Chapter Nine: Escape from Timber
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 ran into the TV Station, following behind Squall. Seifer was still near the podium, his blade too close to the President's neck for comfort. 'Oh, no,' she whispered and pulled out her wand.
'We need to restrain him!' Quistis said, holding her arms out to stop them from moving too close to him.
'How are we going to do that?' Hermione asked, trying to think of a spell she could use to make Seifer let go of the President without slitting his throat in the process. Squall placed a hand on her wand arm and gave her a shake of his head. She frowned at him, but lowered her arm, gripping her wand and staying alert in case anything happened. Constant vigilance as Moody would say.
Squall looked at Seifer, placing a hand on his hip. 'What do you think you're doing?' he asked nonchalantly, gesturing to Seifer and the noticeably shaking President.
Seifer frowned in confusion. 'It's obvious, ain't it!?' he questioned, rolling his eyes. He tightened his grip on the President, his blade connecting with the skin at his neck. Hermione cringed as a thin trail of blood slid down and disappeared beneath his collar. 'What are you planning to do with this guy?' Seifer asked them, lowering his guard a little.
'Planning to do?' Squall asked in confusion and shook his head. He crossed his arms as he thought about it and it clicked, that's right, he knows Rinoa. Is that why he's here?
'Seifer, we weren't planning on doing anything with him. At least, nothing violent,' Hermione said, trying to reason with him.
Seifer tilted his head at her but didn't let the President go. 'That's not what Rinoa told me,' he countered, bringing his blade back to the President's throat. 'She told me you planned to kill him, and that I would be rewarded for helping,' he told them.
Hermione's eyes widened, and she felt a trickle of sweat bead on her forehead at his words. Is that girl for real? What is with her trying to kill people? She wondered, shaking her head. They had to do something to stop him, and quickly.
Squall looked over at her and gave her a tiny nod. Hermione flicked her wand, and Seifer was sent flying into the back of the stage. The President ran towards them, his attendants coming to his aid. 'Thank you,' he muttered and received a nod from Hermione.
'Let's restrain him, while we have the chance,' Quistis said, moving towards Seifer. 'He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process,' she told them as she knelt next to the young man.
'Stupid idiot,' Zell muttered, shaking his head. 'Instructor, I know! You're going to take this stupid idiot back to Garden, right?' he asked, before realising his blunder.
'Shut up! NO!' Squall shouted, looking at Zell in disbelief. Hermione looked at them, wondering why Squall was so annoyed.
Seifer leapt to his feet, grabbing his gunblade and pointed it at Quistis. 'Not a step closer,' he warned, and Quistis stopped.
'I see,' President Deling piped up, and they all looked at him. Squall closed his eyes in vexation as he knew what was coming. 'For your treachery, the entire Galbadian Military will undoubtedly crush Garden,' he proclaimed, and Hermione looked at him in scepticism.
'Hold on, you can't hold Garden accountable for the deeds of one person,' Hermione reasoned, shaking her head.
'How do I know Garden didn't send him to assassinate me?' The President said, raising his eyebrows.
Seifer growled. 'Nice going, you dumb chicken! You and your stupid big mouth!' he shouted, shaking his head. 'I'm out of here!' he bellowed and ran into the other room.
'Wait!' Quistis cried and ran after him.
Seifer entered a back room and looked around for an escape route. Something about the place was off like there was a strange hum in the atmosphere. 'Poor, poor boy,' a voice said, and Seifer looked around in apprehension.
'Stay away from me!' Seifer shouted, searching the room for the voice.
A woman appeared, seemingly out of thin air, from a curtain at the back of the room. Seifer backed away in dread as the woman came to a stop before him. 'Such a confused little boy. Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide,' she said, her voice soft, sweet, and alluring.
'Stay back!' Seifer said, his voice irresolute as a strange sensation washed over him.
Quistis caught up with him then, and the woman raised her hand which caused the younger woman to fall to her knees, unable to move. She could only watch the unfolding events.
'The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off,' the woman continued as if she hadn't been interrupted. She stepped closer to Seifer and circled him. 'You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer,' she alleged, and she came to a stop in front of him. 'You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this… predicament?' she questioned him, tilting her head.
'Shut up!' Seifer yelled, grabbing his head in discomfort.
'Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy,' she reasoned with him.
'I'm not—' Seifer cut himself off, shaking his head irritably. 'Stop calling me a boy,' he said, but his voice wavered.
'You don't want to be a boy anymore?' she asked him, looking at him with innocent curiosity.
Seifer scowled at her. 'I am not a BOY!' he yelled, his hands balling into fists.
Squall, Selphie, Zell, and Hermione ran into the room, and she raised her hand again. Hermione raised her wand. 'Protego!' she said, and the spell didn't affect her, but the others were paralysed in place.
The woman tutted. 'You, my dear, are the very bane of my existence,' she said, turning fully to Hermione and casting another spell. Hermione was thrown into the wall with enough force to wind her. She tried to get back up, but struggled and watched as the woman turned back to Seifer. 'Come with me to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood,' she told him, and Seifer nodded.
'Seifer, no,' Hermione whispered as she crawled onto her knees, pointing her wand at the woman. Seifer waved at them before turning and walking through the curtain the same way the woman had arrived. He disappeared.
The woman turned back to Hermione. 'You would do well not to hinder me,' she said as she raised her hand and Hermione felt a force wrap around her throat like someone was strangling her. She gasped for breath, feeling herself lose consciousness.
Squall and the others were released from their spell, and he ran forward. 'Hermione!' he cried, kneeling at her side and pulling her into his back.
'Pathetic,' the woman said, lowering her hand and the force stopped.
Hermione gasped for breath and tried to raise her wand at the woman, but she was thoroughly winded. Her eyes dropped closed, and her head fell back against Squall's chest.
'You will meet your end very soon,' the woman promised before vanishing.
'Hermione?' Squall whispered, turning her head towards him. He could feel her pulse, and he let out a breath of relief, but the woman's words had him worried.
'Is she okay?' Selphie asked, coming to kneel at her other side.
'She'll be fine,' Squall muttered, picking her up and carrying her bridal style. 'Let's get out of here,' he told them, and they followed him out of the TV Station.
'What happened to Seifer?' Selphie questioned as they stopped at the outdoor TV.
'I don't know… he just disappeared,' Squall answered, looking down at Hermione.
They continued down the stairs and ran towards the pub, meeting Watts on the way. 'They found our base, sir! It's completely destroyed!' he told them, before looking around for someone. 'Where's Rinoa, sir?' he queried.
'We don't know,' Squall replied, looking at the ground as he pondered what happened to her. She seemed to have disappeared as well. On the one hand, he had wanted to keep her close so he could watch her for anything suspicious, but on the other, he was relieved she was gone and hoped they wouldn't run into her again. She was bad news.
'Is everyone okay?' Selphie asked Watts, looking at him in concern.
'Oh, yes, sir! Everyone escaped,' he told them with a smile. 'You should get away from Timber, sir!' Watts told them as he led them into the pub.
The owner of the pub approached them as they came in. 'My wife was looking for Rinoa, she said your base is destroyed,' he said, looking at Watts who nodded. 'Please, she said to head to our house once you came back. If Rinoa comes through, I'll tell her to catch up with you guys,' he told them, and they nodded.
'It's better than nothing for now,' Squall said to Selphie and Zell who nodded. They followed Watts out of the pub, and the companions headed to the pub owners house.
The woman they spoke to earlier about getting to the TV Station opened the door. When she noticed Hermione's condition, she ushered them in and told Squall to take her upstairs. Squall lay her on the bed and pulled a chair over to it. He leaned over and moved the hair back from her face with his gloved hand. Squall looked up as the woman walked over to her, and lifted her head making her drink a red liquid.
'What happened to her?' She inquired, looking at Squall. The woman placed a bowl of water with a cloth on the bedside table. She wrung out the cloth and wiped Hermione's forehead with it.
'A Sorceress attacked us,' Squall answered, his eyes not leaving Hermione's face. 'She threatened her,' he whispered, his tone livid.
'Well, she should be okay. She just needs some rest,' the woman said, placing a comforting hand on Squall's shoulder and indicating for them to leave her.
Squall stood up unwillingly but followed the woman downstairs. 'Thank you, um…' he trailed off as he realised they didn't know the woman's name.
'Just call me Chief,' she replied with a smile.
'"Chief"?' Selphie inquired, tilting her head.
'I'm the leader of the "Forest Fox",' the Chief responded, moving to the window and looking out.
'Almost everyone's a resistance member in this town, sir!' Watts told them, receiving nods.
'How's Hermione?' Quistis asked as Squall took a seat at the kitchen table.
'She'll be fine,' Squall muttered, shaking his head. 'We need to be extra cautious though. That's two attempts on her life now. We need to take this mission seriously and keep a close eye on anything suspicious,' Squall said broodingly as he looked at Zell and Selphie. The two nodded at him, and Squall leaned back in his chair, his eyes focused on the top of the stairs.
After a while of silence, Selphie sighed and turned to the room. 'I still don't get it. What did Seifer come here for?' she asked them with a frown.
'I think he came to help us, sir,' Watts answered, his usual cheery conduct gone. 'Rinoa told him a lot about it,' he added, shaking his head.
The companions were alarmed as they heard banging on the door. 'Anybody in here!?' someone bellowed, beating on the door again.
'Upstairs, hurry!' the Chief's daughter said as the Chief moved towards the door.
They disappeared up the stairs followed by the girl who closed the door behind them. 'What is this!? I have two small children in here! Don't do anything to frighten them!' the Chief was shouting downstairs.
Squall took a seat next to Hermione, refraining from placing his hand over hers and turned to the girl. 'Will she be okay?' he asked her, looking at the closed door the girl was leaning against.
'She'll be fine,' the girl giggled, pushing off the door. 'The legend goes that my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty,' she countered, a glazed look in her eyes.
Selphie chuckled. 'That "beauty" part sure makes it sound like a legend,' she said, and the girl shook her head, glaring at Selphie who shrugged in response. Selphie sat down against the wall near to where Zell was leaning staring out the window. 'So tired…' she whispered, leaning her head against the wall and closing her eyes.
'I wonder if Seifer's all right,' Quistis said, shaking her head. Squall turned to look at her, and comment on this, but she continued, 'He was so angry when he found out it was only the three of you dispatched to Timber with Hermione,' she said, and Squall frowned.
'Why?' Squall asked, leaning forward in his chair.
'"What!? They might end up fighting the whole Galbadian force! And all they dispatch are three rookie SeeD members!? Dammit, I'm going to Timber!"' Quistis stated, quoting the words Seifer used before he broke out of the disciplinary room. Quistis shook her head and turned to look at Squall. 'I would never have guessed he was serious about it,' she said, pacing the length of the small bedroom.
That guy is always serious. You should know that by now, Squall thought, shaking his head. He turned back to Hermione as she groaned and placed a hand on her forehead. 'Hermione?' Squall breathed, removing his gloves and reaching for the wet cloth. He wrung it out and wiped Hermione's head with it.
The others moved closer, gathering around her as she opened her eyes. Hermione paid them no mind as the first eyes she saw were sapphire blue ones, and they were looking at her in concern. 'Squall?' Hermione whispered, blinking a few times to rid herself of her blurred vision. 'What happened?' she questioned, moving to sit up, but Squall pressed against her shoulder softly.
'Don't rush, just rest,' Squall said gently, his hand lingering on her shoulder until she settled back down.
'Where am I?' Hermione asked, looking around the room in confusion. It was a child's room if the toys were any indication.
'Remember the house we went to for directions earlier? The Chief has let us stay here until we can get out of Timber,' Squall answered, dabbing the cloth against her head again.
Hermione nodded. 'Thanks, Squall,' she said, smiling at him.
'Just doing my duty,' Squall replied with a frown, looking away from her.
Hermione bit her lip and looked away from him comprehending he wasn't worried about her wellbeing; he was just doing what he was told. Squall was ordered to protect her; it had nothing to do with any genuine concern he might have. Hermione took a deep breath and looked at the room as a whole, choosing not to look at Squall for the moment. Hermione was worried he would see something there and back off, maybe even opt out of his mission. She would rather not have to deal with someone else.
'So, what happened?' Hermione inquired, eyeing the faces in the room. Selphie was puzzled, Zell appeared to be distraught, Quistis looked apprehensive, and Squall had his arms crossed and was observing the floor. 'Wow, a cheerful party we have here,' Hermione said, chuckling tensely as all eyes turned to her. She swallowed and shrugged. 'So?' Hermione asked again.
'Seifer disappeared, and the Sorceress tried to kill you. She then threatened to kill you later and vanished. Rinoa is also missing. We also have to deal with the President who might retaliate on Garden,' Squall answered, listing off everything on his fingers.
'Great, so Rinoa and this Sorceress want to kill me?' Hermione asked, leaning against the headboard and sighing. Griever? She called into her mind, but she didn't expect an answer. Her companion had been very quiet for the last few days, and Hermione was worried something had happened to him.
Hermione? Came the answer, and Hermione sat up in shock.
'Whoa, calm down,' Squall said, grabbing her arms and pushing her back down.
For a moment, Hermione was distracted by the feel of Squall's ungloved, calloused hands on her arms. She marvelled at the fact he even took his gloves off and realised he didn't want to get them wet. Then she remembered she wanted to speak to Griever. Where have you been? Hermione questioned him, not entirely meaning it to sound as abrasive as it came out.
Protecting you, Griever answered with a sigh. Hermione frowned, but before she could ask, he continued, you have attracted the attention of those who want to deter the plan. They will try to kill you using any means necessary. You need to take extra precaution. Squall will protect you with his life, but he is not a miracle worker. There is only so much he can do.
Yes, I know. Rinoa wants to kill me, and now a powerful Sorceress is trying to off me, Hermione replied, frowning at her hands.
Be wary, Hermione. They are not the only ones. Keep your eyes open and stay attentive even around those who you deem to be friends. Spies are everywhere, Griever said, and Hermione felt a shiver run down her spine.
Anything else I should know? Like, why they are trying to kill me? Hermione asked, picking at her fingers which was a nervous habit of showing she was anxious.
Because of my Ring. It needs to be destroyed, but they will not permit it, Griever answered, and Hermione could almost see the pain on his face.
Why? What will happen if it's destroyed? Hermione inquired, almost dreading the answer.
My Mistress and I will cease to be, Griever countered, and Hermione could hear the sorrow in his voice.
Your Mistress? Hermione queried, but she had a feeling he wouldn't answer.
Not now, you will learn in due course, Griever answered, and Hermione nodded internally.
Hermione tuned back into the room, there was a thick tension blanketing it, and it made her feel uncomfortable. Quistis was pacing again, and she turned towards Squall. 'What's going to happen to Seifer?' Quistis asked, and Hermione wondered if it was hypothetical. No one knew what was going to happen to him, but Hermione had watched him willingly go with the Sorceress.
'He may already be dead,' Squall said coolly, pulling his gloves back on.
Hermione frowned at him. 'Seifer went with the Sorceress freely, but I don't think he grasped what he might have been getting himself into. I feel bad for him,' Hermione said, shaking her head.
Squall looked at her in amazement. Feel bad? Seifer would hate to hear that, Squall thought before snickering out loud.
'I don't think this is a laughing matter, Squall,' Hermione seethed, glaring at him and his chuckle died in his throat.
'So, why do you think Seifer may already be dead?' Selphie questioned Squall before Hermione could kill him.
Squall turned to look at her. Because, he thought, shaking his head. 'The President of Galbadia and the Sorceress joined forces. Seifer attacked the President. It's no surprise that Seifer may have been killed because of it,' Squall responded as if this should be apparent.
Hermione leaned back against the headboard. What Squall said made sense, but she also hoped it wasn't the case. Hermione had no love for Seifer. In fact, he reminded her of Draco Malfoy, but she would never wish death upon anyone. Even if they were a nasty piece of work. 'I hope he's okay,' Hermione said, and Squall turned to look at her. He frowned at her and pursed his lips.
Why does she care? Squall asked himself as he scowled at the floor. Why do I care what she thinks? She can believe whatever she wants; it's none of my business. Reality isn't so kind. Everything doesn't work out the way you want it to. That's why… Squall trailed off in his reveries. 'As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything… You feel less pain,' Squall muttered, finishing his thoughts out loud. Everyone frowned at him, and he looked at the ground again. Squall sighed and looked at Hermione. 'Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business,' he murmured, standing up and moving to the other side of the room and glowering at the floor.
Hermione crossed her arms and scowled at the bed. What's his problem? She thought to herself. 'Yeah, it's none of your business. No need to be so fucking harsh about this situation though,' Hermione snarled, glaring at him before turning her attention to the window.
Squall frowned at her. What's with her? He wondered before swallowing and looking at the floor. 'Sorry,' Squall muttered, crossing his arms.
The others looked at each other as the tension in the room intensified. They all breathed a sigh of relief as the Chief came into the room. 'The Galbadian forces are withdrawing. Only the soldiers normally stationed here will stick around,' she told them, moving over to Hermione and helping her stand. 'If you're gonna leave, now's your chance! You know how persistent those soldiers can be!' the Chief told them, and left the room.
Selphie and Zell left the room, heading downstairs, and Quistis moved over to help Hermione who looked at Squall for a moment before they followed the others down more slowly. Squall took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment before following.
'Where's Watts?' Squall questioned when he came downstairs, only just realising he never followed them upstairs earlier.
'Watts slipped out the back earlier to scope things out,' the Chief's daughter answered from where she was washing dishes.
Squall nodded before taking a seat at the table across from Quistis and Hermione. 'Seems like everyone's tired,' Quistis said, leaning back in her chair.
The Chief put two pots on the table, one filled with tea and the other with coffee. Her daughter put several cups down, and they helped themselves to a drink. Selphie sat down between Squall and Hermione, cradling her cup of tea in her hands. 'I want to go home!' Selphie said, resting her head on her arms.
The Chief nodded, taking a sip of her coffee before looking at them. 'So, what's your plan?' she asked them, passing her daughter a towel to dry the dishes.
Quistis looked at Squall who was staring at his coffee. 'Squall, any thoughts on where to go?' she inquired, sipping her black tea.
We have to get out of here first, Squall thought, not looking up.
'Getting out of here is only the first step,' Quistis said, making him look up at her.
'What do you mean?' Squall asked, frowning at her in misunderstanding.
Quistis tilted her head at him. 'Garden Code, Article 8, line 7,' she countered, raising her eyebrow at him.
Squall looked away, 8:7… in the event that returning to the assigned Garden is not possible, report to the nearest Garden, he recalled before looking at her. 'Head for the nearest Garden,' Squall answered, and she nodded.
'Very good! From here, that would be Galbadia Garden,' Quistis clarified, smiling at him.
'There's a train which goes to East Academy Station from here,' The Chief said, nodding her head in agreement.
'From there, we have to go through the forest west of the station to get to Galbadia Garden,' Quistis told them, and they all nodded.
'Will we be welcome there, though? After what's happened?' Hermione asked, looking down at her coffee.
'I've been there several times. We should be okay,' Quistis reassured her, and Hermione nodded.
Though, Hermione wasn't convinced. She had a feeling they were going to run into trouble before they even reached Galbadia Garden. She also thought they wouldn't have a welcome reception at the Garden either.
Squall looked at her and caught her gaze in his. He inclined his head as if to say "I'll protect you", and Hermione looked away. Squall sighed inwardly knowing she was still annoyed at him and turned back to Quistis. 'Okay then, we'll escape from Timber and head to Galbadia Garden,' he said, receiving nods.
The five companions stood and headed for the door. 'You be careful now. Take this with you,' the Chief said, handing them a bag with provisions and medical supplies.
'Thank you,' Squall said, watching Quistis take the bag and shouldering it.
'We're counting on you. Good luck!' the girl said, smiling at them. 'Come by our house anytime you're in Timber,' she added, and they nodded.
As they left, a soldier ran up to them. 'Not good!' Zell said, getting ready to fight.
'It's me, sir! It's me!' the soldier said, holding up his hands in surrender. They relaxed when they realised it was Watts. 'Got some info, sir! Timber Station will be shut down temporarily,' he told them.
'Major bummer!' Selphie cried, sighing in frustration.
'Not necessarily. It's not completely shut down yet. The last train out of here is bound for East Academy Station,' Watts informed them.
Squall nodded. 'We're getting on that train,' Squall said, looking at his companions, his eyes landing on Hermione last. 'What about you? Will you be safe here?' Squall asked him, wondering how long it would be before Watts was caught.
Watts beamed at him. 'I'll be fine, sir! I'll put up the fight of my life!' he called, saluting them and they all saluted back except Hermione. 'I'm happy, sir!' Watts added before running off back down the street.
The companions headed towards the station and were just about to enter through the archway when an old man stopped them. 'Squall! It's me!' he said, and shuffled towards them.
'Zone?' Squall asked, frowning at the old man. Excellent disguise, he thought fleetingly to himself.
'You need to go to East Academy, right? There's no more tickets left,' Zone told them, shaking his head.
'Oh, MAJOR bummer!' Selphie exclaimed, crossing her arms.
Squall rolled his eyes. 'We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train,' he said, crossing his arms.
Zone looked at them, realising someone was missing. 'Where's Rinoa?' he asked suddenly, looking for her.
Squall looked at the ground, shifting his weight awkwardly. 'We don't know. We ran into Rinoa when we went to the TV Station, and she disappeared after that,' Squall told him, receiving a nod from Zone.
'I don't understand what happened to her,' Zone muttered, shaking his head. 'Anyway, you won't have to run in, guns blazing,' he told them, and they looked back inquisitively. 'Looky here! I have everyone's ticket right here!' Zone told them and handed tickets to everyone except Quistis. 'And the last one is for me,' he said, before comprehending Quistis was there with them and didn't have a ticket. Zone looked towards the Station before walking over to her. 'Go on, take it,' he said, handing her the ticket.
'I can't take that. It's yours!' Quistis argued, but Zone shook his head.
'Just get going! The train's leaving!' Zone shouted out, grabbing his stomach.
'Thank you,' Quistis whispered, looking at the ticket.
The five companions ran into the station, just making it before the conductor closed the door. 'This train is bound for Dollet, stopping at East Academy. This is the last train for today. Please hurry, if you're boarding,' he told them.
'The last train,' Squall muttered before turning to Quistis. 'Let me double check,' he said, turning back to look at her. 'Get off at East Academy and go through the forest, west of the station. Galbadia Garden is located up ahead. Is that correct?' Squall asked her.
'Indeed. Glad we have a leader with a good memory,' Quistis answered, following him onto the train.
'This train, bound for East Academy, will depart shortly,' came the train announcement as they entered and found their companions already there.
'We'll—' Squall started, but he was cut off.
'Open, open, OPEN!' Selphie cried as she stood next to the door to the hallway, bouncing from one foot to the other impatiently.
'Make it,' Squall finished, disregarding Selphie.
'Please!' Selphie said, and then she turned to him with her hand on her hip. 'Open up!' she complained, frowning at him.
Better let her have her way, Squall thought, shaking his head and moving to the door. He swiped the card, and it granted access.
'Thanks!' Selphie chirped, running through the door and disappearing.
Squall shook his head, and moved away from the door, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Hermione looked over at him and thought he looked a bit down. She shook her head and sat down on the floor, leaning back against the wall. The last few days had been a trying experience for her, and she just wanted to sleep.
Hermione's thoughts turned to Harry and Ron. Were they looking for her? Was Draco Malfoy also curious as to her disappearance? Would they try to find a way here? Maybe they would tell Dumbledore and save her from this unpleasant reality. It was a fascinating journey, and she had no reservation she would be enjoying it if it wasn't for people trying to kill her at every turn.
Hermione's eyes burned with tears. I wish Harry and Ron were here. Hell, even Malfoy! Just someone familiar…
oOoOo
Harry, Ron, and Malfoy entered Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore looked up from his desk and eyed them interestedly. It was well-known Malfoy was not a friend of the Gryffindor's. 'Can I help?' Dumbledore asked and conjured three chairs which they sat in gratefully.
'Hermione is… um…' Ron trailed off, unsure of how to tell him.
'Granger is missing. Weasley found a strange door in a hallway which has disappeared along with her. We haven't been able to find any clues as to what's happened to her. She might even be dead,' Malfoy shot out, not caring as Harry and Ron scowled at him.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. 'There are many secret passages and doors within this castle. What did it look like?' he questioned as he stood and paced behind his desk.
'The archway opened to a hallway with murals of strange creatures and plaques beneath them. Then the door at the end led to a circular chamber with a pedestal. A huge creature arrived, and we appeared back outside the archway as it vanished, but Hermione wasn't with us. It was like something kicked us out,' Harry explained, looking down at his hands.
'The Chamber of Griever,' Dumbledore said with a nod. He moved to his bookcase and pulled out a scroll. He looked at it, before taking it to his desk and laying it down. 'Yes, there was a Prophecy, but I was never able to find out who it was referring to. It seems our young Miss Granger has a mission to fulfil,' Dumbledore told them, observing them with twinkling eyes.
'A Prophecy?' Ron inquired, looking at the scroll curiously.
'Is Hermione in danger?' Harry asked, fearing for his friend.
'Yes, I imagine she is. Any person who finds themselves in a foreign place would be in danger,' Dumbledore told them sadly, the twinkle disappearing from his eyes. 'Miss Granger is an intelligent girl though, and she will have assistance. In what form, I am uncertain, but it will be there,' Dumbledore advised them, smiling at them.
'So, that's it? There's nothing we can do?' Ron asked in incredulity.
'I will look for ways to find out where she is, but until I have anything solid I'm afraid we will just have to pray she will be safe,' Dumbledore told him, and Ron nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat.
'What's the Prophecy?' Malfoy queried interestedly.
Dumbledore looked back at the scroll. '"The forsaken creature will reveal himself to the one who holds the key. Only she can break his curse, and free him from his providence. Her journey shall bring the rise of an inherent evil and the restoration of equilibrium",' Dumbledore recited, before rubbing his eyes. 'That is all it says,' he said, looking at the three of them as they contemplated the words.
Harry and Ron were the first to leave the office, and Dumbledore was surprised when Malfoy stayed behind. 'Sir, if there is a way to save her, I volunteer,' Malfoy said sheepishly, looking at his hands.
'And why is that, Mr Malfoy? Wouldn't Mr Potter or Mr Weasley be a more fitting choice? I was under the impression you and Miss Granger do not get along?' Dumbledore questioned him, but the twinkle in his eyes was brighter if possible.
Draco nodded, knowing he was right, but he felt somewhat responsible for her disappearance. 'Well, when the lights went out, I heard Granger calling out, and I grabbed her to help her get out. A moment later, she was pulled away from me…' he trailed off, lowering his eyes again. 'If I had just held her tighter, she would still be here,' Draco added, looking back at Dumbledore.
'I see,' Dumbledore answered, sitting back pensively. 'Prophecy is prophecy, Mr Malfoy. If this was meant to happen, then there is nothing you could have done to prevent it. Make sure you are not too hard on yourself for what has happened,' Dumbledore told him, looking at him over his half-moon spectacles.
'Yes, sir,' Malfoy answered with a frown and turned to leave.
'I will keep your request in mind, Mr Malfoy,' Dumbledore called to him, and Malfoy turned and nodded to him.
'Thank you, sir,' Malfoy replied, closing the door on his way out.
'Interesting,' Dumbledore mumbled to himself, before looking back down at the scroll. He sighed and went to look for any books which may help him discover where Hermione was.