pride growing from within her over their protective instincts and actions against the man
who had endangered Harry's life.
Besides, who was she to judge them? She had kept Rita Skeeter in a jar for several
weeks over the summer.
"It looks wonderful, Molly," Professor Lupin said in praise at the dinner table,
ladling stew into a bowl for Hermione and handing it across the table.
She smiled up at him in gratitude, taking the bowl from him. She curiously noticed
that he tucked into his own meal, having only served herself and Tonks, who was busy
changing her nose into whatever suggestion Ginny gave her.
Hermione supposed they were hoping to cheer up Harry, who had arrived earlier
that night. He had been furious with them all, but a lot of his wrath was saved for Professor
Dumbledore. The headmaster had been purposely leaving Harry in the dark over many
things—a fact that irked Hermione a great deal.
She was pleased, however, to see that Harry's presence had cheered up both
Professor Lupin and Sirius.
"Can't you get your own food?" Ron whispered.
She turned and stared at him, confused. "What?"
"You haven't noticed, 'Mione? Lupin serves your food at every meal.
You and Tonks. Has done since we got here."
"It's called being polite, Ronald." She scowled, hiding back the strange way it
pleased her to note that Ron was right, Professor Lupin had served her at every meal. And
he knows how I take my tea, she thought to herself as she remembered her meeting with him
in his office during her third year.
"I don't see him putting food on my plate," Ron grumbled with a pout.
Hermione rolled her eyes and did her best to pay attention to the conversation being
had between Bill and Professor Lupin about the goblin horde's potential involvement in
the war. It was difficult, however, when, at the other end of the table, Mundungus was
telling some sort of story that had the twins laughing loudly.