A bit later on at night, Mrs. Granger came home to find an anxious husband and a daughter who appeared to have been pacing the living room for quite some time, a letter in her hand.
"What's going on, dear?" she asked, looking to her husband.
"Our daughter has been invited to a special school," he held up a hand, seeing his wife about to interrupt. "There is a fund there for poor students that she qualifies for. From what I can tell," he looked over to Hermione, who was bouncing on her toes, "She wants to go, but wants to talk to us about it first." He led his daughter and wife to the living room where they sat down on the sparse furniture.
"So when did you first hear from this school, Hermione?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"Yesterday," said Hermione. "I didn't even look at the letter after seeing it was a school acceptance, since I knew we couldn't afford it. But a lady from the school, one of the teachers, I think, came by to explain that I could go despite our... financial difficulties. It looks interesting, mom. I'd really like to go."
"Well, I don't blame you, sweetheart," Mrs. Granger said kindly. "I'd get out of this situation too if I could."
Hermione blushed. "It's not like that, mom. It's just, you know how I am about learning – or used to be. Maybe I'd be able to get back into that if I was away at school. But," she sighed. "If you need me to stay here, I will. Family duties always come first." It was something she'd been taught growing up, and it wasn't about to be thrown away for the sake of a school invitation.
"You're right," Mr. Granger said. "Family duties... in most situation... do come first. But sometimes it's better to look to the future. If you have a good education at this place, you'd have a better chance of getting a good job and getting out of this type of situation. You know we never wanted this for you."
Hermione got up and hugged her dad. "I know, Daddy. I know."
The room was silent for a few moments. Mrs. Granger was thinking about what her husband and daughter had said, Mr. Granger was thinking about how this could be a wonderful opportunity for his daughter, and Hermione was just trying to figure out what her parents were thinking, and whether or not they would let her go. She wanted to – she really, really did. But she didn't want to let that show, not until they'd made their decision. She didn't want to show her disappointment if they decided against it either. So she kept her face as neutral as possible. Finally, her mom spoke up.
"Your father does have a point, Hermione. I don't want you growing up in this situation for the rest of your life if you can help it. And it sounds like you can." She took a deep breath and let it go, understanding that her next statement would mean losing her daughter for most of the year. "I think you should go."
"I agree," said Mr. Granger. He looked over to Hermione. "That's that then. Why don't you go write that letter to the nice lady that visited us earlier?"
Hermione grinned, allowing herself to show how happy she was at the turn of events.
"Okay, dad."
Professor McGonagall,
We have decided as a family that it would be a good idea for me to attend Hogwarts.
I appreciate your visit yesterday and look forward to seeing you again.
Hermione Granger