Leaving the Malfoys, Gemini had Kreacher turn the carriage invisible. Sent her back to Privet Drive first. Time was late. Only Flicker watched the two children at home. Gemini felt uneasy.
After getting off, Gemini looked at Dobby. "Dobby, do you know Harry Potter?"
Dobby's eyes widened. "Dobby knows! Of course Dobby knows! The great Mr. Harry Potter! He defeated the Dark Lord!"
Seeing the worship in the elf's eyes, Gemini held back a laugh. "Then I have a task for you. Mr. Harry Potter is still a nursing baby. I need you to care for him."
Dobby gasped. Nearly fainted. After a long moment, asked carefully: "Dobby must care for Harry Potter? That Harry Potter?"
Gemini opened the door. Gestured Dobby inside. "I think there's only one nursing Harry Potter in the magical world."
Dobby trembled with excitement. Followed Gemini shakily. When he saw Flicker pushing a stroller, Dobby covered his mouth hard. Afraid he'd wake the great sleeping Mr. Harry Potter.
After seeing two chubby babies, Dobby examined them. Finally, with the forehead scar's help, confirmed the black-haired baby was Harry Potter.
As Dobby became almost beside himself, Gemini interrupted. "Dobby, one of these children is Harry Potter. The other is his brother. A Muggle. You don't discriminate against Muggles, right?"
Dobby shook his head frantically. He was a house-elf. His ideas were odd, but he wasn't stupid. Gemini said that was Harry Potter's brother. How could he see him as just a Muggle? Besides, he had no opinions about Muggles. Never seen one since birth.
"Good. For certain reasons, we must live in the Muggle world. Take care of these two children. I don't want Harry Potter becoming a spoiled brat. Don't want him thinking he's important when he's aware. Understand?" Gemini looked at Dobby coldly. "If you can't do this, I'll send you to Hogwarts. Trade with Dumbledore for another elf."
Dobby stood straight immediately. Puffed out his chest. "Dobby will be careful! Dobby can do it! Dobby knows what to do! Dobby cared for the young master before! Dobby can! Please don't send Dobby away!"
"I'll watch you. Hope you can do what you say. If I find anything wrong—you've heard of Black family punishments for house-elves, right?" Gemini stared at Dobby. Though she'd heard this Dobby was well-meaning, even sacrificed himself for Harry, the early disasters he caused were in history books. Her History of Magic grades were decent. How could she not know?
After establishing long rules for Dobby, Gemini felt slightly reassured. Also told Flicker to watch Dobby more. Gemini feared Dobby might think Harry was in danger and do something to Dudley. That would be huge trouble.
After arranging home matters, Gemini stopped managing completely. The children were at the eat-sleep-play stage. Elves watching was fine. Though this era's TV programs were few, there were cartoons. Plus toys and magical cards Gemini bought. Enough to teach them speech and world understanding.
Gemini started preparing her shop. Now it wasn't just these two children. An old grandmother at the Blacks too. Not much property left. Though rented shops had rent, income didn't cover expenses. Gemini had to work herself.
First placed an ad in the Daily Prophet. Posted recruitment. Specially noted wanting females. Her shop targeted women's clothing and children's toys. Female staff were more convenient.
Once recruitment was published, Gemini received applications like snowflakes. Women working outside weren't common this era. Especially in the conservative magical world. Almost all became housewives. For women wanting to venture out, Gemini's recruitment was a clear path.
Though many letters came, Gemini spent an afternoon selecting. This time she missed Sneezewort terribly. If Sneezewort were here, wouldn't need minutes to handle these letters!
Selected several suitable ones. Gemini wrote inviting interviews. For less suitable ones, didn't ignore them. Replied with special hard floral cards as compensation. These cards would also sell in the shop. Imitated from ancient Chinese recipes. The printed flowers moved and had fragrances. Perfect for ladies sending afternoon tea invitations.
Interview location was the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. For this, Gemini wrote barkeeper Tom. Reserved a quiet room.
Looking at letters again, Gemini frowned. These people were too young. Basically just graduated. Could manage clothing and makeup. But Gemini's envisioned other half was for children. These young girls weren't suitable. Best would be a mother. Even bringing children was fine. Best with enough affinity.
Thinking this, a person popped into Gemini's mind. Molly Weasley!
Molly's affinity was absolutely fine. If willing, she could connect with any mother or child. And children—she had seven! The youngest should be born. Plus the Weasleys' finances weren't great. Not to mention, she'd been watching their son's pet. Wasn't this more suitable?
Just the current Weasleys had no connection with Gemini. Helplessly, Gemini contacted Dumbledore again.
Dumbledore was happy to see this. Personally went to the Burrow. Brought Molly to Number 4, Privet Drive. Met Gemini. Molly, who'd given birth months ago, looked at the two children lovingly. When she learned Gemini wanted to hire her, Molly was troubled. After Gemini presented facts and reasoning, plus benefits, Molly was tempted. Not to mention Dumbledore's persuasion. Molly's defenses quickly broke. That day she signed the contract. Became Gemini's first employee at The Blooming Rose.
After settling opening time with Molly, Gemini went non-stop to Diagon Alley. Looked at her reserved shop. Summoned the construction team for new changes.
First the shop's colors. Tender pink, tender blue, light purple. Absolutely unique in dim Diagon Alley. Inside divided into two parts. One for ladies. Cooperated with Madam Malkin's. Gemini designed, they made. Samples hung in Gemini's shop. Each sold piece would be simplified and shelved in regular clothing a month later. Jewelry was completely unique. Gemini acquired a private Muggle workshop. After making them, Gemini manually enchanted. Selling to ladies, they couldn't tell.
In the children's area, Gemini thought of later Montessori playgrounds. Applied for fixed Extension Charms. Expanded half the shop's interior. Wrapped in soft materials. Put in slides, castles, ball pits. Various magical dolls, children's brooms and toys. Equipped with mother-baby rooms and bathrooms. With magic's help, Molly alone could watch this. Not to mention she could put all her children inside. Could demonstrate. Could free Molly. Too comfortable.
Gemini considered some children might not like playing. Liked quiet. Carved out a corner. Used picture books from the Muggle world. Had specialists replicate into moving magical picture books.
Though magic helped, Gemini's changes weren't few. Took nearly a month to finish the shop. Staff who passed interviews used this time for special training. Mainly makeup techniques and convenient makeup tools.
The two boys at home were learning to speak. Couldn't say Gemini's name. Could only happily shout "Gem! Gem!" when seeing her.
Gemini helplessly kissed the two children. "I'll take it as you're calling me sister!"
Everything ready. Gemini's opening date was February 14th. Valentine's Day. Though the shop didn't receive male customers, for gentlemen accompanying female companions, outside the door, coffee plus magazine was enough comfort.
With the Malfoys' help, Gemini's opening invitations went throughout the magical world. Plus Daily Prophet ads. The black-and-white pictures showed Weasley children Gemini invited to test. Made children not yet at school extremely envious.
So opening day almost rivaled Hogwarts summer vacation. People everywhere. All bringing children.
Even Narcissa brought one-year-old Draco. Personally played with Draco in the children's area. With such an example, children started clamoring.
Fortunately, Gemini placed soundproofing charms on the main door. Once closed, inside could be chaotic. The ladies' area wouldn't be affected. If something happened, Molly would notify Gemini through the emergency button.
Just one day open. Gemini's shop became famous throughout the magical world. All children took pride in playing at the playground. If a lady owned a Blooming Rose masterpiece jewelry, she could show off for a whole year.
Gemini only stayed a few days. After seeing everything on track, confidently left it to Molly. Returned to Privet Drive. These days dealing with customers was exhausting.
In the future, just send orders by owl. After Gemini finished, send to Madam Malkin's. After ready-made clothes were done, delivered to the shop. Staff would notify custom ladies. Proceeded orderly.
Of course, rush orders depended on how many Galleons she'd pay to cut in line. Orders in Gemini's hands were already scheduled three months out. Who knew where so many people suddenly appeared.
The Black vault visibly filled. Previously borrowed Harry's vault was long returned. Gemini even put in much more. When she was little, Harry never shortchanged her on money. At this time, she didn't want Harry feeling short on spending.
As for Dudley, Gringotts exchanged Galleons for pounds readily. Gemini exchanged some. Established a personal fund for Dudley. Hired specialists to manage. Just from income, Dudley could live comfortably until old. If he had ideas after growing up, with this fund, he'd have initial capital.
After arranging everything, Gemini touched the bracelet. No matter how much she remembered, not as much as magical world people. Her inspiration was almost drained by those crazy ladies. She'd considered long—should she go back once? Have Tony make Sneezewort portable. If she could bring it over, that would help tremendously.
Thinking this, Gemini glanced at her Privet Drive workshop. Fixed this time node on the bracelet. To prevent not returning, she wrote important intelligence. Left it on the desk. If she had no news long, Dumbledore would come find her. Then discover the letter. If she returned smoothly, this letter would be destroyed.
After deciding, Gemini changed into combat suit. Pressed the bracelet button. Return, 2023!
Opened her eyes. Seeing Tony and others beside her, Gemini felt like a lifetime had passed.
"Gemini! Where did you travel? How was it? Nothing happened?" Tony saw Gemini's damaged combat suit. Quickly asked. To him, they'd only separated dozens of minutes. But Gemini had stayed in the magical world over half a year.
Gemini blinked. Looked at Tony. "I went to a place without you all!"
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