Hermione Granger sat at the kitchen table of the Burrow, her Hogwarts letter clutched tightly in her hand [https://img.wattpad.com/f5ad02ebeb1323c6d4c57f945de57b5197430564/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f65674e36494272645972727871513d3d2d3937303035333535352e313765363736646232316436663334333138323334393239343339352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Hermione Granger sat at the kitchen table of the Burrow, her Hogwarts letter clutched tightly in her hand. The Weasleys buzzed around her, preparing breakfast, but her mind was miles away. She reread the letter for what felt like the hundredth time, her heart pounding with excitement.
"Dear Miss Granger," it began, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for the prestigious International Exchange Program. You will be studying for one term at the Salem Institute for Magical Learning in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. We believe this experience will greatly enrich your magical education and broaden your horizons. Enclosed are your travel details and a list of recommended supplies. Congratulations!"
Hermione's parents had been absolutely thrilled when she shared the news, their pride evident in their beaming smiles and enthusiastic hugs. Her friends, too, had bombarded her with an endless stream of questions and well-wishes, their excitement for her palpable. Ron and Harry, in particular, had peppered her with inquiries about American magic and whether she'd learn any unique spells. Yet, despite the outward enthusiasm, a part of her felt undeniably nervous about leaving the familiar comfort of Hogwarts and embarking on this new adventure alone. The prospect of navigating an entirely different magical culture without her closest friends by her side was both exhilarating and daunting.
In reality, the Salem Institute had always been shrouded in mystery, its history and practices largely unknown to European wizards. The fact that it operates behind the facade of a prestigious muggle preparatory academy adds an extra air of intrigue and complexity to its reputation. Hermione found herself wondering about the challenges of maintaining secrecy in modern-day America, and how the magical community there balanced their lives with the non-magical world. As she pondered these questions, her anticipation grew, mixed with a flutter of anxiety about the unknown that lay ahead.
"Mum, Hermione's going to burn a hole in that letter if she keeps staring at it," Ron teased, nudging her gently as he sat down beside her at the well-worn kitchen table of the Burrow.
Hermione looked up, smiling sheepishly. "I can't help it, Ron. It's just so... unexpected. I've read about the Salem Institute, of course, but I never imagined I'd actually get to study there."
"Unexpected? Hermione, you're the best student Hogwarts has seen in years. Of course, they'd pick you for something like this," Ginny said, sliding into the seat across from her, her red hair catching the morning sunlight streaming through the window.
"Thanks, Ginny," Hermione replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I just can't believe it's actually happening. It feels like a dream."
Mrs. Weasley placed a heaping plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of Hermione, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filling the air. "Eat up, dear. You'll need your strength for the journey. When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow morning," Hermione said, taking a bite of the perfectly seasoned eggs. "I'll be traveling by Portkey. It's all arranged by the Ministry. They've been incredibly helpful with the logistics."
The next morning, Hermione stood in the bustling departure area of the Ministry of Magic, her luggage neatly packed and her heart racing. The air crackled with magical energy as witches and wizards hurried about their business. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic, approached her with a warm smile, his purple robes swishing as he walked.
"Ready for your adventure, Miss Granger?" he asked, his deep voice calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the butterflies in Hermione's stomach.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Hermione replied, trying to steady her nerves. She gripped her wand tightly, drawing comfort from its familiar presence.
"Good. Remember, this is not just about learning new spells and charms. It's about experiencing a different culture and building international friendships. I have no doubt you'll make the most of it. Your insights will be invaluable when you return."
With a nod of determination, Hermione grasped the old, worn book that served as her Portkey. Its leather cover was cracked and faded, but she could still make out the title: "A History of Magic in Colonial America." At precisely ten o'clock, she felt the familiar tug behind her navel, and the world around her blurred and spun, the Ministry fading away as she embarked on her transatlantic journey.
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When the dizzying sensation subsided, Hermione found herself standing in a picturesque courtyard, surrounded by elegant brick buildings and tall oak trees. A sign nearby read: "Welcome to the Salem Institute for Magical Learning." The air was crisp and salty, carrying the unmistakable scent of the nearby ocean.
"Miss Granger, I presume?" A woman with silver-streaked hair and kind eyes approached, extending her hand. Her robes were a deep, rich blue, adorned with intricate silver embroidery. "I'm Professor Evelyn Kavanagh, Headmistress of the Salem Institute. We're delighted to have you here."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, shaking her hand. "It's an honor to be part of this program." She couldn't help but notice the warmth in the Headmistress's smile, reminiscent of Professor McGonagall's rare moments of open affection.
"Come, I'll show you to your quarters and give you a tour of the school. Classes start tomorrow, but I'm sure you'll want to get settled in first." Professor Kavanagh gestured towards the main building, its windows gleaming in the late afternoon sun.
"One question, Professor," Hermione ventured, her curiosity getting the better of her as they walked towards the main building. "The Salem Institute... why is it not actually in Salem? I was quite surprised when I arrived here instead of Massachusetts."
Professor Kavanagh's eyes twinkled with amusement, as if she'd been asked this question countless times before. "Ah, an astute observation, Miss Granger. You see, the name is more of a historical nod than a geographical indicator. We find it's an excellent way to keep our true location discreet while honoring our roots."
As they walked through the corridors of the Salem Institute, Hermione marveled at the differences and similarities to Hogwarts. The students wore a variety of robes in deep shades of blue and green, and the classrooms buzzed with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar magic. Portraits lining the walls whispered and pointed as she passed, their American accents a stark contrast to the British ones she was used to.
"Another question, Professor," Hermione said, her curiosity piqued as they passed a group of students wearing robes adorned with different emblems. "How are the houses sorted here? How will I be sorted?"
Professor Kavanagh chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, I was wondering when you'd ask about that. Our system is quite different from Hogwarts, Miss Granger."
They paused by a large window overlooking the school grounds, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the manicured lawns.
"At Salem, we don't sort students into houses based on personality traits or a magical artifact's decision," Professor Kavanagh explained. "Instead, we have what we call 'Societies.' Students are placed based on their magical background and areas of interest."
Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's fascinating! How does it work exactly?"
"We have four Societies: Thunderbird, Wampus, Horned Serpent, and Pukwudgie. Each represents a different aspect of magical study and practice." The professor gestured to a nearby tapestry depicting the four creatures. "Thunderbird focuses on adventure and exploration magic, Wampus on combat and defense, Horned Serpent on scholarship and research, and Pukwudgie on healing and natural magic."
"As for you, Miss Granger," Professor Kavanagh continued, "we've reviewed your academic record and extracurricular activities from Hogwarts. Based on your exceptional scholastic achievements and your evident passion for learning, we've placed you in the Horned Serpent Society."
Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement. "Brilliant! Will I be able to interact with students from other Societies as well?"
"Absolutely," Professor Kavanagh nodded. "While your core classes will be with your Society, you'll have plenty of opportunities to mingle and collaborate with students from all Societies. We believe in fostering a well-rounded magical education."
Professor Kavanagh led her to a cozy dorm room with a large window overlooking the ocean. The room was furnished with a four-poster bed, a sturdy oak desk, and bookshelves that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. "This will be your home for the next term. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Hermione unpacked her belongings, arranging her textbooks and parchment neatly on the desk. She carefully placed her wand on the nightstand and hung her Gryffindor scarf on a hook in her wardrobe.
Hermione took a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air that drifted through her open window. She ran her fingers along the smooth wood of her new desk, marveling at the intricate carvings of magical creatures that adorned its edges. The room felt both familiar and foreign, a perfect blend of comfort and excitement.
Her eyes were drawn to the new robes hanging in her wardrobe. Unlike the plain black robes of Hogwarts, these were a deep, midnight blue with silver trim. She pulled one out, admiring the way the fabric shimmered in the late afternoon light. The emblem of the Horned Serpent Society was embroidered on the left breast - a silver serpent with a jewel-like horn, coiled around a quill and an open book.
Hermione traced the emblem with her finger, feeling the raised threads beneath her touch. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each scale of the serpent distinct and lifelike. She noticed that the book in the emblem seemed to change titles each time she blinked, cycling through various magical subjects.
Turning her attention to the rest of the room, Hermione noticed small, thoughtful details everywhere. The bedspread was adorned with constellations that twinkled faintly in the dimming light. The curtains around her four-poster bed were not just for privacy - they were enchanted to block out sound when drawn, perfect for late-night studying.
The bookshelves caught her eye next. Upon closer inspection, she realized they were enchanted to expand as needed. A small plaque on the side read, "Knowledge knows no bounds, neither should your shelves." Hermione couldn't help but grin at this, already imagining the books she'd fill them with.
On her nightstand, a small, ornate box sat next to where she had placed her wand. Opening it, she found a welcome note from her Society prefect, along with a beautifully crafted quill. The feather was iridescent, shifting colors as she turned it in her hand.
She looked out at the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, feeling a mixture of excitement and strange anxiety. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink.
As Hermione stood by the window, lost in thought, a gentle knock on the door startled her back to reality. She turned to see two girls entering the room, their faces bright with welcoming smiles.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"Hi there! You must be Hermione Granger," the taller of the two said, her voice warm and friendly. She had long, dark hair and striking green eyes. "I'm Abigail, and this is my friend Zoe."
The shorter girl, Zoe, waved enthusiastically. Her curly blonde hair bounced as she nodded. "We're so excited to meet you! We've heard all about your adventures at Hogwarts."
Hermione felt a mixture of surprise and relief wash over her. "Oh, hello! It's lovely to meet you both. I didn't expect such a warm welcome."
Abigail laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Are you kidding? We've been buzzing about your arrival for weeks! Come on, sit down. We want to tell you all about Salem."
The three girls settled onto Hermione's bed, and Zoe immediately launched into an excited chatter. "You're going to love it here! We have the most amazing events. There's the Annual Magical Creatures Fair, where we showcase rare magical beasts from all over America. And don't even get me started on the Quodpot tournament!"
"Quodpot?" Hermione asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, it's like Quidditch, but way more exciting," Abigail explained. "The ball explodes if you hold it too long. It's intense!"
Zoe nudged Abigail, giggling. "Tell her about the boys! There's this really cute guy in Wampus Society, Jake. He's got the most gorgeous blue eyes..."
"Oh wait, the other exchange student from Brazil, Diego. Oh my god," said Abigail, her eyes widening with sudden realization. "How could I forget? He's absolutely gorgeous, with those deep brown eyes and that charming accent. I swear, every time he speaks, half the girls in class swoon. And he's not just a pretty face - he's on the Quodpot team too. You should see him in action, Hermione. It's like he was born to play."
Hermione felt a bit overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information, but she couldn't help but smile at the girls' enthusiasm. Their warmth and friendliness were a welcome relief from the anxiety she'd been feeling.
"This all sounds wonderful," Hermione said, her initial wariness beginning to fade. "I'm looking forward to experiencing it all. Though I must admit, I'm most excited about the classes and the library."
Abigail's eyes lit up. "Oh, you're going to love our library! It's got the most extensive collection of Native American magical texts in the world. And wait until you meet Professor Blackfeather. Her Magical Theory class will blow your mind!"
As the girls continued to chat, Hermione felt herself relaxing. The nervousness that had been gnawing at her since she arrived began to dissipate, replaced by a growing excitement for the term ahead.
Later that evening, dressed in her crisp new Salem Institute robes, Hermione and her newfound friends made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. The expansive chamber buzzed with excitement as students from all years gathered, their voices echoing off the high, vaulted ceiling. Hermione's eyes darted around, taking in the ornate decorations and magical floating candles that illuminated the room. As they found their seats at one of the long tables, the aroma of a feast fit for kings wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. She couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and exhilaration as she prepared to experience her first meal at her new magical school. The long tables were laden with an array of American and international dishes. The ceiling, much like Hogwarts', was enchanted to reflect the night sky, though the constellations seemed slightly different from this side of the world.
As Hermione and her new friends made their way through the bustling Great Hall, the aroma of various dishes filled the air. Abigail and Zoe continued their animated chatter, pointing out different students and sharing tidbits about Salem's unique traditions.
"Oh, and over there is where we have our annual Pumpkin Carving Contest," Zoe said, gesturing towards a corner of the hall. "Last year, someone charmed their pumpkin to sing opera. It was hilarious!"
Hermione listened intently, absorbing every detail. As they searched for a place to sit, her eyes fell upon a girl sitting alone, she had a beautiful black curly afro, her nose buried in a thick book. The table around her was empty, despite the crowded hall.
"Look, there's some space over there," Hermione pointed out, already moving towards the empty seats.
Abigail and Zoe exchanged a quick glance, their cheerful demeanor suddenly shifting. The change was subtle but noticeable - their smiles became forced, their eyes cooler.
"Oh, that's... Tasha," Abigail said, her voice losing its warmth. "We don't usually sit there."
Zoe nodded, her earlier enthusiasm dampened. "Yeah, maybe we should find somewhere else."
Hermione frowned, taken aback by the sudden change in atmosphere. "Why? There's plenty of room, and she looks interesting. Is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," Abigail replied, her tone clipped. "It's just... Tasha's a bit... odd. Always has her nose in a book, never really talks to anyone."
"Sounds a bit like me, actually," Hermione said, her frown deepening. She didn't like the way the girls were behaving, their earlier friendliness replaced by thinly veiled disdain.
Zoe forced a laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, you're nothing like her, Hermione. Trust us, you don't want to get mixed up with Tasha. She's... well, different."
Hermione felt a familiar discomfort settle in her stomach. The situation reminded her all too much of her early days at Hogwarts, before she'd found true friends. She looked at Tasha again, noting the girl's focused expression as she read, oblivious to the whispers around her.
"I think I'll go introduce myself," Hermione said firmly, her decision made. She didn't miss the look of surprise and mild annoyance that passed between Abigail and Zoe.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the girl's intense focus.
The girl looked up, her eyes bright with intelligence and warmth. "Oh, hello! I'm Tasha.. You're the exchange student from Hogwarts, right?" Her accent was a melodious blend of American and something else Hermione couldn't quite place.
"Hi, yes, that's me, I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger," Hermione replied, feeling a wave of relief at the friendly greeting. "What are you reading?"
"Just a bit of Digital Divination," Tasha said, closing the book but keeping a finger inside to mark her place. The cover shimmered with what looked like tiny, moving pixels.
Hermione removed her class schedule from her robe pocket, glanced at it and smiled. "I'm in that class as well, what is digital divination anyway?"
"Basically, integrating digital tools and AI with traditional divination practices to enhance predictive accuracy." Tasha's eyes lit up as she explained, her hands moving animatedly. "We use enchanted computers and magical algorithms to analyze patterns in everything from tea leaves to star charts."
"Sounds fascinating!" Hermione leaned in, eager to learn more. "I've always been skeptical of divination, but this sounds like it could be more reliable."
A strikingly handsome boy with a deep, sun-kissed tan and piercing hazel eyes suddenly dropped into the seat next to Tasha. He had sauntered in with a group of other athletic-looking boys, all wearing a uniform similar to rugby players - crimson and gold jerseys with athletic shorts. His wavy dark hair fell casually across his forehead as he flashed a dazzling smile. "Hey there, you're new around here, right? I'm Diego." He extended a strong, calloused hand towards them. Hermione felt her cheeks flush with warmth, a noticeable blush creeping across her face as she found herself momentarily captivated by his charismatic presence. His easy confidence and athletic build were impossible to ignore, and she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Hermione," she managed to reply, her voice slightly breathier than usual. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her typical poise. "Nice to meet you, Diego. Do you play quidditch?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she inwardly cringed at asking such an obvious question. Of course, he played - his attire practically screamed 'star athlete.' She silently berated herself for her momentary lapse in judgment, attributing it to the unexpected distraction of Diego's charming demeanor.
"Quidditch?" Tasha asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. She glanced between Hermione and Diego, clearly unfamiliar with the term. Her curiosity was evident in her wide-eyed expression, eager to learn about this unfamiliar sport.
"It's like Thunderball," Diego clarified, his easy smile never faltering. He ran a hand through his wavy hair, pushing it back from his forehead. "That's in the spring. We play Quodpot in the fall." His eyes lit up as he mentioned the sports, his passion for athletics evident in his animated explanation. "Both are pretty intense, but Quodpot's got a bit more of an explosive edge to it. Literally," he added with a wink, clearly enjoying the opportunity to share his knowledge with the newcomers.
"Diego came in from Salvador, Brazil five days ago and he already knows Salem like the back of his hand," said Tasha, her tone a mix of admiration and slight envy. She glanced at Diego, who seemed to preen a little at the compliment.
It suddenly clicked. "Oh, you're that Diego!" says. Hermione, her eyebrows raising in surprise. She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued by this new information about their athletic companion.
"Yep. I think it's just us two this term," Diego replied with a nod, his easy-going smile widening. He looked between Hermione and Tasha, a hint of camaraderie in his eyes. "It's been quite an adventure so far, getting to know the school and all. I'm just glad I'm not the only new face around here." Diego thinks for a second. "How did you hear about me?"
Hermione felt her cheeks flush slightly as she stammered, "Oh, w-well, Abigail and Zoe mentioned you earlier. They seemed quite... impressed."
"Oh, those two heffers," Tasha responded, rolling her eyes. Her tone was a mixture of exasperation and disdain.
Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion. "They seemed really nice at first," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Diego let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "They're pretty awful. Even if I was into girls, I'd keep far away from those two," he revealed, his casual demeanor shifting to something more serious.
Hermione's eyes widened at this revelation, her gaze darting between Diego and Tasha. She felt a twinge of embarrassment for her earlier judgments, realizing how quickly she'd been taken in by Abigail and Zoe's superficial friendliness.
Tasha nodded in agreement with Diego, her expression softening as she looked at Hermione. "Don't feel bad about it. They're good at putting on a show for newcomers. It's how they maintain their social status."
Diego leaned back in his chair, his athletic frame relaxed despite the topic. "Yeah, they tried the same act with me when I first arrived. Took me about a day to figure out what they were really like."
Hermione felt a mixture of gratitude and curiosity wash over her. She'd always prided herself on being a good judge of character, but it seemed Salem had more layers than she'd initially thought.
As the evening progressed, Hermione found herself eagerly absorbing information about Tasha, Diego, and her other new classmates. She discovered that Diego specialized in cryptozoology, his eyes lighting up as he described his fascination with magical creatures that most considered mythical or extinct.
The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the melodic clinking of cutlery against plates. Stories were shared, jokes were told, and friendships began to form. Hermione found herself relaxing into the warmth of camaraderie, her initial nervousness melting away with each passing moment. As she listened to her peers discuss their hopes for the upcoming year, she felt a growing sense of belonging, as if she had found her place in this new magical world. The excitement for the adventures that lay ahead bubbled up inside her, and she couldn't help but smile, imagining the wealth of knowledge and experiences waiting to be discovered at the Salem Institute.
"Hey, everyone, sorry I'm late!" a voice called out from the entrance of the Great Hall. Hermione turned to see a boy with long, dark hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a freshly pressed uniform. He had a relaxed, easy-going demeanor and warm, curious eyes. "Coach kept me back to get my new uniform."
Diego looked up and grinned. "Hey, Elan! There's someone I want you to meet." He waved Elan over and motioned to Hermione. "This is—"
Elan smiled as he approached the table. "Hermione Granger, Nice to meet you. I'm Elan. Your name has been floating around for weeks now."
"But classes start tomorrow." Hermione blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Elan's familiarity with her name. A slight flush crept into her cheeks as she fumbled for words. "Oh, um, nice to meet you too, Elan. I didn't realize I was... well, known here." She tucked a stray curl behind her ear, feeling a mix of curiosity and mild embarrassment. It was strange to think that people had been talking about her before she'd even arrived at Salem. She wondered what exactly they'd been saying and hoped it wasn't anything too outlandish.
Elan chuckled, sliding into an empty seat at the table. "Are you kidding? Nothing happens here. Hogwarts seems…exciting, and your name keeps coming up. You're a bit of an icon., I mean you discovered Nicolas Flamel."
"and formed Dumbledoor's army," added Tasha.
Hermione felt her cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and pride washing over her. "I... well, it wasn't just me. Harry and Ron—"
"Don't be modest," Diego interjected, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "We've heard about your brilliant spellwork and quick thinking. It's impressive stuff."
Tasha nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I'd love to pick your brain about some of the advanced magic you've used. Especially that beaded bag with the Undetectable Extension Charm. That's seriously impressive stuff."
Hermione felt a surge of warmth at their genuine interest and admiration. It was a stark contrast to the sometimes begrudging acknowledgment she received at Hogwarts. Here, her academic achievements and magical prowess seemed to be celebrated rather than merely tolerated.
"Well, I'd be happy to discuss it," Hermione said, her initial embarrassment fading into excitement at the prospect of engaging in intellectual discourse with her new peers. "And I'd love to learn more about the magic you all specialize in here. It seems there's so much I haven't even touched on yet."
As the conversation flowed, Hermione found herself captivated by the diverse magical backgrounds of her new acquaintances. Elan, it turned out, was particularly gifted in Native American shamanic magic, while Tasha's expertise in technomagic opened up entirely new avenues of magical theory that Hermione had never considered.
The Great Hall buzzed with energy as students from various Societies mingled, sharing stories and comparing magical techniques. Hermione felt a thrill of excitement as she realized just how much there was to learn at Salem Institute. The familiar pangs of homesickness she had expected were overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of anticipation for the adventures and knowledge that lay ahead.
As she lay in bed that night, the sound of the waves lulling her to sleep, Hermione couldn't help but smile. This was the beginning of a new chapter, filled with mystery, magic, and the promise of new friendships. The moonlight filtered through her window, casting a soft glow on her collection of books and magical artifacts. She was ready to embrace whatever challenges and discoveries came her way at the Salem Institute for Magical Learning, her mind already racing with questions and theories to explore in her classes tomorrow.