Hermione laughed at well, smiling. It was true, Ron and Harry had never really been academics. They were great people, she'd never fault their bravery and their smartness, but it wasn't book smart. "You're absolutely right. I don't think the pair of them have read more than five books between them," she said fondly. "I understand. I understand. That's why I thought you'd like this. I thought you'd- you'd want your work to do. Keep your mind off things." Hermione pursed her lips when Ernie mentioned Ellie. She knew the two of them were close, perhaps more than friends, she wasn't entirely sure. "Um. Well. I can let Ellie do everything, I don't want to step on anyone's toes-" she said softly.
She looked down at her hands on her knees as Ernie spoke about his flu. "It'll be fine. It'll be fine, Ernie. " Hermione hated promising things she didn't really know about. And she hated not knowing about things.
Hermione turned her head suddenly and looked at Ernie. He'd seen Cedric? He genuinely had? Hermione's breath caught and she shifted around to look at him. "Oh-" she started. "Oh. I wonder why now? I wonder why he'd come back now? I should ask the school ghosts if that's normal. Or maybe they all knew when they died- perhaps it's different depending on how you die- did you ask him? Have you spoken to him properly?" Hermione asked in rapid succession. "I'll ask the ghosts, maybe there's something to it- I'll read about it. Have you read anything about it? I'll bring some books next time," she gushed, fidgeting with excitement. "I wonder why now, though- maybe he came to you because he knew you could help him with... whatever it is."