A/N=School:Beauxbatons

Theme:Ilvermorny

Main prompt:15). Leave a Light On by Tom Walker [Song],Other prompt/s:21). The Headmasters/mistresses Office [Location]

Year:5

Word count:2132 on , 2400 on Word

Parvati knocked on the door of the Headmaster's office, opening the door when she heard Professor Dumbledore's grave "Come in."

When she entered, her jaw dropped, for sitting opposite the desk was her father.

"Please sit, Miss Patil," Dumbledore said. She sat shakily, willing her legs to stop wobbling, hoping this did not mean what she thought it meant. Her parents had been hinting at it for ages, but she had always taken it lightly-surely it wasn't that bad? Now, though, she wasn't so sure.

"Miss Patil," he said, "your father has a proposition to put forward to you."

Her heart starting to drumroll, she turned to look at her father, who put his hands on her shoulders.

"Parvati,' he said softly, "I know you love this school and your friends, but times are changing, love. We have nothing against this school, but your mother, sister and I have decided that this country is no longer safe. We need to leave, and leave soon."

She did not dare to answer, but her look told all.

"Darling, this is hard for all of us," he said, "and all of us are making sacrifices. It will have to be your life or your school. I promise that you will be able to communicate with your friends eventually."

For a moment, she was tempted to choose her school: after all, Hogwarts was her home-but she couldn't leave her family. If Padma could bear to leave, so could she.

She held the tears back and attempted to reply. "If I agree to leave, what will happen?"

Her father smiled and patted her on the back. "That was what I was discussing with Professor Dumbledore before you arrived. It is better that he tells you about it."

She turned to face Dumbledore. "You must know, Miss Patil," he said, "that I was against the idea from the beginning, for I trust that as long as I am alive, Hogwarts is the safest possible place. However, I cannot go against your parents, so this is what I suggested."

She listened with bated breath.

"Miss Patil, your father wishes for your family to leave this country, but also for you and your sister to finish your education. There is a highly valued American school by the name of Ilvermorny, with a magical curriculum very similar to ours. Your father, at my advice, wishes to migrate to America and allow you as well as your sister to continue your education there. He is also prepared to let you correspond with your friends at Hogwarts through letters, Fire Calls and, in emergencies, the Floo Network."

"This is the best option we have, Parvati," her father said. "Either way, we will be leaving this year."

She knew this would be coming. "I have one request," she said, biting her lip. "May I stay until this term is over?"

Dumbledore smiled understandingly; to her left, her father nodded.

~ooOOOoo~

Within the following weeks, she tried to forget about it, but she found it nearly impossible. Goodbyes were said, parting gifts given, addresses and Muggle phone numbers exchanged.

After the Headmaster's unexpected death, her father was adamant, her mother terrified: they planned to attend the funeral and then pick her as well as her sister.

On the last night of school, she had such difficulty falling asleep that she went to Madam Pomfrey.

"Your sister was here barely ten minutes ago," she said lightly, pouring a measure of potion into a small goblet. "She couldn't sleep either."

"Oh," was all Parvati could muster the ability to say.

Gently pushing the goblet into her hand, Madam Pomfrey said softly, "I heard you girls are leaving, and I won't make you feel worse, but I will say: good luck, dear. Don't worry, the war will end soon, and Ilvermorny is truly an excellent school; my niece goes there, she's in Wampus house."

"Do you truly believe that the war will end soon?"

Madam Pomfrey smiled tiredly. "I am only an old lady with a bit of healing expertise, Parvati. All I can do is watch, hope and help."

"Aren't you..." Parvati hesitated, but continued "afraid of what will happen now?"

If she was offended, she did not show it. "I'll confess a little secret of mine, dear," she whispered, moving closer. "I am. But I do want this to end, and the only way I can make that happen is to help in whatever tiny way possible. As all of us must do."

She leaned back. "Get some sleep," she said. "Drop in tomorrow and say goodbye, please; I would love to see you girls one last time. Good luck, and remember that you and your sister, when everything else fails, have each other."

As Parvati slipped out, she vowed she would.