Chapter 17
Hermione’s POV
The air inside the Ministry of Magic felt oppressive, and every step I took toward the heart of the building made my pulse quicken. I knew what I was about to do wasn’t going to be easy, but I couldn’t run anymore. I couldn’t hide behind the walls Theo and Draco had put up around me. I needed to take control, to face the truth head-on.
Theo walked beside me, his usual easy confidence tempered by a rare seriousness. Draco, on the other hand, was more tense, his jaw set tight as he glanced around, always alert.
As we approached the office of the Minister of Magic, my stomach churned. I wasn’t ready for this. But there was no choice now.
Theo pushed the door open, his voice calm as he announced, “Minister, we need to talk.”
The Minister, a man I had seen before in various press briefings, looked up from his desk. His eyes narrowed as they fell on me, clearly recognizing the tension in the air.
“Granger,” he said, his tone neutral. “What is this about?”
I cleared my throat, steadying myself. “I need to tell you what’s been happening. About my marriage. About Ron.”
His brow furrowed, and he sat back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. “I’m listening.”
I hesitated for only a moment before I began, speaking in a rush, not giving myself time to doubt my words. I explained everything—the manipulation, the isolation, the way Ron had turned everyone against me. How I had been so consumed by guilt and fear that I had shut myself off from everyone.
When I finished, the Minister was quiet for a moment, his gaze flickering between Draco, Theo, and me. “This is… serious.”
Before he could say anything else, the door to his office swung open, and I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.
Harry and Ron walked in, looking shocked to see me here. The weight of their gazes on me was suffocating, and I couldn’t help but shrink back.
Ron’s eyes narrowed when they fell on Draco and Theo, a low growl escaping his throat.
“What are you doing here, Hermione?” he spat, his voice cold and possessive.
Before I could respond, he stepped forward, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward him.
“You’re coming home now,” he demanded. “You’ve made your point. It’s over.”
I pulled back, panic rising in my chest. I couldn’t go back. I couldn’t go back to him, to that life. “Let go of me, Ron.”
But he tightened his grip, his face twisted in anger. “No. You belong with me. You’re my wife.”
Harry, standing by the door, looked between us, his eyes widening. I saw the confusion flicker on his face before something seemed to click.
“Ron,” Harry said, his voice tense. “Let her go.”
Ron shot him a glare, but Harry took a step forward, his voice firmer now. “This isn’t right, mate. She doesn’t want to go with you.”
For the first time in years, Harry’s words made me feel something I hadn’t expected—relief. But that feeling was short-lived as Ron’s fury turned toward Harry.
“You don’t get to decide, Harry,” Ron snarled. “You don’t know what’s best for her. I do.”
Theo stepped forward, his voice cutting through the rising tension. “You’re not taking her, Weasley.”
Ron whipped around, his face twisted in a grimace of fury. “And what are you going to do about it?”
Draco moved forward as well, his voice calm but laced with menace. “You’re going to leave her alone, Weasley. Now.”
Ron scoffed, shaking his head. “You two are just a couple of spineless…” His words were cut off as he shoved Theo.
I gasped, stepping back as Ron’s movements turned more violent. “Don’t touch me!”
My heart raced, and suddenly the room felt too small. Too tight. The walls were closing in. I couldn’t breathe.
I heard Draco and Theo shouting at Ron, their voices distorted by the rush of blood in my ears. I felt lightheaded, the world spinning around me. And then everything went black as my body gave in to the overwhelming pressure. I didn’t know how long I had been out. But when I came to, I was no longer in the Ministry, and the first thing I registered was the softness beneath me. The steady rise and fall of someone’s breath beside me. Draco. His hand was gently holding mine.
“Hermione?” His voice was soft but worried.
I blinked, trying to clear my head.
“I—I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “I just—”
Draco’s hand squeezed mine gently. “It’s not your fault.”
Theo’s voice was close by as well. “Take it easy. You’re safe now.”
I closed my eyes, taking slow, deep breaths, trying to calm the panic that still fluttered in my chest. But even as I lay there, I knew that things weren’t over. Not by a long shot. Ron wouldn’t stop, not when he was so determined to claim me, to force me back into his world. But now, for the first time, I had a plan. I had Draco. I had Theo.