Madeleine spent the rest of the week after her second encounter with Clopin assisting her brother. While largely capable it was clear that his leg, which had been injured in the war limited how much he could get done on his own.

Madeleine felt only too happy to help. Despite being 15 years her senior Henri and Madeleine where quite close. She had been heartbroken when he left first for the war and then for Paris. Now she relished their time together.

She found herself thinking about Clopin quite a lot during that time. They had met twice yet she felt a strange connection in a way that she had never experienced before. It was because of this that she found herself looking towards the puppet caravan as she and Henri made their way out of Notre Dame after mass on Sunday.

"Looking for someone?" asked Henri slyly. Caught in the act Madeleine blushed.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Well, if I'm not much mistaken I would guess you're looking for a glimpse of Clopin, given how longingly you are looking at his caravan. " Henri's tone was teasing Madeleine felt herself blush a deeper shade of red.

"Well, I... He's an interesting man and yes, I would like to see him again. There's nothing more to it." Madeleine said defensively. Henri chuckled at his sister''s reaction and opened his mouth to reply. However his words were cut off by yelling.

Two gypsy children ran by followed by two large guards. Madeleine saw Henri put his walking stick out to trip up the first soldier who fell quickly followed by his companion. Henri then pretended to fall to the ground. Catching on Madeleine bent down with a cry of worry.

"Oh you foolish men! You just knocked over my poor brother on his bad leg!" Turning back to the guards she scowled.

"Well? Will you help me or not? One would think you'd show more respect for a war hero!"

Clearly not wanting to look bad after causing a lame Parisian man, and a war hero at that, to fall the guards grudgingly helped Henri stand. As Madeleine guessed Henri had planned the gypsy children were long gone.

"Our apologies sir. It was those gypsy brats..." began the first guard.

"Simply watch where you are going gentlemen. It's not difficult. At least for competent people." Interrupted Henri before leaning on Madeleine's arm and walking away leaving the guards looking miffed.

After walking a ways they passed an alley where out the corner of her eye Madeleine saw Clopin lecturing the two children.

"You could have been caught if it weren't for the Clement's quick thinking. Next time the bystanders may not be so kind! You may be children but that doesn't mean they'll show mercy." His tone was sharp and the two children looked properly ashamed.

"We're sorry Clopin. We won't do it again." Clopin's face softened.

"Good. Then head back to the Court." The two children started to run away before Clopin added. "And stay out of the way of the guards!" He then turned around, coming face to face with the Clement's who had stepped into the alley.

"Are they alright?" asked Madeleine concern filling her. Clopin nodded.

"Yes. Probably a bit frightened more than anything else."

"We're glad we could help," said Henri. "Really chasing after children. It's ridiculous." Madeleine stepped forward smiling at Clopin. Despite the situation she was glad to have found him.

"It's good to see you again," she said. Clopin return her smile. Today he was dressed in a purple tunic and purple hat. Although he maintained his black gloves.

"The sentiment is returned Madamoiselle," she raised an eyebrow at him and with a little grin he corrected, "Madeleine." Behind Clopin some cleared their throat. Out of the shadows stepped a man who resembled Clopin immensely. Or perhaps it was the other way around.

"Yes, we appreciate your assistance," said the man.

"As I said, it was our pleasure," replied Henri shaking the man's hand.

"Harodain Trouillefou," said the man. "I'd like to talk to you Monsieur Clement. I have proposition." Madeleine raised her eyebrows curious what the proposition might be.

"Certainly," replied Henri. He turned to Madeleine. "Perhaps Monsieur Clopin, I could request you look after Madeleine?" Madeleine huffed.

"I don't need looking after, I'm not a child!" Despite her indignation she was pleased at the prospect of spending more time with Clopin.

"It would be my pleasure," said Clopin with a bow. He then offered his arm to Madeleine. Gladly she took it and the pair began to walk off.

HoND

Harodain watched Henri Clement in surprise. It seemed Clopin had been right in saying the Clements were different. The incident with the children only served to affirm his decision. He raised a dark eyebrow at Henri who chuckled.

"Come now. I can't be the only who noticed that. You can practically see the sparks flying."

"You would encourage a relationship between your sister and a gypsy?" as Harodain. Henri shrugged.

"Clopin seems like a decent enough fellow. I've seen him around before and he had ample opportunity to take advantage of Madeleine when they walked home last week. As long as he treats her well I see little reason to stop what appears to be inevitable. Even if they don't realize it themselves."

"Do you think she understands the consequences of what a relationship with my son would mean? Especially give the current climate. Sacrifices may be necessary on her part. I admit despite having had plenty of women I've never seen Clopin look at a woman like that before. I doubt this would be a mere fling."

Henri looked thoughtful as he watched the two walk away.

"Perhaps not yet. But she will. And if things progress as we suspect she will learn soon enough. There is more to Madeleine than meets the eye. She's strong willed. She won't make the decision lightly. I doubt your son would either." He turned to look at Harodain.

"But I doubt you came here simply to discuss those two." Harodain shook his head.

"I didn't. Clopin said you offered to help us in any way you could."

"That's correct," replied Henri with a nod.

"Then I will give my proposition."

HofND

Clopin and Madeleine walked arm and arm through the backstreets of Paris. Still trying to avoid the attention of any guards. Finally they reached a little bridge with a stream running beneath it. They leaned on the bridge and Madeleine looked over at Clopin.

"Do you know what they're talking about?" she asked. Clopin nodded.

"My father wishes to use your brother's house as a safehouse for us gypsies." Madeleine nodded. If they could provide a safehouse to help the gypsies then so much the better.

"Why is your father the one arranging it?" she asked. Clopin paused for a moment considering her.

"My father is the King of the gypsies," he explained at last. Madeleine's eyebrows rose in surprise. She had never thought of the gypsies having a "king" but it was understandable that they would have some sort of leader. She smiled and curtsied.

"I had no idea I was addressing royalty, your highness," she said teasingly. Clopin chuckled.

"It's not that big a deal. Other than being responsible for the welfare of our people we don't differentiate much from the rest of the court. Not the way you gadjo's do."

"Gadjo's?" asked Madeleine in confusion. Clopin appeared amused by her question.

"It's Romani for outsider. I don't mean it as an insult to you." Madeleine blinked before shrugging.

"Fair enough. I imagine you'll be a wonderful leader considering how protective you were of those two children," she smiled at him kindly. Clopin bit his lip as he stared out over the water, suddenly looking slightly insecure.

"I'm not so sure. I want to look after my people but I see all the things my father does and I'm not sure I'd be able to live up to the responsibility." Madeleine placed her hand over his gloved one. She used her other hand to gently turn his face towards her.

"The mere fact that you question your ability simply proves your worth. Those who are best suited to power are those who do not long for it." Clopin looked at her searchingly with his dark brown eyes. So dark they were nearly black.

"Why do you do it?" he asked taking her hands in his. Madeleine furrowed her brow.

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you so kind to us gypsies? The majority of your kind despise us yet you show only compassion for us even going as far as being willing to risk your life to help us."

"Because it's the right thing to do. You've done nothing to deserve the treatment you get. So you look different from us and live a different lifestyle. It doesn't mean I should treat you with cruelty. People should be judged by their individual deeds and who they are as a person. Just because most of Paris seems to have forgotten that doesn't mean I will." Madeleine said earnestly. She was very aware of how close they were now as one of his hands strayed to caress her cheek.

"Frollo accuses us of witchcraft. But I wonder, given the spell you seem to have put on me if that claim would be more accurately applied to you." he said softly. Their faces were now inches apart.

"Maybe you're not the only one under a spell," she murmured.

"Hmm," hummed Clopin before leaning in and kissing her and without a moment of hesitation she kissed him back.

Author's Note: Here's chapter four. I know this may seem a bit fast but we're working on Disney logic and I promise they'll get more fleshed out. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a comment below with your thoughts. It means a lot to know how this is received and provides motivation to write more chapters!