Chapter Two

Hermione froze when the name spilled from his lips. Clopin looked confused, but he waited patiently for her to say something. She gulped but slowly nodded. Clearly feeling pleased with himself, Clopin jumped up.

"Well then, Esmeralda. We had better introduce you to everyone. Although, you had best keep your glamours on for everyone but me, chérie."

Nodding, Hermione stood up but was stopped from taking a step forward by Clopin holding his hand up. She blushed as Clopin looked her up and down.

"We had better get you some different clothes first, mon cher."

Without another word, he stepped out of his tent. Sitting back down, Hermione hung her head and cupped her face with her hands. How on earth did she end up in this mess? The last thing she remembered was running with Harry and Ron during the Battle of Hogwarts. Ducking and diving as various projectiles and spells were sent her way, then suddenly she woke up here in this tent whilst Clopin was sewing. She was forever grateful that Fleur had taught her at least a little French. She was gutted that she had lost one of her mother's hoop earrings but figured wearing one wouldn't be too strange... she hoped. Although, she was sure that she recognised the name Clopin had given her.

Lifting her head, she looked at what it was that Clopin was stitching. Walking over and picking up the fabric, Hermione smiled at the sight of the puppet. Looking around the tent, she realised that there were many, many more puppets. Intrigued, she walked around, looking at them in detail. It was hard to believe that a carefree man like Clopin would sew puppets. Thinking about it, it was probably how he made money.

Frowning, Hermione tried to think of everything she could remember about this period of time. She knew that it was a time where everyone suspected everyone else of wrong doing and that the punishments, if caught, were harsh. Shuddering at the thought, Hermione hoped that she wouldn't be caught but knew that if she was, it would be a lot easier to get away than Malfoy Manor was. Gently touching her arm, she was surprised to find it now wrapped in a colourful piece of fabric. Smiling softly, she figured it had been Clopin.

Hearing footsteps coming towards the tent, Hermione paused for a moment, trying to figure out if it was Clopin or not. Biting her lip, she hid just behind a chest near his desk that was covered in puppets, not knowing if he wanted people to know she was there or not. Peeking her head out cautiously, Hermione sighed in relief when she saw it was Clopin. The man looked around before seeing her step out with a blush on her face. He smirked in amusement before grinning widely at her.

"Here. I've managed to find some spare clothing. But, if anyone asks, you've had these all along.' He threw a wink at her, causing her blush to brighten. 'I'll just step outside whilst you get changed."

Before Hermione could say a word, he left. She could see his shadow on the tent though. Smiling at the gesture, Hermione quickly figured out how to change into the clothing. She wasn't sure how to feel about posing as a gypsy but she figured if it saved her life then she was all for it. It was only when she removed her top that she noticed the same fabric that was wrapped around her arm, was also around her torso. Blushing, Hermione removed it since she knew that it wouldn't help but appreciated the thought.

Luckily for her, it didn't take long at all to change. Staring down at her new clothes, Hermione hoped it looked as good on her as it had when Clopin laid it on the bed for her. The light purple skirt fell to mid-shin, allowing her plenty of movement due to the lightness of the fabric. A darker purple sash with gold circles attached wrapped around her waist as though it was a cover for the skirt. She wore a turquoise and gold corset over a white blouse that fell off her shoulders. The sleeves of the blouse ended at her elbows. Hermione was grateful that the corset allowed her to breathe properly. She hoped no one would mind her being barefoot since she didn't think wearing her trainers would be a good idea.

There was an additional piece of pink cloth that Hermione had no idea what to do with. Blushing lightly, she called out to Clopin to re-enter. The second he stepped into the tent, he paused and stared at her for a long moment before beaming at her.

"Ahh, you look stunning, chérie." Hermione held up the cloth in question as she flushed at his praise.

"T-thank you. What do I do with this?"

Clopin smiled at her and took the cloth before gesturing for her to turn around. Hesitantly, she did so. Clopin messed about with her hair and tied the cloth into it. Once he was finished, he took a step back to appraise her. Slowly turning, Hermione hoped it didn't look too bad. The beam on his face chased away any doubts.

"It'll keep most of your hair out of the way, mon cher. Believe me, the other gypsy women are always complaining about it."

Hermione chuckled as the eccentric man rolled his eyes playfully. Clopin smiled at her.

"I think it's a bit late to introduce you properly, Hermione. I think it would be best to wait until the morning. You need your rest anyway. Goodnight."

Clopin turned to leave but stopped when Hermione called out to him.

"Clopin, isn't this your bed? I'm more than happy to sleep on the floor! Besides, I think it would be best if we got used to calling me Esmeralda."

Clopin smiled softly at her before stepping towards her. He brushed a curl out of her face as he slowly nodded.

"Oui, you have a good point. Very well, Esmeralda. You need to rest, please take the bed. We will find something for you tomorrow."

Without another word, he spun on his heel and left the tent, not giving her the chance to argue. Frowning, Hermione shrugged her shoulders as she put her old clothes back into her beaded bag. She crawled onto the bed and drank the rest of her ale before slipping under the blanket. It would take some time to get used to drinking ale or beer rather than water but she didn't want to make anyone suspicious of her. Her last thought was of those she had left behind.

Waking up the next morning had Hermione groaning as she stretched. Blinking a couple of times, it took a moment before her eyes focused on the colourful fabric above her. Frowning, she tilted her head until her memories of the previous night rushed back to her. Inhaling sharply, she sat up and looked around to see if Clopin was there. Finding the tent vacant, Hermione stared down at the cloth wrapped around her arm. Gingerly brushing her fingertips against it, she decided she had better remove it and cover the scar with a glamour.

Thankful that her glamours could now last up to a week, she covered the slice at her throat and then the slur quickly before tying the cloth around her wrist. She liked the colours of the cloth and, for some strange reason, it pleased her that Clopin had thought to tend to it. Blushing at the thought of the odd man, Hermione took a deep breath before swinging her feet around to touch the floor. Before she could stand, there was a weird tapping on the tent's entrance.

"Esmeralda? Are you awake?"

Glad that Clopin was using the name he had come up with, Hermione called for him to enter. Stepping through the fabric, she realised why he had used her false name when a few other gypsies followed him. Two men and one woman. The two men couldn't have been any different to each other if they tried. One was incredibly tall and beefy with very little hair on his head but a thick beard. The other was skinny and short but had a full head of hair and was clean shaven. The woman was elderly but looked like she could give as much as she got.

"Esmeralda, this is Bartley,' Clopin pointed to the beefy guy. 'Duke, and Kezia." He then pointed to the second man and the woman. Standing up, Hermione gave them a smile as she greeted them.

"Hello, I'm Esmeralda." Bartley nodded whilst Duke smiled warmly at her, giving her a little wave. Kezia stepped up to her and assessed her in curiosity. Once she was done circling Hermione, she gave her a grin.

"We need to get some meat on those bones, young one! You'll never get a man if you stay as thin as you are now."

Hermione blushed at the thought but knew that she had lost quite a bit of weight whilst being on the run. Clopin chuckled at her, earning him a glare from Hermione.

"Come, chérie. We had best introduce you to the others and get you learning the ropes." Kezia scoffed at him.

"Bah! You men clear off. I'll look after the young one. Come, dear."

Hermione shot Clopin a confused look before she followed the elderly woman out of the tent. The scene before her stunned the young witch. It was amazing. She almost felt as though she was back at the Quidditch world cup with how busy but joyful the place was, not to mention colourful. Although clearly underground, Hermione could hardly tell from how the place lit up.

Dashing after the old woman, Hermione was surprised at how fast she was. She certainly didn't look it but damn that woman could move quickly. Only just catching up to her, Hermione ignored the curious glances she was getting. Kezia started off shooting random facts and explanations at Hermione that just left her stumped.

Kezia took her on a kind of tour that Hermione knew she would be needing again just to let her process what was being said. Perhaps she could convince Clopin to go through it with her again. Hermione had to admit, everyone was incredibly welcoming. Everyone she met took the opportunity to introduce themselves and offer their assistance should she ever need it. She supposed that it was true, gypsies really did look after one another.

Smiling at the thought, Hermione forced herself to look like she was at least trying to pay attention to what was being said. Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn Clopin and Duke were laughing at her. Growling lowly, she was tempted to give them the finger but figured they wouldn't know what it meant. Settling on a dark glare, Hermione quickly moved on with Kezia.

To say Hermione was amazed by, what she now knows is called, the Court of Miracles would be an understatement. She couldn't help but smile at how everyone was so willing to help each other out. She supposed that they would have to since the rest of society was against them. Hermione beamed as the children came running up to her, asking various questions that she tried hard to give vague answers to until she had come up with a backstory. She would probably need Clopin's help with that.

Just as the children were about to ask more questions and try to convince her to play with them, Hermione heard a commotion a few tents down from where she was standing. Frowning, she turned to see what was going on when she suddenly had her arms full of white fur. Blinking, Hermione had no idea what was going on. Looking up slightly, she realised that she was stood with a goat in her arms. Incredibly confused, she heard Clopin rush over as he chuckled.

"Looks like Djali likes you, Esmeralda!"

Looking at the goat in confusion, Hermione received a bleat in what she thought was agreement but had no idea. Still confused, she glanced towards Clopin who was still chuckling at her.

"What's going on?"

"Djali has been rather rebellious since his owner was hanged two months ago. He's been a real trouble maker. But, I think he's taken a liking to you, so maybe he'll calm down."

Looking at the goat with sympathy, Hermione cautiously petted his fur, receiving a bleat in thanks. Chuckling softly, she let him jumped back to the floor but he surprisingly stayed with her, as though confirming what Clopin had said. Smiling softly at Djali, Hermione's gaze snapped back to Clopin as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Come, mon cher, we have places to go!"

Confused but willing to get away from Kezia's blitz tour, Hermione simply went along with whatever it was Clopin had planned. She wondered if it would be a good idea to mention creating a backstory but she decided against it when he led her to a tent that she hadn't been to as of yet. Tapping against the cloth, the two of them were given entry. Entering the tent, Hermione glanced around and realised that they all seemed the same but Clopin's had a little extra space. She figured that was because he was their 'King'.

"Mademoiselle, I have brought you a student!"

Hermione was only slightly ashamed to admit that the word student got her excited. She was going to learn something. Looking over towards Clopin and the owner of the tent, Hermione was surprised to see a young woman standing before them. She couldn't have been much older than Hermione, perhaps early twenties with long black hair wrapped up in a bun. She had an incredibly thin figure but held herself well. Gazing at her, Hermione spotted bright blue eyes that scrutinized her. Shifting uncomfortably, Hermione wasn't sure what to say.

"Hmm, I see. Esmeralda is it?' Hermione nodded. 'I'm Selina. Very well, I will teach you how to dance."

Blinking, Hermione flicked her gaze towards Clopin, who looked so damn proud of himself, before giving Selina a smile.

"Thank you so much." Selina smiled back.

"Don't thank me just yet, I'm a harsh teacher. We'll start tomorrow morning."

With the clear dismissal, Clopin and Hermione left. Before the man could take a step, Hermione grasped his arm tightly and dragged him over to his tent and all but threw him in. Luckily for her, no one had really paid any attention. Glaring at him, she folded her arms, unknowingly pushing up her chest to Clopin's pained pleasure.

"Dance? What the hell?" Clopin raised his hands in surrender.

"I tried to think of various things you could do to earn money in this time, Hermione. There really isn't a lot out there for gypsies to do. Can you play an instrument?' Hermione hesitantly shook her head, unwilling to let go of her annoyance just yet. 'I didn't think so, therefore I came up with the idea of dancing for coins. It's better than pretending to be blind or something similar."

Hermione pursed her lips as she thought about it. She supposed, over all, it wasn't too bad of an idea. Sighing heavily, Clopin knew he was off the hook.

"Alright, fine. You had a good idea. But, what if I'm really, really shit at it? What then?"

Clopin sighed dramatically before he slung his arm around her shoulders again, leading her out of the tent.

"I suppose I'll find something for you to do. Although,' He tilted his head as he gave her a considering glance. 'I think it might be best if I taught you some acrobatics as well. Just in case you get cornered by the guards."

Unable to think of an argument, at least within other people's hearing, Hermione simply nodded as she blushed at his contact. She was grateful that he was helping her so much, but she really needed to stop blushing around him, it seemed to give his ego an unneeded boost. As though to prove her point, Hermione heard Duke whistle and call out amongst the crowd.

"You making a move already, Clopin? You move fast!"

Hermione tensed her jaw in annoyance whilst Clopin laughed loudly and tightened his grip on her shoulder.

"Of course! Gotta get in there quick before you mess it up!"

Hermione heard the people surrounding them laugh at his joke but she spotted Kezia looking at the pair of them with approval in her eyes. Blushing even brighter, she tried to calm her breathing down before elbowing Clopin in the ribs.

"Pack it in." She muttered under her breath. Clopin just chuckled at her but did remove his arm. Hermione was sure she was still blushing but acted as though she didn't know. Djali had yet to leave her side and he had decided that Hermione was too embarrassed for his liking. Moving behind the pair, he headbutted Clopin in the arse, almost making the man fall over.

Hand over her mouth, Hermione did her best not to laugh to loudly but was unable to smother all of it. Clopin stared at her for a moment before he got a sly smirk on his face. Not liking the sight of it at all, Hermione tried to find a way out but was stuck. The gypsy man leant forward so that his face was only mere inches away from hers.

"I'll get you for that, mon cher. However, I think I'll bide my time, for now."

Abruptly, he straightened back up and waltzed through the crowd. Blinking a couple of times, Hermione shook her head before rolling her eyes. Glancing down at Djali, she spoke.

"Wanna show me around, Djali?"

Hermione was desperate to not get caught by Kezia again. However, her eyes widened in shock when the goat nodded at her and jumped ahead, indicating that she should follow him. Blinking, she bit her lip before following the unusual animal. Perhaps he had been someone's familiar before?

The thought made her think of Crookshanks and Hermione felt a stab of pain. She hoped her friends were looking after her dear cat. At least, that is assuming that they had won the war. Frowning, she silently prayed that her friends and family were alright, even if her parents would never remember her now. Strangely, she didn't feel as bad as she probably should have done at that thought. At least her parents would be able to live happy lives.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Hermione smiled down at Djali, who was looking at her in confusion. Chuckling, the witch shook her head.

"C'mon then, Djali. Show me the best of the best."

Hermione chuckled as he got excited and dashed off, making sure to stay within eyesight though. Chasing after him, Hermione had a feeling that she was going to like it there.