Rising From the Ashes

We're Off to See the Wizards...

They apparated to the Ministry of Magic and Hermione kept her hand tucked in Dumbledore’s elbow so as not to get lost as he navigated them to the Administrative Registration Department. Once there Dumbledore was able to get the forms for the adoption, guardianship, will and heir filed. They would need a copy of the forms for Gringotts and were given a copy of the approved forms. 

   "Thank you. That was quicker than I expected. Have a lovely day. Come along, Hermione dear. We still have Gringotts and I know that you have plans to lighten that purse."

   "Really, Albus. It's impolite to speak like that in front of strangers. I'm so sorry. I can't take him anywhere," Hermione teased even as her cheeks turned pink. Albus laughed as they left the office and they apparated out, landing at an apparition point in Diagon Alley. Hermione turned to Dumbledore. "Gringotts next?"

   "Gringotts, yes. On we go." They made their way to the multi-story, snow-white building. Hermione paused for a moment, taking in the tall, imposing building. Then they entered and Dumbledore led her over to a free goblin. "Hello. I need to open an account for my charge, Hermione Granger. I would like to have her vault down below as close to mine as possible if you don't mind. She stands to inherit everything from me, you see. I thought I would make things easier for you down the road, sir." Dumbledore was being polite and Hermione smiled politely.

   "Do you have a form to open a new account filled out? Proof that you are her guardian?" the goblin questioned, frowning at the pair.

   Dumbledore passed over the required paperwork and Hermione folded her hands in front of herself to keep herself from wringing her hands.

   "This looks to be in order. Very well. Come with me. I assume you have what you wish to put into your vault, Miss Granger?"

   "Yes, sir. I have it right here." She held up her bag. Hermione and Dumbledore followed the goblin over to one of the carts that would bring them down to the vaults.The three of them climbed in, Hermione in the middle. Riding in the goblin cart was like riding on a runaway roller coaster at breakneck speed and it took the twists and turns of the track without stopping making one feel as though the cart was about to go flying off the track. Hermione was grateful, as she always had been, when they came to a stop in front of an empty vault.

"Vault number 769, Miss Granger. All yours now. It is still fairly close to yours, Mister Dumbledore. Yours is just around the corner." The goblin pointed at the bend a few feet ahead.

He waited while Hermione pulled out her pouches of gold and emptied them into the vault before she added the bag of basilisk fangs. She'd decided to keep most of them in her vault, only keeping two on hand just in case. She also placed a small jewelry box in it. It was something she treasured greatly because Harry had given it to her but she didn't think she should wear it. It was a necklace; a gold chain with a small golden lion with tiny ruby eyes. He told her he'd found it inside his family vault and it reminded him of her. He'd insisted that as the closest thing to a sister he'd ever have that it should belong to her.

   Hermione sniffed and wiped away a tear. A hand landed on her shoulder, strong and comforting. "What's wrong my dear?"

   Hermione looked up at Dumbledore with sad eyes. "Harry gave me this necklace. He said he got it from his family vault. I was just thinking. I love this necklace but I'm not going to be able to wear it, am I? Why does everything have to be so hard, Albus?"

   "Keep it Hermione. You'll be able to wear it, I promise. I'll figure it out if you don't. Now make sure you have enough gold to do your shopping my dear. We've been here long enough. Alright?" 

   Hermione nodded and slipped the necklace back into her purse before filling a small pouch full of gold. She and Dumbledore climbed back into the cart to wait while their goblin escort closed Hermione's new vault. Once out of the bank Albus looked at Hermione. "Hermione, may I see the necklace?"

   She took it out and passed it over to him. He surprised her when, once he opened the box, he lifted it out and placed it around her neck, long fingers making quick work of the clasp. Once the necklace was resting around her neck he handed her the box back. She put it back into her purse, rolling her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips.

   "So, Hermione, how about some ice cream? I feel like a large raspberry cone with chocolate sauce. What about you?" Dumbledore asked with a smile.

   Hermione sighed but smiled back at him. Sometimes Dumbledore was like a child and other times he was a complete mystery. "Sure. Ice cream sounds good."

   They made their way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and ordered their ice creams. They sat at one of the tables outside once they were given their cones. They ate their ice creams, talking and laughing as they got to know each other better. By the time they were done they were more comfortable with each other. Dumbledore went with her to some of the stores, such as Flourish and Blotts, but once Hermione started talking about hair products He decided he was done for the day. "Hermione, my dear, come find me at the Leaky Cauldron when you're finished with your shopping. I will bring these bags with me and feel free to come by and drop off bags if you need to. I have several books that I brought with me to read so I'll have something to do. Go ahead and have fun. Take your time; don't worry about me." 

   Hermione laughed at his rush to get away from the "girly" part of the shopping. But at least he had taken the bags with him.