Slughorn wore a satisfied smile and beckoned Sean over. "Excellent, Mr. Wallop. You saved me."
"You're too kind, sir."
"No, no, I mean every word. At my age, I ought to be sitting in a little house, basking in the sun and listening to music every day. It would be good for my health."
Slughorn chattered away as he led Sean to his office on the seventh floor.
It was a sweltering, crowded room, even though Slughorn's office was much larger than those of the other professors.
Emerald green, deep crimson, and gold draperies hung from the ceiling and walls, making it feel at first glance as though one had stepped into a tent. A luxurious golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, with glowing little fairies flickering within it.
However, the chandelier seemed to be missing quite a few decorations, making it look rather strange.
The room was filled with sofas and armchairs. In the center stood an enormous round dining table, presumably used by Slughorn to entertain members of his Slug Club.
At the very edge stood a black metal trunk, which appeared to be used for storing valuables.
Against the wall beside the trunk, several cabinets stood with their doors and drawers wide open, their contents thoroughly rummaged through.
Slughorn waddled over to the cabinets, frowning as he muttered, "I'll never keep silver powder and gold powder in the potion cabinet again. Damn Niffler..."
He turned to Sean and said, "Mr. Wallop, just sort those ingredients and put them away. Please help me put the spilled powders back as well."
"Of course, sir." Sean took the bulb-tipped dropper Slughorn handed him and began this bout of voluntary labor.
Slughorn found himself a tasseled footstool and sat nearby. When he saw Sean carefully return his five-Galleon-an-ounce Powdered Horn of