The dinner prepared by the Granger family was quite sumptuous. While it might not have rivaled a meal at a high-end restaurant, it was clear that Mrs. Granger had put a lot of effort into the preparation.
The table was adorned with various dishes, each one reflecting her culinary skills and attention to detail.
If Hermione hadn't waited for Kain to arrive, it's likely that at least half of the meal would have gone to waste, a thought that made Kain a bit guilty but also appreciative of the Granger family's hospitality.
During dinner, Kain shared details of his afternoon itinerary with the Grangers. "I've already bought a house in Diagon Alley," he announced, trying to gauge their reactions.
"Unfortunately, the procedures for opening a shop are quite tedious. I need to apply to the Ministry of Magic for approval. Otherwise, I could have purchased a shop today as well; I heard Hogsmeade is also a popular gathering place for wizards."
As Kain spoke, he revealed the wizarding contract he had obtained; it bore his handprint along with a photo. The Grangers were visibly surprised at Kain's decisiveness and ability to navigate the complexities of the wizarding world.
The house in Diagon Alley had cost him a staggering 9,800 Galleons—a sum that, to them, represented nearly a year's worth of hard work without any expenses for food or leisure.
"The magical world is still very attractive to Muggles," Kain continued. "I've heard tales of fire dragons and phoenixes residing there. Mr. Granger, if you don't see these magical creatures for yourself after hearing about them, you might end up regretting it for the rest of your life."
"You're quite right, Mr. Pent," Mr. Granger replied, his interest piqued. It was evident that he was curious about the wizarding world.
After all, Hermione's eagerness to embrace this new environment had to stem from something captivating.
"Can Muggles just walk into the wizarding world from the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron?" Mr. Granger inquired, genuinely interested in understanding more about how the two worlds interacted.
Before he could finish his question, Hermione interjected. "Dad, Mr. Kain isn't a Muggle in the strictest sense. He may have magical powers, but he just can't use them yet. I'll ask about this when school starts. Professor Dumbledore is said to be the greatest wizard of this century, so I'm sure he'll have the answers we need."
Hermione's enthusiasm was contagious. "As for Muggles, they can't access the wizarding world unless a wizard leads them. Every entrance is protected by Muggle-repelling spells, and if they don't interact with wizards for an extended period, Muggles will gradually forget about magic altogether."
Once Hermione started explaining, she fell into a rhythm, her voice animated as she lectured on the intricacies of the wizarding world.
The Granger parents exchanged amused glances, enjoying their daughter's spirited explanation. Hermione beamed with satisfaction after sharing her knowledge, but then she remembered the importance of the dinner and began to glance nervously at her parents.
Noticing her anxiousness, Mr. Granger cleared his throat and addressed Kain, "Mr. Pent, we are very pleased that you value Hermione's talents and abilities. We welcome your interest in her future. If possible, we would like to invite you to be Hermione's godfather."
Kain nearly choked on the potato he was eating. After swallowing, he stared incredulously at Mr. Granger. "Mr. Granger? Are you suggesting that I become Miss Granger's godfather?" he asked, still in disbelief.
He found it hard to believe that he qualified for such an important role, especially since he and the Granger family had only known each other for a few weeks.
Their relationship had become closer due to the exciting news about the wizarding world, but it still seemed premature to assume such a title.
"Why would you want me to be her godfather?" Kain asked, perplexed. There were many criteria for being a godfather, and he felt he fell short on most counts, not to mention that he was still relatively unknown to the Grangers.
Mr. Granger explained, "How should I put it? It's about mutual support. While I agree with Hermione attending school in the wizarding world, I've gathered from your discussions over the past few days that, although the wizarding community is smaller, class discrimination is unfortunately quite prevalent. We are concerned that Hermione might face some form of discrimination in that environment."
Kain began to understand the Grangers' perspective. It seemed that some of the 'spoilers' he had shared with Hermione had reached her parents, painting a more realistic picture of the challenges she might face.
The thought that their daughter could end up at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the wizarding world troubled them deeply. It was one thing to embrace magic, but another to grapple with the biases that could accompany it.
"We hope that by inviting you into a closer relationship with our family, it might help Hermione navigate any challenges she may encounter. Your investment in her talent is appreciated, and it could be of great benefit to her future," Mr. Granger concluded.
Kain mulled over the proposal. While it was a bit unconventional, he recognized the sentiment behind it. The Grangers were trying to ensure that their daughter would have a safety net in a world that could be harsh and unyielding.
Since he had considered helping Hermione along her journey, it made sense to formalize that bond.
"Well, Mr. Granger, I would be honored to be Miss Granger's godfather," Kain finally replied, a smile spreading across his face.
Once Kain agreed, the atmosphere around the dinner table brightened considerably. He could feel the warmth of their growing relationship.
Since none of them were particularly religious, the concept of a "recognition ceremony" was informal, allowing them to bypass traditional customs that might complicate their new bond.
Following Kain's acceptance of the title, Hermione spent much of her vacation with him. Their shared experiences became a rich tapestry of learning and discovery.
Kain introduced her to an array of texts covering the first to seventh-grade curricula and various books from the magical world. He also provided her with high-quality materials and top-of-the-line cauldrons for potion brewing.
Hermione was eager to practice, even attempting to brew potions several times. Though many of her early attempts ended in failure, Kain stood by her side, ready to intervene when things threatened to go awry.
This mentor-student dynamic deepened their connection and fortified Hermione's understanding of magic.
Kain also took Hermione to the house in Diagon Alley, handing her a key. "You can choose any room you'd like to use," he told her. "It just hasn't been cleaned yet, so you can't stay here just yet. I'm going to apply to the Ministry of Magic to open a shop soon, and I'll also see if I can arrange for a house-elf to help with cleaning and maintenance."
The house was expansive, featuring a special study room and a dedicated potion-brewing area, likely left by the previous owner. The magical ambiance resonated with Hermione, and she fell in love with the place instantly.
"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The house represented not just a new beginning in the wizarding world, but also a safe haven where her magical education could thrive.
As Kain made plans for his future in the wizarding world, he felt a sense of purpose solidifying. His investment in Hermione was not merely financial; it was about nurturing talent and guiding her toward a bright future.
In a world filled with wonders, dangers, and hidden opportunities, Kain was determined to help Hermione navigate it all, ensuring she could truly become the witch she was destined to be.
In the end, the dinner at the Granger household marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership, one that would lead Hermione into the heart of magic, guided by her newfound godfather. Together, they would explore the vastness of the wizarding world, facing challenges and celebrating triumphs as they carved their paths through this enchanting realm.
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