Zabini's prediction was right. The next morning, Owls from various different parents began to show up - in the dorm rooms, common rooms, corridors and especially in the Great Hall at breakfast.
The French and Bulgarian schools had left over night, it seemed, refusing to stay in a country that was no longer safe. Fair enough.
Blake heard his name mentioned a considerable number of times, and he couldn't resist a grin. Wasn't this the type of thing the Greengrasses were looking for?
Suddenly, an owl flew towards them, and Blake recognised it immediately.
"Hello, James," he said, stroking the darkly coloured owl as it preened, dropping a newspaper.
"You ordered one, you narcissistic prick?" Tracey asking, laughing through bites of ham.
"I didn't!" Blake denied immediately, "someone must've just sent it to me."
"It's your owl," Charlotte said pointedly.
"Shut up, Charlotte."
Blake scanned the first page, looking for his name, but there was so much going on.
YOU-KNOW-WHO RETURNS!
MALFOY, CRABBE, GOYLE, AVERY, MACNAIR SENT TO AZKABAN
BARTY CROUCH JR ESCAPED AZKABAN
BARTY CROUCH SR KILLED BY HIS SON
PETER PETTIGREW ALIVE AND GUILTY, SIRIUS BLACK: INNOCENT
HARRY POTTER FIGHTS YOU-KNOW-WHO AND LIVES
HARRY POTTER BRINGS THE MAN WHO BETRAYED HIS PARENTS TO JUSTICE
BLAKE RENSHAW DISCOVERS THE PLOT THAT COULD'VE DESTROYED WIZARDING SOCIETY
BLAKE RENSHAW SURVIVES 20 KILLING CURSES AT ONCE
BLAKE RENSHAW DUELS AND DESTROYS LUCIUS MALFOY
DUMBLEDORE DUELS YOU-KNOW-WHO
"How in Merlin's name did they fit that much on the page?" Zabini asked in a rare show of amazement.
"So much arse-kissing," Tracey snorted.
As the rest of them scanned through the paper, Blake slipped the small note that had been on the front page into his robes.
"Good morning, everyone," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "I hope you're all enjoying your breakfast, or as the Grimwase Dwarves of Southern California like to say, dunal wrankle!"
What is this man talking about?
"Moving onto more serious matters, however," Dumbledore continued more solemnly, "I'm sure you're all aware of what happened last night. Thankfully, no one was permanently hurt or injured, but there is no doubt that in the days to come, we will face trials and tribulations, the likes of which you have never seen in your lives - well, most of you."
Some heads turned to Blake and Harry.
"Yesterday night, two Hogwarts students showed us just how impactful two or three moments of bravery could be. But not just bravery - the intelligence, cunning, determination and kindness behind their actions, the actions of so many, often go unseen, and we only ever see the fruits of their labour. And of course, there is no doubt they could've done what they did without help from their friends, who knew their contributions would never be publicly acclaimed, but chose to risk their comfort and safety anyway."
More heads turned in their direction, (although maybe that was because Tracey had choked on her bacon at Dumbledore mentioning her).
"My point is this: in the coming days, I've no doubt that many of you will come to face hard decisions, impossible choices. You will be afraid, and you will believe that there's nothing you can do to save anyone - your family, your friends or even yourself. But I say to you: embrace your fear. Choose your fear. The fear of death, or the fear of losing those you love? The fear of pain, or the fear of regret? The fear of inaction, or the fear that bravery and love demands? Do it afraid if you must, do it afraid, alone, cowering, shaking, quiet, and screaming out for relief in your own mind - but do it anyway. We all know what we must do - what is right - regardless of who - or what - is in our way."
The Great Hall was silent.
Good speech, to be fair, Blake thought.
"Now, on a more positive note," Dumbledore said, suddenly cheering again.
"Several of the teachers of Hogwarts have expressed their concerns to me that they'd like to see their families and friends, given recent events. I must confess that I too have matters to attend to, and I've received many an owl from parents, wishing to see and speak to their children. As such, with permission from the Ministry, I can announce that the school year is officially ending today. Tomorrow morning, the Hogwarts Express will arrive, to take you all home."
The Hall erupted into cheers and applause, dying down as students began to make their way to their lessons.
But Dumbledore wasn't done.
"Finally, please may Harry Potter and Blake Renshaw come to see me in my office please? Your Professors have been informed. Thank you, and enjoy your final day of this year!"
All eyes turned to Blake and Harry once more, as the former narrowed his eyes.
What does he want this time?
/
"Once again, I truly commend both of you, Blake, Harry. Your actions, and those of your friends, have placed us in quite possibly the best possible situation for the coming war. Thank you."
"It's all thanks to you, Professor," Harry replied quickly, apparently feeling awkward at Dumbledore's thanks.
"Thanks, Professor," Blake said. "But actually, there was something I wanted to speak to you about."
"Of course, Blake."
"You're probably reinstating the Order of the Phoenix, right?"
Dumbledore's smile widened.
"If you wanted to ask for protection for your family, it is already done. As we speak, members are on patrol around your street."
Blake's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that.
"Oh. Thank you, sir," he said, for once genuinely meaning it.
"It's the least we could do after all your help. Now, onto more pressing matters…" he said, growing serious.
"The Minister and I have come to… some disagreements over the handling of the coming war."
"What happened?" Blake immediately asked.
The old man sighed.
"He wishes to bring the Order under the Ministry. I refused."
"Is he stupid?" Blake asked incredulously. "Doesn't he know the Ministry's corruption and infiltration is the entire reason why the Order was made?"
Dumbledore gave a small smile.
"Nevertheless, I'm sure that he'll retaliate. Cornelius is weak of heart, you see, and he craves power. Weak will, incredible ambition - these are the types of people that are dangerous. They want to get what they selfishly desire, without any cost to themselves and without any care of others. There's no doubt he'll try to pressure me further, hoping he can make me cave. And it's likely that his next course of action will be to politicise you both."
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