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Chapter 215 — The Trial Is Finally Over!!
"You didn't do it? Then Potter must have an extraordinary imagination," Snape said coldly.
Even Harry, though angry, had to admit Snape had a point.
"We didn't!"
"Really—we can take Veritaserum too!"
"We—"
Conté tried to say he'd even accept Veritaserum, but something forceful slammed him from behind. He stumbled forward—
The Boggart stared straight at him.
In an instant, it transformed into Darren's bloodied form: trembling, wide-eyed, wand shaking in his hand.
"Please… why?" the Boggart-Darren whispered.
"I didn't want to expose you… why wouldn't you let me go? Why?"
Many recognised it immediately.
It was the moment Darren had collapsed from desperation—right before that accidental burst of magic which had wiped their memories.
"Enough."
Dumbledore's voice cut sharply through the hall.
"I believe the matter is clear. I hereby declare that Conté and the others are expelled from Hogwarts, and their wands will be broken publicly."
With a single sweep of his wand, the students' wands tore free from their pockets, floating up into the air.
Their screams echoed—but one by one, the wands snapped.
The sound rang like bones breaking.
There would be no repairing them.
"And one more thing."
Dumbledore turned to the parents.
"You used a spell on Darren. You have broken wizarding law, and you may spend some time in Azkaban."
His tone was iron.
He directly overrode the Minister's earlier orders.
"Dumbledore! You aren't the Minister!" someone shouted.
"I'm sorry," Dumbledore replied calmly. "After our discussion, the full Wizengamot has agreed that I temporarily assume the Minister of Magic's duties, as Cornelius Fudge is under investigation."
A hush fell.
People suddenly remembered who Dumbledore was—not just a headmaster, but the greatest white wizard alive.
The wizard who defeated Grindelwald.
Some reporters began slipping out.
They'd been paid off—no one wanted to be here now.
When the last of them fled, Dumbledore finally turned to Darren.
"Darren, are you all right?"
His expression softened into grief.
He was clearly devastated by everything Darren had endured.
"It's okay… Headmaster, I'm all right… Brother, don't worry… I'm okay…"
Darren's voice trembled, but strengthened little by little.
"I survived… I got all the messages out… And so many people love me. Brother… I'm not scared anymore."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
A relieved smile lifted Darren's face.
"I forgive them!"
Everyone around him froze—Harry most of all.
Darren continued joyfully:
"They paid the price they deserved. Of course I forgive them, Brother. I won't worry about it anymore. I won't let the people who love me be sad because of them!"
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
Clap!
The hall erupted into applause.
Cheers rose loudly.
No one even knew why they were so moved by the kindness—and foolishness—of this child.
Dumbledore wiped away tears.
"Oh, my boy… I thought we might need to seek counselling for you! Flamel came today intending to help you forget all the terrible memories. We argued several times—he didn't want you to face anything like this. He feared you would break…"
He sighed.
"I disagreed, but he's your guardian now. He had already decided to remove the memories… Thankfully, you proved me right."
"Thank you… and thank you, Mr. Nicolas Flamel…"
Darren said awkwardly.
They still hadn't settled the adoption since the last time.
"I believe 'Teacher' is more appropriate," Nicolas Flamel said, stepping forward. "I have already registered it with the Ministry. From today, you will call me Teacher. And your full name will be Darren James Flamel Potter."
Darren obediently bowed his head.
"Teacher… thank you, Teacher."
"Good!" Flamel beamed. "Then this summer, you will stay at my home."
If Darren didn't have school, Flamel might have taken him away immediately.
"Perenelle wanted to come, but the French Ministry refused—they fear we will be attacked whenever we travel…"
Flamel rambled on happily, barely pausing to breathe.
Only when Dumbledore finally lost patience was Darren rescued.
By the time they returned to Hogwarts, night had fallen.
Darren yawned every few steps—Harry too.
"Oh, children," Dumbledore said, "I must tell you—classes at Hogwarts will resume tomorrow. We had planned to close the school… but with so many Death Eaters roaming freely, my staff and I believe the students are safer here."
He continued seriously:
"We have reinforced Hogwarts' protective enchantments again. There should be no more incidents involving Darren."
He stepped back, gaze steady.
"At any time—if you need to tell me something, or ask me something—come to me directly."
Harry stared at him.
He had the strangest feeling Dumbledore was speaking directly to him…
but he had no proof.
Did Dumbledore really know his memories?
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