Dumbledore said gently: "Of course. Please, go ahead. You know me. But may I ask who you are?"
Gemini chewed quickly. Swallowed before speaking. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Gemini. Gemini Black."
"Black?" Dumbledore's gaze immediately sharpened. The dining room's atmosphere dropped. The ceiling lights started flickering. Small objects around began clattering.
According to Dumbledore's knowledge, besides Sirius who'd just entered Azkaban, the other Blacks were almost all on Voldemort's side. This was the place he'd personally chosen for the Savior. Why would a Black be here?!
Gemini ate unbothered. "From 2023. Harry Potter's godmother."
The room fell silent. Except for Gemini's soft eating sounds, even breathing stopped.
After a long while, Dumbledore understood what Gemini meant. "You're from the future?"
Gemini nodded. Started explaining parallel worlds and what happened after her arrival.
"That's the situation. Harry's blood relatives seem to be only that boy now. Your approach—forgive me, I can't agree. If you think sending them to an orphanage together is a good choice, then we have a disagreement." Gemini wiped her mouth. Stared into Dumbledore's eyes. "I don't think you realize—in this country, no orphan considers an orphanage home. Plus, if one of them gets adopted, Lily's magic protection is completely destroyed."
Dumbledore's gaze flickered. "So you even know about that?"
Gemini sneered. "In our world, you're already a portrait on the wall. I was even Hogwarts Headmaster. What don't I know?"
Hearing this, Dumbledore examined Gemini carefully. "Then I understand. What do you think should be done now?"
"Why do I feel you've relaxed your guard?" Gemini asked, sensing the room's atmosphere.
Dumbledore smiled. Pulled a candy from his pocket. Slowly unwrapped it. "If I've already become a portrait, then my successor becoming Headmaster would definitely be tested by me. I'm somewhat confident about that."
Gemini wrinkled her nose. Silently cursed "old fox." "According to my godfather, his childhood was spent living with his aunt and uncle. Life really wasn't good. I don't know what happened to this world. His aunt and uncle died in a car crash the night he arrived at this house. Though this brat isn't my godfather, I'm not even sure if I exist in this world, but he's my godfather's counterpart. I can't just ignore him."
Dumbledore finally finished unwrapping. Popped a golden honey candy in his mouth. "I once saw something in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry. I think it fits here. A scroll from the Time Room. It said history won't change. Everything you experience has already happened. If you forcibly change it, terrible things will happen. And Harry—I must say, he's definitely a major figure in magical history. Since you appeared until now, nothing's happened. I believe your appearance is this world's inevitability."
Gemini stared thoughtfully at the plate before her. Leftover food piled messily. "Then what if I want to do things that change the original history?"
Dumbledore waved his wand. Plates on the table jumped up, threw food scraps in the trash, put themselves in the sink. The faucet opened. Dishcloths started washing. "That's your world's history. Our world is experiencing the present now, isn't it? You've already entered this time period. Become an indispensable part. I believe time and the world have accepted you. So what you're doing now isn't changing history. It's creating history."
"Creating a history with fewer regrets?" Gemini narrowed her eyes. Smiled. "I like that idea. I think this is a new challenge! I'm honored to participate in this history!"
Gemini looked at Dumbledore with a standard Slytherin smile. "So whatever I do, you won't stop me?"
Dumbledore removed his glasses. Wiped them with his robe. "Of course. When necessary, I'll cooperate. But you can't go around telling everyone you're from the future. Can't cause too much chaos."
"That's perfect then." Gemini smiled at Dumbledore. "The most important problem to solve now requires your help."
Dumbledore suddenly had a bad feeling. "Ahem. You can tell me."
Gemini stroked her chin. "Please pay attention to the Weasleys' third child's pet rat. I need you to catch it."
Dumbledore immediately realized this rat was crucial. Agreed without objection. Made a guarantee—absolutely wouldn't let that rat escape.
"Second, I'll be responsible for raising Harry and Dudley. I need one or two house-elves to assist. But you can't order the elves to interfere with my education." Gemini showed a fake smile.
Dumbledore stared at Gemini. After a while, slowly nodded. "That's fine too. I assume you won't raise a Dark Lord?"
Gemini rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. I have no intention of taking revenge on society."
The two discussed details for a while. Dumbledore directly summoned a Hogwarts house-elf called Flicker. In front of Gemini, gave the elf orders to obey Gemini's commands until she no longer needed him. Only then could he return to Hogwarts.
Gemini was satisfied. Then asked Dumbledore for the Potter vault key he was safeguarding. The Galleons Gemini brought weren't enough to support raising two children for ten years.
But Dumbledore only gave her a key to James and Lily's small vault. Supposedly the Potter ancestral home was sealed before the couple's incident. Only after Harry came of age and registered as family head at the Ministry could he retrieve his family's manor and family vault from the archives.
Learning the small vault only held enough for Harry's 7 years of schooling, Gemini's face darkened. How could none of them—old or young—be reliable? Didn't they think about what to do before Harry turned 11? Could he grow up eating air?!
Dumbledore awkwardly stroked his beard. He'd never raised children. How would he know about this?
Finally helpless, Gemini disdainfully sent Dumbledore away. Would figure it out herself.
Thinking of the family head registration Dumbledore mentioned, Gemini's eyes immediately lit up. Logically speaking, she was the legitimate Black family head!
Early next morning, Gemini got up refreshed. Checked on the two brats well cared for by Flicker. Nodded satisfied. Having a house-elf was convenient. Didn't hear a sound all night. Much more convenient now!
Told Flicker to watch the two children. Gemini left. Apparated directly to the visitors' entrance. Entered the Ministry through the phone booth. With Galleons paving the way, quickly found the person in charge.
Seeing the family Gemini applied for, the official looked at her suspiciously for a long time. "Why have I never seen you? The Black family's reputation in Britain isn't small."
Gemini raised her chin slightly. Glanced at the official. "I just returned from America."
The official acted enlightened. "I see. But I must remind you—to undergo family head authentication, your Black bloodline must be over 1/4. Otherwise you'll suffer backlash. The most serious result is death. Or perhaps worse than death."
Gemini nodded reservedly. Didn't speak.
Seeing her insistence, the official could only comply. After all, this family head authentication was written into law. Couldn't be blocked. Of course, if authentication failed, the backlash would be enough for imposters to suffer.
After having Gemini sign her name, the official walked into the back room. Brought out a small box. Placed it directly before Gemini. "Drop your blood in the center of this magical array. If the box opens, you can inherit everything from the Black family."
Finished speaking, he put down the box and stepped back. He'd seen this ceremony plenty. But successful ones were few.
Gemini looked at the box. Similar to one she'd seen before. Where blood needed to be dropped was the Black family crest.
Didn't use her wand. Gemini directly took out a prepared silver needle. Pricked her finger. A drop of bright red blood dripped from her fingertip into the Black family crest.
The blood drop was absorbed by the box. No excessive light or effects. Just the sound of a lock opening.
Gemini reached out. Lightly touched. The box opened. Revealed what was inside—a silver ring inlaid with black obsidian. Intricate patterns formed the Black crest design. Locked the obsidian firmly in the center.
Gemini took out the ring. Easily wore it on her finger. The ring automatically adjusted to fit her size.
Opened her hand to look. Gemini nodded satisfied. "What else needs to be done?"
The official's jaw dropped in shock. Really didn't expect the Black family would be inherited by a young girl. This was big news!
"Ah, next you need to summon the Black family elf and give him a command. This is the final verification method. Also the last rule that must be followed." The official smiled obsequiously. Though this step didn't need the next one, rules were rules. What should be done must be done.
Gemini lazily called out: "Kreacher!"
With a snap, the elderly house-elf appeared filthy in the room. Looked shocked at the ring on Gemini's hand. Before he could speak, Gemini immediately gave an order. "Shut up, Kreacher."
Kreacher immediately covered his mouth tightly with his hands. Didn't dare make a sound.
"Is this acceptable?" Gemini asked the official.
"Of course, Miss Black! You are the new Black family head. Congratulations!" The official's expression became extremely respectful. A starved camel is bigger than a horse. The Black family's in-laws were throughout the wizarding world. Couldn't offend them.
"Follow, Kreacher!" Gemini ordered. Turned and left directly.
Reaching the main hall about to leave, Gemini couldn't hide in time. Ran right into Lucius Malfoy.
He looked at Gemini's face in surprise. Gemini had been mistaken for Bellatrix by Sirius. As Bella's brother-in-law, he'd of course seen young Bellatrix.
"Kreacher? Who is this? Why are you here?" Lucius just nodded at Gemini. Turned to question the elf still covering his mouth.
Kreacher looked at Lucius. Covered his mouth tightly. Shook his head.
Seeing this, Lucius understood. Looked at Gemini. "Hello. I'm the Malfoy family head, Lucius Malfoy. May I ask the lady's esteemed name?"
Gemini sighed silently. Logically, shouldn't the Malfoys be too busy with their own problems at this time? How did they have time to worry about in-law family matters?!
"Gemini Black. Just returned from America. Pleased to meet you." Gemini said coldly. Nodded, then quickly took her leave. "I still have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first. I'll visit Mr. Malfoy when there's a chance."
Finished speaking, quickly left the Ministry with Kreacher. Left only confused Lucius. Returned from America? Did the Blacks have people go to America?
Back at Number 4, Privet Drive, Gemini first checked on the two children in the room. Confirmed Flicker cared for them well. Only then came to the parlor.
"Kreacher!" Gemini summoned again. Kreacher with his mouth covered appeared in this small parlor. After discovering his location, his disdainful gaze practically overflowed.
"Enough, Kreacher. Listen to me. Before I allow it, you cannot make sounds. Understand?" Gemini said sternly.
Kreacher immediately nodded. Bowed slightly. Stood there quietly.
Gemini told Kreacher part of her origins. Required him not to tell anyone. After sensing the bloodline power on Gemini, the first thing Kreacher did when permitted to speak was burst into tears.
Gemini rubbed her temples with a headache. She knew it. This old elf was never easy.
"Master, why is Master in a Muggle house?" After crying for a long while, Kreacher looked at Gemini pitifully. "Kreacher has been maintaining the Black ancestral home. Why doesn't Master go home?"
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