Chapter 3: "The Fatal Jealousy"
The weekend had arrived, and the crisp winter air welcomed the students of Hogwarts to Hogsmeade. Harry had made up his mind, determined to mend his strained relationship with Hermione and confront the feelings that had been lingering between them. With a hopeful smile, he approached Hermione.
"Hermione, would you like to spend the day in Hogsmeade with me?" Harry asked, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation.
Hermione's eyes brightened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "I'd love to, Harry."
Ignoring Ron's scowls and simmering jealousy, Harry and Hermione set off for Hogsmeade together. The quaint village was blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque backdrop for their day together. They wandered through the snowy streets, visiting shops, and sharing laughter.
They couldn't help but sneak glances at each other, their smiles growing wider with each passing moment. It felt like they were the only two people in the world, their bond growing stronger with every step they took.
As they entered the cozy Three Broomsticks pub, the warmth inside was a stark contrast to the winter chill. They ordered an ice cream sundae to share, savoring each bite as they chatted about everything and nothing.
Meanwhile, Ron watched from the shadows, his jealousy consuming him. He had followed them throughout the day, unable to bear the sight of Harry and Hermione growing closer. His heart ached with pain, and he was convinced that Harry was stealing the girl he believed he was destined to be with.
In a fit of white-hot rage, Ron could no longer contain himself. He barged through the pub's doors, wand raised high above his head, and cried out the incantation for the killing curse, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
The pub fell into shocked silence as Ron's curse shot across the room, but something unexpected happened. Harry instinctively raised his wand to defend himself, but Ron's curse hit an invisible barrier and rebounded.
With a horrified expression, Ron realized his grave mistake too late. He had failed to repair his wand, which he had broken earlier that day during Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class. The rebounded curse struck Ron, and he fell to the floor, lifeless.
The Three Broomsticks erupted into chaos as patrons screamed and fled the scene. Harry and Hermione were left in shock, staring at Ron's lifeless body, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Later that week, Ron Weasley was laid to rest in a somber ceremony, his tragic end a shocking reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and rage. The students of Hogwarts were left to mourn the loss of their friend, and Harry and Hermione were burdened with the knowledge that their relationship had been the catalyst for a terrible tragedy. The weight of it all hung heavily over them, leaving scars that would never fully heal.
