Hermione pulled Ron and the terrified Lavender back several steps, then pointed her wand at her throat and took a deep breath.
"Stop right now! Someone has taken Harry Potter hostage!"
All the noise fell silent. Hermione's ear-piercing shout made many people present wince in pain.
Both the marchers and the Ministry of Magic Hit Wizards who had come to suppress them stood frozen as if struck by a Petrification Curse, staring blankly at John and Harry.
"Say something, Harry!"
The scattered flashes of spell-light faded as well. John whispered in Harry's ear.
This had to be the most humiliating moment of my life, Harry thought!
But to calm the conflict, Harry's cheeks flushed red as he reluctantly played along.
"Cough, cough... I—I'm Harry Potter! H-help!"
Snort—
Ron covered his mouth, unable to stop himself from laughing. Then, under Hermione's fierce glare, he tried hard to put on an anxious, grief-stricken expression.
Harry Potter?
That Harry Potter!
The Hit Wizards looked at one another, not knowing what to do for the moment.
"It really is Harry Potter—I saw his scar!"
"It's absolutely true. He and his two friends came to the Ministry of Magic for a hearing last month. I've seen their faces!"
The Hit Wizards kept whispering among themselves, gradually gathering together.
"Nicely done, John!"
The marchers hurriedly "huddled" behind John as well. Someone patted him on the shoulder and said.
They looked admiringly at John, who held a dagger to the boy's throat, repeatedly praising his quick thinking.
Without this move, they would have had to surrender.
Still, some of the villagers looked uneasily at the hostage, Harry. Taking someone hostage was undoubtedly despicable.
But in order to stay alive and gain the right to negotiate, they chose to remain silent.
"Let that child go if you don't