"No, of course it isn't." Ernie shook his head, trying to clear away the thoughts. He was finally going to get away for a little bit, and maybe that would help put some perspective on it all. Now wasn't the time, anyway.
Ernie sighed first, as he looked ahead at the hallway, before turning his head and smiling at Padma. "You're right, though. It'll still be imperative to get excellent marks. So a change in the subject. Anything new in the life of the fabulous Padma Patil?"