Hermione could only look at him when he claimed that water was tightly controlled on the ship, and then went on to list things it was used for. Like the pool. And gardens. Needless to say, the look she gave him was skeptical, at best.

"I'd been forced to live in a tent for about a year; if not for magic, the only water we would have had would have been rainwater, and anything we could melt from the snow or distill from lakes. Even with magic, I'd really prefer not to go without a proper shower longer than I have to."

It wasn't a competition, though, and so Hermione shrugged and gave him a small grin. "I'll be happy to take a walk with you whenever you - and your boots - are up to it. A little advanced warning is nice, just to make sure I won't be in class or have a pressing deadline, but more often than not, my schedule is largely open." Getting up, she glanced back towards the little nook where she usually set up her research. "You can usually find me over there when I'm free. Either way, I appreciate the conversation, Kirk. I hope things get easier for you to bear."