He sighed inwardly.
In a contemplative tone, he expressed, "When I first learned the truth, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards my brother.
He had the chance to live with Mom and Dad for a year, something I hadn't experienced. After all this time, I still don't have a single picture of them.
Back in the orphanage, the teachers used to say that children like us were all unloved by our parents. I pondered for a long time, wondering if my behavior was the reason for my parents not liking me.
So, I learned to avoid arguments, focus on my tasks, help others more, and be obedient. Yet, no one noticed me. I began to think if it was the power within me that made them perceive me as a monster, causing them to stay away. Consequently, I suppressed those forces, becoming the most ordinary child.
Then, Mr. Dumbledore and Professor Snape appeared, bringing the news of my parents' deaths with suspicion and caution. Especially when I expressed my desire to see my brother, they rejected me, fearing I might harm him. I felt a bit sad and jealous initially, but upon learning about my brother's achievements, I couldn't sustain that jealousy.
Despite their description of his lightning-shaped scar as the Medal of Glory, it was also a reminder that he nearly lost his life.
I shouldn't envy him for the recognition he receives; he's the savior of the wizarding world, my hero, and most importantly, my brother! As for Mom and Dad not coming to me, it wasn't due to a lack of love; they simply couldn't.
The suspicion and caution shown by Mr. Dumbledore and Professor Snape were justified, considering my peculiar appearance that could be perceived as a threat to my brother.
So, I thought, if I chose Slytherin, I could stay away from my brother and keep an eye on Slytherin students with personality issues to prevent them from bullying my brother."
[Ding, Father +100].
[Ding, Father +50].
Two additional notifications.
Darren joyfully accepted the increase in Father's value. This time, it was a significant gain, and it clearly moved the other two individuals in the room.
After all the mental processes he had articulated, his mouth felt dry. These words successfully dispelled many of Dumbledore's doubts.
"Jealousy often carries a negative connotation, but the generosity and tolerance that follow can be truly admirable, right, Severus?" Dumbledore sighed, addressing Snape.
Snape snorted and cautiously asked, "You wouldn't genuinely allow this child to go to Slytherin, would you? It's full of dark wizards. And if Harry Potter's brother joins Slytherin, the Dark Lord would probably laugh for an entire year."
"Why not?" Dumbledore waved his wand, filling Darren's cup with lemon juice before pushing it toward him. With a soft laugh, he added, "Severus, you should afford Darren the freedom to choose. Slytherin isn't solely comprised of bad wizards. Besides, you're there, aren't you?"
"That's different!" Snape's eyes gradually lost focus.
Dumbledore shook his head, smiling with eyes that seemed to perceive everything. "In essence, Severus, no one can guarantee that he won't stray.
But as long as he returns to the path of justice, for whatever reason, he's no longer an outright villain, is he? Oh, it's been half an hour, and it's time for our dear Darren to wake up. Severus, I believe you wouldn't want little Darren to be aware of what transpired today. Unless, of course, you wish to be treated with suspicion and caution, forever associated with Harry Potter."
Dumbledore teased.
Snape snorted, "I don't care about the judgments of that naive and overly trusting human mind!"
Snape said sarcastically as he carefully aimed his wand at Darren's head and whispered, "Forget everything."
[Ding, does the host spend a hundred Father's Values to offset everything?] ］
"Offset!" ］
Surprisingly, for such a masterfully executed true agent plot, he only gained 70 Holy Father values. The system effectively blinded him to such remarkable acting skills.
[Offset success].
Following the system's prompts, Darren found himself with new memories. He recalled entering Dumbledore's office, asking about his life, and engaging in various conversations. They even discussed Montinger.
"Well, Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Montingas turned out to be a bit of a misunderstanding. I thought he seemed gloomy, somewhat like the Death Eaters they describe. So, I approached and assisted the Muggle..."
Darren lowered his head in embarrassment, shyly picking up the glass of lemon juice and taking a sip.
Dumbledore laughed. "No, no, my child, I believe you've imparted a profound lesson to Montingus. You've shown him that he can no longer disdain anyone. He'll be alright, I promise you, my boy."
Darren smiled, feeling a bit happier. However, as if remembering something, he added, "Sir, I wanted to apologize to you as soon as I came in, but I don't know why I forgot it."
Suddenly, Darren stammered, and Dumbledore, looking a bit weak, listened as the boy continued, "It's like this, because I... I was afraid you were looking for something wrong with me, and I didn't arrive in time. So, um, I let Paggie eavesdrop on your conversation. I'm sorry!"
Dumbledore felt a bit helpless; this child was not adept at lying. However, he couldn't expose the child, lest he hide his shame and anger.
"I forgive your mistake, my child. I don't hold it against you. No one should overhear my conversations without my permission."
"Uh-huh, that's good. Thank you, Mr. Dumbledore, for your understanding!"
Darren smiled, and it became evident that this sly old man was testing him.
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