Hermione Granger And The City of Sorrowful Angels

The next few days seemed to go by in a blur for Hermione. The owl to her parents was dispatched right after breakfast, and while she waited for their reply, she made her way to her professors, to inform them of the news, but also to gauge their reaction. If they weren't fond of the school, then she'd have an excuse. She wouldn't have to actually make the decision, it would be made for her.

Unfortunately, all her professors spoke highly of Santo Domingo's -- even Snape had to admit that their Potions professor had published several quality articles in The Esoteric Alchemist.

Hermione desperately wanted Professor Vector to be against her leaving, but the cool blonde woman simply smiled elegantly. "Of course they'd want you," she said precisely. "When they owled me looking for a student from Hogwart's, I promptly thought of you."

Hermione frowned. "They asked you?"

"Of course," Vector said, folding her hands in front of her. "I was the Arithmancy professor at Santo Domingo's before I came here. They're a wonderful school -- excellent Arithmancy library." She smiled again. "Los Angeles is a very exciting place to be in when you're young. You'll have a wonderful time."

Hermione looked down. "Why did you leave?"

Vector tilted her head slightly. "Fallout over the last project, I'm afraid. Accurately predicting an earthquake merits an award, but purchasing a construction company right before the earthquake and profiting from the prediction..." She trailed off with a faint wave of her hand. "Anyways, dear girl, I'm certain you'll have a wonderful time."

"But your project -- my assistance...?" Hermione trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Vector smiled smoothly. "Oh don't worry about that...that project's been going on for years now -- I highly doubt much will happen in the few months you're gone. Frankly, I could use your skills at their library." Her smile grew tight. "They've been terribly reticent in loaning me texts nowadays..."

Hermione swallowed and smiled.

Later that day, Hermione sat on the windowsill in the empty Charms classroom, looking out over the lake and sighing heavily. She held her mother's letter in her hand, and sighed one more time before re-reading it.

Dear Hermione,

Santo Domingo's contacted me at the same time as they contacted you. Mr. Everett was quite surprised to see a seagull this far inland, but after seeing an owl every Sunday for the past seven years, he wasn't too surprised.

We read through the prospectus they sent us, and we feel it'd be a great experience for you. Their academic curriculum sounds ideal, and we're certain you'll enjoy it.

And to be honest, Hermione, we'd feel much better if you were away from England for some time. We know that you feel an obligation to your friends, but from what we've read in the paper and what your headmaster has told us, it's very dangerous for you to remain at Hogwart's.

It's your decision, of course, but your father and I would prefer that you accepted Santo Domingo's offer.

Besides, it's not every day you get an all-expenses-paid stay in Los Angeles, do you? Your Aunt Miranda will be jealous -- your cousin Victoria is supposed to be enjoying her gap year in Bali, but after those A-levels... It sounds like Victoria will never live them down.

I hope you take their offer. But no matter what you decide, you know that we'll support you.

Say hi to Harry and Ron for us.

Love,

Mum

Hermione folded up the letter again and looked out the window. Her parents wanted her to go, her professors wanted her to go, and even Ron and Harry begrudgingly admitted that it would be exciting to go to Los Angeles.

But she still felt a need to stay. Harry and Ron would need help with their NEWTs, she was Head Girl, and Voldemort was still on the loose. There was no way she could just pack up and go to Los Angeles and see how the US treated their wizards and browse through the libraries and learn from the professors and meet the students and...

She sighed again, resting her head against the window.

"I always thought the windows on the south side were better for soul searching," a voice said behind her.

Hermione jumped up, startled. "Headmaster!" she said. "I'm sorry, I was just--"

Dumbledore held up a hand to hush her. "No need to fluster, Miss Granger." He paused, looking at her over his glasses. "I imagine you have much on your mind at the moment."

Hermione slumped back against the windowsill. "I don't know why, though," she said resignedly. "The decision seems to have been made by everyone else..."

"Has it?" Dumbledore asked. "What about your decision?"

Hermione frowned. "I don't know. It's a good offer, and there would be a lot there, but..." She trailed off, thinking.

"But?" he prompted.

Hermione took a deep breath. "But what about Harry? And Ron? And Voldemort? And me being Head Girl and how can I just drop all these responsibilities when so many people need me?" She blushed and looked down. "I'm sorry, sir... I didn't mean to babble."

Dumbledore shook his head. "You're asking some very important questions." He paused, smiling slightly. "If you ask them in some form of order, I can attempt to answer them."

Hermione smiled, comforted. "I'm Head Girl," she said, half to herself. "But Susan Bone's been an excellent Deputy Head Girl this year...and she would've easily been Head Girl if her grade in Arithmancy had been higher last year."

Dumbledore nodded. "I've already discussed the possibility with her and she's looking forward to the challenge."

Hermione nodded distractedly. "All the professors I'm supposed to be working with this term have all encouraged me to go." She paused. "And Harry and Ron..." Her voice trailed off and she looked at Dumbledore with worry in her eyes.

"You will be taken to Santo Domingo's via portkey -- which will remain active at all times in case of emergency." He paused, smiling. "A real emergency, Miss Granger, despite how desperate Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley sound in relation to their homework." At Hermione's smile, he continued. "As for Voldemort, none of us know when he will attempt a strike. We cannot continue to live our lives in fear, but must take opportunities when they come. Also," he looked at her intently and his voice grew low. "There are many things a person can learn at Santo Domingo's, Hermione. And in a war such as this, information is power."

Hermione stared at Dumbledore for a few seconds, then nodded. "I guess it's settled then," she said, straightening up. "I better go tell Harry and Ron." She smiled weakly and stood up, slowly walking towards the door.

"Oh, and Miss Granger?" Dumbledore said behind her.

Hermione turned back to him.

"I've discovered that news is always best told over sweets. If you happen to take a detour past the Great Hall, I believe a few of the elves will have left some desserts on the Gryffindor table...hoping, of course, that no one else gets there before you do..."

Hermione smiled widely, nodded, and ran down the hall.