Chapter 335: Darren Doesn't Want Him Anymore!!
Malfoy was stunned by Darren's calm reaction.
How was that possible?
How could Darren not be angry at all?
He didn't even look the least bit upset.
For a moment, Malfoy didn't know what to say.
After thinking for a second, he assumed Darren must not have understood what he meant, so he added:
"If you're really going to be my follower, then you have to be on my side completely. If I argue with Harry Potter, you have to help me, no matter what!"
Darren opened his mouth.
If they were being honest—
Whenever Malfoy fought with Harry, had he ever won?
But of course, Darren couldn't say that.
He could only show a hesitant, slightly troubled expression.
This finally satisfied Malfoy a little.
At least Darren still looked like he cared.
But at the same time, it made Malfoy even more irritated.
This kid could fall out with Potter…
But not actually be angry at him?
Just thinking about that made Malfoy furious.
He immediately regretted testing him like that.
But seeing Darren's expression, he snorted and said mockingly:
"Forget it! If I argue with Sc— Harry Potter, you're not allowed to get involved!"
Malfoy curled his lips.
Then, right after that, he laughed triumphantly.
He was already planning to drag Darren in front of Potter and make him watch.
Let that scarhead taste what it felt like when your brother was taken away!
"…Yes."
Darren nodded hesitantly.
There was a hint of bitterness on his face.
But he quickly forced himself to cheer up.
As long as Hagrid wasn't sued, it was fine.
Being Malfoy's follower for just one month—
That wasn't a big deal.
And technically, he didn't even have to completely cut ties with his brother.
…Although they already had.
Well.
Maybe he could simply push all the blame onto Malfoy later.
"Thank you."
Darren said sincerely.
Malfoy opened his mouth—
Then awkwardly closed it again.
For a brief moment, he actually felt a little embarrassed.
If he were being honest…
Harry really was irresponsible.
Worse than Scarhead.
It wasn't strange that Darren would be disappointed in him.
But—
Malfoy had already said it out loud.
And now backing out would just look suspicious.
There were too many smart people in the common room.
Not everyone was as easy to fool as Darren.
Someone would definitely notice something was off.
So Malfoy decided—
Let Darren be his follower for a few days first.
At the very least, he had to show it off in front of Potter.
Malfoy thought smugly.
Then he brought Darren with him to the Potions classroom.
It was Snape's lesson.
Slytherin and Gryffindor together.
Darren walked in and originally wanted to sit alone.
But Malfoy confidently sat right beside him.
It immediately drew attention.
Especially from Harry and Ron.
Their expressions darkened instantly.
"Malfoy! What do you think you're doing sitting there?!"
Harry shouted, unable to stop himself.
Ever since the argument, Darren had been ignoring him completely.
No matter how much Harry tried to apologise, Darren refused to look at him.
It was already painful enough.
But now Malfoy was sitting beside him?!
What exactly was Malfoy trying to do?
Was he planning to poison Darren's mind?
Darren was innocent.
Too easy to trust people.
What if Malfoy tricked him?
Was he taking advantage of the fight?
Was he trying to steal Darren away on purpose?!
Just the thought of Darren standing beside Malfoy and calling him "brother" made Harry feel sick.
"Why shouldn't I sit here?"
Malfoy replied provocatively.
After all, Darren hadn't chased him away.
Snape glanced coldly at both of them.
"Malfoy. Sit properly."
"Yes, Professor."
Malfoy answered cheerfully.
Then Snape turned to Harry, his lips curling into a thin, mocking smile.
"Mr. Harry Potter truly is remarkable."
"Class has already started, and you still haven't even taken out your cauldron."
"For your blatant disrespect toward Potions class—ten points from Gryffindor."
If someone only read that sentence, they might think Snape was just being strict.
After all, taking out your cauldron was basic courtesy.
But the reality was—
The bell had barely rung.
No one in the classroom except Darren had a cauldron out yet.
And yet, Snape singled Harry out.
Harry clenched his teeth.
He had always known Snape hated him.
From the very first moment they met.
But now Snape wasn't even bothering to hide it.
Angrily, Harry pulled out his cauldron and slammed it onto the table.
He thought that would be the end.
He was wrong.
Snape glanced at the cauldron and sneered.
"Oh?"
"Let's take a look at Mr. Potter's cauldron."
"Potter, were you even listening in my previous lesson?"
"After brewing a potion, you must clean the cauldron by hand. By hand."
"Tell me—did you do that?"
"Another ten points from Gryffindor."
Harry nearly lost it.
Everyone did it that way!
Why was Snape only targeting him?!
He glared in frustration—
Then looked toward Darren.
In the past, Darren would have silently comforted him.
Just a look would have helped.
But not today.
Because Malfoy was talking to Darren.
Standing close to him.
Laughing with him.
Like they were brothers.
Harry felt like his head was about to explode.
Snape was hateful—
But Malfoy?
Malfoy now felt unbearable.
And that was only the beginning.
The next scene almost broke him completely.
During the lesson, they had to work on a new potion.
While cutting the ingredients, Malfoy raised his hand and said lazily that his arm was injured, and he couldn't prepare the ingredients properly.
Snape immediately ordered Harry to do it for him.
Harry looked over—
Darren had already tried to help.
But Malfoy didn't even look at him.
He only waited for Harry.
Still, that alone wasn't what hurt the most.
What crushed Harry was—
When the potion turned out wrong, Snape scolded Malfoy.
And Malfoy turned around and mocked Harry in front of Darren.
He called him a lapdog.
A bootlicker.
A parasite living off others.
Every word was filthy.
Insulting.
And Darren said nothing.
He didn't argue.
He didn't snap back.
He didn't step in front of Harry like he used to.
He just lowered his head silently.
Not a single emotion showed.
It was as if—
He had really cut ties with him.
Harry desperately tried to convince himself:
It's just anger.
He's just hurt.
He'll calm down.
But deep down—
Harry knew.
Darren didn't want him anymore.