Chapter 34 – The Question of Equality
"Severus…"
Dumbledore interrupted softly, leaning back in his chair with a weary sigh. His blue eyes clouded behind the half-moon spectacles.
"I know it sounds incredible," he said quietly, "but you must understand — even an idea can start a war. The wizarding world cannot endure a third great upheaval.".
Snape's brow furrowed, and even Darren, half-conscious under the potion, could sense the weight in Dumbledore's tone.
Equality of life — such a simple idea, yet dangerous in the wrong ears. If Darren began spreading that belief beyond words, if goblins, centaurs, house-elves, and every other creature long oppressed by wizards rallied to him… it could ignite something worse than Grindelwald or Voldemort ever achieved.
Dumbledore straightened, his tone calm but probing.
"So, Darren — why are you preaching about the equality of life?"
Darren felt his temples throb.
Why?
Because the system told him to.
It detected opportunities for "acts of the Holy Father" and forced him to act them out. And yes — later, he might have added a few embellishments of his own for extra Father Points. But could he tell Dumbledore that? Absolutely not.
So he steadied his expression and replied dreamily, as if speaking from the heart.
"Because life is equal by nature, Professor. Paggie is a house-elf, but he's still good and loyal. People say Slytherins are cruel, but Professor Snape is a good man. Miss Greengrass — she's proud, but she took me to St Mungo's when I needed help. Even Mr. Malfoy, though he can be unpleasant, is just childish at heart. So… life is equal. Who someone is shouldn't decide their worth."
[Ding! Holy Father Value +100]
[Ding! Holy Father Value +20]
Two notifications rang in his head. Darren nearly smirked — Dumbledore and Snape had both contributed points again.
Typical.
He suspected that the last time he'd been around them, Dumbledore's Father Value contribution had been small. It was probably Snape who unknowingly kept topping him up.
That poor, sarcastic man.
Dumbledore, unaware of Darren's inner amusement, let out a long breath. His voice softened with relief.
"It seems our little Mr. Darren will always remain so kind and pure-hearted."
"Ahem."
Snape let out a sharp snort through his nose.
Dumbledore ignored it and continued gently, "Now, Darren — would you ever compete with Harry for the position of head of the Potter family?"
"What?" Darren blinked. "No! Of course not."
He answered without hesitation. What use did he have for a ruined family's title?
Snape's temper snapped. He slammed his palm on Dumbledore's desk. "Don't tell me you're already thinking of pushing these two boys into some ridiculous inheritance feud!"
Dumbledore raised a calming hand. "No, Severus, not at all. The Potters have little left — a modest fortune, a few properties. Only one relic truly matters, and it's something I must ensure goes to Harry."
Darren's heart gave a small jolt. The Invisibility Cloak, surely.
Dumbledore went on, his voice tinged with guilt.
"When Darren appeared in Diagon Alley, word spread that Harry Potter had a younger brother. Many people adore Harry, and many grew up on his story. When they learned of you, their first thought was that you meant to challenge him — to steal his fame, his inheritance, his place.
"We know you are not that kind of boy, but the public doesn't. To them, you might seem like a rival trying to outshine the Boy Who Lived."
He paused, eyes lowering.
"There is also… a secret. One I cannot yet reveal. But because of it, Harry must remain the official heir of the Potter family. I have already promised that—even though you exist, only Harry will inherit."
A heavy silence fell.
Dumbledore looked tired, almost ashamed that he'd been forced to say such things to a child.
"A bunch of meddling fools," Snape muttered darkly.
Dumbledore said nothing, only rubbed his temples.
For a few moments, the only sound in the office was the ticking of a silver instrument on the shelf. Darren thought the questioning might finally be over — until Dumbledore's next words froze him.
"Darren," he asked softly, "are you jealous of Harry?"
Snape immediately turned, his robes swishing. "Dumbledore, what in Merlin's name is that supposed to mean? What are you implying?"
"Severus," Dumbledore said calmly, "you worry about the same thing. Don't you fear, even a little, that Darren might one day resent the boy she died protecting?"
Snape's face hardened. "I'm only worried that the two boys she died for might end up hurting each other."
Dumbledore sighed. "So am I, Severus."
Darren's mind flickered.
Well… that certainly made things clearer.
If he were the real Darren — the one who had lived and suffered in that orphanage — perhaps he would hate Harry. The world worshipped one brother while the other was abandoned and forgotten. Anyone could turn bitter from that.
But he wasn't that boy anymore. He was playing a role — and this was all just another scene in a very strange game.
Still, to answer Dumbledore, he couldn't just dismiss the question coldly. That would seem unfeeling.
No, this was the perfect time to shine with just the right mix of sorrow, warmth, and holy radiance.
Time to let the light of the Father shine again.
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Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!