Chapter 650 — Will You Report Me?!!
Dumbledore began his opening speech cheerfully, just as he had in previous years.
At last, he introduced Professor Slughorn.
"This year, we have a new professor… an old colleague of mine, who has agreed to return to his former profession as Potions master."
"Potions? Has Snape been expelled?"
That was Harry's voice.
"Gryffindor, minus ten points, Potter."
Snape said it coolly, with a hint of mockery.
Darren nearly burst out laughing.
Well—these two really did hurt each other for a living.
"At the same time," Dumbledore continued, ignoring Harry completely, "Professor Snape will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Snape lifted a hand in acknowledgment, unable to hide the satisfaction on his face.
"Meanwhile, I believe many of you already know that Voldemort has returned.
"He brings danger to the wizarding world—terror that cannot be ignored.
"Each of you will make your own choices. But while you are at Hogwarts, I hope you will devote yourselves to your studies.
"If you encounter anything within or beyond the school that troubles you, or any news concerning the Death Eaters, you may come to me at any time.
"Now—it is late. You should all have a good rest. Good night, my children."
Dumbledore smiled.
Darren rose with the rest of the hall, but just as he was about to leave, Snape stopped him.
"Come to my office."
Snape's voice was cold and clipped.
---
When Darren arrived, he noticed at once that food had been neatly arranged on Snape's desk.
Clearly, Snape had noticed that he hadn't eaten.
But Darren actually wanted to say that he'd eaten quite a lot in Slughorn's compartment—and didn't want anything more.
So he pretended not to notice and sat down quietly, waiting.
He thought the visit would go smoothly.
Instead, a moment later, another figure slipped in.
Malfoy.
He froze when he saw Darren, fear and unease flashing across his face.
"What are you doing here?"
"Does it concern you, Potter?"
Malfoy snapped, forcing a harsh tone.
Darren studied him calmly.
"I've always had one question I couldn't understand," Darren said suddenly.
"Why are you… so good to me?"
Malfoy looked up sharply.
Darren continued evenly. "Forget it—I won't ask why. But for years, I've known you were worried about me. You helped me more times than you admit."
"At the end of last term, in Umbridge's office—you let them out, didn't you?
"You gave Ginny and the others a chance. If they'd fought head-on, with their strength at the time, none of them would have gotten out."
[Ding, Father + 100]
"Ridiculous," Malfoy scoffed. "They're already strong—members of your little DA, aren't they?"
"No," Darren said softly. "If they were truly that strong, you wouldn't have caught them in the first place. You let them go."
He paused.
"Why… doesn't matter. I know your situation now. There are things you can't say.
"But remember this—if you're ever cornered, you can come to me. As long as you don't kill, I'll always have your back."
[Ding, Father + 100]
Malfoy cursed under his breath.
"If you're so eager to worry, worry about yourself. Don't die suddenly—no one will save you then."
He turned to leave.
At the door, he stopped briefly.
"Watch out for Snape."
Then he was gone.
---
Early the next morning, Darren was eating breakfast when Snape came over to finalize course selections.
Because students' grades varied, scheduling took time.
Stopping beside Darren, Snape asked quietly, "Why didn't you eat last night?"
"I wasn't hungry. I ate in Professor Slughorn's compartment."
"Hmph. A slug who enjoys currying favor."
Snape's tone was sharp.
Darren frowned slightly, but Snape cut him off.
"We're still in a delicate situation at school. Don't change your attitude too openly."
Darren nodded.
Snape scanned Darren's parchment.
"Let's see… full marks across the board. Very good. You're choosing everything except Divination?"
He paused.
"If it were up to me, you wouldn't bother with that oversized idiot Hagrid's class."
"Hagrid isn't an oversized idiot."
Darren's reply was firm.
Snape snorted, ticked the parchment, and tossed it back.
"Then prepare to be exhausted this year."
He swept away, robes billowing.
Darren pouted slightly, but said nothing.
---
When he asked Harry about their schedules and learned they had no morning classes at all, Darren felt a flicker of envy—though he hid it well.
"You didn't even choose Hagrid's class?" he asked incredulously.
The first two periods were Care of Magical Creatures.
"Why would we?" Harry said. "Don't you think Hagrid's lessons are terrible—"
"No," Darren interrupted. "Hagrid's class is good."
Harry and Ron exchanged looks.
Were they the ones who didn't understand the lectures?
Darren left them puzzled and headed off alone.
Halfway there, he felt a twinge of regret—memories of Blast-Ended Skrewts from third year resurfacing.
He nearly gagged.
As expected, not a single other student had chosen Care of Magical Creatures.
Darren was alone.
Hagrid stared at him in disbelief.
"You're the only one?"
Darren tried to reassure him, saying that it wasn't dislike—just preferences—but the words didn't help much.
Still, Hagrid soon brightened.
"Well, then! With just you, we can really explore—maybe even the whole Forbidden Forest!"
Darren fell silent.
"If the Ministry finds out—"
"It's just you, isn't it?" Hagrid said slyly.
"You wouldn't report me, would you?"
Darren shook his head.
No.
He had no grudge against Hagrid—and honestly, the Forbidden Forest sounded far more interesting.
Especially when Hagrid hauled out a bucket containing a foot-long creature and proudly announced it was a giant grub.
Compared to that…
The Forbidden Forest suddenly seemed perfectly safe.