Chapter Thirty-Three
Hermione felt the air leave her lungs. Only Clopin's tight grip on her hand kept her grounded. Her son had gone after a bunch of thieves. Taking a slow, deep breath, she pinched the bridge of her nose. Slowly exhaling, she narrowed her eyes at Clopin.
"He gets it from you."
She wasn't willing to give him the chance to argue when she pulled both Clopin and Quasimodo off to search for Blake, although she did hear him snort. Hermione really hoped that he was safe and that Quasimodo was just panicking for no reason. However, Hermione felt the horror and knowledge seize at her gut. Tear welling up, she searched frantically for her son whilst Clopin headed off to speak with Selina about watching their other three children for a bit longer and explain the situation.
Tears streaming down her face by the time the three met up once more, Hermione had to admit that Quasimodo must have been right. She couldn't find Djali either. Tensing her jaw, Hermione grabbed both of the men and dragged them towards where Phoebus would be; the Palace of Justice. Staring up at the building, she couldn't stop the small shudder that ran down her spine. It had been many years since Frollo but sometimes it felt like just yesterday she was rescuing Clopin. Shaking her head firmly, Hermione dragged the two men inside.
"Phoebus!"
"Blake's gone after Sarousch!"
Phoebus stared at them for a moment before looking to Hermione. The tears were still streaming down her face as she stepped forward, Clopin's grip firmly on her shoulder.
"We've looked everywhere for him!"
"I've got men all over the city, we'll find him." Phoebus tried to calm her down when Hermione heard Madelaine from the cells.
"You're looking in all the wrong places. Sarousch has made a living from illusion but I can out think him. It's the same as the disappearing elephant. There was always a tunnel under the stage."
Hermione stared at the blonde woman behind the bars, considering. Not sure if she dared believe her. Biting her lip, Hermione took another step closer, wanting to hear more.
"He's taken the bell underground."
Hermione gasped sharply before turning to Phoebus.
"The catacombs. He could be using the catacombs."
"She could be saying exactly what Sarousch wants her to. We go underground and he slips right out of town. Can't you see?" Hermione glared down at Phoebus, making him take a step back and pale.
"Listen to me, my son's life is at stake. Maybe you should look again, like you did with us gypsies."
Hermione could feel Clopin's gaze on her back but she refused to back down. Either Phoebus was going to pull his head out of his arse or Hermione was going to find her son by herself. Phoebus reached for his keys, pausing for a moment before removing them from his belt. Letting out a small sigh of relief, Hermione fell back into Clopin's arms.
"Alright, but she's coming along as a prisoner."
Hermione looked at Madelaine as Phoebus let her out but tied her hands together with rope. She looked up at her husband and saw the worry as clear as day but he trusted her. Hermione really hoped that she hadn't put her trust in the wrong person as she stared at the blonde once more. Hermione was glad to see Quasimodo follow them.
Leading them down into the catacombs, Hermione kept the lit torch high, making sure they could see everything. From the skulls, to the rats, to the puddles of water. Gripping Clopin's hand tight in her own, Hermione was able to lift her head high and make her way through the familiar tunnels. Phoebus had his sword out at the ready whilst Quasi kept a hold of a second torch at the back, following a tied-up Madelaine.
Pursing her lips, Hermione had tried to get Phoebus to release her but he refused. Sighing, Hermione continued to lead the group. Stopping abruptly, Hermione took a shuddering breath when she heard a strange noise coming from the tunnel ahead of them. Hearing it a few more times, it was clear that whatever it was, it was getting closer. Phoebus stepped out in front of them, sword raised when Hermione let out a sigh of relief.
Djali came bursting out of the tunnel, frantic.
"Djali! Where's Blake?' Djali bleated urgently. 'Hurry, Djali, take us to him."
Storming ahead, Hermione could feel her magic wrap itself around her. She was certain that her muggle friends didn't notice but based on the side glance from Clopin, he definitely knew. However, she knew that she couldn't go performing magic to save her son. She would have to allow Phoebus to get him back to her safe and sound.
Biting her lip, Hermione really wasn't happy with that. She needed her son back in her arms, she was not one to wait and hope it all panned out. Hermione was a woman of action but this was one she couldn't make. Clopin's hand squeezed hers, knowing exactly what she was thinking. Hermione couldn't even twitch a smile for him.
The group arrived at a gated archway. Soldiers were on both sides of the stream as they all glared the small boat that travelled down it, ready for anything. Hermione took a small step forward, trying to see her son whilst allowing Phoebus to take over the negotiations.
"Sarousch!" Phoebus called to the cocky arsehole on the boat.
"Bonjour, Capitaine!"
"Surrender now."
Phoebus let the gate fall to the ground, trapping Sarousch with them, along with his accomplices. Hermione turned to Clopin, wide eyed, as she couldn't see Blake. Biting her lip, she tried to follow Clopin's example and remain strong.
"You've got no way out!" Hermione really didn't like the chuckle from Sarousch.
"Oh really? I see things a bit differently." He pulled out some smoke and Hermione gasped as she cupped her mouth. Blake.
"MAMA! PAPA!"
Hermione stepped forward to get her son but was held back by Clopin. Staring at her husband, she noticed the tears in his eyes. Her own falling down her cheeks, Hermione threw herself in his arms and turned to face the magician, praying Phoebus would be able to get her son back to them safely.
"Let him go!" She spotted Phoebus grasp his sword.
"Let him go? I think not, Captain. He's my ticket out of here!"
"You're not going anywhere, Sarousch! Now, release the boy!"
Hermione cried as the guard all drew their weapons, ready to attack the man. Her breath became uneven as she tried to stop herself from launching herself towards the man. No one threatened her son and got away with it! Clopin's hands tightened around her, knowing that he would have to stop her from doing anything stupid.
"Let me pass safely, and you may see this precious little boy again!"
Hermione clenched her fist to her chest, unable to comprehend not seeing Blake again. Going incredibly dizzy, Hermione shook her head, she had to be strong for Blake. She had to be strong.
"Don't test me, Captain!"
"MAMA! PAPA!"
Each cry stabbed Hermione in the heart. Blake needed them. He needed them so badly he was screaming out for them. Hermione felt Clopin's tears on her shoulder but could barely wipe her own away, never mind his. Hermione stared at Phoebus, pleading with him. He winced before putting his sword back in the scabbard. Passing the torch to Hermione, Phoebus cranked the gate back up, allowing them through before taking the torch back.
Hermione and Clopin stepped forward, reaching out to Blake but knowing they couldn't reach him. Blake stared at them, reaching out, with tears in his eyes.
"Well done, Captain!"
Hermione almost collapsed when she heard the echoes of Blake's screams.
"MAMA! PAPA!"
Clopin pulled her close and held on to her tight, as though he would never let her go. Her tears continued to run down her face, even as Clopin whispered to her.
"We'll find him, Hermione. We'll find him. We'll bring him home safe."
Hermione nodded along with what he said but she wasn't sure if she believed it. Slowly pulling back, Hermione hastily wiped her tears away and spotted Phoebus running through a passageway was into the next section of the catacombs, as though chasing after Sarousch. Blinking, Hermione grabbed Clopin's hand and raced after him with new hope burning in her chest.
Hermione beamed brightly when she saw Madelaine holding Blake on top of a tightrope. Pleased that she had put her trust in the right person, Hermione stepped forward as the blonde walked back along the tightrope. Clopin beamed down at her when Hermione looked up at him. The guards immediately apprehended Sarousch and his men below them.
Madelaine passed Blake to her and Clopin. Hermione mouthed 'thank you' to her a few times before holding her eldest son close to her chest, Clopin wrapping his arms around the both of them. Blake beamed at them as he hugged them back just as tightly.
"Mum. Dad." Hermione grinned as the tears fell.
"We've got you, baby. We've got you."
Blake buried his face into the crook of her neck as he held on tight. Grinning, despite the tears that flowed steadily, Hermione sighed as she finally allowed herself to relax. Clopin pressed a kiss to both her and Blake's foreheads before leading them out of the catacombs and back home.
Hermione only barely managed to thank Phoebus, Quasimodo and Madelaine before being dragged off home by her husband. Chuckling, she watched as he ushered them both into the house and straight upstairs into their bedroom. Blake had fallen asleep during their walk home but was mumbling in his sleep. Smiling tenderly at him, Hermione brushed some of his hair out of his face before raising an eyebrow at Clopin.
"Selina is watching Rosella, Luca and Daniel. I thought we could all get some sleep knowing he's safe with us. Phoebus will let her know Blake is safe."
Grinning at him, Hermione nodded enthusiastically. Carefully lying Blake in the middle of them, Hermione lay on his right with Clopin on his left. The two parents embraced him gently between them whilst holding onto one another at the same time. Kissing Clopin, Hermione allowed sleep to take over fairly quickly.
The next morning was brought to them with cheer. Hermione could hear the people cheering outside her window. It was then that she remembered it was the festival. Smiling, she nudged Clopin and Blake awake, giggling as they stretched and yawned in unison. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but smile. Blake really was the spitting image of his father.
Quickly getting dressed, the trio left the house, hand in hand, and rushed towards the square. The people were rejoicing the safe return of La Fidel. Dancing, cheering and even a bit of singing was echoing through the square. Beaming, Hermione sighed as she saw Blake and Djali dash towards Notre Dame. Biting her lip, she was snapped out of her thoughts by a dramatic kiss to her cheek.
"He'll be fine, mon amour. Don't worry."
Rolling her eyes at him, Hermione shook her head but watched with a smile as he headed off to make sure everything was ready. Quasimodo began to ring the great bell from above. Grinning, it wasn't very long before she found herself ushered towards the flowered archway by Bartley of all people. Grinning up at her friend, she let herself be pushed towards it. She heard her husband call out for all to hear.
"And now, while Quasimodo rings La Fidel, come and proclaim your love for all of Paris to hear."
Beaming, Hermione watched as various couples stepped up to the arch and shouted their love. Clopin suddenly appeared before her, with a wide, charming smile on his face and his hand held out. Grinning back, she accepted. How she had managed to find herself a man like him, she had no idea. However, she was more than ready to let every soul in Paris know that she loved him. As if they didn't already know.
Clopin gently pulled her up into the archway and paused. He brushed a strand of her hair back and smiled warmly at her.
"You know, I thank Maria every day that you fell for me, just as I fell for you."
"Oh? Well, you know what I'm going to say, right?" Clopin raised an eyebrow before smirking.
"Perhaps. Doesn't mean I don't like hearing you say it."
"Catch me if I fall?" Clopin grinned.
"Toujours."
The bell continued to ring above them. With a large grin, Clopin wrapped his arms around her waist and grinned before shouting.
"I LOVE ESMERALDA!" Chuckling, Hermione threw her head back.
"I LOVE CLOPIN!"
Laughing loudly as the crowd cheered for them, Hermione wasn't surprised at all when Clopin dipped her low before planting a lustful kiss on her lips. She could hear her children making disgusted comments from where she was stood. Chuckling into the kiss, Hermione continued to grin as her husband let her stand up properly. It was then that she noticed, the bell had stopped ringing.
Glancing up to the top of Notre Dame, Hermione beamed and exchanged knowing glances with Clopin. The pair sighed in happiness for their friend. Up above, they spotted Madelaine was stood before Quasimodo, with a flower in her hand. Hermione looked to the right and noticed Blake and Djali were watching them.
Chuckling, the young couple continued to watch as Quasimodo finally got his chance to find someone who loved him as much as he loved her. Beaming brightly, Hermione pulled Clopin off the arch to let them have their moment.
Hermione cheered with the crowd as Madelaine kissed Quasimodo with everything she had. She was proud of her boy when Blake took over Quasi's job and rang La Fidel for the pair of them. Quasi stood up on the stone railing and shouted out to the crowd.
"I LOVE MADELAINE!"
"AND I LOVE QUASIMODO!"
Leaning against Clopin, Hermione let her head rest against his shoulder as he squeezed her shoulder. The pair of them were happy for their friend, more than they could say. The two of them were snapped out of their trance when Rosella and Luca ran up and hugged their legs tightly. Turning her head, Hermione spotted Selina heading their way with Daniel. Thanking her friend, she took her youngest from her and held him close as Blake continued to ring the bell for the towns people.
The festival was over but the after party sure wasn't. Chuckling, Hermione had to admit that she was still in awe of her husband's energy. Shaking her head, she watched as he danced with their children whilst Hermione and Daniel sat down with Selina, Duke, Kezia and Samuel. Although, she did have to laugh when Duke and Bartley went up to have their own little dance.
A knowing look in Selina's eye made Hermione pause. But, only long enough to be confused when she took Daniel off of her. A hand on her waist and another grasping her hand had Hermione rolling her eyes. Clopin had come for his dance. Beaming over her shoulder at him, Hermione thanked Selina before spinning around.
Clopin took her hands gently and led her out into the middle of the square, in the middle of all the dancing. The pair dance enthusiastically, spinning around as they laughed louder than anyone else in the square. There was something about Clopin that made her want to keep a permanent smile on her face. He dipped her back carefully before righting her, pressing his forehead against hers. Closing her eyes, she smiled as she relished the moment.
"Do you regret not going back to your time, chérie?" The question had Hermione snapping her eyes open once more to stare at Clopin in shock. He still had a small smile on his lips but she could see the seriousness in his eyes. Smiling softly, Hermione shook her head.
"Non, mon amour. How can I? I have a beautiful family that continues to grow with each year. I have amazing friends who are always there for me.' She paused for a moment before smirking at him. 'I will only say this once so you had better listen well.' She waited until he nodded before continuing. 'I also have a charming, mischievous, loveable husband who I love more than anything."
Clopin smiled softly at her before spinning her around gently.
"I love you, ma Reine." Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head slightly.
"I love you, mon Roi."
The pair slowly leaned forward and shared a soft kiss. They knew everything was going to be just fine.