"I know exactly what you mean," Hermione says, pausing as she reflects upon the time that she's spent in the city. "It's one of the strange things about the passage of time. There were certain parts of my days that felt so long at first, being separated from the people I knew and the home I loved. But in other ways, such as learning Darrow and understanding the new rules, the days passed faster than I could process. I don't think I've come to learn even half of what this place has to offer."

She smiles, brushing a few tendrils away from her face. "In some ways, it feels rather hopeful. In others, it's a bit terrifying, I suppose."