Chapter 216:
The Most Real Desire in the Heart Something That Has Been Ignored
After the main course, Christmas pudding was served. It contained the usual surprises—silver Sickles, fruit candies, and other small treasures.
Phineas casually opened a few colorful wizard crackers, discovering miniature animals and a variety of paper hats inside. Though the atmosphere was lively, he found little amusement in it.
His thoughts kept drifting back to Puff and the others and whether they had completed their mission. He was eager to venture into the Forbidden Forest and seek out Hufflepuff's treasure.
Sometimes he wondered if he'd been led astray by the twins. He had developed a taste for danger, for adventure, and found the mundane peace of everyday life dull in comparison.
Restless, Phineas recalled something interesting hidden within Hogwarts Castle—something he might explore tonight to lift his spirits.
Even during the Christmas holiday, Argus Filch remained vigilant, patrolling the castle to prevent students from sneaking about or breaking school rules.
Using the Marauder's Map, Phineas deftly avoided Filch's patrols and made his way to the fifth floor.
He wasn't entirely sure where Dumbledore had hidden the Mirror of Erised, but he remembered the description from the original timeline. Harry had first gone to the library, been caught by Filch, and stumbled upon the mirror while fleeing.
So Phineas used the library as his starting point.
According to what he remembered, the mirror had been placed beside a suit of armor—and there was only one such location on the fifth floor: near a vacant classroom at the far end of the corridor to the right of the library.
The Marauder's Map also revealed a tunnel that would shorten the journey. But this was one of the tunnels Filch was aware of—so neither the twins, Jordan, nor Phineas ever used it.
Sure enough, in the unused classroom beyond the armor, Phineas found the Mirror of Erised.
The room was abandoned. Tables and chairs were stacked haphazardly against the walls, casting strange shadows in the dim light.
The Mirror stood in the center of the room, deliberately placed where it would be easily discovered. If Harry had been in the castle tonight, Dumbledore, Snape, or even Filch would likely have guided him to this very room.
The Mirror of Erised was magnificent—tall, grand, with a golden frame reaching the ceiling and claw-shaped feet at its base. At the top, an inscription read:
"Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi."
Yes, this was the legendary Mirror of Erised—the enchanted mirror that revealed a person's deepest desire.
Its origins were unknown, as was how it came to Hogwarts. In the thousand-year history of the school, many eccentric professors had brought peculiar objects back to the castle. The mirror might have arrived through one such means.
Though intriguing in appearance and function, no one knew its true purpose. Was it benign? Dangerous? Beneficial? No scholar in the magical world studied such ancient relics anymore. The mirror had spent centuries gathering dust in the Room of Requirement.
Phineas believed the mirror wasn't as simple as it seemed. Even a wizard as powerful as Dumbledore couldn't have casually transformed a common object into something like what was described in the original timeline—an artifact that could only be accessed by someone of pure heart. That sort of enchantment wasn't easy to replicate.
Creating a new magical item might be possible. But altering an ancient, legendary artifact? That was a much more difficult feat. Not even his mentor, Nicolas Flamel, had ever achieved anything of the sort.
So perhaps the mirror's ability to hide things was innate.
Phineas also suspected the mirror could glimpse into the heart. How else could it reveal the truest desire of one's soul?
He stepped forward, eager to see what he truly longed for.
In the reflection, figures slowly appeared behind him—men and women alike.
Though he knew it was the mirror's illusion, Phineas instinctively turned around. No one was there. He was alone. The mirror's images were no more than echoes.
He turned back, stepping closer and closer until his nose nearly touched his reflection.
He raised a hand, reaching for the people in the mirror. His fingers met only cold glass.
He sighed. It was all in the past.
He hadn't realized he was crying.
So this... this was what he longed for most. It had been within reach once. Now it was impossibly far away.
Looking at the familiar faces, Phineas forgot about the Founders' legacy, the Elder Council, magical theory, divine clues, and the politics of pure-blood society.
His heart still stirred with unease, but in this moment, there was peace.
He gazed at the man and woman who had meant everything to him—at the girl with striking beauty, at the plump young woman with a serene expression, and the tall, handsome boys—some frail, others roguish but all smiling.
These were the people who had once stood beside him. Now they were unreachable. His greatest desire… was the past.
He sat on the floor, staring into the mirror.
He knew it was only an illusion conjured by ancient magic, but he couldn't look away. He needed to see them again.
"I don't know what you saw," came a voice behind him, calm and gentle, "but I think you know what it means, Mr. Black."
Phineas sighed and turned.
"Yes, sir. I know exactly what this is—the Mirror of Erised."
Dumbledore came forward and sat beside him.
"So, Phineas… what did you see? What could move someone like you to tears?"
Phineas didn't answer. He sat in silence.
Dumbledore didn't press him. He simply sat there too.
"Professor, you don't need to worry. I know what this mirror does. It shows us our deepest desires—but it doesn't give us knowledge, nor make us better. It only shows what we want to see. Some people waste away in front of it, obsessed or even driven mad. But I… I know the difference between illusion and reality."
Dumbledore studied him carefully.
"But Phineas, all I see in your eyes is longing. You've thought about taking it from me, haven't you?"
Phineas nodded.
"I have. But it's not obsession, Professor—just reluctance. I was curious about what I desired most. And now that I know, I understand—it's something I once had and lost. So I know it's an illusion."
"I stayed only to spend a few more moments with my memories. And the reason I asked you for this mirror... it's because it's the only thing that lets me see them again."
Dumbledore looked puzzled but didn't press further. Everyone, even he, carried desires that mingled hope, ambition, and weakness. He had never dared reveal what the mirror showed him, and he wouldn't force Phineas to do so.
"So tell me, how did you know the mirror was here?"
Phineas hesitated, then said,
"Professor, you know the kind of talent my ancestors possessed."
Dumbledore looked at him thoughtfully.
"Although he wasn't as gifted as Cassandra, one of my ancestors was a famed Seer. The Black family carries the bloodline of prophecy."
Dumbledore narrowed his gaze.
"Have you opened your Third Eye?"
Phineas shook his head.
"I'm not sure. I've seen glimpses in dreams—fragments of images and words. That's all."
Dumbledore, who had long respected prophecy and fate, said nothing for a while. He had heard the prophecy about Harry himself—and knew all too well how such things could shape lives.
He stood and sighed.
"It's a shame Harry didn't see this mirror."
Phineas smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't realize you intended to test him this holiday. Had I known, I might not have let him spend it with Sirius."
Dumbledore shook his head.
"I couldn't stop him from spending Christmas with his godfather. What's missed is missed. I'll find another opportunity once term begins. And I must remember to put the mirror away tomorrow. Phineas, don't go looking for it again. I want to be sure you truly understand the difference between reality and illusion. It's dangerous to lose yourself in fantasy."
Phineas stood, offering a soft smile.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'm going to rest now."
Dumbledore nodded.
Phineas took one last glance at the mirror—at the images of those he had loved and lost.
He made a silent vow.
I don't know if I'll ever return to you... but if I get the chance, I'll do everything I can. Even if it means standing against the world.
At that very moment, his long-silent system awakened once again.
~ Congratulations, host, for having the courage to move forward. Conditions met to become the strongest wizard. All system permissions unlocked.
This system will now support the host in becoming the most powerful wizard in the world, offering tasks, rewards, and magical support.
All permissions unlocked: the Library System and Echo System are now deactivated. Talent System enabled. Magic Book System upgraded. Spell Experience System activated.
From now on, the host can learn new spells simply by observing and understanding the casting principles. Spell proficiency will increase through experience. When a spell reaches its maximum level, the host will gain insight into its deeper nature and can create new spells under the Spell Consent system.