Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures - H.P.S.T Chapter 1652: Discovered

What?!

Ron was about to be sent away!

To the excavation site of the Archway of Death!

What was Voldemort planning?! Why would he send Ron there?!

Upon hearing this shocking news, Harry almost cried out.

He quickly clamped a hand over his mouth and leaned forward, hoping to hear more clearly.

“I don’t understand, Dad, what’s the use of that Weasley? Why would he send that Weasley to that witch?” Draco continued to ask.

“That’s not something we’re meant to know. Perhaps the Dark Lord sees him as having some other use,” said Lucius softly. “There’s no doubt that the Weasley downstairs isn’t just an ordinary prisoner. You can tell from the Dark Lord’s attitude toward him. He’s more than a simple bait to lure Evan Mason and Harry Potter out. Sending him to the Dark Witch must be related to the Dark magic they’re performing. Perhaps those corpses…”

“Lucius!” Narcissa’s voice rose sharply. She cut him off, sounding stern. “How can you say such things in front of Draco!”

“Oh, sorry, Cissy!” Lucius replied in a lazy voice.

“Don’t ever try to uncover the Dark Lord’s secrets. It’s far too dangerous,” Narcissa said firmly. “Draco, the reason your father and I called you here alone today is because we want you to understand this. We know how you feel — wizards your age all want to prove themselves, to accomplish something grand, to gain the Dark Lord’s favor. But things are different now. We must be cautious. Success and power mean nothing if you can’t keep yourself safe.

“The Malfoy family is not like the other Death Eaters. Even if we do nothing, our family’s wealth and influence are enough to protect our status. So I want you to understand: even if the worst should happen, we still have a way out. But that depends on you keeping yourself safe. Your father and I have been constantly worried — afraid you’ve gotten yourself into something again. Especially when you return to Hogwarts, away from your father and me… you absolutely cannot repeat what happened last term.”

“I understand, Mother. I’m not a child anymore. I know what I want, and I know how to do it!” Draco replied distractedly.

“And keep your distance from those two idiots, Goyle and Crabbe, they are absolutely insane!” Narcissa rambled on. “Look at their attitude! Do those fools really think that just because Lucius has lost the Dark Lord’s trust, they can rise above the Malfoys?!”

“There’s never been a shortage of fools like that,” Lucius said slowly. “Ambition without brains is a dangerous thing.”

“And what exactly is going on with that Yaxley boy? Recently he’s been —”

“Father!” Draco suddenly interrupted. “If — and I mean if — if he caught Harry Potter, what would he do?”

Harry held his breath again. Why did Draco suddenly bring up his name?

To be honest, what Lucius had just said was also very intriguing. Ron was different from the other prisoners; what was his connection to that Dark magic?

And why had they mentioned corpses? This also bothered Harry.

Although he hadn’t figured out what was going on, it was definitely not a good thing.

“Will he kill Potter?” Draco asked breathlessly.

“It’s obvious the Dark Lord has failed against Potter many times. Many people say that the boy is the Dark Lord’s nemesis, the one destined to defeat him. To quell those rumors and prove his invincibility, the Dark Lord will kill him with his own hands, and it must be him. So the others must capture Potter alive,” said Lucius, seemingly sizing up Draco. “I’ve got some intelligence. They might be hiding in the Black family’s old house, but there are so many protective spells on that house. For centuries, the Black family added spell after spell to that house; it’s almost impossible to break them all. But they won’t stay there forever. I’ve sent people to watch the place. As soon as they step outside, we’ll have a chance to catch them.”

“Draco, don’t worry about this. And don’t sneak out of school to catch Harry Potter!” Narcissa warned. “Absolutely not!”

“Your mother is right. What you need to do now is stay at Hogwarts.”

“I know!” Draco replied, taking two more steps towards the mirror. “But if — if — if…”   

Hearing the approaching footsteps and feeling their presence so close, Harry’s heart pounded.

He had a feeling Draco Malfoy had discovered him!

Yes, that had to be it!

Harry gripped his wand tightly, hesitating, wondering if he ought to jump out and hit Draco Malfoy with a spell before Draco could react.

Harry was confident in dealing with Draco.

He could subdue Draco by surprise and then use him to coerce the Malfoys into releasing Ron. There was no need to escape Malfoy Manor with Ron; if he could just hold out a little longer until the house-elf Dobby arrived with Evan and the others, he and Ron would be safe.

Harry hesitated whether to do that, or try casting a Shrinking Charm on himself, so he could disappear into a crack in the floor.

Weak, pitiful, and helpless Harry felt incredibly stupid!

Before he could decide what to do, Lucius continued from outside, “If what? Draco, you’re acting very strangely?”

“If I could catch Harry Potter,” said Draco slowly.

Harry pressed himself harder against the wall, every muscle in his body tightening.

Just a little further, and he felt he might have to spring out and curse Draco Malfoy at any moment. …

……………………………………………………………………….

In the Black family’s library, countless books were flying through the air, swirling together into a massive vortex.

Pages flapped wildly as one word after another lit up with golden light — an awe-inspiring sight.

Below, the petite Elaine was excitedly waving her wand, seemingly enjoying herself immensely.

Under her control, book after book shot out from the swirling vortex above and floated to her.

She glanced at each one, and the moment she lost interest, the book dropped heavily onto the empty space to her left. The pile of magic books there was growing taller at a speed visible to the naked eye — though compared to the sheer number of books rising from the shelves to join the great vortex spinning overhead, it was nothing at all.

At the desk nearby, Evan and Hermione looked on helplessly as Elaine threw herself deeper into her little game.

Just moments before, Evan had taught her the spell to quickly find words in books, and she had already used it without hesitation.

The child seemed to be treating this as a game; she controlled almost half of the books in the entire library, making them fly.

Translating_Wizard

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