Chapter 35 — Jealousy
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Darren sighed inwardly.
In a soft, distant tone, he began:
"When I first learned the truth, I did feel a little jealous of my brother.
He got to live with our parents for a whole year. I've never even seen them — not once.
Even now, after coming back to this world, I don't have a single picture of them.
Back in the orphanage, the teachers used to say that children like us were abandoned because our parents didn't love us.
I thought about that a lot. Maybe they didn't want me because I wasn't good enough.
So I tried to change — stopped arguing with anyone, did everything on my own, helped others whenever I could. I thought if I behaved perfectly, they might come find me.
But no one did.
Then I wondered if it was because of the power inside me. Maybe they thought I was some kind of monster, so they stayed away.
So I tried to suppress it — every spark of magic — and became just an ordinary boy.
I waited and waited… and finally, Mr. Dumbledore and Professor Snape came.
But instead of a reunion, they brought the news of my parents' deaths. And when they looked at me — there was suspicion in their eyes. Fear. Especially when I mentioned wanting to see my brother.
They refused me. They were afraid I'd hurt him.
I was sad. And yes, I was jealous too.
But when I learned what my brother had gone through, that jealousy disappeared.
Everyone talks about his lightning scar like it's some medal of glory — but it's also proof that he nearly died.
How could I be jealous of that? He saved the wizarding world. He's everyone's hero… and he's my brother.
Mum and Dad didn't come to me, not because they didn't love me, but because they couldn't.
And as for you, sir," — he glanced at Dumbledore — "and Professor Snape being cautious around me… well, that's only natural. I looked different. Strange. Dangerous, even.
So I thought — maybe it would be better if I went to Slytherin.
That way, I'd stay out of my brother's way.
And maybe I could look after the Slytherin students who tend to… go off the rails, and stop them from bullying Harry."
[Ding! Holy Father Value +100]
[Ding! Holy Father Value +50]
Two chimes echoed in his mind. Darren nearly grinned.
Nice. Both Dumbledore and Snape were clearly moved — the result of his excellent "acting." His mouth was dry from talking so much, but it was worth it.
Dumbledore's eyes softened. "Jealousy often sounds like a flaw," he said gently, "but overcoming it with compassion — that's what makes one truly great. Isn't that right, Severus?"
Snape snorted. "You're not seriously thinking of letting this boy go to Slytherin, are you? It's crawling with dark wizards. And Harry Potter's brother in Slytherin? The Dark Lord would laugh himself sick."
"Why not?" Dumbledore replied calmly, flicking his wand to fill Darren's glass with lemon juice. He pushed it toward him with a smile.
"Severus, you of all people should know that not every Slytherin is evil. You, for example."
"That's different," Snape muttered, eyes narrowing, though a hint of something unreadable crossed his face.
Dumbledore chuckled softly, his expression knowing. "It's not so different, Severus. None of us can say we'll never lose our way. But if a person chooses to come back — for whatever reason — then he's no longer truly lost, is he?"
He looked at the enchanted hourglass on his desk and smiled. "Ah, half an hour already. Time for our little Darren to wake up. And I doubt you want him remembering today's conversation, do you, Severus? Unless you'd prefer he start looking at you the way others do — with suspicion and resentment, convinced you live only to protect Harry Potter."
Snape scowled. "I don't care what that naïve, soft-headed brat thinks of me," he snapped — though his tone betrayed the opposite.
Still, he raised his wand and muttered carefully, "Obliviate."
[Ding! Does the host wish to spend 100 Holy Father Value to negate the memory charm?]
Damn it.
[Confirm: Negate.]
A flash — then his mind shifted.
New memories replaced the old ones.
He remembered walking into Dumbledore's office, the Headmaster greeting him kindly, asking about his wellbeing.
"How have you been, my boy? Everything all right? Any discomfort?"
Darren smiled politely in the fabricated memory. "I'm fine, Professor. Oh — about Mr. Mundungus Fletcher, that was a misunderstanding. He looked a bit… shady, like one of those Death Eaters, so I stepped in to help the Muggle he was arguing with."
He looked sheepish as he picked up his lemon juice and sipped.
Dumbledore laughed, eyes twinkling. "No, no, my boy, I'm sure you gave Mr. Fletcher quite the lesson. Let's hope he's learned not to underestimate anyone. He'll recover — I promise."
Darren smiled, pleased. But then he blinked, as though remembering something.
"Sir, I wanted to apologize to you earlier… but I don't know why I forgot."
Dumbledore tilted his head. "Apologize? For what, child?"
Darren hesitated, looking awkward. "It's just — I was afraid you might be upset with me, so… I asked Paggie to, um, listen outside your door. To make sure everything was all right. I'm really sorry!"
Dumbledore's lips twitched. The lie was transparent, but he couldn't bring himself to call it out.
"I forgive you, my boy," he said kindly. "And don't worry — no one hears my conversations unless I allow it."
"Really? That's a relief! Thank you for understanding, Professor!"
Darren smiled innocently.
Of course, inside, he was grinning.
So predictable. This old fox was definitely testing him again.
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