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The British wizarding world has undergone a major transformation, embarking on a path that diverges significantly from that of other countries.

Five years after Voldemort's capture, the Ministry of Magic began a series of reforms aimed at fostering cooperation between wizards and Muggles. This marked the emergence of a new class in Britain—wizarding capitalists.

However, within the wizarding community, only a small minority held favorable views of Muggles. Even many half-blood wizards were hesitant to support this resolution, especially considering that it had been proposed by a deputy minister of magic who was not yet twenty years old—and a Muggle-born at that. Despite strong backing from some quarters, widespread resistance remained.

Yet the resolution was ultimately implemented, largely due to the influence of the Kain Potion Material Store.

Initially just a magical supply shop, it expanded into potion-making and gradually established a near-monopoly in the wizarding world. Today, the Kain store has diversified into many sectors. It employs over 200 wizards and boasts the best employee benefits in the magical community.

According to a survey by the Daily Prophet, Hogwarts graduates rank the Ministry of Magic and the Kain Potion Store as their top two employment choices. In fact, the number of graduates preferring the Kain store is nearly equal to those aiming for the Ministry, with less than a 1% difference. Its French branch also partners with Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, employing many young witches as shop assistants.

Thanks to the Kain store's support, Hermione Granger—barely out of school—now wields authority second only to the Minister of Magic himself. In the Western wizarding world, even magic bows to capitalism.

Once, Dumbledore and the old pure-blood families held the most power in Britain—one through strength, the other through wealth. But since Voldemort's capture and imprisonment in Azkaban, power has shifted. The wizard who defeated Voldemort not only surpassed Dumbledore in magical prowess but also struck a devastating blow to the pure-blood families, diminishing their influence.

At the Ministry of Magic's latest meeting, representatives from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Department of Magical Cooperation, and the Minister's Office were present. However, Minister Luwen was absent, having delegated full authority to Hermione Granger.

Minister Luwen, widely seen as a puppet, is known to have little interest in power—only in Galleons. This is common knowledge both within the Ministry and beyond. Many recognized his appointment as the work of Kain, who orchestrated his rise. Still, with peace and prosperity reigning in the magical world, there is no cause to remove Luwen. Nor do his critics have the power—or the money—to do so.

"The Ministry of Magic has reached a cooperation agreement with the Queen and the British Prime Minister," Hermione announced.

"In the future, the Auror Command will assign two teams to protect the royal family and the Prime Minister. The Department of Magical Cooperation will begin a series of transactions with the British government. We'll coordinate the details with them shortly."

She waved her hand, distributing a stack of documents to everyone present—one copy per person. Though some were unhappy with her decisions, they couldn't help but respect her immense magical talent. Casting spells silently and without a wand, she reminded them of the powerful wizard who once defeated Voldemort.

"Ms. Assistant," one Auror interjected. "I still believe this matter requires further discussion. Cooperating with Muggles could isolate us from other magical governments. The American Ministry of Magic, for example, has a notoriously poor relationship with Muggles. Won't this provoke them—?"

"Roger Auror," Hermione interrupted with a calm, elegant smile, her tone leaving no room for debate. "We do not concern ourselves with the opinions of the American Ministry of Magic. The United States and its magical government are not the same.

They should look up to us—not the other way around.

This cooperation will happen."

"If you can't complete the task, feel free to submit a resignation to your superior—I'll approve it immediately!"

With the threat of Voldemort and the Death Eaters gone, and the British wizarding world's economy booming, many goblins took up employment at Kain's Potion Material Shop, creating a range of innovative magical items. The number of working wizards also increased significantly.

Add to that the nearly one hundred Hogwarts graduates each year, and the Ministry of Magic has no shortage of manpower. If ten Aurors resign today, Hermione can easily recruit twenty new trainees tomorrow.

"If there are no further objections, then we'll proceed as planned. I encourage everyone to voice concerns as early as possible. If you disrupt an approved resolution later, you'll face judgment not only from the Ministry of Magic—but also from the Muggle government."

Hermione's sharp gaze swept across the room behind her signature glasses. Her tone was even more commanding than when she was at Hogwarts.

"It seems there are no more objections. Let's conclude the meeting for today."

As the meeting ended, everyone filed out of the Minister's Office. Hermione lingered briefly at the Ministry before heading to Hogwarts.

This time, she was giving a lecture at the school and also planned to discuss the liberation of house-elves with the current headmistress. If full freedom wasn't possible, she hoped to at least change the system of enslavement—proposing that house-elves be formally employed by the Ministry of Magic instead.

Hermione harbored great ambitions: she wanted to completely reform the wizarding world and integrate magical society with that of ordinary people. But she knew such sweeping changes would take time.

"Ms. Granger."

"Ms. Granger, hello!"

"Ms. Granger!"

In the Ministry of Magic, her colleagues always greeted her warmly. Everyone knew she was likely to become the next Minister of Magic. Behind her stood not only the most powerful wizard alive but also the vast influence of the Kain Potion Empire. Even the pure-blood families could no longer match her standing—not against such overwhelming capital.

After leaving the Ministry, Hermione Apparated to Hogsmeade, the quaint village just outside Hogwarts. From there, it was only a ten-minute walk to the castle.

Dumbledore had stepped down as Headmaster when Hermione graduated, and Professor McGonagall had since taken his place. The school now employed far more staff than before, with nearly every professor assigned an assistant. Hogwarts no longer lacked educational funding—many outdated facilities had been replaced or upgraded, something unimaginable back in Dumbledore's time, when he had to worry about paying his professors.

"Hermione?!"

Out on the wide grassy lawn, Ron Weasley had been watching students fly on brooms when he suddenly spotted her. He called out and jogged over. Ron had returned to Hogwarts two years after graduating and now served as an assistant professor in the flying class.

"Ron? It's been a while. So you're assisting with flying class now? Looks like we'll be calling you Professor Ron before long."

Hermione greeted him with a warm smile.

Back at Hogwarts, they had been best friends. Harry had joined the Auror Office, while Ron had initially aimed to play professional Quidditch but wasn't selected. So he had returned to Hogwarts to help teach flying.

"Did you come back to meet Headmistress McGonagall? I saw her in the Great Hall this morning. She should be in her office now. With the new student intake coming up—and a lot of foreign students—she's been very busy."

Hermione looked more radiant than ever, and Ron found himself staring a little longer than necessary. Every issue of the Daily Prophet, The Quibbler, and other wizarding papers had something about her. She had become the most admired witch in Britain.

"There's going to be a welcome dance for the new students in a couple of days. Would you... like to come?"

"Sorry, Ron," Hermione replied gently. "I'll probably be busy this week. There's a lot going on at the Ministry."

"Oh—right. Yeah, I've heard. You've really done amazing, Hermione. I support what you're doing. You know, my dad's always been fond of Muggle stuff. Our whole family is."

Ron smiled awkwardly. He had realized his feelings for her during the Triwizard Tournament, but their relationship had only grown more distant since. Still, part of him wasn't ready to let go.

"Thanks for the support, Ron. Your father's been a big help to me at the Ministry."

"By the way, would you like to come over for dinner sometime? Mum's been wanting to thank you—for helping with Dad's situation."

"That's kind of you, Ron. Tell your mum I said it's no trouble."

Hermione smiled but declined without hesitation. It wasn't just about her busy schedule—she had already sensed Ron's lingering feelings. She believed it was better for him to find someone truly suited to him, rather than clinging to something that was never meant to be.

After tasting the finest meal, how could one return to the bland dish?

"Well, I'd better go see Professor McGonagall," Hermione said at last.

Hermione smiled and waved. Just as she was about to say goodbye to Ron, the space around her suddenly distorted. A moment later, a small figure appeared beside her—it was a house-elf. Only elves under contract could Apparate into Hogwarts.

"Little mistress! Master is back! Woohoo~!"

Phil was so overwhelmed with joy that tears streamed down his face. To house-elves, their master was everything—and Kain had always been incredibly kind to them. In Phil's heart, Master Kain was heaven itself.

Hermione's face lit up with surprise and excitement. "You said my godfather is back? Take me to him right away, Phil!"

Ron, noticing the sudden urgency, quickly offered, "Hermione, aren't you still going to see Headmistress McGonagall? I can take you—"

"I don't have time today. Let's talk another day. Phil—go home immediately!"

Without hesitation, Hermione placed her hand on Phil's shoulder, and the elf instantly Apparated them away.

Left standing alone, Ron stared after them, a heavy look of melancholy on his face. He sighed deeply and trudged back to the field, dejectedly returning to his duty of supervising the second-years practicing their flying. But his heart was no longer in it.

That rumor was true. Hermione… really is taken.

The joy on her face just moments ago had dealt Ron a painful blow—one that felt permanent. He couldn't help but wish he could go back to his first year and do things differently. Maybe then he could have been the one by her side.

But now… it was far too late.

Hermione, now back home, was breathless, but she still hadn't let go of Kain. Her arms remained wrapped around him, and her legs clung tightly.

It had been a long time since she had felt this close to him. She wanted to savor it now—slowly. The intensity from earlier had been too much, even if she did enjoy it. But what she truly loved were the gentler moments.

Nearby, Fleur Delacour looked on, visibly displeased. What's the point of clinging to him after it's over? she thought, panting like a beached fish. Yet Hermione still monopolized him. Was she really Kain's favorite?

Fleur, with her innate Veela charm, believed she was far more suited to Kain. In her view, Hermione's only advantages were her face and her devotion. In terms of stamina, Fleur was confident she far outclassed her.

"Godfather…" Hermione whispered. "Are you going to leave again now that you're back?"

Kain smiled gently. He ran a hand through her sweat-dampened hair and replied, "I will leave eventually—but this time, you can come with me to see a new world. In fact, that's exactly why I came back. From now on, you'll be able to find me anytime, anywhere."

"Really?"

Hermione's heart swelled with happiness. She clung tighter, overwhelmed with joy. She had assumed Kain would only be here for a brief visit before disappearing again. She never expected such a gift.

"I can go with you? Godfather, what's this world like? How will I get there?"

Her questions spilled out like rapid fire.

She hadn't spent the past few years doing nothing. Hermione had inherited everything Kain left behind—both in the wizarding and Muggle worlds. In the wizarding economy alone, she now controlled millions of Galleons. In the Muggle world? Billions.

Yet despite that vast wealth and power, she hadn't been able to find him—not a single trace in either world. Even wizards left signs of life somewhere. But Kain? Gone without a single footprint.

Still, it was his promise before leaving that had kept her going. From a young Ministry worker, she had risen to become the right hand of the Minister of Magic—and was now the strongest candidate for the next one.

"It's all thanks to the Holy Grail," Kain explained. "You'll understand in a few days. With it, you'll be able to see different worlds—including my original one. It's on the other side of the ocean, in what you'd call American Hibiscus. You'll come with me then."

"You'll even be able to gain new powers—but be prepared. That world is completely different from this one. You'll need a strong heart to face it."

A glimmer of surprise flashed in Fleur's eyes. "Mr. Kain… does that mean I can go too?"

"Of course," Kain replied with a soft chuckle. "You'll see when the time comes."

He didn't bother explaining more—everything would become clear once they accepted the Holy Grail. He didn't plan to give it to too many people in this world. Hermione and Fleur were enough. The others… didn't matter.

"A different world…" Hermione murmured, her voice soft with wonder. "Godfather, when will we go?"

Longing and excitement filled her eyes.

…

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