Chapter 624: The Poison Is About to Take Effect!!
Harry froze.
They stared at the Death Eaters in front of them, fear creeping in.
A trap.
That word instantly reminded them of what Darren had just warned about.
"Sirius…"
Harry was bound tightly by the black ropes, yet he still shouted anxiously. Lucius Malfoy laughed loudly.
"He's still safe at home!"
"Of course, we couldn't really catch him—but, Potter, you clearly don't understand dreams. A dream is just a dream!"
Malfoy's words hit Harry like a blow. He stiffened, his lips trembling, unable to speak.
Darren raised his wand, clearly unwilling to waste any more words. He was already preparing to force his way out.
But just as he was about to move, he noticed something wrong.
Dark Mark–shaped ropes rose from beneath Luna's feet.
They wrapped around her—and around the others as well.
In an instant, everyone felt as if an enormous weight had been placed on them, their bodies sinking uncontrollably.
At the same time, Darren realized something even worse.
Harry—who had been bound from the beginning—was already showing signs of poisoning.
Lucius Malfoy burst into laughter.
"Well then, Darren Potter, you can leave if you want."
"Your friends, however, will be dead in half an hour."
"Of course, if you want to save them, all you have to do is stain these ropes with your blood and let them enter your body."
"They'll only imprison you for ten minutes."
"I think that's more than enough time for us to quietly take the prophecy."
"We'll leave immediately. No one has to die here tonight."
Malfoy laughed smugly.
Darren hesitated.
He looked at Harry and the others. His face turned deathly pale.
Then, without another word, he moved.
He slashed his palm open and pressed his hand against the rope.
The moment his blood touched it, the rope shuddered violently, tightened, and surged into his wound, disappearing into his body.
The pain was clearly excruciating.
Darren's body trembled, but he didn't stop. He moved from one person to the next.
As he passed Hermione, he leaned close and whispered,
"When they're free, run immediately. You understand?"
"Don't worry about me. I won't die."
Hermione's eyes were red.
She couldn't say a single word—but she trusted him.
Because Darren had always kept his promises.
When Darren finally absorbed the last rope, he staggered back and leaned heavily against the wall, his face completely drained of color.
"Hahaha! Good, very good!"
Lucius Malfoy laughed loudly.
"Now, Harry Potter, hand over the prophecy!"
"Now!"
Darren suddenly shouted.
This was the signal he had given Harry earlier—grab the prophecy and run.
Even if they couldn't escape, they had to try.
Harry and the others immediately bolted for the door.
Darren stepped forward, blocking Malfoy and the Death Eaters.
He stood straight despite the pain and said firmly,
"If you want to get out, you'll have to step over my corpse."
"Then kill him!"
Bellatrix Lestrange shrieked, raising her wand.
Lucius Malfoy grabbed her wrist.
"No!"
"The Dark Lord forbade killing him!"
"He ruined our plan!"
Bellatrix sneered.
"I'll talk to him. I'll persuade him."
Malfoy walked up to Darren, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear.
"Stun me. Run."
For a split second, Darren almost believed him.
Almost.
If Malfoy truly wanted to save him, he would have released the ropes—not offered a performance like this.
Without hesitation, Darren slammed his fist into Malfoy's face.
Malfoy crashed to the ground, his expression frozen in disbelief.
"Get him!"
"Be careful—he's ridiculously strong!"
Someone shouted.
Darren turned and ran.
But the moment he burst into the next room, his heart sank.
Harry and the others were already in trouble.
Several Death Eaters had intercepted them, clearly anticipating their escape.
Spells flew everywhere.
Darren rushed in, stunned two Death Eaters in quick succession, but more poured in behind him.
He narrowly dodged a red curse, then drove a punch straight into Bellatrix's face.
The Death Eaters began circling him, avoiding direct combat, trying to slip past him to attack Harry instead.
A Death Eater shouted,
"Don't be afraid! The poison in those ropes will activate soon—Darren Potter won't last long!"
They began deliberately dragging things out.
Darren stopped chasing them head-on and instead focused on protecting Harry.
"They're here!"
Someone shouted.
The voice cut off abruptly—clearly knocked unconscious.
More Death Eaters flooded into the room.
Darren lunged forward, grabbed one by the sleeve, and knocked him out with a single blow.
He turned—
Just in time to see a Death Eater fire a purple curse straight at Hermione.
Darren threw himself in front of her.
The curse struck him squarely.
He staggered back, gritting his teeth, but didn't make a sound.
He turned and subdued the attacker.
"Darren!"
Hermione cried out in panic.
He looked at her and forced a strained smile.
"Don't be afraid… I'll make sure you all get back safely."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding…]
Hermione suddenly covered her mouth in horror.
Her hand trembled as she waved it in front of Darren's eyes.
There was no response.
Darren still faced her, calm on the surface.
"It's fine," he said softly.
"Don't be scared, Hermione. It's too dark—tell me where they are."
Hermione nearly choked on a sob.
But she forced herself to stay steady.
"On your left. Aim straight and strike."
Darren followed her direction and brought the Death Eater down in seconds.
She pointed again.
He rushed forward—
And suddenly stumbled.
A Death Eater laughed wildly.
"He's blind! The poison's working!"
"Kill him! Kill him now!"
"Dream on!"
"You're the ones who deserve to die!"
"Harry—pull Darren back, hide!"
Multiple voices rang out at once.
Harry recognized them instantly.
Sirius.
Moody.
Lupin.
They were here.
Harry's eyes burned as tears threatened to spill. He grabbed Darren and dragged him toward the corner.
He saw Sirius slam a Death Eater into the ground, roaring in fury.
He saw Moody blasting another attacker aside.
For a moment, it felt like victory was within reach—
Until a pale-faced wizard lunged straight toward Harry.
"Give me the prophecy," the man hissed,
"or I'll kill him."
It was Darren.
When Harry had shouted for Black earlier, he had given this Death Eater the opening he needed.
And now—
Darren was in his grasp.