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Because Darren clearly wasn't comfortable around dwarfs, Lockhart's Valentine's Day activity was shut down after only half a day.
It was Dumbledore who ended it.
He had put on his sternest face, telling everyone that Hogwarts was a place of learning and such disruptions were inappropriate.
He sounded exactly like Professor McGonagall.
Yet that very morning, Darren had watched him chuckling at Lockhart's spectacle, saying that students couldn't study all the ti and needed to relax occasionally.
Darren once again felt that Dumbledore was a shaless double-standard old fox.
He had never received this kind of treatnt before.
Snape even thought Darren's bloodline had been exposed — he stord into the Headmaster's office with a murderous expression, only to walk out a few minutes later looking oddly relieved.
Clearly, Dumbledore had soothed him with sothing.
Darren sighed sympathetically.
The old licking dog had been fooled yet again.
But never mind that.
The most exciting thing these past two days was that the Wizengamot newspaper was finally being published.
And truly—
The next morning, hundreds of owls flooded into Hogwarts.
It wasn't just Darren's table — even the professors at the staff table were buried under piles of letters and newspapers.
Darren, of course, received the largest mountain.
He unfolded the newspaper.
A huge headline jumped out:
Darren Potter's Revolutionary Breakthrough — The Squib-to-Wizard Theory!
> Recently, Darren Potter submitted this theoretical paper to our publication…
After thorough review by all Wizengamot mbers, the theory presents limitless possibilities…
Mr. Darren Potter is undoubtedly extraordinary… He integrates various approaches… even citing magical scholars from two centuries ago… We found no errors after two months of examination…
If he can truly develop a potion capable of enabling Squibs to beco wizards—as his theory outlines—he will be one of the greatest wizards of the century.
We hope Headmaster Dumbledore will give this child every opportunity he needs. Perhaps we will witness him grow into the greatest wizard of modern tis.
Nearly the entire newspaper was dedicated to Darren's theory.
The actual theoretical content took only a few pages.
The rest was glowing praise.
Darren's cheeks flushed.
"Is it true? Darren! Is all of this true?!"
Filch practically sprinted toward him.
Darren gave him a aningful wink and smiled gently.
"Of course it's true. I already have a clear direction. Just give a little ti, and I can make you a wizard, Mr. Filch.
And about Mrs. Norris… I'm sorry. I was too inexperienced back then. I should have told you earlier that I could save her. You didn't need to suffer through her being petrified for so long.
So this Squib-to-Wizard theory… is my way of making it up to you."
> [Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
[…]
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Filch's long-term task. Filch's favorability: 90. Reward: High-Level Bloodline Lottery. Draw now?]
Darren's smile grew brighter.
Of course. He knew publishing the theory would complete the task instantly.
[System, draw the bloodline.]
> [Ding! Drawing… Extraction successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Salazar Slytherin Bloodline.]
Salazar Slytherin Bloodline:
Upon fusion, you gain access to Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets, including command over the Basilisk.
(Automatically fused.)
Note: Additional hidden abilities exist. (Tip: Never underestimate an ancient wizard. You have no idea who he might be disguising himself as.)
What?
Was Salazar Slytherin… still alive?!
Darren blinked.
How??
It had been a thousand years!
But then again…
Wizards of that era were certainly stronger than modern ones.
Nicolas Flal lived over 600 years with the Philosopher's Stone—what about natural magical longevity?
Darren smirked.
Then, all at once, a set of coordinates appeared in his mind.
The location was…
The Gryffindor common room.
…Why was the entrance to Slytherin's secret room hidden inside Gryffindor's territory?!
Did Gryffindor and Slytherin have sothing to hide?
Darren froze.
Wait—
Were those fandom theories actually right?
Did Godric and Salazar have… a relationship?
The amount of information today was overwhelming.
Thankfully, Filch burst into sobs beside him, pulling him back to reality.
"Darren — N–No, it's not your fault! It's mine… thank you… thank you!!"
He wept so hard that professors had to push him aside.
"Darren! I knew you'd achieve sothing great!"
"Yes! Everyone's asking if you're my student!"
"Of course he is! My students are always brilliant!"
One by one, Hogwarts professors surrounded Darren like excited chickens.
They had heard vague hints from Dumbledore, but he hadn't given details.
Now that they saw the published paper, they finally understood the magnitude of Darren's theory.
"My uncle… he's a Squib… he's suffered so much… He told once that death would be kinder. Darren, you've saved him!
He just wrote to saying he'll hold on until you finish the potion!"
Professor Flitwick said, trembling with excitent.
Darren internally made the sa face as a subway uncle looking at soone's phone.
Just how old was Professor Flitwick's uncle???
Flitwick himself was ancient.
Wasn't it normal for the uncle to be close to death?
And the noise—
He never knew professors could be noisier than a flock of five hundred ducks.
He had to escape before they talked him to death.
Darren's expression suddenly turned grave and urgent.
"I'll begin researching the potion imdiately. Please tell him—he must hold on!"
> [Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
He even packed up his breakfast untouched.
The professors were startled and scrambled to stop him.
"Darren—wait!"
"Don't overwork yourself!"
"Rest first!"
Darren shook his head firmly.
"Professors… I know you're worried. But I can't rest!
I must develop the potion as soon as possible — so Squibs everywhere can beco wizards!"
> [Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
[Ding! Father 100]
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