HP: Bad Intentions

The faint, hissing words reverberated in the eerie silence: "Hiss, hiss... (open the door)."

Nagini's command sent a shiver through the room. The carved serpent on the faucet began to move, slithering away as though alive.

"Clang! Clang!"

The sharp sound of machinery echoed as the sinks retracted inward, revealing a towering column. Slowly, the column shifted aside, unveiling a gaping black hole beneath it.

Everyone instinctively gathered closer, peering into the abyss. From the darkness came a chilling, unearthly aura that seemed to drain the warmth from their bodies.

"No wonder we couldn't find that creature back then..." murmured Dumbledore, his gaze fixed on the foreboding opening. His thoughts drifted to the years when the school had been terrorized by an unseen menace. Despite countless searches, the monster's lair had eluded them. Now, the truth was clear: it had been moving through the labyrinthine ductwork beneath Hogwarts all along.

Blake's voice broke the silence. "There's a long, sloping pipe down there—like a slide. That's how Ginny ended up down here before."

Snape's sharp eyes flicked to Dumbledore. Without hesitation, he leapt into the hole, his dark robes billowing.

"Shh-shh-shh!"

The sound of his descent faded quickly, leaving the group in stunned silence. Blake watched in awe. For all of Snape's cold demeanor, his bravery was undeniable. Jumping into the unknown based on mere speculation took immense courage.

Moments later, a silvery stag leapt from the hole, its luminous form a reassuring sight.

"That's Severus's Patronus," Dumbledore said. "The way is safe."

Without another word, Dumbledore followed, though he conjured a cushioning spell to ensure a smoother landing. Newt Scamander and Professor McGonagall were next, each displaying a mix of determination and apprehension. Finally, Blake was gently nudged to the rear of the line, a precautionary measure born of their collective protectiveness toward him.

Once everyone descended, the group found themselves in a frigid tunnel. The cold bit at their skin, a stark contrast to the world above. Nagini pulled her coat tighter, her breath visible in the dim light.

Snape illuminated his wand, its glow barely cutting through the oppressive gloom. "This is an intricate network," he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. "Too many forks."

Blake stepped forward, his voice steady. "This way. I remember it from before."

Dumbledore nodded and led the way, the others falling into step. Despite the tension, Blake's mind wandered to the treasure chests he hoped to find. Yet he knew the basilisk would remain dormant until summoned, so there was no immediate rush.

As they walked, Blake noticed Nagini shivering from the cold. Reaching into his bag, he retrieved a peculiar sunflower in a small pot. The moment it emerged, the temperature in the tunnel seemed to rise, and a soothing warmth enveloped the group.

The sunflower emitted a gentle glow, lighting their path without being harsh. Everyone turned to Blake, curiosity etched on their faces.

Snape examined the sunflower with his keen, analytical gaze. "What is this? It's enhancing my energy levels… like a potion."

Blake grinned. "A happy accident. I watered a plant with discarded magical potion, and this was the result."

Dumbledore studied him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Blake always had a knack for producing the unexpected. Accepting the explanation without further interrogation, Dumbledore allowed Blake to take the lead, the sunflower's light guiding their way.

They soon reached a circular door adorned with snake-shaped carvings. The sinister artistry was unsettling, but Blake's irreverent humor lightened the mood. "Seriously, was Slytherin an old pervert? Who else would decorate with this kind of nightmare fuel?"

Dumbledore gave him a reproachful look. "Focus, Blake."

Nagini stepped forward, speaking in Parseltongue. "Hiss, hiss... (open the door)."

The snake carvings coiled back, revealing a narrow crack in the door. Before Dumbledore could act, Blake raised his wand, and the door swung open with a loud creak.

"Blake, stand back!" Professor McGonagall snapped, attempting to pull him away. But Blake stood firm.

"I'm the most equipped here," he said, tapping the helmet on his head with a metallic clang. "If anyone's going in first, it's me."

Dumbledore's beard quivered with frustration. "That helmet is for protection, not bravado!"

Blake grinned but complied, stepping aside as Dumbledore peered cautiously into the chamber. It was a rectangular room, filled with eerie statues and the oppressive presence of something hidden. Dumbledore's gaze lingered on the mouth of a massive Slytherin statue, suspecting the basilisk's lair.

He turned to Nagini. "Follow the plan. Summon it and retreat immediately."

Nagini nodded, but Blake interjected. "She doesn't need to risk herself." He pulled out a small silver ball. "This recording device can capture her Parseltongue."

Nagini spoke the summoning phrase into the device, then handed it back. Blake pressed the button, and the ball repeated her words as he tossed it into the chamber.

"Everyone, stay back!" Dumbledore commanded. They obeyed, shielding their eyes as the sound of scraping stone heralded the basilisk's emergence. The air grew heavier, charged with the creature's malevolent presence.

Blake acted swiftly, summoning his two phoenixes, Fox and Qingnu. The fiery and icy birds perched on his arms, their intelligence shining in their eyes. Blake whispered instructions, and they chirped in agreement, preparing for battle.

From his bag, Blake retrieved two small spheres. "Flashbangs!" he announced, hurling them into the chamber. Blinding light filled the room, accompanied by a deafening crack. Even from outside, the intensity forced the group to shield their eyes.

The basilisk's anguished roar shook the walls. "Go!" Blake commanded, releasing the phoenixes. They soared into the chamber, their metallic armor gleaming as they attacked. The sound of their fierce combat echoed back, mingled with the basilisk's enraged hisses.

"Now's our chance!" Blake yelled, charging in. Dumbledore's heart leapt in alarm. "Blake, wait!" But it was too late; the young wizard had already entered the fray.

The others followed, wands at the ready. Inside, they saw the giant serpent writhing in pain, its eyes a bloody ruin from the phoenixes' precise strikes. Blake faced the creature fearlessly, raising his wand.

"The Divine Edge is Shadowless!" he shouted, casting a spell that slashed through the basilisk's thick scales. Snape, watching from behind, muttered, "Ah?" in bewilderment at the unorthodox incantation.

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