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Chapter 307 — Escape from Azkaban!!
"…The public is advised that Sirius Black may be armed and extremely dangerous. A hotline has been set up for any information…"
Harry woke up to Uncle Vernon watching the morning news on the sofa.
He glanced up instinctively.
On the screen was Black's gaunt, matted-haired face.
Harry felt he himself looked much cleaner by comparison.
"What are you staring at? Hurry and eat. After breakfast I have something to discuss with you."
Uncle Vernon was unusually serious today.
Harry felt uneasy.
He almost preferred the Dursleys treating him coldly as usual.
Still, he wolfed down his breakfast.
Then Uncle Vernon spoke.
"Ahem. Right… Marge's train arrives at ten.
I expect you to behave yourself."
"…What?"
Harry stared at him.
Aunt Marge—Vernon's sister.
Not related to Harry at all, but easily the person he dreaded the most.
She rarely visited Privet Drive because she never wanted to leave her collection of bulldogs.
But when she did come, it was always a nightmare for Harry.
"She's coming again?"
He felt his stomach twist.
"I have a few rules for you," Vernon said sharply.
"First, you will not be rude to Marge.
Second, you will behave. She hates anything abnormal—so no talk of magic.
Third… I told her you attend a corrective school for troubled boys…"
His voice weakened at the last part.
Harry felt lightning strike through his skull.
He wanted to shout.
But another thought came to him.
"I'll do all that… if you sign my consent form.
The one that lets third-years visit the village."
He had shown it earlier during summer. Vernon refused then, simply to torment him.
"If you behave," Vernon said.
Harry felt a spark of hope.
Unfortunately, it lasted only a few days.
Because Aunt Marge wasted no time insulting him—almost eager to grind him into dust.
If only Darren were here… he'd be upset hearing this, Harry thought bitterly.
"Some puppies should be—dealt with at the root…"
"It's all about breeding. Some families are worthless from the start.
Petunia, I'm not talking about you—your sister made poor choices…"
"Useless… lazy… hopeless…"
"I heard this boy has a younger brother? Children like that turn out criminals or idiots."
Harry snapped.
Aunt Marge swelled like a balloon under his furious glare and floated upward.
Harry ran upstairs, packed his trunk, and stormed outside.
"My mum and dad aren't trash—and my brother isn't a fool!"
Aunt Marge drifted overhead like a huge balloon.
"Come back! Put her down! Harry Potter—come back this instant!"
Uncle Vernon shouted in panic.
Harry didn't look back.
"See you next year."
He muttered under his breath and walked away.
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"What? Harry accidentally blew up Aunt Marge? Gigi, I'm going to the Ministry! I need to know the details!"
[Ding, Father +80]
[Ding, Father +70]
[Ding, Father +60]
Darren was at Flamel's residence and froze at the news.
He jumped up, ready to leave, but Nicolas Flamel stopped him.
The elder alchemist looked worried, his brows tightly knotted—as if troubled by something deeper.
"Teacher, I'm sure my brother had a reason! Please let me go to the Ministry!
He's kind—he's only mischievous sometimes, he would never purposely harm anyone!"
Darren paced anxiously.
"He was warned last time. If he uses magic again he could be expelled…
I—I'll take the blame. I wasn't warned. I still have one chance left!"
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
Darren accepted the Father's Value automatically, but worry deepened on his face.
Flamel sighed heavily.
This boy… always declaring Harry was kind, when Darren himself was the one acting like a reckless saint willing to ruin his own future.
Harry was the famous savior—Dumbledore would protect him.
But Darren had nothing—yet he wanted to take the blame for Harry.
Still, seeing his panic, Flamel softened.
"Calm yourself. Your brother is fine.
The Ministry is far too preoccupied with Sirius Black's escape to bother with a small incident like this."
"As for why he blew his aunt up—she likely said something nasty.
Your uncle even admitted she was out of line this time.
He only said he'd advise Marge not to visit again while you two are around during summer."
Flamel waved a hand dismissively.
"If it were serious, they'd have done far more than a simple inflation spell."
The alchemist then placed a gentle hand on Darren's shoulder.
"This school year… do not be reckless.
If something happens, seek your professors.
We are old, child. We do not wish to lose our last heir again."
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