The sound of footsteps behind her startled Hermione completely out of her thoughts. An official protection might have been granted as long as she stayed within the wards, but she knew enough about human nature and how the world was actually run to believe she was completely safe. Unsurprisingly, when she turned around, she saw a smirking William Wood. She was grateful that no one had thought to tell him where her tent was located. No doubt he would have taken the opportunity to slip in undetected to slice her throat open. Or worse. He might have had no intention of making her death as quick and painless as she made his little brother's.