Author's Note: After four chapters of action and fast paced stuff thrown everywhere, this is what I call, the “Breather” chapter… you can relax now, haha.

Chapter Fourteen

Getting To Know The Party

Rapticon Sr. yawned while the party traveled slowly on their Chocobos to Manem. He looked back and surveyed the thick forest of Moredread Mire and the towering castle of Biestavale beyond. He frowned and coughed a sigh and turned his attention to his companions.

At front was the girl they met a few of minutes ago, Kathy Silverwalker. It wasn't a secret to him that this girl is innocent. After the few revelations in the past few hours, he couldn't take another betrayal. Behind her was Fenrir Skylar, the sly pilot-slash-Chocobo transporter with his band of Moogles fluttering beside him. They didn't start well but after the cooperation they had in Moredread Mire, Fenrir and Rapticon Sr. made an unspoken agreement that they'll put that behind them for now.

Like they both said to each other,

Everything hangs on Skyld.

Behind Fenrir were Yumi Kusamari and Moco. Rapticon Sr. nearly winced when he remembered that the two got into the mess because of him, Harry and Ron's plan. So far, the two have been cooperative in the journey to Skyld. The reason why they're still with them is because they are marked as fugitives too. They can't easily go back to Biestavale at the hands of the merciless Snape.

I wonder what that bastard is doing now.

To the left of Yumi and Moco was Ron. Until now, he hasn't fully told his story about how he got here, not that it mattered anyway. Ron was also one of the reasons why they are still alive from Operation: Ibarra. Rapticon Sr. surveyed Ron's sleepy state as his head dropped forward.

In front of Rapticon Sr. was Harry together with Hermione. He couldn't help it but he noticed Harry was showing a lot of care for her. Well, they've been arguing lately so it must be what drove Harry to make sure she's safe. Come to think of it, thinking about Hogwarts-related situations made Rapticon Sr. miss home…

Twelve days… twelve days since we got here…

Rapticon Sr. ticked off the days of their stay in the world of F.F.O. The task can be quite underwhelming since he prays that it won't reach a hundred.

They passed in between two mountains and before them was an enormous valley that was filled with forests, fields and some faraway towns. A fairly large town which happens to be Manem rested on the cliff overlooking the endless sea.

“That's my home right there,” said Kathy happily “C'mon, I'll show you the local inn.”

- - -

The town of Manem was nothing but peaceful. Harry observed the town's atmosphere as their Chocobos walked across the tiled road. Manem's buildings were usually pale yellow with brown roofs. Most buildings had curved edges and windows usually were circular giving this relaxing feel. Street lamps that had onion-shaped bulbs littered the streets. The place was filled with bakeries and tiny little shops selling the usual items. Harry could hear the distant waves below hitting the cliff wall as the light breeze lifted their hair. The twin moons were shining brightly as the light reflected the roofs of the houses and shops. Manem was very peaceful indeed and distant sounds of a live band could be heard.

“This is it!” said Kathy as she pulled to a stop

Unlike most buildings in Manem, the inn was white framed with red roofs and red lines around the walls. A sign was displayed at the top of the double doors: “Windsor Inn”.

“Nice…” Yumi said

Harry noticed Hermione looking up. He saw she looked tired and wished they would get a room soon.

“I love the smell of the sea,” Moco commented sniffing the air

Fenrir dismounted from his Chocobo and said

“You guys stay here, I'll check for any reservations.”

“I can help you if you want,” Kathy said immediately as she dismounted from her Chocobo.

“I think you helped us enough so no thanks -“

“Not enough though.” Kathy cut Fenrir's talk “as my parents' own the inn.”

Fenrir stopped speaking in mid-sentence and closed his mouth. He nodded and looked at the party who were stifling their laughs at his slight judgment.

“I didn't know, okay?” Fenrir replied in a brush-the-blame off sort of way

“Yeah, yeah, Sawyer” said Rapticon Sr. dismounting his Chocobo and pulling it towards the side where a Chocobo pen was “And I didn't that there's a plaque that entitles the ownership!”

Fenrir scoffed at Rapticon Sr.'s nickname calling and looked behind him to see a plaque beside the double doors of the inn stating the ownership was indeed to the Silverwalker family.

“Ha ha ha,” Fenrir said lazily “Let's go inside.” He growled

Fenrir, Kathy and Harry with Hermione entered the inn while the rest pulled their Chocobos to the pen at the side.

The lobby of the Windsor Inn was a cross between a café and a lounge. The first thing they saw was a circular foyer with a counter at the other side. The other side behind the counter had two sets of staircases that were symmetrically placed at each end of the counter. To the left was an opening arch that leads to a living room where visitors can rest and lounge around. To the right was a café. Harry could smell the fragrance of coffee beans when he walked across the foyer with Hermione by his side.

“Smells like a Starbucks-slash-Central Perk.” Rapticon Sr. said as he entered the place with the rest.

“What?” Ron raised an eyebrow to Rapticon Sr.

The party went forward to the counter where a middle-aged lady in a blue poncho bowed.

“Welcome to the Windsor Inn!” she greeted happily with a heavy accent.

“Hi, Ms. DeGroot!” Kathy said

“Ah, Kathy!” she replied “I see you're back from your training”

“I'm not entirely done since I had to help these guys” she gestured to the party “They're looking for a place to stay, did dad leave open slots?”

“Your father and mother are at the marketplace getting supplies for the restaurant” said Ms DeGroot “They'll be back soon but I can check up if there are available rooms”

“Got it,” said Kathy with a smile as she turned to the rest “You guys can stay at the living room over there while you wait for any free rooms.”

“Thanks,” Hermione muttered

“I'll get myself a drink” said Fenrir as he walked towards the café.

“C'mon you guys” said Ron

Moco and Moogles walked inside the comfortable living room which Harry could relate to the Gryffindor common room. He frowned when he saw a cross-stitched tapestry of a golden lion above the fireplace which was happily roaring with fire. Moco and the Moogles scurried happily in front of the fire to keep themselves warm. Ron sank to a nearby squashy armchair and let out a sigh. Yumi hopped on the stool near the fireplace as she smiled at the Moogles relaxing.

“You can sit here, Hermione” said Harry as he carried Hermione to sit down on the couch. “I'll check if there's something to drink”

“Thank you, Harry” she said quietly and smiled at him

Harry smiled back and walked out of the lounge, across the hall and into the café.

Meanwhile, Rapticon Sr. was at the foyer with Kathy who was speaking with Ms. DeGroot.

“Kathy, right?” Rapticon Sr. asked

“Yeah,” Kathy replied

“Would you excuse us for a moment, miss?” Rapticon Sr. asked as he moved a step away from the counter with Kathy following “Well?”

“Luckily, there are seven rooms available” said Kathy “Each room can hold four people and there is a pair of rooms that are connected to each other.”

“That's nice,” Rapticon Sr. smirked “We'll take three. One with no connected room”

“Alrighty!” said Kathy

“Wait -“ Rapticon Sr. cut Kathy before she could turn to Ms. DeGroot

Kathy raised her eyebrows waiting for an answer

“Ummm…” Rapticon Sr. scratched the back of his head “You happen to be very supportive to us for the past few moments and I'd like to thank you for all of that but -“ he raised his voice a bit before she could reply “I want to know why”

“Being good has its rewards” she said happily “You would probably know that”

“Why would I know that?”

“You're part of the Order” she spoke calmly

Rapticon Sr. chuckled and looked at his phoenix pendant.

“I get that a lot” he said in a low voice

“I won't push it but hey,” said Kathy “Order members deserve help when they themselves help a lot of people. Were you at Moredread Mire to help those people with you?”

“N-no” Rapticon Sr. stammered “In fact, we are group of guys who need to go to Skyld. Somehow, we crashed at Moredread Mire”

“That was you?!” Kathy cried in surprise

Rapticon Sr.'s heart raced. Does she know about the kidnapping? Will she turn them in?

“Uh - er -“

“Gosh, I was meditating at the by the cliff when I saw an airship came crashing down the forest”

Rapticon Sr. sighed, she probably doesn't know.

“You haven't called anyone about it?” Rapticon Sr. asked

“No, but I did set a perimeter check around the edges of the forest to see if some survivors came out… then I heard a ruckus in the woods and I found you guys” she said

“Ah, I see” Rapticon Sr. nodded

“Anyway” Kathy said pulling a lock of her black hair behind her ear “your room will be ready in a few minutes”

“Thank you, Kathy” said Rapticon Sr. “We'll be at the lounge”

Rapticon Sr. left Kathy to her thoughts.

- - -

Harry sat on the bar stool of the café's bar. Fenrir was beside him drinking what seems to be a bottle of beer.

“Came to drink your sorrows away, Arthur?” Fenrir said taking a swig of the bottle.

“Nope,” Harry said ignoring his nickname calling “Just to get water for Hermione”

“Ya know, her name ain't safe in these parts when you're on the run” said Fenrir

It was probably the last few events that made Harry's head a blur but Fenrir was right. If Snape was indeed on to them, his agents are probably looking around for them including the kingdom. Speaking of which, they are also accused for kidnap and murder… pretty soon, news on the death of the king will spread across the land… maybe at the morning? Harry's heart thumped harder. He turned around looking for Rapticon Sr.

Don't worry about that right now, Harry… just relax…

Harry sighed and relaxed at his chair.

“You okay, buddy?” Fenrir asked putting his bottle down

“I'm fine.” Harry said

Harry's thoughts raced in his mind… he's tired, he needs to rest… he just needs to relax, right? You can worry about tomorrow… relax now…

“Ya know, Princess Peach can't wait for ya that long back there” Fenrir said bringing Harry back to his reverie

“What?” Harry looked at Fenrir confusingly

“I mean, she's your girl, ain't she? You've been taking care of her the whole time!”

“She's not my girlfriend,” said Harry

“Of course you're not,” Fenrir chuckled, pulled a lock of his dirty blonde hair from his eyes and drank the contents of his beer

“And what does that supposed to mean?” Harry asked keeping his voice even

“I'm just sayin' things should be left not knowin' if it's for your own good, kid” Fenrir said slyly

“Hey, I'm just being a friend… she needs proper care and -“

“One thing I don't' really get is that you're too defensive” Fenrir cut in “It's pretty obvious you care a lot about the general's daughter - !”

“Her name is Hermione” Harry said irritably

“Whatever you say, Linus!” Fenrir said in mock apology “Geez, I'm just trying to start a conversation and I all I get is a -“

“Forget about it,” Harry blurted out and called the bartender “I'd like two bottles of water, please”

“You can't forget about the facts - Harry is it?” Fenrir said as the bartender went to get Harry's order

“Yes,” Harry muttered

“Look, all I'm saying is… Hermione is someone you should never let go” said Fenrir in his heavy southern accent.

“What?” Harry looked at him puzzlingly

“I mean, gosh gee, she's a famous face, you care a lot about her, she's got the looks - so why don't ya go for it?” Fenrir's face broke to a smile “Like aiming for the target and -“ he mimicked his hand to look like a gun “-BAM!”

“Your order, sir” said the bartender.

“I - I have no idea what you're talking about” Harry blurted out quickly taking the bottles “Excuse me, I'll be off”

“Be my guest” said Fenrir giving Harry a triumphant look “Remember, Bam!”

The moment Harry took the bottles of water, he left for the living room. He didn't know if he liked Fenrir or not… it wasn't a secret to himself that he cared a whole lot about Hermione… maybe that's Fenrir's idea? Maybe he was just curious about how he, Harry, cares a lot about Hermione and for the fact he likes her?

Woah there…

Harry shook his head and chuckled. He's just thinking stupid things now, he thought.

“Here ya go, Hermione” Harry said kindly, sitting beside her

Hermione, who looked half-asleep on her seat, simply nodded. Harry couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked on the couch. The light of the fire made her skin bloom peacefully… the dirt on her face which was washed away thanks to Harry showcased her soft skin.

“Harry?”

Hermione was looking at him wonderingly. Harry realized this and shook his head.

“A - are you alright?” Harry said, trying to keep Hermione on the subject of her condition.

“I'm fine, Harry, thank you” she said unscrewing the bottle cap and drinking. “That's so relaxing…” she moaned quietly. Her voice sounded soft, gentle and tired. Harry smiled at that fact because it gave her this heavenly feel around her.

“So, we'll you introduce me to your friends?” Hermione asked quietly, not keeping her eyes from the fireplace

“I will… eventually… there's a lot of damage control we have to do” Harry explained, that moment he turned his head to the opening arch that lead to the foyer, he saw Fenrir leaning against the archway across the foyer leading to the café. He smirked and winked at Harry and mouthed him a “BAM!” while mimicking a pistol shot with his hands.

Harry gave him a look of disgust and Fenrir was just chuckling while drinking his beer bottle. Harry sighed and turned to Hermione who was emptying the contents of her water bottle.

“You know,” Hermione said softly after her swig “two years ago I was at this very inn…”

“Really?” Harry said feeling happy that Hermione was now talking about normal stuff again “You were here with your father?”

“No,” she giggled softly “I was with Elias.”

For some reason, an uncomfortable lurch filled below Harry's lung area… he didn't know why but the fact that Hermione was telling the last time she was in this place was with her ex-boyfriend made him feel a bit… affronted.

“This is where he asked me if I could be his girlfriend,” Hermione continued “It was kind of a strange night but well, it was great… too bad it didn't end well” she frowned “But I can always find another person just hope that he's the real one”

Harry didn't say anything… he wanted Hermione to say anything… he didn't know why he just wanted her to do so.

“And?” Harry asked

“Elias is the last boyfriend I had…” Hermione admitted as she blushed “I - I never had one even on this day”

“Hey,” Harry held Hermione's hand “It's nothing to be ashamed of… look at me, I don't really know my past”

“You do?” Hermione tilted her head

Harry didn't know why but for some reason, the words that came from his mouth felt… real. As if he knew that he didn't know about his past… it could be referring to the fact he has no idea what part he plays in this world… but why did he stated it as if it was part of his natural instinct?

“Yeah… I do…” Harry said “I can't remember anything before…”

“Tell me,” Hermione said in an unusually pleading tone

“Tell you what?” Harry looked at Hermione

“Everything… you seem to know me very much” she said calmly “You never explained why… I want to know…”

Harry's heart thumped hard. He didn't know how difficult it would be to tell her what he has experienced… how she is his best friend… how he cared a lot about her… how they argued the last time they entered this place…

“Well?” Hermione looked at Harry in a serious way

Harry wanted to let out stammer when -

“Your rooms are ready, dears” said Ms. DeGroot

“Excellent!” Rapticon Sr. rubbed his palms together “Thank you for the accommodations, ma'am! We'll be off to our rooms, thank you!”

Ms. DeGroot handed Rapticon Sr. the keys. After another thank you to her, Kathy led them to the upper floor.

“This place was founded by my grandfather before the Great Atrynömunal War,” she explained “After a few years of it being used as a soldiers' lounge, my grandfather decided to renovate the whole place to what it's become now”

“It's lovely!” Yumi exclaimed as they took another flight of stairs to the third floor.

“Haha, thanks… I designed the place” she added rather sheepishly

“Get out” Fenrir jokingly said “My mom can't even think up a look for her own room” he looked at the moldings of the walls.

Kathy brought them to the fourth floor. The hallways were tiled with red carpet and the walls were like the ones at the first floor. The walls were lit by lamps that were shaped like glass Chocobo heads. Each door was labeled with a gold number… Harry saw that Kathy brought them to room 415, 416 and 417.

“415 and 416 is the connected one, 417 is a quad-single room” Kathy explained “Okay… so I can leave you to this place?”

“Thank you so much, Kathy” Yumi bounced on the balls of her feet “You have no idea how grateful we are!”

In a split second, just right there… Harry could've swore Kathy made a tiny tremble in her lower lip in an unusual way… he thought he was seeing things since Kathy smiled at Yumi.

“Er - thanks, miss” said Ron suddenly. Everyone looked at him.

“You can call me, Kathy” she said walking towards him “And you are?”

“M-me?” Ron said looking flushed “R-R-Ron”

“Ron!” she repeated happily “Nice name…” she then turned to the party and said “I hope you enjoy your stay at the Windsor Inn! If you need anything just look for Ms. DeGroot, okay? Alrighty then, see ya guys!”

The party bade Kathy goodbye as she climb down the stairs and disappeared.

“Me and these three…” Rapticon Sr. gestured to Harry, Ron and Hermione “will take 417… you guys take the latter”

“Sure,” Fenrir said taking room 415 and 416 “C'mon…” he said to his Moogles.

Rapticon Sr. turned the key on room 417 which was across the hall from 415 and 416.

“Not bad for a hundred gil…” Rapticon Sr. muttered as he observed the room.

Harry helped Hermione to one of the fluffy beds. She sighed in relief as she lay on the bed… for once it felt good to lie on something comfortable after the fiasco that happened.

The room had four large beds that occupied four points of the room in a symmetric fashion. At the center of the room was an end table that had a large fruit basket. The ceiling above had very artistic paintings of Sentinels and people… Harry could relate the style of the paintings to the paintings he would usually see at a church. Across the room, opposite the door, was a viewing balcony that overlooked the sea, Biestavale to the left and most of Manem to the far right. A bathroom was placed exactly to the right once you entered the room.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!” Ron sighed in relief as he lay on the bed making the sheets dirty thanks to his dirty clothing.

“Here,” Rapticon Sr. said pulling his messenger bag which Harry only noticed now over his head “You can wear this…”

Rapticon Sr. pulled out clean clothes and passed them to Harry and Ron. Hermione didn't need any since she was already wearing clean clothes from Moredread Mire.

“No if you excuse me, I'll take a shower” said Rapticon Sr. taking his own clothes and walked towards the bathroom.

There was a long silence with the sounds only coming from the distant waves from the sea, the sound of Rapticon Sr. using the shower and the squeaking of Ron's bed as he hopped on it.

“It's quite bouncy,” Ron said

Harry smirked sitting on the bed beside Hermione… it's been a while since he shared a room with two of his best friends. He looked at Hermione who was reading one of the inn's guideline cards… something about calling room service.

“Will you tell me now?” Hermione suddenly said breaking the silence putting the guidline card down on the end table.

Ron stopped bouncing on the bed and looked at Harry puzzlingly. Harry gave Ron a significant look and turned to Hermione.

“Er - specifically about what Hermione?” Harry asked kindly

“Everything…” she said softy “For one, you know about things I haven't shared with to anyone, you know for a fact that the castle I dream about has a name… a name which I saw in the dream… I doubt anyone can see that, no one can see dreams of others”

Ron walked towards Harry and Hermione and sat on the foot of Hermione's bed.

“Before we say anything,” said Harry “We want you to know that we will not stop you if you explain your own side of things…”

Ron gave Harry a significant look which Harry replied with a nod. Hermione looked at Harry and Ron and nodded.

“Fire away…” she said

“Er… I'll begin” said Ron “The bottom line is… us three… you, me, and Harry know each other.”

“I know that,” Hermione said “But why? You told me I have amnesia but I recall that I perfectly know my life and my past… you saw the crystal didn't you?” she winced

Harry remembered what the crystal showed back at the throne room hours ago.

“Yes…” Harry said admitted “But the things is -“

Harry stopped and looked at Ron. Going into a debate on the world's reality to an already established Hermione is not going to be easy.

“What?” Hermione asked

“The thing is…” Ron continued for Harry “We reckon that the three of us know each other because us three, and Rapticon Sr. don't live here”

There was a slight silence that followed.

“Okay,” Hermione briskly said then before she could say a word, she gave them a confused look “er - what?”

“Listen,” Harry explained carefully “We know it will be a bit over-the-top for you but you have to believe us -“

“I have to believe you after you used my trust to kidnap me?” Hermione said coolly

“Don't use that against me, okay?” Harry said irritably “You know now that it was right to be kidnapped - not that we were planning to. We have a reason why”

“Then tell me now” Hermione said at once

“Alright… alright” Harry looked at Ron and back to Hermione “The three of us… we know each other, we are best friends. The thing is, we don't live here… this world, this place” he said slowly “You and I including Ron, we came here to this world from another dimension”

“So you're telling me, I came from another plane?” Hermione said

“Yes!” Harry said and continued “You see… that other plane or dimension is the real world. Earth. Hogwarts”

Harry put his hands in prayer and made a look of longing to Hermione hoping it will click in her mind.

“I - I don't understand Harry” Hermione said but was cut off by Ron

“Would it help to say that a book sucked us in to this place?”

“A step at a time, Ron!” Harry said

“I can't take it anymore, Harry!” Ron blurted out “I - I'm sorry but I can't take this whole image that Hermione doesn't even know us!”

“Take it easy!” Harry said standing up and walking towards Ron “We'll find a way, okay”

Ron simply nodded and twiddled his thumbs.

“Okay now,” Harry continued and sat on the bed again “Anyway… the book… as Ron said”

“What book?” Hermione looked at Harry in the eyes

“It's a book… it's what started this whole fiasco - lets say that in this world I told you about, the three of us were working on something that lead to this certain book” Harry took a deep breath and said “This book somehow started a wormhole that brought us here… this place. Rapticon Sr. told us that the book belongs to a sorcerer named Accula. He created this world, this place, the characters, the venues, everything.

“But when we went here, this place, Atrynömunal, we somehow found out that we to have our own place in this world like how you are the general's daughter. How Accula is Archmage of Skyld… we are not sure what our -“ he gestured to himself and Ron “place is but whatever it is, it must be something.”

Hermione shifted on her seat and replied

“Let's say that I am part of your whole - quote and quote - `thing'” she did quotation gestures with her hands “Then why can't I remember perfectly about who I was? You three seem to remember what happened before going here”

“That… I really don't know” Harry said lamely “In fact, at this point, I'm more interested to know what's going on with you than getting out of this place.”

Hermione looked at Harry.

“Look, Harry… I'm sorry but this is too farfetched to let me believe you -“

“Can't you remember anything?” Ron desperately asked “Anything related to Hogwarts?”

“Well, I have no idea how you know about that but yes, I had a dream of a castle named Hogwarts” she said

“Then there!” Ron said “That's our proof! You said no one knows about your dreams but we somehow know a castle named Hogwarts which we all study at!”

“Study?” Hermione's eyes widened “I - I never mentioned it was a school”

“But it is!” Ron said “C'mon, admit it… it's a school, right?”

Hermione looked down and nodded.

“You see now?” Harry said “We know you… we even know how you like to place the ink bottle at the upper right of your workspace because at it's less tedious to ink your quill than to bring your arm across to the other side”

Hermione winced a bit.

“You probably knew that from Uncle Olaf -“

“No!” Harry and Ron said at once

“Wait - !” Ron said “that ring!” he pointed to Hermione's hand

Harry's eyes widened… of course!

- - -

“Well? Have you found the perfect gift?” Rapticon Sr. said sitting behind his desk

“No, sir…” Harry said “Er… can I go now?”

Rapticon Sr. nodded. Harry turned on his heel but before he reached the door -

“Harry!”

Harry turned and caught something Rapticon Sr. threw at him. It was a catalog that said Witch Jewel? Harry looked up at Rapticon Sr. confusingly.

“That's a catalog of one of the finest jewelry in the wizarding world” Rapticon Sr. said not looking at Harry “Get Hermione a great gift or else I'm gonna dock points from you” he added jokingly.

Harry smiled and said “Thanks, professor”

“No problem” Rapticon Sr. said as he started rummaging around his desk.

A few days later, Harry waited in the Owlery, he looked outside the window and saw most students at the lake below enjoying the weekend. To the right, Hagrid was drinking a cup of tea with Fang sleeping beside him. Harry sighed.

“I can't believe I forgot about Hermione's birthday present…” he looked at his wristwatch “It should be here by now!”

Harry was about to give up when he heard the flapping of wings. Harry looked out of the window and saw a tawny owl carrying a tiny package.

“Yes!” he said happily as it landed on the windowsill “Thanks,” he said to the owl as he untied the package from the owl which hooted idly.

Afterwards, the tawny owl fluttered to the nearby water basin and took off. Harry smiled and opened the small box. A golden ring with a large ruby on the top of the band sat inside the box.

“Harry?”

Harry jumped and closed the box. He turned and saw Hermione holding a letter.

“H-Hermione!” he said nervously as he put the box inside his pocket quickly “What are you doing here?”

“I'm sending this letter to my mum,” she said as she looked around for an owl “How about you?”

“Same reason you're here…” Harry said instantly

“I see…” she said and looked at Harry “By the way, thanks for the surprise party last night… I'm grateful” she smiled

“Haha, no problem” he said “Hermione, I have some other business to do, I'll see you around, okay?”

“Sure… wait - before you go, can I borrow Hedwig?” she asked

“Y-yeah, sure!” Harry nodded before leaving out of the Owlery

Hermione giggled.

“Oh, Harry… you're so nice…”

Hermione was about to look for Hedwig when she realized…

“Wait… he was here for the same reason I am…” she furrowed her brows “but Harry doesn't have parents anymore… or -“ her eyes widened “Does he?”

- - -

“I gave you that ring for your birthday!” Harry explained hoping Hermione will remember “Remember? It was two days after your birthday and I gave it to you since I had a hard time wrapping it!”

“That's ridiculous!” Hermione exclaimed “This was given to me by someone else two years ago at my birthday!”

Harry stopped abruptly from speaking… he didn't know why, what happened or whatever but for the first time in his life, he felt a bit heartbroken. He felt hurt, he felt a bit strange under his gut… why is he feeling this way? Was it because she got that ring, a gift from him during one of the memorable moments in his friendship with her, from some stranger he didn't know?! How in blazes did that ring get in this world?!

“Did… did I say something wrong?” Hermione asked worriedly looking at Harry with the most concerned face she gave him…

That look… Harry though to himself looking at her sadly… he felt like welling up… she gives me that look whenever I feel bothered by a problem…

“Harry?” Ron asked in concern

Harry looked at Ron, he realized his eyes were watery. He wiped them quickly with his sleeve.

“Excuse me for a moment -“ Harry said and he abruptly left the room.

“Harry!” Hermione called out but all was heard was the door slam shut.

A moment later, Rapticon Sr. came out dressed in a brown coat.

“What happened? I heard some talking, a bit of loud voices then a door closing”

“Nothing…” Ron said walking towards Rapticon Sr. “But we were…” he lowered his voice “…telling Hermione everything we know”

“Good, good” Rapticon Sr. said nodding “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Got anything out of her?”

“Oh - er -… not really… I think Harry's upset about it though…” Ron grimaced “He suddenly stormed out of the room”

“He's going to be alright,” said Rapticon Sr. “Your best friend forgets about the fond memories back then, what's not to be sad about?”

- - -

It's been more than an hour since they arrived. After cleaning up and settling in their rooms, their tummies were grumbling loudly so the whole party decided to have dinner down at the café. Harry was quiet the whole time… Hermione and Ron, who were looking at him from the other side of the table, and started wondering if he's going to be okay. Rapticon Sr. told them to brush it off their moods.

“He'll turn up,” he said as he punctured a fat juicy steak with his fork “He's always like that…”

After dinner, everyone in the party started talking to each other. Harry, who had nothing better to do, sat with Yumi at the fireplace in the living room area.

“You've been awfully quiet for the past hour” said Yumi after a whole moment of silence “Somethin's botherin' ya?”

Harry shook his head. He felt the warmness of the fire overwhelm him… it was relaxing.

“So… what happened?” Yumi asked

Harry turned to her. She put a straight face at him.

“Hours ago?”

“Yeah… you kinda promise me and Moco a clear explanation…” she said quietly

Harry looked behind him and saw they were the only ones at the living room. Was it risky to tell her?

“Where's Moco?”

“He's still eating… I can tell him later.”

Harry sighed. For the first time ever, he recounted the events to Yumi… the Snape revelation, Scipio's true intentions, the murder, the escape. He left out personal parts like how Hermione is a Summoner. Yumi was quiet the whole time until Harry finished the story.

“So… we are on our way to Skyld for Archmage Accula… while on the run from the kingdom?” she asked slowly

“Yes… I'm sorry” Harry replied

“Don't be…” she said waving a hand “I'm just worried about my family back home…”

“You never told me that much of your family…” Harry said kindly

“Oh bollocks, you wouldn't want to hear about it, it's quite a disaster, really” she giggled

“Try me.” Harry said

Yumi then blushed. Harry, surprised at this, turned away from her and stared into the fire. Did he say something wrong?

“Umm… well, my mother is alive and well… my father isn't.”

“I'm sorry.” Harry interjected

“No, its okay…” she then looked away “I really didn't know him…”

“Oh…” Harry looked at the fireplace again. Could it be possible that Yumi is frowning? She looks like she was hiding someone the moment she said her last statement.

“Estranged?” Harry asked before he could stop himself.

Yumi didn't even look at him but she answered anyway.

“Estranged is too strong…” she said quietly “I just didn't know my old man, that's all.”

“So tell me,” Yumi said “Is Hermione really your girlfriend?”

Harry turned to Yumi who was smirking at him.

“No.” Harry said “Sorry that I lied to you -“

“Don't be such an egg muffin, Harry” she said jokingly “You had your reasons, I guess… besides, you're not the only who righteously lies at times…”

Harry and Yumi shared a moment of looking at each other and smiling.

“Hey,” Yumi said “No matter what happens, I'll be there, got it?”

Harry chuckled.

“It'll be dangerous, no doubt…”

“Well, we are trying to find a way to get you out of here… that sounds more like fun than dangerous if ya ask me” she smiled

“Why did you take our word for it, Yumi?” Harry asked “Us being from another world? Why weren't you doubtful?”

Yumi rubbed her chin thoughtfully and said

“Frankly…” she stretched her legs forward “…I saw it in your eyes back at Ibarra when I saved you, I saw the fear in your eyes… it was like something that you felt lost, you didn't wish that this would happen, that it would end this way…” she looked at Harry and smiled “That nailed it for me… because of that, I have never trusted your word than ever.”

Harry smirked.

“Thanks, Yumi”

“No problem” Yumi said

Meanwhile, from the entrance of the living room, Hermione was leaning on the archway, staring at Yumi and Harry.

“Got a problem, princess?” said the laid back voice of Fenrir as he stood beside her

Hermione chuckled.

“No… it's nothing really…”

Fenrir took a swig of a bottle of bear.

“Looks like a Mon and Chan moment over there,” he chuckled referring to Harry and Yumi.

“Yes… a moment” Hermione said loosely

“Somethin's botherin' ya?” Fenrir asked

Hermione shook her head slightly and looked at Fenrir.

“How about you? What brings you here?” she asked

“Nothin'” said Fenrir taking a drink “Just thought I'd drop a line and ask how our VIP was”

“I'm fine, thank you” Hermione said, still looking at Harry and Yumi “What do you know about her?” she asked suddenly.

“Eh?” Fenrir stopped drinking

“Her, that girl… Yumi, correct?”

“Yeah, what about her?”

“Do you know anything about her?” Hermione asked

“Nothin' much” said Fenrir “Except she's a thief based on her clothing… and that she and Harry know each other a lot… from what I can see”

“Oh…” Hermione said, sounding a bit off. Hermione looked on and felt a small bubbling sensation build around her insides… Why can't Harry tell me how he's feeling?

“Got a wrench in your brain, Hermione?” Fenrir asked

“N-No… I was j-just… wondering, that's all…” Hermione said “Is there a wrench on your brain?” Hermione reiterated Fenrir's question to him

“Who me?” Fenrir chuckled “Nope, all I just want is doc over there -“ he gestured to Rapticon Sr. at the café “to keep to his word when we get to Skyld. Whatever it is…”

“What did you bargain?” Hermione asked not looking at Fenrir

“At a glance… I'll lead him to Skyld and I'll get a new airship” he said “I was suppose to go to Gergone tonight”

“What were you suppose to do in Gergone?” Hermione asked

For a second there, Hermione spotted a bit of hesitation in Fenrir's voice before he could say anything.

“Er - just business…” he said

Hermione chuckled.

“What's so funny?” Fenrir said in his sly affronted manner

Hermione stopped.

“You've got problems that you won't reveal… we're both in the same boat” she smiled

“Oh really?” Fenrir chuckled and took a swig of bear.

“Well, I'm done here.” Hermione said “Now, if you'd excuse me -“

Hermione then headed towards the stairs. Before she took the first step -

“Hey, Brownie!” called Fenrir

Hermioen turned to Fenrir.

“Don't be too hard on yourself,” he advised cryptically “They're just talkin'”

Hermione, who looked at him confusingly, just nodded, smiled and went up the stairs.

- - -

A little later, the whole café was in a nice small gathering. Rapticon Sr. and Fenrir, who were now drinking their worries away (except for Rapticon Sr. who drank one mug) as they broke into song and danced on the table while everyone laughed and clapped along the melody.

Oh you can search far and wide,
You can drink the whole town dry.
You'll never find a beer so brown
But you'll never find a beer so brown
As the one we're drinking in our town.
You can kick your fancy ales.
You can drink `em by the flagon.
But the only brew for the brave and true . . .
Comes from the Green Dragon!

Hermione recognized the song as she went down the landing of the foyer. She decided to speak to Harry on his problem with her… why did he not speak to her awhile ago? She deducted that Harry must've said something to Yumi… was she being jealous that Yumi and Harry must've known each other more than her and Harry? She shook her head and walked into the living room.

“Harry?”

Harry wasn't around. She groaned and walked towards the noisy café as Rapticon Sr. was telling everyone a tale about three drunken men.

Hermione ignored Rapticon Sr.'s storytelling and went to Ron, who was listening in to the story at the far end of the table Rapticon Sr. was sitting on.

“You're Ron, right?” Hermione winced

Ron looked at her and smiled.

“I always will be” he said

“Oh good - um - have you seen Harry?” Hermione asked

“Sorry, Hermione” Ron shook his head “I don't know where he is…”

“Who?” Fenrir butted in from the other side of the table

“Harry.” Hermione said

“Oho!” Fenrir said with a menacing grin while taking a swig of his mug of beer “Looks like princess is going to take some action!”

“Just answer her, Fenrir” said Yumi sternly, who was beside him, she must've overheard the conversation.

“Don't worry, don't worry” Fenrir raised his hands apologetically while smirking “Just playin'! He's outside sitting along the benches there” he thumbed behind him

Hermione thanked Fenrir, stood up and left the room.

“The nerve of him…” she muttered

She then started hearing Rapticon Sr. tell the punch line making everyone break in laughter as she opened the door to the outside.

Before she could hear the rest of it, she closed the door and saw Harry sitting at the bench to the left. She frowned at him, he looked so sad staring into space.

“You come out here often?” Harry asked looking at the distance

“No,” Hermione said forcing a chuckle “What are you doing out here?”

“I don't know…” Harry said in dull voice “Getting fresh air… how was dinner?”

“It was fine… did you eat already?” Hermione walked to Harry

Harry put up a hotdog sandwich which made Hermione notice that he was chewing.

“Oh…” she said softly “Can I sit beside you?”

Harry nodded and Hermione sat beside him.

“What's going on inside?” Harry asked hearing the sound of singing

“They are probably… having fun” she said awkwardly “Er… Harry? Are you alright?”

Harry took a deep breath and took a bite of his hotdog.

“I'm alright…”

“No you're not” Hermione suddenly blurted out, she slapped her mouth as if she swore a very bad word. Harry looked at Hermione seriously.

“H-Harry” she continued putting her hand down “i-it's just that… oh, Harry… I'm sorry… I really don't know how to say this…”

“It's fine,” said Harry “I'm just…”

“Devastated?” Hermione winced

“No…” Harry looked down “Well - yeah… I am a bit devastated if you want to call it that way”

Harry laughed which Hermione mimicked.

“You know…” Hermione said scooting closer to Harry “You've been brave today…”

Harry didn't say anything which urged Hermione to continue.

“You carried me throughout the whole run… I feel a lot better now after the amounts of potions Ron helped me with… and I feel better not because of the potions… it's because of you”

Harry looked at Hermione who was smiling at him... she felt a bit affronted when he saw Harry's eyes wet.

“H-Harry? Are you crying?”

“N-No…” Harry said turning away from quickly and wiping his eye with the wrist cuffs of his shirt “I'm fine… I just realized something…”

“Look, Harry… honey,” Hermione said grabbing his hand “I know it's hard for you… look, I think this story you're trying to tell me… this whole `we don't live in this world' thing… is very hard to believe… I tried, alright? For the past hour, I tried thinking hard if I remembered you from somewhere… I really can't, okay? I'm sorry… I just really don't know you that well…”

Harry made a sudden sniff. Hermione then saw a tear falling from the side of his cheek… she frowned.

“Alright, now you're crying” she said wryly

“Oh - I - err… sorry” he said chuckling as he wiped it away

“Harry… are you sad because of me?”

“I'm not sad, Hermione - I”

Hermione shushed him by pressing a finger to his lips.

“Harry… don't lie to me… Elias' attitude has taught me how to detect lies now -“

Hermione realized that she was close to Harry… she saw into his green eyes… she never realized they looked brilliant… but the emptiness they're showing now…

“Hermione?” Harry spoke through her finger

Hermione immediately blushed and leaned away from Harry.

“Sorry… I - I was you know… never mind -“ she shook her head “Anyway… Harry…” she held his hand again “Can you tell me, please? Obviously, something's bothering you…”

“You know,” Harry said in a shaky voice “Before we went to this world…” he looked at her “This place… you and I had a big fight”

“We did?” Hermione said not interrupting him even if it sounded absurd… she doesn't even recall having a fight with Harry before…

“Yeah… and now I feel guilty -“ he said as his voice turned shaky again “ - because I never said sorry to you and since you are not the Hermione I know - no offense - I feel that I'm burdened with something I should finish…”

Hermione didn't know what to say… she felt very sorry for Harry… this Hermione he knows about… they must be very good friends, Hermione thought… but could it be her?

“You can say sorry to me.” Hermione said at once

“It's not the same…”

“Oh come one, Harry” Hermione smiled

Harry looked at Hermione… she was serious indeed. He looked at their interlocked hands. He remembered the care and the love Hermione has shown him for the past years… he smiled at her… and can't help it… he loved Hermione as a friend…

“But you know,” Harry chuckled “You have to know that we both fought -“

“Haha,” Hermione said sarcastically “It's not like you won't miss an inch of the Snitch -“

Hold the phone, Harry thought.

“What did you say?” Harry looked at Hermione quickly. She just said “Snitch”.

Hermione was looking confused herself.

“I - I really don't know -“ she shook her head “I said `Snitch'… it's like it came into my head -“ she then sighed “I - er - sorry…” she giggled “I think it's a name from an old pet I used to have, I think…”

It was no mistake… did an old memory of Hermione popped out? Did she remember what Harry was good at? Quidditch? The feelings of being forgotten, lost and negative ebbed away… Hermione was remembering again!

“Y-You said you don't know how the word `Snitch' came up! Can't you think further?” Harry asked anxiously standing up

“N-No, Harry… sorry” she frowned

Harry then crouched before her so their eyes were leveled to each other.

“Anything at all, Hermy?” Harry asked

Hermione smiled quietly.

“I guess you also know about my secret nickname…” she said blushing

Harry chuckled sadly.

“Yeah, you hate being called that…”

Hermione and Harry laughed. Harry looked at Hermione… could she possibly get her memory back? Was this word `Snitch' a sign? Harry didn't know but he wanted to find out…

“Are you alright now?” Hermione asked

Harry nodded.

“Never better, Hermione” Harry smiled.

- - -

“You promised you'd get her back tonight!” General Grangeré bellowed to Sir Severus Snape inside the Situation Chamber an hour since Snape arrived.

“With all due respect, Jacques” said Snape slyly as he wiped his face with a handkerchief “I'd rather speak in the volumes of a civilized man…” then he took a deep breath “We couldn't locate your daughter, Jacques. The fugitives must've left Moredread Mire to hide in the mountains”

Jacques then collapsed to a chair and started ruffling his brown hair hysterically.

“I - I should've been… m-more careful…” he muttered

“Sire,” Snape drawled on “Don't be too harsh on yourself! You are the great general of the kingdom! You - of all generals I've known - are the only one who can get into a political or war-related mess and come out of it in one piece! It pains me to see you sulk at this matter!”

Jacques did not answer.

“Or perhaps…” Snape said putting his fingers together and looking at Jacques menacingly “You can always go for the direct and ruthless approach”

Jacques looked at Snape intriguingly.

“What do you mean, Severus?” he asked stiffly

“Oh - nothing” said Severus in an laid back manner “I was just thinking -“ he sat on a chair across Jacques “ - we can always bring the Mercs into this -“

“No!” Jacques said as he stood up “I'm against that! I will not tolerate such a plan! The Mercs are too cruel and cold-blooded to do this!”

“Are you worried about the fact that Elias Vex used to be with your daughter or the fact that they might accidentally kill her?” Snape said irritably

Jacques didn't speak… he gripped on the chair he was sitting on… he looked lost.

“Be reasonable, Jacques” said Snape “Your daughter is probably out there, in the dark, being raped, molested or even -“

“STOP right there there, Severus!” Jacques bellowed at him. It was glad they were the only ones in the Situation Chamber.

Snape then made a satisfying grin. Did he finally hit the spot?

Jacques started twiddling his thumbs…

“What's the nearest town from Moredread Mire?” Jacques asked

“Based on Hamilton's reports… Manem, the Edge of the Kingdom town of Manem” said Snape. The direction of the conversation was already back at hand.

“I - I want -“ he then closed his eyes and muttered something like “I can't believe I'm doing this… I'm sorry, Hermione…” and finally said “I want to get Drake Reynalds on the phone, now”

Snape's lips curled to a nasty smile.

“Perfect, Jacques… I'll get the Merc leader in a private line right away.”

Snape then left the room and Jacques to his lost thoughts.

- - -

In the town of Manem, inside Windsor Inn, the café was bustling with happiness while Fenri and Rapticon Sr. started singing more songs of distant lands and adventures. Harry and Hermione finally joined them awhile after. In the midst of it all, away from the café and across the foyer, inside the living room, Kathy Silverwater was sitting on the couch facing directly at the café room where everyone was laughing and being happy.

She looked at Harry… then to Hermione… then to Ron, Rapticon Sr., Fenrir, Yumi and Moco…

And in one final moment of seeing all of her new arrivals, she gave all of them dead cold stares.

“Don't get involved.” he said in her mind.