One corner of his lips drooped down in a half frown, admittedly disappointed that Alice seemed to already have plans. He was a bit thankful for the dark hallway, so she wouldn't realize the thoughts in his head. However, when it seemed he would be welcome to join them, he found himself grinning again. He supposed it would be alright if he accompanied her and Sisse. They were both rather pleasant to be around. "As long as Miss Thompsett agrees."

He wouldn't want to intrude, of course. "I'm sure Bridget will be thrilled to finally be able to enjoy it. Warn her away from the blood pops." The latter statement he said with a laugh.

It seemed they had reached their destination, and Ned felt that gnawing sense of disappointment again, but he shook it off. Perhaps, they could linger in the common room for a moment. The portrait of the Fat Lady seemed to be chatting with another nearby portrait, but once she noticed them she paused to give the pair a bit of a stare. "Adder's Fork," he stated simply. Instead of swinging open like usual, the portrait only edged open a crack. After a moment of hesitation, since he didn't quite realize it had opened at all, Ned began to reach out, intent on helping it swing the rest of the way.