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Chapter 601: I Was Wrong…!!
This was a threat—an undisguised, naked threat.
Everyone who cared about Darren couldn't ignore it. Harry turned his head in shock.
He looked at Darren and asked hoarsely,
"Darren… how did you end up with detention?"
Darren was just about to answer.
Umbridge was already smiling smugly.
"Of course it's because he dared to attack a professor," she said sweetly. "I think that makes detention absolutely necessary."
"But he attacked Snape, not you!" Harry shouted through clenched teeth.
Umbridge's smile only widened.
"But Professor Snape authorized me to handle the matter."
Harry turned sharply toward Snape.
Snape lifted his goblet slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Harry felt rage surge through him. He wanted nothing more than to hex Snape on the spot—but Darren grabbed his arm.
"It's fine," Darren said softly.
"Brother, don't worry. This is better than being locked in Snape's office."
Harry stared at him in disbelief.
What had happened to Darren that he would rather face Umbridge than Snape?
Harry wanted to force him to explain—but now clearly wasn't the time. If he pushed too hard, Umbridge would only take it out on Darren even more.
So Harry turned to Umbridge and said calmly,
"Last weekend, Darren and I gave an interview. An interview about the Dark Lord's return."
"An interview?!"
Umbridge's face turned livid. She shrieked,
"Why were you interviewed?!"
"Because giving an interview doesn't violate the Educational Decrees," Harry replied steadily.
"I've read them. I've memorized them. You have no grounds to punish us for this."
Darren sneered.
Umbridge staggered back in fury.
Darren didn't bother stopping her. He simply pulled out The Quibbler and shoved it straight into her arms.
"This is the magazine," he said lightly.
"I suggest everyone buy it quickly. I have a feeling it's going to sell out."
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
His words stunned the surrounding students.
Darren looked infuriatingly calm—but since it was Umbridge who was furious, no one found it surprising.
After all, Darren had stormed out of Umbridge's very first class and never attended another one.
Umbridge stared down at the magazine in her hands, shaking with rage. Then she glared venomously at Darren and Harry.
"You two are forbidden from going to Hogsmeade ever again!" she shrieked.
"Harry Potter—especially you! I have warned you again and again not to lie, and yet you persist! Gryffindor loses fifty points!"
Then she turned on Darren.
"And you, Mr. Darren Potter. This afternoon's detention will make you understand the consequences of lying and deceiving others!"
She stormed off, clutching the magazine to her chest.
Less than two hours later, every noticeboard in Hogwarts was plastered with a new decree from the Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
No one was allowed to bring The Quibbler into the school.
No one was allowed to discuss its contents.
Violators would be expelled.
Because of this ban, Darren and Hermione smiled.
Harry and Ron looked at them in confusion.
"It's forbidden," Ron muttered. "Why are you two so happy?"
"Oh, Harry, haven't you realized yet?" Hermione said smugly.
"Darren provoked Umbridge on purpose. The fastest way to make everyone read something is to ban it."
Harry and Ron exchanged glances.
They both felt that something might be wrong with their friends' brains.
That illusion was shattered in the afternoon.
Almost everyone in Hogwarts had read The Quibbler.
Harry had no idea where people were hiding the magazines—but students whispered quotes from it everywhere.
Between classes.
During classes.
Even professors discussed it after lessons.
The entire school had clearly read it.
Umbridge spent the afternoon searching students' bags.
But the students were prepared. The magazines had been Transfigured—unless held in hand, they appeared as ordinary books.
Hidden among textbooks, they were impossible to identify.
That afternoon, Darren stepped into Umbridge's office.
She looked ready to explode.
She pointed at him and screamed, accusing him of defying her authority and the Minister's orders. She swore she would never let him forget the lesson this time.
"Write," she snapped. "Write 'I was wrong.'"
Darren calmly pulled out his wand.
"Not only do you think so," he said lightly,
"I also think I was wrong."
Umbridge froze.
"I shouldn't have erased your memory last time. I shouldn't have let you believe you tortured me all afternoon."
"Of course, appearances must be kept," Darren continued casually.
"Until Fudge falls, I still have to play along."
"Come on. Let's begin today's detention."
From six in the evening until midnight, Umbridge's screams never stopped.
She threatened Darren endlessly—said she would tell Fudge everything, expose his true face.
Darren didn't even look up.
"You said the same thing last time," he said with distaste.
"And yet, you forgot everything in the end."
"I was scared of you for a while," he continued.
"But lately, you've gotten arrogant again."
"So I'm teaching you a lesson."
He glanced at her trembling form.
"You seem mentally strong today," he added thoughtfully.
"So let's continue tomorrow."
Umbridge shook her head.
In her memory, she had punished Darren all afternoon. Seeing his pale face, she subconsciously wanted him to come again.
But another thought surfaced.
"…No. Tomorrow… you won't come."
The moment she spoke, Darren raised his wand.
Her face drained of color.
"I was wrong," she screamed.
"I was wrong—!"
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