The girl didn't just take her word for it: the portrait doorway opened to reveal the kitchens to them both. Strange as the little first year was, Jemima was rather gratified by the girl's evident glee at the scene.
"You're welcome," Jemima granted, returning the smile with a small shake of her head. "You'll be able to find your way back? I'm actually terribly busy -" she was in her OWL year now, after all, "so I'll leave you here to your exploring, I think." She explained, gently enough, nodding her head over towards the house elves. She wasn't worried about the girl. The Hogwarts elves were (mostly) perfectly friendly. And even if she got in trouble for being here, first years could always use the excuse they'd only shown up by accident. Everything one did in first year was entirely accidental.
"Well," Jemima added, clearing her throat, "I'll just - grab an iced bun, and then be on my way -" If she was here anyway...
"You're welcome," Jemima granted, returning the smile with a small shake of her head. "You'll be able to find your way back? I'm actually terribly busy -" she was in her OWL year now, after all, "so I'll leave you here to your exploring, I think." She explained, gently enough, nodding her head over towards the house elves. She wasn't worried about the girl. The Hogwarts elves were (mostly) perfectly friendly. And even if she got in trouble for being here, first years could always use the excuse they'd only shown up by accident. Everything one did in first year was entirely accidental.
"Well," Jemima added, clearing her throat, "I'll just - grab an iced bun, and then be on my way -" If she was here anyway...
