Hermione's face went grave as when he explained the case of the maleficar in question. "At least he was doing it for what many would consider to be a noble reason," she brought up softly, imagining a doting, desperate father searching for any means necessary to save a young boy from succumbing to illness or injury. "Not the right reason, no, but... someone who still has the capacity to love can't be all bad." Mrs. Malfoy sprung to mind, but that just made a flurry of unpleasant memories rear up, so she opted to drop that trail of thought right away.

He posed a very good question, and that little thoughtful frown made another appearance. "Well, it's not a matter of becoming a witch. You either are or you aren't. Getting accepted into Hogwarts - or a similar school dependent on one's particular region - is an exciting time for any young witch or wizard because that's when they get to learn the really interesting magic, so I've never heard of anyone turning down an acceptance. I suppose if someone with magical parents didn't or couldn't go to school, they'd learn from their family. But I'm a Muggle-born - that is, I don't come from a magical family. They couldn't have forced me to go, I don't think, but I'd been strongly encouraged, especially since magic can go a little awry when it goes unlearned." She paused for a moment, thinking it over. "I suppose, if I couldn't have been convinced, they might have left me to my own devices and made it known that I was subject to standard wizarding laws, and they'd keep an eye on me to make sure I didn't use my magic improperly. The Ministry of Magic is very careful about making sure all witches and wizards abide by their laws."