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After being mocked by Malfoy,
Harry and Darren followed the others down the muddy path, supporting each other as they walked.
The ground was slick from the recent rain.
Every few steps, so student would skid or fall.
Then Darren lifted his head—and froze.
Across the grounds stood at least a hundred carriages.
And in front of each one waited a creature… long and skeletal, with dragon-like skulls and enormous black bat wings.
They looked like pitch-black Pegasus.
He walked toward one, brushing his hand gently along its bony neck.
A faint warmth rose in his eyes.
It had been more than two years since he arrived in this world.
"You were just bothered by Nargles."
A clear, dreamy voice floated beside him.
Darren turned.
A girl stood there—silver-eyed, her skin a deep golden-brown, her expression distant and unfocused.
But when she saw Darren, her lips curved into a soft, airy smile.
"I really like you. I've been watching you for a year.
I started noticing you back in your second year.
There are rarely any Nargles around you.
And even when they appear, they disappear quickly.
I really like that kind of clean feeling."
Her voice drifted like mist.
Then she spun lightly around Darren, delighted, and said, "See? The Nargles are gone."
"Thank you."
Darren smiled gently.
"If Nargles truly existed, I doubt they'd even dare approach you."
I hope you can always stay as free as you were just now.
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
Huh? That fast?
Few people gave him that much Father Value on their first eting.
"My na is Luna. Luna Lovegood. I know you, Darren Porter…"
Her soft voice wrapped strangely around his na—as if she were humming it.
But neither paid attention to anything else.
Because Hermione was marching toward them, furious.
"Luna, what are you doing here?"
Hermione demanded sharply.
Luna smiled serenely.
"There are many Nargles around you. They're attracted because you're close to Darren.
If you want them to leave, you should stay a little farther from him.
You might feel lighter that way."
Darren noticed Hermione's expression darken instantly.
She glared at Luna.
"What I want to do doesn't need you telling what to do!"
She snapped, then grabbed Darren's arm and marched toward the nearest Thestral-drawn carriage.
"Darren, you shouldn't associate with soone like that…"
Hermione muttered—only to et Darren's eyes.
They were serious.
Her stomach twisted.
"I—I'm sorry…"
She blurted, panicked.
Darren cut her off.
"Hermione, why did you talk to Luna like that?"
His voice was calm, but not warm.
Hermione looked miserable.
"I hate her. She's that Ravenclaw lunatic—always spaced out—and she told to leave you!"
"Hermione… you know I sotis say things that hurt people, and many people know that."
So I want to apologize in advance, in case what I say today hurts you.
His tone was soft, apologetic.
Hermione shook her head desperately.
He never hurt anyone.
But Darren lifted a hand, stopping her.
"Earlier… by the carriage… I saw Thestrals. Creatures only those who've witnessed death can see."
His voice cracked.
Hermione's eyes filled at once.
She rembered.
Why Darren could see them.
Not one death.
Not two.
Nine students.
A burden that could break anyone.
On the train, a single Dentor had dragged him back to that day—
and he'd nearly collapsed again.
"I didn't know…"
Hermione whispered.
Darren shook his head.
"When I saw the Thestrals, I felt devastated… I was falling apart. But Luna interrupted —she pulled back before I broke."
Shouldn't I thank her?
Shouldn't I consider her a friend?
Hermione nodded quickly.
Then Darren's expression hardened.
"Hermione, you shouted at my friend. You called her a lunatic. You didn't show her any respect. And then you dragged away—why?"
Hermione had never seen him look so cold.
Her chest tightened.
She was terrified.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry, Darren… I just—"
"Hermione… are you still my friend?
If you are, how could you do this?
You're not my friend anymore."
Hermione froze.
Tears overflowed.
Just as her breath broke—
Darren's tone shifted.
Warm. Gentle.
"Silly Hermione… you're not my friend. You're my family. My favorite sister."
You've stood beside through everything.
You matter more than friends ever could.
That's why I ca back with you.
"Really? I thought… I thought you wouldn't want anymore…"
Hermione sobbed.
Darren shook his head, pulling her into a firm hug.
"Stop crying. You're more important than my friends. If you don't want to, I won't make any more friends."
If you dislike her, I'll ignore her completely.
Even if I think that would be rude and ungrateful… Hermione, nothing compares to how good you've been to .
You're my big sister.
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherhood Value 100]
[Ding, Fatherly Value 100]
[bite...…]
Darren accepted the Father Value with satisfaction.
Hermione laughed through her tears.
"How could I stop you from making friends? I was just afraid she'd bully you… I misunderstood her. I'll apologize next ti."
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