Hermione looks a little embarrassed, but at least the woman wheeling the cart doesn't look at all put out by the magic she's doing. She flicks her wand to dart them out of Kate's way, smiling at her. "Considerably, yes. Sorry about that."

At which point she eyes the book cart, and starts to wonder. "Um- I'm sorry if you're busy, but you wouldn't happen to have any recommendations as to where to look for information on the city's history, would you? I gather it's more of an oral tradition than anything around here, but I thought I might as well look."