"Of course, Professor, you can definitely handle it, but if you get hurt or accidentally injure it, it's quite troublesome, isn't it... Leave this small matter to me,"
"Then what about tomorrow?" Snape asked, drawing out the question. "I don't think Potter can handle a 5X attack-prone magical creature."
"I can handle it, Professor," Kael said, "One night's time is enough."
Snape stared at him for a while longer, then leaned over and said meaningfully, "Then make sure I don't see it again..."
With that, he stood up again and strode out of the auditorium.
It wasn't until his figure completely disappeared that Kael let out a long sigh of relief.
He glanced at the untouched plate of toast and sausages in front of him and decisively pushed them aside, planning to take them back for the Nundu to try later; he got himself a new serving.
Who knows if Snape added any special "seasoning" to his food earlier? Although the possibility is slim, Kael still thought it best to be cautious.
Seeing his actions, Conna couldn't help but chuckle, picking up another cookie.
Kael sighed.
The most annoying thing about Snape is that he walks almost silently and can always appear nearby at critical times.
Kael had encountered this several times, and it was quite bothersome.
After dinner, Conna went to the library as usual, intending to read a bit more before curfew.
Kael, since he didn't have to write any plans today, didn't follow along.
Meanwhile, Harry also returned to the dormitory.
Everyone else had gone home, and without anyone to chat with, bored Harry lay in bed early and drifted off to sleep in a daze.
...
The next day.
Although reluctant, Harry arrived at the underground classroom at the appointed time.
With one minute to nine, Harry habitually stood in the corridor, ready to enter right at nine.
But at that moment, the office door was opened from the inside.
Kael walked out and met Harry's gaze.
"I just was about to look for you," Kael said, "We're not learning here today; we're going somewhere else."
"Where to?" Harry asked.
"Eighth floor, Room of Requirement," Kael said.
"Room of Requirement..." Harry became tense immediately, "Snape knows about it, too?"
"No, he doesn't know yet; it's a place I chose," Kael said as he walked to the stairs, "Didn't you want to learn Occlumency from me before? Snape agreed."
"Really?"
Harry felt a surge of immense joy; it was the best news he had heard in almost a month.
"Yes, it's true," Kael said casually, "But there's something I must remind you of: I don't know how to teach others Occlumency... Don't look at me like that, I really don't know."
Seeing Harry's skeptical look, Kael continued, "However, if you agree, I can recommend to you the way I learned Occlumency."
"Of course, I agree," Harry said eagerly, "As long as I don't have to see Snape again."
"Don't speak too soon..." Kael murmured softly.
Soon they reached the eighth floor, and Kael opened the door to the Room of Requirement, entering first with Harry quickly following behind.
He found himself in a very large room, so vast it seemed boundless; above was not a ceiling but a sky with floating white clouds, beneath was soft grass, and nearby, there was a lake almost as large as the Black Lake.
For a moment, Harry even thought he was outside.
"This place is amazing..." Harry closed his eyes, enjoying the breeze that greeted him.
Truly, Kael had far surpassed Snape just by choosing this learning location.
Learning Occlumency in such a comfortable place was certainly better than in a dark and cramped office!
"What should I do?" Harry eagerly asked.
"Don't rush," Kael clapped his hands.
With a low roar, Harry suddenly found himself in front of...
A... leopard... tiger... lion?
Harry didn't know what this creature was; it looked like an enlarged feline but with six legs.
And surely neither a cat nor tiger could have six legs, right?
Harry's confusion was quickly answered.
"This is a Wampus Cat," Kael said, "A magical creature classified as 5X by the Ministry of Magic, extremely dangerous."
Harry's eyes showed a hint of fright, and he unconsciously stepped back two steps.
5X, isn't that on par with a Fire Dragon?
No wonder it had six legs! These bizarre magical creatures were nothing to mess with.
"Of course, this Wampus Cat in front of you is special; it won't attack you," Kael explained.
To prove this, he scratched the Wampus Cat's chin under Harry's scared gaze.
The creature immediately squinted its eyes in enjoyment, purring with satisfying sounds, looking just like a larger cat.
This gradually put Harry at ease, and he asked curiously, "But Kael, how did the Room of Requirement have this cat... well, Wampus Cat?"
"I borrowed it, of course," Kael continued, "In fact, in the beginning, it was with this creature that I learned Occlumency."
"The Wampus Cat is a natural Legilimency master, just like how Tonks is a Metamorphmagus; their blue eyes can see through everything, including your inner heart."