---
But Fleur clearly didn't want to hear anything else.
She turned gracefully and walked straight out of the room. Just then, Mrs. Weasley ca in.
She watched Fleur's retreating back, her expression clearly displeased.
Ginny snorted. "Mum doesn't like her…"
"And who do you think I'm doing this for?" Mrs. Weasley snapped, glaring at Ginny.
"What's more, Darren is too young. He's still a child—he hasn't even graduated yet.
And he's such an honest boy. For him to end up with a woman like that… I just think…"
Mrs. Weasley muttered irritably.
She set down the plate she was holding and turned to check on the fried eggs.
"Oh, Harry, hurry up and eat. You must be hungry."
After saying that, she left the room as well.
Only then did Ron shake his head helplessly.
"She's been here so many tis already, and you're still reacting like this?"
Harry teased.
"No, she's only been coming for about a week. She showed up the very day Darren's situation finally beca public.
She flatters Sirius, flatters Remus… She figured out that they always co here around eleven.
Now that she knows you're here too, she's not going to miss the chance."
Ron spoke with resignation.
Ginny imdiately shot him a glare.
"You're just like every other man—only Darren isn't! That's why I chose him!"
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that you already liked Darren back in second year," Ron said with disgust.
That only made Ginny angrier.
"Why shouldn't I like him? He was the only one who noticed sothing was wrong with . The only one who always talked to .
And in the end, he was the first one to rush into the Chamber of Secrets. Why can't I like him?"
"I know you're telling the truth," Ron said awkwardly.
"But do you really think that compared to Fleur… you wouldn't lose?"
"How is that possible?" Ginny snapped.
"How could Darren ever like that walking lump of phlegm? Even Tonks is prettier than her!"
"What? Tonks too?!" Harry blurted out in disbelief.
"Yes," Ron said quietly.
"Because Darren nearly died this ti, they all feel like they can't wait anymore.
They want Darren to understand their feelings sooner… Don't look at like that—that's what they said.
Mum invites Tonks over all the ti. She wants Tonks to give up, because Tonks's job is too dangerous.
Mum thinks Darren should find a good girl—soone like Ginny."
Ginny shot Ron another furious glare.
"Hmph. Don't you think she's right?"
"But… I don't think you're a good girl either…"
That sentence completely set Ginny off.
She glared at Ron, then stord out of the room and slamd the door behind her.
"See? I told you she doesn't act like a proper lady."
Ron stared at the closed door. Harry almost agreed—but stopped himself.
That would've been rude.
So he changed the subject.
"Do you know anything about Darren?"
"They said he still hasn't woken up. That's all we know.
Whenever we ask more, they just say it's confidential. I thought… what about you? You went out with Dumbledore—did he tell you anything?"
"No. He still won't let us visit Darren. He says we have to wait until he wakes up.
All I can do is hope he wakes up soon."
"Dumbledore's excuses…"
"By the way," Harry interrupted,
"He said I'm supposed to take classes with Darren this year."
Ron gasped.
"Really? What's he going to teach you? Advanced magic? I knew you two were his prized students!"
"I don't think so," Harry said quietly.
"It probably has sothing to do with the prophecy… the one Voldemort wanted at the Ministry last year."
"But didn't you break it?"
"Yes. But Dumbledore heard the prophecy himself. He told … in short, only one of us can survive , either Voldemort or I am left."
"Shhh!"
Ron sucked in a sharp breath.
Then he quickly said, "Don't be afraid. You've got Dumbledore and Darren on your side.
Hermione and I will help you too!"
Harry nodded firmly.
He wanted to say that before last night, he had truly given up.
He had wanted Voldemort to kill him, so he could be reunited with Darren.
But now… he wanted to live.
"By the way, didn't you invite Hermione over?" Harry asked.
"I did. She said she'd co today.
She planned to sneak into St. Mungo's early in the morning under the excuse of visiting patients.
She thought that if she didn't bring you, they might let her in."
Harry laughed awkwardly.
"Don't ntion it. St. Mungo's didn't let in at all.
The mont I said I was visiting Darren, they almost detained .
I had to swear I wasn't a Death Eater before I told them I was Darren's classmate.
Only when Remus ca out of the ward and recognized did they finally let go."
Hermione's voice appeared at the doorway.
She was carrying a suitcase.
She gave Harry a serious look.
"So, Harry—do you already know that Darren is still alive?"
"Yes…"
Harry answered weakly.
But Hermione didn't dwell on it.
She put the suitcase in the other room and said calmly,
"I originally planned to tell you after term started.
But it's clear you've learned a deep lesson, so…"
She suddenly hugged him.
"I forgive you, Harry."
A warm feeling surged through his chest.
Everything was finally back on track… wasn't it?
"When I was at the door just now, I also overheard so of your conversation," Hermione added.
"Don't look at like that. My suitcase is heavy, and neither of you ca out to help."
"But you didn't say—"
Ron tried to protest.
Hermione cut him off.
She looked straight at Harry.
"Harry, believe . Whether for our friendship or for Darren—I won't let you die."
Harry's eyes reddened.
He blinked hard, forcing the tears back.
Pretending to be calm, he said,
"I won't die. I know you're all behind .
If I die, Voldemort will only beco more arrogant… and more people will die."
---
Reviews
All reviews (0)