Time went by relatively quickly from that point. Blake fell into a steady routine of classes, lessons with McGonagall, spending a bit of time with his people, and then the rest of his free time was dedicated to spending time in the Forbidden Forest.
From time to time he went to the library too, often seeing Hermione there, and he made sure his friends saw him studying with her - it was a useful alibi to have for when he went out to the Forbidden Forest.
Greengrass also made sure to be seen with him from time to time, especially in between lessons whenever she could, and definitely during Potions, where she somehow managed to interact with Blake smoothly even though they didn't sit next to each other. She spoke to him more in Charms too, where they did sit together, and Blake had to admit, when she wasn't being a stuck-up, arrogant, sassy, nose-upturned girl, she was alright. She was similar to Hermione in that he could speak to her about academic and intelligent matters, but it wasn't just that - Hermione was clever, yes, but Greengrass was different. More… innovative? Was that the word? Her ideas were different - more sporadic, weird, out of the box - but to Blake, they still made sense, and it was new - interesting, even.
Regardless, at the end of the day, they were both speaking together for a common goal - get to the Philosopher's Stone. When Greengrass heard about the challenges, she was not happy.
"The challenges for all the other teachers we can handle, even Snape and McGonagall's," she frowned. "But Dumbledlore's…"
"I don't think you have a choice, Greengrass," Blake commented with a dry smile. "Quirrell shouldn't be able to get his hands on it either, if it's Dumbledore, but I'm not taking any chances. And by the way, there's no way we can investigate either. They'll know if someone breaks in, there's definitely protection on it."
"I'm aware," Greengrass replied sarcastically. "But you're right - we don't have a choice."
Soon, the Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff Quidditch match rolled around, and Blake was unsurprised to see Snape refereeing the match, with Dumbledore himself present.
So they're trying to increase protection of Harry, huh? And probably trying to show me, and maybe Harry and his friend group too, that he's safe?
Blake managed to sneak a glance at Quirrell and didn't miss the frustrated expression on his face. The match ended relatively quickly with Harry catching the Snitch in like 5 minutes, leaving Tracey groaning at the boy' prowess. No one could say he was lucky anymore, but Blake had more pressing concerns.
Somehow, before he'd even realised it, the group was standing in front of Dumbledore.
"Hello, everyone. How're you all doing?"
Everyone stood there uneasily, muttering they were fine under their breath.
"Very good, very good. Has everyone been feeling safe?" Dumbledore asked casually, looking around at each of them. But Blake knew better. He kept his eyes trained firmly on the ground, and muttered his yes, but one thing was going through his head.
Don't let him in. Blake wasn't oblivious. Either this was an opportunity to assess Blake's loyalty to him, or it was an opportunity to see if Blake had done anything he shouldn't have - but it was clear: either way, Dumbledore wanted to use his Legilimency, and Blake refused.
Greengrass seemed to have the same idea, and she too avoided eye contact as best she could, although she did look up at him from time to time, presumably to erase any suspicion.
Eventually, Dumbledore left, going on to ask more students random questions.
"He's such a weirdo," Tracey whispered conspiratorally, and Charlotte giggled with her. Meanwhile, however, Zabini looked at Dumbledore weirdly. He hadn't asked any questions the first time, but this was twice in a row now - and it wasn't just him. Greengrass seemed to have also picked up on the odd behaviour. Of course she did.
True enough, later that evening, before the girls came to their room, Zabini asked him.
"Why's Dumbledore so interested in you?"
The best lies have an element of truth in them.
Blake sighed.
"It's nothing. He wants to check up on me because of Malfoy and his people. Apparently he overheard about the duel on the first day, and he warned me about them. He seemed to think over the holiday Malfoy would complain to Daddy and do something," he replied. Zabini seemed to stare at Blake, before sitting down on his bed.
"He's probably right," Zabini admitted. "You should be careful." Huh? Was that concern, Zabini? Blake thought with a small smile playing in his mind.
"Yeah."
Soon enough, the girls came - not Greengrass, this time - and the four of them played Wizard Chess until dark came.
/
Nothing much changed in their routine until 'The Dragon Incident'. One morning, Malfoy at breakfast was cursing and swearing louder than ever in a completely un-pureblood way, as always about Harry Potter, but this time was different.
Blake and his group tried to listen in, but it was futile. Malfoy had hushed up after a look from Snape, and he now spoke in whispers with his friends about this incident. Blake looked over at Harry, who was now seeming to be shunned by the rest of his house. That's weird, he was the hero of Gryffindor just last night…
Hermione also seemed almost faint, unusually quiet for once, and Ron was too. It was just them and Neville, who was sitting completely by himself, leaving Blake feeling no small amount of pity for the blundering but kind boy.
As Blake expected though, Tracey vowed to find out what had happened, and by lunchtime that day, she had.
"Apparently, Potter tricked Malfoy and Longbottom into thinking that they had a dragon, and that it was going to be sold at midnight yesterday - McGonagall caught Malfoy and Longbottom, and then Potter and Granger too - apparently, she took 50 points from each of them - Slytherin are back at the top, and Gryffindor are at the bottom!" she finished with glee.
That can't be true. I can believe that Harry would trick Malfoy, but Hermione wouldn't - and both of them would never dream of getting Neville in trouble. That means … there was a dragon egg? But who would - oh. Hagrid.
Blake almost laughed at the realisation, if it wasn't for the somewhat gravity of the situation. No one looked particularly happy.
Greengrass looked alarmed, and for a second, Blake couldn't think of why, until it dawned on him. Regardless of whether or not it's true, they look depressed. I don't think they'll break any rules any time soon - and that means they won't go for the Stone.
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