Professor Lupin's office was very different from Lockhart's.
Zhang Xiao still remembered how Lockhart's office had been covered in portraits of himself. The most eye-catching thing had been the enormous, silver-plated full-length mirror with gilded edges and clawed feet that could move on its own.
It might have looked ostentatious, but he had to admit that Lockhart used quality goods. In terms of price, at least, they certainly qualified.
Professor Lupin's office was very plain. Everything had an air of age about it, and a few photographs sat on the desk.
At the moment, however, their occupants were all absent, leaving only empty backgrounds.
A stove stood beside the two of them, with a black cast-iron kettle simmering on top.
In the corner stood a large water tank. A sickly green creature with little pointed horns pressed its face against the glass, pulling faces and constantly flexing its long, slender claws.
It was a Grindylow.
"A water demon." Lupin noticed Zhang Xiao's gaze and smiled. "It shouldn't be too difficult to deal with. The trick is to break its grip.
"Have you noticed those abnormally long claws? Strong, but brittle.
"I think a single Relashio would send them fleeing."
The Grindylow bared its green teeth, then buried itself in a tangled clump of weeds in the corner of the tank.
"Would you like some tea?" Lupin asked, looking around for something.
"Sure." Zhang Xiao accepted cheerfully.
He had just been wondering how to approach Professor Lupin. If only Sirius were here-one friend could introduce another.
"Where's the tea gone?" Lupin muttered, then simply raised his wand. "All right-Tea Tin Accio!"
A small tin flew out of the rubbish bin.
The smile froze on Lupin's face. He hastily waved his wand to send the tin back and said awkwardly,
"Sorry. It