Ernie first tried to wave away Theodore's question, but the hand reaching out to him combined with the note of concern in his voice had Ernie pausing. He reached out himself to place a hand on Theodore's, trying to ward off the worry.
"I'm sorry to worry you," he said in a voice that was much more normal now that he wasn't coughing. "I'm fine, I just breathed and swallowed at the same time. I promise you, I'm okay." The smile he offered was bright and comforting and affectionate as Ernie tried to relay only positive emotions. He would think about Malfoy later, but bad feelings and memories from Hogwarts didn't have any place in this tentative first date.