Chapter 695 What About You?!
Convincing the Dursleys to accept protection was not easy.
No matter how generous the arrangements were, the Dursleys still felt uneasy and dissatisfied.
Over the past two days, they had packed their luggage into the car more than once—only to angrily drag it back inside again.
When Harry went downstairs, he saw Uncle Vernon venting his temper.
The moment he noticed Harry, his face stiffened.
"Are you sure you're not lying again? You really don't want my house?"
"How could that be possible?" Harry snapped irritably.
"My assets are enough to buy several houses here. Why would I want yours?"
Vernon looked embarrassed.
Having money didn't necessarily mean someone wouldn't covet another man's house—but it was clear he was finally convinced that Harry truly didn't want it.
Still, he frowned and muttered,
"So where's Darren? Why didn't he come explain this himself?
If he said it, I'd believe him. I don't trust you… Forget it. When is he coming?"
Harry sighed.
"I already told you—he went to arrange housing for you."
"Yes, but isn't the house already arranged?"
"He still has to deal with other people first. They agreed earlier. Unlike you."
Harry said it flatly, without sympathy.
Vernon muttered under his breath about Harry's terrible attitude toward family protection.
"I don't care. I won't leave unless Darren comes and explains it to me in person!"
"He'll be here soon. He's been writing to me. It's only been two days."
Harry rubbed his temples, exhausted.
Arguing with the Dursleys drained him physically.
He turned to head back upstairs—
Then the doorbell rang.
Harry paused.
Who could that be?
He opened the door.
Standing outside were Darren, Hestia Jones, and Dedalus Diggle.
Harry's eyes lit up.
"You're taking me away?"
Darren nodded.
Harry was about to speak—
But Uncle Vernon had already charged forward, stopping directly in front of Darren.
Darren looked slightly pained, but he immediately greeted him politely.
Then he took several documents from his coat and handed them to Vernon.
"Uncle, this is the property I prepared for you.
There's also a small company. I remember you always wanted to start one of your own.
The equipment has already been purchased. Employees haven't been hired yet.
You'll be the boss. I think you'll do very well."
Vernon stared at the documents, his breathing quickening.
Darren then turned to Aunt Petunia and handed her several cards.
"This is your allowance, your local lifestyle membership, and access to the clubs you like.
You can chat with other wives, socialize, and show off your possessions."
Petunia's eyes reddened almost instantly.
Finally, Darren looked at Dudley.
"Cousin, this is a local sports academy. I noticed you like those things.
I also arranged for the Miller family to relocate nearby.
But you won't be allowed to leave the town freely.
You must wait until my brother and I win.
If we die, you'll stay there for the rest of your life.
Of course—if that happens—you probably wouldn't want to leave anyway.
Voldemort hates Muggles. He wants to eliminate them.
If we lose, many people will flee to places like that town."
Darren smiled calmly.
The Dursleys were silent.
In the end, Darren personally carried their luggage out and placed it in the car.
He said softly,
"Go. Thank you for taking care of my brother."
Uncle Vernon snorted.
Then, after a long pause, he said awkwardly,
"If… if you want… after the war, you can live in my house.
Harry Potter too."
"Thank you," Harry said, stunned.
Vernon walked to the car.
But Petunia and Dudley were still standing inside.
"What are you two doing? Why aren't you getting in?"
Dudley suddenly asked.
"We're going to deal with Voldemort," Harry answered.
"But you're just kids!"
Dudley looked confused.
Dedalus beamed with admiration.
"They're central figures in this war. Of course they'll fight."
"Fight?!" Petunia screamed.
Hestia answered calmly,
"They've fought many times already."
"But they're still children!"
Harry felt something tighten in his chest.
He suddenly realized—he mattered to them now.
"After this month," Harry said quietly, "we'll be adults."
Petunia froze.
She couldn't find any argument.
Vernon urged from outside.
Petunia took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the door.
Her steps were hesitant.
Dudley didn't move.
He stood in the doorway and opened his arms.
"So… hugs. I still like you both."
Harry hadn't expected that.
He and Darren hugged him.
Then Dudley finally turned and got into the car.
The vehicle drove away.
Petunia looked back through the window, as if she wanted to say something.
But the car disappeared down the road.
Dedalus and Hestia waved.
Then they vanished as well.
They would escort the car using Side-Along Apparition.
Harry turned to Darren.
"So… are we leaving?"
His luggage was ready.
Darren nodded—then hesitated.
"Brother, I can't leave with you.
Your escape is simple.
In half an hour, you'll put on the Invisibility Cloak, Apparate to Grimmauld Place, then use Sirius's fireplace to go directly to the Burrow."
"What about you?" Harry asked.
Before Darren could answer—
A familiar growl cut in.
"Darren will come with us."
Mad-Eye Moody hovered on a broom outside.
"He'll disguise himself as you.
And I'll disguise myself as Darren.
So far, the Dark Lord still wants Darren alive.
The Death Eaters are focused on you.
From this house, there will be many 'Harrys' and 'Darrens.'
Others will protect me.
The Death Eaters will lower their guard here.
You will stay hidden under the Invisibility Cloak for half an hour.
If the battle has already begun by then, no one will notice you.
After that, use the Portkey directly to Grimmauld Place.
Darren is now the Secret-Keeper there—it's the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
From there, go straight to the Burrow by Floo Network.
We've made extensive preparations.
The Death Eaters won't dare use magic openly there."
Harry looked at Darren.
"…What about you?"