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.
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Hermione followed the three SeeD's at a slower pace, gritting her teeth at the pain in her legs. She caught up with them as they entered the room where the broadcast had taken place. She was conscious of the fact they were still live on the television with hundreds, if not thousands, of viewers probably watching this all unfolding.
Hermione shook that thought away, it was not the time to be concerned about that. She looked over at Seifer who was standing at the podium, his blade too close to the President's neck for comfort. 'Oh, no,' she whispered, pulling out her wand from her beaded bag just in case she needed to use it.
Quistis stepped in front of them, holding out her arms to prevent them from moving too close to Seifer. 'We need to restrain him!' she told them, and they nodded as they evaluated the situation, looking for anything they could use to stop Seifer from assassinating the President.
Hermione's grip tightened on her wand. 'How are we going to do that?' she asked as she mentally skimmed through her vast arsenal of spells, trying to think of one she could cast at Seifer to make him let go of the President without slitting his throat in the process.
Squall placed a gentle hand on her wand arm, giving her a shake of his head. She frowned at him but nodded in understanding that he didn't want her to do anything reckless due to panic. She kept her wand out at her side though, staying alert in case anything happened that she could counter. Constant vigilance as Moody would always say.
Squall looked at Seifer, placing a hand on his hip. 'What do you think you're doing?' he asked nonchalantly, indicating to Seifer and the visibly shaking President.
Seifer frowned in confusion. 'It's obvious, ain't it!?' he asked, rolling his eyes. He tightened his grip on the President, his blade resting again the skin of his neck. Hermione flinched as a thin trail of blood slid down his neck, disappearing beneath his collar. They had to do something and fast. 'What are you planning to do with this guy?' Seifer demanded, lowering his guard slightly.
Squall frowned. 'Planning to do?' he asked in confusion, shaking his head. He crossed his arms as he contemplated what Seifer said and it clicked, of course, he knows Rinoa. Is that why he's here then? he wondered, looking back over at his long-time rival.
Hermione took a step forward, feeling Squall's grip on her arm tighten, but she ignored it. 'Seifer, we weren't intending to do anything with him. At least, nothing violent,' she said softly, trying to reason with him.
Seifer tilted his head at her, thinking on her words, but then his grip on the President tightened further. 'That's not what Rinoa told me,' he replied, bringing his blade back to the President's throat. 'She told me you had all planned to kill him, and that I would be rewarded for helping,' he revealed, a smirk appearing on his lips.
Hermione's eyes widened, and she felt a trickle of sweat bead on her brow at his words. Is that girl for real? What is with her trying to kill people? she wondered, shaking her head. She glanced at Squall who was also perturbed by this information.
Squall's eyes met hers and he let go of her arm, giving her a tiny nod. Having thought of a spell to use while this was going on, Hermione didn't hesitate. She flicked her wand, sending Seifer flying into the back of the stage.
The President took the opportunity to run towards them, his attendants coming to his aid. He looked at Hermione in uncertainty for a moment. 'Thank you,' he muttered, receiving a nod from her.
Quistis frowned, confused about what happened as Hermione was behind her when she cast her spell. She shook it off, hurrying over towards Seifer. 'Let's restrain him while we have the chance,' she ordered them, and they nodded. 'He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process,' she explained, kneeling next to the young man.
Zell crossed his arms. 'Stupid idiot,' he muttered, shaking his head. 'Instructor! I know! You're going to take this stupid idiot back to Garden, right?' he asked and then it dawned on him what he said and who was still in the room.
'Shut up! NO!' Squall shouted, staring at Zell in disbelief as Quistis stood up, staring over at the blonde in dismay. Hermione glanced at them, wondering why what Zell had said had caused this reaction in them.
Seifer leapt to his feet, snatching up his Gunblade from the floor as Quistis turned back to him. He levelled it at her dangerously. 'Not a step closer,' he warned her, and she backed away from the tip of his blade knowing now that he wouldn't hesitate to use it.
'Ah, I see,' President Deling said softly, making them all look over at him. Squall closed his eyes irritable, knowing what was coming. 'For your treachery, the entire Galbadian Military will undoubtedly crush Garden,' he declared as Hermione stared at him in disbelief.
Hermione shook her head. 'Hold on, you can't hold Garden accountable for the deeds of one person,' she reasoned, frowning at him.
The President eyed her for a moment, considering her words, before shaking his head. 'How do I know Garden did not deliberately send him to assassinate me?' he asked, raising his eyebrows.
Hermione tried to think of something to say to that, but she was speechless that he would think a school would send someone to assassinate him. They were still teenagers, not killers. Though as she thought this, her eyes moved to Seifer who had proven this wrong in his current body count of Galbadian soldiers strewn on the ground behind them. The President had every reason to believe Seifer may have been sent to assassinate him and although she knew he was wrong, the current circumstances wasn't in the blonde Gunblade wielders favour.
Seifer growled, glaring at Zell. 'Nice going, you dumb chicken! You and your stupid big mouth!' he snarled, shaking his head. 'I'm out of here!' he shouted, backing away and sprinting away down the corridor towards another room.
'Seifer! Wait!' Quistis called after him before pursuing him down the hall trusting Squall and the others to deal with the President and make sure he got out safely.
Seifer ran into a back room, scanning around for an escape route. He moved up onto the stage, looking behind the curtains draped at either side to see if there was a back passage anywhere. He cursed, not finding anything. He paused for a moment, sensing that there was something off about the room, like there was a strange hum in the atmosphere.
Seifer backed away from the curtains, thinking he would just deal with Quistis and be on his way. 'Poor, poor boy,' a voice echoed around the room, and Seifer spun around in apprehension.
He frowned, his brow creasing in fear. 'Stay away from me!' he shouted, searching to room for the voice.
A woman appeared, seemingly materialising out of thin air, from the white curtain at the back of the room. Seifer backed away from her as she advanced towards him. 'Such a confused little boy,' she whispered gently, tilting her head at him. 'Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide,' she told him, her voice was soft, sweet, and alluring.
Seifer tried to back away from her further as she came to a stop right in front of him. He felt a strange sensation wash over him, rendering him incapable of moving away. 'Stay back!' he yelled, his voice wavering.
Quistis caught up with Seifer then. 'Seifer!' she called to him, but the woman raised her hand. Quistis felt an overwhelming energy forcing her to her knees. She was unable to move from the floor and could only watch the unfolding events.
The woman smiled, looking back at Seifer. 'The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off,' she continued as if there had been no interruption from Quistis. The woman moved closer to Seifer, circling him. 'You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer,' she claimed, coming around full circle to stop in front of him. She gazed up at him with tender, golden eyes. 'You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this… predicament?' she asked him, tilting her head.
Seifer was mesmerised but shook the dazed feeling away. 'Shut up!' he snapped, clutching his head in discomfort.
The woman placed a hand under his chin. '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 indignantly. 'Stop calling me a boy,' he said, his voice trembling.
She blinked, gazing up at him in innocent curiosity. 'You don't want to be a boy anymore?' she asked him in a soothing tone that washed over him.
After a moment, Seifer scowled at her. 'I am not a BOY!' he yelled, his hands clenching tightly into fists.
Squall, Hermione, Zell, and Selphie ran into the room, and the woman tutted, raising her hand towards them. Not having enough time to get her wand, Hermione held out her hand casting a wandless, non-verbal Protego Charm around herself which rendered the woman's paralysing magic ineffective against her. Hermione had never been more thankful that she had practiced wandless and non-verbal spells until that moment. Unfortunately, without her wand, the spell wasn't as powerful, and she couldn't extend it to the others, so they were paralysed in place next to Quistis.
Noticing this, the woman tutted. 'You, my dear, are the very bane of my existence,' she said softly, turning fully to Hermione and disregarding Seifer who was watching interest and bewilderment. She flicked her wrist toward Hermione, throwing the Gryffindor into the far wall with enough force to wind her. Dazed, Hermione tried to get up from the ground, but struggled.
Powerless for the moment, Hermione 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 he nodded, clearly mesmerised by her alluring voice.
Hermione crawled to her knees. 'Seifer, no,' she whispered, raising her hand towards them to channel magic into her hand. She was too late as Seifer waved at them before walking through the back curtain the same way the woman had arrived. He vanished as if he had never been there.
Hermione turned her outstretched hand on the woman, sending a Stupify Curse towards her, but she deflected it as easily as one would swat a fly. 'You would do well not to hinder me,' she said dangerously, raising her hand towards Hermione who felt a force wrap around her throat as if someone was strangling her. She was raised off the ground, gasping for breath as the edges of her vision darkened and she felt herself losing consciousness.
Just then, Squall and the others were released from the paralysis they were put under. 'Hermione!' he shouted, rushing towards Hermione as the force around her throat vanished. He caught her in his arms before she could hit the ground.
The woman shook her head. 'Pathetic,' she whispered, crossing her arms.
Squall kneeled on the ground, pulling Hermione into him so her back was resting against his chest as she gasped for breath. She tried to cast another spell at the woman, but she couldn't lift her arm. Her eyes dropped closed, her head falling back against Squall's chest.
The woman walked towards the curtain where Seifer had disappeared, casting Hermione a look of disgust. 'You will meet your end very soon,' she promised before vanishing.
Squall frowned as he gently turned Hermione's head towards him. 'Hermione?' he called to her, placing a hand on her neck. When he felt her pulse, weak as it was, he let out a breath of relief. He looked back at the curtain where the woman had disappeared. Her words towards Hermione had him worried.
The other three ran to his side. 'Is she okay?' Selphie asked, kneeling by his side.
Squall nodded, but they could clearly see the worry in his eyes. 'She'll be fine,' he muttered, pulling Hermione back into his arms and standing up, carrying her. 'Let's get out of here,' he told them, and they followed him towards the door they entered to get into the TV Station.
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It took them some time to get back to the outdoor TV, mainly because Squall had to stop to adjust Hermione in his arms, so it was comfortable to carry her. They stopped for a moment, looking around for any Galbadian soldiers in the area. 'What happened to Seifer?' Selphie asked, frowning as she crossed her arms.
Squall shook his head. 'I don't know… he just disappeared,' he answered, gazing down at Hermione.
Quistis frowned, taking in Hermione's condition from before the woman attacked her, but didn't comment on it for the moment. 'Come on, we can talk about everything once we're somewhere safe,' she told them, and they nodded.
They continued down the stairs, hurrying towards the pub. As they strolled through it, conscious of the patrons and staff talking about what happened in the broadcast, they ran into Watts as he came through the front door.
Watts ran over to them looking relieved, glancing at Hermione for a moment with a frown. 'They found our base, sir! It's completely destroyed!' he explained, shaking his head. He looked behind them, searching for someone. 'Where's Rinoa, sir?' he asked, looking back at Squall.
Squall shook his head. 'We don't know,' he replied, looking at the floor as he wondered what happened to her as well.
The last time they saw Rinoa she had run off towards the TV Station but when they arrived, she was nowhere to be seen and hadn't made any appearance in the ensuing chaos. She seemed to have vanished as well like Seifer had. He couldn't disregard the thought that that woman, who he assumed was the Sorceress the President had mentioned, had something to do with it. On the one hand, he had wanted to keep Rinoa close so he could keep an eye on her for anything suspicious but, on the other, he was relieved she was gone. He hoped they wouldn't ever have to deal with her again. She was a menace.
'Is everyone okay?' Selphie asked Watts, looking at him in concern.
Selphie's question shook Squall out of his musings as he considered that the Forest Owls base was no longer an option for them to lay low until this blew over. He frowned, wondering where they could go as he looked down at Hermione in concern.
Watts smiled at Selphie. 'Oh, yes, sir! Everyone escaped,' he told them, and they looked relieved that no one had been hurt. He looked at Squall. 'You should get away from Timber, sir!' he advised them, turning to lead them out of the pub.
The pub owner approached them then, stopping them. 'My was looking for Rinoa, she said your base is destroyed,' he told them, looking at Watts who nodded. 'Please, she said to head to our house once you came back,' he advised them, glancing back at the door to the alleyway. 'If Rinoa comes through, I'll tell her to catch up with you there,' he said, and they nodded in thanks.
Squall frowned, hoping they would be safe there. 'It's better than nothing for now,' he told them, receiving nods from the three SeeD's. They followed Watts out of the pub and up the steps, walking briskly to the house next to Timber Maniacs.
Watts knocked on the door and the woman they spoke to earlier about getting to the TV Station opened the door. Realising who they were and taking in Hermione's condition, she ushered them in and locked the door behind them. 'Take her upstairs to the kids bedroom for now,' she told Squall who nodded.
Squall walked up the stairs, peering into the rooms until he found the kids bedroom the woman had mentioned. He took Hermione over to one of the beds, laying her down on it gently. He grabbed a chair, pulling it over to the bed and sat down. He gazed at her for a moment before reaching over and brushing the hair from her face with his gloved hand.
He glanced up when the woman entered the room and walked over to them, gently lifting Hermione's head as she made her drink a red liquid. She gently let her head go before looking at Squall. 'What happened to her?' she asked, picking up a bowl she had taken up with her and placing it on the bedside table. She wrung out a cloth before gently wiping Hermione's clammy forehead with it.
Squall shook his head. 'A Sorceress attacked us,' he whispered, his eyes not leaving Hermione's face. 'She threatened her,' he added, his voice wavering slightly at the thought that this was the second time now he… they had failed to protect her, and it was only the first day of their contract to protect her.
The woman nodded, placing the cloth back in the bowl. 'Well, she should be okay. She just needs some rest,' she said, placing a reassuring hand on Squall's shoulder. She moved to the door, turning back to him, and motioning for him to leave as well to let Hermione rest.
Squall nodded, standing up reluctantly and moved to the door. He glanced back at Hermione for a moment before following the woman down the corridor and stairs. 'Thank you, um…' Squall trailed off, realising she hadn't told them her name when they arrived.
'Just call me Chief,' she replied with a smile as she moved into the kitchen where the others were.
Selphie frowned, having overheard her. '"Chief"?' Selphie asked, tilting her head.
The Chief nodded. 'I'm the Leader of the Forest Fox,' she revealed, moving over to the window, and looking out onto the street.
Watts nodded. 'Almost everyone's a resistance member in this town, sir!' he explained with a broad smile, receiving absent nods.
'How's Hermione?' Quistis asked as Squall took a seat at the kitchen table, leaning his arms on it.
Squall glanced at her. 'She'll be fine,' he muttered, shaking his head. 'We need to be extra vigilant going forward though. We can't risk any more attempts on her life,' he explained seriously, glancing between Zell and Selphie as Quistis frowned. Squall continued, 'We need to take this mission more seriously and keep an eye out for anything suspicious,' he told them pensively, receiving nods from them. Squall leaned back in his chair with a sigh, his eyes fixated on the stairs leading up to the bedrooms.
Quistis wanted to ask what else had happened to Hermione before they arrived at the Train Station. She had a feeling something serious had happened to her when she took in the bandages. But when she looked around at their tired and stressed faces, she held her tongue. She would maybe speak with Hermione later and find out what happened.
After a while of silence, Selphie sighed explosively from where she was looking out the window. They all looked at her as she turned towards them. 'I still don't get it. What did Seifer come here for?' she asked with a frown.
Watts crossed his arms. 'I think he came to help us, sir,' he answered, his typical cheerful demeanour absent. 'Rinoa told him a lot about it,' he divulged, shaking his head.
They were startled as someone thumped loudly on the front door. 'Anybody in here!?' someone yelled before beating on the door again.
'Upstairs, hurry!' the Chief's daughter said as the Chief moved towards the door.
The Chief waited until they all disappeared up the stairs before opening the door. 'What is this!? I have two small children in here! Don't do anything to frighten them!' she shouted at the Galbadian soldiers at her door.
The group ran along the corridor, retreating into the kids room where Hermione was still unconscious The Chief's daughter closed the door quietly behind them and leaned against it. Squall moved over to the seat he was in before, looking at Hermione for a moment as he refrained from placing his hand over hers. He turned to the Chief's daughter. 'Will she be okay?' he asked, nodding at the door where they could still hear the Chief shouting downstairs.
The girl giggled. 'She'll be fine,' she answered, pushing off the door. 'The legend goes that my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty,' she told them in admiration, a glazed look in her eyes.
Selphie chuckled. 'That "beauty" part sure makes it sound like a legend,' she said with a shrug as the girl glared at her, shaking her head.
After a few moments of listening to the shouting from downstairs, Selphie sighed and sat down on the floor against the wall next to where Zell was leaning on the windowsill staring out at nothing. 'So tired…' she whispered, leaning her head against the wall, and letting her eyes drift closed.
Quistis crossed her arms. 'I wonder if Seifer's all right,' she said softly, shaking her head. Squall turned to look at her, opening his mouth to comment, but she continued, 'He was so angry when he found out it was only the three of you dispatched to Timber with Hermione,' she told them, glancing out the window next to her.
Squall frowned. 'Why?' he asked, leaning forward in his chair, and resting his arms on his legs.
Quistis sighed as she began pacing the room. '"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 as she stopped, turning to look at Squall. 'I would never have guessed he was serious about it,' she said, crossing her arms.
That guy is always serious. You should know that by now, Squall thought, shaking his head. His eyes shot back to Hermione as she groaned, and he placed a hand on her forehead gently. '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 to them, gathering around her as she opened her eyes. Hermione paid them no mind as the first set of eyes she found herself looking into were sapphire blue ones and they were gazing back at her in concern. 'Squall?' she whispered, blinking a few times to try and wake herself up a bit more. She winced at the thumping headache she had. 'What happened?' she asked, attempting to sit up, but Squall pressed his hand against her shoulder tenderly.
'Don't rush, just rest,' Squall said gently, his hand lingering on her shoulder until she settled back down onto the pillow.
Hermione looked around. 'Where am I?' she asked, examining the room in confusion. She quickly realised it was a child's room if the toys and decorations were any indication.
Squall rinsed the cloth out in the bowl of water. 'Remember the house we went to for directions earlier?' he asked, receiving a nod from her as he wrung out the excess water from the cloth. 'The Chief has let us stay here until we can get out of Timber,' he explained, dabbing the cloth against her head again gently.
Hermione nodded. 'Thanks, Squall,' she whispered, smiling at him.
Squall frowned. 'Just doing my duty,' Squall replied, placing the cloth back in the bowl and looking away from her.
Hermione bit her lip, looking away from him as his words hit her like he had just slapped her in the face. She didn't know why it felt like that, but the realisation that he wasn't worried about her wellbeing and was just doing as he was told hurt her. He was ordered to protect her; what he was doing had nothing to do with any genuine concern he might have. This thought stung her in a way she couldn't quite understand.
Hermione took a deep breath to calm the torrent of thoughts racing through her mind and looking around the room at everyone else, choosing not to look at Squall at all for the moment. She was worried he would see something there in her eyes that hinted towards her line of thought and back off, maybe even opt out of the contract. She would rather not have to deal with someone else which she had to admit was a stark contrast to how she felt when they left Balamb Garden that morning. At least Squall was almost predictable in the way he was.
Hermione sighed. 'So, what happened?' she asked softly, eyeing the faces in the room.
Selphie looked puzzled at the situation. Zell appeared to be distraught, likely because of his slipup in the TV Station. Quistis looked apprehensive, wringing her hands nervously in front of her. Squall had his arms crossed and was staring at the floor.
'Wow, a cheerful party we have here,' Hermione tried again, chuckling nervously as they all turned eyes on her. She swallowed. 'So?' she asked, shaking her head.
Squall frowned. 'Seifer disappeared, and the Sorceress tried to kill you. She then threatened to kill you later before vanishing. Rinoa is also missing. And we also have to deal with the President who might retaliate on Garden,' he replied, listing off everything on his fingers.
Hermione sighed, leaning back against the pillow. 'Great, so Rinoa and now this Sorceress wants me dead,' she stated, shaking her head, and closing her eyes.
There was a tense silence in the room after her statement, and Hermione wished she could leave the room to get away from it. She frowned, Griever? she called into her mind, not expecting an answer. Her guardian had been very subdued since she spoke to him on the Forest Owls train. She was worried something had happened to him and he couldn't speak to her anymore.
Hermione? came the answer, and Hermione shot up on the bed in shock.
'Whoa, calm down,' Squall said, grabbing her arms and pushing her back down onto the bed in concern.
For a moment, Hermione found herself absorbed by the feel of Squall's ungloved, calloused hands on her arms. She marvelled at the fact he even took his gloves off at all. Then it hit her that he wouldn't have wanted to get them wet. Oh! she thought, realising she was trying to speak to Griever. Where have you been? she whispered, unable to keep the prickliness from her tone even though she never meant it.
Protecting you, Griever replied with a sigh. Hermione frowned wondering what he meant by that, but before she could ask, she felt his magic wrapping around her in a soothing embrace. He continued, you have attracted the attention of those who want to hinder you, he explained, feeling his magic tighten around her. They will attempt to kill you using any means necessary. You need to take extra precautions, he advised, and she could almost see him crossing his arms. Squall will protect you with his life, but he is not a miracle worker, Hermione. There is only so much he can do, he reasoned with her.
So, it seems, she replied, frowning at her hands. Rinoa and a powerful Sorceress want to kill me, she said, shaking her head internally.
Be cautious, Hermione, for they are not the only ones. Keep your eyes open and attentive, even around those you would deem to be friends. Spies lurk everywhere, he counselled, and Hermione felt a shiver down her spine as she looked around at her companions in the room. She didn't want to be suspicious of any of them.
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 hers when 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 torment on his face.
Why? What will happen if it's destroyed? Hermione asked, almost dreading the answer.
My Mistress and I will cease to be, Griever countered, and Hermione could hear the sorrow in his voice.
"Cease to be"? Your Mistress? What? Why? Hermione asked, the questions tumbling from her in rapid succession, but she had a feeling he wouldn't answer any of them.
Not now, you will learn in due course, Griever answered, and Hermione nodded internally. She felt his magic recede from her and knew he had disappeared from her mind. She frowned, thinking on what he said as she tuned back into the room. There was a thick tension blanketing them all and it made her feel uncomfortable.
All eyes were on Quistis as she paced the length of the room with a frown on her brow. She stopped near the door, turning to look at Squall. 'What's going to happen to Seifer?' she asked, wringing her hands again.
Hermione frowned wondering if the question was hypothetical. None of them knew what was going to happen to him, but she they had all watched him willingly go with the Sorceress. Whether it was of his own free will, however, remained to be seen.
Squall sighed. 'He may already be dead,' he answered coolly, pulling his gloves back on. As he did, Hermione noticed he was wearing a ring on the middle finger of his left hand. It looked similar to the pendant he was wearing, but she couldn't be sure.
What Squall said registered in Hermione's mind, and the thoughts about his ring disappeared. She frowned at him. 'Seifer went with the Sorceress voluntarily, but I don't think he knew what he might be getting himself into,' she said, shaking her head. 'I feel a bit bad for him,' she added, crossing her arms.
Squall raised his eyebrows as he looked over at her in surprise. Feel bad? Seifer would hate to hear that, he thought, unable to help the snicker that escaped his lips.
Hermione looked at Squall in shock. 'I don't think this is a laughing matter, Squall,' she said quietly, glaring at him and his chuckle died in his throat.
Selphie crossed her arms. 'So, why do you think Seifer may already be dead?' she asked Squall before Hermione could kill him.
Squall shrugged lightly as he 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,' he explained as if this should be obvious.
Hermione frowned, leaning back against the headboard. What Squall said made sense, but she hoped it wasn't the case. She had no love for Seifer at all, especially because every time she had seen or spoken to him, he reminded her of Draco Malfoy and his incessant taunting. She would never wish death upon either of them though, no matter how foul they could be. 'I hope he's okay,' she whispered out loud, crossing her arms.
Squall turned to look at her with a frown as he pursed his lips. Why does she even care? She barely knows Seifer, Squall asked himself, scowling at the floor. And why the hell do I care what she thinks? She can hope for whatever she wants; it's none of my business, he thought angrily, shaking his head. Reality isn't so kind. Everything doesn't work out the way you want it to. That's why… Squall trailed off in his musings. '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 without meaning to. Everyone frowned at him, and he lowered his eyes to the ground, kicking himself at his slip up. Squall sighed, looking back up at Hermione. 'Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business,' he murmured, standing up. He moved to the other side of the room and leaned against the wall, glowering at the floor.
Hermione blinked and stared at him in confusion. What was that about? Why was that aimed at me? she wondered, crossing her arms, and scowling at the bed as her anger rose. She would never understand Squall. 'Yeah, it's none of your business,' she snapped, and he looked up at her. 'There's no need for you to be so fucking harsh about this situation though,' she snarled, glaring at him before turning her attention to the window with the intention of ignoring him.
Squall flinched at her tone, looking at her with a frown. What the hell? Why does this keep happening? he wondered, staring at the floor, and swallowing harshly. He felt his stomach clench uncomfortably, he really didn't like her being angry at him and he still couldn't understand why it bothered him so much. Why she bothered him so much.
After a moment, he glanced up at her. 'Sorry,' he whispered, crossing his arms. The others glanced at each other as the tension in the room intensified.
After a while, they all breathed muted sighs of relief when the Chief entered the room, breaking the stony silence. 'The Galbadian soldiers are withdrawing,' she told them, moving over to the bed to check Hermione over. 'Only the soldiers normally stationed here will stick around,' she explained, leaning over to help Hermione sit up on the bed. She placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze before moving back to the door and looking at back them. 'If you're gonna leave, now's your chance! You know how persistent those soldiers can be!' she told them, leaving the room.
Quistis moved over to Hermione, helping her stand as Zell and Selphie left the room heading downstairs. Hermione gazed at Squall for a moment before lowering her head dejectedly as they followed the other at a more sedate pace.
Squall took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment, before heading out of the room as well. When he got to the bottom of the stairs it dawned on him that Watts had been missing the entire time. 'Where did Watts go?' he asked, looking around for the elusive young man.
'Watts slipped out the back earlier to scope things out,' the Chief's daughter answered from where she was washing dishes.
Squall nodded, taking a seat at the table across from Quistis and Hermione. He carefully avoided looking at Hermione for the moment as he struggled to work out his chaotic thoughts.
Quistis leaned back in her chair. 'Seems like everyone's tired,' she muttered, crossing her arms.
The Chief placed two large pots on the table, one filled with tea and the other with coffee while her daughter put down several cups. They helped themselves to a drink gratefully. Selphie sat down between Squall and Hermione, cradling her cup of tea in her hands. 'I want to go home!' she said after a moment, crossing her arms and resting her head on them.
The Chief patted her shoulder comfortingly before taking a sip of her coffee. She glanced around at them all. 'So, what's your plan?' she asked, picking up a dry towel and handing it to her daughter so she could dry the dishes.
Quistis sighed, looking over at Squall who was staring at his coffee, his gloved hands on either side of the cup. 'Squall, any thoughts on where to go?' she asked, taking a sip of her black tea.
Squall shook his head. We have to get out of here first, he thought, not looking up from his cup.
Quistis crossed her arms. 'Getting out of here is only the first step,' she said, making him look up at her.
Squall finally looked up from his coffee, crossing his arms. 'What do you mean?' he asked her with a frown.
Quistis tilted her head at him. 'Garden Code, Article 8, line 7,' she countered, raising her eyebrow at him.
Squall looked away as he thought back to the Garden Code. 8:7… in the event that returning to the assigned Garden is not possible, report to the nearest Garden, he recalled before glancing at her. 'Head for the nearest Garden,' he answered, and she nodded.
Quistis nodded. 'Very good! From here, that would be Galbadia Garden,' she clarified, smiling at him.
The Chief nodded thoughtfully. 'There's a train which goes to East Academy Station from here,' she advised them, moving around the table and leaving the room.
Quistis watched her go with a slight frown before looking back at Squall. '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.
Hermione sighed, shaking her head. 'Will we be welcome there, though? After what's happened?' she asked softly, peering down at her coffee.
Quistis rubbed her back comfortingly. 'I've been there several times. We should be okay,' she reassured her, and Hermione nodded.
Hermione wasn't entirely placated with that though. She was trying to prepare herself for the worst in any scenario now that she was aware there were people trying to kill her. She just didn't know what to expect at Galbadia Garden and wasn't sure they would receive a welcome reception there.
Squall looked over at her, catching her gaze in his own. He gave her a tiny incline of his head as if to say, "I'll protect you", but she frowned, looking away from him and crossing her arms. He sighed inwardly, knowing she was still upset with him. He leaned back in his chair, keeping his expression neutral so as not to let on how much this bothered him.
Squall crossed his arms, looking at Quistis. 'Okay then, we'll escape from Timber and head to Galbadia Garden,' he told them, receiving nods from them all.
The five companions stood, grabbing their bags, and heading for the door as the Chief came down the stairs. 'You be careful now,' she told them seriously. 'Take this with you,' she said, holding out a bag she had filled with provisions and medical supplies.
Squall nodded at her. 'Thank you,' he said as Quistis took the bag from her with a smile and shouldered 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 the house, turning in the direction of the Train Station, a Galbadian soldier ran towards them. 'Not good!' Zell said, getting ready to fight him.
The soldier reached them. 'It's me, sir! It's me!' the soldier said, holding up his hands in surrender. They lowered their guard, relaxing when they recognised that it was Watts. 'Got some info, sir! Timber Station will be shut down temporarily,' he told them, pointing towards the train station.
Selphie sighed in frustration. 'Major bummer!' she cried, placing her hands on her hips.
Watts shook his head. 'Not necessarily. It's not completely shut down yet. The last train out of here is bound for East Academy Station,' Watts informed them with a smile.
Squall nodded at him. 'We're getting on that train,' he told them, glancing at each of them in turn, his eyes landing on Hermione last. She didn't look back at him as she stood staring at the ground with her arms crossed. He sighed, turning back to Watts. 'What about you? Will you be safe here?' he asked, wondering how long Watts would be able to avoid getting caught by the Galbadian's.
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!' he said cheerfully before running off back down the street.
The five companions watched him go before turning back towards the train station. Just as they reached, about to head through the archway, an old man stopped them. 'Squall! It's me!' he said, shuffling towards them with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
Squall squinted at him. 'Zone?' he asked, frowning at the old man. Excellent disguise, he thought fleetingly to himself as he took him in.
Zone nodded to him before looking at them all in turn. He frowned, realising someone was missing. 'Where's Rinoa?' he asked, searching around them for her.
Squall lowered his eyes to the ground, shifting his weight awkwardly. He wanted to know that himself. He cast a sideways glance towards Hermione before looking back at Zone. 'We don't know. We ran into Rinoa when we went to the TV Station, but shortly after the commotion happened with the President, she disappeared,' he explained, crossing his arms.
Zone nodded with a sigh. 'I don't understand what happened to her,' he muttered, shaking his head. They were all silent for a few moments until Zone looked back up at Squall. 'You need to go to East Academy, right? There's no more tickets left,' he told them, shaking his head.
'Oh, MAJOR bummer!' Selphie exclaimed, crossing her arms.
Squall rolled his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. 'We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train,' he said, crossing his arms.
Zone chuckled, making Squall look at him in confusion. 'You won't have to run in, guns blazing,' he told them, and they looked back curiously. 'Looky here! I have everyone's ticket right here!' Zone told them moving towards them and handing tickets to everyone except Quistis. 'And the last one is for me,' he said, before realising Quistis was there with them and didn't have a ticket. Zone looked towards the Station for a moment, before walking over to her. 'Go on, take it,' he said, offering her his ticket.
Quistis's eyes widened. 'I can't take that. It's yours!' Quistis argued, but Zone shook his head.
Zone grabbed her hand, placing the ticket in it. 'Just get going! The train's leaving soon!' he shouted out, grabbing his stomach as it clenched.
Quistis looked down at the ticket in her hand. 'Thank you,' she whispered, smiling at him gratefully.
Zone nodded, waving off her thanks as he gestured towards the train station. 'Take care of yourself, Zone,' Squall said as they passed him, running into the station.
They sprinted across the bridge, Hermione a little slower than the others. Squall paused to look back at her, but she shook her head at him. He frowned worriedly, but nodded and continued running to the other platform where the train was.
They stopped by the train conductor, trying to catch their breaths, just as he was about to close the door. He looked at them in surprise. 'This train is bound for Dollet, stopping at East Academy,' he told them, and they nodded as Hermione managed to catch up to them. 'This is the last train for today. Please hurry if you're boarding,' he advised them, holding the door open.
Squall nodded. 'The last train…' he muttered, trailing off before turning to look at Quistis as the train conductor inspected their tickets. 'Let me double check,' he said, crossing his arms. 'Get off at East Academy and go through the forest to the west of the station. Galbadia Garden is located up ahead. Is that correct?' he asked her, taking his ticket back from the train conductor.
Quistis smiled. 'Indeed. Glad we have a leader with a good memory,' she answered, following him as he stepped onto the train.
'This train, bound for East Academy, will depart shortly,' came the train announcement as they entered, finding the others had gotten on the train while Squall and Quistis were talking outside.
'We'll—' Squall started, but he was cut off.
'Open, open, OPEN!' Selphie cried from where she was standing next to the door to the hallway, bouncing from one foot to the other impatiently.
Squall frowned at her for a moment. 'Make it,' he finished, disregarding her.
'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.
Selphie beamed at him. 'Thanks!' she chirped, disappearing through the door.
Squall watched her go, shaking his head as he moved back to the wall by the main exit. He leaned against it, crossing his arms, his eyes fixated on the floor. So much had happened in the last 24 hours yet it felt like it had been going on forever. He was concerned about what was to come and whether he would be able to protect Hermione. If the Sorceress could just paralyse them in place with the flick of a wrist like she did in the TV Station, then he would be powerless to save her. He gulped at the thought, feeling the tight coil of dread in his stomach.
Hermione, who had been looking out the window as the train pulled out of the station, turned her gaze towards him. She was still upset with him, but in hindsight after everything he had done, regardless of whether it was his duty or not, she realised she was being too hard on him. She searched his face, thinking he looked a bit down and she felt guilty thinking she might be part of the reason why. It had been a trying day for all of them.
Hermione sighed, leaning on the wall, and slumped down onto the floor, looking at her bandaged legs with a frown, seeing dried blood seeping through them. She had been here less than a week and already she had been in jeopardy twice, both times at the risk to her life. It was difficult for her to believe that around this time the previous night she was getting ready for a Ball. She shook her head, it felt like an eternity ago and she just wanted to sleep.
Her thoughts turned to home as she looked up at the sky through the window. She thought about Harry and Ron, wondering how much time had passed for them. Did time flow the same way there that it did here? Were they frozen, only seconds passing, or had it been years? She swallowed roughly at the thought that she could be much older by the time she returned, or they might even be dead with her stuck in a time she no longer recognised and people she didn't know.
Hermione shook those thoughts away, not wanting to dwell on it for the moment. She did wonder if they were searching for her and if Malfoy had also been curious about her disappearance. Would they try to find a way to this world? Did they even know she was in another world? She assumed they would speak to Dumbledore and be looking for a way to rescue her from this unpleasant reality. Surely, they wouldn't give up and abandon her…
She sighed, her shoulders slumping, feeling the fear creeping into settle in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't deny being in this world was fascinating and she wanted to learn everything she could about it. She just wasn't enjoying it like she knew she would be if she didn't have people wanting to kill her at every opportunity.
Hermione turned her eyes away from the window, staring into the corner as her eyes burned with tears. I wish Harry and Ron were here. Hell, even Malfoy! Just someone familiar…
oOoOo
Albus Dumbledore looked up from a letter he was writing as a knock resounded on his door. 'Enter,' he called, the door magically opening. He raised his eyebrows, glancing at the clock on his wall knowing it was well past curfew, before looking at Harry, Ron, and Draco who were walking towards his desk sheepishly.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement, highly interested at the oddity of finding these particular three students together in the same vicinity almost comfortably. It was a well-established fact that Draco Malfoy was not a friend of the Gryffindor's.
He conjured three plush chairs in front of his desk as they reached him. They sat down appreciatively, looking at him nervously. 'I expect the reason for your visit at such a late hour is one of significant importance,' he said softly, eyeing them over his half-moon spectacles. 'How can I help?' he asked, clutching his hands in front of him on his desk.
The two Gryffindor's and Slytherin shared a glance before looking back at Dumbledore. 'Hermione is… um…' Ron trailed off, unsure of what to tell him knowing that whatever he said would get them in serious trouble for being in the third-floor corridor and not saying anything about Hermione's disappearance until now.
Draco sighed. 'Granger is missing,' he told the wise Headmaster who raised his eyebrows in concern, gesturing for him to continue. 'Weasley found a strange doorway in the third-floor corridor…' he trailed off, glancing up at Dumbledore who was looking at them disapprovingly at this news considering it was prohibited to students. 'Well, the door has now vanished with Granger along with it. We've been trying to find clues as to what's happened to her, but so far, we've got nothing. She might even be dead at this point,' he said in rapid succession, crossing his arms.
Dumbledore frowned. 'There is a reason that corridor is prohibited to students. As Head Boy, you, as well as Miss Granger, should be adhering to the rules as an example to other students,' he instructed him softly, but Draco could tell he was not at all pleased with them.
After a moment of awkward silence, Dumbledore sighed. 'As for Miss Granger's predicament…' he trailed off, standing up from his desk and moving to his bookshelves. 'There are many secret rooms and passages within this castle. All of which I have seen and know about,' he explained, and they looked relieved at that. 'Tell me, what did it look like?' he asked them, peering back at them.
Harry frowned as he thought back to what they had seen. 'It wasn't there initially when we got there. Ron had seen it earlier…' he trailed off, looking over at Ron apologetically, but he needed to tell Dumbledore the truth if there was any hope for Hermione. 'Hermione used the Revealing Charm to find the door, but the magic that appeared wasn't… normal,' he advised, frowning as he wondered what it was about it that was different.
Dumbledore nodded, moving back towards them carrying several scrolls. He placed them on his desk. 'There are many ancient forms of magic in this world. Some of which even I cannot hope to explain,' he told them, frowning down at the scrolls before looking back at them. 'When the door appeared, what happened?' he asked, sitting back down at his desk.
Harry crossed his arms. 'The door appeared and there was a hallway with tons of murals of strange creatures with plaques under them,' he described, tapping his chin thoughtfully. 'Then the lights went out and we found ourselves in a circular chamber with a pedestal. Then there was something there…' he trailed off, swallowing the lump in his throat. 'It was a huge creature like nothing I'd seen before. There was an energy which froze us in place and complete darkness,' he paused, shaking his head. It sounded unbelievable to his ears as he repeated the experience. 'We somehow ended up back outside the first doorway just as it vanished, but Hermione wasn't with us,' he said worriedly, looking down at his hands.
Ron nodded; his eyes glazed over as he remembered that fateful night. 'It was like something kicked us out,' he whispered, closing his eyes. He had been blaming himself for this wondering if he had never shown them where the door was or if he had never gone into the third-floor corridor to begin with things would be continuing as normal and Hermione would still be with them.
Dumbledore nodded. 'Ah, the Chamber of Griever,' he told them, and their eyes shot up to look at him, a glimmer of hope in them. He shuffled through the scrolls, looking at the seals on them until he came to the one he was looking for. Draco, Harry, and Ron leaned forward to look at the seal, realising it was the same emblem they had seen on the door before the archway appeared.
Dumbledore opened the seal gently, pulling the ancient scroll open. He was silent as he studied the contents, a frown upon his brow. 'Yes, there was a Prophecy, but I was never able to find the person it was referring to…' he trailed off in his musings, talking more to himself than the three curious students. Suddenly he looked up at them with a smile. 'It seems our young Miss Granger has a Prophecy to fulfil, he told them, observing their stunned expressions with twinkling eyes.
Ron frowned. 'A Prophecy, sir?' he asked, eyeing the scroll dubiously.
'Is Hermione in danger?' Harry asked then, fearing for his friend.
Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head. 'Yes, I imagine she is,' he told them honestly, watching their eyes widen in fear. Even Draco looked concerned at this admission. 'Any person who finds themselves in a foreign place unexpectedly would be in danger,' he clarified sadly, the twinkle vanishing from his eyes.
There was silence following this as the two Gryffindor's and Slytherin stared down at the floor. Dumbledore eyed them for a moment before continuing, 'Miss Granger is intelligent and she will have assistance wherever she is,' he told them reassuringly, making them look back up at him. 'In what form, I am uncertain, but she will have it,' he advised them with a smile.
Ron crossed his arms, looking at Dumbledore in disbelief. 'So, that's it then? There's nothing we can do?' he asked, frowning at the old man hoping what he said didn't mean he would just abandon her to whatever fate had in store for her.
Dumbledore shook his head. 'I will search for ways to find out where she is, but until I find something we can go on I'm afraid all we can do is pray she will be safe,' he explained, and Ron nodded, slumping in his chair as he swallowed a lump forming in his throat.
Draco listened to the exchange, having kept his silence as he took in what they had been told. He looked at the scroll Dumbledore was still holding in his hands loosely. 'So, what's the Prophecy?' he asked in interest, nodding at the scroll.
Dumbledore peered back at the scroll for a moment, before reciting it out loud, '"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". He lowered the scroll onto his desk, rubbing his eyes tiredly. 'That is all it says,' he told them, glancing at the three of them as they contemplated the words.
A tense silence fell over them and after a few minutes Dumbledore looked up at the clock. 'I believe it would be prudent for the three of you to go to bed and let me worry about Miss Granger for now,' he told them, looking at them sternly over his half-moon spectacles.
Harry and Ron nodded, standing from their chairs, and left the office without a backwards glance. Draco stayed where he was, inclined back in his seat with his arms crossed. 'Mr Malfoy?' Dumbledore asked him curiously upon realising the young Slytherin didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave.
After a moment, Draco looked up at him. 'Sir, if there is a way to save Granger…' he trailed off, shifting in his seat awkwardly. 'Then, I volunteer,' he said decisively, looking back at the old man.
Dumbledore peered at him in interest. 'Any why is that, Mr Malfoy?' he asked, clasping his hands on the desk in front of him. 'I would have thought Mr Potter or Weasley would be a more fitting choice? I was under the impression that yourself and Miss Granger do not exactly get along,' he said curiously, but the twinkle in his eyes was even brighter than normal if that was possible.
Draco nodded, knowing he was right about that, but he couldn't help feeling somewhat responsible for what happened to her before they were expelled from the chamber. 'Well, when we were in darkness, I heard Granger calling out. I followed her voice, managing to find her and hold onto her but…' he trailed off, shaking his head. 'A moment later, she was pulled away from me and vanished. Then we ended up outside,' he explained, lowering his eyes to the floor miserably. 'If I had just held onto her tighter, maybe she would still be here,' he whispered, raising his eyes to meet Dumbledore's.
Dumbledore nodded in understanding. 'I see,' he answered, sitting back and eyeing Draco as he thought about what he said. 'However, Prophecy is prophecy, Mr Malfoy. If this was meant to happen, then there is nothing you could have done to prevent it,' he told him firmly, but his tone was gentle. 'Make sure you are not too hard on yourself for what has happened,' he counselled him with a smile.
Draco frowned. 'Yes, sir,' he muttered, standing up to leave.
Dumbledore nodded to him. 'I will keep your request in mind, Mr Malfoy,' the Headmaster called to him as he reached the door.
Draco turned back to look at him, before nodding. 'Thank you, sir,' he whispered, opening the door, and disappearing through it, closing it on his way out.
Dumbledore sat back in his chair, his eyes still on the door. 'Interesting…' he muttered to himself, before looking back down at the scroll denoting to Hermione's fate. His letter from before entirely forgotten in light of these new circumstances, he stood and moved back over to his bookshelves to search for any books which might aid him in locating where Hermione was.
Unknown to Dumbledore who was skimming through a leather-bound tome with no visible title, a pair of azure blue eyes watched him from the corner of the room.