HP: Bad Intentions

Blake was surprised to discover that Filch, previously regarded as a powerless Squib, had unexpectedly achieved a purple-quality rating as a follower after a magical riot. It was a stark improvement from his prior white-quality status. This dramatic transformation piqued Blake's interest.

The system explained, "Since the follower is a Squib, their magic is latent and unused, accumulating over time. After the magical riot, this stored power surged, making Filch stronger than an average adult wizard."

Blake nodded, satisfied with the explanation. This success confirmed his theory about Squibs. Contrary to common belief, Squibs weren't fundamentally different from wizards. They had untapped magical potential that could be unlocked. To achieve this, Blake devised a special potion that stimulated latent magic—a formula unsuitable for regular wizards, as it caused severe discomfort or even nosebleeds. However, for Squibs, the potion was perfectly effective. It heated the dormant magic within, breaking the external shackles and allowing their magical talents to flourish.

The system chimed in again: "Ding! Extreme joy detected! Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a golden treasure chest!"

Blake smiled. Filch's transformation had not only validated his experiment but also rewarded him richly. As if to cement his loyalty, Filch declared, "I, Argus Filch, will always follow you, my master!"

Blake saw genuine devotion in Filch's eyes, a testament to the system's ability to secure absolute loyalty from followers. He instructed, "Filch, keep our relationship secret. Return to Hogwarts and act as usual. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord," Filch replied reverently.

"Good. Take a day off and visit Diagon Alley. Your wand is waiting at Ollivander's."

Filch's face lit up with excitement at the mention of a wand. However, before letting Filch leave, Blake handed him another potion, instructing him to use it after finishing the first. "Come back to me when you're done," Blake added.

As October neared its end, Dumbledore's efforts to address the basilisk in Hogwarts hit a standstill. Even Newt Scamander, the renowned magizoologist, struggled to devise a solution. The basilisk's deadly gaze posed an insurmountable risk, and no one was willing to gamble their lives. Various methods, including fighting blindfolded, were proposed but deemed impractical. The basilisk's venomous fangs and immense strength made it a formidable opponent, even for the most skilled wizards.

Halloween approached, bringing a festive air to Hogwarts. Giant pumpkins, courtesy of Hagrid's expansion spell, adorned the castle. The aroma of roasted pumpkin filled the air, and students' faces beamed with joy. Despite this, the looming basilisk threat cast a shadow over the celebrations. In the headmaster's office, the staff convened for yet another strategy meeting. The urgency to act was palpable, but no viable plan emerged.

"Do we really have to take the risk?" Dumbledore asked, his face etched with concern.

Professor McGonagall suggested leaving the basilisk undisturbed in the Chamber of Secrets. "As long as no one calls it, it won't come out," she reasoned. But this idea, while tempting, didn't sit well with everyone. Knowing the danger existed made ignoring it feel irresponsible.

Professor Kettleburn proposed consulting Blake. "He discovered the Chamber and has a sharp mind. Perhaps he'll have an idea we've overlooked," he said.

Newt Scamander agreed, adding, "Young minds often bring fresh perspectives. Let's hear what he has to say."

Reluctantly, Dumbledore sent his patronus, a white phoenix, to summon Blake. In the Great Hall, Blake, who had been trying to extricate himself from Cassandra's clinginess, noticed the phoenix. It delivered Dumbledore's whispered message, inviting him to the headmaster's office. Excusing himself from Cassandra, Blake hurried away, feeling her resentful gaze on his back.

When Blake arrived at the office, he was taken aback to find all the professors and Newt Scamander present. "Good heavens," he thought, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"Professor, are you planning to let me join the basilisk hunt?" Blake asked eagerly.

"No," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. "We're still seeking a reliable way to neutralize the basilisk's lethal gaze. We want to hear your thoughts."

Blake's eyes widened. "Wait... you haven't even started preparing?" he asked incredulously. The professors' silence confirmed his suspicion.

"Do you have a solution?" Dumbledore asked, hope glimmering in his eyes.

Blake smirked. "Of course. The answer's obvious. Why struggle to shield your eyes when you can blindfold the basilisk?"

He summoned his phoenix and demonstrated. "Phoenixes are immune to the Killing Curse and can easily disable the basilisk by pecking out its eyes. Once blind, the creature's greatest weapon is nullified."

The room fell silent as the simplicity of Blake's plan sank in. Dumbledore finally spoke, "We truly were trapped in a narrow mindset. Thank you, Blake. You've solved a problem that has eluded us for weeks."

Blake grinned. "Let's do it today! It'll make for an unforgettable Halloween."

Dumbledore quickly dismissed the idea. "Not with the students here. We'll take action tomorrow. Minerva, arrange for the students to leave the castle under a plausible pretence."

Blake, however, wasn't ready to be sidelined. "Except for me! Let me join the hunt!" he pleaded, his excitement palpable. But Dumbledore remained firm.

As the meeting concluded, preparations began to ensure the castle would be empty for the operation. Blake, though disappointed, was proud to have contributed to solving the problem. And with the prospect of facing the basilisk, Hogwarts' Halloween promised to be anything but ordinary.

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