As they strolled, people parted around them like water around the prow of a boat. Nearly everyone that met Minerva's eyes on the street gave her a nod, or touched a finger to the brim of a hat. When Hermione caught a glimpse of red hair through the sea of people, she flinched and pressed into Minerva, who uncrooked her arm and slid it around Hermione's shoulder.
"Almost there," she murmured into Hermione's ear. She twitched the wrist of her free hand and the heavy doors of the bank swung open. Inside, Minerva led Hermione to a small, sumptuously furnished room that seemed to be some sort of private waiting room.
Hermione perched on one of the lather chairs while Minerva busied herself pulling paperwork from thin air. It took only a moment for the door to swing open and for an elderly goblin to limp in, aided by a small cane.
"Headmistress, Ms. Granger." His voice was gravelly. "What can Gringott's do for you this afternoon?"
"Gridnik, this is a surprise. I thought you were taking a leave of absence for the rest of the summer."
"Well, the best laid plans, Headmistress. I am sure you are aware of how ridiculous the few weeks before start of term can be. I've had to handle the overflow of new accounts created for new students joining the wizarding world." He shifted uncomfortably and shot a glance at Hermione.
"Hermione is about to start her first term as a Hogwart's apprentice. She is also my personal apprentice in Transfiguration." Minerva said with obvious pride in her voice.
"Very well. We would prefer that she remain above ground during her visit. Or at the very least, stay in your company." Hermione blushed furiously. Minerva pursed her lips.
"Minerva, you know I have no problems with what happened here two years ago. Desperate times necessitate desperate acts. And you know that most goblins feel the same way, but there are those who think that Voldemort and the Death Eaters were our best chance at obtaining equal rights within the wizarding community." Minerva scoffed at this.
"I know. Just keep her close, Minerva. And Ms. Granger, send me an owl when you have time to talk. I would like to know more details about your escapades in our vaults. Security and all that."
"Of course, sir." Hermione smiled shyly at the wrinkled goblin.
"Now, what can I do for you today Minerva?" Gridnik asked again.
"I have authorizations here for transfers from my accounts and the school's accounts to Ms. Granger's account in the specified amounts." She handed him two of the form letters. "And this final one is - well, its all laid out clearly. You can owl if you have questions."
"I will take care of this personally Minerva. Does Ms. Granger need any coinage, or will she be charging purchases directly to her account today?"
Minerva looked at Hermione, who shrugged. "We'll charge. She needs a new wardrobe and carrying that much coin would be silly."
"Do you want to wait for receipts or should I owl them to you with the rest of the monthlies?"
"We are going to head out. Include Hermione's receipts with mine and," she turned to Hermione, "you'll get them in a few days."
"That's fine, Minerva." Hermione took Minerva's hand and tucked herself into the older woman's side. "Let's go shopping."
"We will see ourselves out, Gridnik."
"Of course, Minerva. It was good to see you. I hope your start of term is placid and without mishap!" The goblin smiled slyly at Minerva.
"We both know the odds of that, Gridnik." Minerva said, chuckling.
Hermione and Minerva left the bank, still holding hands. Madame Malkin's was only a few doors down from the bank, and as soon as Minerva stepped through the door the proprietor and her assistant were on her like a pair of extravagantly robed flies. Hermione let go of Minerva's hand and backed away to stand quietly next to a rack of men's robes.
"Stop fussing, the both of you. I'm here for a fitting, but Ms. Granger needs teaching robes and something for formal occasions."
Madame Malkin and her assistant noticed Hermione standing shyly out of the way. Now she was in their sights, and they fluttered over to her. Madame Malkin was robed in conservatively cut garments of eye watering magenta, and her assistant, an unctuous man with oiled hair, was wearing a tailored muggle three piece suit with a cape covering it. He had to be sweltering.
"Ms. Granger! How lovely to see you again, my dear. How have you been? How are your lovely parents? How are your..." She was off like a steam engine, not even aware that Hermione wasn't answering her. Hermione raised an eyebrow at Minerva who lifted a shoulder in response.
"Suzetta!" Minerva's tone was sharp, and Madame Malkin jumped. The assistant's knees almost gave out. "You can catch up with Hermione later. She needs a wardrobe by Monday, Suzetta, that's a bit of a stretch even for you."
Madame Malkin sniffed loudly in disagreement. "Hardly, Minerva. That's barely the task of a single day."
Minerva spread her hands in an expansive gesture, as if daring the other woman to prove her wrong.
When Hermione was safely ensconced in a changing room with a selection of robes, Minerva entered a cubicle of her own to try on a set of formal robes that Madame Malkin had designed for her.
When Hermione pulled back the curtain to use the full length mirrors, Minerva was already standing in front of the mirrors. The gown Minerva had on (because it was only nominally a robe) was black and full skirted, though the bodice and sleeves fit like a glove. The neck was cut modestly, and a low, stiff collar framed her shoulders. When Minerva turned around, Hermione's jaw dropped. The dress was nearly backless; tapering down to a point at the base of the older woman's spine.
Hermione watched Minerva eye herself critically, smoothing the gown over her hips and stomach. When she saw Hermione watching, she caught her eye and smiled broadly.
"Minerva! You look...wow." Hermione couldn't take her eyes off the bare skin of Minerva's back. "That's a good deal, uh, more revealing than the formal robes you wore when I was at school."
"Mmmm, well, this is for an adults only function, I assure you." She gave Hermione a once over in the mirror. "That is a nice look for you, 'Mione."
Hermione was wearing a set of high necked, close fitting navy robes of a light-weight gabardine. The button closures ended at the waist of the robes, where they gathered slightly and fell to mid-calf. A pair of high-waisted grey pants completed the outfit.
"What did Antonio give you to go with the pants?" Hermione wordlessly unbuttoned the robes exposing a soft pink silk boatneck shell. It was sheer, and Minerva could see the lace pattern of Hermione's bra through the silk. She licked her lips. Hermione mirrored the action.
"There are different weights and colors for all of it. Some skirts too."
"Are you satisfied with the variety? Would you like to take a trip to Harrod's or Selfridge's or somewhere to get more pants and tops?"
"I think I'm good actually. Antonio was telling me he has a friend who is a buyer for Harrod's - that's where Malkin gets her selection of muggle clothes. The style is good for me. Easy to mix and match, no frills, good materials."
Minerva looked at Hermione appraisingly. "Come here, my dear." Minerva extended her hand to the young witch. She positioned Hermione in front of the mirror and began to gather the shiny auburn waves into a coil. She twisted the hair into a figure eight and secured it with a few pins she conjured out of thin air.
Hermione twisted her neck to get a look at her new 'do. "I like it. It makes me look older."
"Mmmmm, you look lovely." Minerva's hands were still on Hermione's shoulders. Both witches were transfixed by the picture they made in the mirror.
"You look amazing, Minerva." She blushed. "That dress is wicked."
Minerva could only smirk and resist the urge to pull Hermione against her body.
"Put the garments you want in a pile, 'Mione. We will come collect everything after we procure some shoes and maybe a bauble or two to complete your wardrobe."
Hermione could only smile and resist the urge to lean back against Minerva's slender, silk-clad body.