The two-way mirror - a cruel useless plot device

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 163715


> Alcuin:
> 
> I stand corrected.  You're right.  Nevertheless, I can't understand 
> why Harry wouldn't have at least opened the package at first chance to 
> find out what it was, even if he didn't intend to use it.  It was from 
> *Sirius* after all.  Had he opened it, he would have realized it was 
> something he could have used to communicate with no risk of being 
> caught.  I also don't understand why Sirius didn't remind Harry of the 
> mirror when Harry talked to him through the fire in Umbridge's office.
> Surely Sirius couldn't also have forgotten about it.
>

Pippin:
 Sirius gave the package to Harry secretly, out of sight of the
other Order members. I don't think he wanted Lupin to know about it.
Sirius might have thought Lupin would object, especially if there were
other mirrors, one of which might still be in the hands of Peter
Pettigrew. 

I think Sirius's air of secrecy contributed to Harry's impression
that using the gift would put Sirius at risk, and he didn't open the
gift so as not to be tempted by it.

Pippin