Bringing dinner to Remus?
Percy's gaze followed Sirius's words to the parcel in his left hand, and his expression went blank.
Whether at the Ministry or at home, he had heard of the thriving business at Professor Breen and Professor Lupin's Learning Machine Workshop. According to internal estimates from the Department of International Magical Cooperation, the taxes the Learning Machine Workshop was expected to pay this year would raise the Ministry of Magic's annual commercial tax revenue by several percentage points over last year!
So... would Professor Lupin, who ran such a massive workshop, really have nowhere to eat?
His career at the Ministry had taught Percy something, at least. He did not point that out, instead stammering,
"I, um... oh. I'm going to the Learning Machine Workshop too—"
Sirius's words made Percy realize that Professor Lupin was probably still working overtime at the workshop. Under Sirius's surprised gaze, he raised the document bag in his hand.
"Professor Breen asked me to give this to Professor Lupin—"
"Amosta?"
Sirius was even more puzzled.
"Isn't he at Hogwarts?"
Percy was very glad Sirius had not heard about the task the Minister for Magic had given him. Otherwise, Sirius probably would not have looked kindly on him either.
"I, um... it's something at the Ministry. I just got back from Hogwarts. Professor Breen asked me to deliver this document to Professor Lupin on my way back. What should we do with him?"
Not wanting to discuss the matter any further, Percy looked at the criminal beneath Sirius's foot, trying to change the subject.
Percy's little ploy naturally could not escape Sirius's notice, but Sirius had no desire to pry too deeply into Percy's secrets either. After raising his brows slightly and giving Percy a long look, Sirius turned to Korkant with disgust.