Chapter Three

It had been two whole months since Hermione found herself in the fifteenth century, and she felt as though she had settled in rather well considering the circumstances. Everyone had been so welcoming and patient when teaching her various jobs that she could later on do to help the others when they need it. Sewing was a big thing that she had learnt as it turned out, not many gypsies knew how to do it. Hermione had managed to learn it fairly quickly though, she had made her own tent and was incredibly proud of it. She had only needed a little help with the final touches!

Her dance lessons had been pure torture. Hermione had to give it to Selina, she hadn't lied when she said she was a tough teacher. She could have given Professor Snape a run for his money for the strictest teacher award. Every night she would go back to her tent and collapse with exhaustion. However, Hermione didn't know the definition of failure, so she had kept with it and practiced whenever she could. She had to admit, that she had felt rather embarrassed during the first month and Selina could tell. Therefore, the older woman had offered some advice.

After a gruelling lesson, Hermione had collapsed in a heap on the floor and groaned for all to hear whilst Djali had checked on her.

"Why the hell am I not getting it?!" Hermione knew she was still blushing from the alluring movements she was being taught but didn't care. Selina passed her a cup of ale and sat down next to her, scrutinizing her as she drank.

"Esmeralda, I'm only going to say this once. Men are pigs. Us women have to use everything we have in order to make our way in life. If it means dancing for coins then you had better do your best to earn them, it could mean the difference between a full meal or starving for another day."

Hermione had taken the woman's words to heart and had slowly begun to let loose in a way. Ginny would have certainly been proud of her for the seductive routines she had finally started to master. Chuckling as she got ready for the new day, Hermione's thoughts couldn't help but turn to the man who saved her.

Against her better judgment, Hermione had become rather close with Clopin. He was mysterious and charming whilst also rather child-like and entertaining. He always checked up on her to make sure she was doing alright. Shaking her head slowly, she turned to Djali and the pair of them left the tent. Pushing her thoughts of the man to the back of her mind, Hermione made her way towards Selina's tent.

She had quickly gotten into a routine where she would have a dance lesson with Selina in the mornings, have lunch and then go with Clopin to his caravan where he would tell his stories. Hermione found that she loved his story telling skills, although that puppet of himself did creep her out for a moment before she realised he used it as comic relief. The children adored him, it was clear as day thanks to the beaming smiles on their faces as they leave, just to come back the next day, practically bouncing in anticipation.

Hermione was really hoping that she could possibly look around Paris. She didn't feel she was ready to start dancing for coins just yet but she wanted to at least look around. However, Clopin was reluctant to let her go off on her own. He didn't want her to get caught or end up in any danger, using a promise of her always having food and shelter to try and deter her from going. He refused to change his mind for the time being, even with the reminder that she could easily escape if she found herself in trouble. Huffing, Hermione was ready to start her lesson.

A few hours later had Hermione aching like no tomorrow. True, the pain had been easing somewhat but that didn't mean it was going to stop any time soon. Slowly stretching out her limbs, she joined the others for lunch. The children seemed to like her a lot for they would always eat their food with her and try to convince her to play some games afterwards. The witch wasn't sure why they liked her particularly but she did play games with them as often as she could. It wasn't very long before their pleas for games were interrupted by Clopin.

"Esmeralda! Are you coming?" Hermione smiled over her shoulder as she stood up, as did Djali, waving goodbye to the disappointed children.

"Yes, we're coming."

Djali stuck to her like her own shadow. Hermione was never seen without her faithful friend for very long and she appreciated the company. It was hard at times to remember that she was no longer fighting a war and that she had left her friends behind. She had caved a few weeks into her stay and ended up talking to Clopin about her time at Hogwarts. He had offered his shoulder for her to cry on and had managed to cheer her up afterwards. Hermione would have said he had become a dear friend if it wasn't for the crush she had managed to develop on him.

Stepping up to the cheerful man, Hermione followed him through the catacombs towards one of the exits. It had taken her a while to memorise the various different paths, though Clopin had insisted, just in case she needed a quick escape. Hermione had yet to get used to the sewage water though. She couldn't stop herself from holding her nose as they darted through the waste. Upon seeing it for the first time, she had wanted to save up for some shoes but she had noticed that all the women and children were barefoot, only some of the men had boots, and she didn't want to stand out any more than necessary.

Climbing up the steps cautiously, Clopin waited a moment before gesturing that it was safe to creep out of the exit. This particular one brought them right to Norte Dame, next to where his caravan was usually parked. Jumping up, Hermione helped Djali up before closing the grate behind her. Turning around, Hermione wasn't at all surprised to find that the children had already gathered around, waiting for Clopin's tales.

Sitting on her usual perch, the wooden steps of Clopin's caravan, Hermione listened to his tales with fascination, but this time, she just couldn't help but let her gaze wonder around the square. She had noticed how people stared at her and Clopin with sneers on their faces but the man had told her it was mainly because they feared another man called Claude Frollo. He was a judge in the town but he was dedicated to wiping out the gypsy 'vermin'. As much as she would love to give this judge a piece of her mind, she knew that would grant her an appointment with the gallows.

Hermione's eyes rested on Notre Dame. She had always wanted to visit but never had the chance. She wondered if she would be able to have a look around. It was then that she felt someone touch her arm, wanting her attention. Snapping her gaze to the left, she saw Clopin smile at her. He jerked his head towards the cathedral.

"Go on. I'll come get you when I'm done."

Beaming at him, Hermione jumped up and all but ran up the steps of the church. Pausing only for a moment, she heard Djali bleat next to her as she gently pushed the door open. Hermione wasn't prepared for the stunning beauty of the church. She had never been one for going to church, although her mother did make her go every Easter and Christmas, if she wasn't staying at Hogwarts. But this cathedral was something else.

Slowly walking in, Hermione took in as much detail as she could from her spot by the door, from the stunning stained-glass windows to the beautifully carved pews. Moving forward to sit down at one of the pews, she observed as the few people who were there prayed. Hermione stared up at the main alter as a couple of priests prepared it for something. Djali sat by her feet, content to stay there for a while. Smiling gently down at him as he made himself as comfortable as he could on the stone floor, Hermione relaxed into the seat and closed her eyes for a brief moment, listening to the chimes of the bells above her.

She wasn't ashamed to admit that she prayed, and not for the first time since the beginning of the war. For her loved ones back home, for her parents who would never remember her, for the new friends she had made in that time period and admittedly for herself. She prayed that she wouldn't cause the gypsies too much trouble and that she could find a way to help them out. Feeling someone sit down next to her, Hermione snapped her eyes open. Clopin smiled at her as she turned her gaze back to the stained glass at the front of the church and sighed.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Oui, very."

Hermione went to say something back but found that he hadn't been staring at the window like she had been. As cliché as it was, he had been staring at her. Blushing brightly, she stammered slightly before giving him a small snort of disbelief. Shaking her head, Hermione stood up, Clopin quickly followed.

"Shall we, mon cher?"

Offering her his arm, Clopin bowed to her, waving his hat as he did. Hermione rolled her eyes at him but couldn't stop the smile from tugging on her lips. An exaggerated curtsy his way and Hermione looped her arm in his, not caring for the disapproving looks they were receiving from the others as he put his hat back on. Leaving the cathedral, with Djali by her side, the pair strolled along the streets as Clopin finally gave in and took Hermione on a tour of Paris. Hermione's eyes were permanently wide with wonder and awe as Clopin took her to a variety of different places and showed her different escape routes.

They spent some of the time running away from some guards whilst the pair laughed loudly. Clopin's hand gripped tightly in her own. Hermione had never had so much fun whilst running for her life. Clopin was a strange man but she was damned if he didn't make things entertaining. Hermione wasn't sure where Djali had disappeared to but when Clopin saw her worry, he smiled.

"Don't worry, he knows how to get home."

Hermione stared at him for a long moment, barely missing the crate in her way. Home. It had been a long time since she had called anywhere home, but she supposed it was true now. She really had made herself a home with the gypsies. Grinning widely, she threw her head back and laughed before pushing herself forward, dragging Clopin along to his surprise.

Although, he was quick to stop them when they came to the river. They were too far down to make a run for the bridge. Hermione bit her lip, trying to figure out a way to escape when an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her towards them. Snapping her gaze up, Hermione wasn't sure if she liked the mischievous glint in Clopin's eye. His arm was tight around her waist whilst his other arm was holding a rope that was hanging from one of the houses. Eyes widening, she realised what he was about to do.

"Trust me, chérie."

He looked so sincere. Gulping loudly, Hermione wrapped her around his neck and barely nodded when he jumped. Biting back a scream, she squeezed her eyes tight, not wanting to look down. Unknowingly, she had brought up her knees as they swung through the air. Tightening her grip on Clopin, she prayed it would be over soon. Gulping, Hermione hadn't realised they had made it across safely until Clopin softly patted her back.

Slowly opening her eyes, she carefully stretched her legs down to touch the ground. Blushing, she gradually released her tight grip from around his neck. His arm didn't move from her waist as he stared into her eyes. It was as though time had sped up around them whilst the two of them were in slow motion. Shaking her head slightly, Hermione blinked and tried to step out of his arms, just to find herself trapped there. Clutching at the fabric of his tunic, Hermione's gaze fell to his lips subconsciously. Although, she did realise it when he started smirking at her.

Huffing, she was about to move when they heard the shouting from the guards again. Clopin sighed in annoyance but let go of her waist. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her through the maze of streets, once again running. Chuckling lightly, the pair ducked behind some crates and watched the guards run passed. Waiting for a few moments, they walked further into the alley, trying to catch their breath, as Clopin led Hermione to yet another escape route. Hermione couldn't stop chuckling if she tried.

Opening a metal hatch in the middle of the alley, Clopin held out his hand to her. Smiling softly, Hermione accepted the help down into the sewers. Once he replaced the lid, he took a hold of Hermione's hand once more after lighting up a torch. He led her deep through one tunnel before they heard strange sounds coming from one of the few tunnels that led off in different directions.

Instantly, Clopin put out the fire in the water and pulled Hermione into a gap in the wall just big enough for them to hid in. Pushed up against him, Hermione tried to be as quiet as possible but was certain that her heart beat could be heard for miles. It had gone erratic when he had held her before but now it was beating uncontrollably. Hermione's eyes adjusted to the lack of light quickly, allowing her to see just enough that Clopin had his finger to his lips.

Nodding, Hermione reached down her top and pulled out her wand. Ignoring Clopin's obvious stare at her chest, she cast some silencing and disillusion spells before hiding her wand once more.

"No one can hear us now, or see us." Clopin nodded slowly but whispered all the same.

"We should wait here until we know who it is."

Hermione nodded and waited as patiently as she could. Trying to keep her breathing even, she couldn't help but lean in close as Clopin's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her to his chest. Resting her head against his chest, she let out a slow, calming breath. Hermione knew she probably shouldn't get attached, not when she's still trying to figure out a way home, but she couldn't help it, despite knowing she would probably never find a way back to her time. She already loved the friends she had made and she was well on her way to loving the man stood before her.

Shaking her head, she tried to listen out for who was creeping down the tunnels. Hermione supposed that she shouldn't really judge since that was exactly what they were doing after all. As the sounds came closer and closer, she felt Clopin's arms tighten around her. It wasn't long before they saw a couple of gypsy kids rush passed them, giggling as they chased one another. Letting out a sigh of relief, the pair chuckled.

"I'll cancel the spells when I know they're far enough away."

Feeling Clopin's chest rumble as he chuckled, Hermione counted to twenty before stepping out of the crevice. Blushing as she waited for Clopin to remove himself, Hermione focused on calming her heart rate. The gypsy smirked at her as he took her hand and led her down the tunnels. A quick wave of her hand and the spells vanished, earning her an impressed glance from Clopin.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the Court of Miracles. Entering the laughter filled area always brought Hermione a sense of relief, she had made it another day. Grinning as she waved to those who called out to her, Hermione followed Clopin. Spotting his unusually stern look, she cast her gaze towards something that caused her heart to stop.

A pair of guards were tied up and on their knees with five gypsy men guarding them. Sucking in a breath, her attention turned to look up at the gallows that the gypsies had made for those who found their hide away. Gulping, she tried to remain calm but Clopin knew she wasn't quite herself. Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, he stepped up to the two guards and folded his arms.

"What do we have here?" Bartley sneered down at the soldiers.

"We found them snooping about down the tunnel that leads to the bakery." Clopin's jaw tensed but he nodded. Sending Hermione a slightly apologetic glance, he led the group of seven up to the gallows. Calling out for all who were there, Hermione watched as the other gypsies gathered around the gallows, jeering and booing when they saw the two guards.

"It's a double header, mesdames et messieurs!"

The people gathered cheered loudly as Clopin performed his bizarre little ceremony. Despite the sombre act about to be performed, Hermione couldn't help but smile at the mad man. He was certainly different from anyone else she had met. Just as she was about to laugh loudly at his antics, Clopin pulled the lever. Immediately, her smile disappeared as she inhaled sharply.

Staring at the two men who were now dangling from the ropes, Hermione gulped but couldn't remove her gaze. As morbid as it was, she just couldn't look anywhere else. It took Clopin pulling on her arm to finally snap her gaze away. Blinking, she let him drag her towards the area where they would practice acrobatics. He had her sit down against the wall and sat down next to her.

"Are you alright?" Hermione looked up at him, blinking almost dazed.

"Yes, yes I'm fine. It's strange though. I always thought I would feel sick to my stomach if I ever witnessed an execution. But all I felt was,' she paused for a moment, trying to think of the right word whilst he drew circles on her hand with his thumb. 'not glad exactly but possibly relief?"

Clopin nodded understandingly before giving her a small smile before he looked around at the people near them.

"It's because you're one of us, Esmeralda. One of the outcasts. We look after our own. You probably felt relief that we would all be safe."

Hermione slowly nodded. Perhaps that was it. She had finally accepted that she was an outcast like the others and was reassured that they were safe. Slowly smiling, she was interrupted by a loud bleat. Snapping her head up, she was glad to see Djali running towards her. Arms opening up, the goat jumped right into them as he licked her face. Giggling, she stroked his fur until he calmed down.

"I'm sorry, Djali."

Hermione could have sworn the goat huffed at her in irritation but gave her a forgiving lick nevertheless. Chuckling at the bratty animal, Hermione looked towards Clopin who was smiling softly at them.

"Thank you, monsieur Trouillefou." He raised an eyebrow at the formality.

"What for, chérie?" Hermione beamed back.

"For accepting me."

Clopin looked confused for a moment before grinning widely. They sat there for some time, just relaxing and enjoying the other's company. Hermione was quick to head to bed once she realised that it was late, she had had a long day so it was no surprise that she fell into a deep sleep the moment her head touched the pillow.