Chapter Fifteen

Hermione was exhausted. Plain and simple. She had been doing a lot of dancing lately, amongst other tasks, but there was only so many routines one could perform before there is nothing new left to show. Gathering up the coins she had earned, she couldn't help but sigh at how little there was. Biting her lip, Hermione wondered if she should give in and go to Gringotts but she wanted to earn the money herself. It would make it a lot more meaningful, at least to her anyway.

The young witch turned to Djali who was staring at her in what she thought was concern.

"C'mon, Djali. Let's call it a day."

Her faithful companion ever by her side, Hermione ducked through one of the nearby entrances to the Court of Miracles rather than walk all the way to the graveyard. She was too tired. Slowly making her way through the tunnels, she mentally calculated how much she had earned. To put it simply; not enough. Groaning, Hermione worked out that she needed at least an extra seven pieces of silver or two pieces of gold.

Kicking a stone into the filthy water, Hermione huffed to herself. She had told Clopin that she hadn't wanted anything for Christmas, and she really, honestly didn't. However, she had overheard some of the men discussing the fact that he was still going to get her something so as not to fall into the 'trap'. Hermione had spent the past few weeks dancing for all she was worth in order to earn the money to get him something.

She had asked for ideas from the women as to what she could get him and had been given a fair few ideas. Mainly about her making him some clothing but he had more than enough and none of it was even close to needing to be repaired, never mind replaced. Strangely enough, it had been one of the children who had given her the best idea. Hermione had taken a trip to the blacksmiths and asked how much it would cost to have a sword made for Clopin.

Not a great big fancy thing, that wouldn't suit him at all. Hermione had spoken to the blacksmith to get his opinion and he deemed the stiletto dagger would have been better for someone of the build she had described. However, she was almost certain that the man had doubled his price just because she was a gypsy.

She was close though. Very close, and she refused to go to the blacksmith with anything less than the agreed price. Stepping into the Court never failed to bring a smile to Hermione's lips. She loved living there, the children were always pleased to see her as were the other outcasts, but the children made her smile even brighter.

Hermione had to be careful though. Clopin had pretty much scolded her the other week because she was doing too much, but she had been able to brush him off enough that he wouldn't be doing so again anytime soon... she hoped. Carefully erasing the exhaustion from her face, she walked over to where her friends were gathered with her husband. Pressing a kiss to his cheek, Hermione grabbed a well-deserved beer and downed it in one.

Selina stepped up next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Snapping her gaze to the woman, Hermione saw the concern in her eyes.

"How much longer are you going to keep this up, mon amie?" Hermione snuck a hasty gaze to Clopin but sighed when she realised he wasn't looking her way.

"Until I get enough to buy that fucking dagger. One way or another, Selina."

Making it clear that the conversation was over, Hermione sipped at her drink before headed off to her and Clopin's tent. She liked the solitude it brought her. As much as she loved her fellow gypsies, they could be a bit much sometimes. Closing her eyes, she relished in the quiet as Djali curled up next to her on the end of the bed.

Smiling softly, Hermione tipped her head back slightly and sighed. She couldn't help but remind herself of how close she was. Opening her eyes, she cast a gaze at the cloth that covered the entrance to the tent and stood up. Pulling a small box out from underneath their bed, Hermione opened it up and took out the small purse. Opening it, she emptied it out into her hand and quickly counted it up.

A sliver of hope burst in her chest when she re-counted. It turned out she only needed another three pieces of silver. Grinning, she hoped that she could make that the next day. Quickly putting the money away, Hermione sat back on the bed just as Clopin entered the tent. Despite giving him a warm smile, she saw the concern on his face. Hermione knew he wanted to say something to her but he had promised he wouldn't hinder her from keeping her surprise.

Sighing, Hermione held her hand out for him to take. When he did, she pulled him towards her and laid down. She loved it when they took a moment to just lie in each other's company. Smiling, Hermione fell asleep to Clopin stroking her hair.

When she opened her eyes, she almost groaned to herself. She hadn't meant to fall asleep but could do nothing about it now. Slowly sitting up, she watched her husband as he slept next to her. Softly smiling, she noticed that Djali had woken up thanks to her movements. Pressing her finger against her lips, the goat knew to be quiet. Casting a quick spell, Hermione realised that it was just after dawn.

Eyes wide, she had no idea she had slept for so long. Shaking her head, it became clear to her that it had obviously been needed. Standing up, Hermione carefully grabbed her tambourine, hat and cloak before jerking her head to the side, telling Djali it was time to go. Easing through the square and tunnels, Hermione removed the slab of stone from the tomb and slipped out into the graveyard.

Arriving at her usual spot, she put on a beaming smile and decided to switch things up a bit, hoping that the change in movements would bring more coins. Throughout the morning, she kept her eye on what she had been given. Hermione beamed even brighter as she thanked one woman for giving her a piece of silver. One down, two to go. Feeling hopeful, she kept up the momentum and quickly found herself dancing through the morning. A quick glance showed that there was another silver piece.

Thrilled, Hermione danced vigorously. One more piece, that's all she needed, just one more. Throwing her arms up in the air, she bowed to the small crowd, signalling the end of one dance. Smiling thankfully as they clapped and cheered for her, she didn't miss the occasional disgusted look. Sighing, she shrugged, there was no pleasing some people. Hermione knew that the distrust had been pounded into the Parisian people by the judge.

Scooping up her hat, she checked and blinked. There was three pieces of silver and even a piece of gold. Grinning, Hermione looked down at Djali.

"Time for a break, huh?"

He danced about her before leading the way back to the Court. Chuckling at her friend, Hermione felt relieved. She had finally earned all the money she needed. Dashing through the square, Hermione waved to those who called out to her but she didn't stop. Stepping into the tent, she was glad to see it empty as she grabbed the coins from her pouch and legged it back out into the streets of Paris, leaving Djali behind.

Darting through the crowded streets, she was careful not to attract the attention of any soldiers as she arrived at the blacksmiths shop. Entering, she smiled at the fairly grumpy man and handed him the coins she had earned.

"Please, I've finally earned enough for that dagger we spoke about."

He stared down at the money in her hand and huffed. Rubbing the back of his neck, he did something that stunned Hermione. He apologised.

"I'm sorry, madam. I was in a foul mood when I last spoke to you, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I'll do the job for half price, just don't go telling anyone."

Without another word, he took half the coins and told her it would be ready for her in two days. Beaming brightly, Hermione thanked him repeatedly before leaving. Turning her head up to the sun, she chuckled. The smile never faltered as she made her way back home. Not even when she realised that the dagger wouldn't be ready until Christmas eve. It was cutting it close but it was better than she could have hoped for.

Over the next couple of days, Hermione noticed that no one looked at her with concern anymore. Glad that they had finally stopped with the worried glances, she would just beam back at them. She had Clopin's dagger hidden away in her beaded bag and was excited to give it to him the following day.

Hermione could honestly say she was glad to not be dancing as often as she had done. Not only did she need the rest, but she also found herself busy preparing for the next day. She helped her fellow gypsies decorate and gather as many supplies as possible. At the moment, she was helping Selina gather some food when the woman confused her.

"So, what are you going to be doing for the festival?" Hermione gave her a confused look.

"What festival?" Selina stared at her for a long moment before smacking her forehead.

"I forgot you don't know! Bugger, sorry Esmeralda. On the sixth of January we have the Festival of Fools. It's the one day a year where we gypsies aren't treated like shit on a shoe. We normally do a large performance. It's also the one day a year where people are more than happy to fling gold at us."

Finally understanding, Hermione began to panic.

"I don't have anything ready! Shit, what can I do?" Selina just smirked at her.

"Well, I was planning on dancing but Duke and I have decided to sit this one out and help with selling food and drink. Why don't you take my spot?"

Thinking about it, Hermione didn't see a problem with it. It wasn't like she could do anything else for it, no matter how tempted she was to help Selina and Duke. Biting her lip, she slowly nodded. Selina beamed.

"I'll let Clopin know later. Duke and I were going to tell him later on that we wanted to sit this year out anyway."

Nodding, Hermione went through the routines and decided that she wanted to create a brand new one. Turning to her friend, she asked for her help.

"I want to create a new routine for it. Would you mind helping me?"

Selina beamed as she nodded enthusiastically. Laughing, Hermione spent the rest of the day helping out around the camp. The young witch did admittedly end up spending most of the time keeping the children busy. According to Kezia, they always ended up too rambunctious for the rest of them to deal with but Hermione had a knack for getting them to listen.

Not believing she was that good with children at all, Hermione gave it her best shot. She was surprised to find that they really did listen to her. Confused, she paid it no mind until she was in her tent with her husband later that night. He had simply laughed at her when she mentioned it.

"Hermione, they love you. None of the adults really have time to keep them entertained or play with them as much as you do. Of course, they're going to listen to what you have to say."

Blushing slightly, Hermione pouted but gave in. She assumed that Clopin was just being nice so let it go. As she was getting ready for bed, she heard him clear his throat behind her. Raising an eyebrow, she looked at him in amusement before waiting patiently. He rubbed the back of his neck as he handed her a parcel.

"You can't really open this in front of the others, so I thought you could open it now?"

Hermione smiled at his nervous look. He looked absolutely terrified that she wouldn't like whatever it was he had got her. Taking the parcel, she raised an eyebrow at him.

"You know, you really didn't have to get me anything. There was no trap for you to fall into, no matter what the other men said."

Hermione chuckled at the sheepish glint in his eyes. Shaking her head, she froze at the sight of her favourite wizarding book. Blinking, she picked it up tenderly and glanced over it. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. Carefully placing it on top of Clopin's sewing table, Hermione threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Hiding her face in the crook of his neck, she allowed the tears to flow. It meant so much to her that he not only remembered her favourite book, but he had gone out of his way to get her it. Refusing to let him go any time soon, she muttered under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, mon amour."

His arms tightened around her waist as he lifted her up. Clopin sat down on the bed, leaving her in his lap. Wiping the tears away, she chuckled at herself. Clopin smiled at her and gently caressed her lips with his own.

"I'm glad you like it, femme." Grinning, she shook her head.

"Non, amour. I love it."

Grinning, the pair remained there until they deemed it time for bed. Wrapped up in her husband's arms, Hermione fell asleep quickly with a smile on her face.

The pair were rudely awakened by a very hyperactive Selina. Why the couple hadn't prepared themselves for her, they had no idea. It was pure luck that Selina hadn't walked in on them whilst they were busy, otherwise Hermione would have hexed her into next week. Friend or not, secret or not. Hermione was thankful that she hadn't removed her glamours the previous night, having been too tired to do so. Pushing her off, Hermione thumped her head back against the pillow before she heard Clopin grumble from her right.

"She's your friend, mon amour. You deal with her."

Groaning, Hermione shook her head as she snuggled back under the blanket. She was nice and warm, she had no plans on leaving that warmth. Not until she ended up with Selina practically shouting in her ear.

"IT'S CHRISTMAS!"

Huffing loudly, the couple looked at each other and groaned in unison. Honestly, Selina was like a giant kid. Knowing they weren't going to get any peace and quiet, they both got up. Hermione pushed Selina out whilst they dressed themselves. Clopin wrapped his arms around her as Hermione hit her forehead against his shoulder.

"Why? Just why?" Clopin chuckled into her ear.

"It's your fault for being friends with the mad woman, chérie." Hermione looked up and glared at him.

"Non, it's your fault for making her my dance instructor."

Clopin opened his mouth to argue but quickly realised that she was correct. Smirking as he huffed at the injustice of her being correct, Hermione sighed and moved towards her beaded bag. Taking out the presents she had made everyone from the pair of them, she noticed that he had also grabbed another present. Frowning, she wondered why he had another package when he had already given her his present and she had kept hold of everyone else's. Shrugging it off, she handed him half of the presents and left the tent.

It had been decided by Kezia that everyone would open their presents together in the centre of the camp. Grumbling under her breath, Hermione stomped out of their tent and fixed Selina with a fierce glare that was brushed off by the woman as though it was nothing. Clopin rolled his eyes at Duke who was stood behind his girlfriend.

"Sort your woman out, will you, mon amie?" Duke snorted loudly and folded his arms.

"When you sort yours out!"

Hermione slowly turned her head towards the two men with a dark scowl and was pleased when she saw they both paled and shuddered at the sight of it. Clopin quickly shook his head.

"Never going to happen, I value my life more than that."

Nodding firmly at the pair, Hermione spun on her heel and dished out the presents to the others. Despite it not being required, Hermione had made a point of getting every gypsy a present from both her and Clopin. They were considered their King and Queen, therefore she felt it was right that they all received something from them. Admittedly, the men received a new tunic and the women received a scarf, whilst Hermione had given each child a new toy that she had made herself, but it was the thought that counts. She had been stupidly busy all those weeks for a reason after all. Her fingers were sore with all the sewing she had been doing.

Watching the others open their presents brought a small smile to Hermione's lips. She was slowly waking up and the delight she spotted on her people's faces were enough to make her feel a little more human. Biting her lip, she watched out of the corner of her eye as Clopin opened her gift. Trying to make it seem as though she hadn't spotted it, the young witch sparked up a conversation with Kezia on her left but soon found herself in Clopin's arms with his mouth firmly upon hers.

Chuckling, she accepted the kiss, pointedly ignoring the catcalls from the others. Drawing back, she smirked.

"Does this mean you like it?" Clopin stared at her in awe as he shook his head.

"What did I do to deserve you, mon amour? Is this what you were so desperate to earn money for?"

Hermione blushed but smiled and nodded nevertheless. Accepting the thanks from the others for their gifts, Hermione found her hands filled with a gift of her own. Blinking down at it, she raised an eyebrow at Clopin who shrugged before leaning towards her to whisper in her ear.

"This one you're allowed to open in front of everyone."

Leaning back, Hermione spotted the smug look in his eye as she slowly unwrapped the gift. The young witch could only stare at the item in her lap. It reminded her of what she always imagined Galadriel from the Lord of the Rings books would wear. She had loved it when her dad would read those books to her. The green jewel was a surprise but it was stunning.

Looking up, she silently questioned Clopin. She spotted out of the corner of her eye that her people were waiting for her reaction. Hermione assumed that they had known about the gift previously. Clopin was rubbing the back of his neck, just like he had done before giving her the book. Smiling softly, she handed it to him to put on her head.

She heard the sigh of relief as he gently moved her hair slightly and donned the circlet on her head, as though crowning her in front of their people as Queen. There was a loud cheer and Hermione couldn't help the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She really was accepted here. Clopin wiped her tears away with his thumb and gently kissed her. Leaning into his side, Hermione pointedly ignored the men as they shouted how lucky Clopin was going to be later that night. Tilting her head slightly, she shrugged. Perhaps he would be. Grinning, Hermione sighed contently. This had to be her favourite Christmas by far.