The atmosphere at Hogwarts was getting to be overwhelming, and Ernie could see its effects on everyone. After witnessing a fourth year Hufflepuff have a full on anxiety attack earlier in the week, he thought that perhaps he could convince Madame Pomfrey to let him keep some Calming Draughts with him. Maybe then he could actually be useful and help to calm some people down, without having to send everyone in a steady stream to the hospital wing. Everyone seemed to be on the verge of some sort of emotional breakdown, himself included, and he just wanted to be helpful.
Just once he wanted to be able to help.
But when he rounded on the hospital wing, he saw Michael standing there, looking like he'd been in a fight, or more than likely, detention. But what he didn't understand was why he was standing outside the hospital wing instead of going inside.
"Michael?" he asked. Ernie was about to ask if he was okay, but it was more than clear that he wasn't.