Chapter Nine
It took five days before anyone noticed the ring on Hermione's finger. It was Bartley who spotted it first. Shouting out his surprise, the other outcasts looked at one another before glancing at the grinning couple. Cheering for the happy duo, the gypsies partied all night long in celebration. The sheer excitement from Selina alone was wholesome to see.
Hermione and Clopin were still trying to decide when they wanted the wedding. Neither really wanted to wait very long since they had made their decision and were happy with it and each other. It was late one evening, just before the beginning of October, the pair were sitting up late, discussing possible dates, when Clopin came up with an idea that touched Hermione more than she could say.
"What about Halloween, mon cher? The day of the dead. True, your friends aren't even alive yet, but at least this way it's a date when they are prominent in your mind. I believe you mentioned Halloween being a sad time for your friends, why don't we give them something to celebrate?"
Hermione was stunned for a moment before she threw herself at him and covered his face in happy kisses. She had wanted a date that would mean something, and that day was certainly one that needed a celebration for her friends in the future. Beaming contently, Hermione agreed.
When the pair made the date known, there was little opposition. Any that came to them with concerns, were quickly understanding as the couple decided to claim that Hermione's parents had died on Halloween and wanted it to be as though they were a part of the celebration. Hermione did feel slightly guilty for the white lie but it was smothered by the pure joy she felt.
The young witch would often find herself staring at her ring. It wasn't until after her people saw the ring that Kezia decided to let her know that Clopin would have made it himself. Apparently, it was another tradition of the gypsies. The emotion that surged in her was strong and she felt her love for the man grew even stronger.
Hermione sat on her bed, discussing possible wedding plans when Selina offered her help with something that shouldn't really have surprised the young witch.
"I'll help you sew your dress. If we work on it each day for a little while, it'll be ready long before the wedding." Blinking, Hermione beamed at the woman before pulling her into a tight hug.
"Thank you!"
Selina patted her on the back, grinning as Kezia smiled fondly at the pair. Wiping the tears out of her eyes, Hermione beamed at them.
"So, tell me everything that happens at a traditional gypsy wedding."
The three women ended up talking well into the night. Hermione had felt somewhat overwhelmed by the information but was grateful to have gained it. She didn't want to risk embarrassing or upsetting anyone if she did or said something wrong. When Hermione threw herself back onto her bed that night, she had plans for what she wanted her dress to be like in her mind as she fell into a deep sleep.
It had become fairly routine for Djali to wake her up. Not that she particularly enjoyed being woken up by the goat jumping on her but she figured it could be a lot worse. Yawning widely, Hermione forced herself up and quickly got ready for the new day. She wasn't sure what she was going to do, but figured she could take it easy for that one day.
That plan went down the toilet when she saw Selina and Kezia making their way towards her. The women looked like they were on a mission. Staring at the pair with eyes wide in fear, Hermione couldn't help but wonder what hell she was going to be put through. Each woman grabbed a hold of her arms, Selina on her right and Kezia on her left, and proceeded to drag her towards the usual exit of the Court.
The two women refused to tell her what was going on until they had left the cemetery. The second the gate squeaked shut, Selina beamed at her.
"We're going to go and get the fabric for your dress."
Letting out a sigh of relief, Hermione heard Kezia chuckle at her. Walking through the streets, the trio of women ducked into various alleyways to avoid the guards as they made their rounds. Hermione's two friends didn't want anything to spoil this day and a run in with the soldiers would have done so. It wasn't very long before they arrived at a fabric merchant's shop. Tilting her head, she looked at it for a moment before following the two ladies inside. Djali had decided to wait outside.
Entering the shop, she was stunned by the sheer amount of fabric available to her. Looking around in awe, Hermione was called to the back of the shop. Stood with her friends, was a tall, strict looking woman who had her nose high up in the air. She had long brown hair that was tied back in a painful looking bun and had icy blue eyes. Despite instantly disliking the woman, Hermione stepped forward and tried her best not to judge.
"Esmeralda, this is Aalis. She has the best fabrics in all of Paris." Aalis seemed to soften slightly at the praise from Kezia but turned her snobby gaze towards Hermione before pursing her lips.
"What is it you're wanting exactly?" Selina stepped forward, her own face filled with annoyance.
"Enough fabric for a wedding dress."
Aalis' eyes softened a touch more before offering Hermione a very small smile.
"Congratulations. What type of fabric?" Before Selina could say anything, Hermione gave her input.
"I'm wanting a dark purple base with a light purple fabric for the sleeves. I'm hoping for the sleeves to be more transparent than the base. Possibly a bit of lace and ribbon, if you have it? I'll also be needed some purple thread, I'm almost out."
Aalis looked surprised but simply nodded and went to gather the fabric Hermione asked for. Turning back to her friends, Hermione wasn't expecting the surprised looks from them either. Selina tilted her head in confusion.
"Why aren't you going with dark blue? It's the colour of most wedding dresses after all." Hermione just smirked.
"I have my reasons."
Refusing to say anything else on the matter, Hermione waited patiently for the fabric whilst ignoring the gaggle of women in the corner of the shop, gossiping away about the gypsies in the shop. Rolling her eyes, Hermione's smile was strained when Aalis arrived with the fabric. Selina gathered it all up and popped it into a satchel that Hermione hadn't seen until then.
"That'll be five pieces of silver." Hermione paused. She hadn't brought her money. About to groan loudly, she was stopped when Kezia handed over the coins. The older woman threw Hermione a wink.
"Your husband-to-be said that it is on him."
Smiling softly at Clopin's thoughtfulness, Hermione left the shop filled with excitement. The three women spent most of the morning gathering various items they would need for the wedding, whilst Djali followed them dutifully if not begrudgingly. Hermione was bought a blue garter from Selina who simply winked at her. Chuckling, the young witch remembered the old rhyme but knew it was too early for it to be about. If she remembered correctly, it wasn't until the late nineteenth century that the 'Something old' rhyme started up.
Shaking her head, Hermione beamed for the rest of the morning. It was after noon when the four returned to the Court of Miracles. Ushering Selina into her tent quickly, Hermione was determined to keep the colour of her dress a secret until the day of. Kezia followed the two, slightly confused as Djali trotted in and made himself comfortable on Hermione's bed. Quickly closing the opening of her tent, Hermione sighed in relief.
"What was that about?" Selina questioned with a raised eyebrow. Pouting, Hermione gave in with a sigh.
"I chose purple because it's Clopin's favourite colour. I don't want him knowing the colour of my dress or what it looks like until the day of the wedding."
On cue, the two women squealed loud enough to burst Hermione's eardrums. Shaking her head at the two, she sat down on the cushions, urging the two to follow. Once they did, Hermione looked through the fabric they had bought from Aalis to see if they had bought enough. Selina quickly waved her off.
"There's plenty! You worry too much, Esmeralda." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"You don't worry enough, Selina!"
The two women stuck their tongues out at one another before laughing. Kezia shook her head fondly at the two before folding the fabric carefully and hiding it in Hermione's chest of clothing. Hermione passed the older woman the garter Selina had bought her as well to hide. As soon as Kezia closed the chest, a tapping came from outside the tent.
"Is it safe to enter?" Clopin's voice rang out, filled with amusement. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Perhaps not, it will depend on what you've done!" Clopin's head popped through the opening of the tent and grinned.
"Me? Nothing, chérie. How could you think something like that?" Selina and Kezia snorted in unison before Selina shook her head at her King.
"Perhaps it is because she knows you too well!"
Clopin stepped through the cloth and held his hand to his chest before dramatically leaning back, acting as though he was wounded by the statement. Hermione rolled her eyes but stood and pecked him on the cheek, causing him to smile sappily at her.
"Is there a reason you're here, mon amour?" He shook his head.
"Do I need a reason to see you?" Clopin wrapped his arm around her waist and dipped her towards the floor, drawing out a giggle from Hermione before he lifted her back upright. Beaming at him, Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
"Normally no, however, I believe there is a reason right now." Clopin sighed.
"Oui, there is. I'm going on another pick up tonight."
Hermione bit her lip. Clopin had told her what he was doing when he found her ages ago. Whilst she wasn't happy about him putting himself in danger, she knew that it was necessary. That didn't stop her from worrying though. Clutching the fabric of his tunic, she pulled him in closer to her.
"You'll be careful, right?" He grasped one of her hands and kissed her knuckles.
"Always am, chérie." Hermione knew he was going to go, whether she liked it or not.
"I'll see you later then."
With a bright smile, Clopin disappeared out of the tent. Standing there, staring at the cloth, she almost hoped that he would come back and tell her he wasn't going to go. Sighing, Hermione rubbed her forehead, trying to ease the headache that came with her fiancé.
Selina and Kezia made it their mission to take Hermione's mind off of what Clopin was doing. Taking measurements, the three made a start on her wedding dress. Hermione had explained exactly what she wanted and the other women agreed to help her with it, mainly the decoration as Hermione was fairly confident that she could at least manage the base on her own.
Hermione had made a start on the dress when she heard a commotion outside of her tent. Frowning at the two women with her, they ducked through the cloth to see Bartley making his way towards them, an apologetic frown on his face. Hermione felt her heart stop, hoping that he wasn't about to tell her what he thought he was. Clopin had to be alright.
Bartley stood before her and took a deep breath before kneeling on one knee before her, head bowed, shocking everyone.
"I'm sorry. Clopin's been captured. We were almost caught but he acted as a distraction so that myself and Duke could get away."
Hermione couldn't breathe. For a long moment, she closed her eyes and willed herself to wake up. When it didn't happen, she opened her eyes and gestured for Bartley to stand up, ignoring the crowd that had gathered.
"Where have they taken him?" Bartley hesitated but sighed.
"The Palace of Justice." Panicked murmurs reached Hermione's ears. Raising a hand, she addressed the crowd.
"Do not fear. This is our King we're talking about, he's gotten out of a lot worse. Go about your business, everything will be fine."
Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed, leaving Hermione with Bartley, Selina and Kezia. Hermione frowned.
"Where's Duke?"
"In his tent, he got injured but he'll be alright." Selina dashed passed them and ran towards the man's tent and Hermione couldn't blame her. She would have done the same thing if she was in her shoes. Sighing, she nodded.
"Bartley, I need you to show me where you were. Kezia, please make sure the people don't panic."
Without waiting for a response, Hermione quickly entered her tent and took out a dagger that Clopin had given her for her birthday, for protection, before strapping it to her thigh. Biting her lip, she pondered only for a second before reaching into her beaded bag, grabbing her wand and a pepper up potion. Stuffing them both down her top, she left the tent and nodded to Bartley.
It was clear to Hermione that the man really didn't want her going after Clopin but he couldn't say anything. She was soon to be his Queen; therefore, her word was law just as much as Clopin's was. If not more so based on the way she had his King wrapped around her little finger without realising it. Darting through the tunnels, Hermione focused on her breathing before slipping into her war heroine guise. She had become so comfortable in that time period that she hadn't relied on her instincts and training for some time. Now, it was time to revert back to old habits.
Brushing her fingertips against the cool blade beneath her skirt, Hermione knew that she would kill for Clopin; she would kill for her people. Taking a deep breath, she chased after Bartley, wanting to know exactly where they had been. Not quite soon enough by her standards, they arrived. Easing through the gate, Bartley pointed to his right as Hermione stared out into the night.
"They took him that way, straight for the Palace.' Hermione nodded and moved to head off when Bartley's hand on her arm prevented her. 'Please, Esmeralda. Be careful. Don't be seen."
Nodding, Hermione offered a small smile before she crept into the shadows. Hearing Bartley close the gate and head back to the Court, Hermione took a deep breath before turning her expression cold. As though a brand-new person had taken her place, she moved with more agility and swiftness than she had ever let on to Clopin. She was trained by the best after all. Sending a quick prayer to Maria and Merlin, she thanked them for Moody's teachings and pleaded that Clopin would be alright.
Climbing up onto the rooftops, Hermione spared a thought of thanking Clopin for helping her get over her fear of heights, but only after she killed him herself for making her worry so much. He said he would be careful dammit! Shaking her head, she jumped from rooftop to rooftop, quiet as her footsteps landed against the wood and brick.
Crouching down so that she was practically lying on top of a roof, she watched carefully as the soldiers performed their rounds. Once she was confident that they had gone, Hermione jumped off and used the shadows to make her way towards the building that all the gypsies and outcasts fear the most; the Palace of Justice.
Tensing her jaw, she looked around before swiftly casting a disillusionment spell. Certain that she couldn't be seen, she entered the large building. Careful to be as quiet as possible, Hermione cast a silencing spell on her feet as she walked passed a few guards. Rolling her eyes as she overheard them gossiping like old ninnies, Hermione looked around, trying to find her idiot of a fiancé.
She had taken a few wrong turns, leading her to dead ends. Hermione was at her wits end when she heard the sharp crack of a whip, followed by a man crying out. Her blood froze in her veins. The soldiers had better pray that that wasn't Clopin. She might just slaughter them all if it was. Clutching the fabric of her skirt, to the point where her hands protested against the strain, Hermione cautiously stepped down the hall that the screams were coming from. Carefully looking around the corner, her heart stopped.
In a small, cold cell, Clopin was kneeled in front of a pole, hands tied to it, facing it but clearly exhausted from the torture he was going through as he slumped forward. A man was stood behind him, holding a whip. Hermione's anger burned brightly in her chest but she hesitated because of the third man in the room.
Judge Claude Frollo was fairly easy to identify, thanks to all the descriptions from her fellow gypsies. Only just biting back a growl at the sight of the pleased smile of the bastard's face, Hermione waited, hoping she would have an opportunity to grab Clopin and escape. Frollo was careful not to get too close to the blood that poured out of Clopin's back. The judge called the whipping man to him, offering Hermione a chance to enter the room and carefully make her way to Clopin. Leaning closely, she whispered in his ear, making him jump.
"Drink this, mon amour. I'll get you out in a moment." Hermione held the vial to Clopin's lips. Thankfully, he drank but once he did, he whispered urgently to her.
"Get out of here, Hermione. Quickly."
Hermione couldn't answer for the conversation between the other two men was over. The judge spun on his heel and left the room, leaving the other man to continue his job. However, based on the sickening grin of the man who raised the whip once more, he wasn't that hard-pressed against the morality of his job. Making her decision, Hermione removed the disillusionment and stepped behind the man, removing the dagger from her thigh.
Taking a deep breath, she acted quickly. Grabbing his head with one hand, she used her right to slit the man's throat. Letting the body fall to the ground, Hermione flicked the blood of her dagger before stashing it back beneath her skirt. She pulled out her wand and blasted a disintegration spell at the body, turning it to ash, before she quickly unlocked the shackles on Clopin's wrists. Hearing sounds coming from outside the room, Hermione grabbed a tight hold of Clopin and apparated out of there.