Wizards in a Muggle World (was:Spinner's End as home...)

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 142318

bboyminn:
> This is a valid dilemma in the books. Other wizard houses could just
> be sold back to muggles. But I get the sense that 12 Grimmauld Place
> is very old, and as Sirius said, his father made sure the house had
> every known muggle protection placed on it. I suspect that even
> without the 'Secret Keeper' charm, muggles would have a very difficult
> time finding number 12, even if they lived in number 13. 
> 
> My solution was for the very rich Weasley Brothers, to become the
> redevelopers themselves, and sell the resulting housing to wizards and
> wizard-aware muggles. Thus they create a wizard-aware (very small)
> neighborhood, and that protects 12 Grimmauld Place.

Redevelopment is one option, but Urban Renewal is another.  As the 
street deteriorates, the local authorities would probably start casting 
an eye toward redevelopment, as you suggest.  But they may also start a 
campaign to entice whatever Yuppies are called today (or in your future 
scenario) to come in and refurbish these 'fine old historical houses'.  
That's been a strategy in several large cities, and it removes the need 
for the local government to pay for it.

If WW folk, and magic-aware Muggles were to buy in on that scheme, the 
area could become a WW oasis in a sea of Muggles without changing a 
thing.  By magic, they could clean up, repair, and restore the old 
houses to their former glory.  They might even be able to apply for 
historical status for the street.  Since I envision this as a street 
with only one access and no outlet, they could even place mild Muggle-
repelling charms (excepting the magic-friendly Muggles in residence) on 
the access intersection.  No one would need to pass through anyway, 
since there's no outlet for passing through.

In fact, maybe that's why the first Blacks chose that particular area.  
No through traffic, meaning fewer Muggles besides their upscale 
neighbors soiling the view from their windows.

With Harry inheriting 12GP from Sirius, we might see more of it in book 
7.  I doubt if we'll see any urban renewal program, whatever form it 
takes.  I think JKR is ignoring things like the tax man, since that's 
unpleasant, and not a part of the story.  But it would be funny to find 
the twins suddenly Harry's next door neighbors as the first wave of a 
WW takeover of the area.  And, a form of comeuppance against the 
attitudes displayed particularily by Mrs Black, as the twins are 
certainly Muggle-friendly in some ways, and one might even fancy a 
certain Muggle girl, which may lead to marriage.

Ceridwen.