"And what about me and Padma? What do you think we should be doing?" Parvati asked a little hesitantly in the face of his sudden anger.
Harry considered for a moment. "I don't really know. You could use the room to train too, I suppose; learn how to cast some offensive spells and shields, just in case. I've got a feeling that things are going to get bad soon, and you may have to defend yourself. Maybe you should tell your family the truth, and have them be ready or go into hiding somewhere."
Parvati nodded. "I had already planned to, Harry, but I'm not sure if they'll believe me. I can't tell them about helping you—they'd skin me and Padma alive for getting involved with something this dangerous. I don't even think I'm going to tell Padma about the mirror—she'll get angry with me for still talking to you."
That took Harry a little by surprise. "She doesn't like me at all, does she? Maybe you should listen to her. You don't have to help me again, you know? You've already helped out tremendously."
Parvati sighed, but didn't get angry at him like she had earlier. "I can do this much, Harry. I don't want to fight Death Eaters, but if you need this I can tell you what's happening here from time to time. I'll just have to remember to be careful and make sure people aren't following me to this room….I wouldn't want to give up my baths," she smiled.
Harry observed her through the mirror for a moment. Her face was flushed ever so slightly, and he wondered absentmindedly if she was sitting naked in a bath right now. It was an image he didn't mind dwelling on.
He briefly pondered sending her the Marauder's Map through Dobby, but it was too precious to him to risk. He had only now learned that it was a family heirloom of sorts, and he had no desire to see it confiscated or destroyed. Perhaps when things calmed down a little and he knew she could be trusted with his secrets, it would be an option.
"Right," Harry replied. "It would be terrible to have to give up bubble baths…well, er, I think I should be going. Just say my name into the mirror when you have news for me—make sure you're in a safe place. I'll try to answer as soon as I can."
Parvati nodded and smiled. "Sure thing, Harry; stay out of trouble."
Harry smiled wryly in return. "I'll try, Parvati, I'll try."
October 10th, 1995 – Bones Manor
There was trouble the next day, but not the kind Harry was expecting.
As was fast becoming his habit while a guest at Bones Manor, Harry woke early and showered before heading to breakfast. Madam Bones was rarely there, but she had instructed her elves to watch Harry and take care of all his needs, not that Dobby couldn't do so on his own. Tonks had shown up in the afternoon for the past three days, and Harry expected her to do so again.
So far Harry had confined himself to his quarters or the dining room when Madam Bones was absent. He was a guest here, and felt it would be rude to wander the huge manor home without an escort.
He had seen no sign of Susan's presence save a few pictures on the walls, but felt no desire to search out her bedroom. Though he wouldn't mind exploring outdoors and going for a fly, Madam Bones had forbidden him to leave the house, and his broom was currently in her possession. There was nothing for it but to sit in his room and think.
This morning he was eating breakfast alone in the brightly-lit dining room of Bones Manor when Dobby popped in with a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry groaned when he saw the headline.
The-Boy-Who-Lived Goes Missing
By Rita Skeeter
The Daily Prophet has learned that Harry Potter has been missing for almost a week. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who is also Mr. Potter's legal guardian, spread the story that the boy was quarantined in St. Mungo's with a contagious disease, but St. Mungo's assures us that Mr. Potter is not a patient there. Ministry sources confirm that Mr. Potter fled Hogwarts of his own free will.
Rumors abound that irrefutable proof of Mr. Potter's guilt in the murder of Cedric Diggory has finally surfaced, forcing the cowardly teen to flee the justice of the wizarding world. It is believed that Headmaster Dumbledore is aware of his whereabouts. Just why would Headmaster Dumbledore try to cover up the young man's guilt? And why would he place the other students of Hogwarts in such danger?
Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, had this to say: "The Headmaster's criminal activities will no longer be tolerated. Several influential members of the Wizengamot have pledged to call an emergency meeting this afternoon and demand answers. The safety of our children has been jeopardized, and Albus Dumbledore no longer has the best interests of the wizarding world at heart. Perhaps it is time for him to step down as Chief Warlock and Headmaster."
We will keep you posted, dear readers, as this situation develops.
Harry balled up the paper and tossed it in the direction of the fire that was burning constantly in this room. He was sick of being slandered in the press, and wanted desperately to take action against someone, anyone. At least Dumbledore is getting slammed too, he thought bitterly. Maybe the Wizengamot will be able to force him to tell the truth for once.
Harry wondered what the reaction in Hogwarts would be to this news. The student population had indeed been told that he was quarantined due to a contagious disease, and the blatant falsehood of that claim would now be evident to all. Would they believe the tripe that was printed in Skeeter's article, or would some of them begin to doubt the ridiculous stories being told about him?
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