"Everyone, calm down!" Bing Huan stepped between them, stopping their argument.
"You're still defending her!" Ron raged. "Scabbers was killed!"
"I said, calm down." When Bing Huan spoke again, his voice had turned icy. "Look at the fur in your hand. Since when did Crookshanks's fur turn from ginger to gold? How come I didn't know?"
Besides, you all know how much Old Leng has changed these past two years. Do I look like the sort of person who'd mistreat my girlfriend's pet? Crookshanks!"
"Meow~" A yellow streak of lightning shot out from the stairwell and leaped into Bing Huan's arms. Crookshanks was now sleek and well-proportioned, with a glossy coat. Compared to when he'd first been bought, he looked like a completely different cat. "He hasn't quite gained intelligence yet, but his constitution has already improved.
"I'll leave the cat here. I'll stay up all night with you and see if you can manage to pull out any fur. Besides, I don't think a rat is more appealing than the food I cook. It's not just the cat—I've spoiled all of your palates, haven't I?"
"That cat's been after Scabbers from the start. Who else would care about an ordinary rat?"
"Ron." Bing Huan sighed. "You're angry right now, and I don't blame you. But in the future, when something happens, ask yourself why. It'll do you no harm."
The night passed without incident. The next day, Bing Huan went alone to the Dark Arts Defense classroom.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Snape opened the door.
"Professor Snape? I came to see Professor Lupin. Is he not here?"
Snape expressionlessly shook his head. Bing Huan stared at the glass vial in his hand.
"Professor, that's Wolfsbane Potion, isn't it?"
Snape glanced at the boy before him, somewhat surprised. "I thought the