The Beating Was Still Too Light

Harry swallowed the food in his mouth, thought for a moment, and said, "I'll probably go back to Hogwarts. It's my final year, and I want to finish my studies."

.

"That makes sense." Veratia nodded seriously. "NEWTs results will definitely help with your future development, although you certainly won't have to worry about finding a job."

"Exactly," Cassandra said slowly from the side, "the Ministry of Magic, the Confederation, St. Mungo's's —which one wouldn't be vying for him?"

"And Gringotts," Bill interjected, "In the world of Curses Specialist, rare talents like Harry command high prices."

"Hey, hey, hey," Harry raised his hand in exasperation, "Could you guys please stop discussing my net worth in front of me?"

Everyone laughed.

"And you? What are your plans after School Opening?" Veratia suddenly asked Cassandra.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "What, so concerned about me?"

"Of course," Veratia smiled slightly, "After all, we'll be seeing each other often in the future, so it's more convenient to know your schedule."

Cassandra gave a soft "humph," but still answered, "I plan to go back to Hogwarts and apply for a professorship. I don't have much to do anyway, do I?"

"That's good," Veratia said meaningfully, "It saves Harry from having to run back and forth."

Cassandra glanced at her. "You're actually thinking of him."

"Same to you."

The two exchanged a glance, then simultaneously looked away.

Ginny, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked.

"It's nothing," Ginny shook her head, her eyes full of schadenfreude. "I just found it quite amusing."

Ron looked completely bewildered.

After lunch, everyone moved to the Living Room.

Kingsley and Arthur were still working on the radio; it could already pick up several channels, and Arthur was as excited as if he had discovered New World. George and Fred were huddled together, scribbling and drawing on Parchment with Quill, probably designing a new product.

Bill and Phoebe leaned against the sofa; Phoebe's belly was already slightly protruding, Bill carefully protected her. Lupin and Tonks sat in the corner, the latter leaning on Lupin's shoulder, taking a nap with her eyes closed.

Anne sat by the window, holding a book in her hands, engrossed in reading, occasionally turning a page.

Harry sat on the sofa, finally having a complete sofa. Veratia and Cassandra sat on either side of him, but at least they weren't crammed onto the armrests.

Veratia leaned on his right shoulder, her eyes closed, her breathing even.

She didn't sleep much last night—there was a ton of stuff to do at the Confederation, so she rushed over early this morning.

Cassandra sat to his left, holding a book she had casually picked up from Mr. Weasley's bookshelf, occasionally turning a page, but her gaze would drift to the window from time to time.

"If you're sleepy, take a nap," Harry whispered to Veratia.

Veratia opened her eyes and glanced at him.

"I'll stay with you for a while," she said, "But I have to go soon."

"So fast?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I have things to do with the Confederation," Veratia said. "There's an important meeting tomorrow, and I have to attend."

Cassandra hummed softly beside her, "Then be careful on your way."

Veratia looked at her, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes.

"Cass, are you worried about me?"

"It's just a polite remark," Cassandra said expressionlessly.

Veratia smiled, not exposing this arrogant monster.

As evening approached, Veratia got up to say goodbye.

She stood in front of the fireplace, turned to look at Harry, her eyes filled with reluctance and tenderness.

"Get some rest," she said. "I'll come home to see you in a few days."

"Okay." Harry nodded.

Veratia then looked at Cassandra.

"Cass, take good care of him."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Do you even need to tell me?"

Veratia smiled and then looked at Anne.

"Anne, take care too."

Anne looked up and waved at her.

"Goodbye."

Veratia nodded, glanced at Harry one last time, then turned and disappeared into the green light.

The flames in the fireplace flickered a few times, then returned to normal.

The Living Room was quiet for a while.

"She's gone," Cassandra said.

"Hmm." Harry nodded.

Cassandra looked at him and suddenly asked, "You can't bear to part with me?"

Harry nodded honestly. "A little."

Cassandra gave a soft hum, but said nothing.

Anne, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Cass is jealous."

"I didn't," Cassandra retorted immediately.

"Yes," Anne insisted.

Cassandra rolled her eyes at her, but ultimately didn't refute her.

After dinner, everyone sat around in the Living Room chatting.

Arthur finally figured out how the radio worked and excitedly explained it to everyone, but most people were still confused. George and Fred took the opportunity to promote their new product, but were glared at by Mrs. Weasley and became a little more reserved.

Ginny sat next to Anne, and the two chatted quietly, occasionally laughing out loud.

Bill and Phoebe went back to their room to rest early— Phoebe needed more rest.

Lupin and Tonks also said their goodbyes; Tonks had to go to the Ministry of Magic the next day.

Kingsley stayed behind and chatted with Harry for a while about the Confederation.

"The clearing operations in South America are progressing well," he said. "It should be completely over in two weeks at most."

Harry nodded. "That's good."

After exchanging a few words, Kingsley took his leave.

Finally, only Harry, Cassandra, Anne, Ron was dozing in the corner, and Hermione was reading a book were left in the Living Room.

"We should go back too," Cassandra said.

"Back to Grimmauld Place?" Anne asked.

"Hmm," Cassandra nodded, "The Burrow is nice, but Grimmauld Place is still more comfortable."

Anne looked at Harry.

Harry thought for a moment and said, "Then let's go back. We'll talk to Mrs. Weasley tomorrow morning."

"Good."

Anne stood up and stretched. With Sebastian not around, she had some peace and quiet today.

Ron groggily looked up. "You're leaving?"

"Okay," Harry said, "See you another day."

Ron waved his hand and fell down again.

Hermione put down her book, came over and hugged Harry, then hugged Cassandra and Anne.

"Be careful on the road," she said.

"Good."

The three returned to Grimmauld Place, Number 13 via the Floo Network.

The Living Room was quiet; the fire in the fireplace had gone out, and only moonlight streamed in through the window.

Ruby wasn't there; she should be resting in her little room.

"Finally back." Anne stretched lazily. "Home is so comfortable."

"Hmm." Cassandra nodded, walked to her usual armchair, and sat down.

Harry closed the door, looked at everything familiar in the Living Room, and smiled contentedly.

In the end, home is still the best.

Anne yawned and rubbed her eyes. "I'm going to sleep now. You guys should get some rest too."

She went upstairs, her footsteps fading into the distance.

Only Harry and Cassandra remained in the Living Room.

Harry walked over and sat down on the sofa next to her.

After a moment of silence, Cassandra asked, "Are you tired?"

"I'm fine," Harry said. "How about you?"

"It's alright," Harry said.

Cassandra stood up, walked over to Harry, and sat down next to him.

She leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Veratia's not here, but you've come over here anyway," Harry said softly.

Cassandra opened her eyes and glanced at him.

I leaned on her when she was around.

"Then why didn't you lean on me just now?"

"I don't want her to get cocky," Cassandra said.

Harry smiled.

"You two----"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Harry said, "I just find it pretty amazing."

Cassandra looked at him with a half-smile.

"What's so amazing about it?"

"It's amazing how you two can do this," Harry said. "You both love to argue, yet you can also get along peacefully."

Cassandra paused for a moment, then said, "Because there's no need."

"Yeah?"

"Of course," Cassandra said, "this was something we discussed a long time ago. And—"

She looked at Harry.

"And what?" Harry asked with great interest.

"And we all want what's best for you," Cassandra said. "As long as you're happy, nothing else matters."

Harry felt a warmth in his heart and reached out to put his arm around her shoulder.

Cassandra didn't struggle; instead, she snuggled closer to him.

The two sat there quietly, watching the embers in the fireplace slowly die down.

"Cass."

"Um?"

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for being willing to do this," Harry said. "Thank you for accepting all of this."

Cassandra was silent for a moment, then said softly, "You're welcome, I'm happy to."

Harry lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead.

Cassandra closed her eyes and smiled faintly.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the two men in their torment.

The Living Room was very quiet, with only the sound of each other's breathing.

Soft footsteps came from downstairs; Anne was probably going to wash up.

"Go to sleep," Cassandra said.

"Um."

The two stood up, held hands, and started talking together.

The next day, Harry opened his eyes and found himself lying in bed. This time, he clearly remembered how he had lost the money.

Last night I played mahjong with Cassandra, and then—then we practiced how to catch the Golden Snitch, and then I fell asleep.

He turned to look at the bend in the wall; Cassandra wasn't there.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

When he finished washing up and went downstairs, he found the Living Room already empty.

Anne sat on the old sofa by the window, wearing a light blue dress, her legs tucked into the sofa, looking lazy and comfortable.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Harry; her eyes crinkled into crescent moons.

Good morning.

"Good morning." Harry walked over and sat down next to her. "Why are you up so early?"

"I can't sleep." Anne, still holding her book, leaned closer to him. "It's a habit I developed from waking up early, a habit I formed back at Hogwarts."

Harry reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against him.

Anne squinted, like a kitten being stroked.

"What about Cassandra?" Harry asked.

"She's in Lou Kui's study," Anne said. "She went to organize those Blue Books early this morning; she said she wants to finish reading a few important ones before School Opening."

Harry laughed. "She's still the same."

"Hmm." Anne nodded. "What about Veratia? Is she coming today?"

"Probably not," Harry said. "She said yesterday that the Confederation has an important meeting and she'll be busy for several days."

Anne looked up at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"So you belong to us today?"

Harry pinched her cheek. "I've always belonged to you."

Anne smiled and nuzzled against him.

The two sat quietly, enjoying their rare time alone.

Ruby poked her head out from the Kitchen, saw them, and immediately shrank back, but soon brought out two cups of hot tea.

"Young master Harry, Miss Anne, please have some tea!"

"Thank you Ruby." Harry took the teacup.

Ruby hard her eyes narrowed to slits, then retreated back into the Kitchen to continue her work.

Anne held her teacup, sipping it slowly. Her gaze was fixed on the view outside the window, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Harry asked.

"I was thinking—" Anne paused, "I was thinking it's really nice this way."

"What's so good?"

"Like this," Anne gestured around, "Geshimo Square, morning, sunshine, tea, and you."

Harry's heart warmed, and he gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

Anne smiled, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Cassandra stepped down, still holding a thick Blue Books in her hand.

She saw the two people snuggling together on the sofa and raised an eyebrow.

"Wow, you're up early."

That's sarcastic; the "hit" wasn't strong enough.

Anne looked up, smiled, and said, "Good morning, Sister Cass."

Cassandra went over and sat down next to Harry. She placed the Blue Books on the coffee table and leaned naturally on Harry's shoulder.

"What book are you reading?" Harry asked.

"A study of Landian Ancient Runes in the Malfoy family collection," Cassandra said. "Quite interesting; it discusses the origins of Ancient Egyptian Magic and Medieval European Magic."

"That sounds very profound," Anne said.

"It's alright." Cassandra looked at her. "If you want to see it, you can borrow it after you're done."

Anne's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course," Cassandra nodded, "But be careful, it's a rare copy."

"I'll be careful!" Anne nodded hurriedly to assure her.

Harry laughed.

"What are you laughing at?" Cassandra noticed his expression.

"It's nothing," Harry said, "I just feel pretty good."

Cassandra gave a soft hum, but said nothing.

Anne smiled.

At breakfast, the three of them sat around the table. Ruby brought out hot fried eggs, bacon, toast, and a large pot of hot tea.

"Ruby, sit down and eat with us," Harry said.

Ruby quickly waved her hand. "Ruby is House Elf, she can't eat with her master!"

"You are family," Anne said, "Not a servant."

Ruby's eyes reddened, but she still shook her head. "Ruby, go eat in the Kitchen. Food Ruby tastes better!"

She retreated back into the Kitchen, leaving the three of them staring at each other in bewilderment.

"She's always like this," Harry said helplessly.

"The Elf ' fixed nature," Cassandra said, "Is hard to change."

Anne nodded and continued eating her breakfast.

After dinner, the three moved to the Living Room.

Cassandra continued reading her Blue Books, Anne picked up the book she hadn't finished, and Harry leaned back on the sofa, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

"By the way," Anne suddenly spoke up, "When is Veratia coming back?"