The photographs took quite a long time. Rita Skeeter single-handedly directed where everyone stood, and only when she was satisfied with the pictures was Su Er finally able to leave.
Once outside the classroom, Su Er hurried toward the Castle's Second Floor at a jog. Harry, following behind him, had no time to stop him. He had been wondering whether to go along and see how Hermione was doing, but then thought better of it. What would I go for? To watch those two being lovey-dovey?
So Harry took a different turn and headed toward the Great Hall.
Thanks to Rita Skeeter's repeated fussing, it was nearly dinnertime. Most people in the Castle were in the Great Hall, and Su Er encountered no one on his way to the Hospital Wing until he was almost at the door, when he came face-to-face with someone.
"Draco Malfoy!" Su Er gave a cold laugh and blocked his path. "Did you get hit by a spell too?"
"Su... Su..." Finding his way blocked, Malfoy looked up to see Su Er's glowering face and hopped back several paces as though he had stepped barefoot on a sharp stone.
"The very same." Smiling, Su Er drew his wand.
Malfoy was terrified and slid back another stretch.
"What are you trying to do? This is Hogwarts! Don't try anything." Malfoy's expression was stern, but he could not hide the uncertainty beneath his voice.
"Madam Pomfrey's right inside!"
"So what? Malfoy, I haven't done anything to you." Su Er casually twirled his wand and advanced a few steps.
As Su Er advanced, Malfoy retreated, drawing his own wand and pointing it at Su Er.
"You're the one holding a wand at me. What, do you want to have a little duel?" Su Er raised his eyebrows.
"Want