Cassandra trailed behind Blake, anxiety flickering in her eyes. She worried she had hurt him with her earlier careless words.
Blake, however, didn't seem bothered. He strode toward the Hogwarts Express with a large suitcase in one hand, moving as if he were carrying plastic bags. He hefted each case onto the train effortlessly, one by one. From a distance, Flint and the rest of the Slytherin Quidditch team watched in stunned silence.
Flint turned pale. If I'd known he was this strong, I wouldn't have asked for a beating…
Once on board, Blake made his way to a carriage hidden with a touch of concealment magic. He slipped in unnoticed, the charm keeping the compartment empty, just as planned.
Hermione glanced at Cassandra sitting near the window, then casually turned to Blake as he stowed their luggage on the overhead rack. "So, Blake, are you going exploring again this summer?"
Blake shook his head. "No adventures this time. I'll be working with Mr. Scamander."
Hermione's shoulders sagged slightly. "So you'll be really busy, then?"
He nodded. "Very. There's a lot to do with the magical creatures and the new zoo. But I enjoy it—it's work I love."
Finishing with the luggage, he dusted his hands off and turned. Hermione's smile was tight and forced.
"What's wrong? You look a bit off," Blake asked, concerned.
"I'm fine," she replied too quickly, her tone a little high.
"You sure? We're friends, Hermione. You can talk to me."
"I said I'm fine!" she insisted, then coughed awkwardly. "Hey… did you bring snacks?"
"Of course!" Blake grinned and pulled an assortment of treats from his pocket, piling them on the table. Classic Hufflepuff behavior.
As Hermione sipped her juice, Blake watched her carefully. "You really okay?"
"I'm fine. Honestly."
Beside her, Cassandra let out a quiet laugh. Hermione shot her a sharp glare, but Cassandra was unbothered. She sipped her coffee elegantly and said with cheerful mischief, "I think I know why she's unhappy."
"Oh? What is it?" Blake asked with interest.
"Cassandra!" Hermione snapped.
These two had always clashed. Hermione had just enjoyed seeing Cassandra deflated earlier, but now the tables were turning.
"She's been reading books on outdoor adventures lately. I figured she hoped you'd take her with you on one of your trips this holiday."
Blake blinked. "Is that true?"
Hermione's face turned scarlet. "I—I mean, I did read some books, but not because I want to go on adventures with you! I'm just… I'm going camping with my parents… so… I'm preparing, that's all!"
Blake smiled, eyes twinkling. "Makes sense. I've got a lot of experience with wild camping. Here—" He pulled another book from his pocket. "These are my travel notes. Loads of survival tips. You might find them helpful."
Hermione stared at the pile of books, heart sinking. Her parents had planned a trip, but she'd convinced them to go as a couple so she could stay home… in hopes Blake might invite her along somewhere.
And now—now—he wasn't going anywhere.
She looked at the books, eyes misting. "Thanks… this helps a lot."
Cassandra watched her with smug satisfaction. Just now you laughed at me. Your turn now.
Blake, feigning ignorance, sipped the coffee Cassandra had made for him.
[Ding! Depressed emotion detected!]
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring a Silver Treasure Chest!]
Blake smiled wider. Even the slightly bitter coffee now tasted divine.
Cassandra, observing everything, suddenly realized something. He's doing this on purpose. He knows Hermione's feelings. He's enjoying this...
Wait. If he was toying with Hermione now... did that mean he was also playing with her before they got on the train?
The thought soured her mood instantly. Blake was still sipping the coffee she made, looking too pleased with himself.
Annoyed, Cassandra glared. Why are we the ones flustered while he just smiles smugly?
Sensing the danger, Blake quickly stood. "Oh! Snack cart's here—I'll go check it out!"
He'd already stepped out of the compartment before they reacted.
"That jerk! He ran away again!" Cassandra fumed.
Hermione, still flipping through the camping books, looked up, puzzled.
"That guy tricked us both! With that stupid smirk of his!" Cassandra growled.
Hermione quickly connected the dots. "He did make fools of us!"
"We'll get him back," Hermione said, eyes glinting.
Blake, however, had other things to worry about this summer—mainly helping Newt with the magical zoo. Taking anyone on a trip? Impossible.
Besides, this summer wasn't going to be peaceful at all.
Because another "Blake"—Sirius Blake—was going to escape from Azkaban.
The wizarding world would soon be plunged into fear. A mass murderer, thought to be one of Voldemort's most loyal followers, loose again? No one would feel safe.
And Harry Potter, Voldemort's vanquisher, would become the center of a special protection effort.
In such times, few parents would let their children roam freely. And Blake had no intention of adding to Professor Tianlei's headaches.
The Hogwarts Express screeched into the station. Children leaned out of windows to wave at their parents.
Blake rubbed his sore waist—courtesy of Cassandra—and grumbled while helping unload her and Hermione's luggage.
Cassandra waved from the window. "Mum! Dad!"
"They can't see you," Blake said. "I hid this compartment."
"Who are you calling a little idiot?!"
"Uh—Big Ben, then—OW! Don't pinch me there!"
Five minutes later, Mr. Worley stood in front of Blake, both men smiling through clenched teeth.
"Thanks for looking after my daughter," Mr. Worley said.
Blake returned the fake smile. "Cassandra and I are friends. Friends help each other."
"Of course… but it seems you have many 'friends.'" Mr. Worley eyed Hermione and the other girls sneaking glances at Blake.
"Not many," Blake said modestly. "They're just good friends."
Mr. Worley's temple twitched. You smug little punk…
"A man only needs one real friend."
Blake shrugged. "But isn't it nice to have a few more?"
Mr. Worley barely kept from snapping his wand in half. "A man only has one head. He can only wear one hat."
Blake smiled innocently. "I like stacking them."
[Ding! Angry emotion detected!]
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring a Golden Treasure Chest!]
Blake beamed. Mr. Worley fumed.
Just then, Blake turned to Cassandra. "Any plans for the holiday? Want to come over?"
"Sure! I have some alchemy questions I wanted to ask you anyway," she replied cheerfully.
"Great. Send me a letter, and I'll come on my broom—the Will-o'-the-Wisp."
Mr. Worley's blood pressure skyrocketed. A mental image formed: Blake flying to his home, calling from the air, "Hey old man! I'm here to pick up your daughter!"
No! I won't allow this! he screamed internally. We're going on a family vacation. Immediately.
At that moment, Cedric, Bob, Harry, and others came to say goodbye. Blake was clearly popular.
Then he spotted the Longbottoms.
Frank Longbottom shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Blake. You're welcome to visit us anytime."
Alice Longbottom smiled warmly and ruffled Neville's hair. Neville's stern grandmother turned to him.
"You thanked Blake properly, didn't you?"
Mr. Worley, watching the scene, looked confused. Mrs. Warley turned to Mrs. Longbottom.
"Alice… you're better? When?"
Alice nodded. "Yes. Thanks to Blake. If not for him, Frank and I would still be in St. Mungo's."
Mrs. Worley gasped. "Blake… cured you?"
Blake stayed silent, though his heart swelled.
Yes, be shocked. Keep it coming. I can almost see the treasure chests piling up.
PS:If I mysteriously vanish one day… something definitely went wrong.
=============
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