C 69

Kain had a rare period of peace. After spending a day playing with Hermione in London, he turned his attention to the world of the common people. 

Utilizing several Shadow Clones, he employed the Transformation Technique combined with monetary resources to clear the way, ultimately acquiring several identification cards. With these, Kain exchanged some pounds and ventured into the stock market, hoping to make a little extra money.

This year presented a prime opportunity for wealth accumulation, but unfortunately, it was already too late. All the profits that should have been earned had already been seized by the financial oligarchs. 

Thus, Kain was left to rely solely on his memory, which still allowed him to earn a modest sum. Even so, he managed to increase his wealth several times over. Kain intended to use this money to exchange for gold, which could then be traded for magical resources in the wizarding world.

Half of the money he earned was allocated for developing local strengths, while the other half was reserved for purchasing gold. 

After obtaining legal status, Kain no longer needed to depend on a security company to rent a house as he had done in the past. Now, he could legitimately invest in businesses as a local citizen. He entrusted these endeavors to his Shadow Clones.

Currently, Kain possessed an abundance of Chakra. After separating three Shadow Clones, each clone could maintain the Transformation Technique for an entire day without raising suspicion. 

The side effects of using Shadow Clones were also mitigated by the Extremis virus, which effectively processed the substantial influx of memories. He comprehended the memories of his Shadow Clones without complications, allowing him to avoid any potential issues.

Although there were wizards present, Kain's ninjutsu was on par with magic, particularly the combination of Shadow Clone and Transformation Technique. This method had become remarkably effective, resembling the tactics employed by terrorists who utilize human bombs.

In Diagon Alley, Kain maintained a low profile, especially since the Ministry of Magic had dispatched Aurors to the intersection of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley to investigate the recent surge in dark wizard activities. 

Thankfully, the last explosion had occurred in Knockturn Alley, claiming the lives of dark wizards. 

If it had happened in Diagon Alley, the implications for Minister Fudge would have been dire. The Daily Prophet would undoubtedly have filled three pages detailing his incompetence.

Consequently, Aurors had been working overtime, striving to show the Ministry's commitment to eradicating evil, even if they could not identify the mastermind behind the explosion in Knockturn Alley.

As the days passed before Hermione's school year commenced, Kain remained in Diagon Alley, keeping to himself and only occasionally venturing out to purchase food from the wizarding world. 

Unfortunately, many magical desserts required magical power for production, making mass industrialization impossible. Otherwise, Kain mused that he could have easily become a dessert tycoon in the Marvel world.

As the start of school approached, Kain wondered just how many days remained.

"Godfather Kain, look at my work!" Hermione exclaimed as she entered the room. With a wave of her wand, she maintained the Levitation Charm with a sense of pride. 

Floating before her were two potion bottles: one contained life and death water, while the other held a blood tonic. "See? Guy praised it as the perfect potion!"

"Looks pretty good, Hermione. I'll take these two bottles for my collection, just in case I get hurt," Kain replied, taking the potions from her. He wasn't stingy with his praise. For a girl of her age who thrived on approval, Kain knew that positive reinforcement was essential. 

As long as Hermione excelled, Kain was more than willing to shower her with compliments.

As for the stricter discipline, he knew that Guy and the Hogwarts professors would ensure Hermione remained grounded. If necessary, Kain could also adopt the role of the stern figure occasionally.

"It was meant for you, godfather," Hermione said, her happiness evident as she accepted the compliment.

During her time with Guy, Hermione had diligently studied the first-grade potions and spells, quickly mastering them despite the accelerated pace. With that foundation, she now had ample time to delve into other subjects and read extensively. 

Guy had even encouraged her to relax before school began, suggesting she balance her time with leisure activities. However, Kain suspected that Hermione would continue to hold herself to high standards and not waste a moment.

He could provide the Grangers with updates about Hermione's progress to help them guide her, though he noted a peculiar shift: the Grangers seemed less inclined to inquire about Hermione's progress recently, perhaps indicating a trend of 'hands-off' parenting.

"Is this Felix Felicis?" Kain wondered aloud as he inspected the potion in his hand. The lucky potion could alter one's illusory luck, but the effect was more about transforming the user than bestowing true fortune. 

It was important not to consume too much, as excessive amounts could lead to negative side effects like arrogance or dizziness.

After acquiring the potion from Bojinbok, Kain had opted not to take it directly home. Instead, he had someone verify its authenticity. Upon returning, he had Phil and Isaac inspect it for any traces of black magic, ensuring it was safe.

Felix Felicis could not be stored indefinitely; it was best consumed within its shelf life. There would be no point in buying it only to discover that its effects had expired. 

Fortunately, Kain had a space backpack, negating those concerns. Felix Felicis, while challenging to brew, was not a rare masterpiece; a couple of bottles circulated the market each year, making it feasible to acquire or brew more.

Kain decided to divide the Felix Felicis into three portions, as recommended by the owner of Slug and Jiggers Potion Shop. Taking one-third of a bottle at a time was deemed the optimal dosage. 

He intended to keep one for himself, experiment with another, and give the last portion to Hermione, as his goddaughter deserved the opportunity to experience its effects.

As for the flesh and blood of other magical creatures, Kain kept those safe, planning to research their compatibility with the new Extremis virus once he returned home.

Kain intended to stay put until after school started, as this coincided with the time to respond to the Ministry of Magic's application for opening a store. He also hoped to ask Hermione to deliver a letter to Dumbledore for him when school commenced.

Time flew by, and soon the day of Hogwarts' reopening arrived. On that day, Kain decided to try Felix Felicis. After drinking it, he felt a surge of clarity in his mind while other complex emotions receded, allowing him to enter a 'more rational' state.

In this enhanced mental clarity, Kain composed a letter to Dumbledore. The letter comprised roughly one-third greetings and compliments, one-third expressions of yearning for Hogwarts, and the remainder a reflection of his sadness as a Squib who could not fully grasp the joys of the wizarding school. 

He also included a donation of 5,000 Galleons to support Hogwarts' education, along with a Gringotts fund transfer statement, which allowed whoever received the statement to withdraw 5,000 Galleons from Kain's personal vault.

Towards the end of the letter, Kain inquired about the possibility of purchasing phoenix blood and body tissues, offering to pay 30,000 Galleons for the privilege.

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