Chapter Summaries

Darren provoked Umbridge into banning The Quibbler, which only caused Hogwarts students to spread and discuss it more widely. During detention, Darren used magic to punish Umbridge again and erased her memory, leaving her believing she had been torturing him.

• Umbridge confronted Darren and Harry about their interview, and Darren pointed out that accepting it had not broken an Educational Decree.
• Darren handed Umbridge a copy of The Quibbler, and she banned students from bringing it to school or discussing its contents.
• Hermione realized Darren had deliberately provoked the ban, and Hogwarts students secretly circulated the magazine and discussed it throughout the school.
• Umbridge angrily ordered Darren to write “I was wrong” during detention, but Darren used his wand to punish her from evening until midnight.
• Darren erased Umbridge’s memories, leaving her convinced that she had punished him and ready to summon him back the next day.

Darren left Umbridge’s office after using Obliviate to erase her memories of what had happened during his punishment, then concealed the truth from Harry and the others. That night Harry saw Voldemort’s anger over false information from Avery and learned that Luke Wood had corrected it, leaving Harry worried about Voldemort’s next move and frustrated by his failed Legilimency practice.

• Darren used Obliviate on Umbridge and told Harry and the others that she had only made him copy lines.
• Hermione gave Darren the Draught of Living Death that Snape had sent, and Darren left without explaining his reaction.
• Harry returned to the Gryffindor dormitory and entered a vision in which Voldemort confronted Luke Wood about a failed plan and ordered him to bring Avery.
• Harry woke and told Ron that Avery had given Voldemort false information, while Luke Wood had put him back on track.
• Harry told Darren and Hermione about the vision the next day, and Hermione urged him to stop dreaming about Voldemort and focus on closing his mind.

During Legilimency lessons, Harry saw disturbing memories that made him suspect Snape planned to poison Darren, though Snape used the lesson to make Harry and Voldemort believe he was hostile to Darren. Harry then found Umbridge expelling Professor Trelawney, and Darren challenged her right to drive Trelawney from the school.

• Snape saw Harry's vision of Voldemort and accused him of enjoying their connection, then forced him to continue the Legilimency lesson.
• Harry broke into Snape's memories and saw Snape kneeling before Voldemort and putting something that looked like poison into a potion bottle, but he could not be sure what it was.
• Snape continued probing Harry's mind until a woman's screams interrupted them, and he went to investigate while Harry followed.
• Harry found Umbridge dismissing Professor Trelawney and ordering her out, while McGonagall said Trelawney could remain at the school.
• Darren confronted Umbridge and said she had no right to drive Trelawney out, and Umbridge threatened to punish him again.

Darren and Dumbledore stopped Umbridge from forcing Trelawney out, and Firenze arrived to take the Divination post. As Umbridge discovered a Dumbledore’s Army meeting, Darren ordered everyone to flee before she caught them.

• Dumbledore backed Darren and ordered McGonagall to take Trelawney upstairs, despite Umbridge’s objections.
• Dumbledore introduced Firenze as the new Divination professor, and Firenze told Darren that centaur predictions seemed to change around him.
• Darren taught the Dumbledore’s Army members the Patronus Charm, and Hermione and Cho Chang produced tiny dragon Patronuses.
• Dobby warned Darren that Umbridge knew about the gathering, and Darren urged the members, Hermione, and Ron to escape at once.

Darren and Harry were brought before Fudge after Umbridge’s forces discovered their secret spell practice, and they denied knowing about any illegal organization. The chapter left Umbridge presenting Marietta as a witness and preparing to question her about who had organized it.

• Darren ordered Dobby to return to the kitchen and lie to Umbridge, then Phelps caught Darren and called for Umbridge.
• Malfoy secretly urged Darren to escape, but Darren refused and went with him to Dumbledore’s Office.
• Darren and Harry denied knowing about an illegal organization when Fudge questioned them.
• Fudge hinted he might spare Darren if Darren listened to him, but Darren rejected the offer.
• Umbridge returned with Marietta and asked her to identify the person who had organized the group.

Umbridge tried to use Marietta’s testimony and a list of Dumbledore’s Army members to arrest Dumbledore and the students, but Marietta denied the meetings continued. Darren and Dumbledore subdued the officials, and Dumbledore prepared to leave Hogwarts as Harry’s scar began to hurt.

• Umbridge pressured Marietta to testify, but Marietta said the group had never held another meeting after the earlier gathering.
• Umbridge presented Fudge with a list of Dumbledore’s Army, and Darren claimed the group was his while Dumbledore claimed it was his own.
• When Fudge ordered Dumbledore’s arrest, Darren knocked Fudge down and attacked Umbridge while Dumbledore dealt with Delacour.
• Kingsley revealed that he had altered Marietta’s memory, and Dumbledore had Kingsley pretend to be unconscious before planning to alter the officials’ memories.
• Dumbledore embraced Darren, told Harry to learn Legilimency and control his nightmares, and left Harry with his scar throbbing painfully.

After Dumbledore drove off Fudge’s group, Umbridge became Headmistress and Malfoy used the Inquisitorial Squad to harass students and strip away House points. Fred and George told Darren they planned to leave Hogwarts and make a scene, while he pleaded with them not to go and tried to promise he would protect them.

• Fudge’s group woke after Dumbledore defeated them, and Fudge ordered Professor McGonagall to leave with Harry and the other students.
• The next day, students learned Umbridge was Headmistress, but the Headmaster’s Office statues refused to let her enter.
• Malfoy used his Inquisitorial Squad authority to deduct points from Hermione, Harry, and Ron, while Darren stopped Harry from fighting him.
• Fred and George revealed they had trapped Montague in the Vanishing Cabinet and told Darren they planned to leave Hogwarts.
• Fred and George said they regarded Darren as their youngest family member and warned him not to interfere with their plan; Darren tearfully insisted he would protect them.

Phelps took Darren to Umbridge’s office, where she questioned him about his past encounters with her and Dumbledore. Darren used a Memory Charm, leaving Umbridge with confused memories of torturing him; Harry then arrived and mistakenly believed Umbridge had forced Veritaserum on Darren and assaulted him.

• Phelps summoned Darren to Umbridge’s office, while Harry and the others worried that Fred and George’s plan had been exposed.
• Umbridge offered Darren lemon juice and questioned him about torturing her, Dumbledore’s whereabouts, and his claim that he was Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s child.
• Darren pretended to drink the lemon juice, revealed that he knew Umbridge’s future, and cast Obliviate on her.
• Umbridge’s altered memories made her believe she had tortured Darren, and she tore open his clothes to check for injuries as Malfoy entered.
• Harry rushed in, saw Umbridge with Darren, and accused her of making him drink Veritaserum and harming him.

Umbridge’s attempt to expose Darren was interrupted, and Malfoy altered Darren’s memories to conceal what happened in her office. Meanwhile, Fred and George’s enchanted fireworks overwhelmed Hogwarts, leaving Umbridge to deal with the chaos as Darren and Harry reunited with the twins.

• Umbridge regained her senses, erased the lemon juice evidence, and left with Phelps after he warned that someone was going to blow up the school.
• Malfoy cast Obliviate on Darren, giving him false memories of Phelps calling Umbridge away and Harry finding Darren collapsed.
• Darren woke outside Umbridge’s office and pretended not to remember what happened, while Harry lied about his torn clothes.
• Fred and George’s enchanted fireworks filled the entrance hall, set Phelps ablaze, and spread through Hogwarts after Umbridge tried to stop them.
• Darren and Harry found Fred and George, who said they had moved up their plan because Umbridge had summoned Darren.
• Harry warned Darren not to go to Umbridge’s office again, and Darren obediently agreed.

Harry celebrated the chaos Fred and George’s fireworks caused Umbridge, but his anger over what she had done to Darren kept him distracted from practicing Legilimency. The next day, Harry overheard Snape say that an antidote had not been found and ask Darren to compromise, leaving Harry to suspect that Snape had poisoned someone.

• Professor McGonagall and the other teachers pretended they could not handle Fred and George’s fireworks, forcing Umbridge to run around Hogwarts and put them out.
• Harry paid Fred and George two hundred Galleons for their most expensive fireworks package, and Hermione ordered a deluxe package after learning Umbridge had bullied Darren.
• Harry tried to empty his mind before bed but returned in a dream to the Department of Mysteries, where a firework interrupted him before he could reach a crystal ball.
• Harry watched more fireworks torment Umbridge and forgot to practice Legilimency, then worried that Snape would mock his lack of progress.
• Harry overheard Snape tell Darren that the situation was worsening, they had not found an antidote, and Darren needed to compromise; Snape then noticed Harry and sent Darren away.
• Harry entered Snape’s office for his Legilimency lesson, and Snape scolded him for arriving late.

Harry accidentally entered Snape’s memories and saw Snape poisoning and threatening Darren, along with memories of James bullying Snape. After Darren rescued Harry from Snape’s attack, Harry asked why Darren had not told him about the poison, and Darren reassured him that he was still searching for an antidote.

• Malfoy interrupted Snape’s Legilimency lesson with Harry to report that Montague had been found stuck in a fifth-floor toilet.
• Harry entered Snape’s Pensieve and saw James and his friends bully Snape after their exams.
• Snape pulled Harry out of the memory and accused him of being like James before attacking him.
• Harry used Legilimency and saw memories of Snape forcing potions on Darren, threatening him, and cutting his skin while he slept.
• Darren blocked Snape’s spells and used Devil’s Snare to help Harry escape the dungeon.
• Harry asked Darren why he had not told him about the poison, and Darren said he had not yet found an antidote; Harry burst into tears.

Harry and the others worried about Darren’s deadly poison, while Darren said he was developing an antidote that required Mandrake. Harry also struggled with what Snape’s memories had shown him about his father, and the chapter left him brooding over his father’s treatment of Snape.

• Harry told Darren that he believed he would make an antidote, and Darren said he expected to neutralize the poison within two months.
• Harry kept the memories of his father humiliating Snape to himself because he feared the truth would upset Darren.
• Hermione made study schedules for Harry and Ron while Darren focused on developing the antidote.
• Darren said he was waiting for Professor Sprout’s Mandrake to mature, which reassured Harry and Hermione.
• Harry spent the day before Easter brooding over his father’s memories and the deliberate way he had provoked Snape to attract Lily’s attention.

Harry struggled with the truth he suspected about his parents and wanted to see Sirius, while Darren considered risking punishment to help him. Darren also weighed becoming an Auror against staying at Hogwarts, and the chapter ended as the friends prepared for their appointments and plan.

• Harry refused to tell Darren what he suspected about their parents, but admitted he wished he could see Sirius.
• Darren consulted Fred and George about helping Harry reach Sirius, and they planned to use their weapons to distract Umbridge while Darren stood guard.
• Hermione warned Harry that helping Darren could get them expelled, but Harry insisted that seeing Sirius mattered more.
• Darren said he wanted to become an Auror and fight Voldemort rather than teach safely at Hogwarts.
• Darren went to Snape's office while Harry and the others headed to Professor McGonagall's career consultation.

Darren told Snape he intended to become an Auror, while Harry visited Sirius and Lupin to ask about his parents and what he had seen in Snape’s memories. After learning that James and Lily had eventually fallen in love, Harry reunited with Darren and followed Phelps after he stole a document from Umbridge’s office.

• Darren told Snape he planned to become an Auror, but Snape warned him that the work was dangerous and told him to be careful.
• Harry used Umbridge’s fireplace to speak with Lupin and Sirius about James’s treatment of Darren and whether Lily had married James willingly.
• Sirius and Lupin told Harry that James and Lily had eventually fallen in love, and that James had regretted leaving Darren behind.
• Lupin urged Harry to keep learning Legilimency from Snape, while Sirius rushed off to confront him.
• Phelps stole Document Number Twenty-Seven from Umbridge’s desk, and Harry joined Darren in secretly following him.

Fred and George escaped Hogwarts after wreaking havoc, leaving Umbridge to deal with the swamp, the prank products, and Peeves. Later, Hagrid took Harry, Darren, and Hermione to the Forbidden Forest to meet the giant he had brought back, hoping they would teach him English.

• Phelps brought Umbridge the decree, but Fred and George mounted their brooms, mocked her, and flew away while Peeves bowed to them.
• Umbridge struggled to manage the swamp and the students’ pranks, while Peeves continued tormenting her and McGonagall even advised him.
• Hermione reminded Harry to practice Legilimency, but Harry remained burdened by exams and recurring dreams of a Remembrall.
• Hagrid arrived covered in injuries and asked Harry, Darren, and Hermione to follow him into the Forbidden Forest to meet a giant and help teach him English.
• Darren explained that he had suspected Hagrid brought back a giant, and Harry and Hermione followed Hagrid into the forest in shock.

Darren, Harry, and Hermione discovered that Hagrid had brought his giant brother Grawp into the Forbidden Forest and wanted them to help care for him. After Darren took responsibility for handling Grawp, the group returned to Hogwarts, where Hermione told Ron the truth about their trip after his Quidditch victory.

• Darren explained that the Forbidden Forest’s creatures had resisted Hagrid bringing Grawp back, and Hagrid revealed Grawp was his bullied younger brother.
• Hagrid asked Harry, Hermione, and Darren to look after Grawp, but Darren objected and said he would handle the matter himself.
• Darren led the others out of the Forbidden Forest, comforted Hermione, and suggested they return to support Ron.
• Harry and the others kept quiet about Hagrid while Ron celebrated Gryffindor’s Quidditch victory and boasted about his saves.
• Hermione told Ron that none of them had seen his match and revealed that Hagrid had summoned them to meet Grawp, leaving Ron furious.

Darren and the other fifth-years began their exams, and Darren excelled in both written and practical tests while Hermione studied obsessively beside him. After a Niffler injured Umbridge and Harry feared she would blame Hagrid, the students began their Potions exam, which remained unfinished at the chapter’s end.

• Darren pretended to study for the exams while secretly watching anime, and Hermione competed with him to borrow books.
• Professor McGonagall announced that exams would begin on Monday, and Hermione spent the weekend revising with Darren.
• Darren completed his first written exam confidently and impressed Professor McGonagall during his Transfiguration practical.
• Darren excelled in Charms, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, matching Neville in Herbology and Harry in Defense.
• A Niffler bit Umbridge’s leg, making Harry and the others worry that she would blame Hagrid and retaliate against him.
• Darren found the Potions written exam easy, and the chapter ended as he faced the practical exam.

Darren completed his exams and used a long-distance Shield Charm to protect Professor McGonagall during the Aurors’ attack on Hagrid. After recovering from exhausting his magic, he prepared for the final History of Magic exam while anticipating what would happen that night.

• Darren finished the Astronomy practical early and watched Umbridge and six others confront Hagrid at his hut.
• Hagrid fought off the Aurors, but Fang was struck by a Stunning Spell and collapsed.
• Professor McGonagall rushed to defend Hagrid, and Darren exhausted his magic casting a Shield Charm to protect her from four spells.
• Hagrid knocked several attackers unconscious, then escaped with Fang while Professor McGonagall remained behind.
• Darren refused to go to the Hospital Wing and rested until noon before meeting Harry and the others for the History of Magic exam.

Darren tried to stop Harry from rushing to the Department of Mysteries by arguing that Voldemort’s dream could be a trap and insisting they verify Sirius’s safety first. Harry agreed to Darren’s plan, but Ginny, Luna, and Neville joined them despite Darren ordering them to go back.

• Darren finished his exam quickly, pretended his head still hurt, and waited for Harry to come find him.
• Darren discovered Harry and the others were leaving to rescue Sirius after Harry dreamed that Voldemort had captured him.
• Darren persuaded Harry and the others to verify whether Sirius was in danger before rushing to the Department of Mysteries.
• Harry argued with Darren about delaying the rescue, then apologized and agreed to follow Darren’s plan.
• Ginny, Luna, and Neville appeared and insisted on accompanying them, while Darren tried to send them back.

Harry and his friends tried to reach Sirius and alert the Order of the Phoenix, but Umbridge had anticipated Harry’s use of her fireplace and captured the group. Harry ended the chapter in Umbridge’s custody, still convinced Sirius was in danger and trying to avoid revealing Darren’s involvement.

• Ginny proposed luring Umbridge away while Harry retrieved the Invisibility Cloak, and Darren asked Neville to use a Two-way Mirror to contact Mrs. Longbottom and pass a warning to Mrs. Weasley.
• Harry returned with the Invisibility Cloak, but Darren suggested seeking Snape’s help and then left to look for him; Snape was absent, so Darren left a note and returned to Umbridge’s office.
• Harry used Umbridge’s fireplace to contact Sirius, but Kreacher refused to say where Sirius was, convincing Harry that he had been captured.
• Umbridge seized Harry and revealed that Malfoy, Pansy, and the others had captured Hermione and the rest of the group.
• Umbridge threatened Harry with Veritaserum, and Harry claimed he had only tried to retrieve his Firebolt while looking for a chance to escape.