Ernie just nodded. They would find a cure, they would take care of their own. If not, the Wizarding World was dead, there was no way they could quarantine the disease forever, no way that they could just hope it would kill itself. Things like this always found a way to spread. “Thank you. I just… I hope that there is something that can be done for Cedric if… if something needs to be done, you know?”
“I really… I really do appreciate it, Hermione.” Ernie said softly, his eyes cast downward slightly as his cheeks turned a light pink. “And I mean--- like everything, Hermione. I appreciate all of this, bringing me my assignments, and promising to help me and with thinking I’m not crazy and looking up things for Cedric for me.” He ran a hand through his hair a bit and finally smiled over at her. “I appreciate you coming to keep me company, Hermione. You-- you’re great.”