Ten minutes later.
In the stunned gazes of the lingering crowd, Blake stood surrounded by treasure chests once more. It was clear he'd earned enough rare materials to last through the entire summer.
After a few more goodbyes, students began departing with their parents, laughter and cheerful voices echoing through the station. The holidays had officially begun, and everyone wore bright smiles—well, almost everyone.
Except Harry.
The sight of his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia waiting stiffly by the car was enough to erase any hint of joy from his face. The Dursleys were clearly uncomfortable standing so close to all these oddly dressed wizards, and while they treated Harry poorly, at least they had the decency to show up and collect him.
Blake, meanwhile, lingered. With a simple dimensional door spell, he could be home in an instant. There was no rush.
He took this moment to say a few more farewells.
"We've made an appointment, right? I'll write to you—don't lie to me!" Kassandra grinned, turning to leave.
Mrs. Worley tugged at Mr. Worley's sleeve, whispering for him to keep his expression under control.
Then Luna approached with her father, Xenophilius Lovegood.
"Do you want to come with us?" she asked. "I don't think Professor Dumbledore is heading home just yet. You could come see some monsters."
Unlike Mr. Worley, Mr. Lovegood was warm toward Blake—he appreciated how well Blake treated Luna. Since the death of his wife, all he wanted was for someone to care about his daughter the way she deserved.
Blake smiled. "I'll definitely visit soon. You know how easily I can pop over."
Mr. Lovegood nodded knowingly. He was already aware of Blake's advanced teleportation magic and made no attempt to argue.
"Luna," Blake added, "I'm planning to visit Mr. Scamander in a few days. Want to come?"
Luna's face lit up with joy. She adored the elderly magizoologist who, despite his shyness, became animated whenever he talked about magical creatures. Still, she glanced toward her father for permission.
Mr. Lovegood saw the look in her eyes and waved her on. "Go on, Luna. Don't worry about Dad."
She gave him a grateful kiss on the cheek.
It was getting late. Blake glanced at his watch. That Hogwarts Express had taken nearly all day. Time to head home.
In the distance, he saw Hermione waving before getting into a car. He raised his hand in silent farewell. She saw him and gave a small nod in return.
Blake stepped back and vanished into the crowd.
Inside the car, Mrs. Granger noticed Hermione still staring at the spot where Blake had disappeared.
"That was Blake, wasn't it?" she asked, smiling. "He's the one you keep mentioning. Met him once—very polite. So, when's he coming over?"
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts, blushing. "W-What? No! I mean... You two finally got a holiday. You should travel!"
Mrs. Granger chuckled. "Oh, I see. Someone's making sure her parents leave the house so she can have company over."
"Mum! I'm not—Even if all my books were burned, I'd never go to his house!"
"Oh? But I never said you were going to his house…"
"I—!"
Hermione was utterly defeated.
Back in Godric's Hollow, Blake arrived home.
Nagini had asked to be sent ahead earlier—she refused to ride the train. Now, she was already there, having filled the dining table with a lavish feast.
Blake took a deep breath. "Didn't think your cooking would improve this much in just a few months. Nagini, you're a genius."
Nagini grinned, pleased. "That's because I had a good teacher. And besides, you're destined for great things. Let me handle the cooking."
Blake shook his head. "Cooking is a great thing. Even heroes need to eat. A good meal has serious value."
He couldn't wait to dig in.
With Dumbledore still busy at Hogwarts, it was just Blake and Nagini. But despite the spread being enough for five, the two of them devoured everything—after all, they were both far from ordinary.
When they finished, Nagini began clearing the table while Blake reclined, sipping a cup of post-dinner black tea and munching on dessert.
He watched Nagini bustle about and felt a bit... useless.
"Hiss..." He took another sip of tea, warmth spreading through him.
Maybe being a little useless isn't so bad...
"Nagini," he said, "do you have any plans this holiday?"
Nagini, levitating a dishcloth with her wand, glanced over. "Not really. I'm happy just being here. I have a home, a family... I don't need much else."
"What about you?" she asked.
"I'm planning to meet Mr. Scamander. Finalize everything for the magical zoo."
"Then take me with you! I want to see it too. And I can help."
She mostly wanted to avoid being alone if Blake was gone.
"Of course. We'll go together."
As Blake lifted his teacup again, he paused. "If there's anything you want to do, let me know. The zoo won't take the whole summer."
Nagini closed a cupboard and thought for a moment. "Well... could you show me the next issue of The Quibbler early?"
"You read The Quibbler?" Blake blinked.
"Yes! The stories are so fun. But it takes three days for each issue, and I get impatient."
Blake grinned. "I can arrange that."
The Quibbler came out every three days, but thanks to magic—and a team of skilled ghostwriters—everything was always done a day early. Only the printing and distribution remained. Dobby usually handled that.
On the third day, Blake gave the staff the day off and went to fetch a copy himself.
Nagini held out her hand. "Do you have it?"
Blake scratched his head. "Oops... forgot today's release schedule."
He drew a circle in the air. Sparks flew, and a small dimensional gate opened beside him. The sound of printing presses buzzed through.
"Dobby? You there?"
"Sir! Dobby is here!" came the shrill voice.
Another voice chimed in: "Blake! Are you coming in?"
It was Luna.
He expanded the gate and saw her hop off a box of magazines. She held the newest issue, having clearly been reading it moments ago.
"Huh? Didn't you go home?"
"Dad remembered the magazine, and I wanted to read it too," Luna said. "Can I come over?"
"Of course."
Blake opened the gate wider, and Luna stepped through into his living room.
"Dobby, can you get me a fresh copy of The Quibbler?"
"Right away, sir!" Dobby dashed off. A moment later, he returned with a still-warm copy straight from the press.
Blake handed it to Nagini.
"Dobby, could I ask one more favor?" he said.
"Sir, anything! Dobby is honored to be ordered!"
"This is Nagini, my sister. Could you deliver her a copy of every new issue as soon as it's ready?"
"Absolutely! No matter where Miss Nagini is, Dobby will find her and deliver it personally!"
Nagini took the warm magazine, touched by the small but thoughtful gesture. Blake had remembered something she'd said so casually.
Maybe this was what having a family felt like.
"Sir," Dobby added, "if you ever need anything, just call for Dobby."
Suddenly, a pitiful voice came from behind the sofa.
"Actually… if the little master needs something… Baker can do it too…"
It was Blake's own house-elf, Baker, who'd watched this whole interaction with rising dread.
Blake turned, slightly amused. "Of course you're still needed. Helping Miss Nagini cook earlier? You did wonderfully, Baker."
Baker sniffled. "Baker thought little master didn't want him anymore…"
Blake sighed. House-elves really were dramatic.
Still, they were incredibly useful.
He rubbed his chin, thoughtful.
I wonder how many masterless house-elves are out there...
He wasn't like Hermione. He had no intention of "liberating" them.
He was, after all, a businessman.
Maybe… he could find a few more loyal, affordable workers?
He'd ask Agatha later—if anyone knew where to find masterless elves, it would be her.
Luna, now seated, smiled. "Nagini, do you have anything to drink? I'm a bit thirsty."
"Tea?" Nagini offered.
"That would be lovely. Thank you, Sister Nagini."
After Luna sat down, she said to Dobby on the other side of the door: "Dobby, can you tell my dad for me later that I came to Blake's place to play? I'm afraid he will be worried.
Dobby had not yet answered.
Mr. Lovegood's voice came from outside the door.
"It's okay, Luna. You can go play at Blake's place. Dad is very relieved. Just play in peace. It doesn't matter if you don't come back at night."
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