Chapter Thirty
Seven years later and Hermione felt as though she should change her name to Molly Weasley. As much as she loved the matriarch, damn did she have a lot of kids, and now Hermione felt as though she was following in her footsteps. Grabbing a hold of Blake, who started wiggling in her arms to get away, she called out to Clopin.
"Clopin, can you grab Rosella and Luca? I've got Blake and Daniel."
Hermione heard Clopin's agreement from upstairs and tried to get Blake to calm down whilst Daniel was sat on the floor, drooling. Sighing heavily, she forced her nine-year-old to stand and look at her as she knelt before him. Before she could say anything, he whined dramatically.
"MUM! I wanna go see Quasi!" Raising an eyebrow, Hermione waited until he was done before sighing.
"We're going to go and see him, Blake. However, we can't do that until you put your boots on. We're going to help your father with the preparations for the festival and then he's going to watch the twins whilst we go and see Quasi with Daniel."
Hermione shook her head as Blake immediately dashed off to get his boots, a large grin on his face. Sighing, she smiled softly as she picked her youngest up off the floor and wiped the drool off his face. Resting him against her hip, Hermione thanked Merlin that he was the least fussy of her four children.
She soon heard Clopin come down the stairs with her only daughter and second son. Hermione had almost had a heart attack when the healer had told her she was going to be having twins. Especially when she thought of Fred and George. A small shudder still ran down her spine at the thought of her twins making as much trouble as they did.
Smiling at the trio, Hermione kissed Clopin and watched as Rosella and Luca ran off to wait by the front door with Djali, pretending to retch as they did so. She felt Clopin's hand rest gently on her stomach and she couldn't help but roll her eyes as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"I'm telling you, mon amour. After this current pregnancy, I am done!" He chuckled at her as he pressed a kiss against her hair.
"You say that with each pregnancy, chérie." Mock-glaring at her husband she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I mean it this time."
Clopin smirked as he brushed his lips against the side of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He then leant in to whisper in her ear.
"I'm sure I can convince you otherwise, mon cher. After all, we're really good at our particular hobby."
Hermione couldn't stop the blush from decorating her cheeks if she tried. Rolling her eyes, she smirked. She couldn't deny it, they certainly enjoyed their hobby. Shaking her head, Hermione walked off towards the door where the trio of children were waiting for them, impatiently, whilst Clopin chuckled behind her.
Readjusting her grip on Daniel, Hermione smiled as the Trouillefou family headed out into the streets of Paris. Hermione didn't even bother to shout after the trio as they ran through the crowd. Sighing, she let Clopin hold her tightly to his side as they walked. She was sure her children got their energy from their father. Daniel was the only one of the four who took after her quiet and gentle side. That's what she told her husband anyway.
Strangely enough, it was Luca who took after her in looks. His brown curls were a messy mop on his head and he had her facial features without the glamours whilst he had his father's eyes. Whereas, his twin was almost the spitting image of Clopin's mother, according to him, with straight black hair and stunning green eyes. Hermione and Clopin had quickly decided to say he took after Hermione's late father to explain the differences.
Shaking her head, Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of their children waiting for them. Smiling, she gave Clopin another kiss before he rushed off to prepare those who were helping out. Ushering her children to the stand where she would perform for a little entertainment, Hermione grinned down at Djali. Moving towards the stand, she caught the sound of Clopin starting to sing. Rolling her eyes at her children, who giggled at the sight, Hermione gently put Daniel down where Djali would keep an eye on him.
Turning towards the flower archway, she spotted Quasimodo helping to put the banners up.
"There's music in the marketplace
The streets have come alive
The town is in a tizzy
It's a busy, buzzing hive
There's cause for this commotion and emotional display
We just can't wait to celebrate our favourite holiday!"
Hermione smirked whilst the children laughed as Clopin started to prance about with the basket of flowers, quickly dragging Quasimodo into the dance. Shaking her head, Hermione just chuckled as they both started to sing with one another.
"Le Jour D'Amour
Your song is in the air
What magic will you make for us
What promise will you share
That golden bell, sweet La Fidele, will soon be ringing clear
The best of all the festivals
Le Jour D'Amour is here."
Hermione shook her head at Djali as he quickly snatched up the chance to eat the fallen flowers. Turning her head, she saw that Blake was watching Daniel whilst clapping along with Rosella and Luca. Smiling softly, she turned back to watch as Clopin shouted for all to hear.
"Mesdames et messieurs, time is short! You must find your true love, find your soul's mate! For the Festival D'Amour is upon us."
The young witch thought it was quite sweet how her husband pulled the young couple up... before he shook his head at them when they kissed. Rolling her eyes, she moved closer to the edge of the stand, where Clopin just happened to move towards.
"Some have come in puppy love, perchance to steal a kiss."
Hermione didn't let him continue for a moment. Using a purple scarf nearby, she used it to capture her husband around the neck and leaned in close for a kiss of their own. The couple pointedly ignored their children's disgust. Hermione pulled back with a smirk whilst Clopin had a sappy smile on his face as he continued his song.
"Some are still enamoured after years of wedded bliss."
Clopin pulled Hermione off of the stage and wrapped her arm in his. Pulling her into the performance around the square. Throwing her head back, she laughed before joining the people in the song, knowing Djali would keep an eye on their children.
"Everyone's parading down the promenade in pairs
To join the celebration at the finest of the fairs."
Clopin wrapped his arms around her and proceeded to lead her around the square. Grinning widely, Hermione was sure that they would feel and act like teenagers even when they were in their eighties.
"Le Jour D'Amour
Your song is in the air
What magic will you make for us
Whose name shall I declare
That golden bell, sweet La Fidele, will soon be ringing clear
The best of all the festivals
Le Jour D'Amour is here."
Grinning, Hermione looked her husband in the eye before poking him in the chest.
"It had better be my name you declare, mon amour."
She didn't give Clopin the chance to respond as she spun on her heel and headed back to the stage, making sure to sway her hips. Knowing her husband was busy looking at her arse, Hermione looked over her shoulder and sent him a wink just as she heard Quasimodo continue the song.
"Oh, how the stars will sparkle on the water
As the troubadours sing tales of true romance
The spirits may rise
With fire in their eyes
While gypsy girls enchant you with a dance."
Chuckling, Hermione guided her friend onto the stage with her and the pair began a small dance. Playing the tambourine, she grinned as Blake found himself on top of Djali, dancing in circles with a happy grin on his face. Rosella and Luca were holding hands as they spun around in circles whilst Daniel remained sat where she put him earlier, giggling at the sight. Hermione grinned at Quasimodo as he played a tambourine himself before jumping off and landing by the flowered arch with another basket of flowers.
"Le Jour D'Amour
Your song is in the air
What magic will you make for us
What promise will you share
That golden bell, sweet La Fidele, will soon be ringing clear
The best of all the festivals
Le Jour D'Amour is here."
Hermione watched carefully as Quasimodo quickly made his exit and all but ran inside Notre Dame. Her husband chose that moment to appear before her with a pink tulip in his mouth. Chuckling as he wiggled his eyebrows, Hermione rolled her eyes and took the flower before she planted a kiss on his lips. Having received what he had wanted, Clopin grabbed the twins, one on each shoulder, and whisked them away before she could say anything. Shaking her head at him, Hermione gently placed the tulip in her hair and scooped up Daniel, resting him on her hip as she raised an eyebrow at Blake, who was still on Djali's back.
"Well? Shall we go and see Quasi then?"
Blake's eyes brightened as he jumped off of Djali and sprinted towards Notre Dame. Huffing, Hermione looked down at Djali, who was staring after her eldest.
"What am I doing to do with him, Djali?"
The goat simply huffed before chasing after Blake. Chuckling lightly, Hermione made her way over before she spotted Phoebus headed her way. Pausing long enough for him to catch up, she smiled.
"Good morning, Phoebus. We're off to see Quasi, are you coming?" Phoebus smiled.
"Of course, shall I assume that Blake is already making his way up to the bell tower?" Hermione rolled her eyes. That was all the answer the Captain needed.
Walking into the church a lot quieter than her son had, no doubt, Hermione offered an apologetic smile at the Archdeacon but he simply waved her off with a warm smile. Heading up to the bell tower, Hermione was beginning to feel slightly dizzy half way up. Promptly turning and sitting down on the step, she noticed Phoebus' confused look. Handing him Daniel, she put her head between her knees and promptly began to retch.
Thankful that nothing came up, Hermione waited patiently for the dizziness to subside before easing herself up. Phoebus gave her a deadpanned look.
"You're pregnant again, aren't you?"
Hermione simply stuck out her tongue at him as she took Daniel back. Hearing the soldier chuckle behind her, Hermione rolled her eyes. Men had it so bloody easy. Huffing, she slowly made her way up to the top and noticed Blake on Quasi's shoulders.
"Blake, you need to slow down!" Blake gave her a small smirk that looked like his father's.
"Oookaay, Muuuum."
"Listen to your mother, young man." Blake chuckled from on top of Quasi's shoulders but nodded.
"Yes, Uncle Phoebus."
Hermione shook her head but turned her attention to La Fidel, the bell that would be used in the festival.
"Look at her.' She moved towards the bell and placed her hand on the bell. 'La Fidel, you are magnificent."
"Are you gonna ring it for my mum once, Quasi?"
Hermione chuckled loudly as Blake hung off Quasi like a monkey. Phoebus chuckled at him before he moved towards the bell.
"You bet he is, and your mother is going to be down in the square screaming loudly into the night, 'I love my husband, Clopin!'" Hermione smirked and folded her arms.
"Oh really? And what makes you and half the city think that I'm going to shout so loudly?"
"You'll have to! To be heard over him yelling, 'I love Esmeralda!'"
He pulled Hermione into a small dance, making her chuckle. It was true, Clopin really would be loud. She heard someone come up the steps. Turning to face them, she was surprised to see Clopin stood there, arms folded and smirking at Phoebus, who took Daniel off of her.
"That's my wife you're declaring your love to!"
Blake giggled from his perch on top of Quasi.
"Uncle Phoebus was pretending to be you, Papa." Clopin's eyes widened in realisation.
"Oh, was he really? Well then,' He took over from Phoebus and twirled Hermione around. 'he had better shout a whole lot louder if he's pretending to be me!"
Clopin dipped her low and planted a long, lewd kiss on her. Laughing, Hermione was quickly stood upright by her husband, knowing she was going dizzy quite quickly.
"Where is Rosella and Luca?" Clopin pouted as he folded his arms, rolling his eyes.
"I was abandoned for Auntie Selina and Uncle Duke. The second they saw little Kezia and Samuel, they were gone!"
Hermione chuckled as she heard Blake from over her shoulder, commenting on them kissing.
"Yuck!" Quasi chuckled as he looked at her and Clopin with a small smile.
"Yeah, yuck."
Quasi smiled as he put Blake back onto his feet. Grabbing a cloth, he ducked under the bell, ready to clean La Fidel. Exchanging a knowing glance with Clopin, Hermione watched the pair of them.
"Whose name are you going to yell tomorrow, Quasi?" Hermione bit her lip, she wished Blake had inherited her tact rather than her husband's.
"No one, I guess." Blake just looked confused.
"Then who is going to scream your name?"
"I don't think anyone ever will, Blake."
Hermione ducked under the bell to see Quasimodo staring into one of the gems, a sad look on his face as he looked into his reflection.
"Well, why not?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she moved to comfort him.
"Quasi.' He looked up at her in sorrow before quickly looking away. 'Takes more than looking to really see.' Hermione gently moved his face back to his reflection. 'Some day, you'll be ready and when you are, you'll find her."
Quasimodo grinned back at his reflection now. However, he patted her hand.
"Some day, nah. What could possibly ever change?"
Hermione held Quasi tight, hoping that he would believe in himself, just like she and her family did. Suddenly, they heard the sound of a trumpet from outside.
"Oh boy! Woah! It's a circus!"
Hermione moved to take a look along with Blake. Sending a look at Clopin, he simply shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know it was coming either. Frowning, she spotted the scowl on Phoebus' face and wondered if it was going to be a good thing or not.