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Chapter 434 – Old Madman!!
Darren thought Moody was, in fact, a very good person.
That was why he had never been merciless toward someone who provoked him.
However, on the surface, he still showed a troubled expression.
"But Malfoy is not our enemy. He's just a student from the academy. We only had a small conflict before, you shouldn't—"
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding, Father value +100]
[Ding…]
Darren suddenly stopped speaking.
Once again, he received a surge in Father value.
The reason he stopped was Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall stared at the scene in front of her in shock.
"Professor Moody… what have you done to the student?"
She subconsciously looked at Darren first. Seeing that he was fine, she finally turned her sharp gaze toward Moody.
"What did you do?"
Moody replied proudly,
"I turned Malfoy into a stoat!"
He pointed his wand at the stoat, sending it flying into the air.
Then he released the spell.
The stoat fell.
Darren immediately raised his wand and gently slowed Malfoy's fall until he landed safely on the ground.
Then he turned toward Professor McGonagall with a worried look.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Moody did this to Malfoy… can you turn him back? I don't really understand this kind of transfiguration."
"Moody, what you did is wrong," Professor McGonagall said sternly.
"Didn't Headmaster Dumbledore make it very clear? You are not allowed to transfigure students like this—and in front of so many children!"
She pointed toward Darren.
"Don't you see how frightened poor Darren is?"
Forehead.
Darren stared at her blankly.
Was this really the same Professor McGonagall who always enforced rules with absolute strictness?
…Well, she was a Gryffindor.
Maybe she had wanted to clean up Malfoy like this for a long time.
Still, Darren maintained a shocked and innocent expression.
Professor McGonagall then realized her words were inappropriate and hurried to correct herself.
"I mean…"
"I understand!"
Before she could finish, Moody suddenly shouted excitedly.
"I know what you mean! You mean I should punish that horrible boy properly during detention!"
"You're right—it's not good to scare children. But a child like Darren must be strong-hearted!"
"He resisted the Imperius Curse! He's outstanding! He's just… too kind!"
"But Aurors can't afford to be kind. Enemies don't give you time to hesitate!"
Moody spoke passionately.
Professor McGonagall was dragged along by his logic and responded in displeasure.
"I don't think Darren should become an Auror at all."
"Auror life is not suitable for him. I think Darren should stay at Hogwarts after he graduates."
"He can become an assistant at first, and later—when there's a vacancy—he can be a professor."
"I believe many others agree with me."
"What? Impossible!"
Moody immediately objected.
"He absolutely cannot be just a professor!"
"He's strong enough to be an Auror! You're old, Minerva—but this boy is young and capable!"
Professor McGonagall's face darkened instantly.
"You're the one getting old!"
"How dare you question my judgment?"
"I've been teaching at Hogwarts for decades and I know exactly what every child is suited for!"
"You want him to risk his life the moment he graduates?"
"I will NEVER allow my best student to die for nothing!"
Professor McGonagall practically roared.
Moody was clearly caught off guard.
But he still muttered stubbornly,
"You're a woman… you wouldn't understand. A man's dream is being an Auror."
"Oh? I wouldn't understand because I'm a woman?"
Professor McGonagall's voice rose dangerously.
"You're saying women can't be Aurors? You mean—"
The two professors instantly fell into a heated gender argument.
Darren panicked and tried to step forward to stop them.
But Dumbledore arrived.
He walked over swiftly and said in a deep voice,
"Enough!"
Professor McGonagall and Moody finally fell silent, glaring at each other.
"Do not argue in front of the students."
Dumbledore glanced at Darren, then looked at the stoat Malfoy.
Even he took a quiet breath.
"Come with me. Both of you."
"…And Darren and Malfoy as well."
"No, Albus!"
Professor McGonagall said urgently.
"Darren had nothing to do with this."
Moody also hurried to add,
"Yes! This kid did nothing wrong! If anything, his only flaw is being too kind!"
"Oh?"
Dumbledore chuckled lightly.
"It seems Darren is very popular."
"But I need to speak with him anyway. As for Mr. Malfoy… staying in that form might be a fitting punishment."
"I've received many reports this term that he frequently bullies other students."
"Headmaster, can I come too?"
Harry said quickly.
"I'm Darren's brother—"
Dumbledore shook his head gently.
"That won't be necessary, Harry."
"This matter does not involve you."
Harry stepped aside in disappointment.
He was worried about what Dumbledore might do to Darren, but seeing both professors present made him feel slightly relieved.
Nothing serious should happen.
Darren followed Dumbledore with curiosity.
He had no idea why the headmaster suddenly wanted to see him.
Was it about the last time he had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters?
Hadn't Dumbledore said it wouldn't be mentioned again?
Lost in thought, Darren followed behind Professor McGonagall and Moody, who were still clearly annoyed with each other.
As for Malfoy—
He bounced anxiously behind them in stoat form.
He felt like his dignity had been completely destroyed.
Turned into a stoat and hopping through the halls of Hogwarts!
When he got home, he had to tell his father—
It was all Dumbledore's fault!
That insane old madman!
Soon, they reached Dumbledore's office.
Malfoy nearly cried in relief.
At last, the humiliation would end.
Darren, on the other hand, remained curious rather than relieved.
What exactly was Dumbledore going to say?
When Dumbledore seated himself behind his desk, the first person he spoke to was Darren.
He looked at him seriously.
"Darren… I once told you not to ask anything more about that night."
"But now, I must ask you to tell me."
"Everything."
"The memory of that night—clearly and completely."
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