A/N: Rather than leaving you to languish with nothing (note my winking jocularity, please), here is a small update. Expect a return to more regularly scheduled fluff by mid-May, when my semester is over.

At Einbert Finklehorn's Shoe Emporium, Hermione selected a pair of low heeled leather ankle boots and a pair of slightly higher pumps that could change into a variety of colors. Minerva also selected a pair of pseudo tactical lace up boots in black.

"You need something sturdy for when we head into the forest, my dear. And I can guarantee that we will need to at least once before Christmas."

With the shoes wrapped up, Minerva took Hermione's arm and led her back into the street. They strolled, arm in arm, along the alley. The people were densely packed; quitting time at the Ministry and the Prophet, but still people hustled out of Minerva's way. Hermione bit back a chuckle.

"The fear of McGonagall, Hermione. Its a well documented phenomenon, I told you." Minerva murmured into Hermione's ear. Hermione did giggle at this.

Minerva led the young woman into Marshall's Fine Jewelry and Charmed Objects, where she was greeted by the proprietor, Annabella Marshall, a muggle-born witch with a talent for jewelry design and advanced charms work.

"Professor! I'm glad to see you back so soon. And this must be Ms. Granger." The older woman held out her hand for Hermione, who shook it.

"Anna, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Minerva? Or am I going to have to call you Ms. Marshall in retaliation?"

"I'm sorry, Minerva. You're here to pick up your order?"

"Yes. Though Hermione has the right to make any changes she desires." Hermione peered curiously at Minerva.

From under the counter, Anna produced a small cloth bag emblazoned with the AM logo of the store. She unsnapped the bag and unfolded it. Curled on the cloth was a fox-shaped hair clip made from clear amber and accented with rose gold. At the tip of its tail a diamond sparkled. Hermione gasped and brought her hands up to cover her mouth.

Minerva smiled shyly at Hermione and stroked one long finger down the fox's amber spine. It uncurled and stood up. Hermione gasped again. Minerva reached back to gather Hermione's hair into a loose ponytail. She picked up the fox clasp and curled it around the thick mass of hair, where it froze back into its curled position. Once it was in place, she tapped it with her index finger and said Tignon. Hermione's hair twisted into the neat figure eight that Minerva had created in Madame Malkin's.

Hermione's hands flew to the back of her head. "Oh, Minnie. It's beautiful." Hermione threw her arms around Minerva's neck and buried her face in the older woman's shoulder. Minerva wrapped her arms around Hermione's torso and blushed, looking bemused. Anna smiled slyly at the faintly crimson Headmistress.

Hermione was crying now. Minerva could feel her tears dampening the silk of her robes. "You can't ever make me leave, Minnie. Don't ever make me leave." She sobbed. Minerva stroked her back, kissed the top of her head, and whispered soothing nonsense into the girl's ear. Anna blushed and walked around the counter to lock the door. She disappeared into the back to give the formidable women some privacy.

It took five minutes for Hermione to calm down again.

"Are you alright, mo cridhe, my little fox?" Minerva could feel her nod, could feel her breath moist against her neck. She suppressed a shudder.

When she spoke, Hermione's voice was rough. "You can't ever push me away, Minerva. I won't ever be able to leave you. Not again."

"I dunnae want you to, 'Mione. I never wanted you to." Minerva felt a tear slip down her own cheek.

Minerva ran a finger down the fox clasp's spine. It loosened and came free in Minerva's hand. She buried her fingers in Hermione's abundance of hair and inhaled the scent of sandalwood and cinnamon.

"Can we go home, Minnie?"

"Of course we can. We have to finish up here, and retrieve your new clothes and we can head straight back to my quarters."

They separated, Minerva trailed an index finger along Hermione's jaw and looked into Hermione's reddened eyes.

"Mo cridhe." She cupped Hermione's chin, and leaned forward to kiss Hermione on the forehead.

When Anna poked her head out from the back room, she saw that Hermione and Minerva had separated and bustled back into the show room.

"Is there anything else I can do for you Minerva? Ms. Granger?"

"I think we're set, Anna. You've created something spectacular, once again. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, Minerva. Hermione, if you need the charm refreshed, just come back and I'll take care of it for you."

"Thank you Ms. Marshall. You are very, very talented."

Minerva wrapped the fox back in its bag and tucked it into Hermione's blazer pocket. They left the shop and returned to Madame Malkin's arm in arm.