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Chapter 227 — Threaten Darren?!!
"You Slytherins are all bastards—!"
Lockhart was still ranting, and the more he spoke, the bolder he became.
He had been humiliated by both Kassandra and Darren today.
And, truthfully, he hated Snape the most—but he wouldn't dare shout at Snape.
"Professor!"
Darren suddenly stood up, face pale.
Lockhart let out a cold, triumphant laugh.
Of course.
He knew this Potter brat would take the bait.
So what if he did?
Slytherin was vicious and cunning—that reputation stuck, didn't it?
Even the recent attack on Darren had been committed by Slytherins.
Snape wasn't defending them.
Even Harry glared at Darren, silently agreeing: Slytherin is evil, obviously.
Well—except Darren.
Since Lockhart hadn't insulted him, everything was fine.
Everyone knew Darren was only sorted into Slytherin by accident—a misplaced lion cub.
No one truly thought he was a "real" Slytherin.
Even the Slytherins themselves weren't arguing.
Maybe deep down, they believed they were cunning and vicious…
"Professor!"
Darren ignored Harry for once.
He stared directly at Lockhart.
His face grew even paler, but he said, firm and trembling:
"That's not true."
"What nonsense are you spouting? What else is Slytherin if not this? Do you think they're friendly? Don't be ridiculous!"
"Yes," Darren said, surprisingly steady. "I do think Slytherin is friendly."
He suddenly reached back and took Kassandra's hand.
Looking straight at Lockhart, he continued:
"Why can't they be?
Because you threatened me with my brother to make me let you off.
And even after I agreed, you still tried to ambush me—and I ended up hurting you by accident.
Yes, I know it's my fault. No matter what you did, I shouldn't have hurt you.
But isn't what you did shameless? How is your behavior any different from what you accuse Slytherins of being?"
Lockhart froze, then exploded.
"I did NOT—I never threatened you! I can't threaten you! Everyone knows how strong you are—how could I possibly threaten you?!"
He was furious.
He really hadn't threatened Darren.
And threaten Darren using Harry Potter?
Only Death Eaters would dare something that insane!
He wouldn't go near that.
Darren Potter was slandering him!
Darren almost laughed out loud.
Lockhart's face practically advertised "I am not a trustworthy person."
Every student and professor already knew who they believed.
But because he was acting, Darren forced the smile down.
He gave Lockhart a bitter, hurt expression.
"If you say so, then I won't insist.
I just… you shouldn't insult Slytherin like that.
Kassandra only pranked you because you showed malice toward me.
You only see the prank—you see 'Slytherin viciousness.'
But you ignore her kindness.
I see courage in her. Justice. Qualities Gryffindor values."
Darren's voice wavered with sincerity.
Kassandra's face went bright red.
She didn't think of herself as a kind classmate.
She just couldn't tolerate anyone bullying that stupid boy.
For others she might have stayed silent—but seeing Darren stand there, shaking yet protective, she swallowed her sarcastic retort.
Just this once, she'd act like a "friendly classmate."
Besides—she had disliked Lockhart from day one.
She'd rather sleep in his class than listen to him brag.
Lockhart was about to faint from anger.
Friendly?!
This girl?
The one who glared at him every five minutes?
Who covered him in moss that still wouldn't come off and made him itch like mad?
Justice? Courage?
Nonsense!
He swallowed his rage and focused on his "innocence."
"That's all unrelated. I want to make it clear—I did NOT threaten you. Ask the students! Did anyone hear me? Does anyone believe that?!"
He looked around desperately.
But no student believed him.
Darren's "Little Holy Father" image had become gospel at Hogwarts.
Darren lying? Impossible.
Darren slandering a teacher? Unthinkable.
Darren shook his head sadly.
It looked heartbreakingly disappointing.
Students' eyes filled with sympathy.
Poor Darren.
Every professor bullied him.
Even Lockhart wouldn't leave him alone.
"How could Darren lie?"
"Darren couldn't lie if he TRIED."
"Threatening a student—disgusting!"
"Poor Darren… are villains righteous now?!"
Lockhart turned white at the shouting.
Everyone looked at him as though he had personally kicked a kneazle.
He felt as if he really HAD threatened Darren.
But he hadn't!
"I DIDN'T—!"
"Well," Darren said softly, "whether you admit it or not… everyone understands.
Slytherin isn't what you say it is.
There are good and bad students—just like every house.
You were born in Ravenclaw, but you chose to threaten me. You chose deceit.
And… I can't help wondering if the heroic stories in your books actually happened to you at all.
You can't handle a simple prank from a frail schoolgirl. It's… baffling."
Lockhart's mouth fell open.
"Of course," Darren continued gently, "that's only my personal opinion.
If I'm wrong, I apologize.
And… I also apologize for Kassandra's prank.
But I hope you apologize too—to Slytherin.
They didn't do anything wrong.
Yes, I know a Slytherin student nearly killed me before…
But I'm also a Slytherin student.
We have good and bad people, just like every house.
It's unfair to call them all cunning and vicious.
For example…"
He turned slightly, smiling at the Slytherins behind him.
"I see my classmates, and they all care about me."
A wave of emotion swept the crowd.
And then—
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Bloodline Lottery ×1!]
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