"History has taught us that the average person expects magic to solve all of their problems, and can get very cross when they learn that isn't the case," Hermione murmurs. "There are stories about a time when the magical and Muggle communities lived together, but then... well, let's just say that witch hunts that led to burning people at the stake, public drownings, and beheadings - among other things - made us decide that it was best that most people were left blind to the idea of magic. There are all sorts of reasons for why the tides change, but they're mostly speculative." And being in Thedas doesn't make her that much more willing to try and change magic's presence in her world, either.

Hearing him talk of a darkness inside of him finally makes Hermione reach out, albeit hesitantly, fingertips just barely brushing against his knuckles. "You don't have to atone for something that you have no control over," she tells him softly. "I understand the desire to do so, but it's not a necessity. All you can do from here on out is be the best person you can be, and try to avoid becoming a victim again. Just understand that it isn't always avoidable, given that there will always be bad people in the world. In every world, it seems." Managing to crack a tiny smile, she adds, "But you seem strong enough to be able to avoid it longer than most others, so there's that."