---
Ron was still rubbing the spots where Hermione had smacked him, grumbling the whole way back, but Darren's attention was elsewhere.
Outside the window, the sky had grown darker.
They had finished the sandwiches and scones Mrs. Weasley had packed for them.
Rain hamred against the glass.
Before long, the Hogwarts Express slowed so drastically it felt like it might stop entirely.
"What's happening?"
"Are we near the station?"
"Should we go check?"
Voices echoed from the corridor outside. Even students from other compartnts sounded anxious.
Darren's expression tightened.
He knew exactly what was coming.
The Dentors.
And sure enough—
[Ding! Detecting a Holy Father scenario. Temporary Mission Issued:]
After the Dentor appears, stand in front of everyone and shout:
"Everyone be careful!"
Then attack the Dentor using any spells available.
Reward: Special Version of the Patronus Charm
Accept Mission?
[Accept!]
Darren's eyes lit up.
A special Patronus?
Interesting.
Boom!
The train jerked violently to a halt.
Luggage tumbled from the racks.
Darren shot to his feet, wand raised.
"Be careful!"
At that mont, soone burst into the compartnt.
"Darren—watch out! My grandma says Black might co for Harry first—so you have to be careful—"
It was Neville, breathless and pale.
Darren grabbed him and pushed him behind himself.
"Don't talk. Sothing's trying to get in."
His voice was low and steady.
"I know what this is… A Dentor. They drain away all happiness and leave only terror. Don't let it get too close—It's coming!"
He had barely finished speaking when—
A towering, hooded creature glided through the doorway.
Its face was hidden, but its rotted, slimy hands dangled from its sleeves.
Darren stepped forward.
"Everyone—BE CAREFUL!"
He shouted with everything he had, then fired spell after spell at the Dentor—every harmless jinx, spark, and push spell he could think of.
[Ding! Mission Complete. Reward Unlocked: Special Patronus Charm]
Special Patronus Charm:
Allows the host to summon a Patronus in any form the host chooses.
Appearance can be customized.
Darren almost dropped his wand.
This thing is basically encouraging to fool around…
A dozen creative ideas sprang into his mind at once.
He felt like a villain.
Behind him, Lupin finally stirred.
"Don't move—Darren."
He looked toward Darren and felt a strange pang—sothing he couldn't quite na.
He pushed it aside and stepped forward, wand raised.
anwhile, Darren continued casting random little spells, irritating the Dentor even though none were effective.
The creature trembled with annoyance, then inhaled sharply.
A freezing chill swept in.
Harry gasped. Hermione whimpered. Ron shivered violently.
The compartnt filled with screams—half real, half rembered.
Even Lupin staggered.
But Darren…
Felt nothing.
Not a whisper of emotion.
So he did the only logical thing.
He pretended.
[Ding! Detecting another Holy Father scenario. Temporary Mission Issued:]
Feign collapsing and whisper:
"Kill … Don't hurt my brother… Save them…"
Reward: Animal Language
[Accept!]
He accepted imdiately.
Then collapsed to the floor, trembling.
His eyes widened, empty.
His voice quivered.
"Kill … don't kill my brother… please… let them go…"
His face paled as if he'd relived a nightmare.
His breath hitched.
Tears welled in his eyes.
Lupin froze.
His wand slipped slightly.
A violent shudder ran through him.
That expression… that voice… why—why does this feel so familiar?
He couldn't move for a mont.
Darren continued, voice cracking:
"They're just children… don't hurt them…
I saved you… didn't I…?
Please… please… my brother is still waiting… I have to protect him…"
[Ding! Skill Acquired: Animal Language]
Animal Language:
Allows communication with animals. Understands and speaks animal tongue.
Excellent. Very useful.
Except—
"AaaaAAAH! YOU FILTHY RAT—TAKE THAT!"
Crookshanks suddenly screeched at Scabbers in the corner.
Darren's carefully crafted tragic atmosphere nearly shattered.
Is Hermione's cat male? Female? Why is it so aggressive?
Finally, Lupin snapped back to reality.
He raised his wand and whispered:
"Expecto Patronum."
A burst of silvery light exploded from the wand tip.
The Dentor recoiled and fled.
---
The lamps flickered back on.
"Darren—!"
"Darren, are you okay?!"
"Wake up! It's gone!"
"Darren!"
Their panicked voices surrounded him.
Darren blinked as if waking from a daze.
He pushed himself up shakily.
"I… I'm sorry… I didn't…"
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
Hermione flung her arms around him.
"Darren, don't apologize! That mory still hurts you so much—we know!"
"Yes," Ron added softly. "Don't think about it, mate. Professor Flal said you shouldn't dwell on that night."
Harry swallowed hard.
"I was terrified. But when I heard your voice… I ca back to myself imdiately. I was so worried. Thank rlin you're alright."
Their hands trembled as they held onto him.
---
.
Reviews
All reviews (0)