The night before had been exhausting enough, with taking care of the students that had taken shelter in the Ravenclaw tower. Then finding out in the morning about Gareth's murder had hit them hard. Russell had very little time to grieve before he had to prepare for the coming full moon.
The change always made him feel exhausted and restless. Not being able to run and hunt frustrated the wolf. Harry had made it better though. It had been sweet of her to spend the night keeping him company and reading to him. The former auror was a true friend.
When he had transformed back to his human form in the morning, he had laid on the cold floor, panting for a few minutes before he rose and dressed. He knew he looked bad. Using the back hallways he made his way to his living quarters. Russ knew that Evie would be waiting there for him. She too was a good friend. He didn't know how he deserved such good friends.
Several feet from his living quarters door, he could already smell the food and his mouth was already watering. Evie had been busy. He went inside, "That smells wonderful."