"There are no cowards in the Weasley family!"
The smiles slowly faded from the spectators' faces. In silence, they watched the young wizard on the screen clench his fists and deliver those words with ringing conviction.
Once they stopped watching it as mere entertainment, they suddenly seemed to understand just how extraordinary his decision was.
The three on the screen did not know this was an act. They did not know it had all been arranged. They truly believed they had reached a dead end.
And so, at that moment, Ron's decision shone brilliantly. He was like the most dazzling jewel. He was glowing!
Mrs. Weasley could no longer hold herself back. Tears poured down her face as she buried herself in her husband's arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Arthur's eyes were red too. He held his wife by the shoulders, his lips pressed tightly together, his expression filled with pain and guilt.
They both knew Ron was right. They loved their children equally, but there was only so much time and attention to go around. Someone always received less, and someone always received more.
Bill and Charlie exchanged a glance, each seeing the helplessness and sorrow on the other's face. All they could do was sigh deeply.
The arena was utterly silent, with Mrs. Weasley's sobs faintly echoing through it.
Dumbledore suddenly stood and began clapping softly. In the lounge, Zhang Xiao was clapping too. At first, the applause was scattered, but then it swelled into a raging storm.
The thunderous applause was louder than ever before.
"No-no! You can't!" Harry shook his head desperately. His nose stung, and he had no idea how to talk Ron out of it.
"You can't, Ron. I can't watch you die here and then escape myself. If I did that, it'd be