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Chapter 439 – Completely Depraved!!
Ah… this…
When Darren heard Dumbledore's words, he couldn't say he was upset—only deeply disappointed.
He had thought he would finally be able to eat takeaway in the future.
But now?
Takeaway was completely cut off.
After all, when Hermione had gone on a hunger strike before, the school had paid her no attention at all!
Darren felt indignant.
But then he remembered.
Hermione was only a student with excellent character and grades.
He was different.
He was Harry Potter's younger brother, a recipient of the Eleventh-Class Order of Merlin, the creator of several special potions…
Potions that could even turn a Squib into a wizard.
More importantly—he was also extremely powerful.
Many now believed his strength surpassed that of multiple Aurors combined.
He was simply too kind.
That was the only reason people dared make demands of him.
But no one could deny his power.
With someone like him involved, even the school board would be cautious.
Darren sighed.
Fine.
If he couldn't order takeaway openly…
Then he would order it secretly.
After all, whoever stops him from eating now will never make him fat.
That alone was enough for others to envy him to death.
He struggled slightly as though unwilling…
Then remembered the miserable scenes Dumbledore had described.
Finally, he nodded.
"Yes… you're right. During this time, I'll eat properly.
Tell them that I like their food.
Tell them I like the desserts they make…"
[Ding! Father Value +50]
[Ding! Father Value +50]
[Ding! Holy Father Value +60]
"Good," Dumbledore smiled.
"Then everyone is happy."
Then he turned to Harry and the others, clearly developing a headache.
The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Darren could tell—Dumbledore was helpless.
If Darren hadn't collapsed so dramatically, he could've been sent quietly to the infirmary.
Instead, everyone now knew.
Not only would Dumbledore have to explain things…
He would also have to make sure these children kept everything secret.
None of that was Darren's concern.
He was already out of bed and putting on his shoes.
Then he heard Dumbledore whisper to Harry:
"If you don't understand something… come to my office tonight."
Obviously, he was inviting them for a private talk.
Darren pretended not to hear a thing.
But then thought of Professor McGonagall and Professor Moody.
He looked worried and said softly,
"Headmaster… please don't blame Professor McGonagall and Professor Moody.
They were doing this for me.
If I had stopped them… none of this would've happened."
[Ding! Father Value +70]
[Ding! Holy Father Value +60]
[Ding! Father Value +100]
"Oh, child… I did intend to lecture them,"
Dumbledore admitted,
"But because you collapsed, it slipped my mind. Perhaps I should call them now—"
"Don't!"
Darren blurted out.
Then noticed Dumbledore's beard trembling slightly.
Laughing.
He scratched his hair awkwardly, making the wild cowlick on his forehead even more obvious.
"Alright," Dumbledore said gently.
"That's enough for today. After you return from the infirmary, make sure to eat properly.
And if you have another nightmare—come straight back here.
That's your body warning you."
He grew noticeably serious.
"I'm worried about what the Death Eaters did to you.
You must be careful."
Darren nodded obediently.
"I understand, Headmaster Dumbledore.
I don't think there's any problem… I can't even remember anything from before."
Dumbledore looked at him silently.
Nothing happened?
This child had nearly lost his life.
When Dumbledore recalled what Darren had endured, even he struggled to remain composed.
Those people were beasts.
Not even Voldemort had behaved like that.
The cruelty made Dumbledore almost sick.
Yet it also made identifying the culprits difficult.
Only Lucius Malfoy was confirmed.
Because, in the memory, Lucius had been hesitant—constantly urging the others to leave.
In sharp contrast to the rest.
Mocked by the others for his cowardice.
As for the rest…
Dumbledore and Moody were unsure.
Either their disguises were too perfect—
Or something else was wrong.
Only the dead could be identified clearly.
Because when Darren's Obscurus erupted, what remained was enough…
Even destroyed, they still recognized their faces.
Dumbledore clenched his staff.
This operation had been a mistake.
If he had known the consequences, he would never have asked Darren to reveal his memories.
Yet if he hadn't…
He would never have known what this child had endured.
He sighed deeply.
It was done.
All he could do now… was protect Darren.
And ensure he lived well.
With the memories erased, there should be no more danger.
Besides…
Those memories now rested inside the Pensieve in his office.
Dumbledore finally relaxed slightly.
Then froze.
Malfoy…
Had he been changed back?
He quickly realized:
There had been no Malfoys or weasels in the office.
Either McGonagall or Moody must have restored him.
But…
Had the boy seen anything?
Dumbledore's headache returned immediately.
It looked like he might need to speak with Malfoy…
Or erase someone else's memory.
Thinking back to Lucius's expression in that memory…
Dumbledore's hatred dulled slightly.
They were still vile—
But not beyond salvation.
If they could be guided…
They might still be useful.
For the sake of these two children…
Some people could still serve a purpose.
With that thought,
Dumbledore quietly left the ward.
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