Chapter 76: Only Draco Is Hurt

“Although Itachi said Itachi’d leave at noon, I still need to remind Itachi—the library closes at eight in the evening.”

As Irma led Chu Yang toward the Restricted Section, she couldn’t help reminding him again.

In her experience, Chu Yang almost always left right at closing time; if she didn’t warn him, he’d be locked in the library all night.

In the silent library, Mrs. Pince’s voice briefly echoed, then faded away.

The sun slipped past the library windows; the sky gradually darkened.

Before Chu Yang, the desk had unknowingly piled high with books bearing long, complicated titles.

He had fully memorized the entire contents of both the Apparition spell and the Extension Charm, and also studied insights from masters on magical incantations.

These included Newt Scamander’s understanding and expansion of the Extension Charm, as written in his book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Newt Scamander was exceptionally skilled in using the Extension Charm.

His carry-all bag was essentially a miniature world.

Newt’s ingenious ideas inspired Chu Yang deeply, drawing him in and making it impossible to look away.

“I know acquiring knowledge can be addictive, but Itachi must occasionally learn to balance work and rest.”

A deep, weathered voice sounded beside Chu Yang’s ear; he looked up to see Dumbledore, clad in a blue robe, watching him with concern.

He reminded Chu Yang: “Today is Halloween.”

“I didn’t think the library was closed yet…” Chu Yang awkwardly straightened the books on his desk, preparing to return them to the shelves one by one.

Dumbledore patted his shoulder, stopping him, then said: “Go to the Great Hall—the Halloween feast is about to begin. Leave these books on the table; Mrs. Pince will put them back.”

“Please apologize to Mrs. Pince on my behalf.” Seeing the hour was late, Chu Yang hurried off toward the Great Hall.

…

The Great Hall was packed, but the feast had not yet begun; since it was Halloween, seating was informal—students from all years and houses sat wherever they pleased.

Chu Yang scanned the room, looking for a quiet corner to sit, when he suddenly heard someone calling his name.

In the center of the hall, Draco was clearing a large table for Chu Yang with his cronies Goyle and Crabbe, piling it high with food and surrounding it with gifts.

His extravagant display drew attention—he seemed unaware that everyone around him was watching with amused, mocking glances.

Draco grinned triumphantly, waving repeatedly at Chu Yang, as if expecting praise.

Come over here!

Come on, just come over!

Everyone around was watching the spectacle; suddenly, Chu Yang felt like a panda in a zoo.

He cleared his throat and turned away, avoiding Draco’s hopeful gaze.

Then he saw Hermione waving at him too.

Chu Yang quickly walked over to Hermione’s table, leaving Draco standing there, stunned and embarrassed.

The worst part was…

Ron also stood up with Hermione and made a mocking face at Draco.

If this weren’t the Great Hall of Hogwarts but his own living room, Draco would have smashed the dishes.

“Malfoy really goes overboard—he still doesn’t realize Chu Yang hates being the center of attention,” Hermione thought, recalling Draco’s dramatic display, and shuddered.

“If Chu Yang weren’t a boy, I’d think Malfoy was trying to court him…” Ron added, then paused, suddenly realizing what he’d just said.

Moments later, Ron, Hermione, and Harry all stared at Chu Yang in surprise.

“Damn it, stop looking at me like that—I’m not like that!” Chu Yang’s eyelid twitched as he hurried to explain: “If I had to guess, it’s probably because of his father.”

“His father came to school last time clearly to cause trouble, but it ended up nothing—there must be another motive.”

The three nodded in understanding; Chu Yang was already a well-known genius and an orphan—naturally, influential families would take notice.

“But if he keeps this up, the whole school will think he’s in love with Itachi,” Hermione smirked, clearly enjoying the drama.

“I can’t just beat him up again—it wouldn’t make sense,” Chu Yang shrugged helplessly, looking utterly defeated. He didn’t fear direct confrontation—he feared subtle, persistent attention.

“Enough about that. Harry, how’s your training going?” Chu Yang shifted the topic to Harry, asking with concern: “The house tournament is coming soon—Itachi’re the Seeker. Aren’t Itachi under a lot of pressure?”

Harry smiled shyly: “It’s fine. At first I thought Itachi’d be the Slytherin Seeker—it was really stressful. But when Itachi said Itachi’d focus on studying and turned down the offer, my pressure dropped a lot.”

Quidditch training consumed a huge amount of free time, which clashed with Chu Yang’s urgent desire to absorb magical knowledge.

His interest in Quidditch was nothing compared to the spells and incantations in books.

If he had more free time in second or third year, Chu Yang might consider joining the Quidditch team.

Soon after, Neville arrived just in time and sat beside Chu Yang and the others; the Halloween feast officially began, and everyone laughed, drank, and enjoyed themselves.

Even Goyle and Crabbe were gorging themselves, leaving Draco alone, sullen and miserable.

In the Great Hall… only Draco was hurt.

(End of Chapter)