Chapter Twenty-Four

Hermione was somewhat wary when Clopin said he wasn't angry with her at the moment. However, being ushered into one of the tents by the women, there was little she could do but smile and calm them down. Once they had been assured that Hermione was alright, most of them left, leaving her with Selina, Kezia and Malina.

Gently stroking Malina's hair, the young witch smiled softly. The young girl had become her shadow ever since she returned to the Court. Hermione looked up when she heard Selina sigh.

"Clopin was incredibly worried about you. I'm glad he didn't shout at you again, but I wouldn't count on not getting scolded any time soon." Hermione's lips twitched in a small smile.

"I know. But, I couldn't just leave them."

Kezia had been strangely quiet and Hermione wasn't sure if she liked it or not. The older woman was pale and she found herself really worrying about her. Of course, the old crone would brush off any concerns she had. Sighing, she was about to speak when Djali burst into the tent, bleating at her in worry. Frowning, she stood up.

"What is it, Djali?"

The goat continued to bleat and jump about, trying to get her to follow him. Ducking out of the tent, she rushed after Djali, wondering what on earth was going on. She left the three females behind her as she sprinted after the goat. The second she saw the scene at the gallows she pushed through the crowd and shouted.

"STOP!"

Luckily, Clopin did pause. She heard Quasimodo and Phoebus call out to her from behind the gags. Jumping up onto the platform, she frowned at her husband.

"These men aren't spies, they're our friends!"

"Why didn't they say so?" Hermione threw Clopin a stern glare as she removed the gags.

"We did say so!"

Shaking her head, Hermione defended the two men who had become her friends.

"This is the soldier who saved the miller's family, and Quasimodo helped me escape the cathedral!"

The second she untied Phoebus, he stepped forward to call out to her people whilst she finished freeing Quasimodo.

"We came to warn you! Frollo's coming! He says he knows where you're hiding, and he's attacking at dawn with a thousand men!"

Hermione exchanged terrified glances with Clopin. Gulping, she quickly stepped forward and shouted out.

"Then let's waste no time! We must leave immediately!"

The gypsies were quick to start packing their things, parents grabbing their children and making sure they stayed close. Hermione turned to Clopin and nodded for him to grab what he needed. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before jumping off the stage. Watching him go, she smiled slightly before leading her two friends off the gallows.

"You took a terrible risk coming here. It may not exactly show, but we're grateful."

Hermione beamed at the pair of them whilst the gypsies continued to grab their things. Phoebus grabbed Quasimodo and pushed him forward, placing his hands on his shoulders.

"Don't thank me. Thank Quasimodo! Without his help, I would never have found my way here."

Hermione beamed at Quasi as he grinned back. The young witch was glad that he felt proud of doing something, the pride was written all over his face. However, her heart stopped when she heard a voice that shouldn't have been there. Judge Claude Frollo.

"Nor would I!"

Spinning to her right, Hermione could only stare in horror as the foul man stood before them. Soldiers surrounded them all within minutes. Hermione hastily looked around for her husband but couldn't find him. Hands grabbed tightly on her arms, forcing them back. Unable to properly fight back, she continued to struggle before being forced in front of Frollo. The arsehole was staring at the Court with a triumphant look on his face.

"After twenty years of searching, the Court of Miracles is mine at last.' He turned to Quasimodo and smirked. 'Dear Quasimodo, I always knew you would someday be of use to me."

"No." Quasimodo stared at Frollo with a heartbroken expression that tugged at Hermione's heartstrings. The man who had raised him and supposedly protected him had just admitted that he used the poor boy. It was no wonder he was distraught. She felt the anger surge within her.

"What are you talking about?" Hermione spat out at him, continuing to struggle against the guard who simply tightened his grip on her arms, she was sure she was going to end up with bruises. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Clopin, who was tied with a couple of other gypsy men. Frollo smirked at her and caressed her cheek, forcing her to snap her head back out of reach.

"Why, he led me right to you, my dear." Hermione glared at him.

"You're a liar!" Frollo simply smirked before gesturing to Phoebus beside her.

"And look what else I've caught in my net, Captain Phoebus, back from the dead! Another miracle, no doubt. I shall remedy that.' Frollo sneered in the ex-captain's face before addressing her people. 'There will be a little bonfire in the square tomorrow, and you're all invited to attend!' Hermione turned her gaze back to Clopin to see he was staring at her in defeat. Shaking her head, she urged him not to give up. 'Lock them up."

Hermione watched as Quasimodo fell to his knees and begged Frollo.

"No, please, master."

Frollo glared down at him, making Quasimodo shrink back from him. Hermione heard Frollo's last order before the guard dragged her away.

"Take him back to the bell tower, and make sure he stays there."

Fighting back as much as she could, it wasn't long before Hermione found herself in the Palace of Justice. Growling, she was pushed inside the cell, falling to her knees. Turning her head to glare at the guard, Hermione stood up, Clopin moved to help her. Accepting the help, Hermione was ushered to the back wall by her husband and slumped down to the ground. Clopin sat down next to her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her in response.

Sighing heavily, she knew there was very little she could do. Watching silently as groups of gypsies were placed into the surrounding cells, she sent a silent prayer to Maria and Merlin, begging for her people's safety. Closing her eyes, she allowed Clopin to comfort her. After an hour or so, he whispered in her ear.

"Get out of here, mon amour."

Blinking, she looked up at him in confusion. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, Clopin tapped her cleavage. Hermione was about to scold him for being inappropriate when she suddenly realised what he meant. Pulling out her wand and beaded bag, she bit her lip. There really wasn't any way to get her people out without making them suspicious. Sighing, she looked up at Clopin and shook her head, whispering back.

"Non, I won't. There's no way I can get everyone out of here without it being suspicious. I won't leave you all here either.' Pressing her finger against his lips, she stopped him from arguing with her. Tucking her wand into her bag, she handed it to him. 'Take care of it, mon amour, should you get out."

Clopin slowly took the bag from her as he sighed, hiding it in his tunic. Hermione smiled softly as she rested her head against his shoulder once more. Hugging his arm close to her, she felt him rest his head on top of hers. She could hear the children crying, not understanding what was going on, but she could do nothing to comfort them.

The only thing Hermione could do was die for them. Perhaps, with her death, her fellow gypsies will be alright. They may be whipped or something similar but perhaps she would be the only death. Hermione's lips twitch slightly as she tried to fool herself into believing that. She did know, however, that if she escaped, Frollo's anger would be ten times worse and he would take it out on her people. Hermione hummed quietly, drawing Clopin's attention.

"What is it, chérie?" Hermione offered a small smile.

"I think I understand why your mother didn't escape." Clopin blinked at her before slowly nodding. His thoughts led to the same place Hermione's did. Protecting the others.

Sighing heavily, Hermione turned slightly to speak with her husband. Biting her lip, she wondered how to form her request as he tried to pull her back into his embrace.

"I want you to do something for me, mon amour." Clopin raised an eyebrow.

"What's that, femme?" Hermione twitched a smile.

"I want you to smile for me.' Clopin looked incredibly confused but Hermione wasn't finished. 'I want my last thought to be your smile, mari. There is very little doubt that I will be killed first. Please, mon amour, smile for me."

Hermione gently brushed his tears away with her fingertips. She knew she was asking a lot, considering the circumstances, but she felt she needed a fresh memory of her husband's smile to get her through this. Caressing his cheek with her knuckles, she took his hand, removed his glove and kissed his palm. Closing her eyes, she prayed once more before looking him in the eye.

To her surprise, Clopin was indeed smiling at her. Not a weak smile, but a full blown out grin. Inhaling sharply at the sight, Hermione couldn't help but return it. Pressing her forehead against his, the pair grinned at each other for the remaining time they had together. Clopin leaned forward and captured her lips, refusing to let go any time soon.

Smiling into the kiss, she let him take his comfort. He had comforted her with a new memory and his warmth, she would comfort him with a grin and her kiss.

It was during that kiss that the severity of the situation hit Hermione like a tonne of bricks. She would probably never get to see Clopin again. Never feel his warmth, feel the softness of his lips on hers, feel his chest rumble as he laughed. She would never feel her heart pound wildly in her chest whenever he looked at her with love in his eyes. She would never get to see that look again. After that night, Hermione would never get to experience any of that again.

A lone tear found its way down her cheek as she drew Clopin in for a deeper kiss. Just as they pulled apart, they heard a door slam open. Jolting, the pair were immediately on their feet, as were the other gypsies in the other cells. Glaring at the various soldiers, Hermione waited for what they wanted.

The group of soldiers were pulling the gypsies out of their cells in groups. The cells were practically empty when they came to their cell. Opening the door, the guard grunted.

"Clopin Trouillefou, King of the Gypsies, follow us."

Hermione sucked in a sharp gasp. Tears filling her eyes, she prayed that he wasn't being led off to be executed with the others. Gulping, she grasped his hand tightly, turning him towards her. Before the guard could do anything, she slammed her lips against her husband's and kissed him for all she was worth. Pulling away almost instantly, she looked deep into his eyes.

"I love you, Clopin. Promise me you won't watch."

Clopin was pulled away as he registered what she had just said and done. The guard grabbed his arm and began to pull him out of the cell. Reaching out to Clopin, Hermione allowed her tears to call as he called out to her.

"I love you, mon amour! More than anything!"

Hermione's tears streamed down her face as the guards dragged him out of the cells. Once he was gone, she began to sob. Cupping her mouth with her hand, her other hand rested on her stomach, silently begging it not to throw her dinner back up.

She jumped when she heard one of the guards return. Hastily wiping her eyes, Hermione didn't even have the strength to glare at the soldier. He opened her cell and threw a white piece of fabric before promptly slamming the door shut once more. Looking at the fabric, she realised that it was a white dress. She couldn't help but snort. It made sense for an innocent woman to wear white whilst being executed, she supposed.

Then again, she didn't even know the charges against her. Perhaps she wasn't innocent. Shaking her head, Hermione quickly stripped and changed into the threadbare dress. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried to keep herself warm. It was still winter after all and the stone cells certainly didn't have a fire anywhere near them.

Rubbing her arms up and down, Hermione started to pace the cell, trying to warm herself up. Mentally listing the ingredients for various different potions, she tried to keep her distracted until the guard returned. Biting her lip, she hoped that Phoebus and Quasimodo were okay. Sighing heavily, Hermione leaned against the back wall of her cell and stared up to the ceiling.

Hermione allowed herself a small smile as she thought of her friends back in her time. Harry, Ron, Luna, Ginny and Neville came to mind first. She was thankful to them for being her friends and hoped to see them one day, perhaps in the afterlife. The rest of the Weasley family popped into her head, she wished she hadn't given Fred and George so much grief over their products, they were brilliant after all. Although, she would never admit that out loud.

She wished she could have had Molly's cooking once more, discussed various muggle appliances with Arthur. The rest of the Order followed in her thoughts. Discussions of books with Remus, talking about Auror training with Tonks. She had hoped to meet their baby boy, Teddy. Her usual banter with Kingsley. The list went on.

Hermione hadn't realised that she had let the tears fall once again until she sniffed rather loudly. Chuckling, she shook her head before wiping them away. They would do her no good now. Sighing, she whispered out into the dark, cold cell.

"I'm sorry I couldn't return home. I hope you all live wonderful, crazy lives. Assuming we won the war, of course. I'm sure I'll see you all again one day."

Taking a few deep breaths, Hermione tensed her jaw and made sure she stood up straight, shoulders back. She raised her head and refused to back down, unknowingly appearing as poised as a Queen. Glancing down at her hand, she pressed a small kiss to her wedding ring, drawing out some courage from it.

"I am Hermione Granger, brightest witch of my age. Queen of the Gypsies. I bow to no one. I will protect my people the only way I can."

Her words echoed throughout the cell, reinforcing the statement. Suddenly hearing footsteps, Hermione turned towards the door and waited. The guard appeared almost instantly and opened the door. Staring him down, Hermione left her cell and strode forward, trying to exude confidence that she didn't feel, at the soldiers push. Despite wanting to purposely slow down, just to piss him off, Hermione knew she couldn't.

Stepping out into the square, Hermione's gaze fell on the scaffold. Despite already knowing she was going to be burnt at the stake, she couldn't help but gulp at the sight of her pyre. Letting out a slow breath, she walked towards it with her head held high. She couldn't spot the crowd but assumed they were on the other side based on the noise level. She couldn't make out any words but could hear the angry tone. Walking up the steps was a challenge. Her legs wanted to crumble to the ground but she refused to so much as flinch with Frollo's eyes on her.

Growling lowly, she obediently stepped onto her pyre and turned so that one of the soldiers could tie her hands behind the stake. Looking out into the crowd, Hermione spotted her people in metal cages, dotted about the square whilst making sure they had a good view. Chuckling lightly, she had wondered where they had been taken. A glimpse of a familiar, colourful hat told her that Clopin was in one of the cages too.

Letting out a small sigh of relief, Hermione was grateful that he was alright for the time being. She then turned her attention to Frollo, who clearly liked the sound of his own voice.

"The prisoner Esmeralda had been found guilty of the crime of witchcraft. The sentence: death!"

Hermione had no comment for that. After all, she was in fact a witch. She really wanted to laugh but knew it would make things worse so bit her tongue. Hermione caught a glimpse of the Archdeacon being stopped from leaving the church. Frollo turned to her and spoke softly but clearly.

"The time has come, gypsy. You stand upon the brink of the abyss. Yet even now, it is not too late. I can save you from the flames of this world, and the next. Choose me, or the fire."

A shiver of disgust ran down her spine as she spat in his face. Rolling her eyes, she called out for all to hear, figuring she was going to die anyway.

"What is it with you fuckers not spotting my wedding ring!?"

Hermione heard the crowd yell at Frollo to release her but she knew it wasn't going to happen. As thankful as she was, she wished the towns people would just free her people from the cages. Frollo turned from her and called out to the people.

"The gypsy Esmeralda has refused to recant. This evil witch has put the soul of every citizen of Paris in mortal danger. For justice, for Paris, and for her own salvation! It is my shameful duty to send this unholy demon back where she belongs!"

Hermione could only stare in horror as he lit the straw and wood beneath her feet with his torch. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head up towards the sky as the smoke began to circle around her, smothering her. Coughing harshly, Hermione slumped forward slightly before forcing herself back. She could have sworn she heard Clopin shouting and swearing, drawing a small smile on her face.

Opening her eyes, Hermione continued to cough as she looked out for her husband before forcing her memory of his smile to the front of her brain. With a small smile on her face, everything went black.