An invitation to enjoy the warmth of the woman's kitchen was not what Hermione expected. Startled at first, she didn't speak or make a move. Only when the woman turned her head back to call over her shoulder for her did Hermione find the strength in her legs to follow. Alfie ran back and forth between the two women with his tongue hanging out of his mouth and his tail wagging without stopping. It was the strangest walk that she could remember for quite a long time.