On the walk back out of the forest, Ron and Hermione rushed ahead of them to walk side-by-side with Hagrid who was leading the way back into the snow-covered grounds. Harry watched them with interest: Ron and Hermione were peering up at Hagrid, chatting animatedly at him and between themselves, while Hagrid reluctantly listened to them, the timber of his deep voice occasionally reaching Harry, Draco and Pansy many paces behind, but they could never hear what was said.