Before Rosalind could abandon her guest in the dusty, formal lounge used by important guests, Hermione shook her head and insisted she would rather talk with her in the kitchen. Her hostess seemed relieved as she led her down the corridor to a room guests were never supposed to see. Once inside the massive kitchen, it immediately became evident that it was the room where the young witch spent most of her time. It was the only room Hermione saw with a fire lit. The rest of the rooms in the drafty house were cold and neglected. Old manors like that required a small army of house-elves to maintain. Though she knew it would likely be awkward, Hermione had to ask.