Chapter Twenty-Nine: Ties That Bind

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.

A/N: Sorry for the wait guys! I didn't have internet for a while, so I wasn't able to update and then some real-life stuff happened which left me no time! Anyway, we're finally back online and things are back to normal so here is the next chapter! I hope everyone has been okay and taking care during this difficult time.

I hope you all enjoy and please let me know in a review.

oOoOo

When the companions reached the first floor, they stopped at the top of the stairs and looked around at the Main Hall, still scarcely believing what had been below them all that time. 'Where do you think the Headmaster is?' Zell invited, crossing his arms.

Squall shook his head. 'I have no idea, but I think Dr Kadowaki should check Hermione over,' he replied, and Hermione's eyes shot to him incredulously. 'That shock you took can't have been good for you,' he reasoned, and she nodded timidly. She wasn't enthusiastic on the notion of going back to the Infirmary after only an hour of being discharged.

Quistis and Zell nodded, both eyeing Hermione worriedly. 'I don't think we all need to go,' Quistis said quietly, glancing at Zell pointedly.

Zell nodded, getting Quistis' meaning. 'Yeah… I need to go to the Library anyway and, um… return a book!' he said nervously, waving rapidly and darting off towards the Library.

'I'll go to Cid's Office and see if he's there. If he's not, I'll ask Xu where he is,' Quistis said with a smile, looking at them both before walking back towards the lift.

Squall and Hermione watched them go in astonishment and confusion for a moment. 'What was that about?' Hermione asked softly, shaking her head.

Squall sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. I have an idea… he thought testily before shaking his head. 'Who knows,' he shrugged, before guiding Hermione towards the Infirmary.

As expected, Dr Kadowaki was less than thrilled to see them when they entered. 'You are a glutton for punishment!' she barked, pulling an amused Hermione into the room she vacated only an hour before to begin examining her. Squall followed, unable to keep his eyes from Hermione who was trying so hard not to laugh at the incensed doctor. 'What was it this time?' Dr Kadowaki asked, placing her hands on her hips and eyeing Squall accusingly.

Squall raised his eyebrows, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. 'We were attacked by the Garden Master,' he answered with a shrug.

Dr Kadowaki stared at Squall in surprise before turning back to Hermione. 'Well, you have taken a jolt, but it could have been worse,' she grumbled, ticking something off on a chart. 'No need for you to stay,' she added, crossing her arms and eyeing Hermione sombrely.

'I'm sorry,' Hermione whispered, looking down and trying to conceal her amusement at the situation.

Dr Kadowaki sighed before looking at Squall. 'Do you need to see Cid?' she asked, making the younger man look up at her.

'Yes, we need to tell him what happened,' Squall answered, moving over towards Hermione to help her stand.

'Well, Cid is kind of…' the Doctor trailed off as they left the room to find Cid standing in the doorway of the one opposite.

'I'm okay now, Karin,' Cid assured Dr Kadowaki, crossing his arms.

'Are you sure?' Dr Kadowaki asked, frowning at Cid as if she didn't quite believe him.

Cid smiled, but there was no warmth to it. 'Yes, I believe I'm done crying,' he countered candidly, before turning back into the room.

Squall and Hermione glanced at each other uneasily for a moment as Dr Kadowaki tutted and turned to them. 'Just go easy on him, alright? He's got a lot on his mind,' she told them before leaving them to enter the room.

Squall shut the door as Hermione moved to sit on the bed next to Cid, placing a gentle hand on his arm. 'You both see me in such an embarrassing state,' he muttered, giving Hermione an appreciative smile before looking up at Squall who frowned at him as he leaned against the wall in front of them.

'Sometimes even leaders get emotional, Cid. It's human nature and this has been quite the ordeal,' Hermione whispered softly, trying to alleviate some of the stress Cid was under.

Cid nodded before taking a deep breath and looking up at Squall. 'You wanted to talk to me?' he asked calmly.

'I want to make a report, sir,' Squall answered, looking between Cid and Hermione. It was odd to see someone his age comforting the elder Headmaster, but of course Hermione was not a student and Cid treated her more like a daughter than a client at times.

Cid rubbed the back of his neck. 'No, no. It's not necessary. I can guess what must have happened,' he answered hesitantly, and they got the distinct impression that he didn't want to know the particulars of what happened. 'Nonetheless, I am curious as to why Hermione was in such a poor condition when you came back,' he added, staring at Squall pointedly.

Squall sighed, I knew he was going to ask. Where do I start? He questioned himself before shaking his head. 'It's been a hellish journey, sir,' he replied vaguely, crossing his arms.

Hermione, sensing Squall was uncertain of what to tell Cid, turned to the headmaster. 'Rinoa turned hostile towards us and attempted to murder me a few times. Squall did what he could to protect me, but it was not always possible,' she answered, crossing her arms.

Cid nodded. 'I see. I didn't realise Rinoa was that type of person. She seemed very pleasant on the occasions I met with her,' he answered, closing his eyes.

'It was a recent change,' Squall said, making Cid look up at him. 'According to the Forest Owls, she changed literally overnight,' he clarified, shifting his weight to his other foot. 'We were hoping, in light of the circumstances, that this particular contract can be abolished,' he added, glancing at Hermione to see she was frowning at her hands.

Cid nodded. 'Yes, of course. I was delegated to ensure Hermione's protection and I will not permit a contract in which you could be at risk,' he replied, glancing at Hermione before taking out a tiny notebook from his pocket and making a note in it.

Griever? Hermione called timidly. She wasn't sure what had happened to Griever after she made her arrangement with Ultimecia. It all seemed so surreal and she had to wonder if that vision was only a dream.

Hermione, came the curt response. So, Hermione was right. Griever was annoyed at her and that could only mean the meeting she had with Ultimecia was, in fact, real.

I'm sorry… I should have trusted you, Hermione answered back, feeling small under the weight of Griever's indignation.

What is done is done. Whatever deal you made with Ultimecia will be upheld, Griever countered.

So, she won't send anyone else after me? Hermione asked with a frown.

Yes. If there is one… good thing about my Mistress, it is her sincerity. As long as you fulfil your end of the pact, she will not pursue you, Griever answered wistfully, and Hermione could almost see him standing with his arms crossed.

Griever… Ultimecia said I didn't know my mission yet. What did she mean? I thought my mission was to destroy your ring, Hermione said, shaking her head.

There was a long pause in which Hermione thought Griever had fled to avoid this line of discussion, but then she heard him sigh. There is more to it… but now is not the appropriate time. Nevertheless, the deal you made with my Mistress has afforded us some breathing space. Once you are in possession of my ring, you will learn more, he told her, and she sighed in frustration.

Where is your ring? Can you at least tell me that? Hermione asked in irritation.

Closer than you think, Griever answered before Hermione felt him close off and she knew that was as much as she was going to get.

Okay, I won't pester, but I do have one more question, Hermione asked quickly before Griever disappeared completely. She felt a prod in her mind, letting her know to ask. Can Ultimecia pry into my mind? Does she know what I'm thinking like you can? She said she would know when I allowed Ellone to use her power on me, she asked curiously, wondering how much she could tell Cid and Squall about what happened.

Be cautious, Hermione, Griever replied seriously, but his tone betrayed his concern. Do not underestimate her. Even if she cannot see into your mind as I can, she has eyes and ears everywhere. Do not give her justification to retaliate, he told her, and Hermione nodded.

As Griever vanished from her mind, Hermione tuned back into the discussion between Cid and Squall. They were still talking about what transpired with Rinoa, Seifer and the Sorceress. It seems Cid had coerced Squall into giving him a detailed account of what happened from when they left Garden right up until after they saved it even though the headmaster had told them it wasn't necessary. Apparently, the knowledge concerning Rinoa and Seifer joining the Sorceress had gained Cid's interest.

'Then, just as we were leaving the Infirmary, we were told to go see the Garden Master,' Squall was explaining, his arms crossed and a look of frustration on his features. 'He wanted a report, but he attacked us when he saw Hermione,' he added.

Cid looked at Squall in surprise. 'Did he?' he asked, glancing between them.

'Yes, he indicated that she had to die because she's a Sorceress,' Squall answered bitterly, his resentment at the creature not quite dissipated. 'He formed a barrier to trap her and assaulted us,' he said, shaking his head. 'We had to take him out… I'm sorry,' he added ruefully, looking away from the headmaster to the floor.

Cid raised his eyebrows. 'No need to apologise,' he replied, rubbing the back of his neck tensely.

Squall nodded slowly. 'Sir, how could Master NORG have known Hermione is a Sorceress? Who is he?' he asked curiously, glancing at Hermione to see she was looking down at her hands as if she was anxious and he frowned, wondering what was wrong.

Cid stood from the bed and began pacing the floor at the foot of the bed. Squall took a seat on the bed next to Hermione as they watched the headmaster attempt to create a hole in the floor with his pacing. 'NORG was from the Shumi Tribe. It's a small village in the North of Trabia, a few miles west of Trabia Garden,' he began, wringing his hands restlessly as he spoke. 'He was classed as a black sheep because he was slow to evolve,' he explained, stopping to look at them.

'Evolve?' Hermione asked with a frown.

'Yes, after a number of years the Shumi evolve to become spiritual leaders or they become a Moomba,' Cid answered, clasping his hands behind his back.

'Wait, aren't the Moomba those red and white creatures that look like lions?' Squall asked the headmaster who nodded at him.

'Now, because he was a black sheep, NORG was not in the village. I met him in Balamb while I was running around trying to raise funds to build the Garden. He became interested in building the Garden and we hit it off. Thanks to his funding, it was completed,' Cid told them, beginning his pacing again in front of them. 'However, we needed an enormous amount of funds to run the Garden,' he paused, turning back to face them. 'So, we dispatched SeeD's around the world as a means of supporting the Garden,' he said, shaking his head.

'What happened?' Hermione asked, subconsciously leaning into Squall a little. He cast her a side-glance and raised an eyebrow, but he didn't move away from her.

Cid sighed and crossed his arms. 'NORG's idea was right on the money. An enormous amount of capital flowed into the Garden and it changed. We lost sight of our high ideals and the truth was covered up…' he trailed off, shaking his head. 'That's probably enough. In the end, it was my fault for giving up control,' he finished, taking a seat in a chair across from the bed. 'As for knowing that Hermione is a Sorceress, I can only speculate that he may have been able to sense Magic within her. Sorceresses give off a distinct aura of Magic which is unique to those who can use Para-Magic. It is likely he could see or feel her aura. NORG has always feared Sorceresses, which is another reason as to why he helped me found the Garden,' he clarified, shaking his head.

'That… makes sense, I guess,' Hermione muttered, looking down at her hands with a frown.

Squall glanced at Hermione for a moment before looking back at Cid. 'Master NORG alluded to…' he trailed off as Cid raised his eyebrows interestedly. 'Sir, is Sorceress Edea your wife?' he asked curiously, wanting to know if this was the truth.

Cid glanced at Squall in surprise for a moment, taken off guard by the question, but he sighed in defeat after a moment. 'Yes, she is… or was…' he trailed off, closing his eyes as Squall and Hermione glanced at each other in disbelief. Cid looked at them both for a moment before staring down at his hands. 'Edea has been a Sorceress since she was a child. I married her, knowing that, and we were happy. We worked together, the two of us. We were very happy,' he told them softly, his voice strained, and they could tell this was a complicated matter for him to discuss.

'Cid, you don't have to tell us…' Hermione whispered, not wanting to distress the elder man in any way.

'No, no, it's fine,' Cid assured Hermione with a smile, before sighing. 'One day, Edea began talking about building the Garden and training SeeD. I became obsessed with that plan, but I was very concerned with SeeD's goal. That one day SeeD might fight Edea. She laughed and told me that would never happen. However…' he trailed off, shaking his head.

'So… how did she become a Sorceress?' Hermione asked curiously, which made Cid and Squall look at her in confusion. 'What?' she asked, looking between them.

'Wouldn't that be something you would know?' Squall asked, crossing his arms.

Hermione shook her head. 'No, I never became a Sorceress through any means. I was born with this power,' she answered, looking at their stunned expressions.

'Well, to answer your question, a Sorceress is made by acquiring the power of another Sorceress. I am not sure how the process works or what is involved, but it only applies to women,' Cid answered with a shrug.

Hermione frowned. 'Why only women? And why are they so rare?' she asked curiously, crossing her arms.

'I have no idea, I'm afraid. My guess is that only certain women are born with a genetic trait which permits them to obtain the powers of a Sorceress,' Cid told them with a frown as he shook his head.

'Speaking of Sorceresses,' Squall said, making the other two look at him. 'When we were captured and detained in the Desert Prison, Seifer revealed that Edea sought to know what the true goal of SeeD is. Wouldn't she already know? Considering she was the one who thought up the concept for Garden and SeeD's goal? Is there some other significance to SeeD?' he asked wistfully, hoping to get more insight into what Seifer was talking about.

Cid frowned. 'SeeD is SeeD. The elite mercenary force of Balamb Garden,' he answered with a shrug and shook his head. 'Hmm, do you know something about SeeD?' he asked, rubbing the back of his neck uneasily.

Squall sighed, I never know anything. What could Seifer have been implying then? He thought, rubbing his chin in frustration.

'SeeD will defeat the Sorceress,' Cid said abruptly, making Squall and Hermione stare at him in shock. Cid shot Hermione an apologetic look. 'I'm sorry, that was a little blunt, but it was in no way directed at you,' he told her, and she nodded. 'Balamb Garden trains SeeD members. Their many missions around the world is training for the final battle against the Sorceress,' he explained, crossing his arms. 'But, now that the Sorceress has become a major threat, our true mission has begun,' he clarified, looking out the window pensively.

Squall glanced at Hermione, trying to determine her reaction to this information, but her expression was blank. He frowned and wondered what was going on in her mind. Shaking his head, he looked back at Cid. 'So, what should we do now?' he asked softly, hoping it was something a little more exciting than what had been happening since they started moving.

'We should stop drifting soon, but we need to find out how to manoeuvre the Garden before that happens. I only hope we can get things back to the way they were,' Cid replied with a sigh before looking back at them. 'Is there anything else?' he asked them.

'No, sir,' Squall answered, standing and saluting the headmaster.

'I'll let you know once we have more information about what to do next,' Cid told them, and they nodded.

Hermione let Squall guide her out of the room, but she couldn't help but feel like that entire meeting raised more questions than it did answers, particularly concerning SeeD and Sorceresses. She wondered if there were any books in the Library which would give her more of an insight about them. Once they were out of the Infirmary, she withdrew from him. 'I'm going to head to the Library. Let me know if anything happens,' she said quickly and walked away, sluggishly as she was still weak from her ordeals, before he could stop her.

Squall watched Hermione go in bewilderment. That was… unexpected. Maybe I should go with her? He thought, moving to catch up with her, but he stopped himself. No, she obviously wants to be alone. Did I do something? He sighed at this train of thought. Why should it bother me? She can do what she wants, he thought in irritation before turning to head back to his room.

'Squall!' came a yell from the stairs leading to the lift and Squall closed his eyes, counting to ten before turning to see Xu sprinting towards him 'Have you seen the headmaster?' she asked rapidly, halting in front of him.

Squall gestured back towards the Infirmary. 'He's in the Infirmary,' he answered with a frown as he took in Xu's unkempt appearance. 'Has something happened?' he asked, crossing his arms.

Xu nodded. 'There's a ship approaching. It could be Galbadian's or worse. The Sorceress might be aboard, coming to attack us!' she said quickly, her tone rattled. 'I have to tell the headmaster right away!' she said before racing towards the Infirmary.

Squall watched Xu go for a moment before staring towards the lift as he tried to decide whether to check it out. Exhaling, he headed to the lift which took him up to the second floor. As he was exiting, Quistis emerged from the end of the corridor. 'Oh, Squall! I was just coming to find you,' she said, falling into step with him as they walked towards the emergency exit.

Squall nodded distractedly. 'Xu said there's a ship approaching,' he said, pushing open the door leading to the balcony. He moved to the wall and looked behind the Garden, spotting a large ship catching up to them rapidly. Shit, is it Galbadian? If they attack, we're in trouble, he thought worriedly as he watched the ship come up alongside the Garden.

Three people, dressed in light colours, came to the railing and looked up at them. 'Is Headmaster Cid here!?' one called to them, crossing his arms.

Squall shook his head. 'No, he's not here,' he answered with a frown as he looked at the ship. 'Are you from… Galbadia?' he asked carefully, not recognising the ship, but the uniforms the people were wearing were familiar to him and he couldn't quite recall where he had seen them.

'We are SeeD's! This is Edea's ship. We are Sorceress Edea's SeeD!' the man, which Squall surmised to be the leader, countered.

SeeD!? Sorceress Edea's SeeD? What the heck is going on? Squall thought, immediately summoning his gunblade to him in case these people attacked.

The leader conferred with his companions for a moment before looking back at Squall. 'We're coming aboard! We're unarmed!' he said and the three climbed on board the Garden. After a few moments, they stood before Squall and Quistis who were prepared to fight them. The leader held up his hands. 'Please. We come in peace,' he promised, bowing his head a little. Squall and Quistis cautiously eased their stance but continued to watch them warily. 'We wish only to speak to Headmaster Cid. Where is he?' he asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

'I'm right here,' came Cid's voice from the door as he was followed onto the balcony by Xu.

The leader nodded. 'Good to see you, Headmaster,' he greeted, bowing his head to Cid who returned the gesture. 'We've come for Ellone. It's too dangerous here now,' he explained, looking at the headmaster expectantly.

Cid sighed. 'Yes. I'm afraid so,' he answered, shaking his head.

Ellone? They can't mean that little girl from Winhill? Squall thought, crossing his arms with a frown.

'Squall?' Cid's called, his voice pulling Squall from his thoughts.

'Yes, sir?' Squall asked, awaiting his orders.

Cid clasped his hands behind his back. 'You know who she is? Please go and find her. She should be somewhere in the Garden,' he told Squall, giving him a pointed look.

Squall frowned. Yeah, I saw a little girl in my dreams with the same name, but could it really be her? Wait… no… the girl in the Library… he trailed off in his thoughts, wondering if that girl was Ellone. His frown deepened as he glanced at the three people from the ship, finally distinguishing them as the people who appeared in the Training Centre after he and Quistis rescued the girl from the monster. Who the heck are these guys? How are they connected to Ellone and Laguna? He questioned, crossing his arms in frustration.

'Please bring her here, Squall,' Cid ordered, raising an eyebrow at Squall who nodded.

'I'll help you, too,' Xu said, receiving a nod from Cid.

Squall, Quistis and Xu headed back into the Garden. 'Squall, Ellone was that girl, wasn't she?' Quistis asked as they made their way to the lift.

'Probably,' Squall answered, pressing the button to call the lift to their floor.

As they reached the first floor, the three looked around the Main Hall. 'Where do you think she would be?' Xu asked, trying to see if there was a student wandering around that would stand out.

'Hmm… maybe we should split up and search for her?' Quistis suggested, placing a hand on her hip.

'Good idea,' Xu agreed, taking off towards the Infirmary while Quistis wandered away towards the Quad.

'Okay…' Squall muttered, rolling his eyes. The last place I saw that girl was in the Library, he thought, deciding to check there first considering she frequented it at least. He also knew he would find Hermione there and he was still curious about why she took off earlier.

oOoOo

When Hermione entered the Library, she couldn't help the smile which formed on her lips. Since coming to this world, she hadn't had much time to peruse the books here and she was yearning to learn more about the world around her. She moved to the first set of bookcases and ran her fingers across the spines, her eyes gazing over the titles which she knew would be fascinating, but she was focused on finding anything related to Sorceresses and SeeD.

Without looking at her surroundings, Hermione bumped into someone looking at the books next to where she was. 'Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't see you there,' she apologised, looking at the girl.

The girl smiled. 'It's alright, I wasn't paying attention either,' she said, taking a book from the shelf and scanning it.

Hermione glanced at the book over the girl's shoulder, noticing it was related to Sorceresses. 'Oh, that's exactly the book I was looking for,' she said, gesturing to the book.

'Oh, really? Well, I was just looking for something to pass the time. You can take this one if you want,' the girl said with a smile, offering the book to Hermione.

'No, it's okay. You saw it first,' Hermione answered, shaking her head.

'That's alright. Do you need it for an assignment?' the girl asked, tilting her head curiously.

Hermione shook her head. 'No, I just wanted to learn more about Sorceresses and SeeD,' she answered, taking the book from the girl and examining the back of the book.

The girl nodded. 'I see,' she answered, looking back at the shelves for something else.

Hermione looked back at the girl. 'I'm not a student here,' she confessed with a small smile. 'I'm just a client. I'm curious about some of the subjects that are taught here,' she half-lied as she wasn't sure who this girl was. Griever's words from when she arrived at Garden echoed in her mind that she should be wary of everyone.

'Oh, that makes sense,' the girl replied with a smile, brushing her hair behind her ears. 'I'm the same… in a sense. I come to the Garden regularly. I've known the Headmaster all my life and he lets me stay here for a time,' she told Hermione, her smile waning.

'So, you're a client as well?' Hermione asked, wondering how many clients of Garden stayed there.

'Um… not really. It's complicated,' the girl answered, looking away from Hermione in what she thought might be embarrassment.

'That's fair enough,' Hermione reassured the girl with a smile. 'Well, thank you for letting me read this… um…' she trailed off, realising she had chatted with this girl quite a bit and didn't catch her name.

The girl looked back at her. 'Ellone,' she said with a small smile. 'My name is Ellone.'

Hermione stiffened, staring at Ellone with what she knew must have been complete shock. This is Ellone? The same Ellone Ultimecia is after? Or is it just a coincidence that this girl has the same name? She wondered before grasping she was gaping at the girl which was downright rude. She quickly shook off her surprise and struggled to keep her voice from shaking as she answered, 'I'm Hermione.'

Ellone nodded. 'I've seen you around. You spend a lot of time with Squall,' she said, looking back at the bookshelves nonchalantly.

Hermione blinked. 'Um… his job is to help me,' she answered, trying to think of a way to turn the conversation away from what she thought Ellone might be insinuating. However, her mind threw up so many questions involving Squall and Ellone and her thirst for knowledge, of course, got the better of her. 'So, you know Squall?' she asked her casually, not consciously realising they had started walking towards the reading area adjacent to the Library.

Ellone sat down at a table and Hermione found herself sitting next to her. 'Yes, I've known Squall since he was a baby. Though, he does not seem to remember me,' she answered regretfully as she clasped her hands in her lap.

Hermione frowned, suddenly wanting to comfort this girl. 'I don't understand,' she whispered, shaking her head.

Ellone looked up at Hermione and smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. 'It's complicated,' she said simply with a shrug.

Hermione was about to open her mouth to speak when a shadow fell over her. She looked up to find Squall standing there with a peculiar expression on his face. 'Sorry to interrupt,' he muttered, looking away from her to Ellone.

'Yes, Squall?' Ellone asked, gazing up at Squall with a wide smile.

Squall took a deep breath. 'Are you… Ellone?' he asked, his tone uncertain like he wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.

Hermione looked between them for a moment, noticing Ellone's smile faded somewhat at Squall's piercing stare. 'Yes…' Ellone answered with a sigh, before looking away from him to her hands.

Squall frowned. 'You're Ellone? THE Ellone?' he asked her, crossing his arms. What is going on? He asked himself as he tried to piece the puzzle together.

Why is Squall acting this way towards her? Hermione was wondering as she looked between them curiously.

Just listen and you will find out, Griever answered Hermione, making her jump. She shook herself mentally and tuned back in to Squall and Ellone's conversation.

'You know… Laguna then, don't you?' Squall was asking.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at this. Isn't Laguna that guy Selphie keeps mentioning? The one from that "Dream World"? She questioned, not receiving a reply this time.

Ellone nodded. 'I do,' she answered dejectedly, looking away from Squall to the table. 'I really love Uncle Laguna,' she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

Squall bristled. 'Then tell me! What is it that we experience!?' he shouted unexpectedly, and Hermione reached up to touch his arm softly.

Ellone glanced between Squall and Hermione for a moment before focusing back on him. 'I'm sorry, it's hard to explain,' she replied, shaking her head. 'But… it's about the past,' she divulged, standing up and moving to the other side of the table.

Squall looked down at Hermione for a moment, before tenderly placing his hand over hers that was still gripping his arm. So, we were viewing the past? He questioned, looking back at Ellone as she walked over to another table and leaned against it.

Ellone closed her eyes. 'People say you can't change the past. But even still, if there's a possibility, it's worth a try, right?' she asked, crossing her arms as she looked back at them.

Change the past? Is that what Ultimecia wants? But why? Hermione wondered in bewilderment as she glanced at the book she wanted to read lying forgotten on the table.

Squall, on the other hand, stared at Ellone like she was crazy. Change the past? Is she serious? Give me a break… he thought in exasperation. 'Are you the one responsible!?' he said heatedly, his eyes flashing. 'Are you the one taking us to that "Dream World"!?' he demanded, his voice rising.

'Squall,' Hermione whispered, her grip on Squall's arm tightening.

'I'm sorry,' Ellone whispered miserably, turning away from them as her shoulders shook.

Squall shook his head. Not again. So much I don't understand, he thought, moving away from Hermione and pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, but when he looked back at Ellone the resentment boiled in him again. 'Why me!?' he barked at her, shaking his head. 'I have enough problems as it is! Don't get me involved in this!' he snapped, reaching up and running his hands through his hair.

Ellone sniffed and reached up to wipe tears from her eyes. 'I'm sorry,' she whispered, her voice shaking.

Hermione stared at Squall in disbelief. She didn't think she had ever seen him react like this before. It was unusual to see him expressing himself so publicly. She had to wonder who Ellone was to him before he apparently forgot all about her.

'Don't…' Squall trailed off as he sat down heavily in the chair next to Hermione and placed his head in his hands. 'Don't count on me,' he whispered as Hermione reached over and placed a hand on his arm reassuringly.

What's going on? Hermione wondered, stunned to see Squall like this.

Xu came into the reading area then. 'Ah, Squall, there you are. Did you find Ellone?' she asked, before frowning at Squall and Hermione.

'Um… I'm Ellone,' Ellone said, moving over to Xu.

Xu nodded before looking back at Squall. 'Are you alright?' she asked him, but he didn't look up at her. Hermione looked over at her and nodded.

Ellone sighed and approached Squall, before leaning down next to him and whispered something in his ear. She stood back up and gazed down at him for a moment contritely before leaving the reading area with Xu. "You're my only hope…". But why? Squall thought as he lowered his hands and stared at where Ellone had been standing moments before.

'Squall?' Hermione whispered, reaching out to Squall but he stood up quickly.

'I need to think,' Squall said suddenly before leaving the Library.

Hermione watched him go with a frown. What was that about? How are they connected? She wondered, picking up the book and following them out of the Library.

Hermione made her way to her room and sat down on her bed in puzzlement, the book held limply in her hands. Who is Ellone to Squall? She said she knew Laguna… that he was her uncle? But… how is Squall and the others involved? Where's the link? As these questions plagued her, she looked out the window to see a ship drifting away from the Garden. She noticed that one of the people standing at the railing was Ellone.

Sighing, Hermione sat back down on her bed and closed her eyes. Wonderful. How am I expected to meet Ellone again if she's left the Garden? She thought, wondering how she was going to complete her mission for Ultimecia and whether this would cause her any grief from the Sorceress. She didn't know how patient Ultimecia was going to be…

oOoOo

By the time Squall got back to his room and slammed his door shut, he was livid. Who the hell does she think she is!? She could have asked before using me in some ridiculous scheme to change the past!? How is that even possible!?

Squall took a deep breath before lying down on his bed. He counted to ten and tried to soothe his racing mind. Why do people depend on each other? In the end, you're on your own, he thought to himself as he placed his arms behind his head. I've made it this far by myself. Sure, I couldn't do a thing when I was a kid… I've depended on others, but… he trailed off in his thoughts as he realised he was contradicting himself. I'll be the first one to admit that I'm here because of other people...

Squall sat up and looked out his window, seeing the mysterious ship open its sails and float away from Garden towards the horizon. I'm fine by myself now, though. I have all the skills I need to survive. I'm not a child anymore, he thought before shaking his head. That's a lie. I don't know anything. I'm confused, he placed his head in his hands as his thoughts turned to Hermione. She depends on me… but I've failed her so many times already. How can I protect her when so many people want her dead? I couldn't deal with it… I don't want to depend on anyone… but how can I do that? He questioned as he lay back on his bed and curled up onto his side.

Will you show me, Hermione? Will you tell me? So, I'll end up depending on you after all… Squall trailed off as tears burned his closed eyes.

Eventually, Squall fell into a restless sleep and he dreamed of himself as a child. He must have been only four or five years old. He was standing outside a grey-bricked building in the pouring rain. 'Sis… I'm… all alone. But, I'm doing my best,' the boy whispered, tears falling from his eyes. 'I'll be okay without you, Sis. I'll be able to take care of myself,' he said resolutely as he wiped the tears away.

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A/N: So, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I wanted to show some more emotion from Squall in this chapter. I always felt the game didn't show how much stress he was under at this point very well, so I wanted to make him seem more human. Please let me know what you thought in a review!

Stay safe and take care everyone!