HP: Bad Intentions

The Hogwarts Express continued its steady journey, the rhythmic clatter of wheels filling the compartments. Blake busied himself with teaching Cassandra and Hermione how to remove sunflower seeds correctly. His explanations were clear, and his movements precise, as he demonstrated how to save and plant the seeds. During this process, Blake subtly collected the scattered parchments from the table without drawing attention to himself.

The potions question he had mentioned earlier to Hermione was now conveniently forgotten, as if it had never been raised. Of course, Hermione noticed his maneuver and quickly understood that Blake was trying to smooth things over after putting her in an awkward spot earlier. She couldn't help but curl her lips into a slight smirk.

"This bad guy," Hermione thought to herself, "it's always him causing trouble and then trying to fix it. He just wants to teach me a lesson, doesn't he? What a piece of work!"

Meanwhile, Cassandra, deeply interested in herbal studies, was entirely focused on the sunflowers. Her fascination kept her so occupied that she had momentarily forgotten her habit of watching Hermione.

As the hours passed, the Hogwarts Express began to slow, its approach to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters signaling the end of their journey. Blake handed small bags to both Hermione and Cassandra. These were replicas of his own plant collection bags, intended to store the sunflower seeds they had worked with. Cassandra accepted hers with enthusiasm, intrigued by the unique design and utility of the bag. She was convinced that the plant was a new discovery and not yet known to the wider magical community.

Since it was a short holiday, the students had minimal luggage, making the disembarking process swift. Before Hermione could approach Blake, Cassandra seized the opportunity and pulled him aside.

"Blake, why don't you come to my house during the break? You can introduce this new plant to my parents," she suggested confidently. "It'll also clear up any misunderstandings my father has about you."

Blake hesitated. "I appreciate the invitation, Cassandra, but I have other plans today," he said, glancing toward the exit. There, he spotted Mr. Worley and Mrs. Worley waiting near the barrier. Mr. Worley's face bore a distinct scowl, likely due to seeing his daughter so close to another boy.

Cassandra followed Blake's gaze and noticed her father's sour expression. She immediately jumped to conclusions. "Don't worry about my father! With me here, he wouldn't dare do anything to you," she declared, her tone protective and firm.

Before Blake could respond, Hermione approached quietly. "Blake," she said, "why don't you come to my house instead? We can visit Mrs. Marian during the break."

Hearing the name Mrs. Marian, Blake's expression softened. He had fond memories of the kind woman who had played a significant role in his life. Cassandra noticed this change and felt a pang of worry.

"Granger," Cassandra interjected, her voice sharp, "Blake is clearly busy. Let's not impose on him."

Hermione's eyes flashed with frustration. "This girl!" she thought. "How dare she try to sabotage my plans?"

Cassandra's intentions were simple: if Blake wouldn't visit her home, he certainly wasn't going to Hermione's either. If neither of them could have the advantage, then neither would benefit. Blake, sensing the tension, offered a polite smile.

"I'll visit your homes another time when I'm less occupied. For now, I'll be on my way," he said, stepping toward the exit. He waved at both girls, who watched him leave with matching expressions of disappointment and annoyance.

As Blake walked through the barrier, he spotted Harry and the Weasley family nearby. Harry, eager to avoid returning to the Dursleys, was clearly planning to spend the holiday at the Burrow. Blake considered his next move and decided to avoid the crowd, intending to slip away unnoticed.

Just as he turned into a quieter area, a voice called out behind him. "Blake!"

Ignoring it, he quickened his pace, but the sound of hurried footsteps caught up to him. A tug on his sleeve made him stop. Turning, he found Ginny Weasley standing there, slightly out of breath.

"I was calling you," Ginny said, her cheeks flushed. "You were walking so fast I almost couldn't catch up."

Blake's face turned apologetic. "Sorry, Ginny. It's a bit noisy, and I didn't hear you."

"It's fine," Ginny replied quickly. "My parents want to thank you in person. Especially my dad. You not only helped him but also saved me."

Blake glanced toward the Weasley family. Mr. Weasley was smiling warmly, clearly grateful.

"Why don't you come to the Burrow during the holiday?" Ginny suggested. "Harry's coming too. It'll be fun."

Blake hesitated, glancing back at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. He caught sight of Hermione and Cassandra, still lurking near the barrier, watching him closely. The idea of accepting Ginny's invitation while under their scrutiny was less than appealing.

"I'm sorry, Ginny," Blake said with a polite smile. "I have other plans for the holiday. But I'd love to visit another time."

Ginny's shoulders slumped slightly. "Okay... We'll always welcome you," she said, forcing a smile.

"Thank you. See you later," Blake said, waving at the Weasley family before disappearing into the crowd.

Back near the barrier, Hermione and Cassandra exchanged glances once more, their expressions a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"Hmph!"

"Hmph!"

With matching exasperation, they turned and walked away.

Blake reappeared in his dormitory moments later, sparks and stars marking his arrival. The room was quiet and empty. He called out, "Baker, are you there?"

A pop echoed in the room as a house-elf appeared, holding a large cloth bag.

"Little master, I've prepared everything you requested," Baker said, handing over the bag.

Blake opened it, inspecting the contents carefully. Satisfied, he nodded. "Good work, Baker. Thank you."

Baker's ears wiggled with joy at the praise. "It's my pleasure to serve you, little master. If you need anything else, just call me."

With another pop, Baker vanished. Blake stowed the bag into his storage space and opened a dimensional door. Stepping through, he arrived outside the headmaster's office.

Inside, most of the participants for the Basilisk Subjugation mission were already gathered. Blake spotted Newt Scamander, who nodded toward Nagini. She approached Blake, holding a peculiar helmet.

"This is for you," Nagini said, handing it over. "Professor Dumbledore had it made by Nicolas Flamel to protect you."

Blake hesitated for a moment but accepted the helmet. It was crafted with black crystal stones embedded in the eye sockets, giving it an otherworldly appearance. He put it on without complaint, aware of Dumbledore's concern for his safety.

Even Snape, known for his sharp tongue, refrained from making any snide remarks. The gravity of the situation seemed to unite everyone in solemnity.

Dumbledore entered, his eyes scanning the room. He nodded approvingly at Blake before addressing the group. "Now that everyone is ready, let us proceed. Blake, lead the way."

The group followed Blake through the castle's winding passages until they arrived at the entrance to the abandoned girls' bathroom. Blake pointed to the faucet with the tiny snake engraving.

"The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is here," he said.

Dumbledore stepped forward, examining the faucet closely. Nagini leaned in and hissed in Parseltongue. The words triggered the mechanism, and the sink began to move, revealing the entrance to the legendary chamber.

The group exchanged tense glances, readying themselves for the challenges ahead as they descended into the unknown depths below Hogwarts.

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