Draco/Ron
Eyes wide, Weasley turns to watch him enter the clearing. He’s got that same stupid expression he always wears, except… it’s not stupid now. It’s comforting and heartbreaking all at once.
This is their only chance.
To end what they’d started by mistake. To harness the power of the total lunar eclipse and rid themselves of this wretched bond. To return to what they were.
No more fleeting moments of tenderness, or wondering if it’s the bond or if it’s real.
They both want it to end. Perhaps Draco more than Weasley. He’s turned everything upside down with his ramblings of courage to do what’s right, not what's easy. Like every Gryffindor that’s come before him, ready to sacrifice himself for the Greater Good.
Weasley speaks first, thank Merlin.
“We have two minutes.”
Draco steps closer. “Get it over with.”
Fingers graze the side of his hand.
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
He swallows hard. It takes all his strength not to grab Weasley’s hand and wind their fingers together.
These moments don’t belong to him. They never have. They’re stolen and ephemeral. Harrowing as he curls his hand into a fist and nods.
Draco looks up to the dark sky where the moon is hidden in shadow. “It’s what needs to be done.”
Weasley lifts his wand, eyes shining as the spell lights its tip.
“Malfoy, I—”
Draco reaches out. A second, a breath, lingering between them.
Time slows as regret rises to his lips.
“Wait—”