A Web of Secrets

Harry made his eyes widen in shock. "V-Voldemort, sir?! Why would you think that? I thought he was gone," Harry said fearfully.

"Oh no, my dear boy, he's out there waiting," Dumbledore said darkly.

"I'm sorry professor, but what has this got to do with my scar?" Harry asked, wondering what the old man would say.

"I believe, Harry, that your scar connects the two of you, and I had thought you would feel it if something had happened or if he was close," Dumbledore said, his shrewd eyes scanning Harry.

Harry just contained his snort. Yes, the scar connected them, not the fact they were soulmates. "I'm sorry sir, but I've felt nothing," he said.

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed with suspicion, the twinkle disappearing. "I see. You may go then, Harry," he dismissed, forgetting to act like a kind old man in his anger.

As Harry walked to the door, he called out, "Oh, and Harry? Don't mention this to anybody, it wouldn't do to worry them. Perhaps I am wrong about my fears," he said.

Harry nodded his head and left the office. He had his meeting with Flitwick as well before the feast, and would have to hurry to get to his office.

After Harry left, Albus picked up a paper weight from his desk and launched it at the door.

" Damn him !" he screamed.

"Temper, temper, Albus," mocked the portrait of Phineas Black.

" Silence, or so help me, I will find a way to have you removed!" Albus seethed.

He couldn't work out how Voldemort had taken the stone; he didn't even know how long it had been missing! His protections around the mirror itself had been infallible ! He should have felt it the moment the stone vanished but he had felt nothing! And Harry, that damn boy! He refused to take the bait, this was his fault ! If he had just gone after the stone, then everything would be alright now! But no, the boy refused to take the bait, refused to be what Albus had planned for. This would not do!

Reaching Flitwick's office just in time, Harry knocked and entered, seeing Snape and Pomfrey in there as well.

"Hello sirs, ma'am," he said.

"Harry, take a seat," Flitwick said, indicating to the chair left free.

Sitting, Harry turned to the three adults. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked.

"Yes. We all here in this room are aware of your situation at home," Flitwick began. Harry made sure to dart his eyes to Snape, hoping it would be picked up on.

"Yes Potter, I am aware," the dark eyed man said. "I recognised the signs and, based on the potions I have observed you taking and the ointment you require, I pieced the facts together."

"Oh," Harry said, trying to act ashamed.

"Anyway, both Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape have approached me to ask about your summer plans, and I felt it would be best if you answered their questions as I promised the information you told me last time would be secret," Flitwick explained.

Harry was surprised at that. Not that Flitwick had kept his promise, but that Snape had worried about him enough to ask. He was also surprised that Madam Pomfrey had gone to Flitwick instead of Dumbledore; he hadn't considered what he would have done if she had gone to the old coot.

"I see. Thank you, professor," Harry said to his head of house.

Turning to look at the other two occupants of the room, Harry smiled lightly. "I am very grateful for your concern professor, Madam Pomfrey, but you shouldn't worry. I will be fine this summer, I've been making alternate arrangements," Harry said.

Severus picked up on the vagueness of the answer and narrowed his eyes. It wouldn't be unexpected for an abused child to lie. "What arrangements, exactly?" he asked.

Harry tried not to scowl at the man's insistence. "I would rather not say. It has come to my attention that it was Professor Dumbledore who placed me with my relatives and I would hate for him to be aware of my plans," Harry said.

"I see," Severus replied. He was impressed the boy had discovered that much, but his answer also worried him. Why did Potter not trust Dumbledore?

"You will be safe, dear?" Pomfrey asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied.

"I don't like this, but I've known Albus for years. He never listens to me when I tell him about children I fear come from bad homes. It's the reason I go to the head of houses now," she said, sighing. Harry was shocked by this and wondered how Dumbledore maintained his great image if his staff knew he ignored abuse.

Severus looked at Filius and saw that the man's eyes were hard. "You are aware of Mr. Potter's plans?" he asked.

"I'm aware of some of them," Flitwick replied.

"You trust he will be alright?" Severus asked. He respected Filius as the man would always go out of his way for his students.

....

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