Chapter Eight

It had been over a whole month since Hermione and Clopin's first date. Over a month since they had taken that trip to Gringotts and Hermione had already had the spell cast on her memories so that the vials she bought that day would automatically fill themselves with each memory. Nagnok was to let her know when she would need to take more vials in.

Hermione felt as though she was walking on cloud nine. Clopin had taken her on many dates and she was now finally able to dance in the streets for coins. Not that she needed to but she did need an excuse as to where the money came from. Selina had almost cried, in pride, when she had deemed Hermione ready to start dancing for money. Chuckling at the thought, the young witch grabbed her tambourine and headed out into Paris with Djali by her side.

The goat hadn't been impressed with her leaving him for the whole day but he eventually forgave her, after quite a bit of grovelling on Hermione's part. She could still feel the sensation of her memories being copied and pulled from her, and whilst it was strange, Hermione was quickly getting used to it. Based on the concerned looks she was receiving from the goat, he knew something had happened, he just didn't know what. Hermione was almost certain that she had gained a new familiar in Djali.

Making her way through the catacombs, Hermione marvelled at how well she had settled in with her fellow gypsies. She could now walk through the crypts blindfolded and not miss a step. Chuckling to herself, Hermione quietly walked her usual route to her favourite spot on the streets to dance. Cloak to make a quick disguise and a hat for the coins to be thrown in at the ready, Hermione grinned as Djali bleated excitedly.

Reaching the surface, Hermione was quick to cover up their entrance after they stepped out of the tunnels. Reaching the corner, she liked to work at, she threw her hat down in front of her and left the cloak on the floor behind her. Taking the tambourine in hand, Hermione began to dance whilst Djali performed some tricks.

Hermione had gotten used to the rude remarks from the Parisians and the taunting sneers of the guards. Keeping her focus, she would smile in thanks whenever a child or someone with a heart dropped a coin or two into her hat. Luckily for her, the guards didn't seem all that bothered about arresting her that day, taking the good luck for all it was worth, she made the most of it. It was early evening when Hermione decided to stop dancing for the day. There weren't many people out and about to give her coins anyway.

Grabbing her cloak, she scooped up her earnings when a cough from behind made her jump out of her skin. Knowing only one person who would willingly risk her ire, she glared at the one and only Gypsy King.

"Do you not have anything better to do other than scare me?" Clopin grinned charmingly at her as he handed her a white Iris.

"Non, chérie." Rolling her eyes, she accepted the flower with a smile before tucking it into her hair.

"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you would be telling stories until dusk." He slung an arm around her shoulders.

"I told the children that I have a beautiful lady to escort home. They didn't believe me but I can never resist watching you dance, mon amour."

Chuckling at his comment, Hermione smirked as she overheard some of the town's people tutting at Clopin and herself. Just because they wished they could touch each other freely; doesn't mean they should condemn those who do without a care in the world. Clopin squeezed her shoulder tightly, drawing her attention back to him. Smiling up at the man, she wrapped her arm around his waist and held her head high.

Hermione grinned. Her relationship with Clopin only seemed to be getting better and better. They understood each other on a level that Hermione had never known. They could act like silly teenagers one minute before shifting into mature adults the next. He made her laugh, she made him serious when the situation called for it. They matched well. He didn't mind at all if she went on a rant about one subject or another, whether he understood it or not, whilst she loved it when he was focused on his stories and puppets.

She did blush at the conversation she had had with Selina and Kezia the previous night though. What Hermione hadn't been told was that gypsies didn't court for very long before marriage was put on the table. Kezia had made it clear to Hermione that she should be expecting a proposal any day now. Biting her lip as they walked, Hermione wasn't sure how she felt about that prospect.

Hermione had always had her entire life planned out. From her job, to how long she wanted to date before even thinking of getting married, to how many children she wanted. Ever since arriving in the past, she found that she cared for none of her plans anymore. She wanted to do what she wanted, when she wanted. Perhaps the war had changed her more than she thought it had. Letting out a soft chuckle as they entered the crypts, she had to admit to herself, she really had become a proper gypsy now with that way of thinking.

Looking up at the man who had come to mean so much to her, Hermione decided that if he asked, she would accept. Perhaps it was her new outlook on life, or the fact that they could end up in serious danger with the guards, but she was ready to dive into the deep end. Stepping into the Court of Miracles, Hermione let out a happy sigh. She was glad to be back, even though she hadn't been gone that long.

There was something relaxing about her new home. The energetic people who buzzed around always called out their greetings as though she had been away for years rather than hours. The colourful display of cloth was a soothing comfort. Smiling as they walked through the square, Hermione was soon bombarded by the two women who had become her dearest friends.

Selina and Kezia all but grabbed Hermione and snatched her away from Clopin. As far as they were concerned, he had had plenty of time with her. Giggling at the women's antics, she threw Clopin an apologetic smile. However, she was surprised when he simply beamed back at her before walking off to do Merlin knew what. Frowning, Hermione wondered what was going on. Normally he would be pissed off with the two women.

Biting her lip, she couldn't help but wonder. Shaking her head, Hermione shrugged it off. It was her friends simply putting ideas in her head. Huffing as they entered her tent, she sat down on her bed once the women released her. Djali jumped up and made himself comfortable on her lap. He was really getting too big for that, but Hermione couldn't help but spoil him. Just as she had done with Crookshanks.

"Want to tell me what's going on?"

"It's your birthday tomorrow! That means another party, we need to figure out what you're wearing." Selina squealed in excitement, clapping her hands and jumping up and down, whilst Hermione just stared at her for a long, long moment.

She had completely forgotten her birthday. Oops. When they didn't get the response they wanted, the two women stared at Hermione. Kezia started chuckling, having realised why Hermione wasn't jumping up and down with joy, whilst Selina narrowed her eyes at the witch, hands on hips.

"You completely forgot, didn't you?"

Hermione just offered a sheepish smile, prompting Selina to smack her forehead with her palm. Chuckling, Kezia sat down next to Hermione and patted her hand.

"You must have just got caught up, courting our King and all."

Hermione really didn't like the mischievous spark in Selina's eye at the reminder of Hermione's relationship status. The woman sat down on the floor, in front of Hermione's feet, and leant her chin on her hands with her elbows propped up on her knees, grinning widely.

"So, how's it been going?' Hermione wasn't ashamed to say she had a sappy smile on her face. Before she could say anything, Selina snorted. 'That good, huh?"

Pouting, Hermione folded her arms under her chest.

"Well, how's it going with Duke, then?"

The two girls stuck their tongues out at each other before bursting into a fit of giggles with each other. Kezia rolled her eyes at the two before mock huffing.

"I swear, you two are children! Not at all the grown-up women you're supposed to be."

Hermione and Selina exchanged a glance before staring at the older woman in disbelief. Hermione gave an un-ladylike snort before shaking her head.

"You're the worst of the lot, Kezia! You won't be able to convince me any differently!"

"You tell her, Esmeralda!"

The two younger women continued to laugh until their sides hurt at the older woman's put out expression. The trio spent the night chatting away in Hermione's tent, all about a wide range of subjects. Hermione even found out that Duke had finally grown a pair of balls and asked Selina to court him. Clopin had popped in with some food for them all at dinner but was quickly chased out after giving Hermione a long kiss. Forcing Selina to let out a loud 'EWW!' at the sight. Chuckling at her friends, the two women left her to sleep, after several hours, with only a parting comment from them both.

"Happy birthday, Esmeralda." Kezia grinned.

"Happy birthday!" Selina sang before falling into a set of giggles before leaving. Shaking her head, Hermione was grateful when sleep found her quickly.

Hermione slowly came to thanks to a wet sensation on her cheek. Frowning, she tried to bat it away as she snuggled deeper into her pillow but it kept coming back. Gaining some kind of consciousness, she muttered under her breath.

"That had better be you, Djali. It would be weird as fuck if not."

Opening one eye, she was thankfully greeted by the goat. However, there were others stood in her tent, snickering as they waited for her to wake up. Although, Hermione could hear Kezia tutting lightly over her use of language. Groaning, she threw the blanket over her head and called out to the group.

"Come back at a decent time. I'm not moving."

The group of five sniggered before something heavy landed on her. Hermione groaned loudly before quickly giving in.

"Alright! I'm up! Get the hell off me!"

Removing the blanket from her head, Hermione glared at Selina who tried to look as innocent as she could whilst lying on top of her. Rolling her eyes, Hermione pushed her off the bed, smirking at the satisfyingly loud thud. Standing up, she stretched out her limbs before turning to the others.

"So, is there a reason everyone's gathered in my tent?" Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she missed the exchanged glances. Selina huffed.

"Have you forgotten again? IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!" Rubbing her ear gently thanks to her friend's lack of indoor voice, Hermione snorted.

"No, I got that. Why are we up and about?" Selina smacked her forehead before throwing her arms up in the air in frustration as she stood up and walked towards Duke, who threw an arm around her waist. Still incredibly confused, Hermione waited for someone to explain. Kezia patted her arm gently.

"We told you there was going to be a party last night. What we didn't mention was that it would last all day and night."

Considering how drunk she got at the last party, Hermione wasn't sure if this was a good idea. Paling slightly, she blinked owlishly. Bartley snorted, knowing exactly where her mind went.

"You're not allowed to touch any alcohol until after dinner. I'm sure that's the only reason you agreed to court Clopin in the first place!" The muscular man belted out laughing as Clopin complained. Hermione giggled a little before throwing Bartley a wink.

They wished Hermione a happy birthday before leaving the tent to go help with the preparations, leaving her with Clopin. Sighing, Hermione threw him a glance before smiling softly.

"Why did you have to tell them?" Clopin wrapped her in a tight hug before chuckling.

"There wasn't a hope in hell that we weren't going to celebrate, chérie."

Huffing, Hermione accepted the hug just as tightly before pressing a kiss to his cheek. The couple left the tent shortly after that but based on the loud huff from Selina as she dragged Hermione away, they hadn't been quick enough for her. Shaking her head at the crazy woman she called a friend, Hermione just went along with it. There was nothing that got in the way of Selina when she was on one.

The entire day was spent playing games and having everyone wish her a happy day. She was more than content to just leave her birthday at that, however, she knew she wasn't going to get out of the actual party later that evening. She was thrilled and incredibly touched when the children had all got together and picked her a load of flowers as a birthday gift. Beaming at them, Hermione wished she could preserve them but knew questions would be asked.

As the evening started, the alcohol was quick to come out. Bartley jokingly kept taking her drink off of her, but quickly stopped when Hermione gave him a particularly colourful threat, similar to the one she had given Clopin after the tightrope incident. Downing her drink as she watched him swiftly walk away, Hermione grinned wickedly. She continued to drink into the evening, grateful that she had managed to convince Selina not to dress up, but noticed that Clopin had disappeared. Frowning, she looked around for him but couldn't find him anywhere in the square.

Grabbing another drink, she headed towards his tent just to have someone grab her arm before she could enter. Turning around, she was surprised to find it was Duke. Grinning at her, he gestured for her to follow him. Biting her lip, she trailed after him, swaying now and then. The pair took a route that looked vaguely familiar but Hermione couldn't be certain thanks to the alcohol she had drunk. Soon enough, Duke pushed open the gate and gestured for her to go through before he closed it behind her.

Frowning, she turned to find herself at the same spot she had had her first date with Clopin. Smiling softly, she looked around to try and find him. A flash of purple and she spotted him lying down on the grass. Sighing happily, she moved over and sat down with a quiet thud next to him. Clopin quickly sat up and beamed at her before taking her hand.

"How's your big day going, mon amour?" Hermione smirked.

"Well, I'm well on my way to getting pissed again. So, it must be good."

The pair sniggered at the comment before Hermione leant against his shoulder as she was prone to do. There was something comfortable about his shoulder, she just couldn't explain it and didn't bother to try. Hermione realised fairly quickly that Clopin was fidgeting, as though nervous. Biting her lip, Hermione assumed the worse.

"It's okay, you know." She felt Clopin's gaze on her but she kept her own on the grass, not quite ready to look at him.

"What is, mon cher?" Her lips twitched slightly before her posture slumped.

"If you've decided you don't want to court me anymore."

There was a long moment of silence that almost brought tears to her eyes, but Hermione quickly found herself being wrapped in a tight hug whilst Clopin whispered in her ear.

"You stupid woman. How could you think something like that, mon amour?" Hermione sighed before she let the alcohol do her talking for her.

"I know I'm not much to look at with the glamours off. I can be bossy, go on and on sometimes. Shit like that." Downing the rest of the drink she had brought with her, Hermione stared up at the stars and waited for the blow.

It never came.

Clopin had shifted around to face Hermione, gently cupping her face as he did so. Smiling softly at her, he wiped away some of her traitorous tears that spilled with his thumbs. Shaking his head softly, he pressed his forehead against hers and sighed.

"For the brightest of her age, you can be quite stupid, mon amour. I think I'll believe it to be the alcohol this time though.' He took a deep breath before pulling out a small object from his inside tunic pocket and held it out to her. 'I was going to ask you to marry me, mon amour. You're beautiful without your glamours, I prefer you without them. I love it when you get bossy, you're gorgeous when angry! I love you, you crazy woman."

Hermione stared at the ring in his hand. It looked handmade, two pieces that melded into one. A silver piece and a gold piece that intertwined with one another to form a single loop around the finger each before tying in a double knot together. Blinking rapidly, Hermione opened her mouth a couple of times before she smiled at him with tears in her eyes. Happy ones this time.

Clopin took her left hand and slid the ring on the right finger, taking her smile for a yes. Hermione stared down at the ring for a moment before she sniffed.

"I suppose someone has to marry you." Grinning at him, to show she was only joking, Hermione launched herself at him and sealed her lips against his. Pulling back for only a moment, she gave him the answer he had been hoping for.

"Yes, mon amour. I'll marry you, my King. I love you too.' Hermione bit her lip before offering a small smile. 'Catch me if I fall?" Clopin grinned.

"Toujours."

Clutching her head, he pulled her back down so that they could share another, celebratory kiss. Parting, the pair laughed at one another before continuously sharing more kisses beneath the moonlight. Finally pulling back after a long while, Hermione smiled mischievously at Clopin.

"Why don't we wait to tell the people, let them figure it out." Clopin smirked.

"That's a good idea, mon cher. Although, we have to exclude Duke from that, since I told him why he had to bring you here." Hermione hummed in agreement before leaning against his shoulder once more. Staring up at the stars, she believed that she was starting her new life well. Almost asleep in his arms, Hermione muttered under her breath.

"I hope he hasn't told Selina."