Chapter 710: The Battle of Diagon Alley
"Hermione, do you think Kyle has a grudge against Harry?" Ron asked nervously, his heart pounding as Harry's screams echoed from the door near the basement utility room.
Ron had always been curious about how Harry was learning Occlumency, and today, with the opportunity to watch, he had eagerly dragged Hermione down right after breakfast. But now, seeing what was happening, he wasn't sure it had been a good idea.
This wasn't special training—it looked more like Harry was just getting pummeled.
Inside, Harry was being batted around by a Magical Creature with six legs. The creature looked like a Wampus Cat but behaved like a sentient Bludger, delivering blows that sent Harry sprawling left and right. It was painful just to watch.
Next to Ron, Hermione nodded hesitantly, her unease mirroring his.
She had briefly considered joining Harry's training sessions. With the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes no longer needing much help and her parents settling comfortably into life on Diagon Alley, she had been looking for something productive to do.
Learning a few advanced Charms or even Occlumency had seemed like a good idea—especially since everyone kept stressing its importance.
But now, seeing Harry flung around like a rag doll, Hermione hesitated. She couldn't imagine enduring what Harry was going through, even if it meant faster progress. Compared to this, studying at her own pace seemed much safer.
"Ah!" Harry's agonized scream broke through her thoughts.
The Wampus Cat had landed another direct hit, its heavy tail smacking against Harry's thigh with a thud.
Outside the door, Ron and Hermione winced simultaneously. Even from a distance, they could feel the sting of the blow.