---
The funeral began.
Harry thought Darren was going to collapse.
But at the very start of the ceremony, Darren raised his head.
He smiled faintly and said softly,
"Brother, Headmaster Dumbledore is gone… then I will protect you."
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding…］
Harry felt as if sothing was inside his chest.
He knew Darren had made this decision a long ti ago.
Back in first year, Darren had still been an awkward student—soone who would let others get hurt, soone who drifted away from friends.
But now, he could kill.
Harry wasn't saying that killing made Darren bad.
He would never think that.
He just felt guilty.
Would Darren have been much happier… without him?
---
The funeral ended.
Harry was called away by Scrimgeour and did not return to Darren's side.
After all, Darren's attitude toward Scrimgeour last ti had been too firm.
In contrast, Harry—perhaps—was still soone the Minister could try to win over.
Darren watched Harry and Scrimgeour's retreating backs for a mont.
Then he turned to Ginny.
"Ginny, I can't be with you."
Ginny's face froze.
She seed to want to say sothing.
But Darren laughed.
"There's no denying it—I like you. I like you, I like Fleur, I like Luna.
I rejected you clearly, but I still gave you a chance.
Maybe I even thought… I might still have room for love.
But now it's different.
I need to be with my brother.
I'm going to face Voldemort.
I can't maintain this relationship anymore.
I think that when you see in the future, you can just ignore .
I already indulged myself for half a sester."
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding…］
Darren laughed.
His eyes were a little red.
But in the end, he was still smiling.
Ginny's tears finally fell.
"I know… I know what you're thinking. You're awful.
You never stop us, you never draw boundaries.
I also know—you like Fleur very much.
I tried to get rid of you.
I tried to stay away from you, to be more independent.
But every ti you were hospitalized…
I felt like all of that could be ignored…"
Ginny opened her mouth, but no words ca out.
Because Darren leaned forward and kissed her.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny saw Hermione's slightly jealous expression.
But she wasn't happy.
Because she knew—
Darren had only said goodbye to them.
He had not said goodbye to Hermione.
Perhaps Hermione was a friend in Darren's eyes.
Or perhaps sothing even closer.
But he was not leaving Hermione.
Truly.
Under Ginny's gaze, Darren walked toward Hermione.
Hermione looked a little nervous.
She asked softly,
"What are your plans with Harry after this?"
"I don't think my brother should stay at school anymore.
And I'm not ready either.
We still have to track down the remaining Horcruxes.
Hermione, I once asked you—
if it was too late to turn back,
if you didn't join my brother and , you'd still be alive.
You didn't quit.
Now… have you changed your mind?"
Hermione laughed.
"Do you really think I would?
I just saw you kiss her goodbye—and you're not planning to leave , are you?"
"Your eyes are sharp.
I've decided to keep my distance from them.
It's too dangerous.
I don't want her accompanying on adventures.
Actually… I don't want you accompanying either."
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding…］
"But I'd love to, wouldn't I?
And even if I don't follow you, I can follow Harry.
You can't stop ."
Hermione said slyly.
"Say what?"
Harry and Ron walked over just then.
They asked with grins.
Hermione told them what Darren had just said.
Harry frowned.
"Darren and I will handle it."
"Don't be ridiculous," Ron said.
"We're not letting you two go off alone.
We've been acting together for six years.
You're not ditching us now, are you?"
Harry hesitated.
Ron asked again,
"So what's the plan after this?"
"I'll go to the Dursleys for two weeks.
Then I'll go to Godric's Hollow and look at the place where our parents used to live.
After that… we'll search for clues about the Horcruxes."
"Very well," Darren said.
"During the sumr, brother, you go stay with the Dursleys.
I'll accompany Hermione to handle her affairs.
Once that's done, I'll send Hermione to the Burrow,
then I'll go to Privet Drive.
After that, I'll take you to the Burrow.
We'll say goodbye to everyone—
and then leave directly."
---
One day in July.
Two figures appeared from midair.
It was Snape—along with a wizard nad Yaxley.
"Snape, are you hurt?" Yaxley asked.
"I'm fine," Snape replied coldly.
Yaxley didn't care much.
He followed Snape toward a luxurious manor.
An iron gate blocked the estate.
Both of them raised their arms.
The Dark Mark on their forearms stood out clearly.
The iron gate vanished.
At that mont, the sound of wings flapping echoed.
Yaxley imdiately raised his wand.
Then he saw a snow-white peacock strutting out.
He lowered his wand disdainfully.
"This Lucius… always turning everything into pointless extravagance."
Snape didn't respond.
They crossed the garden, walked through long corridors, passed rows of portraits—
and under those portraits' gazes, entered a lavish chamber.
Snape hesitated briefly before opening the door.
Many wizards were seated inside.
The air was thick with smoke.
At the center sat Voldemort.
He was idly playing with his wand.
Above them, a man was hanging upside down.
His face was pale.
His eyes were closed.
Everyone watched without reacting.
Only a young wizard nearby had gone deathly white,
casting nervous glances again and again.
"Severus, sit beside .
Yaxley, you sit next to Dolohov."
A smug expression appeared on Snape's face.
Yaxley's expression imdiately darkened.
He glanced at Snape with unconcealed jealousy.
"How?" Voldemort asked softly.
Snape curled his lips proudly.
"Master, the Order of the Phoenix has decided that on Saturday evening,
they will also move to retrieve Harry Potter and Darren Potter.
They believe they are fully prepared this ti."
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