HP: Bad Intentions

Blake held up a Poké Ball, explaining to Nagini, "This is a Poké Ball. It can forcibly capture magical creatures, but it usually doesn't work on people." He hesitated, then added, "But those sisters we saw earlier… They're unusually beautiful, almost otherworldly. I think they may have Veela blood, which might be why this Poké Ball worked on her."

Blake continued, "Please forgive me, Nagini. I once used it on you as well."

Nagini shook her head. "No need to apologize, Blake. I was dangerous back then—a vengeful snake. If you hadn't used it, I wouldn't be here as I am. You helped me reclaim my humanity, and I'll never question your choices. But… your Poké Ball seems far more advanced than Nicolas Flamel's storage ball, doesn't it? I thought you said his was newly invented?"

Blake nodded, realizing it was time to be honest. "I came across the design for this Poké Ball purely by accident. It's exquisitely made," he admitted.

"The Flamels… they've led long lives, and I can tell they're ready to embrace the end. I thought that by sharing only part of the Poké Ball blueprint, they'd stay engaged and feel there's still more to do." Blake looked at Nagini, pleading,

"But please, don't mention this to Nicolas or Perenelle Flamel. If they saw the full design…"

Nagini quickly covered her mouth. "I won't say a word. Nicolas Flamel has done much for me, examining my blood curse, even if he couldn't fully cure it. I'd never want any harm to come to him. And besides," she added with a grin, "you're not the only one who values secrets."

The two climbed back into Blake's car, entering a mirror dimension before activating a dimensional door that led them to a secluded area within the Flamels' vast estate. Though Blake called it a house, it was a sprawling manor—Flamel's sanctuary and, as he once described, his eventual tomb.

"Vroom!" The car's engine roared as they arrived in the heart of the Flamel grounds. Blake cut the headlights, and an unmistakable figure emerged: Nicolas Flamel, still in his long, flowing nightgown.

"Well, well," Nicolas greeted them with a playful smile, "you're a bit later than we agreed." His calm exterior, however, shifted as he appeared to glide forward, startling Blake.

"Ah!" Blake tensed, half-expecting that the ancient alchemist had become some ghostly spirit like Professor Binns, only to realize that Nicolas was standing on a sleek hoverboard-like device.

Blake chuckled at himself. It made sense. Though Flamel had the elixir to prolong his life, his bones and muscles had weakened with age. Navigating an estate this grand was no small feat, and Blake doubted the old alchemist could walk far unaided.

"My apologies, Nico," Blake offered. "We ran into some, uh, unexpected delays."

Nicolas laughed lightly. "Well, if anything could slow you down, it must have been interesting."

He then glanced at Nagini, who greeted him with a smile, "It's been a long time, Mr. Flamel."

Nicolas's eyes brightened. "Ah, Nagini! Blake mentioned that your blood curse has been lifted. Truly something to celebrate!" Just then, his gaze drifted to Blake's car, noticing something unusual.

"You've modified your car, haven't you?" he asked, an inquisitive glint in his eye. "It doesn't sound like an ordinary engine. In fact…" He leaned over and sniffed, grinning. "Ah, I knew it! You've fueled it with Gubraithian Immortal Fire, haven't you? Clever choice—but there's a catch, isn't there?"

Nicolas's perceptiveness didn't surprise Blake, but his insight was still impressive. The Gubraithian Immortal Fire was indeed a powerful energy source, but it couldn't be extinguished. While this made it reliable, it also wore down the engine components faster than usual.

"You're right, Nicolas. I noticed that too," Blake replied, popping the hood to reveal his modifications. Nicolas's eyes widened as he studied a small device Blake had created to regulate the temperature of the fire.

"What… a brilliant idea!" Nicolas exclaimed, awe in his voice. "You've managed to stabilize the temperature of the Gubraithian Immortal Fire using alchemical controls?"

Blake nodded, pleased with the praise. "I had to, Nicolas. Some potions I've been working on require a constant, stable heat. So, I designed this mechanism to ensure the flame maintains a specific temperature over long periods."

Nicolas was silent for a moment, visibly impressed. Then, a notification echoed in Blake's mind:

[Ding! Surprise emotion detected! Congratulations, you've earned a silver treasure chest!]

Blake smiled, watching as Nicolas marvelled at the alchemical controls, his admiration clear. "It's funny," Blake said, glancing over at his friend, "this device is inspired by Muggle gas stoves."

"Muggle gas stoves?" Nicolas asked, curiosity piqued. Just as Blake began explaining, a soft cough came from behind them. Turning, he saw Perenelle Flamel sitting in her wheelchair, wearing a serene expression and a sky-blue nightgown.

"Gentlemen, do you still want to join us for dinner?" she asked, one eyebrow raised.

Blake immediately looked sheepish, realizing how absorbed he'd been in discussing alchemy. Nudging Nagini, he signaled her to bring the gift they'd brought.

Nagini, ever the diplomat, stepped forward. "Madame Flamel, it's a pleasure to see you again. They, uh, just get a little…enthusiastic about their alchemy."

"Just call me Perenelle," she replied warmly, though her tone was lightly chiding. "They may not need food if they're that absorbed, but we still need to eat. Come along, Nagini; let's leave them to their projects." Taking Nagini's hand, Perenelle wheeled herself gracefully back toward the house.

Nagini looked back, giving Blake a sympathetic smile as she disappeared into the distance. As she left, Blake muttered, "Oh, Nagini, how could you abandon me…"

Nicolas chuckled. "Well, it seems we'll be going hungry tonight."

Blake smirked, raising an eyebrow at Nicolas. "Unless… you happen to have a secret base stashed around here somewhere?"

Nicolas looked at him, feigning shock. "How on earth did you know that?" he teased. "But yes… actually, I do."

Blake grinned knowingly. "I've noticed that most muggle married men dream of a 'retreat' of their own. You're lucky enough to make it a reality."

Nicolas sighed, nodding with a sense of solidarity. "Ah, you're absolutely right, Blake. Before marriage, they're sweet and charming, but afterward…" He glanced over his shoulder to ensure Perenelle was out of earshot. "Let's go. I'll show you my little haven."

"Wait… you're serious?" Blake exclaimed, laughing. Nicolas only winked and motioned for him to follow.

Together, they climbed into Blake's car, driving deeper into the expansive estate. The manor grounds were so vast that navigating them by car was actually practical, and Blake soon found himself marvelling at the secret hideaway Nicolas had been keeping.

"Honestly, it's been ages since I rode in a car," Nicolas said, settling into the passenger seat. "Just don't press that red button," Blake warned.

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