It was easy for Ernie to lose time in the library. He’d originally wandered in just to return a few of the books he’d taken out, but easily found himself wandering from shelf to shelf idly musing to himself as he browsed the book spines. He’d had a stressful few weeks, and it was comfortable and safe for him in the library. Nothing bad ever happened there, and it was cool and quiet. It was a nice place to think.
He heard Hermione clear as day though, and his smile brightened as he turned to face her. He’d been spending a lot of time with her lately, and his respect for her quickly turned into a deeper sort of admiration. He was honestly giddy whenever she said his name. He stepped towards her a bit quickly.
“Good Afternoon, Hermione. How are you today?” It was sort of lame, he thought to himself, that he couldn’t think of something more clever to say to her.