Chapter 373: Sneak Attack on Darren!!
"Darren, Darren, don't be like this. Please… listen to Black explain first. He might have his reasons…"
Harry spoke urgently.
Hermione nodded again and again.
All of them had been frightened by Darren just now.
If Black had not been on the verge of being dragged away, they would not have dared to say a single word.
But their pleas were useless.
Because Darren's expression had already turned distant and heavy.
He looked at them with worry in his eyes and said softly,
"Brother… Hermione… Ron… you might not realize it yet, but you may be under his control.
Once, I was controlled too… I was even forced to hurt my own brother. But I broke free. So don't worry… when I deal with him, everything will be fine."
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding...…]
Darren's words were full of warmth.
But Harry could not feel comforted at all.
Because it was obvious now—Darren had already decided not to listen to any explanation.
He was going to take Black away by force.
Originally, this was the plan they had discussed earlier.
Darren had a soft heart, so they had planned to let him see Black, ignore his words, and immediately send him to the Dementors.
But now…
Darren himself had changed the plan.
Harry clenched his fist.
He exchanged a look with Hermione.
They both understood each other immediately.
Even with Ron included, they still could not restrain Darren if he resisted.
Harry took a step forward and said loudly,
"Darren… then let's take Black to the Dementors right now."
Hermione's breath caught.
She thought Harry had lost his mind.
He was provoking Darren directly.
But the bigger problem was…
Black and Lupin truly did not seem like bad people.
At least… not entirely.
And if Darren acted in anger now…
He might regret it for the rest of his life.
Hermione bit her lip.
This whole mess was Black and Lupin's fault.
If only they had allowed Darren to wake up earlier…
If only they had trusted him more…
Then none of this would have happened.
Harry and Hermione moved closer to Darren together.
Darren did not defend against them at all.
And for that…
Their guilt only grew heavier.
He clearly thought they were being controlled—
Yet he still allowed them to approach him.
No wonder those Slytherins had once almost managed to kill him.
Hermione closed her eyes.
Then—
Two spells were cast at the same time.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Incarcerous!"
Darren's wand flew from his hand.
Magical ropes burst from the floor and bound his arms and legs.
Darren froze.
When he looked up and saw who had done it—
His face drained of color.
"…Brother…?"
Shock, disbelief, and pain tore through his expression.
More painful than any attack…
Was that it came from them.
"I never thought…" Darren whispered hoarsely.
"I never thought you and Hermione would bind me… just for a murderer."
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding...…]
"We're sorry, Darren…"
Hermione's voice trembled.
"We're not trying to hurt you. We just… want you to calm down and listen to him."
She had just cast a binding spell.
On Darren.
The very thought of it made her chest ache.
They were only able to succeed—
Because Darren had never guarded against them.
Harry could not even lift his head.
He turned away and walked toward Lupin.
He released the ropes around him.
Lupin was breathing heavily by the time he stood up.
When he looked at Darren again, guilt burned in his eyes.
"Darren… I'm sorry…
But I didn't lie to you.
If you see the truth… you'll understand."
Lupin turned to Ron.
"Give me Scabbers."
Ron hesitated.
He glanced at Darren—
Then finally held the rat out.
Darren watched silently.
"A rat?" he said.
"So… another Animagus?"
Lupin gave a bitter smile.
"You always were sharp.
Yes.
And his name is Peter Pettigrew."
Darren said nothing.
Then—
The ropes around his body cracked and dissolved.
He stepped forward calmly.
"Did you really think something like that could bind me?"
Harry's fists clenched.
Hermione's eyes burned with tears.
Darren had never been incapable.
He had just… never fought back.
He saw their guilt clearly.
And instead of blaming them—
He pulled them both into a tight hug.
"Brother… Hermione…
Please don't treat me like that again.
I thought you hated me.
I thought you were ready to abandon me.
I even thought…
If dying could keep your hands clean…
Then maybe it would be worth it."
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding...…]
"I'm sorry, Darren…"
Harry choked.
He grabbed Darren tightly.
"I never hated you.
I was just… afraid.
And I hurt you because of it.
I'm sorry…"
Darren held him quietly.
Then Ron suddenly shouted,
"Oi! I hate to ruin the moment—
But can someone hand me that rat?
I swear I'm going to wring his neck!"
---
---