Chapter 12
Rose Goes Shopping

Author's Note: In this chapter, we meet our first minor Original Character (aside from Rose, I suppose) of the story. She won't be seen too often, but I loved giving this character a fun personality and story. Perfect for this chapter too.


Tuesday, December 29th, 1992 – Early Afternoon

Fifteen minutes after they left the meeting room, Harry, Hermione, Dora, Professor McGonagall, and Ragnok were standing in front of the Potter Family Vault. The trek on a mine-cart, through the Vault tunnels, and deep underground, was amazing. Then there was the humongous, blind dragon used for security. It was the first time Harry and Hermione had ever seen a live dragon, at least one that size. They had seen a baby dragon once, but it was nowhere near this size! Ragnok had asked Harry if he wanted to test his Parseltongue to speak to the dragon, but Harry declined, hoping that the Goblin was joking. A brave Gryffindor he may be, but speaking to a dragon he had just met wasn't brave - it was stupid!

Hermione looked rather uncomfortable as she gazed, searchingly around the corridor of Vaults. Harry noticed this.

"Are you alright, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I feel strange down here," Hermione said, "And I don't know why."

"Maybe the Neko doesn't like the dragon?" Harry suggested.

"I suppose so," Hermione said, though she looked unsure.

"There are a lot of Dark artifacts stored in the Vaults down here," Ragnok said, "Completely legal to own, but still Dark. That may be what you are feeling, Miss Granger."

Hermione merely nodded. "Let's just get this over with. I want to get out of here."

Harry studied his Vault and noticed, etched into the bronze metal of the door, a design, like a shield. He held up his Potter Family ring and compared it to the shield. A Griffin standing tall, its wings outstretched, stood above two swords pointed diagonally. On the Griffin's chest, there was a letter P.

"The Potter Family Vault," Ragnok said. "Lord Potter, walk up to the door, and press the Potter Family ring directly in the hole that forms around the upper portion of the large letter P."

Harry did as was instructed, then backed away as he heard a great mechanical sound. The Potter Shield split in two, dividing the two swords, as the doors melted into the walls revealing the Vault and its treasures within.

Harry's eyes widened at the sight. The Vault was cavernous – he could compare it to the Great Hall, just by the sheer size. Piles of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts appeared like large hills, all lined up throughout the center of the Vault. On either side of the coins were all the valuables. Just standing in the entrance, Harry could see large casks overflowing with various jewels, as well as furniture, chests, and what appeared to be mannequins wearing clothing and armor. Weapons – swords, shields, bows, staffs – hung on the walls.

"This all belongs to me?" Harry asked, turning to Ragnok.

"It belongs to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, which you are now the Head of," Ragnok said, "So yes, it belongs to you. This Vault has been on loan to the House of Potter for a very long time. In fact, my ancestor, Ragnok the First, was the first Goblin to place this Vault on loan to an ancestor of yours. It has 'belonged' to the House of Potter since then."

"Am I the only one allowed inside?" Harry asked.

"You may allow anyone in your party to go inside with you," Ragnok said. "Anyone who remains out here is safe with me. The dragon won't harm us."

"I will stay out here with Keeper Ragnok," McGonagall said, "You three may go inside."

Harry led Hermione and Dora inside the Vault.

"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "To your direct left when you enter, there is a large trunk. I was made aware of this chest. It has five compartments, and could be used as a school trunk, if you ever wish to replace yours. Inside, in the very topmost compartment, there should be the Portkey to Potter Manor, as well as other various personal items your parents left for you and you alone."

Harry gulped, then nodded as he eyed the trunk.

"Er... how am I supposed to carry it around?" Harry asked.

"Command it to shrink," Ragnok said, "When you wish it to go back to normal, tell it to grow. Shrunken, it should fit in your pocket, or the pocket of your knapsack, and will only grow in size when you command it, so it does not endanger you whilst in your pockets."

Harry nodded and walked over to the trunk. "Shrink!"

Immediately the trunk shrunk down to the size of one of the tiny toy cars he had stolen from Dudley at one point in his life. He placed the trunk in one of the pockets of his knapsack, making a mental note to explore the trunk later.

When Harry spoke out loud, wondering how much money he should get, Ragnok spoke up.

"If you wish for an easier way to spend your gold," Ragnok said, "We have something similar to a Muggle Debit Card. It can be used at both wizarding and Muggle shops. All purchases will transfer gold from your Vault. There is also an option for a limited Trust Vault card as well."

"What about Rose?" Harry asked, "She's going shopping today. Won't my name be on the Card?"

"Your House name will be on card," Ragnok said, "But only the owner of the Debit Card can use it, so most won't hardly care about that."

"Probably best to use a Debit Card, Harry," Dora said, "Rose might be an expensive shopper."

Harry snorted. That he did not doubt.

"I'll accept a Debit Card, Keeper Ragnok." Harry said. "as well as the Trust Vault card for Hermione."

"You can pick them up when we return to the Atrium," Ragnok said.

Harry nodded. He explored his Vault, looking around at all of his belongings. Many of these things had once belonged to his parents, and grandparents. It was nice to think about and made him feel closer to his parents.

Hermione, meanwhile, had found a bookcase full of books and tomes.

"There are several books here that aren't in Hogwarts, Harry!" she exclaimed.

"Take a few if you want," Harry said.

"Oh, no, I couldn't!" Hermione said.

"Think of it as checking books out at the library," Harry said, "I can always put them back next summer, or put them in my – our new home."

Hermione's cheeks went pink, possibly at the fact that he had said 'their' new home. She grinned and took a total of five books from the bookcase.

"Ooh," Dora said, "Undetectable Extension Bags! Of all sizes! These are rare!"

"Why are they rare?" Hermione asked.

"The charm was outlawed recently by the Ministry," Dora said. "The Charm, but not any thing it was used on before it was outlawed. So these bags are completely legal to use. You can put so much in these bags, and they'll keep the same size and carrying weight."

"Dorea Black Potter, Lord Potter's Grandmother," McGonagall said, having heard the conversation from outside the Vault, "was a collector of those bags. That must be her collection."

Harry found two empty knapsacks that had the Extension Charm on them, and gave one to Hermione.

"To use for the books and any shopping you want to do," Harry said.

Hermione smiled and thanked Harry. Five minutes later, after a bit more exploration, they left the Vault and headed back toward the surface.


Half-an-hour later, Rose stepped out of the ladies bathroom at Gringotts, and into the Atrium. She was dressed in the same school-girl outfit she had worn during her last emergence. She was so glad that Harry had agreed to allow her to go shopping. She needed new outfits – something that was far prettier than what she was currently wearing.

Keeper Ragnok and Professor McGonagall were waiting for her near the bathroom.

"Where's Hermione?" Rose asked, frowning as she looked around for her first friend.

"Miss Granger is with one of my assistants transferring partial ownership of the House Potter Trust Vault to her," Ragnok said, "Miss Tonks is with her. They will join us shortly."

"I thought it best that you weren't crowded so soon after your reemergence," McGonagall said.

"Oh," Rose said.

"Lady Potter," Ragnok said, "Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Ragnok the Sixth, Vault Keeper and Account Manager of the Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell."

Rose thought such an introduction was unnecessary. She had witnessed the whole meeting not an hour ago.

"I'm Lady Potter?" Rose asked, "I thought that title belonged to Harry's future wife."

"The Potter Signet Ring accepts you, as it does Harry," Ragnok said, motioning to the rings on Rose's hand, "Therefore, you are Lady Potter, as Harry is Lord Potter. You'll still be Lady Potter when Harry's future spouse holds the same title as well."

Rose thought herself as rather intelligent, but even that was hard to wrap her mind around. She merely nodded.

"I had a front-row seat during that Will Reading and Inheritance Test meeting, Keeper Ragnok," she said, "So I am well aware of why you wished to meet me. You are worried for the son of one of your most respected clients."

"I meant no offense, Lady Potter," Ragnok said, "I have had experience in the past with Metamorphmagi who have lost their dominant personality to their other personality they thought they had control of. It changed their entire lifestyle, and society's view on them. I'm sure you understand when I say I don't want to experience that ever again."

"I have no desire to be the dominant personality, Keeper Ragnok," Rose said, "Far too bothersome, in my opinion. I have told Harry that I simply wish to have some fun. But that does not mean I won't defend him if it is necessary. For example, Albus Dumbledore treated Harry like his own personal marionette. I saw the man for what he was long ago. Unfortunately, I have been dormant ever since Dumbledore has had an everyday part in Harry's life. He kept me weak, and kept me dormant. If it wasn't for him, I could have warned Harry about him."

"So you will emerge if you feel Harry needs your help?" Ragnok asked.

"Yes, sir," Rose said.

"But he may never learn to defend himself if you help him when he needs it," Ragnok said.

"If I feel our lives are threatened, and he cannot do something about that," Rose said, "I will step in. Other than that, I'll only emerge when Harry allows it. He is the dominant personality. I understand that."

"Very well," Ragnok said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Potter. You remind me of your mother, who was a good friend and a very strong-willed witch. Perhaps we will meet again some day. For now, I say farewell."

Rose echoed the Goblin's farewell, and Ragnok walked away. A few moments later, Rose grinned when she saw Hermione walking over, followed by Dora.

"Hermione!" Rose said, squealing lightly.

She immediately hugged Hermione, who momentarily froze in shock, before settling into the hug.

"Rose?" Hermione asked, as she backed away, "That is you? Not Harry?"

Rose nodded and grinned. "You remember me."

"I do," Hermione said, smiling, "Curse Albus Dumbledore for making me forget about my first real friend."

Rose really wanted to see how Hermione looked, now that she was a Neko. She never really got a good look as an 'audience member' in Harry's mind. She wanted to stroke Hermione's ears and tail. She knew that Hermione loved that, and she knew exactly why too. Harry didn't know just what he did when he stroked Hermione's ears and tail for long periods of time. Rose yearned to see Hermione quiver under her hands. But Hermione's ears and tail were hidden in her coat. She didn't want to reveal herself in public yet. Rose understood that, of course. But she still yearned for the day she could see Hermione in her true beautiful form.

Dora cleared her throat, breaking Rose from her reverie. Rose studied her fellow Metamorph. Dora was gorgeous, and had a great body, especially her tits. Rose was jealous of the girl's breast size. She wanted hers to grow, but Harry probably wouldn't let her make them look unnatural for her age.

"Wotcher, Rose!" Dora said, "Call me Dora. It is nice to finally meet you. Harry's talked about you a bit. Though I wager you were there for that conversation."

"Yeah," Rose said, nodding. "You don't need to worry about your apprentice, Dora. I understand he is the dominant personality. I'm just here to have fun."

She didn't want to give Dora the whole explanation she had given Keeper Ragnok. Not in front of Hermione, at least. Hermione would only be upset if she knew what Rose's intentions were.

"I'm also here to go shopping," Rose said. "So can we please do that now?"

Rose wilted slightly under Dora's suspicious stare. Thankfully, Hermione stepped in.

"Yes, we can," Hermione said, grinning, "I've never had the opportunity to shop with girls my age."

Rose smiled and grabbed Hermione's hand. She giggled when Hermione blushed slightly. Then she headed out of Gringotts with Hermione; Dora and Professor McGonagall following them along.

"So have you gone shopping with Harry?" Rose asked Hermione, as they walked along the cobbled pathway toward the various shops.

"Not exactly," Hermione said, "He was there when we met Professor Lockhart this summer, and purchased our book-list. Didn't do much aside from that."

"Not exactly a shopping trip," Rose said.

"I imagine we'll get opportunities starting in third year when we can go to Hogsmeade," Hermione said, "Then we can go shopping together. Though –" she blushed lightly, "- I suppose those could also be called dates."

"Is this a date?" Rose asked, grinning.

Hermione sputtered and squeaked. "I – er –"

"That was a joke," Rose lied.

She thought it was a date, but Hermione was Harry's girl. It was a new relationship, and she wasn't going to interfere with that. At least until Hermione was comfortable with her.

"Oh," Hermione said, grinning and giggling; then she sobered up, "So... where are we going first? Madam Malkin's?"

"I don't think Madam Malkin has what Rose is interested in, Hermione," Dora said. "Thankfully, I know a good store that might be perfect for Rose. Follow me, ladies."

Dora took the lead, and led Rose, Hermione and Professor McGonagall up the cobblestone pathway. Nestled between a secondhand goods store - that Molly Weasley probably frequently shopped at – and a shop seemed to sell Runes among other items, was another store called Madame Vesti's Witchwear

"I don't remember Harry even seeing this shop," Rose said, as she looked at the building.

"There is an enchantment on this shop, Miss Potter," McGonagall said. "Only witches can see it. So, he wouldn't have, would he? Wizards see the brother version of this shop."

Rose nodded. She released Hermione's hand, which she had been holding since they had left Gringotts, and followed Dora into the shop. Her eyes sparkled, and a light grin twisted up her lips as she took her first view of the shop. There were clothes of all styles and fashions for witches of all ages, from young children to adults and elders.

"Miss Dora!" a woman's voice called out.

Rose's attention turned from the clothes to the owner of the voice. It belonged to a rather tall witch who looked like a runway model. She had long black hair which reached the middle of her back, and had a large bust and long legs.

"Hello, Madame Vesti," Dora said.

"What can I do for you today?" Madame Vesti asked, her voice oozing a French dialect, though her English was perfect.

"I'm not here for me today, I'm afraid," Dora said, "Taking my friend here shopping. Madame Vesti, let me introduce Rose. Pardon me if I wish to keep her surname a secret. Rose, this is Madame Vesti, the owner of this lovely little shop. She is a Metamorph like ourselves."

"Another Metamorph?" Madame Vesti asked, looking at Rose.

"Yes, ma'am," Rose said.

"Rose is not the dominant personality," Dora said, "Her dominant is, of course, male, and they only recently discovered their talents. Rose is here to buy a few outfits, a part of her Compromise with her dominant."

"You've come to the right place, Rose," Madame Vesti said, "Many of my clothes are perfect for the growing Metamorphmagus. How often do you plan to emerge, Rose?"

Rose shrugged. "I'm not sure yet. Not too often, I suppose. Occasionally."

Madame Vesti snorted softly. "Male dominants. Most are usually too embarrassed to let their feminine side out to play too often. Makes it so difficult to shop for when it comes to clothing. How many outfits are you looking for today?"

"Five total," Rose said, "As was part of the compromise."

"Mmhmm," Madame Vesti said, "The difference between my clothes, and those in – say – Madame Malkin's fine shop is this: mine are more attuned for the growing Metamorph. If you were to buy five outfits in Madame Malkin's, but only emerged once or twice a month, you would outgrow those outfits before you were able to wear them more than once or twice! My outfits are perfect for you, Rose. They grow with you, so to speak."

"An excellent use of Transfiguration in clothing," Professor McGonagall said.

"Indeed it is," Madame Vesti said, smiling. "How old are you, young lady?"

"Twelve... and-a-half," Rose said, adding the latter just in case that was important.

"Almost a teenager," Madame Vesti said, then she appeared to begin talking to herself, "Mmhmm... male dominant, likely modest, will likely keep an average breast size with her peers. Mmhmm!"

She turned and headed toward a section of the store. "Come with me, Rose, don't be afraid now!"

"Better remain back here, Hermione, for the moment," Dora said, "Go on, Rose."

Rose followed Madame Vesti toward an section of the store marked Teenage Witches. She soon found herself surrounded by several varieties of outfits in all colors – skirts, dresses, jeans, blouses, sweaters, feminine-style robes, as well as bras, panties and leg wear.

"What do you like in colors, Rose?" Madame Vesti said, "What is your favorite hair colors?"

"I haven't had much of a chance to test different hair colors," Rose said, blushing slightly. "Um... auburn red, black, brunette, maybe blonde?" She glanced at Dora. "Maybe hot pink? I'm sorry! I'm not sure, really."

Madame Vesti made a 'mmhmm' sound again. "This is why I like Color-Changing Charms, especially when it comes to dressing Metamorphs. Most of these clothes have Color-Changing Charms on them. So don't focus on colors right now. Merely styles. Pick a dozen out or so."

"A dozen?" Rose echoed, "I'm only getting five outfits."

"Of course, of course!" Madame Vesti said, "But you'll want to try on various outfits, and see which ones you like best. That is why I have Changing Rooms! Don't simply pick five and that is it. Make sure the five you want is exactly what you want."

"What about prices?" Rose asked.

"One price fits all," Madame Vesti said, "Same price for same style. They're more expensive than usual, because this clothing – thanks to Transfiguration – will literally last throughout your teenage years, as long as you don't get bored with it!"

"Oh, okay," Rose said, "Um... what do you suggest?"

"My favorite question a customer can ask!" Madame Vesti said, grinning. "Especially for someone like you. Because you aren't a female-dominant, because you'll only show up occasionally, you're going to have to go with seasonal wear. One winter outfit, one outfit for spring and autumn, two summer outfits, and perhaps either a formal outfit, or a swimming costume. I'd go with formal. Wait for a swimming costume until the summer holiday. You'll know your bust size then."

"Alright," Rose said, "I like that idea. Seasonal outfits and a formal outfit."

"Alright," Madame Vesti said, approvingly, "Let's get you something that makes the boys drool."

She then glanced at Hermione, and back at Rose. "Right. Male dominant. Maybe that would be 'make the girls drool' and not boys."

Rose blushed and shrugged.

Madame Vesti merely laughed. "I completely understand. I am more of a witches' witch myself. Keeps both me and my male form happy too. So... let's see now..."

Rose spent the next hour-and-a-half trying on various outfits. She had a lot of fun trying each outfit on, and showing them to Hermione, Dora and Professor McGonagall, to get their opinion. She had trouble simply deciding five outfits, simply because they all looked so good. But it was her part of the Compromise.

For a winter outfit, she chose a sweater-vest and jeans, which showed off her curves, but was still warm and comfortable.

Her combined spring and fall outfit was hard to choose, because during those months, she would mostly be in Hogwarts, and would be wearing her feminine school outfit on the days Harry allowed her to emerge. So she chose a blouse and top outfit on the chance she'd get to emerge for a Hogsmeade visit, or perhaps a nice weekend outing on the castle's Grounds.

For her summer wear, she chose two outfits. The first was a dress, and a silk top which showed off her curves. The second was a mini-skirt outfit, which showed off her legs.

For formal wear, she bought a formal dress and feminine robe combination. She was a Lady of an Ancient and Most Noble House after all.

She also bought a couple of bras and packages of panties and leg wear. Her last purchase was a pair of black boots which she had fallen in love with.

She ended up wearing the winter outfit she had purchased, and placing the school outfit back in Extension Charm bag. Professor McGonagall allowed them to remain in Diagon Alley for one more hour, before they had to go back to Hogwarts. So, upon Hermione's insistence, they visited Flourish and Blott's, where Hermione ended up purchasing books on Metamorphmagi and Nekos. Professor McGonagall suggested a few books for Rose and Harry, which included subjects on Houses, Lords and Ladies, a book about the Great Alliance, and The Tales of Beedle The Bard.

After they left the bookshop, they returned to the Leaky Cauldron, where Rose visited the bathroom and changed back into Harry. Harry changed back into his own clothes, and headed back out into the restaurant area, where he reunited with Hermione, Dora and Professor McGonagall. Soon, they were back in Professor McGonagall's office.

"Lord Potter, Miss Granger," McGonagall said, "May I have a word before you leave? If you will wait outside, Dora. I wish for you to accompany Miss Granger back to the Hospital Wing."

"Probably best," Dora said. "Just in case someone appears who doesn't know about Hermione's new lifestyle."

McGonagall nodded, and Dora stepped out of the office.

"Please, ma'am," Harry said, "I only wish to be called Lord Potter in proper settings. I'm still Mr. Potter in classes, or in front of Professors."

"Of course, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "I will be contacting the DMLE within the next couple of days. I imagine Madam Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, will likely be here herself, as well as some Aurors. I intend to discuss the Headmaster's behavior toward the both of you, as well as the Chamber of Secrets incidents. I will likely ask for your attendance during part of the meeting."

"We'd be happy to help, ma'am," Hermione said.

Harry nodded in agreement with his girlfriend. "Especially if it stops Dumbledore from interfering in our lives."

"Unfortunately, I expect Albus will be able to worm his way out of anything too serious," McGonagall said. "He's frightfully good at doing that."

"Removal as Headmaster would be good enough in my opinion," Harry said. "Yes, I hope that Dumbledore pays for what he did to us, but at the very least, he could never interfere with us again if he's out as Headmaster."

McGonagall sighed heavily. "It would certainly be the end of an era of that were to happen. But, of course, it would be for the best. I will speak to you soon about this, and I will see you tomorrow for your next lesson, Mr. Potter. Thank you for an entertaining visit to Diagon Alley."

"Thank you, ma'am," Harry said, "For everything."

Hermione echoed Harry's response. McGonagall smiled softly, and nodded. After saying goodbye to Professor McGonagall, Harry and Hermione joined Dora and started back in the direction of the Hospital Wing.

"So," Harry said to Hermione, "How was your shopping trip?"

"Brilliant!" Hermione said, "Rose is good at shopping. She loves her new outfits."

"Do I want to know how many Galleons she spent?" Harry asked.

"Not really," Hermione said, with a smirk, "But I thought you'd have some idea. Weren't you paying attention as an 'audience member'?"

"Is that supposed to be a serious question?" Harry asked, "You really expect me to watch girls shopping?"

Hermione giggled. "I suppose not. You'll have to get used to it though, what with three Betrothals."

"Yeah," Harry said, "I suppose so. We're going to have to talk about that soon, aren't we?"

"We are," Hermione said, with a soft smile, "But that can wait until I'm out of the Hospital Wing."

Harry nodded. "Right. That should happen within the next few days."

"I hope so," Hermione said, grinning, "I'm starting to see why you hate the Hospital Wing."

Harry laughed. He took Hermione's hand, and the pair headed toward the Hospital Wing with Dora.


Originally there was going to be one more scene, involving a student discovering Hermione's Neko secret. But as I wrote more chapters, I decided I wasn't ready for the rest of the students finding out just yet.