Disclaimer: They aren't mine, even though I pretend they are.
A/N: Sorry this took so long, everyone. Writer's block and school are not a good combination.
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"It appears," Dumbledore said slowly. "That your daughter wishes to stay. If you desire, I can force her to leave. But," he added when Hermione opened her mouth to protest. 'I truly believe the final decision is hers alone."

Mrs. Granger stood. "Then I believe," she stated slowly, and in a frosty tone, "we are finished here. Hermione, we will see you at holiday break."

She shot a glare at her husband, obviously intended to make him move, and stalked through the door. They could hear her footsteps moving rapidly down the stairs.

Mr. Granger stood, awkwardly. "I'll, uh, try to calm her down, hon." His voice had a pleading tone. "You know she's just not used to you arguing with her. She'll get over it. And I'm proud of you. You're right, Hogwarts is the best place for you." He enveloped her in a brief bear hug, and then strode after his wife.

Hermione stood, silently staring at the doorway.

"Uh, sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Weasley?"

"Should they be allowed to wander Hogwarts alone?"

"Professor Flitwick has been waiting downstairs since our meeting began. He will see them safely on their way to Diagon Alley."

Harry stood. "Thanks for helping us, sir."

"What did I do, Harry? I merely provided a meeting place. You three did the rest." Dumbledore looked over to Hermione. "Especially you, Miss Granger," he said quietly. "I am also very proud of you."

Hermione nodded. "May I be excused, Professor?"

Dumbledore nodded. "You may all go. It is almost dinner time, so I would head straight to the Great Hall, if I were you."

"Aren't you coming sir?" Harry asked as Hermione left.

"I'll be along shortly."

The two boys silently followed Hermione's rapidly fading footsteps.

Dumbledore watched them go. It was a shame, he mused, that Mrs. Granger had not been able to be proud of her daughter's conviction, as her husband had.
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Harry and Ron found Hermione leaning silently against the wall, at the foot of the stairs.

"Wow, Hermione!" Ron exclaimed. "You were-" he stopped, noticing the tears slowly trickling down Hermione's cheeks. He bit his lip, unsure what to say.

"Herm?" Hermione didn't look at Harry. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Herm, it'll be okay." Deep down, Harry wasn't so sure, but it was all he could think of to say.

"Yeah, everyone gets into arguments with their mum. She'll cool off, you'll see."

"C'mon, lets go get some dinner."

Hermione still wouldn't talk, but she walked with the boys.

"Anyway, you were brilliant." Ron said, as they sat down at the table.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" People looked curiously in their direction at Ginny's question.

"She'll be fine, Gin. Just let her alone for a bit, okay?" Hermione weakly smiled her thanks at Harry.

"And there's two months till holidays, but if she's not cooled off by then, you can stay here." Harry reminded her in a low voice.

Hermione should her head. "That would make it worse."

Harry didn't know what to say, and he ate the rest of his food in silence.
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A/N: Again, I apologize for how late this Ch is. I'll try to write faster w/ Ch 13.