"Oh--well no--I didn't mean it in that way," Ernie said, flushing with embarassment. He was admittedly a bit startled about what was just pointed out to him a he had spent the better part of his second year at Hogwarts doing his best to protect Justin, toward whom he had no romantic incliniations towards either. As much as Zacharias would poke fun and insist at that being his whole motive.
"You're welcome. I guess at times everyone needs someone to constantly stay on their case to take care." Well, that's why he had a little sister to ensure that he at least visited his family every so often (like it or not), Hannah who made sure he ate at least once daily, and Justin who ensured that he didn't become a Percy Weasley.