"As long as it eats rats, it's fine." Ron quickly said, "I'm not picky, as long as it can eat rats—"
"Are you still mad at Hermione now?" Harry chuckled and stepped forward, patting Ron on the shoulder, "I remember you were arguing with Hermione yesterday because her parrot was spinning Banban around in a wheel, right? So what should you say to her now?"
Ron puffed up his cheeks and walked over to Hermione.
Hermione was enthusiastically recounting last night's events to her friends when Ron came over, startling her.
She promised she absolutely hadn't exaggerated anything, just described how that rat was really...
Haha...
"Hermione," Ron said with his head down, "I want to apologize—I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Hermione was stunned, unsure of what Ron was getting at.
"It's about the thing with Jack yesterday," Ron continued with his head down, "I owe you and Jack an apology, I hope you can forgive me—"
"Oh, it's about that..." Hermione said, patting Ron's shoulder, "Don't worry, Ron, I haven't held it in my heart for a long time. Honestly—you were a victim too, weren't you?"
"Uh-huh!" Ron's head bobbed rapidly in agreement.
"If you want a new pet, I think I can help you pick one," Hermione gently considered Ron's feelings, "Or if there's anything you want, you can tell me, and we can go to the Magical Creatures Pet Shop together, I'll help you choose."
"Thank you, Hermione."
Ron became teary-eyed.
One must admit, the tender nature of girls can really have a profound impact on young boys, at least Ron thought so.
"Eat something," Hermione said to Ron, "You can't keep not eating... Harry, would you like to join us for a bite?"
"Sure, why not."
Harry naturally didn't refuse and sat down right next to the two of them.
"Let me think," Harry knocked on the table lightly, "How about some snacks—like frozen rats?"
Ron's face fell immediately.
"Oh my goodness, Harry," He said with a dark expression, "Please, don't mention rats, okay? I never want to see another rat in my life..."
"Hahaha..." Harry laughed mischievously, patting Ron's shoulder, "Lighten up, buddy, it's no big deal... Remember, I was also one of the victims, didn't you know? I even held Banban once..."
At this point, Harry paused suddenly.
Wait, I actually held Banban... even cradled him...
Harry's face suddenly turned pale, he dry-heaved loudly.
"Oh god..." Harry exclaimed, with a voice seemingly from the depths of his soul, "I don't feel so good either, buddy..."
"Haha..." Ron laughed awkwardly, patting Harry's back to comfort him, "Okay, maybe I'm not the only unlucky one."
It's a weekend, after eating, they needed to stay in the hall for self-study—or they could go outside and take a walk by the Black Lake.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others went to the Quidditch Pitch to clear their minds.
Harry originally wanted to find Vivi but came up empty-handed—Vivi wasn't at the Slytherin table and was nowhere to be found.
Harry just figured Vivi had returned to the Muggle World for school, so he didn't think much of it and invited Ron to the Quidditch Pitch to unwind.
After all, Ron needed something to help him forget the mental shadows; a bit of leisure and entertainment was necessary to lighten the mood.
"How about trying some training?" Harry cheerfully said to Ron, "Hop on the broom—I remember you've always wanted to join Quidditch, right? Next year Wood's retiring, maybe you could apply for Wood's position, what do you think?"
"Can I?" Ron grinned widely.
You must know, as a Quidditch enthusiast, Ron never turns down the chance for an exhilarating Quidditch match.
What can help him forget his troubles?
Besides chicken legs, it's Quidditch!
Hermione pursed her lips, considering Ron's current emotional state, and decided to swallow back the words she was about to say.
The priority right now is to help Ron forget his worries, she thought.
"Why not give it a try?" Harry laughed, "Wood and the others just came out over there, maybe you can go up and give it a shot? Let Wood teach you."
"But I'm not very familiar with him..." Ron hesitated.
"No worries." Harry pulled him over to Wood's side and said, "Oliver—I mean, can you take Ron along for training? I think he has some Quidditch talent."
Wood gave Ron a once-over, nodded, and said, "Ron Weasley, right? Hmm... Another Weasley... I think you could definitely try, your brother Charlie, and those twins are Gryffindor Quidditch players, maybe you have a knack for it, too."
"Oh Oliver." Fred and George chimed in, "What about Percy?"
"He doesn't count." Wood replied without hesitation.
"Come on and try—let me see your flying skills." Wood said to Ron.
Harry handed the Flying Broom to Ron, "Go give it a try, Ron—"
Ron was slightly nervous, as he was about to ride the Light Wheel 2000 for the first time; before, he'd always used the Sweeping Seven Stars in flying class, which was not only inferior in performance but also nowhere near the speed of the Light Wheel 2000.
"Well, I'll give it a shot." Ron swallowed and said.
"Don't be nervous, pal." Harry patted Ron's arm, "Don't be nervous, you're good like this."