Hermione rose early that morning. She decided that she'd like to take a walk before breakfast and get some air. She wanted to clear her head and be fresh for the day's activities.
As Hermione strolled through the castle grounds, the morning mist still clung to the vibrant flowers that lined the cobblestone path. The air was crisp, carrying the fragrance of dew-kissed roses and the distant sound of birds greeting the dawn. Her steps were light, her mind wandering as she took in every magical detail around her.
She thought about what they knew so far. They knew that the Beast's — Adam's — mother was magical. It was highly possible that this Colette in the portrait was the same Colette as Belle's mother. Adam's mother, Estelle, was not only magical, but a highly talented and esteemed artist, who visited Paris a lot.
Hermione imagined that Paris must have its own magical community similar to Diagon Alley in London, which had gone underground after the International Statute of Secrecy took place. The International Statute of Secrecy was a much more recent development in this time period. Less than 70 years had passed since it had been established.
Hermione wondered if they would need to try to find the magical community in Paris before all of this was over. Hopefully not, though it would be cool to see what Paris looked like during this time period.
Lost in thought, Hermione found herself standing before the grand iron gates of the castle. Beyond the gates lay a lush forest stretching out as far as the eye could see, its emerald canopy swaying gently in the breeze. She leaned against the cold metal, mesmerized by the beauty that lay just beyond her reach.
The gate swung open at her weight, startling her. She'd assumed they were locked. The sound of metal scraping against metal shattered the tranquility of the morning.
Moments later, a voice rang out. "Belle! Belle is that you?" Hermione's head snapped to the side, her eyes widening as she saw a figure approaching from the wooded trail. She stood frozen in place, watching the figure come nearer.
Hermione noted his tall, masculine physique. He was broad-shouldered and muscular with a strong jaw and sculpted chin. His long dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He wore a rifle strapped to his back. Had be been hunting in the woods?
Clearly, he knew Belle. He must have been from her village. Of course, Hermione didn't know him and had no idea what his name was. He was within arm's reach of her now. She hadn't run when she had the chance, so now she didn't know what to do but stay there.
He stood right in front of her, looking down at her. "Belle," he said. "Why didn't you respond to me?"
"I was so surprised," Hermione said quietly, and truthfully.
"Your father came into my tavern with the wildest stories," the man said. "He said that you'd been captured by a Beast and locked in his castle." He looked around. "I didn't believe him at first, but no one saw you in the village for several days. So I decided to look around." He looked back at Hermione. "And here you are. Right on the edge of a castle."
"Here I am," Hermione echoed.
"Is it true that you're imprisoned by a Beast?" the man said.
"Yes…and no," Hermione said. "Imprisoned is a strong word. I'm here helping him."
"Helping…him?" the man said, a note of jealousy entering his voice. "You're helping a monster? A male monster?"
"He's not a monster!" Hermione declared, not liking his tone one bit. "He's actually good once you get to know him. He's caring."
"It seems you care for this monster," the man said indignantly. "I think it has enchanted you. Come away with me now, Belle, while the coast is clear."
"No!" Hermione said. "I'm not going anywhere. Especially with someone I don't know."
Inwardly, Hermione cringed. She'd just admitted to not knowing this man. She hadn't meant to, but she was starting to feel nervous about this man. He seemed to have feelings for Belle and jealous of her relationship with the Beast. With Adam, Hermione corrected herself.
The man raised himself up to his fullest height, which was considerable. He must be significantly over 6 feet tall, Hermione thought.
"You dare to claim you don't know me," the man boomed. "I, Gaston Legume, renowned hunter and the greatest catch around? The man who wants to marry you and provide you with a comfortable home?"
"I'm sorry," Hermione said, not knowing what else to say. She felt vulnerable outside and alone without a wand to defend herself. "I got confused for a minute."
"You clearly are very confused," Gaston said. "I'm taking you back with me to the village."
"No!" Hermione cried. "You can't do that! I won't let you!"
"Let me?" Gaston laughed. "It's not as if you can stop me." He grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. Hermione kicked and screamed, but nothing she did deterred Gaston and it seemed that no one heard her.
Gaston walked up the trail and back into the woods, where two horses and a small man waited.
"Lefou," Gaston said. "Ready my horse."
"Aye, aye, captain," the one called Lefou said. "Having a difficult time, there?" His voice carried dry humor.
The look Gaston gave Lefou sent him scurrying off to get the larger horse ready.
Gaston set Hermione down roughly in front of him and pinned her arms to her side.
"We can do this the easy way," he said. "Or the hard way. You can cooperate and I'll let you ride with me on my horse peacefully. Or you can ride behind me trussed up like my latest kill."
So, she was right about him being a hunter, Hermione mused. She didn't like either option. She eyed Gaston. He was much stronger than her physically. Without her wand, Hermione wasn't much of a fighter. She didn't see anywhere to run. She didn't particularly want to ride behind him tied up like a hunted animal.
"I'll cooperate," she sighed, feeling scared and defeated. Would the castle inhabitants figure out what had happened to her? Would they worry about her? Or would they think she'd just abandoned them?
"Good," Gaston said. He led her over to his horse, which the man called Lefou had prepared. He lifted her up and sat her on the horse, sidesaddle. Hermione had never ridden sidesaddle before and didn't like the idea of being off balance, so she swung her leg over the other side of the horse. Gaston raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment as he climbed on behind her.
"Where are we going?" Lefou asked Gaston from his smaller horse beside them.
"The asylum," Gaston said. "She's clearly been bewitched."
The asylum? That's where they suspected the Beast's mother had been sent. Surely there was only one asylum.
Suddenly, Hermione didn't think her abduction was such a bad thing after all. Maybe it would lead her to some clues.