Enjoy everything I haveWhat?
This mirror is clearly a treasure, yet it's just sitting here in this abandoned classroom. You've come here three nights in a row and haven't met its owner. That means it's meant to be ours.But this mirror is so big. How can we take it? It won't even fit through the door.If you want it, that's not a problem. I can use a traceless extension charm to put it in a bag, or we can shrink it with a spell. Then I can keep it in the dormitory, so you can see your parents every morning when you wake up.
It's dangerous to keep coming here every night, isn't it?Harry pictured the scene Damon described, and his face lit up with wonder.After a moment's hesitation, he couldn't resist the temptation and agreed.But then an old, hoarse voice spoke from behind them: I'm afraid that won't do, children.Harry felt his insides freeze.He turned and saw Albus Dumbledore sitting at a table by the wall.
Had he been there the whole time, unnoticed by him and Damon? Were they so focused on the mirror that they missed him?Harry glanced at Damon and saw his calm expression, devoid of panic, which eased his own nerves.Professor, eavesdropping isn't a good habit, Damon said.Harry's thoughts froze for a moment as Damon took the lead.
Dumbledore smiled. Damon, that's a sharp accusation. I've been sitting here the whole time; I just didn't speak.Damon gave him a knowing half-smile, and Dumbledore knew his excuse wouldn't hold. It might fool Harry, but this boy seemed unusually mature for his age. Was it because he grew up in an orphanage?
Dumbledore's thoughts drifted to another child from an orphanage, and his eyes darkened briefly before he continued: It seems you've found the allure of the Mirror of Erised, like countless others before you.Harry stayed silent, trusting Damon to handle the conversation.Fun? Damon's smile was enigmatic.
Professor, I only see myself in it. What's fun about that?Dumbledore's face remained impassive. He had never heard of anyone seeing only themselves in the Mirror of Erised. Was this boy lying?
But how could he know the mirror's legend?
Legend says the happiest person in the world can use the Mirror of Erised like a normal mirror, seeing only their own reflection, Dumbledore said, watching Damon closely for any reaction. Forgive an old man's curiosity, Damon, but at eleven, are you truly free of all desires?I'm twelve, actually, Damon corrected.Harry turned to him in surprise. His birthday had passed?
" When? "
They hadn't celebrated it.You don't even care about your own birthday?
Dumbledore asked, echoing Harry's thoughts, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses.Professor, if you live every day to the fullest, your heart brimming with joy, do you care whether it's your birthday? Damon replied. I love watching the sunlight stream through the window and hit the purple curtains. It reminds me how wonderful this world is. I love the way moonlight falls, how the curtains sway with it.
My magic feels steadier then, more alive. I cherish every moment I experience, and I don't ask for more.Dumbledore studied the boy, noting the serene smile on his face. Something soft stirred in his heart. Could this child truly be without desire? No, perhaps his desire was life itself—every single day of it.
Dumbledore had never imagined such a person could exist.He had observed Damon closely. The boy's life was almost monastic, like the most devout Muggle Christian. Outside of classes, he spent nearly all his time practicing spells. Was there really joy in that? Dumbledore's expression grew serious, his kindly demeanor shifting to something sterner, making Harry's heart race with unease.Everything you experience?
Dumbledore said. From what I know, you spend your days practicing spells and transfiguration.
Are you craving power, Damon?Damon's face broke into an amused expression. If I craved power, how could I see myself in the mirror? You're not hiding it anymore, are you? You've even watched me practice spells.Their eyes locked, and Damon admitted openly: Yes, I crave power.Then why— Dumbledore began, frowning.I seek power to protect myself, Damon said, meeting his gaze steadily.
I don't want professors secretly casting spells on my wand during Quidditch matches while others stay silent. I don't want to beg for protection when I'm in danger. I don't want my challenges to be someone else's tests.Dumbledore fell silent, recalling how Damon had shattered Quirrell's wand with a single spell that day.
After a pause, he said: Let's change the topic.He backed off.
There were things he couldn't share with these children.You can't take this mirror, he continued, noting Damon's raised eyebrow, a silent prompt to go on.
Dumbledore's respect for the boy grew as he explained: This mirror doesn't teach knowledge or reveal truth. People waste their lives before it, obsessed with what they see, even driven mad, unsure if it's real or possible. It's useless to indulge in dreams and forget real life.Harry's heart sank.
Part of him knew Dumbledore was right, that he should let the mirror go. But the thought of never seeing his parents again pierced him with pain. If he hadn't seen them in the mirror, maybe it wouldn't hurt so much.Then Damon spoke: Professor, I don't agree with you.
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