Chapter 222- Hints of deceit!

{12th July 1991} 

{Parvati's POV}

I was just pulling open my wardrobe when I heard footsteps approaching my room, footsteps I instantly recognized—my mother's familiar, measured pace, accompanied by Padma's hesitant shuffle. I bit back a sigh and straightened my shoulders, hoping this would be quick. I had planned to get ready quickly, eager to see Rigel and the others again, but my mother's sudden appearance rarely meant good news.

The door swung open without a knock—of course it did—and I turned around, trying to conceal my annoyance behind a carefully constructed mask of polite surprise.

"Good morning, Ma. Padma," I greeted, forcing a casual tone as I faced them, entirely aware of my state of undress. I was comfortable with myself after years at Hogwarts, but clearly, my sister wasn't. Padma's cheeks flushed deeply, her eyes instantly dropping to the floor, pointedly avoiding the sight of my bra.

I couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at her reaction, even if I knew better than to openly tease her in front of Ma. Padma had never quite embraced the casual comfort with her body that Hogwarts had given me. While I'd grown comfortable in my own skin—confident, even—Padma had always retreated inward, becoming more modest, more reserved.

Our mother immediately noticed Padma squirming and frowned sharply, turning a reprimanding gaze onto me. "Parvati, for heaven's sake! Hurry and dress yourself properly."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and grabbed a T-shirt—an old one I'd slept in, definitely not the outfit I'd intended for the morning. Pulling it on quickly, I shot my mother a mildly irritated look. "I was getting dressed, Ma. Is there something urgent that couldn't wait until later?"

My mother's expression briefly tensed—a subtle tell that always revealed something was bothering her. She was usually so composed, any slip meant there was a deeper motive behind this early morning intrusion.

"Nothing urgent, beta," she answered evenly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "We just wanted to make sure Rigel's group was settling in well. Did they enjoy their first day? Are they having any trouble adjusting?"

My suspicion immediately deepened. Mother rarely took such a direct interest in my friends unless there was something specific she wanted. Acting as casually as possible, I shrugged and leaned against my wardrobe, trying not to let my own expression betray the wariness building in my chest.

"They're fine, Ma. They spent yesterday exploring the main market. It was mostly shopping. Nothing too exciting." I kept my tone carefully neutral, watching her reaction closely.

Her eyes sharpened subtly—another tell—her interest clearly piqued. "Oh? Did they find anything interesting? Any shops they particularly liked?"

I hesitated, unsure why she suddenly cared about our shopping habits. "They loved Jyoti's Staff & Rings shop," I said carefully. "Rigel was fascinated by some local magical books, but we mostly just browsed and bought clothing."

Mother's brow lifted slightly, clearly intrigued now. "Local magical books, you say? Hmm, did you also try the smaller, specialty shops? There's one near Jyoti's that deals with ancient texts, and another has magical antiques. Perhaps they'd find those intriguing?"

I nodded noncommittally, giving her a polite but silent smile, my usual strategy when I wanted her interrogation to end quickly. Her interest in Rigel's choice of shops felt oddly specific, almost probing, and it set off alarms in my head.

She finally seemed to notice my deliberate silence and paused, regaining her composure quickly. "Anyway," she continued, forcing cheerfulness back into her voice, "I was thinking that Padma should join your group today. She's been cooped up here too much lately, and she needs to socialize more."

I caught the subtle flicker of irritation on Padma's face—she clearly wasn't any happier about the idea than I was—but she kept quiet, staring resolutely at the floor. My heart sank slightly at the thought of managing my twin's awkwardness all day, especially with Rigel around.

"Of course, Ma," I answered quietly, forcing a smile that I hoped looked genuine. "We'd love to have Padma join us."

My mother nodded firmly, satisfied. "That's Good. Make sure you look after her. She's your sister, after all."

"I will," I replied dutifully, holding back my grimace as she turned sharply on her heel, Padma trailing obediently behind her. As the door clicked shut behind them, I sighed deeply, irritation bubbling beneath my chest.

Stepping back to my wardrobe, I frowned, eyeing the array of both traditional and western outfits thoughtfully arranged inside. My earlier plans for dressing up—hoping to catch Rigel's attention—felt momentarily spoiled. I briefly considered the sleek black dress I'd planned on wearing, but with Padma now joining, I'd need something simpler, more modest, less likely to scandalize my twin or upset Ma if she decided to suddenly reappear.

My fingers skimmed softly across the fabric of a soft, deep green kurta, its embroidery delicate and tasteful—safe, yet elegant enough not to feel dull. With a resigned sigh, I pulled it from its hanger and quickly dressed, combing out my hair and adjusting the sleeves absently. This would have to do.

I glanced once more in the mirror, ensuring I looked suitably composed before leaving my room, though the annoyance at my mother's unexpected intrusion still simmered quietly beneath my calm expression. Today's outing, already promising to be complicated enough with Padma along, suddenly felt more daunting. But as I stepped into the hall, closing my bedroom door firmly behind me, I resolved to make the best of it.

'Cheer up, at least I would get to see Rigel again.' She psyched herself forcefully, planning to enjoy the few days of break that she was getting thanks to their trip.

---

{Rigel's POV}

Ginny’s laughter rang out beside me as Fred stormed into the common room, clutching his head with exaggerated horror. “Merlin’s beard, Harry! Roses? Really?”

Harry, sitting with hair now once again a gleaming golden, just grinned shamelessly. “Well, I figured if I’m going to be stuck looking like a Christmas decoration, you might as well join the garden party.”

Fred huffed indignantly, tugging at the vibrant red petals now sprouting from his scalp. “I look like a Valentine’s Day nightmare! At least yours is just hair dye—I’ve got bloody pollen coming out of my ears!”

Ginny’s shoulders shook as she covered her mouth, eyes dancing with amusement. “You know, Fred, it actually suits you,” she teased sweetly.

Fred shot her a dramatic scowl. “You’re all conspiring against me!”

I chuckled softly, enjoying the playful chaos that typically surrounded us each morning. Yet, as amusing as it was, my mind was already drifting back toward more pressing matters—Dhanvantari’s book and the mysterious inheritance it promised. The clues lingered, insistent and impossible to ignore.

As Fred and Harry continued their spirited bickering about being presentable for our planned outing, I caught a flicker of movement near the doorway. Parvati had arrived, her deep-green kurta graceful against her skin, her expression calm and composed. Trailing hesitantly behind her was Padma, eyes carefully avoiding the commotion, obviously uncertain of her welcome.

I stood swiftly, offering Ginny a quick, apologetic glance as I navigated around Fred’s flailing arms. Crossing the room smoothly, I approached the Patil twins with a warm smile.

“Morning, Parvati. Padma, welcome—glad you decided to join us,” I greeted gently, noticing the shy way Padma glanced downward. “Come have some breakfast—the others will join us shortly.”

Padma gave me a grateful nod, murmuring quietly, “Thank you, Rigel.”

Parvati’s eyes lingered briefly on the ongoing chaos before focusing sharply back on me, clearly noticing the subtle urgency in my demeanor. Her gaze sharpened slightly, curiosity mingling with concern. “Good morning, Rigel. Is something wrong?”

I kept my expression calm, though seriousness colored my voice. “Nothing urgent, but can we talk privately for a moment?”

Her brow arched slightly, but she nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”

I led her back through the suite, away from the noisy banter and Fred’s increasingly melodramatic protests. Entering my room, I quietly closed the door behind me, immediately casting a silencing charm for privacy. The silence settled around us softly as Parvati regarded me with cautious expectation.

“What’s happened?” she asked carefully, stepping a bit closer, her gaze unwavering.

I exhaled softly, choosing my words deliberately. “The group was discussing our itinerary last night. There’s interest in visiting some culturally and mythologically significant cities here in India—places like Banaras, Varanasi, and…Allahabad.”

At the mention of visiting places, Parvati’s mana rippled subtly—barely noticeable, but enough for me to catch it. She stiffened just slightly, eyes briefly flickering away. It was subtle enough to be overlooked by most, but I knew her well enough by now to sense when something bothered her.

“Is something wrong with those places?” I asked gently, watching her reaction closely.

She hesitated briefly, quickly regaining her composure and shaking her head. “No, not at all. Just surprised—it’s an unusual set of locations for tourists.”

'Though that's not the whole story, is it, something else is bothering her...'

I studied her closely, but Parvati’s expression betrayed little else. Whatever caused her brief reaction, she wasn’t sharing it just yet. I decided not to press immediately, instead giving her a moment to settle.

“I thought so too,” I admitted calmly, hoping to ease any lingering tension. “But I figured you’d know best how to handle it. Do you think you could arrange permits and travel logistics?”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, perhaps relieved by the practical turn of the conversation. “Of course. It shouldn’t be too difficult—I’ll speak with my parents. They can make it happen quickly.”

I nodded appreciatively. “Thank you.”

Parvati’s gaze lingered thoughtfully on my face, curiosity still evident. “Is there anything else you need?”

I paused briefly, considering carefully. “Actually, yes. While everyone else explores Pune today, I’m returning to Jyoti’s shop. There’s…research I need to do.”

She tilted her head curiously, her eyes softening with gentle intrigue. “More research?”

I nodded again, choosing my words carefully. “It’s about my Parseltongue ability. Jyoti has resources that might help me understand it better. There’s something important I need to confirm.”

Parvati looked intrigued but respectful, clearly sensing this was something personal. She didn’t push further, instead touching my arm lightly in silence reassurance. “I understand. If you need any help, just ask.”

I felt a little cold at her not sharing whatever it was, and had to forcefully push it aside. “Thank you, Parvati. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Her smile brightened gently, the earlier tension fading fully from her posture. “Well, I suppose I should get back before Padma starts feeling too awkward around Fred’s flower garden.”

I chuckled softly, appreciating her attempt at humor. “She’ll get used to it eventually. Or she’ll never want to see us again.” I said as I pulled her closer, she easily melted in my embrace, her lips locking with mine as my hands glided across the embroided fabric as I grabbed hold of her ass.

Parvati squeaked slightly as she pulled back, eyes sparkling. “Do we have some time?” The need in her voice was a bit obvious, but I shook my head. Her mana did drop, so I guess she wasn't faking a lot of the stuff, but something definitely was off. Sirius was right; I would need to be careful during my outing today.

As we stepped back into the hallway, the familiar sounds of cheerful chaos greeted us. Fred was still theatrically lamenting his floral fate, now loudly declaring that he’d forever avoid greenhouses, while Harry was defending his magical prowess to a grinning Ginny.

Parvati’s gaze softened fondly as she glanced at me once more. “I’ll start making arrangements today. Just…be careful, Rigel. Whatever you’re looking into, don’t rush.”

I nodded slightly. She did know something, but was unwilling to share; still, she didn't have any malicious intention, most likely, so I took her warning to heart. “I won’t.”

She smiled once more, a gentle warmth in her eyes, before returning gracefully to join Padma. I stood for a moment, thoughtful, watching the twins greet Ginny, Ron, and the others as they all finally assembled for breakfast.

My mind returned again to Allahabad, Jyoti’s mysterious book, and the inheritance waiting where three rivers met. Parvati’s reaction had been subtle, but she told me that it hadn't been a coincidence that I had found that book—there was clearly something more there, something hidden, something she wasn’t sharing yet. It could be caution, protectiveness, or perhaps something more complicated. I would have to tread carefully and find out later.

'Did she lead us to that shop on purpose? Most likely not, otherwise I would have noticed from her mana. She clearly was only nervous today and had no clue about any conspiracy yesterday.'

For now, though, Jyoti’s shop awaited, promising more answers—and likely more questions. I exhaled slowly, calming my restless thoughts.

'No overthinking, first focus on the magic, then mysteries.'

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AN: I fucked up my release, the first part of the chapter was supposed to be out two days ago, so instead of releasing two chapters I combined the two.