https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-193-Good-Deeds-without-Leaving-a-Name/12538309/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-195-Gaining-Access-to-the-Headmaster-s-Office/12538311/
Chapter 194: Harry's Obsession with the Magical Mirror
Chapter 194: Harry's Obsession with the Magical Mirror
In the evenings that followed, a professor would patrol the castle grounds after curfew.
Filch, driven nearly mad by the ubiquitous chicken feathers, scoured the school tirelessly, only to find them again after a short while.
Sometimes they were in the corners of corridors, other times by doorways... no matter how much he swept, they kept appearing.
Filch's temper worsened, and he glared at everyone he encountered. Even the slightest noise would attract his attention, resulting in a scolding.
Though the students seethed with resentment, they dared not voice their complaints, knowing that Filch's behavior was condoned by a certain Potions master. Any sign of dissatisfaction would result in the loss of House points. So, they did their best to avoid Filch altogether.
Kyle, too, had become much better behaved. He spent his days in the library, studying, doing homework, and reading. He returned to his dormitory promptly and even refrained from his nightly excursions.
Fred and George informed him that Filch spent most of his evenings patrolling the second floor and that the patrolling professors often checked in on the library.
It was too risky to continue copying from the restricted books for now, so Kyle decided to wait until things calmed down.
However, there was one person who didn't seem to share this sentiment—Harry Potter.
Ever since he figured out who the people in the mirror were, his mind had been consumed by a single thought: to return to the mirror and do nothing but sit in front of it all night.
Ron had tried to dissuade him, but to no avail... Harry was deaf to all reason.
It wasn't until the third night that he ran into Dumbledore in his room.
"I... I didn't see you, sir!" Harry stammered, his voice shaking.
It was then that he remembered the professors had been strictly enforcing the curfew lately. What if Dumbledore thought he was responsible for the incident from a few days ago as well?
The thought of Gryffindor losing two hundred points made Harry feel as if his insides were freezing over.
"It's rather odd that you've become nearsighted after turning invisible," Dumbledore said with a smile.
Seeing the smile on the professor's face, Harry finally relaxed. Thankfully, Dumbledore didn't seem inclined to take any points.
He was like the elderly gentleman from Little Whinging who would go for walks in the morning—patient and gentle.
From Dumbledore, Harry learned the true purpose of the Mirror of Erised.
"This mirror shows nothing more than the deepest and most desperate desire of our hearts," Dumbledore said softly. "People waste away before it, not knowing if what they see is real or even possible to attain."
Harry lowered his head and remained silent for a moment before asking in a small voice, "Professor... Professor Dumbledore, have you ever looked into this mirror?"
"Yes, more than once," Dumbledore admitted with a smile. "I must say, no one can resist its allure, not even me... Well, except for one person."
"Who is that?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"A second-year student."
Dumbledore blinked at the astonished look on Harry's face. "Surprised? Don't you believe me?"
Harry nodded.
If Dumbledore had mentioned a famous wizard or one of the professors, he might have believed it.
But the idea that a second-year student had achieved something even Dumbledore couldn't seemed impossible.
"Professor Dumbledore, do you think he mistook it for an ordinary mirror?"
"I thought so at first, but it seems that's not the case." Dumbledore shook his head. "He is aware of the mirror's existence and understands its purpose."
"Who is he?" Harry asked again. "Do I know him?"
But this time, Dumbledore chose not to answer.
"We've talked enough for today, Harry," he said as he stood up. "The mirror will be moved to a new location tomorrow, and I ask that you refrain from seeking it out. Becoming obsessed with a fantasy and neglecting your real life is of no benefit. Please remember that.
Now, why don't you put on that marvelous Invisibility Cloak and head back to bed."
Harry left the room filled with questions. Back in his dormitory, he lay in bed, still pondering the identity of the second-year student Dumbledore had mentioned.
He didn't know many students in that year, aside from a few Gryffindors. Could it be Kyle? Harry wondered uncertainly.
The next day arrived, and at lunchtime, Connor suddenly nudged Kyle, who was sitting across from her. "Have you been up to something lately, like practicing Quidditch on the pitch?" she asked quietly.
"Of course not," Kyle replied, confused. "I've been in the library all these days and nowhere else. Besides, it wouldn't make sense for me to train alone when the rest of the team isn't around. Why do you ask?"
"Never mind," Connor said, nonchalantly pointing towards the Gryffindor table. "I just noticed Harry Potter staring at you. I thought maybe he had caught you testing out some new Quidditch tactic."
"Huh?" Kyle turned instinctively and caught a glimpse of Harry quickly looking away.
"It's not just now," Connor continued. "I've seen him sneak glances at you several times."
Kyle's heart skipped a beat. Could Harry have known that he was also in the fourth-floor room the other day? No, that's unlikely. I had the Disillusionment Charm on the entire time; he couldn't have seen me. And it's not like he's smart enough to figure it out...
"It's probably just about Quidditch," Kyle said calmly. "After all, the match between our houses is coming up after Christmas, and he's probably thinking of tactics, using me as a mock opponent."
"Thinking of tactics?" Connor frowned. "But he's a Seeker; why would he need tactics?"
"Probably some crazy idea of Wood's," Kyle shrugged. "Who knows. Anyway, forget about him... Aren't you supposed to be meeting Snape for extra lessons today? How's that going?"
"I've got everything ready—books, quill, parchment, ink..." Connor said, and at the mention of extra lessons, she grew nervous. "Hey, Kyle, do you think I should bring my cauldron, too?"
"That won't be necessary," Kyle replied, although he had never attended extra lessons himself. He figured that the last thing Snape would need was another cauldron lying around.
(End of Chapter)
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