Hermione was not stupid. No, she was known for her intelligence, well she had been known for it. But as she stared at the walrus sitting with crystallized pineapple in his mouth she knew she had been extremely foolish. How could she have forgotten that someone might occupy these chambers, that someone might witness her arrival into the forties? Slughorn sat with his mouth gaping as a wheezing and spluttering was emitted from his throat and Hermione looked at him with disgust. Picking herself up from the floor she turned to the still shocked man and spoke in a raspy voice.

"Sorry." And as simple as that she exited his chambers. Knowing she only had a short period of time until the whole school would be set upon her, Hermione rushed through the darkness, desperate to reach the come and go room as quickly as possible. Her breath was short and painfully loud so it was no wonder she was hindered by the head boy doing his rounds. The harsh light of Lumos made her squint before her eyes adjusted. She stared at the strict face of a handsome boy who was fiercely scowling at her. With a quick flick of his eyes he determined that she was injured and his scowl deepened.

"It is well past Curfew." He hissed expecting a flinch or a cower instead he saw her roll her eyes.

"Your powers of deduction amaze me." His eyes narrowed at her reply.

"Ten points from..." She wasn't in uniform. A grin spread across her face as he trailed off.

"Don't worry; I'll be out of your hair in a moment, oh and by the way," as she walked around him she leant towards his ear, "Take the points off Slytherin." She winked and tried to walk away as quickly as possible. Her wrist was caught in his grip before she had made two steps.

"An injured student is to immediately report to the hospital wing and its matron, did you not read the rules and regulations that are pasted on caretaker Pringle's door?" Hermione couldn't help bet let loose a peal of laughter and the head boy watched in amazement as her head fell back and her eyes crinkled. She laughed until she was breathless and cacking.

"Well then we must head there directly." He scowled and turned his back on her.

"Follow me." She grinned at this opportunity and had her wand out in a flash.

"Stupefy." Tom riddle, the head boy she had been reading about since the beginning of the war was thrown through the air and slammed into the wall unconscious.