Given how low flying Neville, too, had been the last few months, it was ironic that he should seek out Ernie now, when he was quickly developing a reputation for trouble with the Carrows. Still, he had always liked Ernie, though he was more often than not like to be found in Hannah's company, if he was going to be seen around Hufflepuff.
The note he'd burned in the Gryffindor common room fireplace, just in case, though he didn't think to bring something along as an alibi. If someone asked, he was on his way to the greenhouses and had stopped to talk with the Head Boy. That wasn't breaking any rules. Yet.
"Hullo, Ernie," he said casually when he'd reached the courtyard. He sat down quickly, hoping to draw less attention.