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"Uh, no, sir. Afterwards, I was curious again - I realised that something was being hidden in that door. If Quirrell wanted it, he could maybe use it somehow to hurt me or someone else, right? So I went to see what it was - but then I, um…"
"What happened, Blake?"
"Uh, I met the dog."
"Ah." Dumbledore seemed like he'd expected it, but still he seemed apprehensive.
"Were you hurt?"
"No, sir."
The Professor raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, I got grazed a little, but I got it healed."
"You went to Madam Pomfrey?"
"Uh, no sir. I healed it myself." Dumbledore was smiling again.
"I see. And did you do anything after that?"
Hm… what are the chances he knows I asked Mum about it? Probably low, but it's Albus Dumbledore we're talking about. Besides, if he wasn't monitoring my letters before, he might be now, and if he sees a massive violin package, he'll know I didn't tell him.
"Um… well, you see, I kind of remembered something about the 3 headed dog - it's called Cerberus, right? Well, I read about it when I was younger, in a book about Greek mythology, and basically, there was a man that got past it. Well, technically, there were two, but I'm not Hercules-" Dumbledore's smile widened at that, "- so I took my chances with the other. His name's Orpheus, I think? And the way he got past Cerberus was with music - I can't remember which instrument, but I was assuming that this dog doesn't need Orpheus-level music, so I, uh, I asked my mum to post me my old violin." Blake finally finished his long talking session, breathing out a sigh of relief. That was a lot of words.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, was thoughtful.
"I see. So, I assume you planned to use the violin to put Fluffy to sleep?" Fluffy? They named the 3 headed dog that almost tore my leg clean off 'Fluffy'? That was definitely Hagrid, Blake thought fondly.
"Uh, yes, sir."
Dumbledore smiled again for a moment, before coming serious once more.
"I don't think I need to tell you how dangerous that would be, Blake."
"Yes, sir," Blake said, looking down at his feet in faux shame.
Dumbledore paused for a few moments, before continuing.
"Professor McGonagall tells me you're the most talented first year she's ever taught. She says you're quite the capable duellist already too." Blake's ears reddened at the praise while he noted that Dumbledore was aware of his lessons with McGonagall.
"Actually, most of your teachers say you're extremely gifted - even Professor Snape, whose praise is as rare as red-browed Gobeldigook." Yeah, what the hell is a Gobeldigook?
"But you're slightly lacking in Herbology, correct?" Blake's cheeks flushed in embarrassment while Dumbledore laughed gently.
"How strange. That was exactly the subject that I struggled with when I was your age too." Oh?
"Regardless, Blake, it's clear to me that you're intelligent in many regards."
"Thank you, sir, but-"
"However, I must warn you. There's been students like you - talented, intelligent, even referred to as geniuses and prodigies by some - that fell very far. Some in terms of intelligence, some socially, some because of arrogance - but some far, far worse." Blake's mind raced as he thought of who Dumbledore could be referring to - only two figures came to mind.
"Luckily for you, from what I've heard, you're a naturally kind child, especially because of the parents that raised you and the little brother you grew up with. Professor McGonagall and Hagrid have both taken a liking to you - Hagrid's a kind soul who takes a liking to most people he meets, but Professor McGonagall, in my experience, is a sound judge of character, and she likes you."
Where is this going? Is he praising me or warning me?
"The point I'm trying to make, Blake, is that you have all the tools to succeed. A loving family, teachers that believe in you, people that will protect you, friends that enjoy your company and trust you, and even on top of that, what seems like truly generational talent. Do not let any of that go to waste. If there's ever anything that you're unsure of - anything at all that makes you stop and question your motives or morals - speak to us. Be it Professor Snape, McGonagall, or even me - speak to us. Trust us - we will guide you. Have I made myself clear?"
Dumbledore looked at Blake caringly and firmly at the same time, and Blake could see why the man had been the one to lead 2 of the worst wizarding conflicts in history. He exuded gentle confidence and power, yet made you feel like he truly cared about you. Probably helps that he's definitively the most powerful wizard alive too.
Blake nodded, and Dumbledore smiled.
"Good. In that case, you know where to find us if you run into any more trouble. Also, there's a favour I'd like to ask of you."
Blake perked up. "Of course, Professor."
"Would you mind letting me know if there's any changes to Professor Quirrell's behaviour towards you?"
"I think I heard him - well, one time, I stayed behind after the class ended to ask him some questions. It was just me and him, but I could've sworn I heard another voice that wasn't either of us."
Blake watched Dumbledore's face carefully, and didn't miss the slight narrowing of the old man's eyes.
"So he is suspicious? And it's related to me?" Blake asked eagerly. Dumbledore smiled, but this time, it was much more grim.
"Of sorts. I'm afraid there's not much I can or should say, to be honest."
"Oh," Blake said dejectedly. Dumbledore sighed.
"Oh well. I suppose it's in your nature to be curious. Even if I asked you to, I doubt you'd stop searching for your answers, would you?"
Blake smiled bashfully, having the decency to look a little embarrassed.
"Very well, Blake. The truth is, there is something we, the Professors at Hogwarts, are hiding in school. And it does appear that Professor Quirrell seems to be attempting to steal it."
"Then why-"
"We have our reasons, Blake. Perhaps I'll have the luxury of explaining at a later date, but for now, it's in everyone's best interests to not explain that. However, I know you're anxious about what we're hiding, and if it can be used against you, correct? In that case, you have nothing to fear - it's not a weapon of any kind." Blake let out a breath of relief he didn't know he'd been holding.
"Am I allowed to know what it is, Professor?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Perhaps another time, Blake."
Damn it.
"Anyway, I'd hate to make Blaise wait for too long. Herbology is a pesky subject, isn't it?"
"Uh, yes, sir." Blake still wasn't used to Dumbledore's eccentric manner of speech. He thanked the Headmaster and turned to leave, walking just outside the entrance to the office.
"Blake?"
"Yes, Professor?"
"I don't need to remind you not to place yourself in any more danger, do I?"
"Of course, sir."
"Excellent. Goodbye!"
With that the door slammed shut, and Blake finally relaxed, countless thoughts racing through his head, but one prevailing one: Dumbledore likes me!
With Dumbledore's favour and promise that Quirrell couldn't hurt him, Blake was able to rest much easier. In truth, he'd been on edge because of Quirrell, and the anxiety of having to watch out because of his muggleborn status. I do still need to, but Dumbledore's here. If he's promised me safety, I'll be fine.
Blake wasn't done, of course - he was still most certainly going to investigate what exactly this mysterious object that the professors of Hogwarts were so desperate to hide and Quirrell was trying to steal was. But at least now, he didn't have to put himself in actual harm to ensure his safety - no, now it was just a matter of knowing what was going on, which, although useful, wasn't a life or death level threat.
He walked quickly to the library with a smile, ready to blatantly lie to Zabini's face about his discussion with Dumbledore.
Speaking of Dumbledore, however…
"What do you think, Fawkes?"
The phoenix chirped back at him, and Dumbledore rubbed his temples, in deep thought.
"Hm. To say the boy's talented would be an understatement. In terms of the reports of his teachers about his raw ability, he may even be as able as Tom was. But it looks like we're lucky, Fawkes."
The bird chirped in agreement.
"The boy was contemplating whether or not to lie, yes, but they were mostly about trivial matters. There's not much to worry about - he had no malicious intentions whatsoever, except maybe to Draco Malfoy, but I daresay it was deserved. He likes Harry too, and by the looks of it, Harry likes him. Blake's a good child, with the correct intentions and a good moral compass."
Dumbledore sighed.
"However, he's got… a sort of… potential for darkness. He's not done anything yet, of course. But he's ambitious - just as ambitious as Tom was, if not even more so. Intelligent too. Who'd have thought within the first two weeks of learning magic the boy was already creating spells and starting a business? I've seen attempts of it, yes, but most of them fizzle out or are forgotten about before anything meaningful happens. But him? Not only did he create a spell so quickly, but every opportunity he gets, he reviews it and improves it - it's obsessive!"
The Headmaster shook his head, almost shuddering.
"Blake's special. He's similar to me, yes, but he's also similar to him. Their obsession with strength, self-improvement, magic and ambition - it's almost identical. Blake's an excellent liar, just like he was - already lying to his friends, his family - if I didn't use Legilimency, I don't think even I would be able to tell - and even then, he knew that I might be using it! We're lucky he's a muggleborn, and that he was raised right. In the wrong hands…"
Dumbledore shuddered.
"Blake will only become stronger - it's in his nature, and it's commendable. He's driven by a desire to protect his family and now even his friends, even if he doesn't realise it yet, and he desperately wants to provide for them too. Understandable, of course - what happened to his father was tragic. However, we must be there to facilitate it - we have to ensure that he doesn't go too far, or become isolated. In the future, I believe Blake can be crucial for the role that Slytherin plays, and if not that, purely as a combatant - it could be like having a second me on our side."
He moved over to stroke Fawkes head, and the bird chirped in affection.
"I must steer Blake in the right direction, Fawkes. He will be a foundation on which Harry can rely on when Lord Voldemort returns - my successor in every way."
Fawkes chirped once more, before falling asleep from Dumbledore's gentle hand. Dumbledore smiled, and whispered something, before leaving his office to meet Professor Snape.
"For the greater good."
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