---
Hermione, still simring from earlier, forced herself to focus.
She shot Ron a glare before saying, "The door has a keyhole. We need to find the correct key among all these flying ones and get it into the lock."
"The keys?" Ron looked up helplessly. "There are hundreds! How do we know which one?"
Harry frowned at the keyhole, uncertain.
Darren imdiately pointed upward. "Soone went in not long ago. The right key would've been grabbed and forced into the lock. Look—there!"
Harry followed Darren's finger.
A silver winged key, bent and battered at the edges, fluttered awkwardly in the air.
"Darren, that's brilliant!" Hermione said, eyes shining.
Darren flushed shyly.
Ron sighed dramatically. "Oh, Darren, don't do that. If girls tease you and you act all shy, they'll never stop. It's annoying. You have to argue with them—like . Make them cry or—"
Darren tuned him out.
Learn Ron's secrets… to staying single forever?
No thanks.
He liked being teased by girls. Ron didn't understand that kind of happiness.
He turned instead to Harry, who was mounting a broom.
"Brother, let go instead!"
[Ding, Holy Father Value 50]
"It's fine. I've got it," Harry said, grinning. He loved flying, even on one of Hogwarts' old school brooms.
After a fast chase, he caught the key.
Harry shoved it into the lock, twisted hard, and the door burst open. Darren and the others rushed through.
The instant they stepped inside, the door slamd shut.
If they'd been even a second slower, the swarm of keys would've skewered them like a pincushion.
"Oh my—!" Harry began, but Hermione's gasp cut him off.
A massive chessboard stretched across the room, its towering black and white pieces standing like guards.
"What are we supposed to…?" Ron whispered.
All three turned to Darren—who, after a beat of thought, activated his Obscurus form, dashed forward at impossible speed, smashed through several chess pieces, barreled across the board, and stood panting on the far side.
"I-It's a bit hard… but I'll co get you!" he gasped dramatically.
[Ding, Holy Father Value 100]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 100]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 100]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 80]
"NO!" Hermione yelped.
"Darren, stay right there!" Harry shouted.
Ron shook his head frantically. "Mate, you can't carry all of us. And the pieces reset fast—if they corner you, you'll get smashed!"
Darren obediently stayed put.
Ron studied the board with growing realization.
"We'll have to play wizard's chess," he said quietly. "Not to brag, but… you two are terrible. I'll do it."
---
The System Triggers
[Ding — detecting a major Holy Father scene. Temporary mission available:]
When Ron sacrifices himself, rush in at the last second, push him out of danger, and say:
"Don't worry — I'll be fine!"
Reward: Fla Resistance.
Accept mission?
Fla Resistance?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
There was fire ahead… the system knew exactly what Darren needed.
[Accept.]
Darren gave the board a calculating look.
He needed to ti this perfectly — if his interference ruined Ron's strategy, it would break character completely.
As the ga progressed, sweat pooled on Ron's forehead. The strain was obvious.
Finally, at the last two moves, Ron breathed:
"There's no other way… I have to let myself be taken. Once they get … you can checkmate the king, Harry."
He stepped forward bravely.
Darren moved.
Just as the White Queen raised her stone arms—
Darren sprinted across the board, shoved Ron out of harm's way, and braced himself.
"Don't worry — I'll be fine!"
[Ding! Reward acquired: Fla Resistance]
Fla Resistance: No fire can harm the host.
Darren nearly laughed aloud.
He'd tanked a fatal blow just for his human persona — and it paid off nicely.
The White Queen's arms slamd down at his head.
Darren t them with a single punch.
CRACK!
The White Queen shattered into rubble.
Harry shouted, "Brother — NOW!"
Darren collapsed to the floor, face pale, trembling convincingly.
"Harry…" he whispered.
Harry forced himself to stay focused despite panic clawing at him.
He moved three squares left.
The White King paused… then removed his crown and dropped it at Harry's feet.
Checkmate.
The chess pieces bowed, clearing a path.
Harry sprinted to Darren, who was drenched in cold sweat.
"Darren—how are you? Talk to !"
Darren trembled in his arms.
Why… why was he always like this?
Always stepping forward.
Always risking himself.
Harry didn't know whether he wanted to yell at him or hug him.
He only knew Darren was the bravest, stupidest, kindest person he'd ever known.
---
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