"Have you guys heard of the 'Mirror of Erised'?"
Neville spoke up excitedly, "When I was little and listening to my gran tell stories, she mentioned it. It's an extraordinary mirror. When people stand in front of it, they can see the thing their heart desires most."
"Whether you've experienced it or seen it before, it can fulfill your wish."
As soon as these words came out, Harley instantly perked up.
"Of course! That sounds way too awesome!"
"What do you guys think I'll see in the mirror?!"
Dragging the two of them by the hand, Harley quick-stepped into the classroom, skipping excitedly. Right next to the messy pile of desks and chairs in the empty room, a massive, ornate mirror rested quietly against the wall.
"I found it by accident, too. I was on my way to the library when I saw Quirrell muttering to himself again. I wanted to eavesdrop, but he was very alert, so I hid in here."
Neville explained in a whisper, then added, "Before you look, I need to tell you something. Everything the Mirror of Erised shows you is fake. Gran's stories said that many wizards became obsessed with the illusions seen in the mirror, and eventually, they wasted away, confusing fantasy with reality."
"You have to remember this. I almost forgot it earlier."
"But clearly, you remember it quite well now, Neville."
Lynn nodded to Neville; a Neville with a good memory was indeed very reassuring.
"I know, I know~"
Harley didn't find Neville naggy. After giving her assurance, she walked up to the mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"It's Mom!"
Harley pointed at the mirror and turned her head to shout to Lynn, "It's the same Mom I saw before, but... she doesn't seem as young anymore. It's like she... grew up alongside the me in the mirror."
Harley stepped closer, gazing at the figure in the mirror that only she could see, falling slightly silent.
"I'm doing well now, Mom... Lynn helped me. Although I wasn't used to it at first, I think this is pretty good, too. Because everyone likes you, Mom, they treat me very well..."
"The professors and classmates at school are great. I even joined the Quidditch team. Did you like it too, Mom? Is that why you and Dad got together?"
Harley whispered quiet words to the person in the mirror. Lynn and Neville stepped back a bit, choosing not to eavesdrop on her private murmurs with her family.
About half an hour passed before Harley returned, satisfied, with a trace of a sweet smile on her lips. She missed her mom, but with Hagrid's photos and Snape's memories of the past filling in the gaps of her unfamiliarity with her mother, she didn't get lost in the mirror unable to pull herself out.
"I had such a happy chat with Mom. She definitely thinks I'm very happy right now, too. Thank you, Neville. Thanks for bringing me here."
"No... no need to thank me." Neville smiled sheepishly, looking a bit embarrassed.
"What do you think Lynn will see in the mirror?" Harley, who had run over to sit beside Neville, asked with great interest. "I bet Lynn will definitely see a huge group of super sexy beauties."
"Am I that lecherous?"
Lynn shot a glance at Harley. "If my reputation gets ruined, you're the first person I'm coming after, Harley."
"But I am curious what exactly this mirror will show me."
Striding up to the Mirror of Erised, Lynn suddenly froze.
He looked at the mirror in disbelief and rubbed his eyes vigorously.
"No way... How could my deepest desire be this..."
The corner of Lynn's mouth twitched slightly. "Giving me hundreds of peerless, world-stunning beauties to start a harem would be better than this!"
"I love peace, I love helping people. If I meet a stray cat on the street, I'll squat down and feed it dried fish, and the kitty will gratefully perform a 1080-degree backflip for me. How could a good person like me possibly desire this kind of—"
Suddenly, Lynn shut up. Just as he was muttering in denial, his reflection in the mirror performed a fancy trick, instantly hooking his gaze.
"I admit I was being a bit stubborn before... How could wands be such inconvenient things."
Lynn pursed his lips, reached out, and patted his face, giving himself a light slap.
"Harley!"
Lynn turned and shouted to Harley, "Lend me some money, but I don't know when I'll pay you back."
"Isn't the wallet with you?"
"It might not be enough."
"Oh, how much do you need? When the holidays start, let's go to Diagon Alley to get it."
"I need some gold. Let's start with a chest-full. Later, when I'm a big shot, I'll do a 'zero-dollar purchase' at a bank vault to pay you back."
"Uh..." Harley was stunned, then quickly waved her hands. "That's really not necessary. Just consider it a gift. You don't have to pay it back, and you definitely don't need to go to the bank... that's illegal."
"But... what do you need the gold for?"
"I'm going to build a career!"
A fiery glint flashed in Lynn's eyes.
"Dora-B-mon Future Technology Co., Ltd. is established today!"
"I finally understand now. I don't actually desire boobs. I've found the greatest dream hidden in the depths of my heart!"
"So what is it, exactly?!"
Harley was completely baffled by this confusing speech. "Acting all mysterious... what is it that you can't say?"
"You'll know when I achieve it."
Lynn, acting like a riddler, just waved his hand. "This path may be full of unknown risks. I don't plan on dragging you guys into it for now."
"Anyway—Little Miss Moneybags, you just be responsible for dropping the gold coins. This research costs a lot of money."
"Oh..."
Harley pursed her lips, a little unhappy. "Then after you succeed, you have to tell me first."
"I will, I will."
Lynn nodded, then walked toward the door. "I'm going to find Fred and George first. I have some things to discuss with them. I'll head out now."
Just as he stepped out the door, Lynn's figure vanished directly into the corridor.
The twins, who were currently in the common room studying a piece of parchment, were suddenly patted on the shoulder by Lynn. "Let's go, let's chat outside."
"Got a brilliant idea to share with us?"
Fred understood instantly and stood up, putting away the parchment without a second word.
"I bet it's the kind of idea that makes big money, right!"
George also stood up, laughing. The three of them quickly walked out of the common room and arrived at the corridor on the eighth floor.
Lynn led them familiarly to the Room of Requirement. This was the best secret base at Hogwarts.
"There's a secret room here?!"
The twins were slightly surprised. "We thought we already knew Hogwarts deeply enough."
"The Room of Requirement. The way to enter is to think of what you need and walk back and forth here three times. Alright, let's go in. I have a big business deal we can scheme over together."
"A big money-making deal?"
The twins instantly perked up.
"Of course. I'm going to be pretty short on money later, so I have to start planning."
Continuously farming gold coins from Little Miss Moneybags was unethical; it was fine for emergencies, but assuming he wasn't considering looting bank vaults for spending money for the time being, Fred and George were the best choice. Lynn didn't consider himself to have much business sense, but surely he knew how to copy ideas?
This is called standing on the shoulders of giants to see the world.
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