After the term ended, Kevin returned to the orphanage, carrying another load of belongings.
It almost felt like he was coming back in triumph, even though he had yet to graduate from Hogwarts.
He soon spoke with Dean Hopps about moving out.
"Well, Kevin," Dean said warmly, "you've grown up. It's time for you to live independently."
Dean looked him over with satisfaction. Kevin had grown taller since last year, and at just twelve years old, he was already earning enough to rent his own place.
"I'll never forget what the orphanage has done for me," Kevin said sincerely. "Even if I move out, this will always be my home."
"Good boy. That's what I like to hear. Go out and explore the world!" Dean laughed, patting him on the shoulder.
"Come with me — it's time I gave you something."
Dean led Kevin to his dormitory, where he unlocked the drawer of his bedside table and pulled out a tightly wrapped cloth bundle.
"Grandpa Dean, what's this?" Kevin asked curiously.
"It's what I found in your arms when I first took you in," Dean replied. "There was a note saying these things were meant for you. If I'm right, they were left by your parents."
Kevin's breath caught. Could the people who had abandoned him really have left something behind? Had they been forced into it?
He carefully unwrapped the bundle. Inside were two delicate silver bracelets, each set with a gem — one blue, one pink — that sparkled faintly. They looked nothing like Muggle craftsmanship from this era.
Kevin tried channeling a bit of magic into them. Both bracelets glowed softly, though Dean appeared unable to see the light. That confirmed it — his parents must have been wizards.
At the bottom of the bundle lay a yellowed envelope, addressed simply: To Kevin.
The Letter
Kevin, my dear boy,
By the time you read this, your father and I will no longer be alive. If nothing unexpected has happened, you will have grown up.
We could not protect you, so we had to entrust you to the orphanage. I hope you will not hate us for this.
We left you no surname. If someone adopts you, take theirs; if not, choose your own.
These bracelets are our keepsake for you. The blue one is for you; the pink one is for the girl you love.
Love always,
Mum and Dad
The note was short and revealed little, though it was clear both parents were magical.
Something about the blank space on the parchment seemed odd. Acting on instinct, Kevin channelled magic into the letter.
New words shimmered into view:
Kevin, if you're reading this, it means you're a wizard too.
Even so, we don't want you to feel any burden from our past. Live happily and attend Hogwarts — that's where we met.
The bracelets are magical. When one is infused with magic, the other will glow and guide its wearer, no matter how far apart you are.
They bring good fortune when worn together, and will still bring luck even after you've given one away.
Protect yourself and your loved ones. The wizarding world holds both wonders and dangers.
We believe in you. Your story is just beginning.
Kevin let out a slow breath. The message raised more questions than it answered.
For now, he slipped both bracelets onto his wrist — the pink one destined for Hermione someday, though the moment wasn't right yet.
After two days at the orphanage, Kevin headed to the Grangers' home, intending to stay there briefly until he could arrange a place of his own.
"Uncle, Aunt — sorry to trouble you again," he said at the door.
"Nonsense," Mrs. Granger said, smiling warmly as she pulled him into a hug.
Hermione, standing behind her mother, puffed her cheeks in mock annoyance at seeing Kevin hugged and kissed.
That evening over dinner, Hermione noticed the bracelets. "Kevin, what's that on your wrist? I didn't see it last time."
"It's something my parents left me," he said. He explained — though leaving out the magical properties — and Hermione reached across the table to take his hand.
Mrs. Granger's eyes softened, and she embraced him again. Mr. Granger, after a thoughtful pause, said quietly, "Kevin… would you like to be our son?"
Hermione's eyes lit up. But Kevin, after a long moment, shook his head.
"It's not that I don't care for you," he explained gently. "But I don't want to become family in that way."
Hermione looked down, disappointed. Kevin smiled at her reassuringly, ruffling her hair.
Later, after Hermione had gone upstairs, Kevin turned to the Grangers. "Uncle, Aunt — I actually have another request. I need your help."