Omg, I went to the Grand Hallows Ball and saw so many costumes! But no Snapes TT Son. Anyway, the book is so sad but awesome! Im not gonna talk about it anymore but it's really good XD I don't own the song "Hellfire" or the one by Dixie Chicks "Not ready to make nice."
Last Chapter:
Slowly, almost hesitant, I turned to him and questioned in a soft tone, "…How did my mother die, Claude?"
Instantly his eyes grew hard and dark. His gentle grin became a tight frown and he clenched his hands into fists. I also noticed that his posture, which was once relaxed, turned tense and his back straightened. "What?" That passion filled voice was now spiked with white hot fury and…was it me, or did I hear fear?
Lightly touching the silk sheets on the bed, I repeated the question with an unusual calmness, "How did my mother die?" The silence that took place was thick as fog. Thinking he had run off, I turned to look at the doorway, words leaving my lips, when I saw a black robe in front of me. Jumping, I looked up and realized it was Claude. He must have been really good to walk silently without the robes giving him up.
From this closer view, I could see his jaw was clenched in suppressed rage. "Why does it matter?" He questioned through gritted teeth. It was odd how I felt calm at the moment. Dread and perhaps fear was what I should have felt but his eyes, no matter how cold, were warm to me.
Raising my chin in the air a little, I made sure my hair covered half of my eyes. The intensity of his glare made me blush but I fought to keep a steady gaze. "Because it's the reason why I got into a fight with my family. Tell me what happened, what truly happened."
Frollo seemed to be torn between the truth and lies. Finally deciding on the truth, he inhaled deeply, his eyes closed. Reluctantly, he began to tell the tale.
FlashbackJudge Claude Frollo walked through the market in hope to reach the church. He had been caring for the hunchback for a few years and today was the day he first found him. As he strolled by, he noticed a woman dancing near an empty puppet show. Stopping to watch, he noticed she spoke to a man in a yellow outfit with a purple hat, a feather attached to it. There were traces of fear and happiness in her voice which floated in the wind.
A few minutes after the conversation, the man walked off and left her to entertain the kids that had gathered around. Frollo's curiosity got the better of him and decided to watch; it would be wrong for her to dance for kids so what would she do?
It seemed she was pondering the same thing. Finally, she placed her scarf on her hand and held it out to the kids, showing nothing was there. Smirking, she held the scarf a few inches up for a minute before yanking it away to show a small kitten! It looked up and meows at the amazed kids.
Frollo took a step back, eyes wide. She then wrapped a cloak around herself, disappearing as she did. "Witchcraft!" Claude cried out to no one in particular. The woman walked out of an alley a few yards away, smirking at the children' shock. He notice her had light blue eyes and black hair…her outfit was nothing but red and blue.
Later that night, after asking around, he had found out her name; Lilac Hellrose. "Captain!" He cried out as Arthur Black walked in. A smile curled on his lips, "I have an assignment for you. I have witnessed two acts of witchcraft and have decided to kill the girl. The public doesn't need to know there was a witch among them, hypnotizing their children."
Arthur kept his gaze straight as Frollo walked around him. "Deciding to kill someone without the public knowing, no trial or anything?"
Frollo nodded, "We mustn't scare the people of Paris, Captain."
Black responded, "Yes sir. Who is the girl and I'll have her arrested."
The Judge stopped walking and grinned, "Lilac Hellrose."
Arthur snapped his head towards his boss, staring in shock. "There must be some mistake, sir, I know this woman and she's no witch. All her acts are nothing but tricks of the eyes."
Claude opened his mouth and smirked, "Captain, I gave an order and I expect this witch to be killed tonight. Unless…there is a reason why she shouldn't be." When Arthur failed to answer, his gaze told the judge all he needed to know. "Ah…she's your wife, correct? That would explain a lot about Lavender. None-the-less, I want the woman to be burned."
Captain Black frowned, "I'm sorry sir but I refuse to kill my wife on a whim of a man who only thinks her acts are magic. With that being said…I resign." He took off before Frollo could speak again.
A few hours passed and Claude, drunken to a stupor, ordered the general to carry out his orders. While he waited, he sat in front of the fireplace and drowned a glass of whiskey. Lavender…
She truly did look like her mother. Both were beautiful. But did this mean the child was a witch as well? He wasn't sure how much time had passed; all had become a drunken haze.
"Sir, the woman has been killed; stabbed." The general reported, making Frollo grin as he toyed with his rings.
"Good job…one less witch vermin on the street…" His murmur was soft and full of hatred. From then on, he saw the deep blue eyes stare at him from every shadow…
End of Flashback
I stared at him as he finished the story. So many emotions boiled inside me and yet…I felt numb. He continued, "A week later, I discovered that the general lied. Your mother had lived through the attempt…but the wound got infected and she passed away. That's when I started to search for you. I found Arthur's body but never could I find you."
My voice was caught in my throat; I couldn't breathe. "Leave me…" I managed to choke out. He looked at me with fear and sadness. Nodding, he turned and left. Still, no matter what just happened, that damn ribbon made me want to claw it.
Sitting on the bed, I wondered aloud, "What should I do? I love him…but he killed my mother. Well, okay, so he sent out the guy to do such and caused her death but still! It's the same situation with Clopin almost." That drew a bitter grin. "Clopin killed my father but I love him. Claude was the cause of my mother's demise…wow, this is painfully ironic."
Hesitating, I looked out the window to see I was on a second story. I needed to go to Notre Dame but I didn't want anyone to know. Gulping down my fear, I slowly climbed out. There were spiders and other insects on the bricks that stuck out. Somehow, unable to remember how, I managed to get a few good yards away from my window. Looking down to see I was still pretty high up, I took a risk and jumped.
My feet slammed painfully onto the ground as I fell on my back. Wow, that didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Smiling, I got up and walked to the church. The sky was cloudy with a few, if any, rays of sunlight shining.
Walking through the huge wooden doors, I glanced around to see only two or three people there. Subconsciously my feet led me to a stain glass window that showed the Blessed Mary. The colors were somewhat faded but the image itself made it stand out with beauty. Though there was little or no light outside, it shined with a majestic sort of glow of its own.
I stood there, trying to find my voice. Using a hushed tone, I said, "What should I do? I love Claude and I know he's a good man…ignorant, proud, and unable to be tolerant but still good! He is the reason my mother's gone…that my father's gone…should I forgive him? I need help…I need a sign."
Softly I sang, "Forgive…sounds good…yeah; I'm not sure I could. They say, time heals everything…but I'm still hurting. I'm through with doubt there's nothing left for me to figure out. I paid a price, and I keep paying! I'm not ready to make to nice; I'm not ready to back down. I'm still mad as hell! Can't bring myself to do what I think I should…"
At that moment, the bells rang above me. It was such a gorgeous soul-cleansing sound. That's it! The bell ringer! I could go ask him what I should do since he knows Claude more than me!
Running up the stairs two at a time, I ran pass a balcony and skidded to a stop, glancing back. Did I just see those gargoyles move? Oh well, no time for hallucinations now! Walking around, I stopped and watched Quasi come down from the ladder. "Quasimodo?" I asked softly, watching him stumble back and hide his face. "I'm Lavender. Please, I wish to talk to you."
His fear disappeared immediately as he looked at me. "You're the girl Master spoke of."
Smiling at this, I asked, "Frollo has talked about me? Pray tell, what exactly?" As I stepped closer, he stepped farther away. This annoyed me. "You don't have to hide. I'm different as well so I have no reason to fear you."
He stared at me with shock, not from my own looks but from what I just said. Nodding, he started to walk around the balcony, allowing me to follow, "He's said many things…about your beauty and smarts." I gave a loud snort at the last word. "He's very taken with you, Lavender. Actually…ever since the festival, he's actually smiled once or twice."
We spoke of him for a little longer and then about ourselves. He was very amazing, making me laugh at his jokes. "Quasimodo…I know this is odd for a stranger such as myself to ask for advice but…" I started, unsure of what to say and how to say it. We stopped walking. "You have spent a lot more time with Frollo than anyone ever has I'm willing to bet. If Frollo killed a family member, would you be able to forgive him?" (A/N: XD That coincidence was completely unplanned.)
Quasi studied me for a moment. "He killed someone in your family?"
Biting my lip, I hesitated, "Yes, my mother. I love Claude…don't tell him such yet but…should I forgive him? Or should I just…I don't know anymore." For the first time in a long time, I felt truly alone; no Clopin, no Frollo, no parents, and no friends.
The man before him thought long and hard about this. Finally he spoke carefully, "If it was me…since I care for Master…I would forgive him. Sure I would be angry and hurt for a while but the Lord teaches forgiveness. Master sometimes acts upon impulse and ignorance. Fear overtakes him and forces him to do stupid things like that."
We walked until the sun went down, making me slightly panic. "I have to go before I get caught. I'll come back soon, thanks for helping. Bye!" I said as we muttered farewells.
Sprinting out of the tower, I ran to the Palace. There was no way in hell that I would dare try to climb in my room! Sneaking past the guards, I walked through the halls and found myself lost. Resisting the desire to smack myself, I started to roam through the building.
It had to be midnight by the time I entered my room. It was quiet and cold. That conversation with the hunchback helped but I was still confused. Would mother be proud of me to forgive her killer, or would she be angered? What about father?
Pacing the floor seemed to make time go by fast. I looked out the window and faintly heard people talking. Closing my eyes, I opened the window fully and smiled. Letting the wind wisp through my raven locks felt refreshing and cleared my mind. The air was cool with the hint of spring. Feeling the warm sun on my face, I laughed out loud to realize it was dawn. The people who were talking must have been going to church.
"Today's lessons, children, will include something that is proven to be difficult for us all." I heard a man say. "God once said that when sometime bad has happened, to turn the other cheek. Can anyone guess what that means?" Several children started to yell answers.
If that wasn't a sign of what to do, I don't know what is. There was soft knocking on my door. A girl about seventeen walked in, obviously a maid. "Master Frollo has sent me to take you to the dining area. He also said for me to help you pick out some clothes." I blinked.
"I am wearing clothes though."
This made the nervous girl laugh softly, "Decent lady like clothes, ma'am. Why not this?" She pulled out a long dress with suffocating sleeves and turtleneck, all black. I twitched.
"Uhh…I don't think so. That would make me look like an old lady. I can pick out my clothes for myself, thank you though." Shoving her out the door before she could protest, I looked at the dress like it was a dead rat. Maybe if I made some adjustments…
When I entered the dining room, I heard Frollo scorn the maid, "You should have…" He stopped when he saw me. I suppose the shock on his face was appropriate for the outfit I wore had no sleeves or collar, but was replaced with a semi-low cut V. The long skirt, which annoyed me to no ends, was cut just below my knees.
"Good morning, Claude." Happily, I spoke as I sat down near him. If he was trying to make me a lady, I would act like one, "It is rude to stare with your mouth open, Judge." This made his face come ablaze with embarrassment. The maid looked at me and smiled, trying to smother her laughter from Frollo's reaction.
While eating an apple, I found my attention travel to the window. Was Clopin and Kara and Esmeralda outside right now, dancing for money? I felt, for the moment, locked up. Did they miss me? Or were they having fun?
"Lavender, I'd like to speak to you about yesterday…" Claude stated, pulling my gaze and attention to him. He was nervous; his hand shook as he drank some wine.
My eyes landed on those rings. Grabbing his hands, I pulled off a blue and red one, studying them. "These don't look good together, especially with your clothes. Then again, I'm not too good with fashion myself." Randomly placing them on myself, I felt the desire to lace our fingers together. This brought an amused grin to his face.
He allowed me to wear them all while resting his elbows on the table, hands entwined with his chin resting on them. "Lavender…"
I interrupted him once more, "I went to Notre Dame last night. I prayed for a sign, a sign on what to do. Through the night hours, I pondered if I should hate you or not." His body went rigid. "This morning I over heard a church lesson going on. I heard them say that today's lesson was to 'turn the other cheek.' Even a blind man could see it was a sign…"
Taking my gaze away from the rings that sparkled on my hand, I looked at him seriously. He was scared, on the edge of his seat with the suspense. "So…I forgive you Claude." My voice was quiet but loud enough for it to reach his ears.
Once again, he had silently made his way next to me and held me in his arms, relieved. "Um…am I interrupting?" The maid questioned as she walked in on us. He pulled away and was ready to snap at her.
"No not at all. I'm going to walk around for a little while, okay?" With a gentle grin, I escaped and tried not to run outside.
The days slipped by without any huge worries. Every day, I'd dress up to my liking, which usually made Frollo shift uncomfortably, eat breakfast and walk around. The fifth day I stayed with the judge, I heard kids clapping for a puppet show.
I saw two puppets acting out Sleeping Beauty. At the kiss scene, the girls sighed with wishes while the boys cried out "ew!" I was so lost in the story that I failed to realize it was over. "Lavender?" I heard a familiar voice exclaim behind me.
Turning, I froze; it was Clopin. "Lavender, what are you wearing?! How are you? Where are you staying? Are you okay?" What was this, twenty questions?
Answering them in exact order, I replied, "I'm wearing my own design of "lady-like clothes", I'm fine but tired, I'm staying with Frollo in my own room, and I'm perfectly okay." It was painfully obvious that he missed me, his eyes showed such.
"How is the Judge treating you?" He sneered. Before I could answer, he hugged me tight and didn't let go. "Lavender, please come back. I'm sorry for my outbursts…I just worry."
I allowed myself that moment of peace, that moment of being in his arms. "Clopin…" I didn't know what to do. Looking up at him, I continued, "Clopin…I don't care about the outburst. You were half right; Frollo sent the general to kill my mother. I forgave him just like I forgave you. He's a nice guy…and I'd like to stay with him for a few more weeks."
He hugged me again, obviously torn at this. "I understand. Just be careful, okay? Kara and Esmeralda have been missing you; their dances are boring as they claim. Why not spend the day with us?" His face lit up with excitement.
I laughed; same old Clopin, still a child at heart. "Sure. I'm sure I can dance in this." With a little elbow grease, I managed to make the dress look almost exactly like a gypsy outfit.
Through the day, we danced and talked and laughed. Around dinner time, we stopped at a tavern and drank some. It had been a long time since I had beer so I tried my best to stop from coughing. I sat next to Esmeralda while Kara sat next to Clopin. There was something about them, the way they looked at each other that made me want to play matchmaker. The things that were spoken made many faces blush and laugh. I missed this, I had to admit quietly. But things change…
When I finally arrived back at the Palace, I hugged Clopin and kissed his cheek. Damn alcohol! "If you ever need sanctuary, you know where to find me." He whispered softly.
Smiling, I nodded and bided him good night. There was a light drizzle as I walked inside; the first sign of spring. The building was silent when I walked in. From a room far off, I could hear Claude's deep voice sing.
"Now gypsy, it's your turn! Choose me or your pyre, be mine or you will burn! God have mercy on her…God have mercy on me. But she will be mine or she will burn!"
What in the world was he singing? As I strolled over there, the echoed lyrics made me shiver. Such passion in it…I had to ask him to sing more later.
When I walked in, I saw him lying on the floor, passed out. Glancing at the whiskey bottles, I frowned and managed to drag him into his bed. Me…sitting on his bed…with him in it…wow, such inappropriate thoughts!
A few hours passed until Claude opened his red eyes. For a moment, he looked like the devil in a holy man's robes. A groan first ensued from his lips, "Where am I?"
I glared, clearly upset, "In your bed! What in the hell were you thinking to drink that much whiskey?!" As I scorned him, I placed a wet cloth on his forehead, letting half rest on his eyes. I knew very well the pain of a hangover…I'd never drink that much wine again…
There was shame in his voice, "I guess I lost count. We're…in my bed?" He grabbed my hand which rested on the cloth for a moment. A blush covered my face which made me glad I covered his vision.
"Yes. It's probably midnight by now. I came in and heard you sing something about gypsies turns…and fire…What was that about?" As much as I tried, I couldn't keep the curiosity, suspicion, and accusation out of my voice.
Frollo muttered softly, "It's nothing; just some…Are you tired?" I knew he was just avoiding the question but I was tired. He took off the wet cloth and saw me nod. "Then come, sleep next to me."
Doing as he said, I grinned to feel his arms wrap around me in a protective way. I think tomorrow I'll stay inside and spend time with the man…Clopin, Kara, and Esmeralda will understand.
Next chapter, just like it says, Lav will be staying in the building. It means that basically it's gonna be all about Claude and her. Review please!