The moment Draco said those words, everyone's expression changed, including those of the Slytherins beside him.
Across from him, Hermione's face instantly turned ashen, and her lips trembled. Angelina's normally healthy, wheat-colored skin went pale as the blood drained from her face. Alicia Spinnet covered her mouth, staring at Draco in disbelief as she said in a trembling voice, "You... how dare you..."
Flint, captain of the Slytherin Quidditch Team, had to step forward, trying to shield Draco behind him. But he was too slow.
Harry charged forward almost immediately, casually tossing aside the Nimbus 2000 he normally treasured, and landed a right hook on Malfoy's nose.
Last year, Dudley had joined the Boxing Club and Wrestling Club at his secondary school, making considerable progress in his technique. During the holidays, worried that Harry might be bullied at school, his older cousin Dudley had personally taught him every last trick he knew.
Harry had not actually taken it very seriously at first. After all, even at Hogwarts, he was generally the one doing the bullying. But after practicing along with Dudley, he found it quite interesting, so he had put some real effort into practicing over the holidays.
He had originally thought he might never get a chance to use any of it, treating it merely as a way to improve his agility. Yet, to his surprise, the school year had barely begun before an opportunity arose.
Harry struck so fast that Draco had no time to react before the fist hit him. Stars danced before Draco's eyes as he staggered backward. His nose stung and ached, and tears streamed uncontrollably down his face.
He instinctively covered his nose, faintly feeling warm liquid flowing between his fingers and onto his hand.
It was blood!
Draco was utterly stunned. Although he