Chapter 662: Kyle, How About You Teach Me?
After leaving Snape's office, Kyle didn't return directly to the dormitory to draft any study plans. Instead, he found Harry, who was standing on the castle grounds, staring off into the distance.
Harry's face was pale, though it wasn't clear if it was from the water that had been thrown at him or from sweat. His hair clung to his forehead, partially concealing the lightning-shaped scar.
"How are you feeling?" Kyle asked as he approached.
"You're here, Kyle," Harry said, his voice slightly shaky. He unconsciously rubbed his scar. "It's like last time—my head feels like it's going to split open. But thanks to you, I didn't hurt my arms or knees this time. A few times, I fell, but the floor felt soft, so... you did that?"
"Why shouldn't Professor Snape be afraid of you getting hurt?" Kyle replied.
"Snape? Afraid of me getting hurt?" Harry suddenly laughed, the sound brittle as though he'd heard an absurd joke. "I'd sooner believe Ron could drain the Black Lake dry."
"Ron has quite the appetite, then," Kyle said, laughing along. "Where is he? Didn't he come back with you?"
"He wanted to," Harry explained, shaking his head. "He and Hermione planned to return with me, but it wasn't allowed. Anyone who didn't sign the stay-behind list has to wait until the start of term to come back, so they're stuck at 12 Grimmauld Place."
"It ended up just being me... I couldn't ruin their holidays too."
As he spoke, Harry's shoulders slumped. He looked especially downcast when he thought about the next day and the looming lessons in the dungeons. His vacation plans had been destroyed, and now he'd face Snape's torturous classes again. What had he done to deserve this?
For a moment, Harry considered venting his frustrations to Kyle. But then, something else came to mind.