Quasimodo was forced to station into one of the cloister cells as the frigid storm bombarded the bell tower. It was too much to bare. The buttresses had formed icicles and snow had damaged his carving wood and began to fill the loft. Packing the rest of his things, he sighed as he began to descend the stairs. Perhaps this was a good thing, some time off and a fresh start even though his new room was only a floor down. Just as he began to leave, Laverne caught his arm.

"Quasi…I'm sorry this happened to ya'. But…it gets better with time. Maybe you can still be friends with her after all?"

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he finally found his gaze into the granite facing him.

"I…I don't know what to think. I'm not mad any more, just hurt I guess…" A cynical chuckle escaped his lips. "I was such a fool to imagine…to believe-"

"Quasi, don't pity yourself! Pick yourself up and get back out there. Esmeralda's a good person, you know that. If she means anything to you…well, I'll leave you to it…she looks awful lonely."

A bit annoyed, Quasimodo gave Laverne a stern look.

"Alright, I'll talk to her…but I just want to have time for myself. We're all stuck here…I'll talk to her eventually."

Not giving the gargoyle a chance to respond he turned his back and left to the cloister.

Madellaine arose fairly early and exited her room only to coincidentally run into the Gypsy directly across.

"Oh! Good morning." She chirped.

Esmeralda allowed a small smirk to cross her features.

" 'Morning. I didn't catch your name last evening. I'm Esmeralda."

"Madellaine, nice to meet you…Are you also claiming sanctuary?"

Esmeralda let out a dark chuckle. "Forced is a better way to describe it, but yes, you could say so."

"I'm sorry to hear that…I-I didn't realize how fast a storm could brew out there. I thought it was bad when I first came, but now? It truly is the storm of the century." Madellaine finally shut her door to follow the Gypsy out into the prayer hall.

"I'm just as surprised, I wasn't expecting Frollo to be here." An exasperated sigh escaped the Gypsy's plum lips.

Madellaine only smiled as she continued. "I assumed something happened- n-not to be nosy or …I just-I just noticed you two seemed …. upset." She inwardly cringed and mentally slapped herself for overstepping her boundaries, she doesn't even know the woman!

Esmeralda had a blush rush to her face out of sheer embarrassment.

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that, I just saw that you two looked-"

"No please, it's fine. He-uh…said some things that shocked me is all. I'm going to have to get use to him anyway… I've been debating with myself to go and talk things through…but I keep avoiding it."

Madellaine stopped and let a soft, albeit nervous chuckle. "If I can offer advice…perhaps it's best if you get things off your chest now. You'll eventually run into him and prolonging things won't help. Which reminds me… did you know of the bellringer?"

Esmeralda's eyes widened and then softened once more. "Oh, yes in fact, I consider him a friend… I recently upset him as well, though I take full blame for the incident, with the Judge however, it's rather complicated. Quasimodo is really kind. I…I need to talk to him too." She suddenly huffed in defeat. "I'm so impulsive, it's what gets me into trouble half the time! I'm sorry to talk your ear off, but it feels nice to find someone who will listen."

"Don't worry, the feelings mutual. I thought I'd only be staying for a couple days but from the looks outside, it might turn into weeks. I'm just glad I can have someone to talk to now."

Esmeralda smiled warmly. "Me too."

Claude awoke with a hoarse grumble. Sleep came and went, but the majority of the night he spent wallowing on Esmeralda's expression upon finding out he was also trapped here. He sighed, rubbing his eyes before running his hands through his silvery hair. He thanked God there was no mirror to witness the horror that was his face as he arose groggily.

"What time is it?…" He sighed.

Opening the door he heard soft, lively chatter coming from the main hall, recognizing the huskier sound as the Gypsy's. His breath hitched and his eyes widened, begging to turn around and get a glimpse. He shut his eyes and clenched his fists, but he couldn't move. His feet were firmly planted. Growling slightly he turned around abruptly towards the soft chatter and hid behind a pillar, suddenly getting a sense of déjà vu.

Claude studied Esmeralda's features, exotically feminine yet rough around the edges… much like her personality. He smirked as he studied her, his harsh grey eyes softening as she spoke a bit more animatedly with the lass that wandered in just last evening. He heard his name in the conversation and immediately leaned in, exposing a small portion of his face. So she planned to speak with him? His heart rate sped up to the idea of being alone with her, but the dread of what she would say! Frollo blanched a bit realizing his vulnerability in the situation. He rolled his eyes, how foolish. He'd eventually gain the upper hand as he usually did, he just needed to keep his temper in check. Something he's failed at twice with the fiery temptress. Quietly retreating, he disappeared back into his study, preparing himself mentally and emotionally if need be. He still couldn't believe the precautions he was taking, and with a huff of frustration he headed to the Archdeacon's quarters to receive further instructions for the removal of snow.

His pace quickened down the halls and his shadow played against the torch light as the sun had not yet risen. Reaching the cell he rapped onto the door.

After a few moments a muffled, "enter" could be heard.

Claude glided in quickly. His usual black robes were replaced with purple tights and a black tunic, a little flowing over his belt accentuating his lithe, but still muscular frame.

"Have you figured out what we are to do or do I have to get things going myself?"

"Good morning to you too."

Frollo rolled his eyes as he sat down on a rickety stool.

"Claude… you need to control your-"

"Can you please do me the favor of not bringing that up at this blasted hour? I understand, now please onto the snow."

The Archdeacon huffed exasperatedly as he folded his hands over his desk.

"Brother Eduard and I feel it is best to have Quasimodo assist us down the nearest window so we can access outside. This blizzard is absolutely horrific and the quicker we can get out there, the quicker we can provide entry. I will station you at the front along with Quasi and the Brother Giovani. I will assist with the side entrance with Brother Eduard and Paul. Perhaps the girls can begin to prepare the rooms for the dreary souls outside?"

Claude rubbed a hand over his tired face.

"Adequate enough. I'll go prepare, you know where to find me."

And with that he dismissed himself.

After the short pep talk with Madellaine, Esmeralda found herself aimlessly searching the halls for Frollo's cell. Notre Dame was a labyrinth. Every few doors she'd knock and call his name hoping he'd emerge from one. This went on for about 30 minutes until finally she turned down a hall she had not checked. Sighing she rapped on a door.

"Frollo?"

A door behind her opened up revealing a surprised looking Claude Frollo. Esmeralda whipped around, her green eyes widening a bit until she approached him. Sighing she crossed her arms and leaned against the frame.

"We need to talk."

Frollo pinched the bridge of his nose and moved aside. This cold not happen at a worse time. Esmeralda sauntered in quietly as he shut the door and quickly crossed the room covering up the angry inscription of "ESMERALDA" with his body. The Gypsy contemplated the movement for a moment before moving on.

"Look, we're going to eventually face each other. And I felt that…there's…there's a lot we need to discuss."

Esmeralda took the time to look around the small but yet slightly personalized cell. His usual robes were piled atop a chair in front a small desk piled with books on herbs, different rocks and some in Latin she couldn't really decipher. The cot to the side was disheveled and as she turned her attention to Claude she noticed his usual robes were not on…no, instead she had an eyeful of muscular legs accentuated in purple tights, as well as a black tunic. He looked like a peasant which was both strange and out of character for the stoic man. She smirked a bit looking down at his knees before looking up once more.

Claude squinted grumpily in response. "Are you here to 'discuss' or not? I need to be stationed at the front of the Cathedral to assist with the snow…"

Esmeralda cleared her throat, her roaming eyes situated on his own this time.

"…Every time I begin to find something redeemable about you, you go ahead and start calling me things like 'whore' or 'witch'. If you expect me to show any sort of affection how am I supposed to go about it knowing what you've said, hell, what you've done? We're stuck here… indefinitely and it doesn't help that you-"

"That I what? What do you want, a bloody truce?"

"Yes…yes actually that's exactly what I'm asking for. Please a truce, just forget about the past so we can-"

"How could I possibly forget about the past when you haunt me at every waking moment of the day?! You plague my thoughts constantly, then you waltz back in here demanding me to be civil when I asked you—BEGGED you to release me of this curse and you still have the nerve the-"

Esmeralda froze as he closed the distance between them. He grabbed her arms, but much more gently…with much more control. She breathed out a sigh as her emerald eyes were locked into his burning jasper.

"..the audacity…" His breath hitched as he felt her warm flesh under his cold hands, her parted lips begging for attention… He abruptly let her go holding his face in his hand. "Just leave."

Esmeralda didn't move. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the inscription of her name on the wall and then looked back at him, practically broken, a complete mess. She truly felt sorry for him. He was an absolute wreck because of her…and in a way she found it flattering, a very small way, for the rest was a bit unsettling and quite ironic… Esmeralda suddenly inched closer and placed a tanned hand on his shoulder, he instantly flinched in response. Eyes wild as he looked at her. She actually touched him out of her own freewill.

"I already told you I cannot help what I did not do-" Frollo's eyes darkened at her response. "But…before you get angry, I'll be willing to make an effort, if you will. No more insults no more avoiding each other. We are in a church after all…" A small smile formed on her face at the last bit and Claude couldn't help but become drawn to her plump lips once again. Her smile was breathtaking. As she stuck out her hand, he froze. He searched those smoldering eyes for treachery, any flicker of deceit and soon found himself simply staring. Breaking the contact he wordlessly held her hand in a firm grip and shook it sternly.

He finally found it in himself to clear his throat.

"…Is that all?"

The Gypsy smirked. "That's all. I'll see you around then…Claude." Esmeralda sauntered towards the door as she looked over her shoulder before walking back into the frigid hall. Despite the cold she felt a bit warm, and relinquished the feeling with a huge breath. The largest weight in her life had been temporarily lifted and the dreary weather suddenly didn't seem so bad.

Claude on the other hand wordlessly watched her go, those deliciously supple hips swaying down the hall. Closing the door he felt his breathing become a bit ragged the fire in his loins raging through him. Perhaps the situation wasn't so bleak after all. A bloody truce it had to be, but at least now he had incentive to keep his anger in check… she was willing. A deep shade of puce lingered on his cheeks for a moment as he imagined his spindly hands running along those said hips… He shut his eyes tightly as his hand slowly inched down to the pressing arousal in his tights until-

"Frollo we are ready when you are. May I come in?"

Frollo's characteristically small eyes rounded to the size of communion wafers as he uncomfortably skid to his desk, hiding his probing problem as the Archdeacon walked in. Frollo's face was still quite red and he ran his hand through his silvery hair.

"E-enter."

The Archdeacon noticed the hitch to the otherwise condescending baritone noticing his flushed appearance.

"Are you alright? You look ill."

Frollo grit his teeth, it was unbearable.

"No, no, I'm quite fine I had been… asleep."

The Archdeacon shrugged it off. "Yes, well we found Quasimodo and he is prepared to take us now. We are meeting in the front."

"…I'll be there shortly. I need to check something before I go."

Mathias looked at Claude suspiciously. God was he strange.

"Of course…oh, I ran into Esmeralda on the way here. She seemed quite happy, perhaps you took heed to my advice to control your temper?"

Claude's face reddened once more, this time from irritation. "OUT!"

Mathias couldn't help but smile, after over 30 years of knowing the stubborn man he couldn't help but tease him. Perhaps there was hope for him.

Claude watched cautiously until Mathias left, that was when he streaked across the room and locked the door. Pleasuring himself would take too long to get rid of his overly excited trouser snake. He darted his eyes reluctantly to the bucket of ice-cold water on the floor and cringed thinking about what he was about to do.

Esmeralda along with Madellaine and the other nuns gathered around the grand prayer hall bundled up as best they could. Quasimodo awaited until an uncomfortable looking Claude Frollo strode in.

"Now that you're all here I'd like to quickly go over our plan. Esmeralda and Madellaine: You'll be in of charge lighting the halls as best as possible. The chandeliers have pulleys, Rosemary can show you where. When you are done prepare the cloisters, the extra supplies are found near the kitchens where you will help Ethel if need be."

The women nodded, thankful for not having to work outside. Esmeralda sauntered alongside Madellaine as they quickly brushed past the rest to the ends of the large hall.

Quasimodo did not have a chance to react to Esmeralda's lingering gaze until he heard his name being called by Archdeacon Mathias.

"Quasi, we are ready when you are."

"Of course sir…please follow me."

The bellringer quickly led the way the second floor as the lot of them peered over the balcony. Mathias's heart lurched as he finally had a good enough view to assess the damage the blizzard had impended on the city. The front door entrance would be the most troublesome as the snow covered it up midway. He sighed, the storm had calmed enough to where it stopped snowing but the wind was strong. Claude soon peered over balcony to make up his own idea of the dire situation. Grabbing a shovel and mattock to chisel the ice if need be, he turned to his ward and nodded.

"I'll go down first and get started…"

Archdeacon Mathias nodded. "Yes and please remember if you begin to feel warm, shed your layers immediately, perspiring is the worst thing you can do in this weather."

Frollo nodded, he looked to Quasimodo for confirmation as he strode to him quickly. Clearing his throat he couldn't help but feel apprehensive at putting his life in the bellringers hands.

"Yes well…don't drop me I suppose."

Quasimodo smirked a bit before quickly hauling Claude over his shoulder, catching the Minister by surprise. Before he could respond the bellringer plummeted 10 feet eliciting a scream from the Judge. Quasimodo could feel the Judge's nails digging into his back.

"Oh, M-master? It would be best not to look down, it helps."

"DO YOU THINK YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME BEFORE YOU FLUNG US OFF THE EGDGE?"

Claude's eyes shut quickly as he felt Quasimodo grab onto things and slide this way and that. The wind was strong and if it wasn't Quasi grabbing an icy ledge then the gusts would surely knock them down to an icy death.

After a few more minutes of what felt like falling, Claude heard the stuttering voice of his ward call out to him.

"Master we-we're here, I have to fetch the others I-I'll try to get you help as soon as possible."

As Claude opened his eyes he felt his feet absorb the shock of the icy snow, his leather shoes would be a problem. Watching the bellringer's shock of red hair begin to scale the height of the cathedral to the Rose window balcony, he couldn't help but feel awe, never to have really noticed Quasimodo's agility and strength. Shivering from the cold he looked down as he quickly unstrapped the large shovel and got to work, he felt the snow begin to seep into his shoes and began to dread the possibility of frostbite. Trying to set his mind at ease, he began shoveling snow off the door as best he could. Slowly he heard the voice of Brother Giovani as he very clumsily fell into the snow when Quasi left him to go and retrieve another monk.

"GESÚ CHRISTO!" he yelped as he arose to see a bemused Claude Frollo. "Wipe that smirk off your face, at least I didn't scream all the way down."

Frollo rolled his eyes and worked silently along Giovani until the others came down getting to work on the grave task ahead of them. Quasimodo was a bit red in the face and had to remove his tunic, albeit reluctantly, from the sweat beginning to bead at his forehead. He set to work with the others, his muscles rippling as he flung snow away alongside his master, much like a loyal canine never straying to far unless the Archdeacon called for extra help.

Giovani had worked his way up next to Claude once more at an attempt at small talk while they all froze.

"…So I heard you were the one that trapped the Gypsy in here-"

"Can you please do me the favor and be an insufferable idiot elsewhere?"

Raising his hands in defeat the monk backed away. He knew Claude for a good 15 years back when they where both attended the College of Torchi. At the time Claude sported a tonsure and his hair had been jet black, now his hair was anything but the illustrious black it had been and his career choice a drastic difference. Giovani had always been rather blunt, but through the years it became more of a nuisance than an actual trait. He stood shorter than the rest of the monks with an olive complexion and a peppering in his hair that gave away his age. His hazel eyes always held a mischievous glimmer despite his holy position in the church, and Claude tried to avoid him as much as possible. He could talk someone to death.

Madellaine blew away a stray strand of hair that had gotten in the way. Working alongside Esmeralda allowed her to get to know the woman a lot better and she was surprised to see how modest she was. Surely she knew she was beautiful, didn't she? In ways it actually made her a bit uncomfortable, subpar when standing beside her. Gypsy or not, Esmeralda possessed a presence when she entered a room. Madellaine never found herself particularly ugly, but with a "father-figure" such as Sarousch she was not really sure how she fared, besides being his trinket of sorts for his lousy performances. She paused folding blankets and contemplated this for a moment until she heard the Gypsy call after her.

"Hey are you alright? You looked a little dazed there."

"Hmm? Oh…I was just thinking. I- this may sound a bit strange…but, I was just thinking about beauty. There are so many ways to be beautiful but I aways find myself looking in the mirror to find it…" she blushed a bit. "To be honest…I-I think you're a very attractive woman and I can imagine you turn a few heads when you pass by people…and you're a bit intimidating. I don't know why I'm talking so much but I feel like I compare myself to others, and as I thought, I started doing the same with you. Have you ever done that?"

Esmeralda's eyebrows rose and her mouth stood slightly agape.

"I'm…I'm definitely flattered you think I am…but that's not healthy. And yeah…as a child I used to hope that one day I could become fair skinned and blonde actually…Much like yourself." Esmeralda chuckled.

"It's sad isn't it? We always want to be what we aren't just because everyone else thinks a 'look' is better than another. We end up missing our good traits and features until we're all old and shriveled. Don't be so quick to feel like your musings aren't important, trust me, I'm sick of being told my thoughts don't matter, but they do. I know they do, and you should't have to feel silly for asking something so normal…My cousin has always told me I'm a bit ahead of my time…but what does he know? He does puppet shows for a living."

Madellaine laughed a bit. "…Thanks, it's nice knowing I'm not alone."

It was at that moment a loud racket burst through the hall and the two could only look at each other in confusion before rushing out.

To their surprise, the large oak doors of the prayer had burst open. They actually managed to clear it out! However their smiles soon disappeared as they saw Quasimodo's complexion to know something was horribly wrong. He was shaking and shivering madly as Brother Eduard quickly chauffeured him to an available pew. The fact he was shirtless allowed Madellaine to see each twitch to his body, which surprisingly was very taught and muscular as it normally lay hidden behind a large green tunic.

Claude was next to come in, by the help of both the Archdeacon and Brother Giovani. Teeth chattering as well, it was noted right away that he could barely walk.

"Attend to the boy, I'll be fine." He tried his hardest to talk straight without stuttering from the chill. "You! Young lass, go and fetch the nuns, see to it they bring as many blankets and warm water as soon as they can. His life depends on it."

A/N:

Oooo cliff hanger!

I posted this at an ungodly hour as I really wanted to get something out before my break ends, because I owe my few followers that if not more ( though really it should be more)

Goodness sorry it took so long! This semester was unpredictably difficult though I ended up doing well! I got my acceptance into my college of choice as a transfer student and I'm extremely happy. I had some issues figuring out how I wanted to go about this and I think I've got it down pat. I made the mistake of not outlining this story and sort of winging it as I went along though I have to say it flows alright for having done so. I hope you all had a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year! Like I said before and like to restate again: this has not been abandoned, there may be a couple hiatuses but hopefully not as long as this.

Oh and along with school work I've totally been fanning about Harry Potter and wracking my brain at how I missed out on such an awesome series and fandom as a child. WOW just wow. But you probably new that from the last authors note or should i saw… AURORS NOTE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *BA-DUM TSSSH*