Ned let out a sigh he hadn't realized he was holding when it seemed Alice had merely been distracted by homework. It was an understandable reason, and one he really couldn't fault her for. From the way that everyone had been acting lately, though, his brain couldn't help but worry something else had been going on.

"You are hard to find in that corner, especially if you don't know where to look," he admitted. It was a genius hideaway. She wasn't likely to be bothered by anyone who didn't know where to specifically look for her.

"Yes, but I'm nearing the end of my patrol." He glanced around as if to check and see if anyone else was out and about in the halls. He was inclined to not take house points. It wasn't as if Alice was a repeat offender or she was out and about for no good reason. He'd been lenient before to a first year who had found themselves hopelessly lost. However, if anyone else happened upon him, he would need to.