Preface
Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley entered Dumbledore's office staring in awe of the organized chaos that surrounded them flashing with bright lights and whizzing objects that only their eccentric headmaster could possibly have in an office. They gaped openly at the brightness and energetic nature of the chamber until they were interrupted from their revery when Albus Dumbledore stated, "Ah, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley. Please, take a seat." His eyes lacked the usual twinkle that the aged headmaster was known for, the twinkle having been dulled by a look of slight concern that showed accross his face.
"Professor, is something wrong?" Hermione Granger asked, as the two girls shared looks of concern worried over the unidentified reasons for which they had been summoned by the headmaster.
"As both of you are aware the travesties that have occurred from the events that have transpired over the course of this past year due to Tom Riddle's actions in possessing you Ginevra-"
"Sir, I swear I wish I could have known to throw out that awful diary the moment I found it," the first year practically yelled at Dumbledore tears filling her eyes, "I promise I meant for no harm to come from writing in it. Please don't tell me that you've changed you're mind and are expelling me! It's been my dream to come here since I could listen to Bill's stories about his first year at Hogwarts."
Dumbledore held up his hand to the hysterical red head patiently interrupting her, saying, "On the contrary, Miss Weasley, by no means am I attempting to dispell you from the school. However, I want to extend an opportunity to both you in the aftermath of the troubling year the both of you have both had to endure. In fact, two years for you, Miss Granger. Both of you have been forced to show immense bravery in the face of dangers that not even most adults have had to overcome and for that I am extremely proud of the ways in which you two have reacted in these situations. Although you are young, already you have both exempliflied the virtues and characteristics of Godric Gryffindor himself."
"Thank you for your praise sir, but I'm still confused as to why Ginny and I were summoned to your office," Hermione interjected.
"Yes, of course. I am sure you and Miss Weasley have been quite perplexed at the reasons for this impromptu meeting today. As I said, the tw of you have faced things that no eleven and thirteen year olds should go through. I have been exchanging letters with one of my associates, a wman by the name of Madame Maxine, and she has gladly accepted the proposition that I put forward to her concerning the two of you."
"Wait, but isn't Madame Maxine the headmistress of Beaubatons Academy of Magic in France?" Ginny questioned having calmed down after her rant.
"Right you are, Ginevra. Due to the traumatizing experiences you have both had, Myself and the other teachers have come to the consensus that presenting you with the opportunity to participate in an almst exchange program of sorts. Beaubatons is, if you are unaware, a school for magic in Northern France and their headmisstress, in response to the events of the past two years, has offered the two of you to come and study at their school for the next year, if you would be open to it."
"Why us? Harry and Ron have both been through the same trauma as we have," Hermione said.
"We had considered the option for them. However, we as a staff felt as though they need a bit more specialized attention that Hogwarts professors can give, a kick in the hindquarters on school work, you could say, whereas you young ladies have shown the drive which would allow you to thrive in any school environment you would be placed in. We have already discussed this with your parents and they have both agreed to go along with whatever decision you see fit," Dumbledore stated.
Ginny responded, "As worked out as this plan seems to be, I think you are forgetting one little part that's kind of really important."
"And what would that be Miss Weasley?" Dumbledore said in response, the twinkle having returned to his eye.
"What about the whole speaking French thing? Wouldn't that kind of be an issue seeing as the school is in France?"
"Well I know that Miss Granger should know a fair amount due to the copious time she spent in France as a child if I am correct?" Dumbledore inferred.
"Yes, you are correct," she responded, having been pulled out of her deep thinking surrounding the opportunity presented to them, "I speak French almst fluently at this point, but what about Gin?"
"Ginevra, if you are open to it and are going to participate in the program, there is a spell I could place upon you that would allow you fluency in the language if you so wish."
"Professor, as greatful for the opportunity as we are, I think both of us need some time to think it over," Hermione said slowly.
"Ah of course, of course. No one would benefit from a rash decision being made. Take the time you need and inform me of your decision by the end of the week."
As the two young witches walked down the corridors, they conversed quietly between themselves about whether or not to switch to Beaubatons. Hermione whispered to her, "I don't know Ginny. Hogwarts has become like a second home to me."
"Me, as well, but can you honestly tell me that you can constantly deal with the drama and near death experiences every other day? Personally, I can't stand all the sympathetic glances towards me. No one here treats me like a person anymore. All I am to them is a fragile basketcase! Ugh! I hate it! You know what I am taking the may not be, but I need to get away from this for a while, away from every one looking at me like I'm going to burst at a moments notice."
"You know what, Gin. You're right. All anyone sees me as is the bushy haired know it all. I wanna be somewhere where people see me as the girl who they can guilt into doing their homework for them. And ever since the Chamber incident, Hogwarts just seems to hold more terror in it to me rather than warmth."
"So are we doing this?" Ginny asked, excitement gleaming in her eyes.
"I guess we are," Hermione smiled back. They headed towards Dumbledore's office to tell him of their decision. When they entered, the headmaster looked up from his letter, saying, "Hello there. I have been waiting for your responses. So what have you two decided?"
"Before we tell you, we want you to know that we love Hogwarts. The professors, the grounds, the castle, even the giant squid, but we feel as though a change of scenery away from all of the chaotic near-death experiences would be a good idea," Hermione expressed to the headmaster.
"Of course and this change won't be forever. We will be embracing you back in one short year. I will alert Madame Maxine of your decision and all the arrangements will be made shortly and we will have another meeting to go over all of the travel and school arrangements soon. Now why don't you head back to Gryffindor Tower, for I am sure there are a few people you wish to inform of this situations."
"Oh my God, we have to tell Harry and Ron about this. Not to mention your brothers," Hermione exclaimed, looking wide eyed at Ginny.
"Oh crap."
"So now you know," Ginny and Hermione concluded, as they looked cautiously at Harry and Ron.
"So you're just up and leaving Hogwarts! I get your reasons Ginny, what with everything that has happened this past year, but you Mione? Why would you leave Hogwarts? We just don't get it!" Harry and Ron ranted back in the Gryffindor common room.
"Shhh. Stop it you two. You're making a scene and that's the last thing anybody wants here. I'm going because I need to get away from the craziness that always ends up consuming our entire year and I quite frankly just need to get away to a place where people don't think of me as the freaky know it all muggle born. I just need to get away from all of this for a while and no matter what you two will always be my best friends no matter how far away we are. I will write all the time and we can still see each other on breaks. It's only for two years. I'll be back with plenty of time to help you revise for our O.W.L's, " Hermione explained to them, as though trying to placate toddlers who just had their toys taken away from them.
"Fine, but you know we'll miss you like crazy when you abandon us for Beaubatons," Ron said while the two boys embraced her in a hug.
"I know and I'll miss the both of you, too,"Hermione said pulling away from them.
"And so the Golden Trio parts," Harry said.
"Not forever just for a year, which if you think about it is relatively quite short. I mean if you think about it, the Goblin rebellions went on for dozens of years before a resolution was even -"
"Bloody hell, Mione. This is why people think of you as a know it all!" Ron said, a smirk spread across his face.
"Oh hush, Ronald. And don't curse!"