---
"Alright, Molly, you don't need to worry so much. I was only talking about the possibilities that ca to mind."
"In fact, Darren won't be running anywhere this term even if he wants to."
"Because the Ministry of Magic has stationed Dentors at Hogwarts. They won't let outsiders slip in, and they won't let students wander off."
"My only concern is that Darren is so powerful he might bypass the Dentors—and then get taken away by Black."
"But I don't think he'll do anything reckless once he's on guard. Don't worry," Mr. Weasley said as he saw Mrs. Weasley crying.
His tone softened imdiately.
Mrs. Weasley's voice grew gentler too.
"All right… then at least tell them sothing so they'll stay alert. And also… ask those Dentors to be more careful—"
"Alright, Molly, but don't worry about that too much. Besides, I don't like those Dentors, and I don't want to greet them!"
Mr. Weasley shuddered.
"But what if they end up saving Harry and Darren one day?"
"…From now on, I'll never say anything against them again. Alright, let's head upstairs. Don't let the children see!"
Chairs moved. Footsteps rose up the stairs.
Then silence.
Harry and Darren stepped out from the corner.
Harry turned imdiately to Darren.
He was about to warn him—when Darren beat him to it, saying obediently:
"I swear, I'll behave this year. If I find even the slightest trace of Black, I'll co to you right away, brother!"
Harry froze.
He stared at Darren's handso face… those clear, sincere-looking eyes… and he wanted to believe him.
But sohow, he simply couldn't trust that promise at all.
---
The start of term approached quickly.
As soon as Darren woke up, he ate the breakfast that Perenelle Flal personally prepared.
Perenelle was still an exceptional cook—even though she rarely cooked anymore because of her age.
But for Darren, she had been cooking constantly these days.
After breakfast, Nicolas Flal finished preparing everything for Darren.
Then they set out.
With a blink, King's Cross Station appeared around them.
They passed straight through the barrier into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
The mont they arrived, Darren noticed that both Nicolas and Perenelle released a long, relieved breath.
They were very worried—far more than they let on.
They were old now, not weak, but age still weighed on them. And Black's reputation was so dreadful that no amount of caution felt like enough.
Thankfully, the journey here had been peaceful.
Darren honestly didn't understand why Apparition should make them worry about Black appearing.
…Was Black supposed to snatch their bodies in mid-air while Apparating?
Of course, as a little saint, Darren would never say sothing like that aloud.
"Teacher, Perenelle… why do both of you still look so worried? Is it because of Black? Don't worry, I'm very capable!"
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherhood Value 100]
He originally wanted to call Perenelle "teacher's wife,"
but Perenelle firmly insisted he call her by her na instead.
"Oh, as long as you behave yourself at school and don't act rashly, it's fine. Stay close to your brother."
"You need to stay with him. Only then can we relax if anything happens," Nicolas said, deeply worried.
"This child is too soft-hearted… he's always bullied."
"And Dumbledore's focus will naturally be Harry Potter."
"As long as Darren is with Harry, I don't believe Dumbledore will ignore him entirely."
Perenelle nodded softly in agreent.
Then she muttered, rather sadly, "If this were the old days, we would have dealt with Black already."
Darren felt both amused and helpless.
Still, he pretended not to understand and answered obediently:
"I didn't suffer at all. I've been very happy staying with you and Teacher. All I want is for all of you to live long, and for us to stay together as a family."
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
Nicolas and Perenelle's eyes turned red.
This child.
This child!
How had they been blessed with soone this precious so late in life?
"Your teacher and I will always be with you," Nicolas promised solemnly.
To his surprise, Perenelle didn't object.
She didn't say a word about life's natural cycle.
She agreed.
rlin's beard.
He knew it—he knew he could persuade her!
They had to stay alive long enough to help Darren raise his children one day.
They absolutely couldn't leave early.
Nicolas Flal felt so happy he wanted to celebrate right there with Perenelle.
But he restrained himself.
There were still important things to say.
"Silly child, you don't need to know the reasons. Just follow Harry Potter closely… just be obedient…"
"Darren! You're finally here! Quick, get on the train—it's about to leave!"
Harry's voice cut in, saving Darren.
Darren gave Nicolas a small, apologetic look.
"Go on, good child. As long as you're safe."
"Goodbye, teacher. Goodbye, Perenelle!"
He turned and climbed onto the train—
but imdiately ran into Mr. Weasley.
"Thank goodness you're here at last! I was just briefing Harry about Black…"
"Yes, yes, Darren—I know you understand, even if not in the way I expected."
"But you still need to hear it. Darren, swear to you won't go looking for Black!"
Mr. Weasley practically dragged him forward.
"Arthur, stop it, the train is leaving!"
"Yes, yes—we're coming! Darren, hurry up and swear to !"
Mr. Weasley whispered insistently as they walked.
Darren resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
Oaths in the wizarding world were so low-level.
If Mr. Weasley really wanted to be serious, why not make an Unbreakable Vow?
What was the point of a verbal oath?
Would rlin strike him with lightning?
Still, as a little saint, he obeyed and swore while walking:
"Sir, I swear—I won't go seeking out Black!"
…Black coming to find him was another matter entirely.
---
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