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This was easy enough to understand.
After all, whenever Harry and Darren were together, sothing always happened.
Even if they didn't cause trouble, trouble ca looking for them.
With one exception.
The Quidditch World Cup incident had been Darren's own choice.
But Harry couldn't bring himself to scold him.
Because his younger brother had always been excessively kind—and far too simple-hearted.
No one ever criticized Darren.
And if this incident hadn't nearly cost Darren his life, Harry probably wouldn't have ntioned it at all.
Even so, Harry didn't plan to dwell on it anymore.
He had decided to enjoy the new school year.
The past few years had been nothing but chaos.
He had even missed the Sorting Ceremony entirely more than once.
This year, however, he would finally experience a proper beginning.
He was confident of it.
…Until he saw Snape.
Snape was the professor Harry hated most.
Naturally, Harry was also Snape's most hated student.
And if anyone ranked after Harry—
It was Darren.
The two of them were practically public enemies in Snape's eyes.
Harry hadn't always understood why.
Not until last year.
He had learned that his father and Sirius had once humiliated Snape during their school days.
From then on, Snape had carried a lifelong grudge.
Repaying the "father's debt" was one part of it.
The other reason was Sirius Black.
Harry, Darren, and Hermione used the Ti-Turner to save Sirius.
Snape had wanted nothing more than to deliver Sirius to the Dentors.
His revenge had been stolen.
Harry still rembered Snape's expression in the hospital wing.
The man had looked almost insane.
Then, the very next day, Snape deliberately leaked Lupin's secret.
The result?
Lupin was exposed as a werewolf… and forced to leave Hogwarts.
From then on, Harry realized sothing very clearly.
He and Snape were enemies who would never reconcile.
And now—
Snape was staring at him again with unconcealed disgust.
It was as if Harry owed him a mountain of gold Galleons and had no intention of paying.
Harry quickly turned away.
He didn't want to deal with it.
His eyes shifted next to Snape's seat.
The chair beside him—the Defense Against the Dark Arts position—was empty.
Hermione whispered nervously,
"They… they didn't fail to find a professor again, did they?"
Harry shared the concern.
After all, that position was truly cursed.
No teacher had lasted more than one year.
Even Professor Lupin—his favorite—had resigned after a single term.
As for the earlier ones…
One had died.
One had lost his mory completely.
At least Lupin had left alive.
Harry sighed.
His eyes wandered again, this ti landing on Dumbledore.
The headmaster sat quietly, looking distant and thoughtful.
Harry's feelings toward Dumbledore were complicated.
He admired him.
For his power.
For his kindness.
For standing against Voldemort.
Yet Harry also didn't trust him completely.
Especially when it involved Darren.
Dumbledore appeared kind to Darren on the surface…
But behind his back—
There was always doubt.
Harry would never forget the sumr.
Darren had been taken hostage protecting Amos Diggory.
Dumbledore looked furious.
Enraged.
And yet—
That sa man had fed Darren a potion to extract information.
Harry didn't forget.
From that mont on, no matter what Dumbledore did—
Harry remained wary.
Still…
Even Harry had to admit:
With Dumbledore present, the wizarding world felt safer.
Darren, however, knew none of this.
He was busy listening to Malfoy.
"Durmstrang is far better than Hogwarts," Malfoy bragged.
"My father said once I transfer there, he'll give a few Muggle companies."
"Disgusting, sure—but profitable."
Then Malfoy leaned in arrogantly.
"If you beg … or co with as my assistant… I might give you a few companies too."
Darren rolled his eyes inwardly.
He had personally ordered Lucius to compensate with businesses.
Now when it reached Draco—
He needed to beco this idiot's underling first?
What kind of exploitative middleman logic was this?
Still, he spoke gently.
"No. I can't leave."
"My brother is here. Hermione. Ginny… the professors…"
"All my family and friends."
"I can't go."
[Ding, Holy Father Value 30]
[Ding, Holy Father Value 40]
[Ding, Father Value 50]
Malfoy blurted out,
"Then dump Harry Potter!"
The words slipped before he could stop himself.
He hurriedly added,
"If I were your brother, I wouldn't have let you go into danger like that!"
"He does nothing. A useless savior."
"Why not change your brother?"
Malfoy forced a sneer.
But deep down…
He was hoping.
Darren shook his head carefully.
"I don't want anyone else."
"I only want my brother."
Malfoy snorted angrily.
"You think I want you as a brother? I'd only let you be my follower!"
Childish.
Darren turned away.
Food mattered more.
He was starving.
And sleepy.
He glanced at Snape.
Snape was also watching him.
Darren imdiately put on his most obedient smile.
Snape froze.
Then awkwardly turned away.
Finally, the Sorting Ceremony ended.
Dishes appeared across the Great Hall.
A warm plate of veal steak landed right in front of Darren.
"Let us eat!"
Dumbledore announced cheerfully.
For so strange reason…
Darren felt as if the headmaster were speaking directly to him.
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