He tried desperately to stay above water, holding Hermione with him as they both struggled for life. He could see Harry trying to devise a way to rescue them. But he could also see how futile his efforts were.

Ron knew he couldn’t save them both.

The waters were murky and dangerous. With each kick he gave, the lake clenched onto him, trying to drag them both under. It was as if the lake itself was feeding on his life, draining him of all of his energy.

No,he thought to himself. To feel himself suffering was one thing to him. But so see Hermione in pain was a whole other level of torture.

He looked to Hermione who had a determined but fearful look in her eye. He knew she cold sense the ominous danger from within the lake. He knew she could feel her life draining as she struggled to stay afloat.

“Stay with me, Ron,” she whispered breathlessly. But as she spoke, she almost went under as if all her energy went into saying her last words.

Ron looked to Harry, who looked conflicted as what he should do. So Ron made the decision for him.

Ron gave Harry one last look. He looked to Harry so that he could understand what he was about to do. Ron knew he couldn’t live without Hermione. So to save him the pain of losing her, Ron pushed Hermione towards Harry so that she could live.

“I love you, Hermione,” he whispered before letting her go. He could see that she was trying to say something back, but he went under before she could reply.

Yet it didn’t matter.

He was overcome by a sense of peace for making the right decision.