[Quite frankly, the patronus is needed. He'd been shivering from the cold despite his best efforts, and his eyes light up at the familiar sight of Hermione's otters. He gives them an affectionate pat, calmed enough by the warmth and cheer radiating from the spell that he grins broadly at the sound of Hermione's voice.] Hermione! You're a welcome sight in an unwelcome situation! [He runs to hug her, and up close she might feel the thinness in his arms or get a better look at the puffy swollen patch around his blackened eye.]
[action] - It'll be the little RP engine that Could.