Chapter Sixteen

The long-awaited day of the Feast of Fools had arrived. Hermione was practically bouncing around the square in the Court of Miracles, helping with the minor details that were naturally left until last minute. Despite the happy atmosphere, Hermione felt her gut clench as the nerves got to her. She started to feel sick and had to rush off to bring her breakfast or lunch back up. She felt as though she was about to sit her O.W.L's all over again. Just as she had finished throwing up for the fourth time, she felt a hand rub her back in soothing circles.

Taking a few deep breaths, she looked over her shoulder to find Clopin was looking at her, worried.

"Are you alright?" Slowly nodding, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Just the nerves. I've never done anything like this before." Clopin smiled understandingly.

"Why don't you go up and do your usual dancing on the corner? It'll help you ease your worries by practicing a bit and your nerves will calm down." Tilting her head as she thought about it, she wandlessly cleaned her mouth of the sick and agreed.

"That might be a good idea. Alright, I'll just go and grab Djali."

Before leaving, she pressed a kiss to her husband's cheek. Calling for Djali as she grabbed what they needed, the two of them made their way up to the surface, only to be called back by one of the men and his son. Vano and his son Llewellyn.

"Esmeralda, we heard you're heading up. Need a musician and a look out?" Beaming, Hermione nodded.

"If you have the spare time, it would be greatly appreciated."

The four of them headed up into the streets of Paris. They decided that since it was a big day, they would only play a couple of songs. Llewellyn jumped up the wall and was keeping an eye out whilst his father played his flute. Dancing around, Hermione allowed herself to relax whilst Djali performed some tricks.

Twirling as she played her tambourine, Hermione couldn't stop grinning. Clopin was right, doing something so simple had really calmed her nerves down. At least until she overheard one of the women pulling her child away from her act.

"Stay away, child. They're gypsies, they'll steal us blind."

Hermione did her best not to frown at that but sent the young girl a playful wink as she was dragged away by her mother. The child seemed to perk up. Considering her job done, she signalled to Vano that they would do one more. However, a new man caught her attention as he watched Djali's tricks. A soldier based on his gold armour and blue cloak.

Hermione had been in Paris for over seven months now and she could honestly say that she could at least recognise everyone who lived in Paris. This man was a stranger, but when he threw some coins in her hat, she decided that he couldn't be all that bad... for a soldier. When he met her gaze, she offered him a thankful nod and smile.

Right that second, Llewellyn jumped on the wall and gave a whistle. Gasping, Hermione turned to run away before the guards came upon them, but Djali's bleat forced her to stop. Crouching down to gather the coins they had earned, Hermione groaned quietly when two shadows blocked the sun's rays. She recognised these two guards, they were the usual two who harassed her. The one with the annoying moustache went to grab her hat.

"Alright, gypsy, where'd you get the money?" Furious, she glared at him as she pulled her hard-earned money away from him.

"For your information, I earned it!" The soldier scoffed and shook his head.

"Gypsies don't earn money." He said it so matter-of-factly it caused Hermione to paused and stare at him for a long moment. She was snapped out of it by his friend.

"They steal it." Shifting her glare to the second solider, Hermione spat through her teeth.

"You'd know a lot about stealing!"

"Troublemaker!"

"Maybe a day in the stocks will cool you down!"

The two soldiers were really starting to get on Hermione's nerves, especially when they grabbed her. Gritting her teeth, she was thankful when Djali stepped in to help her fight them off. The second they were down, Hermione smirked and then ran around the corner. She heard them shout out and couldn't stop her curiosity from reaching an all-time new level. Looking around the corner, Hermione smirked.

Seeing the soldiers getting their arses kicked by this unknown soldier amused her greatly, even more so when he had his horse sit on one of the guards! It also confused her though. She wasn't used to soldiers being nice and helping gypsies. Shaking her head, she glanced down at Djali and nodded.

Slipping down the street, Hermione had Djali climb onto her back and threw the cloak over the both of them. All but thrusting a pipe into Djali's mouth, she slumped down on the floor and waited for the guards to pass. She heard the horse and knew that the new soldier was headed towards the Palace of Justice. Sneering slightly at the thought of the vile place, Hermione was gobsmacked when the same soldier threw some more gold coins into her hat. Waiting impatiently, she stayed there until they were far enough away before pulling her hood down to gaze at their backs.

The pair of them jumped up, scooping up the coins, and dashed back down the street, avoiding more guards whilst they were at it. They soon bumped into Vano and Llewellyn before heading towards the hide out. Bursting in, Hermione took a few deep breaths before splitting the money with the two of them. After all, she hadn't really needed the money, just the chance to let her nerves calm down.

Grinning, she made her way towards Clopin, who she could see calling out orders in the middle of the square in a frenzied manner. Feeling somewhat mischievous, she ran and jumped on his back, laughing loudly as he stumbled. He was only just able to keep upright as he gave her a small smirk. Hermione grinned innocently as she leaned over his left shoulder and gave him a lewd kiss. Pointedly ignoring the catcalls from the other gypsies, she pulled back with a smile.

"Is there a reason for almost giving me a heart attack, chérie?"

Hermione pursed her lips and tilted her head, as though she was thinking about it. After a few seconds she shook her head.

"Non, mari. No reason."

Clopin chuckled at her as she jumped down off of his back. Grinning at him, she looked around to see pretty much everything they needed was already in the square above them. Her husband clasped his hands around her waist from behind her and started to push her to her left.

"Selina is looking for you. You had better go find her before she does something we'll all regret. Honestly, that woman needs to be given a good shake. Hmm, I still need to get her back for Christmas."

Chuckling as Clopin's mock wince slowly changed into a thoughtful expression, she kissed his cheek before leaving to find her crazy friend with a shake of her head. She had no doubt that Clopin really would get his revenge. Djali promptly followed her. Hermione grinned down at him, she didn't know what she would do without the goat by her side.

Rushing through the streets, Hermione grinned and waved to her fellow gypsies. She heard some guards grumble but she paid them no mind. There were better things to do than pay attention to the idiot soldiers. Running passed a tent, a hand came out and grabbed her arm, terrifying the daylights out of her as it pulled her roughly into the tent she had tried to pass. Turning to glare at the only person who could have been responsible, she wasn't surprised when her glare landed on the friend she was trying to find.

"Honestly, Selina. Was there any need?" Hermione huffed as she folded her arms. Djali also huffed loudly at her but Selina just rolled her eyes.

"Yes, now, go and get ready."

She pulled back a curtain and pushed Hermione behind it, gesturing to the costume that was laid before her. Huffing once again, the young witch shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to strip, she could already hear Clopin singing away to the crowd outside. Chuckling, she just shook her head as she overheard some of the lyrics. Why he felt the need to sing in the first place, Hermione had no idea but she loved his voice. She had given up trying to understand Clopin a long time ago. Halfway wrapping her robe around her, there was a loud bang and the curtain behind her was suddenly pulled away.

"Hey!' Glancing around, she realised that a man had stumbled in by accident and was currently shuffling backwards on the floor. Frowning in concern, Hermione reached out to him. 'Are you alright?" The man continued to back away from her as he held his cloak around his face, he stuttered.

"I didn't mean to... I'm sorry." Hermione shook her head and smiled, it really wasn't his fault, especially if he was pushed. The man didn't seem the type to do it on purpose and she couldn't smell any alcohol on him.

"You're not hurt, are you? Here, let me see." She saw the man's eyes widen in horror as she reached forward to remove the cloak's hood. He leaned back even further to try and get away from her.

"No, no, no!"

Hermione pulled back the hood and saw his face. She could have sworn she heard Djali retch in disgust but Clopin had warned her that the men would be wearing the ugliest masks they could find. Why that was a part of the festival, she had no idea. This one looked incredibly realistic though. Hermione had to admit, she was impressed.

"There. See, no harm done.' She pulled the man up by his arm and led him to the entrance of the tent with a warm smile. 'Just try to be a little more careful."

"I-I-I will." Hermione chuckled at the man's nervous demeanour. Just as he began to leave, Hermione called out.

"By the way, great mask!"

Grinning as she dropped the cloth, she proceeded to finish getting ready. Just as she had finished putting on her costume, Selina entered once more. Beaming, the woman quickly fixed Hermione's hair and held out a strange looking tiara that she hadn't seen before. It was nothing like the one Clopin gave her for Christmas but it was still really pretty. Raising an eyebrow, Selina just shrugged.

"It was a part of the costume that Kezia designed. Who am I to go against her wishes?"

Hermione chuckled but allowed Selina to help her put it on. No one wanted an angry Kezia on their case. Hermione shuddered at the thought. Just as they were double checking all the little details, Hermione heard that she only had a couple of minutes to get ready. Selina winked at her.

"Show them what you've got. You're going to drive that King of ours absolutely crazy. Just think of all the sex you'll get out of it!"

Hermione just sniggered and winked back. She knew Clopin was going to have a few choice words to say after her performance but the two women had figured that it was the one day a year that she could get away with it. Selina wasn't wrong either, she was definitely going to be having some fun later that night! Carefully making her way over to the stage, Hermione grinned as she creeped in behind the backdrop and waited for Clopin to make the smoke. She couldn't help but shake her head at his dramatic flair.

"Come one! Come all!

Hurry, hurry, here's your chance.

See the mystery and romance.

Come one! Come all!

See the finest girl in France'

Hermione let out a snort at his blatant favouritism but got into position nevertheless.

'make an entrance to entrance!

Dance la Esmeralda... dance!"

The second Clopin threw the powder down and produced the smoke, Hermione swapped places with him. She could feel his heated gaze on her back but she focused on her routine. The second she could be seen through the smoke, she made her move, tambourine in hand. Hermione made sure to do exactly what Selina had taught her; sway the hips provocatively, be graceful with the arms, make bedroom eyes at the crowd.

She was already having fun and it had only been a couple of seconds. Hermione wondered if she looked as poised as her ballet teacher when she was eight years old had wanted her to be. Softly chuckling at the thought, she grabbed her scarf that was attached to the back of the dress and used it as a prop whilst the crowd cheered for her. Practically beaming, Hermione was thrilled to get such a response. Although, she could have done without the lustful gazes she was receiving from the men but beggars can't be choosers.

Hermione caught a glimpse of Clopin from behind the stage and winked at him. He was just as entranced with her as the crowd was, but the second she spotted the judge, she threw Clopin a wicked grin. One that said he probably wasn't going to like what she was about to do. Strutting towards the judge, Hermione jumped so that she was sat on the arm of his chair whilst wrapping her scarf around his neck.

She hated the man with everything she had. She hated him for the persecution of her people, for cruel injustice he inflicted upon them and all over outcasts. Most of all though, she hated him for what he had done to Clopin. But, she knew she couldn't let any of that hatred be seen. Especially not by him or his soldiers. Hermione really didn't want to end up with a one-way ticket to the gallows.

He was clearly shocked by what she was doing and if anything, that egged her on. Pulling him close, she placed a soft kiss on his nose to distract him before whacking his hat so that if fell over his face. Giggling as she all but threw herself away, Hermione beamed before she performed the small but seductive movements around the stage.

Performing a few cartwheels and somersaults, Hermione spotted the man who had crashed into her tent just as she landed in the splits. Despite offering him a smile and a wink, he still looked like he didn't want her to see him. Frowning, she decided she was going to make sure he enjoyed himself. There wasn't anything to be afraid of at the Feast of Fools after all! At least, nothing she was aware of.

Glancing back at her husband, she threw him another wink before rushing towards one of the guards who was staring at her with his mouth open. Chuckling, she grabbed his spear and embedded it in the middle of the stage. She spared a small thought of how her friends back in her time would have their jaws hit the table when they watched this particular memory. Giggling, Hermione threw herself around the pole before landing gracefully. She wondered if she had just performed the first ever pole dance or not.

Flinging herself to the right as she sat down, arm stretched out to the side, Hermione threw back her hair and gave a short nod, ending her dance. Panting for breath, she stood up just as her husband began to start up the next part of the festival. However, she did spot the glint in his eye when he looked at her. Biting her lip, she moved to stand by his side whilst some gypsies pulled people up onto the stage.

Catching another glimpse of the man who had crashed into her tent, Hermione made her decision. Running along the stage, she reached out to him with her hand, surprised when he accepted. Pulling him up onto the stage, she placed him at the end of the row and winked.

Listening to her husband as he announced how it was time to crown the King of Fools. Ducking her head, Hermione rolled her eyes as the crowd cheered. Plastering on a smile, she hoped that things would become a bit more enjoyable soon. At Clopin's command, Hermione danced her way to the beginning of the row and pulled off mask after mask. Just as she reached the man she knew, she smiled as she tried to take the mask off. She felt guilt and horror grip her stomach when she realised it wasn't a mask.

Tears in her eyes, she could only watch as the people turned against him. Spotting his devastated look, Hermione shot Clopin a glare before mouthing to him.

'Help him!'

Clopin took a deep breath as he turned back to the crowd with his hands in the air. As he moved towards Hermione, he whispered towards her.

"You're not going to like me for this, chérie."

Frowning, Hermione placed a hand on the bell ringer's shoulder in support as her husband cried out.

"Ladies and gentleman, don't panic! We asked for the ugliest face in Paris, and here he is! Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame!"

Clopin was correct, Hermione really, really didn't like him for that! However, she couldn't deny that it worked. The crowd began to cheer for Quasimodo. Biting her lip, she turned and left for her tent. Grumbling to herself, she ignored Djali as she proceeded to get changed out of the costume.

She was furious with herself. She should have checked with him to see if it really was a mask. The poor boy's distraught look will forever be etched into her mind. Wiping the tears away, she ducked out of her tent and gasped in horror.

The people had turned against the boy once more. Storming towards her idiot of a husband she hissed between her teeth.

"What the hell happened?" Clopin gave her a distressed look.

"I don't know. I was able to make things festive again but the soldiers..."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione knew that he didn't need to continue. The soldiers had whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Clenching her jaw so tight that her teeth hurt, Hermione forcefully pushed her way through the crowd. Pointedly ignoring Clopin's calls, she stormed towards the boy. She was going to end this torture, once and for all.