Of course, understanding did not mean agreement, much less sharing the same stance. Lupin helped himself to Donald's little favors every day, then recorded the other man's actions and compiled them for Vaughn. That was his job as a deputy; he would not neglect his duties just because he had received favors or because they got along well.
Donald probably did not mind either, considering Lupin had never hidden it from him.
Sipping coffee and letting his thoughts wander, Lupin chatted idly with James. Wizards were people too, especially ordinary wizards like them. Their conversations rarely involved anything lofty—mostly just the weather and gossip.
Until James looked at the distant sky and suddenly remarked, "Tomorrow is Christmas again!"
"Ah?"
Lupin, whose schedule had been a complete mess lately, was genuinely startled this time, even a little flustered. "How did time pass so quickly?"
James found his panic baffling. "Quick? How long has it been since you last looked at a calendar, mate?"
Even Lupin himself could not remember. All he recalled was being busy.
Naturally, that left him caught completely off guard by the "sudden" holiday. A layer of cold sweat even broke out on his forehead, and his coffee no longer smelled appealing.
Setting down his cup, Lupin hurried into the cave.
Compared to two days ago, the cave had changed again. After passing through the light gate, he was first met by a curtain of water—a true "curtain" made of water.
But this was actually a defensive measure similar to Thief's Downfall. At its core was a potion brewed by Vaughn that could wash away the effects of Disillusionment Charms, Transfiguration Charms, Polyjuice Potion, and the like.
Originally, it was nowhere near as powerful as Thief's Downfall. Thief's Downfall was an enormous defensive installation, and the "potion" flowing