---
Darren listened carefully to Nicolas Flal and understood the real reason behind the man's avoidance.
Flal clearly did not intend to tell him that Sirius Black had once been Jas Potter's closest friend—
nor that Sirius was Harry's godfather.
He was afraid Darren and Harry would rush straight into danger.
Reasonable enough.
Soone like him—overly self-sacrificing—would definitely confront Sirius if he knew the truth.
Still, Darren lowered his head and put on an apologetic expression.
"Teacher, I'm sorry. You're already so old, yet you still have to worry about . It's my fault.
I'll listen properly from now on."
Not a single Father Value appeared.
No one believed him.
"Oh, child. When will you let others rest easy?"
"If we were younger, we'd go straight to Hogwarts and monitor you ourselves!"
Nicolas spoke helplessly.
Darren stiffened.
That was dangerous.
One more sentence and he would've lost all freedom.
Thankfully, the Flals were not in good health—so his chaos could continue.
---
Late August
Darren's school letter arrived with a normal list of books this ti.
Not Lockhart's ridiculous collection.
Hagrid sent an extra book as well: The Monster Book of Monsters.
Just as the original text said, it leapt aggressively at anything that moved.
But when Darren stroked its spine from top to bottom, it instantly beca obedient.
He then unfolded Hagrid's attached note.
---
Darren:
When term starts, I've got good news for you—important news for you to witness.
This book will matter later, so read it if you can open it.
I knew you'd manage.
Every professor says you're the smartest kid in Hogwarts.
Also… don't wander around lately. I'm worried you'll get hurt.
Madam Pomfrey told to warn you: if you end up in the Hospital Wing again, she'll make you taste a potion so bitter it makes the normal ones feel sweet.
Professor Snape didn't approve, but he didn't object either—so she's got full authority.
Love you,
Rubeus Hagrid
---
This was too much.
It was bad enough to drink potions in the first place—now they wanted to make them worse?
When would potion-drinkers ever get justice?
After complaining internally for a while, Darren decided to go to Diagon Alley.
He thought to call Paige, but rembering that Paige was probably being monitored, he abandoned the idea.
Instead, Gigi escorted him there and returned imdiately after.
---
Diagon Alley
As lively as ever.
Wizards everywhere.
Excited chatter about the Firebolt filled the streets.
Darren rembered he had been given a Firebolt stake by Paige once—still the most valuable gift he'd received.
First stop was, of course, Gringotts.
Inside, he noticed the Potter vault held noticeably less than before.
Still plenty of Galleons—but definitely fewer than last year.
I wonder if Harry noticed…
Darren shook his head and withdrew only a small amount.
Enough for books.
Nothing extravagant.
He was a debt-ridden boy now; buying luxuries publicly would ruin the frugal persona.
He secretly planned to order any treats later through an owl.
Imagining himself sneaking snacks in the dormitory while maintaining a humble, thrifty image in public nearly made him laugh—but he suppressed it.
For the sake of appearance.
---
"Darren! You're finally here!"
Harry ran toward him, eyes bright.
Darren showed genuine surprise.
"Brother! Why are you here? I was about to visit you at the Leaky Cauldron!
By the way, I heard you—er—blew up Aunt Marge.
What happened?
I thought she bullied you, but the teacher said you were fine and arrived safely at the Cauldron so I stopped worrying."
He lowered his voice, flustered.
"I wanted to write to you, but I was scared it would make you sad, so I ca myself.
If it was your fault, I'll take you to apologize.
If it was hers, I'll definitely… definitely… scold her!
Yes! I'll scold her fiercely for bullying my brother!"
[Ding, Father 100]
Harry blinked.
Darren's face, earnest and flustered, made it look like "scolding" was the most terrifying punishnt in the world.
"Darren… your punishnts are really…"
Harry nearly laughed and cried at the sa ti.
Darren hesitated.
"If Aunt Marge were a man or a wizard… I would've punched him.
But…"
[Ding, Father 80]
Punching was, in Darren's worldview, the harshest retribution possible.
He had no other vocabulary for punishnt.
Harry, moved despite himself, told Darren everything.
How the insults rose.
How he lost control.
How he ran away afterward.
He looked worried—afraid Darren would think he had acted rashly.
But Darren already wore a heartbroken expression.
"Brother… I'm sorry. I didn't know you were insulted like that.
It's my fault.
I should've co earlier.
Next ti, I'll protect you."
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
[Ding, Father 100]
The triple chi ant only one thing—
Hermione and Ron had indeed arrived.
The next second, Darren felt arms wrap around him.
"Oh, Darren, you're still so handso.
When you stood beside Harry and Ron before, everyone used to look at Harry…
But now they'll look at you first."
"You're the best-looking boy at Hogwarts!"
---
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