They stood huddled together, staring round at this strange new development. Hermione's expression was one of wonder, Harry's was of astonishment and Ron was just plain confused. Their emotions changed rapidly, however, when they heard a howl. Dark shapes flitted among the trees ahead.

"Wolves." Hermione whispered. Ron whimpered. The beasts heard him and advanced, slowly, fanning out. Then the wolves bounded forwards, snarling. Hermione whipped her wand out.

"INCENDIO!"

Nothing happened. Harry and Ron joined in.

"SECTUMSEMPRA!"

"STUPEFY!"

"REDUCTO!"

Still, the wands refused to react. The alpha male leapt for Hermione, who stood rooted to the ground in terror. However, in midair feathers seemed to grow out of its neck, and it slumped to the ground as if asleep. More arrows sunk into the fur of the pack, laying them low. A woman jumped down from a high crest of rock and sheathed her bow. Drawing a dagger, she walked over. As she drew closer, the trio realised that she had a tail, and her skin was covered in fur. She moved with a catlike grace. Indeed, she resembled a feline. Three clawlike scars ran across her nose/muzzle, identifying her as a seasoned warrior.

"You must be Nords, surely. What in the name of Talos are you wearing?" she asked glancing at their pyjamas. They stared.

"What, never seen a Khajiit before?" They shook their heads.

"Where is your home? Your family?"

"Engl-"Started Ron, still staring.

"We don't know. We're lost." Hermione cut in.

"Well..." She tailed off, annoyed. "I suppose you should come with me then. Keep up." And with that the woman – Khajiit – sheathed her dagger and bounded away, lithe and supple. Hermione, Harry and Ron sprinted after her.