Chương 307: Uh...did you turn the key?
In the midst of the crowd, Nagini found Blake. As the manager of the Blake Convenience Store, it wasn't odd for her to seek him out, but Blake had been avoiding her for days.
Ever since that awkward moment with the principal, Blake couldn't face Nagini. She had been so innocent, and Blake, with his overactive nerves, had struggled with the implications of their conversation.
He had nearly ended up making Nagini his child bride, or at least, that's what Dumbledore joked about. Even now, the memory made him want to curl his toes and hide away.
So, Blake became an ostrich, burying his head in the sand and hoping the whole awkward mess would blow over. He hadn't expected Nagini to approach him this time, and when she did, he knew he had to face her. Together, they passed through the dimensional portal to the Shrieking Shack, where Blake attempted to clear the air.
"Nagini, I didn't mean to avoid you," Blake said, his voice carrying a hint of guilt. "And I'm not backing out of what I said! I already see you as family."
Nagini smiled sweetly, her tone calm. "Blake, I understand. Professor Dumbledore was only joking last time. I don't care as much as you think."
Blake exhaled in relief but couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. A part of him had wanted Nagini to care, even if just a little bit. Before he could dwell on the thought, Nagini continued, her voice quieter.
"Blake, I now have all the power of the serpent. My lifespan will be very long, far beyond that of ordinary people. And you... Professor Dumbledore told me that you're similar because you were born from alchemy. So, your life expectancy will be much longer than normal too."
Blake nodded, feeling the weight of her words as she continued.
"Dumbledore suggested I be your sister... but I didn't agree right away. It's up to you, Blake. If you want me to be your sister, then I will be. If you want something else... no matter what, I'll always protect you."
Nagini's cheeks flushed with determination. Blake, seeing her resolve, couldn't help but smile. His mood lifted almost immediately.
====
Soon, the final grades were announced. Blake, Hermione, and Cassandra tied for first place in their class. But both Hermione and Cassandra knew that Blake had truly earned the highest marks.
He had a habit of effortlessly maxing out scores in exams, even though he often asked for help with homework. It wasn't because he couldn't do it—he simply didn't bother with the smaller tasks.
As the students packed their things for the holidays, Blake's mind was already planning. He had received a notice, like everyone else, reminding him not to use magic during the break. But living in Godric's Valley, with two wands and plenty of freedom, Blake had no real concerns.
After sending Nagini and Bck home through the dimensional gate, Blake chose not to return immediately. Instead, he boarded the Hogwarts Express, eager to hear what his friends had planned for the break.
Hermione was going on a trip with her parents, though the destination was still undecided. Cassandra, on the other hand, was reluctantly preparing for a family journey she clearly wasn't excited about.
Penelope, true to her Ravenclaw nature, was excited to visit the library at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hannah planned to spend time at the Leaky Cauldron, honing her culinary skills under the guidance of Tom, the owner.
As for Bob, the big guy was heading back to his hometown, promising to bring Blake a pair of African lions. Blake didn't refuse—he had a way of evolving animals and could always use more ferocious creatures for his experiments.
When his friends asked about his plans, Blake's answer was simple: "Expedition."
He was always ready to explore, even if there weren't any secrets waiting for him in his system warehouse. This time, his heart was set on the East. He had long been fascinated by the mythical beasts of that region—Qilin, Zouwu, and others.
Rumour even had it that unicorn blood was a key ingredient in a face-fixing potion, something Blake hoped to create for Nagini in the coming years. Whether this year or next, an expedition to the East was a must.
The Hogwarts Express soon arrived back at platform nine and three-quarters. The students, now dressed in Muggle clothes, disembarked in small groups to avoid drawing attention.
Blake, always meticulous, changed his robe into a well-fitted suit with just a clap of his hands. His appearance, coupled with his natural charm, drew the attention of several nearby girls, much to Cassandra's quiet annoyance.
Once through the barrier and into King's Cross station, Blake noticed Uncle Vernon loading Harry's belongings into the car with his usual reluctance. After saying goodbye to Hermione, who left with her parents, Blake turned to Cassandra.
"If it weren't for this trip, I'd have invited you to my family's manor for the holidays," Cassandra said, clearly frustrated.
Blake raised an eyebrow. "Manor? You really are a rich girl!"
Cassandra huffed. "Next time. And if you need anything, write to me. I'll be waiting."
Blake smiled. "I will. I promise I won't forget this time."
Just as Cassandra was about to leave, she pointed toward the station exit.
"Blake, is that person waiting for you?"
Blake followed her gaze and froze. Parked just outside was an extravagant, classic convertible. And behind the wheel, wearing sunglasses with an undeniably flamboyant air, was Grindelwald.
"Seriously?" Blake muttered under his breath.
Even for someone with Grindelwald's history, driving such a car felt...excessive. The vehicle was pristine, clearly a collector's item, and looked like it had just rolled out of a museum.
"Who is that?" Cassandra asked, suspicious.
"Uh... Dumbledore's friend, here to pick me up," Blake said with a forced grin.
"Alright, but remember to write to me. If you forget again, you're dead!"
Blake grabbed his suitcase and made his way to the car. Grindelwald, looking smug, gestured for him to hop in.
"Nice ride," Blake remarked, still processing the surreal sight of Grindelwald behind the wheel of such a car.
"Like it? It's a classic. Someone gave it to me ages ago. I've never actually driven it until now," Grindelwald said proudly.
"Wait, you can drive?" Blake asked, genuinely surprised.
"Of course! Muggle inventions fascinate me. Their technology, at times, is as magical as anything we have."
Blake chuckled. "DI didn't expect that."
As Grindelwald prepared to drive off, he paused. "Strange... I'm pressing the pedal, but nothing's happening."
Blake stared at him. "Uh...did you turn the key?"
Grindelwald blinked, then sheepishly turned the ignition, and the car roared to life.
"Ahem, I just forgot for a moment," Grindelwald said, clearly embarrassed. "It's been years since I drove."
Blake buckled his seatbelt. "So, when you took your driving test, did you, by any chance, cast a Confundus Charm on the examiner?"
Grindelwald laughed. "No, nothing so crude. I got my driver's license sixty years ago, and I passed the test fair and square."
Blake blinked. "Sixty years ago? Wow."
"Yes. Though I've been too busy with other... pursuits to drive much since then."
Blake relaxed slightly but couldn't resist asking, "You sure you didn't use magic to pass?"
Grindelwald smiled. "Not the Confundus Charm... but I might've used the Imperius Curse."
Blake groaned. "Of course you did."
With that, they sped off, leaving King's Cross and the school year behind.
=============
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