Chapter 6: 6. Cunning Does Not Come from Blood
"Hum... Hermione?" I ask, a little insecure.
Another thing won over Harry Potter. Where it came from, I don't know, but the thought of the girl saying that she doesn't need it and that our relationship is over, that she doesn't want to take risks or dangers was running through my mind like a murderous mantra.
"Dangerous, it could get us in trouble, but incredibly likely if we do it right, Harry." She says, starting to jump up and down excitedly, while her eyes go from me to Lupin.
"Miss Granger, how about you explain the plan to us, and maybe we can add something?" The man looked at me worriedly, I think that Harry had spent some time with the man before he died, and he knows how insecure Harry, in this case me, am.
"You see, buying a house in a Muggle area gives you a suitable place to, perhaps, adopt a child who is in an abusive family, or who cannot, or does not want to, be with that child. Let's say an old friend of the family, who unfortunately passed away, leaving his son in the home of relatives who were not very kind to the child." She gave clues, and smiled wide as her words illuminated her idea.
"Very astute of you, Miss Granger. I must say, I have only met one other girl who could rival your intelligence," Remus says, looking at us with a smile.
"Sirius said that, like the Potters before me, I got the best girl." I puff out my chest, putting a false air of arrogance in my words. Hermione, of course, was blushing to the extreme, shy.
"I can talk to some old friends, and I can even have a job on the non-magical side of the world. I think that would be more than acceptable to the authorities." he thinks out loud, sipping his drink.
"All it takes is for Harry's uncles to sign the adoption agreement, and he could leave their house and go live with you, no matter which house you live in." the girl explains, looking at me hopefully.
"Hermione." I say in a low, calm voice. "I loved your idea, but I'd like you to give me some time before putting it into practice. If Remus agrees, he can get the paperwork ready, but I'd like you to wait for my okay." I say, taking the girl by surprise.
She looked at me with a certain sadness and uncertainty, not understanding why. Lupin, on the other hand, just looks at me curiously.
"According to Dumbledore..." I begin to explain to the pair... "I was placed with the Dursleys because the protection given by my mother would be strengthened if I was in the home of blood relatives, like my aunt and cousin.
In addition to protecting me, it would also protect my relatives, as well as keeping us hidden from any enemies who might be looking for us. I don't know how it works at the Ministry, but last year and this year, I did magic outside of school, I mean...
In my second year, it was Dobby who did it, but the Ministry thought it was me, so they sent me a letter. If they have a record of where I live, I don't see how these protections can prevent my parents' old enemies from finding me.
But despite your brilliant idea, I don't intend for Remus, Sirius, you and your parents to remain on the non-magical side for long. I wanted to make it a surprise, but since Hermione brought it up, I'll tell you my idea.
At the beginning of the holidays, I would go to Gringotts to see the situation of my family home, not where my parents were hiding, but where my grandparents lived. If it was in a condition to be repaired, I would ask the goblins to do it, and add some extra protections.
When it was ready, it would be a place of refuge and safety, for us, for the Grangers, for those who would need a safe place, when this madman returns." I say, pointing to my scar.
"And when were you going to tell me this?" Hermione glared at me, hands on her hips, her right foot tapping rhythmically.
While I was thinking of an answer that would calm the beast, our attention was drawn to Remus, who was openly laughing at us. "Sorry, but you remind me a lot of Lilly and James. Forgive me." but he was still laughing, which made us look at each other and laugh too.
A little calmer, Lupin began to speak again.
"Good to see that there is someone on your side, Harry. Just as James needed Lilly, you need Hermione. I will wait for the house to be ready, and we can see after that. As for adopting you, we can do that as soon as we see fit, Harry.
Hermione, if it weren't for the racist times we live in, you would be one of the few Slytherins I would have the pleasure of meeting. Cunning doesn't come from blood, and you are the best proof of that. But before you present new ideas, I will give you some advice.
Talk, let each other know what each other's ideas are, share, unite your minds, together, you can minimize the risks, maximize the gains. I trust you, and leave the non-magical stuff to me, I'll do my best, I promise." says the man.
I look at Hermione, give her a kiss on the lips, and then head over to Lupin.
"No kisses, Harry, no kisses." he jokes, as he receives my hug with a smile.
"Kisses are forms of affection, Lupin, receiving some is good." I tease back, making the man laugh. "But I warn you, I'm jealous and I don't want you or Sirius after my girl. I'm being Sirius in this." I feign anger, making Hermione roll her eyes, while Lupin makes a sign of promise, laughing.
We then spend some time chatting pleasantries. In addition to some ideas arising and being put on hold, or discarded here and there, during the conversations.
There was still my conversation with Dumbledore, which I was not at all excited about having.