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Chapter 494 Beware of Snape!!
"Unusual? Is it because Mr. Crouch is acting wrong?"
Darren showed a wary expression.
Black nodded approvingly.
"Yes, how could he, as the head of the Executive Division, sneak into Snape's office, unless Snape has a big problem."
Black gobbled up the roast chicken. He now started eating sandwiches slowly.
By the way, he drank half a pot of pumpkin juice.
"I think you must be vigilant, Darren. Crouch is a man I know—he wants to catch the Death Eaters to the point of obsession.
Because of his son, he was once arrested… At that time, Barty Crouch was a minister in the hearts of many people.
As a result, his son was found staying with the Death Eaters.
The boy was supposed to be only nineteen years old, and Crouch sent him to Azkaban without listening to his arguments.
Even though he handled it promptly, in everyone's eyes, he was no longer worthy of that position, so he became the Director of the Executive Division.
Later, the child was dying… Crouch took his terminally ill wife to see him.
And then… later, the child was buried not far from the prison, and Crouch did not even ask for the body back."
Black said gloomily.
Barty Crouch's behavior completely disillusioned some wizards who had still been supporting him.
They felt that Crouch must have failed as a parent.
How could a family with a clean background produce a Death Eater at such a young age?
They asked Crouch to reflect on the deeper meaning of the incident, but he refused to listen.
He seemed to have gone mad—his only daily thought was hunting down Death Eaters and capturing them.
His wife died. His son died. His family was destroyed.
"So now he's like a mad dog," Black said seriously. "You must be careful of him.
Of course, your identity doesn't mean you'll become a Death Eater.
But beware—he might use you as bait to catch one. He's already lost his mind!
And Snape—he's being targeted by Crouch. That alone means something is wrong with him. Stay away from him too!"
Black warned cautiously.
Darren frowned.
"But I think Professor Snape is a good person!"
"Good person?" Black scoffed.
"When he was young, he was slippery-tongued and vicious… everyone hated him. Once he entered school, he was already using dark spells.
He hung around with those little gangs—every single one of them became Death Eaters.
Think about it… Victor, Lestrange, Malfoy… what kind of good person could he be?
Although he was never officially accused of being a Death Eater, he's clever and extremely cunning.
Darren, don't get too close to him. Don't trust him too much.
Harry isn't from his house, but you were sorted into Slytherin.
Some time ago, I thought that might actually protect you.
Death Eaters are less likely to target Slytherin students during wartime.
But if Snape himself has a problem, he might attack you regardless—whether you're Harry's brother or not!"
Black changed his tone.
Harry and the others didn't interrupt.
They only looked at Darren worriedly.
It was as if Darren might be killed by Snape at any moment.
"Yes, I'll pay attention," Darren nodded.
This made Black nod in satisfaction.
He turned to Harry.
"Harry, I want you to pay attention to two things in the future.
One is Barty Crouch.
The other is Bertha Jorkins' whereabouts. I think both are crucial."
Black instructed.
Harry nodded quickly.
"Then there's the second thing," Black continued.
"I saw in the Daily Prophet that Darren and Harry are both romantically involved with Hermione."
Black laughed.
"No! That was Rita Skeeter slandering Hermione! She's not that kind of person!"
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding…]
Darren said quickly.
This made Black smile.
He looked at Hermione with an expression that said I see right through you.
Hermione blushed in embarrassment.
"I'm not criticizing you," Black said.
"I'm warning you—Rita Skeeter is extremely dangerous.
I suspect she's an Animagus like me. Many people suspect it too, but no one has ever stopped her."
"Yes, Darren thinks the same! He's really smart!" Hermione said approvingly.
Darren hurriedly became modest.
Black laughed.
"Looks like you figured it out without my reminder. That's good. Just be careful of that woman."
Black warned again.
"By the way, Ron—write to your brother and ask if he knows anything new about Crouch. His condition isn't right."
"Okay," Ron said helplessly.
"Though I don't know if he'll tell me. He seems to admire Crouch a lot—thinks someone who loves rules that much is admirable."
Darren shook his head.
"Percy isn't in love with Mr. Crouch. You forgot—when he found out you were placed at the bottom of the lake, he was terrified.
When you were brought back, he was the first to rush over.
Percy values rules, yes—but only on the premise of caring for people. He values family."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding…]
"Well, since you say so, Darren, I'll trust him once. I'll write to him later."
Ron finally smiled.
"Good, good," Black said.
"Oh, and Harry—you must not come here to see me recklessly anymore.
You can write letters like before. But if I find out you've come in person, I'll leave immediately."
After speaking, he rubbed the dark circles under his eyes gloomily.
"What time is it?" he asked.
Darren checked his watch.
"Half past three in the afternoon."
"It's late. You should head back now.
Darren… I'm sorry. The longer I stay awake outside, the more I feel I've wronged you…"
"I've never felt that way," Darren said softly.
"I know you love me."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding…]
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