Hermione and Neville left the Hall together after the meal's end, having gotten caught up in avid conversation over dessert about whether non-magical plants with medicinal qualities might have valuable applications in the Wizarding World. Hermione was absorbed in the topic, gesticulating expansively as she argued her point, keeping absently in step with Neville. A billow of black robes whisked closely past her, and she glanced up to see Malfoy retreating down the corridor; heading in the direction of the Muggle Studies classroom with his white-blonde hair catching flickers and flares of the torchlight. Her gaze stayed on him even as she kept talking.