Ernest hadn't even had a chance to get a good look at the thing before they were joined by a third party. The redhead he had expected, based on the description he'd been given at the Ministry, but this new man was a surprise. Ernest raised an eyebrow at him, wondering if he ought to look familiar. He was certainly acting with an air of confidence, as though he had some sort of authority in this situation, but he didn't work for the Ministry, nor was he anyone from the civilian sector that Ernest thought he ought to be familiar with.

"Won't know 'till we touch it," Ernest said in a rather casual tone in response to the younger man's question, though he kept his eyes on the interloper. "And you are, sir?" he asked, when it became obvious the man had no immediate intention of introducing himself.