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The Hogwarts Express was still as lively as ever.
Harry, now in a better mood, took out a large pile of snacks and his chess set. They played until the train gradually slowed down.
Finally, the train stopped.
It had arrived in front of the castle.
Outside, rain poured heavily from the sky, beating against the windows like falling stones.
They hurried into the carriages pulled by the Thestrals.
For now, only Darren could see them.
He reached out and gently touched one of their feathered tails. The Thestrals obediently lowered their heads and rubbed against his hand.
Darren let out a soft laugh.
Not far away, Luna was secretly watching him. Seeing that nothing strange happened, the faint worry in her eyes finally disappeared.
The Thestrals moved quickly.
They crossed the Forbidden Forest, passed the wide lawn, and finally landed outside the entrance of the castle.
The mont Darren stepped down, he spotted Peeves floating around and attacking students with water balloons.
He imdiately rembered second year.
Back then, Peeves had been fooled into thinking Darren was the one who petrified Nearly Headless Nick and Justin.
Later, Darren forgot to take revenge on him.
It wasn't until third year that Lupin finally dealt with Peeves once.
Just as Darren was recalling this, splash!
A water balloon smashed right on Ron's head.
Darren imdiately frowned.
"Peeves, leave now… or I will—"
He raised his wand.
Peeves froze with another balloon in his hand.
Although he was reckless, he was not stupid.
Especially after witnessing Darren "petrify" soone with his own eyes, Peeves had been terrified of him ever since.
Even though later everyone said Darren wasn't the real culprit, Peeves refused to believe it.
In his heart, Darren was absolutely his mortal enemy.
From that day on, Peeves always avoided Darren.
The only reason he ever appeared near him was because he hadn't noticed Darren was there in the first place.
And whenever he did notice…
He fled.
Just like now.
Peeves suddenly raised the water balloon and smashed it on his own head.
Then, without another word, he disappeared down the corridor.
Darren held his wand up awkwardly.
He had been ready to give Peeves a lesson.
…Who knew he'd run so fast.
On the surface, Darren still acted confused.
"Do I really look that scary?"
"Not at all!" Hermione said imdiately, her face slightly red.
"In fact, you're obviously very handso…"
At the Quidditch World Cup, he had looked heroic when facing the Death Eaters.
Even when he was taken hostage…
She had never once doubted him.
Darren was always righteous and kind.
Her heart trusted him completely.
"Alright, Hermione, stop blocking the door," Ron said impatiently as he pushed her aside.
She had been standing there far too long.
Ron simply walked into the Great Hall.
Then he shouted excitedly,
"Look! Professor McGonagall is scolding Peeves!"
Peeves glanced back mid-flight.
His eyes landed on Darren again.
At that mont, Peeves felt certain.
Darren was his broom star.
Professor McGonagall also noticed Darren.
She scolded Peeves a few more tis before striding toward Darren and pulling him into a hug.
Her voice trembled.
"Child… I'm so glad you're safe. You frightened all sumr. I thought I had almost lost you…"
Darren lowered his head.
"I'm sorry… I made you worry."
[Ding, Holy Father Value 10]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 20]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 10]
Professor McGonagall hugged him again.
"I'm relieved as long as you're here."
Then she nudged him gently.
"Go to Slytherin. Severus looks in a terrible mood—don't provoke him."
After that, she glared at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Why are you three still standing here? Do you want to carry you to your seats?"
Ron imdiately fled.
Under his breath, he complained,
"Little Darren this, little Darren that… She might as well adopt him. She treats him like he belongs in her house instead of Slytherin."
Harry didn't respond.
He was staring at Darren.
Darren had already taken his place at the Slytherin table.
Beside him sat a female Slytherin student.
Harry rembered her na.
Cassandra.
Darren often said she treated him kindly.
On Darren's other side sat Malfoy.
Harry clenched his jaw.
Even if Malfoy's words earlier had been correct…
It didn't change the fact that Harry hated him.
Lucius Malfoy was a forr Death Eater.
Mr. Weasley had said so himself.
Darren's injuries—Lucius was definitely involved.
How could he ever see Malfoy as anything good?
No matter how reasonable his words were, that truth would never change.
Harry felt a surge of anger.
If not for school rules, he would have beaten Malfoy long ago.
Just then, the Sorting Ceremony began.
The Sorting Hat sang.
A brand-new song:
"I was stitched together a thousand years ago,
Fabric and magic long combined as one...
Place upon your head, don't delay,
Let decide where you'll stay!"
Harry suddenly realized—
He hadn't listened to this song since first year.
"It's different every year?" he whispered.
Ron nodded.
"Of course. Took it the whole year to co up with it, probably."
Harry fell silent.
Why did everyone else's life seem steady…
While his own felt like one endless string of disasters?
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