Chapter Seven

Hermione was stunned by the scene before her. The river before her flowed by leisurely as Clopin led her to a patch of grass that they could sit on. The bridges reflected the water beneath them and the colours of the sky were beautiful as the sun rose high in the sky. Watching as Clopin took some food out of the basket he had brought with them, she wondered how he knew she had wanted to go on a picnic. Shrugging her shoulders, she went along with it.

Beaming brightly, Hermione accepted the food offered but ate slowly. She didn't want to risk upsetting her stomach, that would certainly put a downer on the day. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Clopin leant back on the grass as he ate. Blushing slightly, she turned her attention back to the water just as he cleared his throat.

"So, what now, chérie?"

Hermione continued to chew her food as she thought about his question. Swallowing quickly, she shrugged.

"Most couples tend to ask questions about each other since they're getting to know one another properly. How about we try this game I heard about called twenty questions. I'll ask a question, we both answer and then it's your turn?"

Clopin sat up as he gave her his full attention with a nod. Smiling, she tilted her head as she thought about her questions.

"A bit of a normal question I suppose but, what's your favourite colour?" She threw a grape into her mouth as she shrugged at his confused glance.

"I would have to say purple, yours?" Hermione shrugged.

"Red. Your turn." She popped a bit of bread into her mouth as she watched him think about it. He did blush slightly, which intrigued her, as he rubbed the back of her neck.

"I should have asked this ages ago but admittedly forgot. How old are you?"

Hermione threw her head back and laughed. Calming her laughter down after a minute or two, she threw him a wink.

"Do you want the official answer or the technical one?" He raised an eyebrow as he leaned forward, eager to know.

"Both." Hermione grinned.

"The official answer is nineteen next month. The technical answer is twenty-two next month. This isn't the first time I've messed with time, only I've never gone any further back than twenty-four hours over the course of a year. All that extra time adds up."

Clopin's jaw dropped as Hermione continued to chuckle. The food was all gone now so the pair had ended up drifting towards each other until Hermione was leaning against his side with his arm wrapped around her. The young witch couldn't help but chuckle whenever some Parisians walked passed and gave the couple a dirty look at their closeness. Clopin's voice broke through her sniggering.

"I'm definitely going to want to know the story behind that, mon cher. However, I find myself interested, how old do I look?"

Hermione tilted her head to look up at him thoughtfully as she pondered his question. He didn't look like he was in his teens but he didn't look a lot older than her. Humming, she shrugged.

"I think perhaps late twenties." Clopin chuckled as he shook his head.

"Twenty-eight, mon cher. Close enough."

The questions continued in a similar nature for quite some time. It wasn't until the sun was at its peak when Clopin jumped up all of a sudden. Staring up at him, Hermione silently questioned what the hell he was doing. Grinning, he held out his hand to help her up. Accepting it, she found herself pulled to his chest as he smirked down at her.

Without an explanation, he dragged her through the streets of Paris. As he was ignoring her calls for a reason for the sudden running, Hermione just shook her head and went along with it, since there was very little she could do. It wasn't much longer before Clopin had them duck into an alleyway and led her all the way through it. Turning to her, he grinned.

"I only just remembered that ma mère mentioned a place called Place Cachée. She said it was a wizarding town and that it's near that statue."

Hermione stared at him for a long moment before pulling him into a deep kiss, stunning the man speechless. Pausing for breath, she beamed at him.

"I know how to get inside. I had a French friend called Fleur, she told me about it. Come on."

Pulling her wand out of her cleavage, Hermione cast a couple of disillusion charms on them both so that they wouldn't be seen by the muggles. Despite knowing there was a charm on the statue that prevented muggles from seeing the statue move, she knew it was better to be safe than sorry.

Pulling Clopin towards the statue, Hermione stared in awe as it moved to allow them entry. Ducking through, she pulled on his hand to make sure he kept up. Hermione wasn't sure what the procedures were in France for squibs but she wanted to keep Clopin as close as possible, just in case something went wrong. Stepping through, they paused for a moment, just to take in the stunning scene before them.

Witches and wizards all rushed around one another as they hurried about their business. Their clothing was similar to what Hermione knew from her time period so quickly transfigured her and Clopin's clothes to match, throwing a wink at him before she cancelled the disillusionment charms. Wand in hand, she muttered under her breath. If she was correct, then Gringotts had already been open for a few years by now.

"Point me: Gringotts."

Her wand spun in a full circle before pointing her in the right direction. Grabbing Clopin's hand, she followed it. Careful to not look at any of the passing witches and wizards, the couple sped down some streets before finally arriving at the large bank. Gulping, she turned to Clopin.

"We need to be careful around the Goblins, respectful. I might need you to translate if they don't know English like the muggles do."

Clopin just nodded seriously as he continued to stare at the building. Squeezing his hand, Hermione quickly let go before walking into the bank with an air of confidence that she definitely didn't feel. Slowly making her way to the back of the room, Hermione wondered if they changed the décor much over the years since this bank looked similar to the one she had grown up visiting each summer since she was eleven. Focusing on her task, she stopped in front of the last till and waited patiently for the Goblin to stop his work.

Making sure Clopin with beside her, she was thankful that the Goblin quickly called her forward. Bowing her head in respect, Hermione caught Clopin following her lead.

"May your enemy's blood flow freely. I am wishing to make an appointment with the head Goblin, if that is at all possible?"

The Goblin stared at her for a long moment, stunned at the respect she and her companion had showed him. Blinking, he nodded once.

"Excuse me for a moment."

Without another word, he jumped off his stool and walked off into room behind his till. Taking a deep breath, she flicked her gaze towards Clopin, who gave her a reassuring smile. It wasn't long before the Goblin returned.

"If you'll follow me, he will see you now."

Following the Goblin into the room he had entered, Hermione clutched Clopin's hand before abruptly letting go. Entering the room, she was surprised by how plain the office was but made sure that it didn't show in her expression. Taking a seat in front of a large desk, Hermione made sure to keep her back straight as she observed the Goblin who was sat at the desk. Clopin took the seat next to her as the Goblin who had ushered them in, closed the door as he left.

The Goblin before them sat at his desk with his hands clasped together, resting on the desk. Hermione idly wondered how Goblins were able to do that without cutting themselves with their claw-like nails. The Goblin scrutinized them with curiosity before introducing himself.

"I am Nagnok. What is it I can do for you today?" The couple bowed their heads in respect once more before Hermione took over.

"May your ventures always prosper, Nagnok. My name is Hermione Granger,' She removed the glamours she had on before taking a deep breath, but looked up in determination. 'and I was born on the nineteenth of September 1979."

Hermione paused for a moment, allowing Nagnok to take in what she had just said. His eyes widened at the implication of what was said but did nothing to interrupt her.

"I am doubtful that I can return to my time, however, I hoped that you would be able to offer me some assistance in return for some information. I'm afraid I don't have much money that would be helpful to Gringotts."

Nagnok rubbed his chin as he contemplated what she had said. Hermione tried her best not to look as worried as she felt but she knew that she would be a nervous wreck if Clopin hadn't been with her. She knew from her previous experience with Goblins that they didn't just deal with money, but information as well. Hopefully, she could use that to her advantage. Nagnok cleared his throat.

"I'm afraid I'm not aware of any way to get you back home, miss Granger. I apologise if that is what you were hoping for." Hermione smiled at the Goblin but shook her head.

"Non, it is not. I was hoping that you would allow me to open a vault so that I could store some memories within it. That way I can arrange for the vault to be opened on a specific date for a specific person. I'm afraid my friends have no idea what happened to me and I would like to leave my memories as proof that I am alright. I would like mine and monsieur Trouillefou's names to be on the vault."

Nagnok looked at her for a moment. Hermione could feel Clopin's questioning gaze on her as well but didn't dare look his way. She needed to remain as professional as possible. Nagnok nodded slowly.

"We can arrange that, miss Granger. I know a spell that can pull the memories straight out of your head as and when they happen. That must be done at a later date though, I shall send you an appointment. I must ask what information you have available to offer though?" Hermione paused for a second before offering a small smile.

"I'm afraid that most of the information cannot be used for some time, and does mainly affect the branch in England." Nagnok nodded.

"I expected as much. Please, tell me what you have to offer." Hermione took a deep breath.

"In 1995 the Goblins will have had quite a few dealings with one Rita Skeeter. I can tell you how to make sure none of these dealings will work in her favour. She is a reporter who has a habit of finding out information that no one should know. She is an animagus, her form will be a beetle.

I can tell you that in 1990 that a Goblin by the name Burgock will work at the British branch of this bank and will have an allergy to bronze. He will try to propose the abolishment of the knut coin but it will not go through.

Between the year 1962 and 1997 a piece of incredibly dark magic will be placed in the Lestrange vault. I'm afraid I do not know the specific date."

Nagnok nodded his head slowly as Hermione spoke whilst Clopin had stared at her in awe. Hermione blushed slightly but kept her gaze on the Goblin before her.

"What kind of dark magic are we talking about, miss Granger?" Hermione took a breath and prepared for the worst.

"A horcrux." The affect was immediate. Nagnok hissed loudly before spitting to his left. Glaring, he snarled fiercely.

"That is dark magic indeed. Whose soul resides in what object?"

"A fraction of a Tom Riddle Jr's soul in the cup of Helga Hufflepuff."

Nagnok's eyes couldn't have widened any further if they tried. Everyone knew of the legendary founders of Hogwarts in the wizarding world. It didn't matter what country you lived in. Slowly nodding his head, Nagnok grimaced, as though he knew the answer already.

"How did you come by that piece of information, miss Granger?" Hermione smiled sheepishly.

"I must apologise in advance, Nagnok. I'm afraid myself and two friends had little choice but to break into the British branch in 1998 in order to destroy the horcrux."

Half expecting to be kicked out, Hermione was surprised when Nagnok simply nodded his head.

"I assumed as much. Do you have any proof you can show me as to if this information is correct?" Hermione bit her lip before answering.

"I do. I have my memories. Tell me, has the pensive been invented yet?" Based on Nagnok's confused look, Hermione guessed not. Pulling out her beaded bag out of her pocket, she dug in deep to try and find hers. Pointedly ignoring Clopin's dumbfounded expression, she pulled out the small bowl.

Placing it on the desk before her, she enlarged it so that Nagnok wouldn't have to move from his seat.

"This is a pensive, it allows one to re-watch old memories. It's quite useful when someone is on trial and they are trying to prove their innocence for example. I can show you my memories as proof."

Nagnok slowly nodded as he leaned forward. Hermione tapped her wand to her temple and pulled out the silver strand containing all the memories she would need to show him. Just as she was able to touch her face to show what to do, Nagnok held up his hand to stop her. With a small nod, Hermione leant back in her chair and allowed Nagnok to go in alone.

Letting out a long sigh, she threw Clopin a small smile.

"I don't think we'll be much longer." The man just shook his head in awe.

"You astound me, mon amour. Truly deserving of the brightest witch title."

Hermione blushed before averting her gaze to the floor. No matter how often Clopin complimented her, she would never get used to it. Hermione heard the man chuckle as she flushed brightly. Thankfully, Nagnok raised his head from the pensive. Shrinking the bowl down, she put it back in her bag before giving Nagnok her complete attention.

"You have done us a great service, miss Granger. I will open this vault for you immediately and grant you 500 galleons in exchange for this information." Hermione was speechless, she hadn't expected to be given any money, however she knew better than to argue with a Goblin. Bowing her head, she thanked him.

"You are most generous, Nagnok. I thank you."

Standing up, Nagnok nodded as he gestured to lead them out of his office. Clopin stopped her for a minute.

"You might want to put your glamours back on, chérie."

Nodding thankfully, Hermione quickly cast the necessary spells. Following the Goblin deep into the ground, Hermione chuckled lightly at Clopin's amazed look as he tried to take everything in. Stepping out of the cart, Hermione watched carefully as the head Goblin opened the door to her new vault. Stepping aside, he gestured for them to enter.

Stepping into the vault, Hermione's jaw dropped. She had never seen so many galleons in her life. Shaking her head quickly, she turned her head at the sound of Nagnok's voice.

"Do you wish to make a withdrawal today, miss Granger?" Hermione didn't hesitate, throwing a grin at Clopin.

"Yes, please, Nagnok. I wish to take out a hundred galleons. Fifty of them to be converted into muggle money if possible."

"Of course."

The trio left the vault and headed back up to the surface. Hermione and Clopin waited patiently for Hermione's money. Nagnok handed over a pouch filled with the money with a respectful nod.

"Your business is always welcome here, miss Granger." Hermione smiled before nodding back to the Goblin.

"I appreciate it, Nagnok. May your endeavours never fail."

Without another word, Hermione spun on her heel and left the bank, dragging Clopin out with her. Stepping out into the sun, she beamed up at the sky before laughing loudly. Ignoring the peculiar looks she received from passing witches and wizards, she grinned at Clopin, who smiled back in return. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he led them in a random direction, figuring they may as well see more of the wizarding town, Hermione silently agreed.

"Why is it that you wanted to take the money out, chérie? Are you looking for something specific here?" Hermione beamed up at him.

"Isn't it obvious? The wizarding half is for the vials and a box that I will need to store my memories in but the muggle half is for our people."

Hermione came to a jerked stop. Confused, she found Clopin had stopped and since his arm was around her, it had forced her to halt as well. Looking at him in confusion, she watched as he opened his mouth a couple of times, but no words came out. Chuckling at him, she waited patiently for him to string some words together.

"Our people?" Hermione blushed at his whispered question. Fidgeting with her robes, she shrugged.

"Well, yes. You all have accepted me and we outcasts look after our own."

Hermione bit her lip, wondering if she had assumed to much when she felt Clopin's lips crash down onto hers. He gripped her head so that she had no escape, not that she wanted one. Kissing him back just as enthusiastically, she smiled. She had found where she belonged.