Hermione felt her pulse quicken just slightly as Ernie chose to sit beside her. If she shifted just slightly their knees would touch. It was only a little thing, but yes. She wanted that.
Her cheeks were all but glowing as Ernie spoke again, mirroring the colour in his own. "Oh my goodness," Hermione whispered. "I find- I think- I'm very happy when I'm around you. And I like spending time with you. And I find myself wanting to do it more. To spend more time with you. Alone." Alone. They were quite alone now. Aside from the house elves, but once they'd placed their tea and sandwiches down they scurried about, ignoring the two humans among them.
Hermione reached over and took Ernie's hand again, moving them to her lap, making sure he knew it was okay to touch her.