The Company of Dwarves walks for days and days, having passed through rough and lonely roads and many battles with the orcs. They run out of food and drink and become tired. Then Dumbledore decides to pass by an old friend who lives in the heart of Mirkwood.

...

They end up in front of a hut that looks old and lifeless, but Dumbledore nevertheless steps forward, removes his tall hat, knocks three times on the hut door, and waits