This Is the One the Dark Lord Wants

Wade went cold all over, his heart pounding wildly.

His instinct was to back away, to turn and run, but reason held his feet firmly in place.

He could not move. One move might mean death!

He forced himself to stand where he was, imitating Harry's lost and helpless expression—his mouth slightly open, his eyes brimming with tears, his body trembling faintly, his little hands unconsciously clutching at his clothes.

Like a child who had truly been frightened out of his wits.

Barty Jr. approached step by step with his Wand in hand. The knuckles of his gaunt fingers had turned white, and a faint glow shone from the tip of his Wand, as though a deadly curse might erupt at any moment.

He looked down at the two trembling children huddled behind the rocks, his gloomy eyes like a venomous snake sizing up its prey.

Barty Jr. smiled and said slowly, "Harry Potter... and Wade Grey?"

Harry was terrified, but when he glanced at Wade, who looked too frightened to speak, he gathered his courage and stepped in front of him. Imitating Uncle Vernon, he lifted his chin and said politely:

"Y-you hello, sir. I'm Harry Potter. What do you want with me?"

Barty Jr. had been frowning, staring at Wade with a dangerous expression. Upon hearing Harry's words, he shifted his gaze to the green-eyed boy.

"Harry... Potter..."

He repeated the name, a strange smile appearing on his face. "The Boy Who Lived... the famous Star of Salvation... you've finally fallen into my hands..."

His tone and demeanor were so strange that Harry found him deeply frightening—even more frightening than an enraged Uncle Vernon. Harry had to fight not to shrink back.

He raised his head, his voice trembling slightly. "I think you may have the wrong person,