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Chapter 117 — The Love of the Devil's Snare!!
Darren was still lost in thought, completely unaware of how terrifying he looked.
Because it liked him, the Devil's Snare wrapped every vine around him.
In seconds, the spot where Darren stood became a tightly woven cocoon.
"It ate Darren!!" Ron screamed.
Harry lurched forward, ready to throw himself at the vines, but Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Don't be ridiculous!" she hissed. "Devil's Snare doesn't eat people. It's a plant — I've read about it!"
"Oh good," Ron snapped, "I'm so glad you remember your books now!"
His voice choked. Darren was completely wrapped, not even a scrap of his robes visible.
"Even if it didn't eat him — he'll suffocate!"
Harry tried to wrench himself free of Hermione's grip.
He refused to let his brother die here.
"Enough!" Hermione said sharply. "I—I remember! Devil's Snare likes dark and damp—"
"Then burn it!" Ron yelled.
"But we don't have matches!"
"Are you a wizard or not? Who needs matches?!"
Hermione's eyes widened.
She raised her wand — blue flames burst from the tip, heat rolling off them.
The Devil's Snare recoiled violently. Vines writhed backward, shrinking from the light and warmth.
A moment later, the mass of plants retreated into the shadows, leaving Darren lying on the ground.
"Darren!"
Harry threw himself at him.
Darren's face was pale as paper, but he managed a gentle smile as he opened his eyes.
"I'm all right, brother… thank you, Hermione. And Ron — honestly, if you hadn't reminded her, I'd probably be dead…"
He gave a humorless little laugh, but no one mistook it for a joke.
"Darren… are you sure?" Hermione asked, helping him up with trembling hands.
Her expression looked like Darren was seconds from death.
"I'm fine. Really," Darren insisted. He pushed himself to his feet and even gave a small jump. "See? Perfectly okay!"
"Darren, that jump was amazing!" Ron blurted, impressed.
Darren shook his head.
"Amazing? Ron saved me. Don't forget — you reminded Hermione."
[Ding, Holy Father Value +100]
Ron flushed hard.
"N-No, I just said it because she'd have remembered eventually…"
"But by then I might've been gone. Thank you, Ron."
[Ding, Holy Father Value +100]
Ron nearly burst into tears.
No one praised him like this. Not like this. Darren's kindness hit straight to the heart.
Just like Hermione always said — Darren was like an angel.
So Ron suddenly grabbed Darren's shoulders.
"Darren, you have to come to our place for the summer! Bring Harry! Mum will adore you! She'll call you 'little cutie,' 'little Dada,' she'll knit you clothes—"
Darren froze.
Oh no.
He could already see Mrs. Weasley calling him "Little Dada."
His stomach flipped.
He remembered Dudley being called that.
"Yeah, no," Harry cut in immediately. "Just thinking about Darren being called 'Little Dada' gives me goosebumps."
Hermione's expression turned dangerous at the mention of breakfast and meals.
Before things escalated, Darren quickly stepped between them.
"Well—my brother and I should visit your house during summer… but it depends on his plans. You know I listen to him."
He smiled.
"But right now… have you forgotten where we are?"
[Ding, Holy Father Value +100]
Harry straightened proudly at "I listen to my brother."
But he also remembered the urgency of their situation.
They had to find the Philosopher's Stone.
Snape had likely already passed through.
Hermione's temper faded.
"Listen," she whispered suddenly. "What's that sound?"
They all silently leaned forward.
Rustling. Fluttering. Metallic clinks.
"Ghosts?" Harry guessed.
"I don't think so," Darren murmured. "Sounds more like… wings."
They hurried down the corridor and reached a tall, bright chamber.
A wide dome ceiling arched overhead.
And hundreds of tiny, glimmering creatures flitted through the air like jeweled sparks.
"Pretty little birds," Ron breathed.
"Don't be silly — they're keys," Hermione said, already analyzing the scene.
But right after she said it, she heard Darren's soft voice behind her.
"What beautiful birds… like a grand festival, glittering in the morning light… a feast in the sky."
Ron opened his mouth to say, See? Darren thinks they're birds too.
But Hermione's eyes softened instantly.
"Darren," she said sweetly, "you speak so beautifully. If I could, I'd love to have dinner and breakfast in a place like this with you…"
"Hermione, we already had dinner," Harry reminded her. "And breakfast is still hours away—"
"Then breakfast!" Hermione snapped.
"But—uh—breakfast has to be eaten in—"
Ron went silent as Hermione glared daggers at him.
He swallowed the rest:
breakfast has to be eaten at our House tables.
Harry already knew Slytherin wouldn't let Darren near him during meals.
He always waited until Darren was finished before leaving the Great Hall together.
So Ron knew exactly what would happen.
No, Hermione absolutely couldn't have breakfast with Darren here.
Not unless she wanted to start a House war.
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