curious. "What kind of distraction do you have in mind?"

Ron caught her gaze, eyes alight with a sudden thought. "Come on, you've been his best friend for years. You should know what Harry's favourite pastime is by now."

Exasperation flickered across Hermione's face. "How am I supposed to know his favourite hobby when you two are practically joined at the hip?"

"Really, Hermione?" Ron shot back, incredulous. "You mean to say you don't know that Quidditch is Harry's greatest passion?"

"Quidditch?" Hermione echoed sceptically, her brow furrowing like she'd just bitten into a lemon. "You think playing Quidditch is a good idea for him?"

"Yes!" Ron replied, excitement bubbling over. "Getting back on the pitch could be just what he needs right now. Fresh air, exercise, and something to take his mind off everything else."