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Chapter 741: Are You Threatening Me?!!
Hermione asked suspiciously.
She didn't understand how Darren could be so sure that the Dark Lord would obtain the Elder Wand. After all, wasn't he still forcing Grindelwald to reveal its location?
"It's obvious that Grindelwald and Headmaster Dumbledore were close…
Headmaster Dumbledore's wand, which I once used, was extremely powerful… I never thought much of it before, but now I realize… I simply didn't think deeply enough.
The Dark Lord will definitely go to Hogwarts and take Dumbledore's wand from him."
Darren said softly.
Hermione and Ron were shocked.
"Then we should hurry and stop him!"
"No—we can't stop him!"
Darren interrupted immediately.
"We can't obtain the Elder Wand. I once thought that if I had it, I might be able to kill the Dark Lord.
But now I understand—we shouldn't pursue it.
Headmaster Dumbledore didn't want us to take it… or rather, he didn't want my brother to take it.
What we should focus on now is the Horcruxes. We just need to do what we're supposed to do."
Darren said firmly.
Then he stood up.
"Let's go together. We need to go to Gringotts… Brother, you did well. Griphook is exactly what we need."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron all knew—
He had already made his decision.
He was going to Gringotts.
Despite their worries, none of them backed down.
They had already chosen to follow Darren to the end.
Darren walked out.
He looked at Bill.
"Bill, bring Griphook to me. We need to talk."
"Griphook? He's still injured… and you're not in good condition either…"
"This is an order."
Darren said coldly.
Bill froze for a moment.
Then gave a helpless smile.
He went to call Griphook.
Soon—
Darren was already waiting in the room.
Griphook entered.
Darren got straight to the point.
"I need to enter Bellatrix's vault in Gringotts. You can help me. Whatever you want, just say it."
"Gringotts is not a place anyone can break into!"
Griphook snapped angrily.
Darren looked at him calmly.
"Don't make me angry. If goblins refuse to support either side, your entire race may disappear."
Griphook's expression changed.
"What do you mean? Are you threatening goblins?"
"Yes."
"I am threatening goblins."
Darren said without hesitation.
"You know my strength. My battle with the Dark Lord will likely be evenly matched.
No matter who wins, goblins will not end well.
But if you stand with me, I might restore your former status.
If you refuse—
Then we will find another way to enter Gringotts.
For example… house-elves.
Don't you think house-elves might be better suited for vault work?"
Griphook stared at him in shock.
"You… you compare house-elves to goblins?"
Darren's expression didn't change.
"In my view, house-elves are far more noble than you.
If you must serve wizards anyway, why not choose those who are more obedient?"
Griphook fell silent.
This was not the Darren Potter he had imagined.
At Peter Pettigrew's funeral, Darren had seemed pure… almost naive.
But now—
There was calculation in his eyes.
"Are you really Darren Potter?"
Darren let out a soft laugh.
"If you had to act in front of others every day just to survive, you would grow up quickly too."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding…］
At that moment—
Hermione let out a quiet sob.
She had already imagined what Darren must have gone through at Hogwarts.
Even thinking about it hurt.
"I'll give you a few days to consider."
Darren said calmly.
"I hope you decide quickly. I don't want to risk Pagie.
But if necessary… I will make choices you won't like."
Then he turned and walked out.
Harry and the others followed immediately.
"Can we really use house-elves?"
Harry asked.
Darren sighed.
"I don't know. I don't want Pagie to take that risk, so I haven't tried.
I was just scaring him.
Actually… I'm not even sure I can win.
But brother, believe me—I will find a way to let more people live.
As for me… if I really die…"
He paused.
"Then just bless me. Bless me for the path ahead."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding…］
Harry's eyes turned red.
Hermione covered her mouth, tears falling silently.
They finally understood—
Darren hadn't been indifferent to Grindelwald's death.
He wasn't numb.
He simply believed—
He would soon walk the same path.
He never expected to survive this war.
Harry wanted to comfort him.
But he knew—
There were no words that could help.
Because even he didn't know if he would survive.
"Alright," Darren said quietly.
"Next, we should ask Ollivander about my brother's wand."
They walked into Ollivander's room.
"Hello. It's been a long time since our meeting in fourth year."
Darren said softly.
Ollivander looked at him with gratitude.
"Thank you… for your kindness."
"No need. If you truly want to thank us, then help my brother examine his wand.
Can it be repaired?
If not… can you make another one?"
Darren handed over the broken wand.
"Holly wood… phoenix feather core…"
Ollivander murmured.
"Very beautiful. Very flexible…"
But then his expression turned regretful.
"I cannot repair this. Once a wand is damaged to this extent… it is beyond saving."
Harry's face fell.
He had already known.
But he had still hoped.
"Can you make me another one?"
"Child… I am severely injured. And wand materials were controlled by the Ministry.
I have nothing here. I cannot make one."
Darren sighed softly.
Then he handed his own wand to Harry again.
"Brother, keep using mine."
"I won't be able to use magic anyway."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding…］