The concern in her voice was evident. Hermione had to make a quick decision how she was going to play this encounter. Each second the Muggle's footsteps drew closer and closer. Alfie continued to bark. He didn't instill any fear in Hermione. Clearly, he was one of those sweet, gentle dogs that got too excited when it came to strangers that they couldn't stop barking, but who wouldn't be able to cause anyone any injury. The white on his muzzle proved that he'd long ago passed his youthful stage. She didn't want to injure the dog, but if she had to, she would. Any threat to her survival had to be eliminated. The woman too.