Hermione had been given instructions to stay home and rest after her run in with the living inferi. Her arm was basically healed, but still sore from the wound of the previous day, which she had learned had only been made worse by the inexperienced person who tried to heal her. She didn't blame them though, they were just trying to help. But Hermione didn't want to stay home, there was too much to do, and her old department wouldn't let her come in and wear herself out, and her new department wouldn't let her begin training until she was fully healed. So instead of laying about being useless, she decided to go against the Healer's suggestion and venture out. And if Ron gave her an earful for it later, she'd just have to remind him that she never broke the rules before she met him, so really, it was his fault.
Not completely sure where to go, Hermione wandered a bit absently until she reached Diagon, then wandered more in there. She stopped finally at the Rising Loaf for a snack, and thought maybe she would get something for Ron, who was probably having the most stressful week ever. She stepped inside only to find a very friendly dog greeting her, who she gave a small pat and a laugh to before moving further in. That was when she caught eye of Lavender, and though part of her felt awkward enough to pretend she hadn't seen her, the other part of her felt bad for even thinking it. Michael had made it sound like Lavender was having a rough time, and even if they weren't friends per se, she still felt like she should be polite and say hello if nothing else. She slowly walked over to where she was sitting and out a slight smile on her face. "Hu Lavemder," she said quietly, not wanting to startle her if she hadn't seen Hermione yet. "How are you?"