"What happened?" Zabini asked him. "Did-"
"You'll see in the papers tomorrow," he said, grinning, as they walked into Potions together. "By the way," he said, his smile slowly falling, "where's Charlotte?"
He looked around, but the girl wasn't sat where she normally was.
"Renshaw," Snape said, his mouth curling viciously. "Another little celebrity."
"I'm flattered, sir," Blake replied.
Snape's eyes flashed dangerously.
"I'm sure you are," he said coldly. "But unfortunately, Renshaw, your stardom isn't an excuse for your lateness. Detention tonight, I'm afraid."
"Sorry, sir," Blake said in the most unapologetic tone he could muster.
"Are you?" he said, eyes narrowing. "Move your things up to the front desk. Now, Renshaw."
Blake resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
The class rolled on slowly, and he counted the minutes and seconds until the end.
He was forced to be the last to pack up and leave, with Snape calling behind him, "Remember - detention tonight, Renshaw - do not make me come and collect you myself!"
But as soon as Blake left the room, he was met with the sight of Harry, Ron, Hermione and even Neville arguing with Tracey, Zabini and Daphne - well, mainly Tracey.
When they saw him, they turned all at once, and Zabini, Daphne and Tracey stepped away.
"It was you, wasn't it?" Harry said angrily. "You grassed-"
"I didn't," Blake said, moving past him. "It's not my fault your own members aren't loyal."
"Don't lie," Ron retorted. "Cho said-"
"Cho?" Blake laughed. "Cho Chang? Edgecombe's best friend? Is that who you're listening to now?"
"Blake!" Hermione said desperately. "Just wait - we need to know-"
"Come back here," Harry snapped, and Blake felt the hairs on his arm stand up, as he spun around wand in hand, facing Harry. He had his wand drawn too.
"Harry!" Neville and Hermione both said, shocked.
"Don't just stand there," Ron snapped at them, drawing his wand too.
"Wouldn't do that if I were you, Weasley," Zabini said coldly. All wands in the corridor were drawn, and people were beginning to gather around to help.
"Be honest," Harry said through gritted teeth. "It was you, wasn't it? I was right earlier. You are betraying us. That's why you just met with Fudge and you had that fat grin on your face. You traitor!"
"Like I said," Blake snapped. "I didn't do anything. And if you think I'm friends with Fudge, just check the paper tomorrow. Stop blaming me for your own incompetence!"
Just as Harry was about to reply, a voice from the far end of the corridor shouted.
"What in Merlin's name is going on here?"
Ah, sh*t.
McGonagall walked in between them, fury etched into her face.
"Potter! Renshaw! Wands down, now! All of you!"
They both glared at each other as they reluctantly lowered them, as did the rest of them.
"All of you - Potter, Renshaw, Weasley, Granger, Longbottom, Zabini, Greengrass, Davis - I want all of you in the Headmaster's office now!"
/
5 minutes later, everyone was standing in Umbridge's former office.
"So?" McGonagall said, sitting in Umbridge's chair. "I'm waiting for an explanation."
"He-"
"I-"
"One of you at a time!"
"He-"
"I-"
"Are you children?" she snapped. "Fine then, Potter first."
"He wouldn't respond to me! I was trying to talk to him, and-"
"And so you drew your wand first?" McGonagall asked sharply. "Is that what Professor Dumbledore and I taught you?"
Blake couldn't resist a small smirk at that.
"And you - what're you smiling at?"
Uh oh.
"Just because he raised his wand, does that mean that you have to do the same?"
"Am I not entitled to self defence?"
"Did you really think he would attack you?"
No.
Blake didn't reply.
"For Merlin's sake, you are friends!" she said, angry and exasperated.
Are we? Blake said in his head.
"And the rest of you," she said, directing her anger towards them.
"We were just protecting our friend!" Ron said stubbornly, arms crossed. McGonagall sighed.
"And let me assume that this argument was over your club?"
"Not just that," Harry butted in. "He's friends with Fudge! He's betraying-"
"No, Potter," McGonagall said quietly, looking at Blake with reluctant respect. "He is not. Just think for a moment."
"W- what?"
"Wait," Hermione said. "Where's Umbridge?"
"Professor Umbridge, Ms Granger," McGonagall said with a small smile. "But an excellent question. I was just informed by the Head Auror that Professor Umbridge has been arrested on charges of child abuse an hour ago, and is due to stand trial soon."
The Gryffindors looked stunned at that revelation.
"But how did they-" Ron began, before faltering, looking towards Blake.
"I'm sure you can put two and two together, Mr Weasley," she said. "And you too, Mr Potter. Is there anything you would like to say to Mr Renshaw?"
Harry swallowed.
"So… you got her out of here? Does that mean you and Fudge aren't-"
"If you'd asked instead of accusing, you would've known."
"But you said you would disband the DA!" he said, confused.
"I meant by myself," Blake replied, annoyed. "Connor's the DA. Why would I risk getting him into trouble? And we're friends, aren't we? Why would I willingly get you in trouble?"
Harry looked down, ashamed.
"Or is that you think we're not friends?" Blake said quietly.
"No!" he denied immediately. "I'm-"
"Whatever," Blake said, turning back towards McGonagall.
"Is that all, Professor? What's the punishment?"
The old woman seemed surprised for a moment.
"I - I suppose since the matter was resolved, there's no need for punishment."
"Thank you. If that's everything, I think me and my friends want to leave now."
Harry recoiled slightly, as McGonagall's face looked very concerned.
"Blake, are you sure you don't want to talk-"
"I think I'm fine, thanks, Professor," he said politely. "I'll see you tomorrow."
He exited the classroom, followed by the Slytherins.
"You alright?" Zabini said, breaking the silence as they walked back to their dorms.
"Yeah, why?" Blake responded.
"You can be honest."
"I am being honest," Blake insisted, even as he felt a crushing feeling in his chest. "I don't care."
He very much did care.
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