HP: Bad Intentions

Seeing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, Blake spoke softly but with confidence, trying to ease the tension.

"Actually, we don't need to worry right now," he began, his tone calm yet firm. "In the Chamber of Secrets, the only thing that poses a real threat is the giant serpent—the basilisk."

The room grew quieter, and Blake continued, "And the fact that it hasn't come out to wreak havoc for so many years is telling. Someone has to actively summon it for it to appear. And the diary, the only means to call it out, is already in our hands."

"So," Blake concluded, "everyone is actually safe for now."

Ginny, who had been listening intently, furrowed her brow. "But it's still a creature carrying fatal danger, isn't it?" she asked. "We can't just leave it in the school. It's like... like a time bomb waiting to go off."

"Exactly," Blake agreed, nodding. "We can't let it stay here. It's too risky."

Curious, Ginny tilted her head. "What's a time bomb?" she asked.

"Uh..." Blake hesitated, realizing he'd slipped into Muggle terminology. "It's, uh, like a weapon that explodes after a set time—well, a weapon of sorts," he explained awkwardly.

Professor McGonagall, arms crossed and brows furrowed, interjected. "This matter must be addressed immediately," she said firmly. "But the basilisk is far too dangerous. If we're going to deal with it, we must ensure that we're fully prepared. Otherwise, lives could be at stake."

She paused before suggesting cautiously, "Perhaps we could wait until the holidays? Once the students leave for Christmas, we'd have the school to ourselves to handle this without putting anyone at risk."

Dumbledore shook his head gravely. "While we may be safe for now, we cannot predict what might happen if we wait," he said. "Even with Christmas approaching, the threat is too great. For the safety of all students, we must act as soon as possible."

The room fell silent as Dumbledore continued, "I will contact magical zoologists and some powerful wizards to assist us. We'll devise a careful plan. When we're ready, I'll arrange for an evacuation of the castle—just for a few days."

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise. "An emergency evacuation? Albus, you know the Ministry and the school board may have objections—"

"They will agree," Dumbledore said firmly. "There is nothing more important than the safety of our students."

Turning to Ginny, his expression softened. "Miss Weasley, I must ask you to keep tonight's events a secret for now. If word of this spreads, it could cause unnecessary panic among the students."

Ginny nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. After all, who could stay calm knowing there was a deadly basilisk lurking in the school? Not everyone had the peculiar tastes of Hagrid—or the unshakable composure of Blake.

Dumbledore turned to Blake, his blue eyes twinkling with gratitude. "Blake," he said, "I don't even know where to begin. You've prevented a major catastrophe tonight. And thanks to you, we may finally solve the mystery of what happened fifty years ago. Though I cannot publicly acknowledge your contribution just yet, I must express my deepest gratitude on behalf of Hogwarts."

"Ding! Detected the emotion of joy and relief!"

 "Ding! Gratitude and excitement detected!"

Blake waved dismissively. "I don't care about rewards or recognition," he said casually. "I just did what needed to be done. Besides, it's better if we handle this quietly to avoid unnecessary fear."

In truth, Blake had acted to prevent the deadly uncertainty surrounding the basilisk. While the events in the original timeline had only resulted in a few petrifications, it was pure luck that there hadn't been fatalities. If anyone had seen the basilisk directly rather than through reflections or other mediums, the results would have been fatal.

Blake shuddered inwardly at the thought. With the added unpredictability of his presence—and Cassandra's—in this timeline, he wasn't willing to gamble with anyone's life. Better to neutralize the threat now than let it linger as a looming danger.

Dumbledore, mistaking Blake's modesty for genuine humility, smiled warmly. "What a remarkable young man," he murmured. "Though you may not seek recognition, Hogwarts will not forget your contributions. Once this is all over, you'll receive the reward and honor you deserve."

At that moment, Ginny's eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Blake. To her, he wasn't just a hero—he was selfless and extraordinary. He had risked so much to protect everyone and asked for nothing in return. Her respect for him deepened, and a small, budding affection began to take root in her heart.

Blake, oblivious to Ginny's growing admiration, continued, "The most important thing is that Voldemort—wherever he is—must not discover that his Horcruxes are compromised. If he does, he might create new ones, and tracking those would be infinitely more difficult."

Dumbledore's expression grew serious as he considered Blake's words. The boy wasn't just brave; he was astute. It became clear to Dumbledore that Blake's actions were guided by a genuine concern for the greater good.

"Blake," Professor McGonagall said, her voice thick with emotion, "you've shown incredible courage and wisdom. Even if this matter remains secret for now, rest assured that Hogwarts will find a way to reward you appropriately."

By the time Blake left the headmaster's office, it was well past two in the morning. Ginny, who was visibly exhausted, was escorted to the hospital wing by Professor McGonagall. As she walked away, Ginny cast a lingering glance back at Blake, her gratitude evident in her expression.

Blake, finally alone, made his way to the Hufflepuff common room. Despite the late hour, he felt a strange sense of relief. The threat of the basilisk was under control, and for the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to relax.

On his way, he even exchanged a friendly nod with Filch, who, surprisingly, didn't scowl in return. Blake chuckled to himself, imagining how Fred and George would react if they saw this unexpected camaraderie.

Back in the dormitory, Blake collapsed onto his bed, sleep overtaking him almost instantly. But his rest was short-lived. At dawn, he was awakened by a soft pecking on his hand. Groggily, he opened his eyes to find Fawkes perched beside him, holding Tom Riddle's diary.

Blake's eyes widened in surprise. Dumbledore had entrusted him with the Horcrux after all. Gently taking the diary, he muttered, "Good morning, Fawkes," and stroked the phoenix's warm feathers.

As Fawkes vanished in a flash of fire, Blake placed the diary in the secure confines of his system warehouse. For now, the Horcrux was safe—and so was Hogwarts.

Later that morning, as Blake entered the Great Hall for breakfast, he was greeted by the usual chaos. The Weasley twins, seated at the Gryffindor table, eyed him suspiciously. Ginny, however, approached him with a shy smile.

"Thank you for everything," she said softly before dashing away, leaving Blake both amused and puzzled. Meanwhile, across the hall, Cassandra's fork bent under her grip, and Hermione's book crumpled in her hands.

Blake, blissfully unaware of the growing tensions around him, sat at the Hufflepuff table, feeling for the first time in weeks that Hogwarts might finally know some peace.

=============

Want to read more?

Join my Patreon

patreon.com/Max1mus

Also Please vote for this work with your Powerstones

And don't forget to leave a review