In the most primitive part of her brain, when the fox appears at her side, what Hermione thinks is:

FRIEND!

She haunches low on the ground, then tentatively inches forward, giving the fox a few sniffs until she recognises that this is Lily, and then headbutts her gently, pleased. They did it. They bloody well did it!

Now what do they do, other than sniff each other in the Forest?

I heard that Animagi can communicate via thoughts, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

"Meow?"