---
Under Darren's calculations, everything had gone almost exactly as he expected.
He had successfully avoided the hardships Harry was enduring on the run.
And according to his estimation, Harry and the others should soon be captured by the Death Eaters.
After that, they would be taken to Gringotts to retrieve the Horcrux.
Then they would return to Hogwarts.
Once that happened—
Everything would fall back into place.
Darren let out a relieved breath.
After going through the main events of the plan, he wouldn't have to suffer anymore… right?
At present, with Professor McGonagall's help, he was already capable of breaking the magic seal placed on him.
Technically, he could leave and join Harry at any ti.
But that would be suspicious.
After all, staying inside Hogwarts was still the safest way to maintain appearances.
If he left too early, people might start questioning him.
And worse—
If Harry did everything outside while Darren stayed uninvolved, his "Holy Father" image would collapse.
So Darren made his decision.
He would wait.
Wait until Harry and the others were captured.
Wait until they were forced into danger.
Then—when they truly needed help—
He would appear.
Rescue them.
Join them in destroying the Horcruxes.
And then return to Hogwarts.
Even if he hadn't participated in the wandering phase, solving everything at the critical mont would still prove his ability.
Darren smiled to himself, satisfied with his plan.
Then he leaned back comfortably against the wall and quietly opened his novel.
---
At the sa ti, Harry and the others were excitedly discussing the broadcast they had just heard.
"Wasn't that amazing?" Ron said.
"It was incredible," Harry replied.
Harry kept thinking about what Lee Jordan had said.
"He's abroad… did you hear that? That ans he's looking for—"
"Harry, I think—"
Hermione tried to interrupt.
But Harry cut her off, excitent rising.
"This is important, Hermione! Don't you get it? V—"
Hermione's eyes widened.
"Stop! Stop!"
But Harry didn't.
"He's looking for that wand!"
CRACK!
Sothing shattered.
Hermione gasped. "Our protective enchantnts have been broken! Harry, co here!"
Harry turned pale and rushed toward her.
Hermione raised her wand and pointed it at his face.
"We have seven wands trained on you. Drop your weapons and co out with your hands up, or we'll start casting!"
A voice shouted from outside.
Before Harry could react, his face swelled under Hermione's spell, and rough hands forced him down.
Sothing was shoved around his neck.
"Don't move, or we'll kill you!"
"Stop resisting! Take their wands!"
The noise was overwhelming.
Harry saw Hermione and Ron being captured.
Even the Sorting Hat was taken.
"What's this?" soone asked, shoving the hat under Harry's nose.
Harry forced himself to stay calm. "Just an old hat."
He closed his eyes briefly.
They had forgotten—
The Sword of Gryffindor wasn't inside it.
He could only hope it wouldn't be discovered.
"Let's see who we've caught!"
A man laughed loudly.
"What happened to your face?" another asked.
Harry muttered, "Wasp sting."
"And your na?" the man demanded, pulling out a list.
Harry hesitated, then said, "Vernon Dudley."
"Vernon Dudley?" the man narrowed his eyes. "Could be fake."
He began scanning the list.
Nearby, soone grabbed Ron.
"What's your na?"
"Stan… Stanzan Parker…"
SMACK!
Ron was struck hard.
"Don't try that na on us. We know him."
Ron spat blood. "Fine… Barty… Barty Weasley…"
"Weasley?" the man sneered. "Blood traitor."
He turned to Hermione.
"And you?"
She gave a false na.
The man laughed coldly. "Make up whatever you like. Once we check, we'll know the truth. Then we'll feed you to the werewolves."
Harry was dragged by the hair and thrown among the others they had captured.
"Anyone still have a wand?" Harry whispered.
"No."
"They took everything."
Ron and Hermione's voices were faint but steady.
"I'm sorry," Harry said. "It's my fault… I shouldn't have said—"
"It's fine."
"You can't control yourself sotis."
Their responses were tired but understanding.
Harry felt worse.
Then suddenly, a voice nearby whispered in shock.
"Harry?"
"Dean?"
Harry turned.
It was Dean Thomas.
Dean looked stunned.
"These are just snatchers—they catch students… but they caught you… Darren…"
Guilt flooded Harry.
He didn't even know how to respond.
Before he could think further, another man stepped forward.
"Just because your na isn't on the list doesn't an you're safe.
You're school age. Which house are you from?"
"Slytherin," Harry answered.
The man burst out laughing.
"Funny. Everyone claims Slytherin. But none of them can describe it."
"I can," Harry said quickly.
"The Slytherin common room is in the dungeon. You enter through the wall—it's underground. Everything is green. The dormitories are green and silver.
Darren Potter has his own room. Malfoy's dorm is next to his."
The snatchers paused.
They hadn't expected such detail.
"…That does sound like Slytherin," one muttered.
"Slytherin rarely has Muggle-borns. So, Vernon Dudley, right?
If you're connected to the Ministry, you won't mind coming with us for verification."
Harry stayed silent.
It was only a matter of ti before the lie collapsed.
Dudley… it wouldn't hold.
Just then, another man spoke up.
"Wait—I think there is a Dudley in the Ministry…"
The group shifted uneasily.
So of them looked worried.
Had they just beaten soone important?
Then—
A shout ca from the tent.
"Look what I found!"
Harry's heart dropped.
The Sword of Gryffindor.
Of course.
They had missed it.
"Boy," soone said with a grin, "what's this?"
Harry forced himself to stay calm. "My father's sword. We use it for chopping wood."
"Enough."
The man's tone turned cold.
"I've heard enough lies."
He held up a piece of parchnt.
"I just found information on this girl—Hermione Granger.
Currently on the run with Harry Potter."
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