As it was, Hermione reasoned that whatever rubbish Skeeter would print would at least keep her from lashing out about the missing students - two of whom Hermione was adamant about keeping as safe as possible, even if she weren't able to do so by their side. Going back to Hogwarts without Ron and Harry had been the right choice, she knew it deep in her heart. But it still made her sick with worry for not being able to contact them to find out how much further progress they had made in their search for the real locket.