Crackle! Crackle!
The crackling inside the Wand grew louder and louder, until even Harry and Ron could hear it clearly. Salatea had long since been tormented to death.
"It... it's going to... explode! Oh, no, we have to get out of here! I don't want to be buried in the rubble!"
Ron finished his complaint and bent down again, trying to haul Harry onto his back.
"Ron, there's... there's no time. You... you go. I'll... I'll stay behind..."
"Harry Potter, don't talk nonsense! We leave together!"
Tears glistened in Ron's eyes, and his expression was grimly determined.
Luo Bin walked over to them, took a tiny bottle from the Blue Cloth Pouch, and used its dropper to place a translucent drop on the wound on Harry's face.
"Phoenix Tears neutralize all poisons, and they work fast! I'll carry Ginny. Ron, help Harry along. Fawkes can take the rooster and the Sorting Hat!"
"Will... will that work?"
The moment Harry asked, warmth surged from his chest through his entire body. He could feel his weakness and aches rapidly fading, replaced by a burning sting in his wound.
"I don't think... I need anyone to help me!"
Harry rose unsteadily to his feet and adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
"Harry, you're all right! That's wonderful!"
Ron hugged his friend, overcome with excitement.
"We can't waste any more time. Let's get out of here!"
Ignoring the Sorting Hat's protests, Luo Bin stuffed the rooster inside it, shoved the hat into Fawkes's claws, then bent down and picked up Ginny.
"Right!"
"Right!"
Ron and Harry supported each other as they walked. They had gone only a few steps beyond the hall when an explosion thundered behind them. The blast of hot air nearly knocked them over.
"Oh, no! Good thing those thick stone