Nodding, Hazel followed Ernie back through the painting's entrance. She smiled gratefully at the house elves, but couldn't lift a hand to wave for fear she wouldn't be able to focus her eyes on the tray again.
Taking Ernie's words to heart, she didn't say a word as they made their way toward the common room, a little more slowly now with the tray. She felt good about what they were doing for the younger years, but all the same, Hazel wished she could've held Ernie's hand while doing it.
As they rounded a corner, she heard voices coming down the corridor, and she shot Ernie a terrified look. Her hands gripped the tray tightly lest she drop it.