The halls were filled with lively chatter. Laughter and whispers rose from all around. The first day of classes had flown by like a seeker on his firebolt, leaving students to wander the halls, merrily checking out the changes and repairs that were done to the Hogwarts grounds.

Then there was Harry and Ron. Both grumpy-faced, both sulky.

Neither of them were very cheery after they found out about the dorm arrangements. Ron complained out loud about his displeasure about the new changes. Harry did join in every once in awhile, though he mostly just sat there and grumbled to himself, staring bullets over at any Slytherin that crossed paths with him, as if it were their fault.

Even when classes started their behavior stayed the same. Eventually Hermione managed to get them to shut it and focus on their work. They only truly stopped when she reminded them about the "very important" (her words) N.E.W.T.S test that was coming at the end of the year.

Though, even then an air of irritation still seemed to surround them.

It was now the end of classes and Hermione decided that they could go get some fresh air outside and explore on the way there. Compared to the other two who were at her sides, her cheery smile seemed rather out of place.

"Come on, guys, you can't spend all day being cranky." Hermione pulled both of the boy's arms forward, causing them to straighten up in order to stop themselves from falling. The bushy-haired girl chuckled at her friends as she watched them try to shake off the sudden pull out of their minds.

Ron sighed and stopped dragging his feet on the ground, deciding the maybe it wasn't the best idea to just waste the rest of his day like this. He moved back behind the two and pushed his way into the middle. He then swung his arms over their shoulders and smiled.

"I guess you're right. I think I'd rather spend some time not thinking about two gits before I have to share a room with them." said Ron.

Hermione looked at him with a surprised expression, then smiled brightly as she said, "Precisely, that sounds like a great plan."

Harry rubbed the back of his head and thought, That's probably not such a bad idea. I do have a bit of a headache.

He got a sudden thought.

"Wait a minute, we never asked you who you have to room with!"

Hermione scrunched up her nose. She almost seemed annoyed at the sudden reminder, and though she still managed to keep her smile, it wasn't as bright as it was a second ago.

"I've not really talked to those who I have to room with, though I do know their houses. There's one Hufflepuff, two Ravenclaws, a Gryffindor, a Slytherin, then myself." Explained Hermione.

Ron laughed, "You're sharing a room with a Slytherin too? Man, what horrible luck we have, right?"

Hermione shook her head, "I wouldn't call it horrible luck. We must remember that it was McGonagall who set up these arrangements. I highly suspect she made these decisions based on what she's viewed from us students. That would make the most sense after all."

Ron seemed to think about it for a second then he turned to Harry.

"That could be it, what do you think, Harry?"

"I think she's right, that's the only thing that makes sense here. We couldn't have possibly ended up with Zabini and Malfoy by chance. It'd make sense that the Headmistress would want to try and mend some bonds by bringing certain people together." said Harry, nodding to Hermione after he was done talking.

Hermione nodded back (almost proudly) at Harry, saying, "Exactly, it's the only good reason for you guys being put together with those two and me being put together with Parkinson."

"Wait! Your Slytherin dormmate is Parkinson?" Ron stumbled over his feet.

There it was, that look again! Harry could tell now that Hermione was definitely annoyed by the Headmistress's choice of arrangement. She just wouldn't complain out loud about it because then she'd be a hypocrite.

"Yes, she is, now watch where you're going or you'll find yourself on the floor in a grumpy mood again." said Hermione.

Then that was that, no longer did they talk about the dorms, the conversation was done. They continued walking in silence.