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Chapter 415: Enlightenment?!
"This is Harry,"
Mr. Weasley introduced.
Barty Crouch Jr.'s gaze swept over the scar on Harry's forehead. He studied him seriously.
"Harry Potter. Very good. Very famous…
But remember this—even if you are the savior, you must obey the law.
I believe your record already includes violations.
I hope I never have to personally snap your wand one day."
Mr. Weasley's expression darkened.
"Barty, you're being too harsh. Harry is only a child."
"I am only warning him," Crouch replied coolly.
"He has broken Ministry rules before.
And with the Dark Lord's followers moving again, extra vigilance is required."
Mr. Weasley nodded, looking at Harry.
"He's not wrong, Harry. You must be careful in the future."
Harry laughed awkwardly.
At that moment, Crouch looked around the tent.
He was clearly searching for someone.
Then he asked,
"Where is Darren Potter?
I would very much like to meet him."
Mr. Weasley hesitated briefly, then smiled.
"Darren went out. He never stays still for long.
But don't worry—if he did anything wrong, I'll scold him myself."
"That won't be necessary,"
Crouch said quickly—too quickly.
Then, as if realizing his reaction was odd, he added:
"I've examined their records. Darren Potter has no violations.
I admire him.
He shielded classmates while surrounded by Death Eaters.
That's not luck—that's courage.
Minister Fudge underestimates him.
You and I both know better.
If he lives long enough and remains himself, he will become the greatest Auror of his generation."
Mr. Weasley's face brightened.
"You're absolutely right.
Darren is too kind for his own good.
If he learns to protect himself, the Ministry will one day revolve around him."
They spoke a little longer, then Crouch stood.
Before leaving, he said uneasily,
"Please… tell Darren I was looking for him."
As soon as he disappeared—
The tent exploded with noise.
"He only came for Darren,"
Fred snorted.
"Did you notice?"
George added.
"He barely cared about Harry at all!"
Hermione frowned.
"That man is strange. Something about him feels… wrong."
Mr. Weasley laughed.
"Barty is upright to a fault.
He once competed with Fudge for Minister.
But his son joined the Death Eaters, and Barty personally sent him to Azkaban.
That destroyed his career.
Now he detests Fudge.
He probably sees Darren as a way to shake the Minister's position.
Sharp mind, that one."
Percy disagreed.
"Mr. Crouch isn't power-hungry.
He just… can't tolerate disorder."
"Yeah, Wesby!"
George shouted.
The twins burst into laughter.
Darren finally opened his eyes.
This level of noise could revive the dead.
"Oh—sorry, Darren, did we wake you?"
Fred said awkwardly.
Darren smiled.
"No, I was already awake. Did someone come earlier?"
He glanced at the teacups stacked on the table.
"Yes," Ginny said cheerfully.
"Dad's friends. Don't worry about it.
Come on—let's play chess! I've been practicing!"
Before Darren could refuse, both Ginny and Hermione dragged him away.
Harry and Ron stood there, full of things they wanted to say—
And suddenly had no chance to say any of them.
Darren spent a long time playing chess with the girls.
They looked… very happy.
Ron frowned.
"I don't get it.
Why do they only want to play chess with Darren?
And he messed up like five moves!
I tried to tell Ginny she could capture his piece and she told me to shut up.
Are they mad?!"
Harry nodded in silent agreement.
Fred and George collapsed in laughter.
"Oh no… poor Ron, poor Harry—"
"You're still babies!"
Bill and Charlie laughed.
Percy looked disgusted.
"You two are unbearable."
"Model student!"
Fred scoffed.
"We're just trying to enlighten them!"
Then Mr. Weasley finally snapped.
"Enough!
If you corrupt them, I'll tell your mother—and I'm serious!"
The twins retreated instantly.
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat, then looked at Ron and Harry, embarrassed.
"Well… er… ignore them.
And… if you ever start anything romantic, at least be responsible.
And use protection."
Ron's eyes nearly popped out.
He hissed to Harry,
"How did that even come up?!
Disgusting.
Besides, have you seen the girls at Hogwarts?
Except for Madam Rosmerta, they're all… average, right?"
Harry wasn't listening.
He was staring at Darren, Ginny, and Hermione.
After a long pause, he panicked.
"Ron…"
"Are they… dating?"