"We will," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"What's wrong with Harry, exactly?" Sirius asked impatiently as soon as Madam Pomfrey left. "He's alright, isn't he?"
"Of course, Sirius," Dumbledore said. "He's just had a bit of a shock. He should wake up soon."
As Dumbledore finished speaking, Harry, lying on the hospital bed, slowly opened his eyes. He looked around and realized he was no longer in the Ministry of Magic's main hall.
"Where is this..." he asked hoarsely.
"Hogwarts Hospital Wing," Sirius said.
No wonder it felt so familiar... Harry only felt a sharp pain on his forehead. Turning his head, he saw Ron and Hermione next to him, and further away, two Aurors.
"How are they?" he asked anxiously, not caring about the burning pain from his scar.
"Don't worry, everyone's fine," Sirius reassured him.
"That's good." Harry pressed his scar again. "What happened just now?"
"That's what I want to know," Sirius said.
"I suspect it was another form of Imperio, even more sinister than the original Unforgivable Curse," Dumbledore said softly. "If Voldemort had enough time, he could have used your body to fight."
Harry suddenly recalled; he remembered feeling like a monster with red eyes had wrapped tightly around him, leaving him immobile while it controlled his body.
"We have you to thank for helping us buy time..." Dumbledore turned to look at Kael.
"It was the Wampus Cat, not me," Kael said.
"I was about to ask," Dumbledore said, his tone slightly rising, "When did another Wampus Cat end up in your case? I don't seem to recall there being such a creature in the Forbidden Forest."
"I borrowed it from Newt," Kael said truthfully. "To help Harry learn Occlumency."
"Yes," Harry said, shivering involuntarily. "That's not exactly a pleasant memory."
"I see," Dumbledore nodded.
"Wait..." Sirius looked at them, his eyes somewhat confused. "What's this got to do with the Wampus Cat?"
"Don't you ever read?" Lupin looked at him disdainfully.
Harry found it a bit familiar. Oh right, it was the same look Hermione gave him and Ron when she helped them review schoolwork before the end of term.
"Do you think I had time to read?" Sirius said, defiantly holding his ground.
Lupin sighed helplessly and explained, "The Wampus Cat is a rare fantastic beast, and it's even faster than most broomsticks when it runs.
"And their eyes, their blue eyes, can see into your mind, making them natural masters of Legilimency. I guess that's why you used it to teach Harry Occlumency."
"Exactly," Kael nodded. "That's how I learned it. Although the process was tough, it was effective."
Harry shivered again.
Kael really was too modest; it wasn't just "tough." Honestly, he was still having nightmares about it, seeing a six-legged creature chasing him every time he closed his eyes.
"Only someone as close to Mr. Scamander as you could learn Occlumency in such a luxurious way," Lupin sighed enviously. "Wampus Cats are extremely rare, and most people probably wouldn't see one in their lifetime."
Kael shook his head and didn't say anything.
Sirius, however, only seemed more puzzled.
"But what does that have to do with what happened earlier? Is You-Know-Who afraid of the Wampus Cat seeing his secrets?"
"Hold on," Lupin continued, "Besides Legilimency, Wampus Cats have another ability. When their eyes turn purple, they can hypnotize their prey."
"That's right," Dumbledore said. "The hypnotic ability of the Wampus Cat temporarily disrupted Tom's control over Harry's mind. He probably never expected to be outdone by a fantastic beast."
Dumbledore felt a bit like laughing but restrained himself for the occasion.
"But why wasn't Kael affected?" Harry said querulously. "Sorry Kael, I don't mean anything by it, but I did see the dark mist circle you first."
"Because of Occlumency," Dumbledore explained seriously. "At that moment, Voldemort was extremely weakened and couldn't penetrate Kael's mind. But I suppose even if he were in top condition, he wouldn't succeed."
"But I also know Occlumency," Harry said impulsively.
This time, everyone's gaze in the hospital, even the recently awakened Hermione, shook her head.
"I have a question, Harry," Dumbledore calmly asked. "Since Christmas, have you actively practiced Occlumency?"
"No, I haven't," Harry admitted, blushing and stammering.
Not only hadn't he practiced, but he had also returned all the Occlumency books to the library.
"There's your answer, then," Dumbledore said, looking at him. "As far as I know, Kael has been studying Occlumency continuously for three years without stopping."
Harry's face turned even redder, and he lowered his head, unable to speak.
No wonder Voldemort was thwarted with Kael but managed to overpower him without resistance.
"I suggest you start doing the same, Harry," Dumbledore advised.
"I will," Harry nodded.
Dumbledore was right; he needed to delve deeper into Occlumency, to prevent today's events from repeating.
If anyone had been injured because of it today, he might never be able to forgive himself.
"Alright, let's stop here for today," Dumbledore said, standing up.
"But Professor, I still have lots of questions..."
Harry still wanted to ask more, but Dumbledore shook his head, "No rush, you can ask them tomorrow. If we continue disturbing your rest, Madam Pomfrey will surely come to shoo us away."
"But you're the headmaster..." Harry said.
"No, in here, even the headmaster's words hold no sway," Dumbledore said with a smile, turning to leave the Hospital Wing.
"Get some rest."
Sirius and Mr. Weasley also wished to stay, but after hesitating for a moment, they followed suit.