Chapter Sixty-Five: The Godfather

The Granger family's dinner was quite sumptuous. While it couldn't compare to a lavish restaurant feast, it was clear that Mrs. Granger had put in a great deal of effort. Had Hermione not waited for Cain today, at least half of the dishes on the table would have gone to waste.

"I've already bought a house in Diagon Alley," Cain shared with the Grangers during dinner, "but unfortunately, opening a shop is rather troublesome. The procedures require an application to the Ministry of Magic and a waiting period for approval. Otherwise, I could have bought a storefront today. There's also Hogsmeade—I hear that's another gathering place for wizards..."

He went on to describe his afternoon's activities and even showed them a wizard's contract complete with signatures, fingerprints, and a moving photograph of himself.

The Grangers were astonished by Cain's decisiveness, and when they heard the price of property in Diagon Alley, they were even more surprised.

9,800 Galleons—a sum that would take their family nearly a year to save if they scrimped and saved every penny. Yet Cain had spent it so decisively to settle down in Diagon Alley.

"The magical world really does hold a powerful allure for ordinary people. I've heard there are dragons and phoenixes in the wizarding world, Mr. Granger. If one knows of such wondrous creatures yet never sees them, it would be a lifelong regret."

"You’re absolutely right, Mr. Pent," Hermione's father replied, clearly moved. He was filled with curiosity about the magical world himself; otherwise, he never would have agreed to let Hermione enter such an unfamiliar environment.

"Can ordinary people just enter the wizarding world at will? Through the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron..." Mr. Granger began, but Hermione quickly interjected, "Dad, Mr. Pent isn't exactly a Muggle. He may have some magical ability, but he can't use it. I’m going to ask Professor Dumbledore about it when school starts. The books say he’s the greatest wizard of our century..."

"As for Muggles, without a wizard to guide them, they have no chance of coming into contact with the wizarding world. Every entrance is protected by Muggle-repelling charms, and if you don’t interact with wizards for a long time, you gradually forget about their existence..."

Once Hermione started talking, she easily slipped into a lecture mode. At her age, she had a strong desire to express herself, and the three adults present were happy to indulge her, allowing her to speak at length.

When she finally finished, Hermione looked quite satisfied. However, after a moment, she remembered the real purpose of this dinner and began glancing meaningfully at her parents.

Mr. Granger caught Hermione's look, cleared his throat, and addressed Cain. "Mr. Pent, we're very pleased that you value Hermione's talents and abilities. We warmly welcome your interest. If you’re willing, may we invite you to be Hermione’s godfather?"

Cain almost choked on his potatoes at these words, hastily taking a sip of wine before repeating in disbelief, "Mr. Granger? Did you just ask me to be Miss Granger's godfather?"

Apart from age, he didn’t seem to meet any of the usual qualifications for a godfather. He had known the Grangers for less than half a month. Their relationship, while somewhat closer due to the news of the wizarding world, was nowhere near what he’d expect for such a role. The Grangers couldn’t know much about him, and the position of godfather would tie them together in a significant way. Were the Grangers really so open-minded?

"Mr. Granger, may I ask why? Why a godfather?"

Cain was baffled; by social standards and personal connection, he seemed an unlikely choice.

"Well, I suppose it’s a matter of mutual support," Mr. Granger explained. "Although we’ve agreed to let Hermione attend school in the wizarding world, from what you’ve told us, it seems that while there are fewer people, class discrimination is even more severe than in our own society. Our family's background may cause Hermione to face… discrimination?"

Mr. Granger’s words clarified things for Cain. Over the past days, the ‘spoilers’ he had given Hermione had reached her parents, and they now understood something of the harsh realities of the wizarding world. As members of the British middle class, the Grangers were no strangers to the phenomenon of social prejudice.

In the wizarding world, their daughter would likely find herself near the bottom of the social hierarchy—perhaps not quite at the very bottom, since Squibs existed—but still far from privileged.

Furthermore, Cain had shown interest in investing in Hermione’s talent and abilities, hoping for her to repay him in the future. After discussing it, the Grangers felt that Cain’s support could provide Hermione with help that they themselves could never offer, and so they sought to draw their families closer by making him a godfather figure.

Although the explanation was a bit forced, none of them were particularly religious, so there was no need to adhere strictly to religious conventions. Inviting Cain to be godfather was simply a way to formalize a closer relationship.

The reasoning was a little stretched, but not without logic. Cain had no good reason to refuse; after all, he’d been considering such a connection himself, and this merely drew them closer.

"Very well, Mr. Granger. I am honored to become Miss Granger’s godfather."

After mulling it over, Cain agreed. Hermione’s future potential had already convinced him: investing in her would certainly pay off. With a little guidance—especially steering her towards the field of potions—Cain could someday gain a master potion-maker in return.

With his acceptance, the atmosphere at the dinner table became much warmer, and Cain could clearly sense that his rapport with the Granger couple had deepened.

None of the three were religious—Cain, because he was a traveler from another world, and the Grangers, simply among the minority of British families who were non-believers—so the 'recognition ceremony' was simple and informal, requiring no special witnesses, especially since the wizarding identity had to remain secret.

...

After accepting Cain as her godfather, Hermione spent nearly her entire holiday in his company, as he had so many things that piqued her interest.

He possessed textbooks for every year from first to seventh, other books from the wizarding world, all sorts of magical ingredients, and even top-tier cauldrons. Hermione eagerly tried brewing potions a few times—despite her failures, Cain watched over her, ensuring nothing dangerous occurred.

She also accompanied Cain to his house in Diagon Alley. Cain handed her a key; every house there was protected by counter-charms, making it difficult for ordinary wizards to enter with a simple unlocking charm.

The interior was spacious, with a dedicated study and a room for brewing potions—perhaps left by the previous owner. Hermione fell in love with the place the moment she stepped inside: the house was suffused with magical energy, and Diagon Alley was just a short walk away.

"Hermione, feel free to choose whichever rooms you’d like to use," Cain told her. "They haven’t been cleaned yet, so no one can stay here for now. I’m planning to go to the Ministry of Magic to apply for a shop license—and maybe see if there are any house-elves available for hire."

This, Cain thought, was the beginning of his new life in the magical world.