Chapter Two: Any Other World

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 was relieved when the lift came to a halt on the third floor. It was an awkward and silent ride up with Cid. The lift opened into a small waiting area with a desk and some plush couches. She assumed this was where students would wait to be seen by the Headmaster if they were called up to his office. It was lavishly decorated; the colours and patterns of the walls similarly painted to the outside of the Garden.

She trailed Cid through the double doors into his office, and he closed the door behind them. He moved up to his seat behind his oak desk, gesturing for her to take a seat. Hermione sat down, rubbing her clammy palms on her jeans. She wasn't even sure why Griever wanted her to come to Cid. What am I meant to tell him? That I'm not from here and a creature brought me here while I slept for reasons still beyond my understanding? Yeah, like he's going to believe that… she thought wryly with a frown. There was a niggling in the back of her mind that Griever was tricking her.

Tell him everything you're comfortable with disclosing at this time, came Griever's voice and she jumped. Have confidence in Cid, he's a great man, he added, and Hermione nodded internally.

Cid eyed her suspiciously and she couldn't blame him. She was an outsider who had just appeared out of nowhere and asked to speak to him. After a moment, Cid pushed his glass up on his nose. 'You wished to see me, Miss Granger?' he said with a raised eyebrow. 'Perhaps you should tell me the purpose of your visit here to Balamb Garden?' he suggested, leaning back in his seat, and clasping his hands together as he waited for her to speak.

Hermione nodded. 'I need help,' she answered, peering down at her hands which were shaking slightly. 'I won't lie and say I know why I'm here exactly. I was instructed to come here,' she clarified, looking back up at him.

Cid nodded attentively, leaning his hands on his desk. 'Were you hoping to apply to become a student here?' he asked interestedly.

Hermione smiled slightly, shaking her head. 'No, I think I'm too old for that even if I wanted to,' she answered and he nodded in agreement, his frown returning. 'Besides, I already attend a school,' she added, closing her eyes dejectedly as she said this. Will I ever see Hogwarts again? And Harry and Ron… she trailed off, wanting nothing more than to go home.

Hermione took a deep breath, resolving to follow Griever's instructions and tell Cid the truth. She didn't think for a second that he would believe such a fantastical story, but she had no choice but to try. The sooner she helped Griever, the sooner she might be able to return to her world. 'This is going to be a lot to take in…' she trailed off, watching Cid nod slowly. 'I'm not from this world,' she told him, watching his eyes widen in disbelief.

There was silence for a few moments while Cid eyed her in uncertainty. 'And by that you mean…?' he probed, trailing off and Hermione could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to process the bombshell she just dropped on him.

Hermione sighed, well no going back now, she thought, peering at Cid as openly as she could. 'I am from a world called Earth. My friends and I discovered a chamber at the school I attend,' she explained, wringing her hands tensely. I sound like a lunatic… she thought, her shoulders slumping a bit. 'I don't know what happened to my friends, but I ended up here. I woke up in Balamb Town and one of the students here, Zell, found me,' she revealed, and his eyebrows raised at this.

Cid was silent as he sat back in his chair, his expression contemplative as he took in the information Hermione had given him. She couldn't tell if he believed her or if he was considering calling for someone to take her away to a mental institute.

After a lengthy moment of silence where Hermione shifted in her seat awkwardly, Cid's eyes flickered to the corner of the office fleetingly before he looked back at her. 'I don't believe you're lying,' he said with a smile. 'Zell Dincht is a good student, and you're fortunate he found you,' he added, and Hermione felt herself relax, letting out a breath she didn't realise she had been holding.

Hermione smiled at him. 'Thank you,' she whispered, her voice trembling. Though she hadn't missed his glimpse to the corner of the room and speculated on what had drawn his attention. It was almost as if that one glance had reassured him that what she had told him was true. She had to fight the urge to investigate the corner, but she had a feeling she wouldn't see whatever it was he saw there.

Cid's frown returned then as he leaned forward again, resting his hands on his desk. 'You mentioned you already attend a school? I assume it is one in your own world?' he asked, and Hermione wondered how he would react if she told him the reality about Hogwarts. It was obvious to her that these people seemed like the Muggles in Earth. Was magic even a known phenomenon here?

After a moment, Hermione decided on telling him the truth again. Honesty, she felt, was the best way forward and she didn't want to keep anything from Cid if he was going to try and aid her. 'I attend Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,' she revealed, wondering how he would take it. 'It's a place for magically gifted people to study their talents in safety amongst others of their kind,' she added, frowning forlornly as she thought of the castle where she had learned everything she knew.

Cid stared at her in alarm. 'So, you are a Sorceress? And there are many like you in your world?' he asked, and Hermione could hear the fear in his tone.

Hermione nodded. 'In essence? I'm just referred to as a witch in my world though,' she answered pensively, before glancing back at him. 'You make it sound like a bad thing,' she whispered, closing her eyes. Would divulging this information make things more complicated for her? Maybe it was a mistake telling him the truth about it.

Cid sighed, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes resignedly. 'It depends on who you decide to give this information to,' he countered, replacing his glasses, and looking at her. 'I knew a Sorceress and she was a wonderful person. Not everyone perceived her in the same light though,' he revealed sorrowfully, shaking his head.

Hermione could see this particular topic troubled him. She didn't want to pry into his personal business, but it did make her curious as it sounded like Sorceresses were rare in this world. And they were something to be feared. However, no matter how scarce they were, if he knew a Sorceress then perhaps she could help Hermione, but taking in the older man's expression, she kept those questions to herself.

'Should I keep this a secret?' Hermione asked instead, not liking the concept of having to conceal who she was from everyone.

Cid shook his head. 'That is solely up to you. If you do decide to reveal this to anyone, just be conscious that their reaction may not be one of acceptance. There are many out there who would fear you,' he explained, and she nodded with a sigh. After a moment he smiled at her. 'Am I correct in thinking you wish to return to your world? And you need help to do so?' he asked her.

Hermione nodded. 'If it's a possibility, then yes,' she replied, sensing a pull in her mind. Griever? she asked, wondering if she could communicate with him as freely as he did with her.

You must help me, Griever responded, his voice strained.

Hermione realised he must be capable of hearing every conversation she had with people. She almost felt violated and wondered if he could hear her thoughts at will as well. Can you hear everything I think or say to people? she asked him, not fond of the notion that her every thought and word could be overheard by an entity in her mind.

There was a pause and Hermione wondered if he was still there. No, I am only privy to information you allow me to hear. You can block me out if you feel it necessary to at any time, he explained, and she could almost see a frown forming on his lion-like features.

Hermione was relieved to hear this and she relaxed a little. I want to go home, Griever, she whispered, closing her eyes. If I help you with what you need, will you take me home? she asked, wondering if it was in his control to do so. He brought her here, but was the opposite even an option?

There was another pause and Hermione could only assume this was a question he had been worried she was going to ask. I promise I will try, but it is circumstantial, he explained, tugging at her mind as she was about to dispute. It is solely contingent on the outcome of your choices while you are here. By aiding me, you will be directly influencing your own future as well as everyone else's, he told her, and Hermione sank in her chair.

And my friends? Can you tell me what is happening with them? she asked him, hoping they were okay.

They are alive, but they fear for you, he told her, directing magic to her which felt like a comforting hand squeezing her shoulder. Hermione relaxed, knowing they were alive and well calmed her nerves considerably.

Hermione was pulled out of her mental discussion with Griever as Cid snapped his fingers in front of her face. 'Miss Granger?' he called to her; his tone concerned.

'I'm sorry, Cid, I zoned out there,' Hermione said sheepishly, shaking her head. She would need to be careful about having conversations with Griever around other people lest they begin to think she was either crazy or peculiar like Luna. She frowned dejectedly at that thought… granted she and Luna had never seen eye-to-eye on a great many topics, Hermione still valued her as one of her closest friends. The blonde Ravenclaw had come down to earth considerably since she and Harry became a couple. Hermione missed her and their debates a lot.

Cid looked relieved. 'I thought you were having an internal battle with yourself,' he told her with a chuckle, shaking his head. Hermione smiled at how close he was to being right about that. 'We will need to conclude this meeting for now, I'm afraid,' he told her, standing up and walking around to the front of his desk. 'Some of the students are undergoing their final exam today, and it is tradition that I see them off for it,' he explained, and Hermione nodded, standing as well, and following him out of the office towards the lift.

Cid pressed the button for the first floor. 'You should come along. It might be good for you to get a grasp of how things work around here if you are to be staying for a while,' he suggested, smiling at her as they stepped into the lift.

Hermione was stunned by the offer but smiled. 'I'd like that, thank you,' she answered as the lift descended and stopped at the main hall.

There was a cluster of students gathering in front of the large computer. Quistis leaned against it, holding a clipboard, and ticking off names as she observed those who had arrived. Hermione noticed the same young man from earlier who had spoken to her briefly standing with another she recognised immediately.

It was Zell.

Hermione peered at Cid, and he nodded, knowing she was wordlessly verifying if it would be acceptable for her to talk to Zell briefly before they left for their exam. Hermione smiled appreciatively before making her way over to the blonde who was practicing his boxing combinations. 'Hi, sorry to bother you, but are you Zell?' she asked, taking in the tribal tattoo on his face.

Zell ceased his preparation, turning to her. 'Yep! The one and only!' he replied, his eyes widening in surprise as recognition came to him. 'Hey! You're the girl who washed up on the docks!' he said excitedly, taking her hand and shaking it. The handshake was far more enthusiastic than what Hermione was accustomed to. It was like he'd never shaken someone's hand before.

Hermione smiled at him. 'I wanted to thank you,' she said, bowing her head to him. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted the aloof young man was observing their chat with interest. She still didn't know what to make of him, so she avoided acknowledging his presence.

Zell nodded. 'Yeah, no problem!' he said cheerfully, stepping back and taking her in properly. 'I see Ma patched you up good,' he added, thumping his fist into his other hand. 'I didn't recognise you when I found you. Are you a transfer student then?' he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Hermione was amused by the abundance of vigour he seemed to have. She deduced he was just a fidgety guy who needed to be doing something to keep him focused.

Hermione shook her head. 'No, just visiting for now. I'm still not sure how I got here,' she told him, glancing over to see Cid raise his eyebrows at her. Hermione nodded at him, before looking back at Zell. 'We can talk more about that another time. I think your exam is about to begin,' she told him, and he nodded. 'Good luck, Zell. See you later,' she added, and he grinned.

'Catch you later!' Zell called to her as she moved to stand next to Quistis and Cid.

As she turned back to the crowd of students assembled, Hermione found a pair of blue eyes staring at her with undisguised curiosity. His eyes narrowed then, and he looked away to the ground, crossing his arms. Hermione frowned at him, before looking away as well, what's his issue with me? she wondered, shaking her head in irritation. She was pulled from her thoughts as Quistis huffed next to her, muttering under her breath. 'What's wrong, Quistis?' she asked, looking over at the frustrated blonde.

Quistis glanced at her. 'One of the students we're waiting for is late,' she grumbled, looking down at her clipboard. 'Seifer Almasy is the Leader for Squad B and he's not very punctual,' she said, shaking her head.

As if her words were a summoning charm, another young man with short blonde hair sauntered through the crowd of students like he owned the place. He was clad in blue trousers, a black shirt, and a long grey trench coat. Hermione felt an instant dislike for him, immediately reminding her of a particular conceited blonde in her own world.

Quistis rolled her eyes before narrowing them at him. 'So, I see you decided to appear,' she said, clicking her tongue as she ticked off the last name on her clipboard.

Seifer smirked at Quistis. 'You know me, Instructor. Fashionably late as always,' he replied, leaning against the side of the giant computer on Quistis's side. He peered back at the Instructor to say something else, but his eyes moved to Hermione, and he eyed her curiously. 'New girl?' he asked, nodding at her.

Hermione, even though she had found so many similarities in this guy to Draco Malfoy, didn't want to deal with a similar scenario at Hogwarts where he had been downright awful to her and her friends. She chose to be civil, at least, and just hoped this would be the first and last time she ever had to speak with him.

Hermione turned to Seifer, forcing a smile. All she could see when she looked at him was Malfoy, his unpleasant taunting echoing in her mind. She shook her thoughts away, reminding herself that this wasn't Malfoy she was dealing with. Seifer, so far, hadn't done anything to her to warrant her intense dislike of him. 'No, I'm just visiting the Garden,' she answered quietly, feeling all eyes on her from the crowd of students assembled and she suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable.

Seifer nodded, giving her a winning smile. Or, at least, that's what he thought it would be and Hermione could imagine many girls going weak in the knees at such a look, but she wasn't going to be one of them. He walked over to her, holding out his hand. 'Seifer,' he greeted.

Hermione kept the smile fixed in place as she took his hand. 'Hermione,' she replied, trying to keep from grimacing as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

Seifer smiled, letting her hand go. 'Well, maybe I'll see you later,' he said, winking at her.

Hermione blushed faintly before shaking it off and cringing on the inside. 'Maybe,' she answered, gritting her teeth. She glanced around at the other students who were whispering amongst themselves at Seifer's display of affection towards the "visitor" as they had pegged her. Oh god… of course now there will be some sort of rumours about this. Dammit, she thought to herself in irritation.

Quistis observed the exchange in curiosity, her eyebrows raised. Hermione shot her a look and she shrugged, before stepping into her role as Instructor. 'Well, Seifer, you are the Squad Leader for this mission. Best of luck,' she said, moving away from him, but he held out his arm to stop her.

'I don't need luck,' Seifer said calmly, but his eyes flickered in annoyance. He lowered his arm, smirking at Quistis. 'Save that luck for a bad student who will need it,' he added, glancing over at Zell deliberately.

Hermione watched this, scowling at Seifer. 'Just like him,' she whispered, shaking her head. This whole discussion made her think of all the times Malfoy belittled them, making them seem inferior to him. Seifer glanced over at her but didn't comment and Hermione guessed he hadn't caught what she said. She believed that was probably for the best. She didn't want to have to rationalise what she meant by that with all these people already curious about her and waiting to head off for their exam.

Quistis leaned towards Seifer, giving him a smirk of her own. 'I'll keep that in mind,' she answered, walking past him to the computer to stand next to Hermione. When she turned back, she stared at Seifer meaningfully. 'Good luck, Seifer,' she said as the assembled students chuckled a little.

They all sobered as Seifer shot them a glare, before turning his enraged eyes back on Quistis. 'Add Instructor Trepe to the list,' he ordered his two companions. The burly one took out a notepad, jotting something down in it before putting it away in his pocket again.

Quistis rolled her eyes and looked back down at her clipboard. She sighed as she read over some names. 'Seifer, Squall, and Zell, you are assigned to Squad B. I'm the Instructor in charge,' she told them, her voice betraying her frustration at this delegation. It was a disaster waiting to happen. The three aforementioned students came forward to stand in front of her.

Hermione realised that Squall was the name of the cold young man who had spoken to her earlier and glared at her for no reason. She made a mental note to avoid him going forward. She wasn't sure she even wanted anything to do with him. Though, he did intrigue her, she couldn't deny it. There was a mysteriousness about him which clung to him like a second skin, and she unexpectedly desired to get underneath that wall. Blinking, she stared at the floor, embarrassed and puzzled by those thoughts.

Zell glared at Seifer. 'Whose idea was it to make him Squad Leader?' he asked, pointing a thumb at Seifer.

Quistis sighed, shaking her head. 'Seifer is the most experienced in this exam, and so he became the Leader,' she answered, peering back down at her clipboard.

Hermione could tell by her tone that the fact he was the most experienced was not a good thing. How many times has Seifer failed this exam? What exactly does it involve? she wondered, finding this to be interesting. At least this was one thing he didn't have in common with Malfoy. Draco would never abide failure of any sort and strove for perfection.

'In any case, it can't be changed,' Quistis was saying, snapping Hermione out of her thoughts. 'Teamwork is the most important aspect of this exam, so let's get it over with,' she told them, receiving nods from Squall and Zell.

Seifer smirked at them. 'Teamwork also means staying out of my way! It's a Squad B rule, so don't forget it!' he told them, receiving a shrug from Squall, and a glare from Zell. Hermione frowned as she watched, and she had a feeling Seifer was going to ruin the exam for them somehow.

Cid, who had been talking to the other faculty and Squads, walked over to them. 'Everything settled?' he asked her, peering at the three members of Squad B.

Quistis nodded, looking down at her clipboard. 'Yes, sir,' she answered, bowing her head to him.

Cid nodded as the convened students, about thirty in total, all gazed at him expectantly. Hermione figured Cid was about to give them a motivational speech before they went. 'It's been a while since I've seen anyone. I hope everyone is doing well,' he began, glancing around at the sea of faces staring back at him. 'As you know, you will all be proceeding to a real battlefield and it will involve Squads A through to D,' he said, clasping his hands behind his back.

Hermione gaped at him. A real battlefield? Did I hear him correctly? she wondered, glancing at the students and then back at Cid.

Cid continued, 'Remember, this is not a simulation, it is reality. Life and death, victory and defeat, honour and disgrace; each of these go hand in hand,' he paused, letting his words sink in.

Hermione's eyebrows raised at this. I wonder if anyone has been seriously injured or even died in this exam… she trailed off, before firmly shoving those morbid thoughts to the back of her mind. Surely there were contingencies and safety measures in place to prevent that sort of scenario. Still though, she was stunned that students would be allowed to go into a situation where this might become a possibility. Nevertheless, as she gazed at the students who were to be taking part in this exam, none of them appeared concerned or fazed by this information. There was a nervous anticipation throughout the main hall.

Cid smiled at them. 'Nine SeeD members will accompany you and, should you fail, they will get the job done. They always do. So, that is one less worry on your mind,' he told them with a chuckle, scratching his head.

Hermione could tell Cid was anxious addressing the students, reckoning he didn't make important speeches to the students all that frequently. She had to wonder how long it had been since he even saw the students. It was a stark contrast to how Dumbledore operated in Hogwarts. He was always around, sometimes even appearing when least expected in the most unusual of places. There wasn't a typical day where the students at Hogwarts didn't see Dumbledore at some point.

She shook out of those thoughts before her nostalgia crushed her in overwhelming distress again as nine people stepped forward to flank either side of Cid. Hermione guessed these were the members of SeeD he had mentioned.

Cid glanced at them proudly. 'The pride of Balamb Garden! The elite mercenary force, SeeD!' he said, opening his arms in a welcoming gesture. 'Learn from them, obey their commands, and accomplish this mission,' he told them, lowering his arms back to his sides. 'Prove yourselves worthy of becoming a member of SeeD,' he finished, nodding at the members of SeeD who started walking away towards the North of the Garden. Hermione frowned, wondering why they were heading further into the Garden. Cid turned back to the students. 'Best of luck to you all,' he added, waving them off.

Hermione watched the students walk away, following the members of SeeD who she could still see further ahead of them. 'Where are they going?' she asked, looking at Quistis who stopped by her side.

Quistis smiled at her. 'There's a parking lot in the Garden. We use the cars there for missions like this one,' she answered, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'I guess I'll see you later. I better catch up with my charges before they kill each other,' she added in amusement, waving at her and jogging off to catch up with Squall, Zell, and Seifer.

Hermione watched them go, silently wishing them all luck and hoped Seifer wouldn't purposefully do anything to ruin it for Zell or Squall. She wasn't sure how she felt about Squall or his recent attitude towards her, but she didn't wish for him to fail the exam or anything. She closed her eyes, leaning against the computer wondering what she was going to do now.

When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Squall had stopped walking and was looking back at her. Hermione tilted her head and gave him a questioning look, but he turned and continued down the hallway after the others. Hermione frowned, what was that about? Seriously, what's his glitch with me? she wondered, jumping a little as an answering chuckle echoed through her mind.