Blake had been waiting anxiously for Quirrell to be fired every day since that Quidditch match. The realisation that his speculations were no longer just speculations sunk in more and more everyday, and the boy found himself constantly on edge around the castle - especially during Defence Against the Dark Arts, where he had noticed Quirrell's behaviour towards becoming even more bizarre.
Blake wondered if this was a test from Dumbledore. Is he waiting for me to come to him of my own accord? To see if I'm going to put myself in danger again? Blake spent so long obsessing over what to do that, even despite his normally calm exterior, people around him began to notice. The people in his friend group began to ask him if he was okay - even Zabini - and Malfoy also took it as an opportunity to become bolder with insults and taunts, saying them louder and louder - but still not to my face. What a knob.
None of his professors seemed to show any change in behaviour either - not Snape, not Flitwick, not even McGonagall, which surprised Blake. Is Dumbledore keeping her in the dark? One person, however, seemed to show a change in behaviour, yet still didn't speak up. It was Greengrass, of course. Nowadays, it seemed like she was always watching him, but never acting, never speaking. But right now, Blake barely cared about that.
And soon enough, he decided that he'd had enough.
On the final day before Blake returned home for Christmas break, he went to speak to Dumbledore.
"Chocolate Frog!"
Blake made his way up to Dumbledore's office, and knocked on the door.
"Enter."
"Sorry to bother you, Professor Dumbledore," Blake said politely. "I was wondering if I could speak to you about something?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Of course, my boy. Ask away."
Blake wasted no time.
"You're aware that Quirrell made an attempt on Harry's life, right?"
"That is correct."
"Then, respectfully Professor, how can you still allow him to be here!? He's more or less guaranteed himself to be a murderous Death Eater, and he's made an attempt on Harry's life! Surely he needs to go to jail, or at least be fired!"
Blake made sure to keep his tone polite but also made sure the urgency in his voice was clear. However, Dumbledore just remained smiling.
"Fair questions, Blake. First of all, allow me to commend your quick thinking during the Quidditch match. Even Professor Snape was impressed. You managed to recognise the situation in seconds, then cancel the jinx without raising any suspicion from Professor Quirrell before anything could happen. Impressive, I must say."
Blake couldn't help but blush at the praise and mutter his thanks, but he still refused to let go of the situation without an answer. If he's trying to distract me, that's not going to work.
Dumbledore's smile widened ever so slightly.
"Regarding your concerns, however, please let me assure you - I'm as appalled and worried for the safety of yourself and Harry just as much as you are. But as you saw, you are in safe hands. Even without your interference, I'm certain that Professor Snape would've managed to cast a counterjinx effectively. Not only that, but Hogwarts has the presence of many talented Professors that prioritise the welfare of our students beyond anything else. Professor Flitwick, for example, was a duelling champion back in his glory days - were you aware of that? And I needn't tell you about Professor McGonagall's prowess either. Please rest assured, Blake, while we are at Hogwarts, Professor Quirrell cannot harm you."
"But I don't understand, Professor. What benefit could you possibly have to keep Quirrell here?"
"Why don't you think about it for a bit, Blake - panic aside, what reasons could I have?"
Blake paused for just a moment, his brain whirring, before coming to a conclusion.
"You want to see if he's working with anyone?"
"Precisely."
"And that's worth placing mine and Harry's lives, and potentially all the other muggleborn students' here, at risk?"
"There is no risk to you, Blake. I would never allow it." Dumbledore's voice was gentle but steely, and for a moment, Blake felt inclined to trust the man.
"It's a good thing you came here, actually, Blake. There's something I've been meaning to show you."
This is definitely a distraction.
Dumbledore waved his hand, and from the depths of the man's office, a mirror appeared out of nowhere. Wandless magic? I'm not surprised in the slightest.
"Tell me, Blake. What do you see?"
Blake frowned for a moment, wondering what magic the mirror could be charmed with. For a few moments, he didn't see anything other than his own reflection. Until suddenly -
"Are you alright!?" Dumbledore's voice was alarmed for a change, but Blake, having fallen backwards from disbelief, barely registered it.
"I- I don't-" The boy's breathing became ragged in a mixture of confusion, shock and grief, before he snarled at Dumbledore, his voice thick with rage.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
For the first time in a very long time, Dumbledore was taken back. Such malice… from a child that's barely 11 years old?
Quickly, Dumbledore drew his wand and summoned a curtain to be placed over the mirror.
"I apologise, Blake. Are you alright?" The man's voice was truly apologetic, and Blake quickly apologised for his outburst and calmed down. For a few seconds, there was a tense silence in the room, before Blake finally spoke up.
"So, that Mirror shows you your deepest desires, doesn't it?" he asked rhetorically, his voice monotonous yet full of bitterness.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, it does."
Another few moments of silence went by.
"Perhaps it's not appropriate for me to ask, Blake. But what did you see that gave you such a reaction?"
Blake turned his head away.
"I don't really want to talk about it if that's alright, Professor."
Dumbledore's eyes softened.
"Of course, my boy. And I apologise for placing you in such a position."
Blake merely nodded, still shaken, but he moved on quickly.
"So, why did you want to show me the mirror?" Apart from to find out what my deepest desires are?
Dumbledore sighed.
"This mirror… it may become very important to us in the future, Blake. I want you to remember that."
Blake was confused, but he knew he was getting no further explanation out of Dumbledore.
"I see. So, it's got something to do with Quirrell or the thing you're protecting?"
A small smile returned to Dumbledore's face.
"Of sorts."
"And I don't suppose you'll tell me what it is that you're protecting, Professor?"
"I'm afraid not."
Blake sighed.
"Okay, sir."
Dumbledore let out a small laugh.
"I know you're disappointed, Blake. I would be too, but I refuse to panic you any further for your own mental health, especially without any evidence."
"I understand, Professor."
Dumbledore and Blake said their goodbyes, and Blake left to go to pack up his things. He was greeted by, of course, everyone in his dorm room as always.
AN: If you would like to view up to 20 more bonus chapters on all my fics so far including this one, and would also like to support me, please visit my P@TR30N, at pa tr eon.com / GhidorahWriter (remove the spaces).
Thanks for reading and make sure ADD to your COLLECTION and VOTE with POWER STONES! The target is 50 POWER STONES for the next BONUS CHAPTER!