HP: Bad Intentions

Dumbledore's voice was calm but firm. "You go home too."

Blake scratched his head, clearly hesitant. "But, it's just one day. What am I supposed to do at home?"

"Then I'll give you a few more days off," Dumbledore said without missing a beat. "I'll have Nagini keep an eye on you."

Blake raised an eyebrow. "Nagini? Isn't she supposed to help you open the door to the Chamber of Secrets? Why would she waste time watching me?"

Dumbledore's expression didn't change. "Then I'll ask Cassandra Warley to keep an eye on you."

Blake's face turned pale at the mention of Cassandra. "Ah... this..." He scratched his neck nervously. Spending time alone with Cassandra didn't seem appealing, not while he still hadn't fully formulated his plan to deal with her assertiveness.

With a theatrical sigh, he said, "Fine. If that's the case, I'll stay away from the school."

Dumbledore smiled. "Good choice. And Nagini will only stay until the Chamber is opened. You won't be lonely or bored at home."

Blake's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Oh, I won't be lonely. I just remembered that a certain someone's school doesn't close for Halloween. He's been inviting me to visit. Maybe I'll head to Austria for a bit of fun."

Dumbledore's beard trembled. Austria? That person? There was only one "old friend" Blake could be referring to: Grindelwald.

"Don't go," Dumbledore said, his voice suddenly serious.

Blake pretended innocence. "Why not? It's not far. I could just open a portal and be there in no time."

Dumbledore's expression tightened. Was the boy threatening him? No, Blake had always been well-behaved. This had to be Grindelwald's influence! That old scoundrel must've taught him this cheeky behavior.

With a sigh, Dumbledore said, "Can't you just stay at home?"

Blake's eyes twinkled with mischief but turned serious. "I just want to help, Professor. I don't want to be a flower growing in a greenhouse—fragile and unable to face the real world. I've got a feeling… things are going to happen. Big things. And I don't want to stand by helplessly."

Dumbledore's brows knitted in thought. The boy had a point. Shielding him forever would only weaken him in the long run. With a reluctant nod, he said, "Very well. You can stay and help tomorrow."

Blake's grin widened. "Don't worry, Professor. I won't hold you back."

Dumbledore gave him a long look before breaking into a helpless smile. "Dinner's about to start. Let's go."

After dinner, Professor McGonagall made an announcement: Hogwarts was undergoing massive plumbing repairs starting tomorrow. The castle's ancient pipes were in dire need of maintenance, and the odor would likely be unbearable. Students were given a three-day Halloween holiday to return home.

Roger, Blake's roommate, grumbled while packing. "Hogwarts has been standing for centuries. Why the sudden need for plumbing repairs?"

Blake smirked. "Does it matter? It's a holiday. Enjoy it."

Roger's mood brightened. "You're right! No homework either!" He paused, glancing at Blake. "Why aren't you packing?"

Blake shrugged. "I've got a suitcase that holds everything. I'm already packed."

The next morning, Blake joined the other students on the Hogwarts Express, blending in to avoid suspicion. As the train departed Hogsmeade, he checked his supplies. Bottles of antidotes, healing potions, and other essentials filled his pockets. While the basilisk posed no threat to him, it could harm others in the team. Blake believed in being prepared.

The carriage door slid open, and a familiar voice greeted him. "Blake, there you are. I've been looking for you."

Blake froze. Cassandra Warley stepped inside, her presence commanding the space. Before he could react, she slid into the seat beside him and grabbed his arm.

"Cassandra, um… I'm kind of busy. Could you let go of my arm?"

Before she could respond, the door opened again. Hermione Granger stood there, her sharp eyes taking in the scene. Cassandra holding Blake's arm was enough to make her smirk.

"Looks like I came at the wrong time. I'll find another carriage," Hermione said, feigning nonchalance.

Blake panicked. "No! You're just in time! Actually, I have a question about… um… a problem I'm working on. Can you help me?"

Hermione's brow arched. "You? Have a question you can't solve? The top student in the grade? You're lying."

Cassandra tightened her grip on Blake's arm, clearly annoyed. "He could've asked me, you know. I'm perfectly capable of helping him." She shot Hermione a challenging look.

Blake winced. Cassandra's nails dug into his arm, but his magically reinforced skin made him impervious. Still, her persistence was exhausting.

Hermione saw Blake's pleading expression and Cassandra's defiance. Smiling slyly, she stepped into the carriage and closed the door behind her. "If he wants my help, I'll stay."

Cassandra bristled but couldn't openly object. She settled into her seat, glaring at Hermione while clinging to Blake's arm. Hermione ignored her, enjoying the small victory.

Between Cassandra's possessiveness and Hermione's sharp wit, he felt like a spectator in a duel of wills.

Blake's mind, however, remained focused on the task ahead. The basilisk was a formidable creature, and the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities was too good to pass up. High-quality treasure chests were just waiting to be claimed, and Blake intended to seize them.

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