Chapter 26: I Don

Ron felt like he’d punched a pile of cotton; with no other choice, he turned to complain to Harry.

“Hey, why’s your friend so weird? Is this really the time to study?” Ron slumped in his seat, shaking his head. “There’s plenty of time to study once we get to school.”

“Yang likes reading—that’s not a bad thing.” Harry grabbed a Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean and tossed it into his mouth; his face twisted instantly.

Ron, curious, picked up a bean of the same color and popped it in, then grimaced. “Tastes like boogers—disgusting!”

The two ate snacks while chatting about life at the upcoming school.

“Found Itachi at last!” the girl pointed excitedly at Chu Yang, as if she’d discovered a long-sought treasure!

Ron and Harry stared at Chu Yang, bewildered.

The girl’s voice was loud, jolting Chu Yang from his reading. He pointed at himself. “Me?”

“Yes, Itachi!” The girl plopped down beside Chu Yang and blurted out, “What spell did Itachi use in the wand shop?”

Chu Yang sighed. “That wasn’t magic—I just waved the wand as Mr. Ollivander instructed.”

The girl looked incredulous, then shook her head. “Impossible. Pure magical energy couldn’t produce such a terrifying effect!”

“I don’t know then. I’m just a new student, like Itachi.” Chu Yang gave a casual reply and returned to his book.

“Hey! Tell us what exactly happened!” Ron stared at the two, itching to gossip like an old woman.

Harry looked equally curious.

So the girl told them everything that had happened in the wand shop.

After hearing her story, Ron and Harry wore the same stunned expression, gazing at Chu Yang in awe.

“By the way—I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Hermione Granger. Just call me Hermione.” Hermione introduced herself confidently.

Ron and Harry gave their own introductions, but when it came to Chu Yang, there was silence—Hermione turned to find him still reading.

“Here we go again!” Ron rolled his eyes. “Mate, seriously, pretending like this for us means nothing—we’re all classmates.”

Harry tugged Ron’s sleeve and whispered, “Ron, don’t say that…”

Ron laughed bitterly. “Look at how he flips through that book—does that look like he’s actually reading?”

Harry hesitated.

He’d never seen anyone read like Chu Yang did.

Hermione stood beside Chu Yang, tilting her head to read the book’s cover. “‘Practical Defense Against the Dark Arts’?”

“This isn’t a first-year textbook,” Hermione frowned. She remembered clearly—the only book related to Dark Arts was titled “Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection” (Defensive Magical Theory).

She’d memorized that book inside and out—this was clearly not the same one!

A thought flashed through Hermione’s mind.

This wasn’t a first-year book—it was an advanced one!

Hermione snatched the book from Chu Yang’s hands and began reading intently.

“Your behavior is extremely rude, Miss Granger!” Chu Yang frowned. “Whether as a wizard or a normal person, Itachi should maintain basic manners.”

Hermione stiffly returned the book, defiant. “This book is far more complex and obscure than ‘Dark Forces.’ Can Itachi even understand it?”

Chu Yang replied coolly. “Once Itachi’ve finished ‘Dark Forces,’ reading this won’t be difficult.”

Hermione fell silent, her ears and neck turning red.

As someone who had memorized ‘Dark Forces’ perfectly, those words felt to her like Chu Yang calling her stupid.

Hermione cried out, “Specializing in one subject is terrible for a wizard! Focusing only on Dark Arts is useless! The real foundation is ‘Magical Theory’!”

Hermione’s loud voice gave Chu Yang a headache; impatiently, he recited the first page of ‘Magical Theory’ to shut her up.

Instantly, Hermione stopped speaking, staring at him in disbelief. “I don’t believe it—unless Itachi recite the whole book.”

And Chu Yang did—reciting the entire book from start to finish.

Seeing Hermione still unconvinced, Chu Yang calmly recited the opening chapters of the other textbooks one by one.

Each time Chu Yang finished a chapter, Hermione’s expression grew more agitated.

“Your parents must have taught Itachi these things ahead of time, so Itachi’d look impressive at school,” Hermione grumbled. If she’d had such parents, she’d have learned even faster!

Chu Yang closed the book and said slowly, “I did read these books ahead of time—but only after receiving my acceptance letter. I studied alone for a month in the Leaky Cauldron. No one taught me.”

“Just one month? Itachi learned this much?” Hermione shook her head firmly. “I don’t believe it. Your parents must have taught Itachi!”

Harry couldn’t take it anymore. He stood up and shouted, “Enough! Both Yang and I are orphans. We have no parents—no one taught us any of this!”

“Orphan?” Hermione stared at Harry, then snapped back to reality and clapped her hand over her mouth, eyes filled with regret.

For someone raised as an orphan, nothing cut deeper than mentioning their parents.

“I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to—I didn’t know Itachi were…” Hermione stammered an apology to Chu Yang, her voice trembling with tears, sincere and ashamed.

This atmosphere was the last thing Chu Yang wanted.

Couldn’t they just sit quietly until they reached Hogwarts?

Chu Yang sighed and forced a small smile. “Miss Granger, I don’t care about being an orphan. The orphanage I came from was small and old, but everyone there was kind.”

“Headmistress Anna organizes birthday parties for the children every year, telling us that even if our parents aren’t here, someone still loves us.”

I grew up in a good environment. I’m not ashamed or insecure about my background.

“Yes, yes, I know,” Hermione nodded frantically, still apologetic—she thought Chu Yang was putting on a brave face; the more calm he seemed, the more she believed he was suffering inside.

Even Ron stood up to apologize for his attitude. Suddenly, the snacks in his hand lost all flavor.

The two kind-hearted students stood before Chu Yang, endlessly apologizing—the atmosphere in the compartment grew heavier.

Oh heavens!

What are Itachi two doing?

I just want Itachi to be quiet so I can read my book!

Is this really necessary?

Helpless, Chu Yang grabbed the snacks beside him and shoved them into Hermione’s and Ron’s mouths. “Eat! Finish them, and I’ll forgive Itachi—that’s your punishment.”

Without a word, they both began eating.

The compartment fell silent. Chu Yang smiled in satisfaction and returned to his book.

Harry stared, bewildered.

Is there really such a thing as a punishment that involves giving someone snacks?

(End of Chapter)