Chapter One: A Trip to Balamb Garden
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Final Fantasy VIII no matter how much I wish they were my works. Any additional characters added are mine.
oOoOo
Hermione frowned when a streak of sunlight fell across her face. Irritated, she turned away from it and opened her eyes. For a moment, the blue wall confused her, and she wondered where her scarlet curtains were. Then her memories of the night before returned like a harsh slap. She sat up and looked around.
The room was plain, but cosy with a bed, and some furniture. The rest of the walls were white, and some pictures hung showing a portly woman and a young man about her age. She looked at herself, realising someone dressed her in a night dress. Her clothes were across the room, on a round table.
Hermione got up and pulled her clothes on. She froze… Where's my wand? She thought and searched for it around the room. Hermione finally spotted it lying on the floor next to the table. It must have fallen off when she moved her clothes. She picked it up, almost hugging it in relief and slipped it into her pocket.
Hermione took a moment to wonder where she was. She remembered finding the chamber with the guys, and then she was on her own. She recalled the sorrowful blue eyes and his words… Griever said he "expelled" them. Did he…? Hermione trailed off in her thoughts, not wanting to think about what he may have meant by those words. She just prayed they were safe.
It was like he'd given her a mission. 'Key?' Hermione muttered to herself with a frown. Shaking her head, Hermione resigned herself to whatever lay beyond this room. She needed to get back to Hogwarts as soon as possible. Maybe Griever transported her away from Hogwarts in error. As this idea came across her, Hermione felt like she was trying to convince herself that was the case.
Her luck wasn't good these days.
Hermione wished she could speak to Griever again, even just to make sure Harry and Ron were okay. She would feel nervous and upset about their safety until he confirmed they were still alive. Hermione missed them already and wished they were here with her.
Shaking off her thoughts, Hermione crept to the door and pulled it open, hearing voices downstairs. Hermione felt awful eavesdropping, but she was curious about what happened to her and where she was. She figured asking would be more polite, but listened to the chatter anyway.
'So, I heard you have a mysterious guest?' Came a woman's voice.
Hermione heard the tap running and the sounds of someone washing dishes. 'Yes, well news certainly travels fast in a small village,' another woman answered. She sounded older than the other woman.
'Well?' Came the younger woman after a short pause.
'I'm not sure what to tell you, Gina. Zell found her unconscious by the docks and brought her back here,' answered the older woman with a sigh. 'She is about the same age as him, but he said he didn't recognise her from school. Very pretty,' she said thoughtfully. Hermione blushed at the comment but shook it off. So, she was found by the docks by a man called Zell.
'How long has she been out?' Gina asked, and Hermione pulled herself from her thoughts, focusing on the conversation.
'Three days, poor girl. Something serious must have happened to her. I'm curious to find out, but she won't wake up. I've tried everything, but not a peep,' said the older woman, and Hermione could picture a middle-aged woman shaking her head.
'Well, at least she's alive,' Gina replied.
'Yes, she's alive. Zell said she might be a transfer student from one of the other Gardens. Once she's awake and strong enough to travel, I'll direct her to the Garden,' the older woman answered.
Transfer student? Garden? Hermione wondered, and raked her mind on any information she may have heard about "students from Garden", but nothing jumped out at her. Hermione didn't think she'd ever heard of such a thing. Maybe she misheard.
'In any case, I need to give her some more soup. It's the only thing I can get her to take while she's unconscious,' the older woman said after a few moments. Hermione heard a cupboard door opening and the sound of a plate being put on the counter.
'Of course, Mrs Dincht. I didn't mean to keep you so long. I only wanted to see if you would watch Liam for me while I go shopping,' Gina said, and Hermione thought it sounded almost like a desperate plea.
Mrs Dincht laughed. 'Still as rowdy as ever?'
'You have no idea,' Gina answered exasperatedly.
'I don't mind, Gina,' Mrs Dincht replied.
'Thank you so much!' Gina exclaimed, and Hermione heard a door open. 'Do you need anything?' she called back.
'No, dear, I'm fine,' Mrs Dincht answered, and Hermione heard the door shut.
Hermione moved back into the room, closing the door gently. She looked back at the picture she glanced at earlier and noticed the young man had spiky blonde hair and a tattoo on the left side of his face. The woman next to him was portly, but had a kind face and wore a blue apron. She reminded Hermione of Mrs Weasley, and she smiled. Her smile dropped though when she thought of Ron. Hermione wondered if they knew what happened to her.
Hermione turned when the door opened. 'Oh! You're awake, at last!' Mrs Dincht said, placing a tray down on the table. She moved over to Hermione, checking her temperature, her pulse, and looked for any wounds. 'Well, you seem to be fine,' she said with a smile.
Hermione couldn't help smiling back. The woman seemed lovely, and she appreciated she had taken her in without question. 'My name is Hermione. Thank you for everything you've done for me,' Hermione answered, inclining her head to Mrs Dincht. A frown flitted onto her face. 'But, I must wonder where I am and how I got here,' Hermione questioned, looking at the older woman.
Mrs Dincht led her to a seat at the round table and sat in the seat opposite. 'I don't know where you came from. I was hoping you may have the answer. My Son, Zell, thought you might be a transfer student from one of the other Gardens,' she answered, pouring Hermione a cup of tea, and placing the soup in front of her.
'Thank you,' Hermione said, picking up her tea, and taking a sip. She shook her head and looked at Mrs Dincht. 'I have no idea what Garden is or where I am. I ran into…' she trailed off, thinking it might be best to omit Griever, '...some trouble,' she finished. Hermione wasn't lying; when she came face to face with Griever, Hermione believed she was in trouble. She shivered at the memory.
'It might be nice for you to visit them. I'm sure Zell will be happy to show you around,' Mrs Dincht suggested.
Hermione nodded. 'That sounds nice. What is Garden, though?' She asked her, visualising students learning to become gardeners in a massive greenhouse with tons of flowers. Hermione took a sip of her soup; it was beautiful, but she couldn't place what type of soup it was.
'Have you never heard of it? I didn't think there were people in the world who didn't know about them. They are a huge part of the world,' Mrs Dincht answered, and Hermione frowned. She had a feeling that whatever information Mrs Dincht was going to give her was not information she was going to like. 'There are three Gardens in the world. Balamb Garden is our local one, about 10 miles up the road. It's a school for mercenaries,' she answered, taking a sip of her tea.
'A mercenary school?' Hermione asked, her images of a vast greenhouse fading from her mind.
'Yes, they accept students aged 5-15 and graduate when they turn eighteen,' Mrs Dincht answered with a smile. 'Zell attends school there, and he is doing his final exam today,' she added proudly and turned in her chair to point at the picture Hermione looked at earlier. 'That's him. Takes after his Grandfather,' she said, turning back to look at Hermione.
'He's handsome,' Hermione said, looking at the smiling blonde in the picture.
'Yes, he is,' Mrs Dincht replied.
Hermione relaxed, feeling comfortable around this woman, and finished her soup. 'That was lovely soup,' she said, placing the bowl back on the tray.
'I try,' Mrs Dincht chuckled, standing, and picking up the tray. Hermione opened the door for her, and the older woman turned back to her. 'Make yourself comfortable, and feel free to come and go as you please,' Mrs Dincht told her before making her way downstairs.
'Thank you,' Hermione called after her.
She stood in the doorway for a moment, noticing another door right across from her. Curious, she stepped towards it causing a creak in the floorboard. 'That's Zell's room up there. He gets angry if anyone goes in, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't,' came Mrs Dincht's voice from downstairs, and Hermione blushed.
Hermione made her way downstairs and looked around the kitchen and dining rooms. The home was immaculate, not a speck of dust anywhere. In the living room, the young boy, Liam, was playing computer games on a strange TV. At least nothing seemed alien to her, although some things were a bit outlandish from what she was used to.
'Ergh, I'm so bored... I wish Zell would come over...' came Liam's voice.
'He should be home for a visit later,' Mrs Dincht told him, putting some juice down on the table for him.
'Oh, yeah! I hope he does! I need to show him my new moves!' Liam answered, standing, and getting into a fighting stance.
Mrs Dincht raised her eyebrows at him. 'Yes, well that will be taken outside. I would rather my house stayed intact,' she answered, placing a hand on her hip.
'Yes, ma'am,' Liam answered, his shoulders slumping. Hermione smiled, and she had the feeling many things had broken because of Zell and Liam.
Hermione wandered over to some magazines piled onto a bookcase and read the title. '"Timber Maniacs"?' She muttered, picking it up. Hermione read the first page and realised it was articles relating to the world. Her pulse quickened upon realising she had never heard of any of the places listed. She closed it and put it back on the pile.
Mrs Dincht turned to her after finishing washing the dishes and went to her side when she took in Hermione's pale face. 'Are you all right, Hermione,' she asked, leading her to a chair.
'I have to know… where am I?' Hermione asked her.
'You're in Balamb,' Mrs Dincht answered, reaching a hand up to touch Hermione's clammy forehead.
'It's just, I don't recognise the name,' Hermione answered, and Mrs Dincht frowned. 'Do you have a map of the world?' Hermione asked her, needing to know if Scotland was on the map so she could figure out how to get back to Hogwarts.
'I don't, I'm afraid. There is a shop next to the train station which may have one, or our next-door neighbour, Jim, may have one,' she answered with a frown.
'Thank you,' Hermione said, standing to leave the house and find a map. 'Is there a way for me to get to the Garden?' Hermione asked as an afterthought. Although she was desperate to get back to Hogwarts, she was curious about the military school and wanted to see it.
'Yes, I'm sure someone will take you. Down the road is a car rental shop. I'm sure someone there can get you a taxi,' Mrs Dincht answered with a smile, but Hermione could see the frown was still present.
'It's okay, I can walk… I don't have any money for a taxi,' she answered, looking at her feet. 'I'm sorry, I must seem so abrupt. I just want to find my bearings and get home,' Hermione told her, receiving an understanding nod in return. 'I do appreciate everything you have done for me, and I'll never forget your kindness,' she said, and she couldn't help hugging the older woman.
'Well, you're always welcome here. Please come back anytime,' Mrs Dincht replied, taking her hands. 'If you get stuck, you come on back here, okay?' she said sternly, and Hermione nodded with a smile.
'I promise, I will,' she answered, feeling glad to have somewhere to stay if she needed it. She was indeed in debt to Mrs Dincht and didn't how she could repay her hospitality.
'Before you go…' Mrs Dincht said and shuffled over to the kitchen. She pulled food and juice out a cupboard, and made some sandwiches, placing them in a shoulder bag. She then grabbed her purse and pulled out some coins, handing them to Hermione. 'Take that with you. Should be enough for a taxi,' she said, placing the bag over Hermione's head.
'I can't accept this,' Hermione said, and she hoped she hadn't made Mrs Dincht feel like she had to go out of her way to do this for her.
'Nonsense!' Mrs Dincht answered, waving away her comment. 'You take care of yourself, Hermione,' she said and opened the front door for her.
'Thank you, for everything,' Hermione replied, giving the woman another hug.
Hermione watched the door close, before turning to take in her surroundings. Mrs Dincht's house was the last one at the end of a long street. Hermione could see the entrance to the little town at the end, and a sign for the car rental shop Mrs Dincht told her about. In front of her was a weapons shop with a bench outside, and Hermione frowned at the store, wondering if it was legal to sell weapons so openly.
Shaking her head, Hermione spotted a man sitting on the bench and moved towards him to find out some more information about the town and surrounding area. Hermione was about to reach him when a young woman walked along carrying heavy shopping bags. The man got up to help her. 'Here, Gina, let me carry those,' he said, taking the bags from her, and Hermione realised this was the young woman speaking to Mrs Dincht before she came upstairs. 'Heading to Mrs Dincht's to collect the rascal, huh?' he asked cheerfully, and she nodded.
'Thanks, Nathan. Yeah, I've left him there. I can't take him anywhere anymore. He just destroys the place,' Gina answered, shaking her head.
'Sound like someone you know?' Nathan asked with a chuckle, receiving a glare from Gina.
'Zell has been such a bad influence on Liam! But, Mrs Dincht is so good to us that I don't want to say anything,' Gina said, shifting the heavy bag in her hand to her other one.
'You know Zell doesn't mean any harm,' Nathan answered with a smile, placing the bags on the ground next to Mrs Dincht's front door.
'Yes, I know,' Gina replied, opening the door and letting herself in. 'Thanks for your help, Nathan!' She called back to him and closed the door.
Hermione watched Nathan sigh as he made his way back to the bench. He took a seat and glanced at her curiously upon realising she was watching him. Hermione walked over to him. 'Excuse me, I'm a bit lost and don't know my way around. I woke up here this morning, and I don't know where I am or how I got here. Can you help? I just want some information,' Hermione said politely, hoping she didn't bombard him with questions.
Nathan frowned in confusion before snapping his fingers. 'You must be the girl who appeared here three days ago!' He said like he'd figured out the meaning of life.
'Yes, that's me,' Hermione answered, wondering if everyone knew she was the mysterious girl who appeared out of nowhere.
'Ah, well it must be confusing for you. I'll tell you all I know and point you in some directions,' Nathan told her.
'Thank you, I appreciate it,' Hermione answered, and she was thankful that everyone in this town seemed friendly and approachable.
Nathan waved off her thanks. 'So, this is a little town called Balamb. It's a fishing village, but we get a lot of tourists because of the Garden further up the road. It's the only attraction we have on this island,' he answered with a shrug. 'In town, we have a hotel, a train station, the docks, and a couple of shops. There's a car rental shop down the road by the entrance,' Nathan said, pointing in several directions to indicate the buildings he was referring to.
'Thanks,' Hermione answered, looking around. 'It's a beautiful village. I'll take a walk around and head up to see the Garden,' she told him, and he nodded, waving at her as she walked towards the hotel.
Hermione stopped next to the hotel, looking up at the tall building in awe. It was built up of grey and blue stone, and was circular, making it look almost like a tower. It was the largest building in the town, except maybe the train station. Hermione made a mental reminder that it was there in case she got stuck and couldn't go to Mrs Dincht.
Hermione followed the path down towards the docks and took a seat on a bench. She looked out at the vast ocean, letting her mind drift back to the questions plaguing her mind. Hermione desperately wanted to find a map of the world so she could see where she was. She had a feeling she wasn't even on earth anymore, and the thought terrified her. Hermione had never heard of Balamb, and these people and their lives just seemed so different from what she was used to.
Hermione shook her head, tuning into the sounds of birds flying above her. One of them landed close to the bench, and she realised it was a seagull. So, not everything was different, and this made her feel a little better. Hermione watched a girl walk past, struggling to hold the lead while her dog dragged her on. Hermione smiled, it was just like any other little town in the middle of nowhere at least.
Hermione looked around, noticing a couple of women on the bench to the left of her. She hated eavesdropping, but she heard them mention Zell, and she was curious about the man who found her.
'Hey, have you heard? Mrs Dincht's Son is going to take the SeeD exam,' the woman standing next to the bench stated.
'Really...? I wonder if that rowdy boy can handle it? Does Mrs Dincht know about this?' the other asked in surprise as she sat down on the bench.
'The chances Zell will pass the exam is probably around fifty percent. At least that's what my Son said,' she answered. This woman seemed a little too smug for Hermione's liking.
'The exam doesn't just test physical abilities, right?' she asked, looking up at her friend who was still standing.
'Right. It also emphasises teamwork. On top of that, composure, focus, proper decision making and much more.'
'Oh, my... I doubt he can handle it.'
'I don't think Mrs Dincht will say anything to him, even if she knew. I guess all we can do is wish him luck,' she said, taking a seat next to her friend on the bench.
Hermione listened for a moment longer, but when they moved on to other topics of gossip about other townsfolk, she tuned out. She was curious about Zell and the Garden. If nothing else, Hermione wanted to thank him for taking her to his Mother, and she wanted to see this Garden.
Hermione stood from the bench and made her way towards the rental shop. On the way, a senior man stepped out of the house next to Mrs Dincht's, and she remembered the older woman telling her that her neighbour might have an atlas. Hermione made her way over to him. 'Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but Mrs Dincht said you might be able to help me,' she said, smiling at the elderly man.
'Did she now? What can I help you with, young lady?' the old man asked.
'She said you might have a world atlas I could look at? This is my first time in Balamb, and I'm a little lost,' Hermione answered, hoping he could help her. 'I'm visiting, but I want to see if there are any other notable places I'd like to go,' she added, making herself sound like a tourist.
'Ah, of course, please come in!' said the old man enthusiastically, and ushered her into his little home. It was much the same as Mrs Dincht's house. Small, but quaint. 'Would you like a cup of tea?' he asked her, and Hermione was, once again, shocked at how friendly, and helpful everyone in this town was.
'No, thank you,' she answered, smiling at him. 'I was on my way to get a taxi to visit the Garden. I've never seen it before,' Hermione told him, and he nodded.
'Yes, you can't come to Balamb and not visit the Garden. Its doors are open to everyone, and it's a big tourist attraction. Of course, you can't enter the main building, but the grounds are beautiful,' he told her, leading her over to a map on the wall. 'Here is the Atlas of Gaia,' he said, and pointed to Balamb Island. 'This is where we are. Take as long as you need,' he said and left her to stare at the map.
Hermione's stomach flipped, and her heart lodged in her throat as she stared at the map. She was right. Hermione was not in her world anymore, and the thought terrified her more than she thought was conceivable. The old man mentioned that the world was called "Gaia", but with all the magic in her world, she had never heard of it.
Hermione swallowed a lump in her throat, wishing again that Harry and Ron were there so she wouldn't be going through this alone. Tears filled her eyes, and she wondered if she would ever get home.
I am sorry, a voice whispered in her head, and Hermione recognised it as Griever. She looked around, but she couldn't see him. I am the reason you have come to my world. I transported you here because I need your help, he said, and Hermione could almost see those sad eyes looking at her pleadingly.
How? What can I do? I am alone in this world, and I know nothing about it, Hermione answered in her mind, hoping he would hear her.
You are not alone. I am here with you, Griever answered, but this knowledge didn't make Hermione feel any better about her predicament. You will soon become very familiar with my world. Make your way to Balamb Garden and request to speak to the Headmaster. He will help you, he told her.
Hermione nodded subconsciously; she was heading there anyway. Okay, I'll head there, she said calmly, but inside she was screaming. Hermione steeled her nerves and looked down at her shaking hands. She had no other choice, but to do as he asked.
oOoOo
Hermione handed the taxi driver the money Mrs Dincht gave her, having spent the car ride staring at the coins in fascination and confusion. She thanked him as he handed her the change, and got out of the car. Hermione looked up at the massive building making up Balamb Garden, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. Hermione walked towards the gates and noticed two people standing at the front entrance talking. One of them was a blonde-haired woman, and she seemed to be lecturing the young man with her, but he just looked bored.
Hermione made her way over to them and stopped a few metres from them. They both turned to look at her. 'I'm out of here,' the young man said, turning to walk away.
'Don't forget to change into your uniform!' the woman called after him, and he waved half-heartedly to acknowledge what she said. The woman huffed, shaking her head, before turning to Hermione. 'Can I help you at all? You look a little lost,' she asked, and Hermione moved over to her.
'Yes, I'm just visiting, but I need to see the Headmaster,' Hermione answered, hoping this woman was someone in authority.
'I can certainly check if he will be able to see you. Please, follow me…, um…?' the woman trailed off quizzically.
'Hermione Granger,' she greeted, inclining her head.
'I'm Quistis Trepe. I'm an Instructor here in Balamb Garden,' she greeted back, shaking Hermione's hand.
'Balamb Garden is beautiful. I wasn't expecting it to be so majestic,' Hermione gushed, taking in the building and her surroundings.
'I came to Garden when I was ten years old, and I've always thought it to be majestic. The sight of it never gets old,' Quistis answered with a smile.
Hermione wondered about the Instructor. Quistis looked so young, maybe even the same age as herself. 'How long have you been an Instructor here?' Hermione asked, thinking it was safer to propose that instead of asking for her age.
'Only a year. I passed my SeeD exam when I was fifteen and got my Instructor licence when I was seventeen,' Quistis answered, leading her towards Reception.
Hermione nodded, shocked to find she was only a year younger than Quistis, and she was an Instructor. 'Wow, is it easy to become an Instructor at such a young age?' Hermione asked her.
'It took a lot of hard work and studying to get to where I am. Few people put in the work I did. I'm the youngest student ever to become an Instructor,' Quistis answered, smiling at her. 'But, the hard work paid off, and here I am!' She exclaimed with a chuckle, and Hermione smiled.
They reached the Reception, and Quistis stopped to grab a book. 'You'll need to sign in because you're a visitor. Just write your name there…' she pointed to the space on the page, 'and then put your reason for visiting here…' Quistis pointed to another space.
Hermione did as she asked, and Quistis handed the book back to the stern-looking receptionist. Quistis led her through the barriers, and to a giant computer in the main hall. 'Take a seat here, and I'll fetch the Headmaster,' Quistis told her, and Hermione nodded and took a seat to wait. Quistis walked off towards the lift and disappeared from her view.
Hermione took this time to look around the main hall. It was massive and curved off in a circle with the lift in the middle. She watched the students wandering about, and caught sight of the young man she saw earlier entering through the barrier. He was walking with his head down, and his hands stuffed in his pockets. He seemed like a complete contrast to the rest of the students milling around who were laughing with their friends.
Hermione watched him, and he looked up at her, and she realised she was staring at him. Hermione turned away, clasping her hands together on her lap, and looked at the floor. Footsteps stopped beside her, and Hermione looked at the boots, before moving her eyes up to look at them. He was looking at her curiously, and Hermione could have sworn she'd seen him somewhere before.
'You're a transfer student?' he asked quietly, tilting his head.
Hermione shook her head. 'No, just visiting,' she answered.
He frowned for a moment while he looked at her, and Hermione thought he was almost studying her. 'Huh…' he muttered, before walking off down the hall and around the corner.
Hermione watched him go in confusion, wondering why he even came over to her. He was very aloof and didn't even seem friendly. Not like everyone else she had met. Hermione shook her head and put him to the back of her mind. She would probably never have to speak to him again anyway. He didn't seem like a people person, and she doubted he would befriend her. Hermione hoped she wouldn't be here long enough to make any lasting friendships anyway.
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts when Quistis came back with an older man in tow. 'Miss Granger?' the older man asked politely.
'Yes,' Hermione answered, shaking his hand.
The Headmaster smiled. 'Welcome to Balamb Garden. I am Cid Kramer,' he greeted, bowing to her. 'Shall we take this to my office?' Cid asked, and Hermione nodded. She thanked Quistis as she passed her, and followed the Headmaster towards the lift.
From the corridor, the young man appeared and leaned on the giant computer. He stared at the lift and narrowed his eyes, wondering who that girl was and why she was here to see the Headmaster.
'Squall, you need to change into your uniform! We'll be meeting soon for the test!' Quistis ordered him, and Squall rolled his eyes.
'I'm going now,' Squall answered, reaching up to move his hair out of his face and stuffed his hands back in his pockets. Squall took one more look towards the lift before heading off to the Dormitory to change.