Chapter 377 – "We Are Even"
They ran into Malfoy the moment they came out of a particularly depressing Care of Magical Creatures class.
Malfoy was waiting for them.
Arms folded.
Smirk wide.
He lifted his chin lazily.
"Darren," he drawled, "if you become my follower again, maybe I'll convince my father to drop the lawsuit. Ever thought about trying?"
"If you do nothing… don't you feel cruel?"
"When Buckbeak is executed, will you feel guilty?"
His voice was deliberately loud.
He wanted everyone to hear.
He wanted Darren humiliated.
Harry's grip tightened instantly around Darren's arm.
Ron grabbed his other side.
Both of them were afraid Darren might really step forward.
Darren sighed inwardly.
He had already been fooled once.
He would not be fooled again.
He was about to speak—
When Hermione stormed past them.
Before anyone could react—
Slap.
Malfoy's head snapped to the side.
"You disgusting, shameless coward," Hermione shouted, trembling with anger.
"I won't let you threaten him like that!"
She raised her hand—
Slap.
Malfoy clutched his cheek in shock and fury.
"You filthy mudblood—"
He yanked out his wand.
Hermione did the same.
Darren snapped into motion.
He stepped forward and flicked his wand sharply.
Malfoy was knocked a step backward.
Then Darren spoke coldly:
"You can aim your wand at me."
"But you will not touch Hermione."
"You will apologize."
Malfoy laughed harshly.
"No."
Hermione shook her head quickly and grabbed Darren's sleeve.
"No, Darren… don't force it… I don't need an apology."
"Just don't go back to him."
"Don't become his follower for me. For Buckbeak. For anyone."
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
Darren nodded slowly.
"I know, Hermione."
"You're right."
"Even Buckbeak wouldn't want to live that way."
"I finally understand… I can't always make decisions alone."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
Then Darren lifted his head and faced Malfoy directly.
"I won't follow you anymore."
"Not for Buckbeak."
"Not for threats."
"Not for fear."
"My brother wouldn't want it."
"Ron wouldn't want it."
"And Hermione—she would rather be hurt than watch me crawl to you."
"So even if everything is my fault…"
"I will never be your follower again."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
Malfoy stared at him.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Crabbe and Goyle shifted awkwardly behind him.
Then Malfoy scoffed bitterly.
"We're done."
"We're even."
He turned sharply.
"Withdraw!"
The three of them left, anger and frustration written all over their backs.
Darren exhaled slowly.
Then looked at Hermione.
"I'm sorry… I couldn't make him apologize."
Hermione wiped her eyes and stepped forward, hugging him tightly.
"I don't care about his apology."
"I only care that you're still here."
"Even if Buckbeak dies… none of this is your fault."
Ron nodded fiercely.
"Yeah! You've done everything you could!"
"Stop trying to carry the world alone," Harry said quietly.
---
By the time they reached Charms class, Darren looked exhausted.
Professor Flitwick noticed at once.
After hearing what had happened, he clapped his hands.
"Well then! Perfect timing for today's lesson."
"The Happiness Charm."
He looked directly at Darren.
"You, my boy, will be today's first subject."
The spell was cast.
Warmth rushed through Darren like sunlight.
He blinked.
A faint smile appeared without him realizing it.
Harry and Ron relaxed the moment they saw his face.
Then Professor Flitwick had Darren cast the spell on them.
Both boys burst into soft laughter.
The professor beamed.
"Excellent! Absolutely excellent!"
"Slytherin—twenty points for pure talent!"
The class passed in a blur of warmth and lightness.
Only after the charm faded did a sharp worry return.
"Hermione…" Ron muttered.
They looked around.
She was gone.
They rushed to Gryffindor Tower.
And found her sleeping in the common room, curled up uncomfortably with exhaustion written across her face.
She woke up startled, scrambling for her bag.
"I— I need to go, I still have—"
Darren gently raised his wand.
The Happiness Charm washed over her.
Her breathing slowed.
Tension left her shoulders.
"I just want you to rest," Darren whispered.
"You've been hurting yourself for too long."
"You don't have to save everyone."
"Please… give up some classes."
"Just a few."
"Live a little."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
Hermione smiled faintly through tired tears.
"I think… I really should."
"But I still need to go see Professor Flitwick."
"I want to know what I missed."
She squeezed Darren's hand.
"But I'll listen."
"You're right."
---