Chapter Fourteen

It had been over a month since Hermione and Clopin got married and everything was going well. They were still in their honeymoon phase and Clopin was fairly certain they were starting to get on everyone's nerves with it. Chuckling to himself, he just shrugged as he made his way to his caravan by Norte Dame.

He felt as though he was on cloud nine. Practically walking on air. Clopin was no longer being chased after by the soldiers and he was now a happily married man. Nothing could go wrong as far as he was concerned. At least, until he realised that it was almost Christmas and he had no idea what to get his lovely new wife.

Groaning, he had hoped to get some ideas from the woman herself but she hadn't been very helpful at all! Claiming how she didn't want anything. He was going to abide by her wishes when his friends had warned him that it was a trap. He had to get her something.

Making his way to his caravan, he wasn't surprised to see the children of Paris already there. Thankful that his back was mended, Clopin made a start with the various stories he had ready for them. The children were always enthusiastic whenever he told his tales, especially when he brought out his own mini puppet. Grinning and thanking them for the coins they gave him, Clopin was surprised just how quickly the day had passed. Closing up his caravan, he made a detour towards Hermione's usual dancing spot.

Unsurprisingly, she was there. Leaning against the wooden beam of a house, he stood there and watched his beautiful wife dance. He was biased and he knew it, didn't mean he was going to stop anytime soon though! Grinning when she spotted him, he waited patiently for her to finish her routine and gather up her coins. Walking towards him, Djali obediently following at her heels, Hermione beamed.

"What can I do for you, monsieur Trouillefou?" Clopin threw his arm around her.

"Well, madam Trouillefou, you could allow your husband to walk you home."

Hermione beamed at him as they walked. Neither of them could stop grinning at the reminder that they had in fact married one another. Call him sappy but he loved it. Strolling through the streets of Paris, they took in the sights. It wasn't long before the soldiers decided to start up some trouble though. Sighing heavily, Clopin offered Hermione his hand.

"Shall we, mon amour?" Hermione grinned as she accepted.

"We shall.' She turned to Djali with a smile. 'Go home, Djali. I'll see you in a bit."

The goat took off in a run one way whilst the couple dashed off in another. Sprinting, the pair darted through the maze of a city with practiced ease. They both knew exactly what they were doing when they led the soldiers to a dead end. Glancing at his wife, Clopin smirked before whispering.

"Race you to the hide out?" Hermione grinned as she whispered back.

"You're on."

Without hesitating, Hermione jumped up on a nearby crate and used it to jump onto a rooftop before running along it. Beaming in pride, Clopin was pleased that he had helped her face her fear of heights. Turning back to the soldiers, who were staring after his wife in shock, he mock bowed to them.

"Apologises, mes amies. Duty calls."

Flinging down some powder from his pocket, Clopin was able to use the produced smoke to his advantage and climbed up a wooden beam before running after his wife. He was able to catch up to her fairly quickly but she simply threw her head back and laughed when she realised he was running along the adjacent rooftops to her.

Hermione was jumping, cartwheeling and flipping over various obstacles in her path. Clopin didn't have as many hurdles in his way, but he was fairly sure that his wife was using that as practice. Chuckling, Clopin hopped off of the end roof onto Hermione's and chased after her. He seemed to be three steps behind her for the entire race. Somersaulting off the roof, the pair were quick, but cautious, to enter the cemetery. Sprinting through the tunnels, it wasn't long before he was greeted by a smug Hermione at the entrance to the Court. Rolling his eyes, he admitted defeat.

"Very well, femme. What will be your prize?" Hermione tapped her lips with her finger as she looked up to the right as she pretended to think about it. Grinning at him, she shrugged her shoulders.

"I'll have a think about it and get back to you, mari."

Hermione then spun on her heel and walked away from him. Clopin stayed where he was, appreciating the sight of her arse swaying when Bartley made him jump out of his skin. The large man patted him on the shoulder.

"Figured out what you're going to get her yet, Clopin?" Clopin rubbed the back of his neck.

"I think so, it's just getting away from her long enough to go get it." Bartley thought about it for a minute before shrugging.

"Why don't you go whilst she's up there dancing? I can keep her occupied once she gets back if you're not already back." Grinning, Clopin gave him a friendly punch in the arm.

"I knew there was a reason I keep you around!"

The two men kept on joking with one another well into the evening. It wasn't until Clopin was in his tent, with his extremely satisfied wife fast asleep next to him, that he realised that he was going to have to take some of the galleons from the vault. He was grateful that Hermione had put his name on the vault alongside hers, but he did feel bad about taking the gold out. Perhaps he could earn the money to replace it after Christmas.

The next morning had Clopin up before dawn. Carefully moving so that he wouldn't wake Hermione, he climbed out of bed and quickly dressed in the subtlest clothing he owned, colour wise anyway. Before leaving the tent, he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, beaming as she smiled in her sleep. Walking through the square, he really wasn't that surprised to find Bartley already up. Nodding at one another, Clopin left the Court.

Carefully making his way through the city, it wasn't long before Clopin arrived at the statue of Pythia. Nodding his head in thanks as the statue allowed him entry, he stepped through. Seeing the sun rise, Clopin quickly headed towards the bank before anyone began their day. He really didn't fancy having witches and wizards look down on him for his muggle clothing. He got enough prejudice from the muggles themselves, he didn't need it from the wizarding world as well.

Thankful that he remembered the way to the bank, he was fortunate but surprised to find that it was already open. Stepping inside, Clopin tried his best not to be intimidated by the Goblin's but it was rather difficult when they looked at you with more disgust than Frollo did. Shaking his head, he stepped up to the bank teller and waited to be served. The Goblin rose his head, it was the same one who he and Hermione spoke to but didn't know his name. It was clear that the Goblin recognised him though.

"Monsieur Trouillefou. How can I help you?" Clopin bowed his head respectfully.

"I wish to make a withdrawal."

Nodding, the Goblin moved to the side and gestured for him to follow. Clopin was grateful that he didn't need a key. Hermione had told him how surprised she was since she was so used to needing one back in her time. Entering the vault, Clopin paused. He didn't know how much he would need. Grabbing around twenty galleons, he turned to the Goblin.

"If I need any more is it possible to simply have the transaction sent straight to the vault?"

The Goblin nodded but remained silent. Nodding to himself, Clopin left the vault and proceeded back up to the surface. There he was greeted by Nagnok himself. The sight of the Goblin reminded Clopin of something he needed to do. Bowing his head in respect, he spoke to the Goblin.

"Nagnok, it is good to see you. I don't suppose you have a minute to spare?" Nagnok looked at him with an expression that Clopin couldn't place but eventually nodded. Gesturing to his office, Clopin sat in the same chair he sat in last time.

"What can I do for you, monsieur Trouillefou?"

"I was wondering if it was possible to add a few of my memories to the collection Hermione has in the vault? Whilst she wants her family to know what happened to her, she doesn't have all the memories necessary to do so. Would it be possible to link my memories the same way you did for hers?"

The Goblin stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding.

"I understand what you mean, monsieur. Very well. If you have nowhere to be?" Clopin recognised the rhetorical question but nodded nevertheless. It was a ritual that Clopin had seen before with Hermione and yet he paid as little attention to it as he had the first time. The last time, he had been focused on Hermione whereas now, he just wanted it over and done with. Feeling the same tingling sensation that Hermione claimed to have in her head constantly was incredibly strange but painless.

"If you will think of the memories you wish to have placed in the vials ready, I can remove them."

Nodding, Clopin closed his eyes before thinking of the night he found Hermione, the day he taught her the tight rope and the party he had held for her. The night he asked Hermione if he could court her and their first date also popped into his head. Even how Hermione had healed him after his stint in the Palace of Justice came to mind. He hoped her friends and family didn't end up hating his guts for getting her into so much trouble.

It wasn't long before it was over with. The strange sensation lurked at the back of his head but he felt relieved now that Hermione's friends would be able to see exactly what happened to her and why she was no longer in the same time period as them.

Nagnok nodded to him as he took the vials and headed towards the vault to store them. Beaming, Clopin bowed slightly to the Goblin, stunning the poor creature. Before leaving, he nodded respectfully once more to both of the Goblins who had helped him. He had been warned by Hermione to give the Goblin's as much respect as possible since one never knew when one would need their help.

Walking the cobbled streets, Clopin took in all that he could in order to find Hermione the best present he could. By mid-morning, he was beginning to lose hope. Rubbing the back of his neck, he turned to head back towards the statue when a small shop, hidden in an alley, caught his eye. Figuring it was worth a shot, Clopin headed towards it. It was a simple shop but it appeared to sell all sorts of things.

Entering, he heard a little bell go off above his head, signalling his arrival. Smirking up at it, Clopin stepped inside properly and began to look around, hoping to find something. Just as he was looking at a shelf of small jars, a woman stepped out from a door behind the counter. She was an elderly lady, perhaps around Kezia's age. She was larger than most women he knew but she had a beaming smile on her rosy face.

"Bonjour, can I help at all?" Clopin gave her a thankful grin.

"Please, madam. I'm looking for a Christmas present for ma femme and I have no idea what to get her." She gave him a knowing smile.

"Not been married long then?" He shook his head.

"Just over a month."

She opened her mouth in a way that said 'ah that explains it'. Clopin wasn't sure what to make of it but was grateful for any advice she could give him.

"What are her interests?" Clopin tilted his head and thought about it.

"She loves to read and dance. She really enjoys learning." He paused for a moment, unknowingly grinning at the thought of his wife. The woman simply chuckled and nodded before walking through her shop. Blinking, Clopin made to follow her. She had stopped before a large case of books. He grinned at the sight of it.

"Feel free to have a look through these, I'll look around and see if I can find anything else your wife might like."

"Merci beaucoup."

Clopin glanced back at the shelf and slowly made his way through it. He immediately put back any books on divination, he remembered that conversation quite well. Chuckling, he looked through and found a few books that had potential but didn't seem quite right. Right at the bottom of the case, Clopin was practically lying on the floor, he spotted a book that was pushed to the back. Reaching in, he pulled the incredibly dusty book out and grinned as he wiped the grime away. He had found it. Hermione's favourite book.

Hogwarts: A History.

Why Hermione's favourite book was in a small French shop, he had no idea but he wasn't about to look question it anytime soon! Nodding, he put the other books he had back and went to pay for this when the shopkeeper approached him with a smile. In her hand was a stunning silver circlet, woven together so that a single green stone hung inside an oval at the centre. He thought Hermione would look beautiful in it, with or without the glamours.

"The gemstone is prasiolite. It inspires creativity, attracting success, prosperity and abundance. It also promotes an intuitive capability which is coupled with love."

Smiling softly, Clopin nodded his head and held up the book.

"I'll take them both, please madam."

Beaming, the woman took the circlet to the counter and wrapped it and the book up. Clopin was beginning to wonder if he had been a bit too ambitious with the both items but was pleasantly surprised by the amount it cost him.

"That'll be seventeen galleons and nine sickles, please.' The woman noticed his surprise and simply smiled. 'The circlet isn't Goblin made, otherwise it would be a lot more."

Clopin quickly paid, leaving the rest of his money as a tip, and thanked the woman for her help before leaving the shop with a grin on his face. He had done well. Giving himself a mental pat on the back, he ducked through the gateway to the muggle world. Nodding in thanks to the statue once more, Clopin headed home, whistling as he did.

It was almost noon so Hermione would be at her usual spot dancing by now. As quickly as he could, he made his way to the Court and almost ran into Bartley whilst he was at it. Grinning at his friend, he had him wait a moment whilst he hid the two presents. Hiding them amongst his sewing seemed to be the best place, it was hard since Hermione used up the same space he did now. Deciding it was going to be the best he could do, Clopin shrugged and made his way back to his friend. Bartley grinned at him.

"I can see it was well worth the trip?" Clopin nodded.

"Indeed, it was, mon amie." Bartley raised an eyebrow.

"Well? What did you get her?"

Clopin smirked and made his friend wait as he grabbed them both a beer and some food. Sat opposite each other, Clopin knew his friend was about to burst as he leaned forward, whispering just in case someone heard and ended up saying something to Hermione, or worse, she was nearby to hear it herself.

"I've put all the men to shame, mon amie. I've got her a diadem." Bartley let out a low whistle as his eyes widened.

"Damn, we don't stand a chance now. Thanks for that, Clopin!"

The pair laughed good naturedly as they discussed various different problems at the Court and how things were going. Thankfully, no one seemed to have been caught by Frollo recently. Clopin really didn't want to think about how Hermione would have gone after them if they had been. He loved his wife but she was incredibly reckless when she wasn't thinking properly.

Speaking of his wife, she had yet to appear. Frowning, he looked towards the exit. Surely, she should be back by now, it was mid-afternoon but he was sure she hadn't eaten since it was her habit if she was distracted. Bartley caught his confusion and sighed, drawing Clopin's attention.

"Esmeralda's been working twice as much as normal but won't tell anyone why. You might need to speak with her."

Clopin nodded as his frown deepened. Yes, he would be speaking to her but he would wait until she was home first. He ended up rather bored whilst he waited for her though. Practically twiddling his thumbs, Clopin was ready to pounce the second he saw her and Djali appear. However, the sheer exhaustion on her face stopped him from doing so. Biting the inside of his cheek, he turned and entered their tent, waiting for her to enter.

When she did, he took a hold of her hand and led her to the bed, forcing her to sit down before pulling her onto his lap. Stroking her hair, he heard her sigh in relief.

"Why are you working so hard, Hermione? What are you up to?" Hermione hummed against his chest.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out."

Not liking the answer at all, Clopin moved to argue when her lips stopped him. As much as he would love to thoroughly snog his wife, her health was a lot more important. Pulling back gently, he raised an eyebrow, waiting for a proper answer. Hermione huffed but finally gave him a decent answer.

"I'll be fine. I'm just doing this until I've earned enough. Can you please let me just keep this one surprise?"

Sighing heavily, Clopin rubbed his face with both hands but gave up. It was the best he was going to get after all.

"Fine, fine. However, I want you to try and ease up as much as you can. You're going to make yourself ill. I do not want to play nurse to you over Christmas, mon amour!"

Chuckling, Hermione rested her head against his chest. It was only within a few minutes that Clopin realised that she had fallen asleep. Smiling gently, he moved her so that she was lying down and pulled the blanket over her. Perhaps she would get a decent night's sleep, not plagued by those nightmares she normally has.

Frowning, he wondered if he should have bought her a potion for that. He couldn't remember if there was one or not but he should have looked. Shaking his head, he kissed her temple before leaving his tent once more. There was a lot that needed to be done. The job of the Gypsy King was never finished.