Chapter 593: Dumbledore Steals!!
Harry found Hermione and Ron in the library.
At this time, only fifth-year students were left in the library, studying and doing homework.
Harry looked around and realized Darren was not there.
"Where's Darren?"
"Like you, he went to Professor Dumbledore's office to learn Occlumency. He hasn't come back yet."
Hermione said this without lifting her head, completely focused on her homework.
Harry scratched his head, looking a little lost. He tried to tell Hermione and Ron about what had happened in Snape's office—
—but Hermione interrupted him.
"Not here. And I suggest you wait until Darren comes back and tell us together, otherwise you'll just have to say it all over again."
Harry felt uncomfortable.
He really wanted to talk about it, but Hermione clearly had no intention of listening right now.
Ron wanted to hear it, but as Hermione said, it would be better to wait for Darren. Otherwise, Harry would have to repeat everything.
So Harry could only sit down with them, forcing himself to catch up on homework with a quill in hand, while waiting for Darren to return.
But even late into the night, Darren still didn't come back.
Instead, they received a note delivered by Hedwig.
It was from Dumbledore.
> Darren is with me. We are preparing to practice a little longer.
Harry stared at the handwriting on the note and frowned slightly.
"Does Occlumency really need to be practiced this late?"
"I know what it feels like—someone rummaging around in your head. It's awful. Why would Dumbledore let Darren practice so late?"
Hermione told Harry not to make wild guesses. Whether it was Dumbledore or Darren, both of them were far more capable than they were.
But in truth, Hermione looked even more agitated than Harry.
On the way back to the common room, both of them couldn't help suspecting that Darren might have been… mistreated by Dumbledore.
Harry even heard Hermione muttering complaints about Dumbledore under her breath.
However, when they saw Darren the next morning—bright-eyed and energetic in the Great Hall—they were stunned.
"Oh, Headmaster Dumbledore gave me the Draught of Living Death," Darren said with a smile.
"He said that after every Occlumency lesson in the future, I can just fall asleep in his office. At least that way, I won't be in a daze from not sleeping for too long."
This completely put Hermione at ease.
"That's good. Headmaster Dumbledore has clearly thought everything through. As expected of the greatest headmaster!"
Hermione said happily, completely forgetting that she had been criticizing Dumbledore the night before.
Harry then told Darren about what had happened with Snape, which made Hermione gasp.
"The Department of Mysteries must contain what Voldemort wants most!"
Harry said firmly.
Darren, of course, knew exactly what Voldemort wanted.
But he still said, sounding puzzled, "But the Department of Mysteries doesn't seem to store any weapons, does it?"
"Maybe it's a secret weapon developed by the Ministry of Magic?"
"Or some terrifying spell?"
They quietly speculated.
Yet none of this could hide Harry's growing restlessness.
Harry had to admit it—he was extremely anxious.
Ever since he found out what Voldemort wanted, he had been desperate for the Order of the Phoenix to take it first.
But he knew very well that Dumbledore would never agree to that.
Dumbledore stealing something…
Just imagining it felt impossible.
But other than that, Harry could think of nothing else.
Voldemort was getting closer and closer to that door.
This time, it was Mr. Weasley who stopped him.
What about next time?
Would Voldemort succeed without any resistance?
That evening, Harry was exhausted.
Snape's relentless scrutiny made his head ache constantly.
After speaking briefly with Hermione and Darren, he returned to the Gryffindor common room and collapsed onto his bed.
He fell asleep almost immediately.
Then—laughter.
Wild, crazed laughter echoed in his ears.
Joyful. Ecstatic.
An overwhelming happiness, as if something long desired had finally been obtained.
Until—
A sharp slap struck his face.
Harry jolted awake and realized, in horror, that the laughter had come from his own mouth.
"Darren was worried about you and asked me to check on you," Ron said anxiously.
"And the moment I walked in, you were like this. What's going on now?"
Harry fell silent.
After a long moment, he said heavily, "Happy. Voldemort is very happy."
"I've never felt him this happy before."
Something had happened—something that made Voldemort ecstatic.
And that terrified Harry.
He didn't even know why Voldemort was so happy.
But whatever it was, it was definitely not good for him.
At first, Harry thought it would take the full efforts of the Order of the Phoenix to uncover the reason.
But it didn't.
The very next morning, The Daily Prophet delivered the news.
Azkaban Prison Break.
Ten photographs dominated the front page.
Nine male wizards and one witch.
Harry recognized the witch instantly.
Bellatrix Lestrange—the woman who had tortured the Longbottoms into insanity.
In the photograph, she was laughing wildly, her expression twisted and deranged.
The article claimed that the Ministry of Magic suspected the escape had something to do with Black.
After all, two years ago, Sirius Black had successfully escaped from Azkaban.
Clearly, Black's success had given the prisoners a taste of hope, and under his "guidance," they had attempted a mass escape.
Harry's eyes widened.
He clenched his teeth, wanting to curse out loud—but Hermione shot him a sharp glare.
"Be quiet and let me finish reading!"
Harry shut his mouth resentfully and continued reading with her.
Cornelius Fudge was interviewed in his office.
"I believe this incident is closely connected to Black. It must be part of his conspiracy.
He passed on his experience to others, making him the likely leader of these escaped Death Eaters.
The Ministry is doing everything in its power to hunt them down. I believe they will be captured soon. Please rest assured."
Hermione sneered.
"Dumbledore warned him long ago that the Dementors were no longer reliable, but he refused to listen."
"I hope this will make my brother's situation a little better," Darren said hopefully.
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
"I hope so too—but I don't think Fudge will ever admit he was wrong," Hermione said helplessly.
She turned the page.
Another headline caught their eyes:
Is Gilderoy Lockhart a Murderer?