Not wishing to waste any more time, Hermione made her way to the ground floor of the inn. Hardly even mid-morning, it was already filled with revelers and merrymakers. At least she could tell with one look in Thorfinn's direction that she wasn't the only one who was miserable. As soon as she stepped outside, she Apparated to the castle gates. A long walk would've done her some good, but she wasn't in the mood. Just a few steps towards the castle she heard someone behind her. Spinning on her heel with her wand at the ready, she was prepared to fight, if necessary. It was only Ron also holding a letter just like hers.