Hermione Granger and Fate's Divergence

A/N: I'm saying this now, I am a guy and I'm writing from a girls point of view. God Help me.

Chapter One

Never Say Never

Never say never, for if you live long enough, chances are you will not be able to abide by its restrictions. Never is a long, undependable time, and life is too full of rich possibilities to have restrictions placed upon it. Gloria Swanson

Hermione lay on the bed, trying her hardest not to cry. She had never felt so lonely in her life and so lost. Harry was gone; or rather she had been taken from him. Now she was on some ship being taken God only know where without any sign of Harry. She had never felt more alone in her life.

“Good morning,” the captain of the ship walked in. It was this man that had saved her yesterday, and she could not help but think he looked like Serge.

The man had to be close to six feet tall, maybe taller. Hermione could only say he wore a suit similar to the ones that the captain of cruise boats her parents used to take her on wore. He had hazel eyes hiding behind his glasses. All muscle. Had she not been in love with Harry she may have fallen for this man. They looked so much alike.

“Good to see you're awake,” the captain said.

“Where am I?” Hermione asked.

“You are right now on the S.S. Zelbess,” the captain said. “We are on our way to Termina, where we'll pick up some more supplies, food mainly.”

“Who are you?”

“I think the better question at the moment is who are you?” the captain said.

“Hermione, Hermione……” Her voice died off as she tried to remember. She couldn't. Nothing beyond Harry. All she knew was she loved this Harry, but not much more. Tears began to fill up her eyes at this thought. Who was she?

“Well, Hermione, I am James and I want to know why you were at my son's gravesite?” the captain said, becoming cross.

“I was running from someone, and I thought it was someone I knew, but I can't remember who,” she said.

“You must have hit your head when you fell,” the captain said. “You knew my son; I didn't think too many people did.”

“I thought I did, but I'm not sure now,” Hermione said, taking the handkerchief that was offered to her. She wiped her eyes. “Thank you.”

“You don't have a place to stay do you?” the captain asked. She shook her head and stared out the window, trying to sort through her feelings. She felt a great pain in her chest when she read that gravestone, one she had never felt before. She did not even know this man, why did she feel so sad, and hurt that he was gone? “Well, my daughter is in serious need of some female guidance as it were. I could also use another waitress.” Hermione's eyes shot back to the captain.

“You mean it?”

“Well, yeah, I do need another waitress, and you seem to be someone that will enjoy working here,” James said. Hermione threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. “I'll take that as a yes.”

“Thank you so much,” Hermione said as she pulled back.

“You need to talk to anyone about anything, just come to see me,” James said standing up. “You can come with me and Marcy today. We'll get you some work clothes, those won't work.” He let out a laugh as she looked at her clothes. She was a student, where? What school? What did know? A million questions popped into her head as she tried answering them. Her mind was still a blank.

“Thank you,” Hermione said as he stepped out of the room.

“And don't worry about paying me back,” James said sticking his head back into the room. “This will be your cabin, its nearby Marcy's. She's only twelve, but she needs someone about her age to talk to. Most of my waitresses have been working here for a long time.”

“Why do you think I'm around her age?” Hermione asked.

“Well, I'd say you wouldn't be more than seventeen,” James said as he stepped back into the hall. “Explore if you want. If you get lost, Marcy will find you.” Hermione smiled and stood up from her bed looking out the porthole once more. The sea looked beautiful so calm, she could stay there for the rest of her life it she wanted to. But a pain of longing hit her heart and she put her hand to the pendant around her neck. It disappeared as quickly as the pain came. She looked at the pendant and smiled to herself. Harry, whoever he was, gave her this. Letting it fall back against her chest, she felt the need to explore come over her. As long as she hand the pendant with her, nothing could go wrong. That's what she planned on tell herself anyway.

* * * * *

Termina was such a…..interesting city. Hermione could find no other word to describe it. The streets were filled with small traders and peddlers. Bright banners supporting the General were strung across the store fronts. Most that did not have the banners were not doing so well, with people shying away from them. James and Marcy had taken her to a shop with a variation of clothing styles.

Marcy had red hair, and James' hazel eyes. She must have gotten her hair from her mother. She was a wild child, always pulling pranks from what James had told her. James had said he tried to raise her right, but with his wife's disappearance at a young age, she turned out more tomboy than anything else. That was why Hermione was asked to help Marcy out. Having a more feminine influence would help her out. Hermione knew that if the young girl wanted to act like that, no one was going to stop her.

They sat in a small café by the sea, enjoy a lunch. Hermione could not thank them enough for doing this for her. She was lost in this world around; it seemed to be another world to her. She began to remember small things, like a tabby cat, a castle, something about short little elves. Nothing more about this Harry person. Though the feeling of….something was as strong as when she first awoke. She began to wonder if she would ever remember him.

“Hermione, I'm glad I found you,” a voice said behind her. She turned and froze in her seat; it was the man from the beach, the one that tried to kidnap her. Fear prevented her from doing anything. James must have sensed this as he stood from his chair.

“Who might you be?” He asked with minimal respect.

“Dad, you don't recognize your own son?” the man asked. There was a pause of silence. “Its me, Harry.” Hermione looked him over, still unable to say anything or do much more. The man was tall and lanky. He had red hair and blue eyes, like Marcy. Was this Harry? If so, why did she grip her pendant, holding onto the happiness inside of it, instead of running to his side. Marcy leapt from seat and was going to hug the man when James stopped him.

“You're no son of mine,” James said, staring directly into the man's eyes. The man had muscle but had nowhere near the amount James had gained from working on ships all of his life.

“What are you talking about Dad?” the man said.

“Yes, what are you talking about James?” Another, older, man appeared. The red hair was the same as the man stood beside “Harry,” but this man was dressed in a full uniform. Most people around them had their heads bowed. He appeared to be strong, though looked to be slightly overweight. So this was the General. “It's your long lost son you've been searching for. Found him on the beach myself.”

“You're no son of mine,” James repeated. “My son had Lily's eyes.” He stared directly at the General, the only man on the premises to do so. “And I do not take kindly to your lies, General, no matter how much you think you are right.”

“But I am Harry Potter,” the man said. Hermione looked at him once more, still holding onto her pendant.

“Potter? What's this Potter?” James asked, chuckling. “You're job perhaps. My name is James, just James. My son was named Harry, just Harry. I did not know any Harry Potter.” He chuckled again. “You need to check your sources next time General.”

“Show some respect to my father” A feral voice said. He stepped in from the shadows. A man more lynx than human. His eyes were golden and his skin dark fur. He wore a cloak made of a dark material, outlined in gold. The crowd around them flinched at this.

“I'll give respect where respect is due,” James said. He tossed his money down onto the table. “Come Marcy, Hermione, let's get back the ship.” Marcy hurried to check up with James, her questions dancing in her eyes. Hermione stood up, and began to follow them, only to stop by the painful grip on her arm.

“Where are you going Hermione?” “Harry” asked her. “You don't believe him do you? It's me, Harry.” His grip became harder, but Hermione did not give him the satisfaction of flinching.

“Harry had green eyes,” she said staring into the blue ones before her. “I don't know who you are but stay away from me.” He pulled her closer to him, threats dancing in his eyes.

“You're mine now, Hermione, just accept that,” the man said.

“I believe the lady asked you to release her,” James stood several feet away. “I suggest you do so.”

“You and what army?” “Harry” said. The General pulled on “Harry's” shoulder, him breaking his hold on Hermione's arm. She heard him whisper something to “Harry” as he pulled the man away from her.

“Do nothing to anger him, he holds a great deal of power within Guardia,” the General said. Hermione saw the confused look on “Harry's” face, but knew it matched her own.

“Come on, Hermione,” James said. “We've got to make another port by sundown, better head back.” Hermione walked away, but a knew memory was coming back to her. She had a redhead friend named Ron. Was that him?

* * * * * * *

Hermione had adjusted to her role on the ship well. She began working in the restaurant and did fairly well. Everyone took a liking to her, and Marcy and she got alone great. Anytime she was not working, Hermione spent with Marcy, whether talking about the other boys on the ship or the latest fashion. For some reason, she felt awkward trying talking about these things, as it seemed Marcy did; however both were trying to do what James said.

James left them alone for most of the time, always peering over maps and old books. Hermione caught him one time trying to decipher something; she knew she could do, if given the chance, but did not know why he wanted it so badly. Maybe it had to do with his wife.

Lily, a name very familiar to Hermione for some reason, was the name of James's late wife. She had disappeared, and there was no proof of murder or anything from Hermione could tell. She just disappeared one night when Marcy was young. For some reason, Hermione thought her to be closer than any of them thought.

Hermione looked out onto the ocean, smiling to herself. Her finger toyed with the gold thread that hung her pendant. Although she could never get it off, not that she wanted to, but she could not find a clasp and it troubled her slightly. How did it get there in the first place?

There were so many holes in her memory, so many disruptions that is hurt her. She knew she had always been a person that prided on knowing who she was and being levelheaded. But this shook her deeply. She could not remember her parents, her family if she had any, her friends, anything about her life. Other than Ron and Harry. Ron was the git from Termina, but she knew he wasn't always like that. And Harry…..Harry was something that warmed her heart every time she tried to remember anything about him. She couldn't see his face, never his face, but always the emotions

She remembered flying with him once, but could not believe it. She was frightened of standing at the edge of the ship, in fear of falling over it. How could she go flying with him?

Another time, she fell asleep, dreaming of him or she thought it was him. He was battling this young attractive male, though his voice left something to asked for. The other male, V-something, used a spell (was Harry was wizard?) on Harry, in combination with another woman. Deep inside of her, she knew she had to help him, but could do nothing. Instead, she just screamed and yelled for him to get up, to not give in. He must have heard her because he got to his feet. Harry used a powerful lightning spell of some sorts. The effects were devastating; after it was over with the only one left standing was the V-man. It was there that she woke up.

That was close a few days ago, about a month after she had arrived. As much as she tried, she could not get over how good Harry looked….. She smiled at the thought of him again as she looked out the window once more.

Sighing, Hermione smoothed out her skirt as she stood from the desk with the porthole in front of it. She never got tired of just staring out into the sea; today however, they had were in a port in Guardia.

Once a great country or so James said, Guardia was still a shadow of its former self. Though it still had some thriving towns, there was no central power, unlike the Isles as James called them. The Dark General ruled the Isles and as much as James considered it home, he knew he could never live there as long as that man held the power over the islands.

Now though, they were picking up a new set of people for the evening cruise up and down the coast. Hermione had long grown accustom to the travel venues as James often kept to the same ones. She hurried to the deck, knowing she was supposed to be ready to meet the guests.

“Glad you could make it,” James said. People were already boarding the ship and the other waitresses were greeting them. Hermione blushed as she moved to greet the other guests, but James stopped her. “There is someone that I'd like you to meet.”

Before them stood two men and a woman. Both men were tall, although the taller one had purplish hair. His skin was pale, though it contrasted greatly with the other two. The other man had jet black hair and emerald green eyes she could get lost in. Although there was a pair of glasses over the eyes, it gave him a distinguished look like James had. He wore a red head band, holding back some of the unruly hair. His outfit was made of a soft material, allowing him the greatest amount of movement and air circulation around his legs. He was well built as well, and had a sword attached to his back by it scabbard. The woman was a blond, coming up to the black haired man's shoulder.

“This is Guile, a close friend of mine,” James said. Hermione held her hand out for him to shake it, but he bent over, kissing it.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Guile said as he stood back up. She blushed slightly, but turned her gaze to emerald eyes. She knew them from somewhere, somewhere. Her dreams perhaps?

“This is Luna,” James said. The two girls exchanged hellos, and Luna returned to the black-haired man's side, holding onto his arm. Hermione did not like how it looked, a pit of fear or something growing in her stomach. She did not know why, but she had just met this man, and she was already falling for him.

“And this is Crono?” James said with uncertainty. Crono nodded, and Hermione once again held out her hand to shake, but he took it, kissing it lightly. He held it longer than Guile did and stared into her eyes a bit more before pulling back.

“You'll have to excuse him,” Luna said as Crono stepped back. “He hasn't spoken in a long time.”

“That's okay,” Hermione said, blushing as Crono continued to stare at her.

“Will you please show them their seats, Hermione?” James asked. She nodded and broke her gaze with Crono.

“Right this way,” Hermione said, turning her back to them. Luna held onto Crono's arm as they walked behind her. Hermione glanced back and held in her glare. She did not like how close the girl was standing, but there was fear in her eyes. What did that woman so young have to fear? “My name is Hermione and I'll be your waitress this evening,” She said out of reflex as she gave them a set of seats next to the stage. “But you already know that…” She said to herself. Crono must have heard her because he gave her a smirk as he pulled the chair out for Luna. Hermione blushed and handed out the menus. James and Marcy sat down with them, much to her chagrin. Although she had improved, she really did not want to make any mistakes in front of James's guests.

As she rattled off the specials, she found Crono's eyes never moving from her. She blushed as she took their orders. Crono had chosen her favorite, her recommendation as well, the seafood/lobster/pasta dish. It was an acquired tasted; she'd be the first to admit it because of the spices and hot sauce they used on it. He did not vocalize it though, instead, nodding when she finished talking about it. She took that as what he wanted.

Taking the rest of the orders and their drinks, with Crono once again choosing her recommendation, Hermione brought their order to the kitchen, and went to the bar to pick up their drinks. She was careful as she made her way through the crowds, balancing the platter on her hand with ease, making sure she did not bump into anyone. Thankfully she didn't.

Sneff had already begun her show as she went back to the kitchen. She only had a single table a night, as she was still learning. And truth be told, many of the other waitresses did not like her, seeing as she was good friends with Marcy and James. Seemed like a great deal of the waitresses were vying for the affections of the still young captain and they were jealous of her for gaining his favor so fast.

As she brought the food to the table, she made sure she was careful not to bump into the other waitresses as they brought their food out. Although they were not openly mean to her, they did try to cause certain accidents involving her. Much to her luck, today was one of those days.

One of the guests, a young male who appeared to be drunk, slapped her rear as she passed, causing her to jump. She could hear the crash of dishes as she closed her eyes, close to tears. It was probably the fourth time that had happened to her, but she always felt violated when it happened.

There was a shriek and she opened her eyes when there was no crash. The dishes and platter was suspended in mid-air. Guile had a stick drawn, she wondered what he was planning on doing with it, however, and looking over at Crono she nearly screamed as well.

Crono held the man off the ground, his other hand pointed toward the platter. Nothing had been spilt or dropped, though the dishes were tilted slightly. It was as if it was frozen in mid-air. However that was not what surprised her. The man squirming under Crono's grip was.

She never seen someone move so fast, but it less than a second, Crono had the man off the ground and the platter floating in the air. He did not speak as his emerald eyes pierced into drunk. His eyes spoke the words that his mouth could not.

“Put him down, Crono,” James said. He glared at the captain for a moment before tossing the drunk onto the table. The table broke, sending the man and all of the drinks to the ground. Crono took out a bag of gold and tossed it as James before he looked at Luna.

“Cabin 34,” Luna said. Crono nodded and walked out of the restaurant. “You okay Hermione?” She asked as Hermione touched the still frozen platter. “I work at a bar in our village part-time, I've had to put up with jerks like him.” Hermione smiled at her, still looking at the platter. How was it floating in midair as if frozen? Magic? She shook her head and picked it up. James was quieting down the rest of the guests and giving the table of men a talking to at the same time.

“You okay Hermione?” James asked once he came back over to them. “I'm sorry about that; I'm surprised the other girls didn't say anything. Usually they protect each other well.” Not for Hermione.

“I'm fine,” Hermione said, giving them a fake smile. James shook his head as Guile and Luna exchanged looks. She looked down and blushed slightly. Her hand had gone to her pendant as a reflex, trying to calm her down. What calmed her down more, surprisingly, was seeing this Crono person defend her like that.

“Please, stay and have dinner with us,” James said. She gave them another smile but shook her head. She really did not need anymore special favors.

“Thank you, but I'm not really hungry,” Hermione lied. She was starving but was getting used to eating after everyone else.

“Well, then take the night off, full pay,” James said. Hermione smiled at this, she felt tired all of a sudden and just needed to rest a bit.

“I will, after I bring Crono his dinner,” Hermione said, handing out the dishes. She was glad she got it right, and maybe she would find out a bit more about this Crono person. Holding his dinner in one hand, and her pendant in the other, she made her way down to Cabin 34, which happened to be on the same level as hers. She'd stop off, thank him, and then leave. She kept repeating that to herself as knocked on the door, hoping he would maybe answer some of her questions.

When there was no reply, Hermione opened it slightly. She poked her head in, calling out his name once more. He was lying on the bed, staring out of the port window. “I brought you your dinner.” She said, walking into the room. He looked back at her and smiled. “I wanted to thank you for what you did today.” His smile grew wider, and she had a feeling it was about what she said and not the food. “James and Marcy have really been the only ones to look out for me, and I just wanted to thank you.” She said, trying not to ramble.

The man shook his head and took the dinner. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several pieces gold and held them out for her to take. They were more than she made in a week, including tips.

“I can't accept this, sir,” Hermione said after finding her voice. He just gave her a smile and took the dish, moving toward the bed by the window. Hermione moved to put down the money, but Crono turned and stared at her for a moment. She sighed and gave him, causing him to smile.

She made her way back to her cabin, a large smile on her fast. It was the first real one since she had woken up on that beach. The first real smile she in over a month. Maybe it was because things were finally looking up. She laughed at herself at this thought. Looking at the pendant with her own beach inside, Hermione knew it wasn't because of that. It was because of a certain black-haired man named Crono, who entered her life that day.