Later that same evening, after everyone else had finally gone home, the Gryffindor common room was deathly quiet in the night. It had already been such an eventful day celebrating Christmas/Hearths Warming and every creature was sleeping soundly. All except for young Harry Potter, who once again sat by the window, looking out into the snowy night. All day long he thought about what Hermione said earlier about finding information on Nicholas Flamel in the Restricted Section of the library. Surely if there was any place in the entire castle that could hold unknown information at all, that section would be it.
The only problem was gaining access to the restricted section. During the day, it was under lock and key and no student was allowed out of bed at night. However, if he were to use his new invisibility cloak, he would easily be able to sneak into that part of the library. Then again, he ‘did’ promise Professor Twilight he wouldn’t do anything foolish like that. He bounced his decisions back and forth in his head for a few moments before finally coming to a decision.
“Sorry Professor Twilight,” He whispered to himself. “This is much too important.”
Getting up to his feet, Harry grabbed his invisibility cloak from the trunk just at the foot of his bed. He quietly crept out of the dormitory so as not to wake anyone and blow his cover. He snuck downstairs into the empty common room… only to find the Student Six standing there and waiting for him.
“It’s about time you showed up,” Smolder chuckled.
“We were starting to think you’d chicken out on us,” Gallus added.
Harry looked back and forth between all of them with a dumbfounded expression.
“But you were… how did… I don’t…”
“Come on Harry,” Sandbar grinned. “You really don’t think any of us saw you eyeballing that cloak of yours all day today?”
“We also heard Headmare Twilight asking you not to use it to sneak into the Restricted section,” Ocellus spoke.
Harry looked down at the cloak under his arm, then back toward his friends.
“We need to find information on Nicholas Flamel. That part of the library may be the only place to find it.”
“We know,” Yona smiled. “That why we help you get in.”
Hearing this, Harry cocked his head to the side raising a curious eyebrow.
“What?” He asked.
“Yeah, we’re coming with you,” Silverstream said determined.
“We’d like to know what’s going on here just as much as you do,” Smolder grinned.
Harry once again looked between them and his invisibility cloak.
“But how do you all plan to come along without being seen?” He asked seriously. “I really don’t think this cloak can cover all of us.”
All the young students looked at the clock, then at themselves while sharing the same puzzled expression.
“You know he does have a point,” Sandbar nodded.
“Some of us ‘could’ fit, but that still leaves some of us out,” Gallus added. “Don’t take this the wrong way Yona, but you’re just too big to fit under there.”
The young Yak looked slightly offended by that statement and was about to retort. But then she looked at the cloak again and noticed he was right. She sighed with a slight nod.
“Point taken,” She sighed.
“So how do we follow Harry?” Ocellus asked.
“What do we ‘ave ‘ere now?”
Everyone jumped slightly as none other than Peeves floated through the wall and Discord popped out of nowhere.
“Looks like the naughty little first years are up to no good again,” Peeves said mischievously. “What do you think of that Discord?”
Discord stood high and mighty like the professor he claimed to be… but never really. Nevertheless, he smiled brightly.
“Well done everyone,” He congratulated them. “You’re finally starting to take after old uncle Discord here. Breaking the rules, causing chaos for the school, I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud!”
The students and Harry all looked at each other, clearly confused. They turned back toward the Draconequus, who dramatically cried tears of joy and blew his nose comically.
“So… you’re not going to get us in trouble?” Harry asked.
Discord flew down and wrapped his lion paw around the boy’s shoulders.
“Why of course not my dear sweet boy,” Discord assured. “As a matter of fact, I believe old Peeves and I can help you out.”
“How?”
“Well you see, I happen to know the corridors are just crawling with prefects at this hour. So I figured Peeves and I could spread a ‘little’ bit of chaos, just enough to draw them from their posts. Thereby allowing you to sneak into the library… all of you.”
“Huh?” The kids spoke, raising their brows.
<>
The Mane Six and Spike rummaged around the entire library, pulling out all the books they could and bringing them back to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship sat at a desk, her horn lit as she quickly read through the contents of the books. They’d been at this for hours and still no information or anything on Nicholas Flamel. After so long, every pony was getting more than a little tired. Even Spike felt the effects, as he tiredly flew more books toward her.
“Twilight, can we please stop now?” Spike begged.
“We’ve been stuck in this library for four hours already,” Rainbow groaned. “That’s three hours and fifty-five minutes longer than I’ve ever spent in a library.”
As Spike’s tiny wings flapped as best they could, carrying one stack of books after another, the fatigue finally got the best of him. He and the books fell to the ground, the dragon fast asleep, snoring away on a tiny bed of book accumulated on the floor. Rarity rubbed her eyes tiredly as she used her magic to conjure a blanket and put it over the sleeping dragon.
“Really now Twilight, surely we can call it a night,” Rarity yawned.
“Ain’t like these here books are goin’ nowhere,” Applejack pointed out. “Let’s all just hit the hay and get back at ‘er tomorrow.”
Twilight looked from the books toward all her friends. There was definitely heavy fatigue underneath her eyes, yet at the same time… a burning desire.
“We can’t quit now guys,” She spoke. “Whatever these dark forces are planning, I know it has something to do with Nicholas Flamel. I for one am not going to rest until I find it.”
Before any pony had the opportunity to retort, the pitter-patter of footsteps made them all quickly snap their heads in the direction of the source.
“Girls…” Fluttershy whispered frightened. “Some pony else is in here…”
Twilight squinted her eyes in the darkness, before standing up from the table.
“Every pony follow me,” Twilight whispered. “Stay close.”
Using her magic to lift the still-slumbering Spike onto her back, Twilight walked quietly toward the source of the sound while the others followed close behind. Twilight and Rarity both lit their horns just in case, while Applejack pulled out her lasso. Fluttershy hid her face in her mane in terror, while Rainbow Dash prepped herself for a fight and Pinkie Pie… pulled out a balloon sword… because…
<>
Meanwhile, under the cover of the dark, a lantern and hand appeared… but nothing else. The strangest thing was the fact that as quiet as it moved, it wasn’t two feet carefully crossing the floor… it sounded like a multitude. The student six silently strolled through the dark library, somehow finding their way inside, and opened the gate leading to the Restricted Section.
“Famous fire eaters… 15th Century Fiends…” A voice whispered. “Nicholas Flamel… Nicholas Flamel… where are you?”
“Okay Harry…” Ocellus whispered. “I think the coast is clear.”
The cloak is removed revealing Harry Potter, who puts the cloak on a desk, sat the lit lantern on top of it, and searched the bookshelves. The Student Six gather beside Harry, breathing a sigh of relief.
“Son of Discord…” Smolder moaned. “That crazy draconequus’s plan actually worked!”
“Let’s just find Flamel’s book and get out of here,” Gallus suggested.
Everyone nodded their heads as they aided Harry with finding the book. During the search, Harry comes upon a book and opened it. The students took a peek… only to find a man’s face appeared from between the pages, screaming madly and loudly. The students forced themselves not to scream as they stepped back, as Harry immediately slammed the book shut. As he puts the book back, the students back away toward a corner… only to stop when they heard noises coming their way.
The kids turned nervously toward Gallus, who slowly lifts a talon over his lips and signaled them to be quiet. He slowly took the lead toward the corner, waiting until the sound came closer and closer. Taking a deep breath, as the sounds were right next to them, Gallus jumped out ready to attack… only to come face-to-face with Twilight, her friends, and a slumbering Spike. The students and their teachers jumped back with a yell, so much it work the sleeping dragon.
“Huh? Wha—what happened?” Spike asked dazily.
“Gallus/Professor Twilight!!” Gallus and Twilight whisper yelled, in unison. “What are you all doing here?!”
“Do you have any idea what time it is?” Twilight questioned.
“’Figuratively’? Or ‘literally’?” Gallus asked, with a hint of sarcasm.
“How in Equestria did you even get in here anyway?” Rarity questioned. “And past all the Prefects?”
“Um… would you believe us if we said that we had… ‘a little help from our friends’?” Silverstream asked nervously.
“… Discord?” Fluttershy asked, straight-forward.
“And… surprisingly Peeves,” Sandbar added.
“I’d asked you kids what those two did to get you in here,” Pinkie whispered. “But somehow a certain ‘Doctor’ will probably have a scenario planned in the comment box.”
The students and the teachers turned toward Pinkie Pie, even Harry seemed confused as he silently looked on. But Applejack shook her head and turned back toward the kids.
“Y’all should be in bed!” Applejack scolded softly. “We’ve got to get y’all out of here. If any pony sees yah out here at this hour—”
“Who’s there?!”
Harry, the Mane Six and the Student Six (And Spike), whipped around and their eyes went wide with horror.
“Oh no! It’s that creepy Filch guy!” Pinkie whispered, panicking.
“Filch catch us, big trouble!” Yona added.
“Let’s get out of here!” Twilight spoke.
They quickly made to leave as Harry quickly grabbed his cloak. But in his haste, he caused the lamp to slip off and shatter against the floor. They tried to leave but then a bright light, a shadow cast beneath it, moved toward them.
“I know you’re in there… you can’t hide!”
Harry quickly wrapped his cloak around him, as the Student Six looked around frantically.
“What do we do? What’ll we do?” Silverstream asked. “What are we going to do?!”
“Quick every pony, gather around me!” Twilight ushered.
They quickly gather around the Princess of Princess, staying as close as possible. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Twilight Sparkle heavily concentrated as her horn started to glow and then…
*POP!*
Every pony and every creature vanished in a flash.
“No… pony… speak!” Twilight whispered.
Silently, the whole group creep close together as Filch himself appeared from around another corner. His eyes looking fiercely, a permanent scowl on his face.
“Who is it? Show yourself!”
The whole team slowly tiptoed around as Filch slowly crossed down the aisle, heavily breathing as he searched the restricted section for intruders. Through Twilight’s magic spell, she is able to see Harry Potter through the cloak as the boy nervously kept his breathing to a minimum. Then, as soon as Filch turned another corner and he was far enough from hearing range, they quickly race from the room breathing heavily. The invisible ponies and their friends follow Harry as they exit into the hall.
“Oh my gosh… oh my gosh… Oh my gosh…” Pinkie panted, hyperventilating.
“Well that could’ve been worse,” Spike sighed.
“Meow!”
All eyes widen as they slowly turned toward the side. There, standing by the doorway, Mrs. Norris eyed the group as if she could somehow sense them. She waved a paw in the air, specifically around Silverstream and Gallus.
“G-G-G-Gallus…” Silverstream whimpered.
“Go on! Go away!” Gallus whispered harshly. “Scat! Scat! Shoo! Shoo!”
“Oh please don’t hurt the kitty!” Fluttershy whimpered.
“Hurt the kitty?!” Gallus whispered-yelled. “What about us?”
“Let’s just back away…” Twilight whispered. “Slowly…”
They slowly step away from Mrs. Norris, who begins to follow them while meowing. They start running away from the cat, turning around a corner… just as Snape and Quirrell appeared. Snape had Quirrell pressed into a wall causing the group to stop.
“Severus…” Quirrell whimpered, stuttering. “I-I thought…”
“You don’t want me as your enemy, Quirrell,” Snape warned.
“W-What do you m-mean?”
“You know perfectly well what I mean.”
The group tried to edge their way around the two professors. But just then, Snape quickly turned around… as if he sensed something. Harry put a hand over his mouth, stopping himself from breathing, as the rest tried to steady themselves while holding their breath. Snape slowly reached one hand into the air and aimed to grab something… but he doesn’t. After staring off seemingly into space for a few seconds, he whipped his finger back in front of a nervous Quirrell’s face.
“We’ll have another chat soon… when you’ve had time to decide where your loyalties lie.”
Just then, Mr. Filch arrived, carrying the broken lantern.
“Oh, Professors. I found this, in the Restricted Section. It’s still hot. That means there’s a student out of bed.”
Upon hearing this, Snape and Quirrell quickly dart off to investigate. A few seconds later, a door opens… then closes. On the other side, there is a vast, empty room with only a large mirror in the center. Harry soon appeared, after unwrapping the cloak around him, and the Equestrians popped back into view, as Twilight shook the dizziness.
“Ooh…” Twilight Sparkle moaned. “Even for an Alicorn, that spell takes a lot out of you. How does Starlight Glimmer do it?”
“If Professor Snape wasn’t creepy before, now somehow Quirrell’s involved in all this?” Smolder replied. “What could those two possibly be up to?”
“Never mind about the Professors…” Twilight brushed off, turning toward the kids. “What were you all doing in the Restricted Section? Especially you Harry?”
“I-I-I’m sorry Professor Twilight,” Harry apologized. “I was only just—”
“We were trying to help Harry find the book about Nicholas Flamel,” Ocellus spoke up.
“Yeah… we figured if that was the only place in the library we didn’t look, we thought we’d ‘borrow’ it till we found what we needed,” Sandbar added.
“Huh! What a coincidence,” Spike replied. “That’s exactly why Twilight had us gathered in the library, but we couldn’t find anything.”
“Unbelievable!” Twilight sighed. “Harry, you promised me that you would not try to sneak into the library, and you did it anyway! And what’s worse? You put our own students at risk!”
Harry Potter turned slightly away, not wanting to meet Twilight in the eye.
“Um Twilight… excuse me, quick question,” Pinkie spoke up. “Did you by any chance make Harry give out the ‘Pinkie Promise’?”
“… No?” Twilight shook her head.
“Oh! Well, there you go! Because if he did, then I would have a good reason to be upset. And you know how I am when some pony breaks a Pinkie Promise.”
“No… I wonder what does happen,” Rainbow replied sarcastically.
“Look the point is: You kids did break a very important rule,” Twilight pointed out. “If it were up to me, I would tell Professor Dumbledore because it is part of the job. Not that it mattered… Dumbledore already told me the book wasn’t even available, yet I dragged my friends in regardless.”
“… What?” Gallus asked.
“I asked Professor Dumbledore about the book and if the library would have anything about it, but he told us no. On one hoof, he probably meant such a book was not available to any of the staff and students. But then again, it could’ve meant even if the school ‘did’ have any information about Nicholas Flamel the book wasn’t even on stock.”
“You mean to tell us that we went searching in the restricted section… for nothing?” Silverstream asked, her face dropped.
“I guess so… this whole trip in the library was all for nothing at this point. But once they spot you kids out of bed and they find us… they’re going to start asking questions… probably ask ‘why’… and then I’m going to have to say that you kids… and Harry and… Harry?”
Twilight Sparkle turned toward the side, the others following suit, as Harry Potter was not even listening to Twilight or the others. But instead, his eyes caught sight of the mirror in the room and slowly he walked toward it. The others cautiously follow behind Harry as his gaze looked up toward some words edged at the top. As the group circled around the mirror, Twilight Sparkle tilted her head trying to see the words… but she couldn’t make heads or tails of it.
“What strange words...” Twilight spoke.
“What does it say on the mirror, Professor?” Ocellus asked.
“I’m not sure. I think it might be some form of ‘Latin’ as the humans call it. Certainly, not any ponish I’ve ever heard of. Any pony got a paper and quill?”
A paper and quill is held out before Twilight, as she turned to the side. Pinkie held out a parchment and quill in one hoof with a wide smile. Without questioning the method, she took the items from her friend’s hoof and started to write down the words to memorize it. As Twilight went to work, Harry’s eyes focused on the mirror… and strangely he saw some tall, faint figures beside his reflection. As he drew himself closer and closer to his reflection, two humans appeared beside him…
One was a tall, thin man with hazel eyes and untidy black hair that stuck up at the back. A slightly longer nose along his thin face and glasses just like Harry’s. The other was a beautiful woman with thick, dark red hair that fell to her shoulders, and almond-shaped, bright green eyes. And there they stood, smiling as they looked upon the boy. When he turned around, he could see his friends… and their professors… even Spike… but they weren’t in the room. The rest looked on as Harry stared back at his reflection, sure enough seeing that the two adults were there. And somehow… somehow Harry sensed a wave of ‘familiarity’ in the air.
“Mum?” Harry asked.
The woman smiled and nodded.
“Dad?”
The man did the same, smiling and nodding. Confused the kids looked around the room, especially where Harry stood, but there was no one there. Even the Mane Six looked puzzled, as Spike shrugged his shoulders. But there was no mistake in Harry’s eyes: There they were, Lily and James Potter, just as Hagrid had told him about… and they were right there somehow. It had to be them, Harry resembled his father greatly (Apart from a few features) and his mother… she shared the same distinctive eyes as him. There was no mistake about it… there couldn’t be.
Slowly, Harry reached out to touch them… only to touch the mirror instead. The group looked on in pity, feeling sorry for a boy who seemed so close to seeing the ‘family’ he claimed to see… yet for one reason or another he seemed out of reach. In the reflection, the mother seemed to glance at Harry just as sympathetically, as she gently placed her hand upon his shoulder. He placed his own hand over his own shoulder, trying to feel her there… yet he couldn’t.
And yet, Harry could still feel a sense of joy welling up within him. And he smiled upon his own reflection and Lily smiled back toward him.
“Harry…” Applejack spoke. “Can yah really see ‘im? Can yah really see… yer parents?”
Harry paused for a moment, then suddenly he had an idea.
“Wait here!”
Harry raced off and grabbed for his cloak, as the others turned and watched.
“Harry, wait!” Rarity called out.
But it was too late. Harry had already wrapped himself into his cloak, his body completely vanished, and the door opened and closed as a patter of feet rushed off into the night. The steps vanished as the ponies and the kids were left with the mirror.
“What in Celestia’s name is going on around here?” Rarity asked.
“I’ve been asking the same thing since we got here,” Gallus folded his arms.
“So… does this mean we’re not in trouble anymore?” Smolder asked sheepishly.
The ponies and Spike turned toward Smolder, giving the dragon a slight frown. Smolder moped as her shoulders slumped down.
“I’ll be quiet…”
<>
Back in the boy’s dormitory, within Gryffindor tower, the invisible Harry whipped toward Ron’s bed.
“Ron! You’ve really got to see this! Ron! You’ve got to see this!”
The covers are pulled back, stirring Ron awake. Harry removed the cloak as Ron forced his eyes open.
“Ron, Ron, come on,” Harry urged. “Get out of bed!”
“Why?” Ron asked tiredly.
“There’s something you’ve got to see. Now, come on!”
<>
Back in the no-longer empty room, as the Mane Six, Student Six, and Spike sat around the mirror, Harry and Ron appeared as if magically. The former raced toward the mirror dragging Ron with him.
“Come on. Come. Come look, it’s my parents!”
“Don’t ask us,” Rainbow spoke up. “But apparently, Harry’s parents are in the mirror.”
The two boys stared directly into the mirror, yet Ron is still confused.
“I only see me,” Ron said.
“What?” Gallus asked, waving a talon over the reflection. “Is this thing broken?”
“Look in properly,” Harry instructed, moving over. “Go on. Stand there.”
Ron does just that as he positioned himself so he could see Harry’s ‘parents’ clearly. The others watched carefully as Ron starts to see something come into view. Harry started to nod his head in satisfaction.
“There. You see them, don’t you—”
“That’s me!” Ron gaped.
“What?!” The Mane Six asked.
“Huh?!” The students questioned.
“What you talking about?” Spike raised an eyebrow.
“It is me!” Ron insisted. “Only, I’m head boy… and I’m holding the Quidditch cup! And bloody hell, I’m Quidditch Captain too! I look good…”
“Move over boy,” Gallus stepped up, pushing Ron aside. “Let me see that mirror.”
Deciding to test the magical mirror himself, Gallus positioned himself till his reflection is in full view… but then he noticed something changed. In his reflection, Gallus is all suited up in Royal Canterlot armor. And upon his breastplate lies a band with several medals stitched up, as if he had obtained some honors. And all around the reflection, all the friends and creatures Gallus ever knew… past and present… even Grandpa Gruff… they were all standing around him, applauding for him, mouthing cheers silently. And right beside Gallus, clutching around the smiling Griffin’s arm, Silverstream leaned her head beside him.
Gallus stared in awe at his reflection, then turned to the side… only to see Silverstream was a mere six feet from his position. He turned back toward his reflection, as the armored Gallus tipped his head with a smile.
“No way…” Gallus spoke. “They’re all here… everyone’s here… and I look… wow!”
“What do you see Gallus?” Twilight asked.
“I see me… captain of the Canterlot guard… the first Griffin to hold the rank. Even Grandpa Gruff… I’ve never seen him this happy in… ‘ever’.”
Curious, Twilight Sparkle silently stands beside Gallus as his reflection slowly starts to vanish. The griffin turned back toward Twilight, who silently gestured him to move with a smile. Understanding, Gallus stepped over as Silverstream approach him and the griffin leaned his head against her shoulder. After watching the pair unite, Twilight Sparkle turned back toward her reflection… and her face softened.
There, in her reflection, Twilight Sparkle could see herself… only not the same as before. Instead she stood regal and tall, the same height as Princess Celestia, and her mane waved just the same as her teacher. Much like Gallus, all of her friends and family were gathered around beside her, but it was more than that. All creatures, from all forms of life, were gathered around her. Changelings, Dragons, Griffins, Hippogriffs, Yaks… even creatures and people they’ve met before… and some they haven’t even met yet. There was just something about this one reflection that made Twilight feel… warm.
“It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of…” Twilight spoke softly. “Friendship and harmony… bringing a thousand years of peace amongst all races. No fighting… no drama… no fears… it’s perfect.”
Everyone stared in awe as Twilight explained her vision from the mirror. As they observed, those who looked in the mirror were each given a different vision. And yet whatever they saw, somehow it made them… happy.
“Harry,” Ron spoke up. “Do you think this mirror shows the future?”
“How can it?” Harry asked. “Both my parents are dead.”
Applejack nodded sadly, sharing the same sentiment as Harry especially the mention of dead parents.
“Magic man…” Sandbar nodded. “I’ll never understand it sometimes.”
“Let me have a turn at the mirror!” Rainbow volunteered.
“No way! I want a turn!” Smolder jumped in.
“No! Me! Pick me!” Pinkie hopped up and down.
Soon the ponies and every creature was speaking up at once wanting a turn at the mirror. Rarity quickly hushed them down, checking the door to make sure no one heard them.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, please…” Rarity whispered. “Now every pony line up in single file, then every pony will get a turn.”
Without any further argument, all the students and the professors started to line up before the mirror to get their own look at their reflection. As Harry watched them put the mirror to use, each getting their own vision at a glance, thoughts of Harry’s parents played in his head. Was it all true that this mirror could see Harry’s future? Yet if so… what magic could be so strong that his parents would be there with him? Regardless of the answer, Harry could only sadly smile… the longing for his parents growing stronger and stronger with each second.
<>
The next day, within the great hall, most of the students, particularly the Weasleys, are eating. Fortunately for Gallus and his friends, no word of that evening’s activities involving the library or their discovery of the mirror in that one part of the castle. Ultimately, Twilight and her friends decided not to mention a single word of this to any pony or any creature. In the end, Twilight decided not to say anything at all so this way neither the students nor the teachers will get in trouble. And yet as the students soon realized, not ‘everyone’ was present… aside from those on holiday leave.
“Do you like yours, Ron?” George asked his brother. “Ron?”
But Ron wasn’t paying attention to George. Instead, his eyes were focused on Harry sitting by himself in front of the fireplace. He had been staring at the fireplace so quietly for what felt like minutes… if not hours. Even the Student Six looked on anxiously seeing their friend so… distant, as if his mind were elsewhere.
“I’ll be right back,” Ron finally spoke.
Ron left the table and approached Harry, with the other students following close behind. They sit beside Harry, who hardly seemed to acknowledge they were even there.
“Want to play chess?” Ron offered.
“No…” Harry spoke.
“Why don’t we go and visit Hagrid?” Sandbar suggested.
“No…”
“Um… maybe we can go exploring the library,” Ocellus suggested. “Surely the book has returned by now…”
“No…”
It was no use for any of the students. No matter what they offered or suggested, Harry Potter refused every activity. They had never seen Harry act this way in a while and frantically they were getting worried for him. One thing was on Ron’s mind over Harry’s change in behavior, a feeling the whole group shared just the same.
“Harry, we know what you’re thinking, but don’t,” Ron advised.
“Ron’s right, Harry,” Smolder agreed. “There’s something not right about that mirror. Let’s just leave well enough alone, okay?”
“Whatever you’re thinking right now, don’t do it,” Gallus advised.
Harry nodded his head, as Ron and the others returned to the table. Yet Harry sat there, his eyes remaining fixated upon the fireplace. But his activities did not go unnoticed. From the teacher’s table, Professor Twilight Sparkle watched Harry Potter curiously. She could tell something is on the boy’s mind and noticed how distant he’s been toward his friends. She had a slight hunch as to what was going on and something needed to be done.
<>
Despite Ron’s warning that the mirror could be cursed or something, not to mention the others’ doubt, that’s just what Harry did. As a matter of fact, when Twilight Sparkle appeared in that same room, she found the boy back in that room at night sitting in front of the mirror. She also noticed he was not alone. All the other students sat close by, probably wanted to make sure he was okay. Seeing their teacher in the same room, they stare eye-to-eye toward Twilight and silently nodded their head, which she gestured in return.
With all seven in the same room, the second could only watch as Harry looked into the mirror. A sigh escaped Twilight’s lips, knowing exactly what Harry was staring at.
“Okay Harry, you looked in the mirror,” Twilight spoke, breaking the silence. “We should probably go now…”
“Headmare Twilight’s right,” Ocellus nodded. “We’re already breaking curfew as it is. We can’t just stick around…”
“Let me just have a few more… minutes…” Harry spoke dazedly.
The other creatures looked on in concern, Twilight Sparkle bit her lip nervously. All of a sudden…
“I see you’re all back again.”
The others jumped in surprise and quickly turned around. And there, standing before them, were Dumbledore, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting nearby.
“P-Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” Twilight gasped, wide-eyed. “I-I didn’t know you were here.”
“Strange how nearsighted being invisible can make you,” Princess Celestia giggled.
Harry, Twilight, and the Student Six sighed with relief upon seeing the smiles on the princesses and Dumbledore’s faces. The old headmaster and the two royal alicorns joined Harry in looking at the mirror.
“I see that you, like so many before you, have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised,” Dumbledore observed.
“Oh… so that’s what this mirror is called,” Sandbar nodded.
“Indeed, it is,” Luna answered. “I trust by now you realize what it does.”
“Well… er… it showed me my family—” Harry began.
“It showed me getting closer with friends, both here and some of the griffins from my world…” Gallus added.
“And…” Twilight spoke, pausing. “It showed me my friends and family living together in harmony… no disturbances, all being well.”
“It safe to say, this mirror showed us things we want in our lives…” Yona nodded, reminiscing her own experience.
“And I suppose it showed Rainbow Dash being the leader of the Wonderbolts,” Celestia proposed.
“And Pinkie Pie owning the largest candy factory and comedy club in town…” Luna included.
“Rarity having a dress franchise not just in Ponyville and Canterlot, but outside the world of Equestria…”
“Fluttershy protecting any and all creatures…”
“Applejack with her parents…”
“… And Spike being hailed as a hero.”
“Not to mention Twilight…” Dumbledore spoke. “Your friend Ron as Head Boy.”
“Th-That’s…” Twilight spoke, wide-eyed. “That’s right! That’s exactly what they all saw. But how did you all—”
“Oh, Twilight,” Celestia chuckled. “We don’t need a cloak to be invisible.”
“Now, can any of you tell us what the Mirror of Erised shows us all?” Dumbledore asked.
The others paused, turning toward one another. Not a single one of them knew the answer to that question.
“We’ll give you all a clue,” Luna offered. “The happiest man on Earth would look into the mirror and see only himself, exactly as he is.”
They all paused… before Harry and Twilight reached the same conclusion. It was then they turned back toward the inscriptions, especially at the bottom of the mirror.
“I think I get what you’re saying,” Twilight spoke. “It was written on the mirror itself, but it didn’t make sense at first. I originally assumed it was a Latin phrase… but no, except for the weird spacing, it’s actually a message… but backwards. ‘Erised stra ehru oy tube cafru oyt on wohsi’ is actually ‘I show not your face, but your heart’s desire’, backwards.”
The Student Six gasped, Silverstream’s face resembling one who’s mind was completely blown.
“So, then it shows us what we want?” Harry concluded. “Whatever we want?”
Celestia and Dumbledore paused as they looked in the mirror, the former having a sad look on her face. Dumbledore remained neutral, but they could sense sadness hidden in his eyes.
“Well… yes and no,” Celestia answered.
“It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, more desperate desires of our hearts,” Dumbledore explained. “Now you, who have never known your family, you see them standing beside you. Just as Applejack sees her family standing beside her for that reason.”
“Rainbow Dash always wanted to be an important pony as seen by all… which is why she sees herself as Wonderbolt leader,” Luna added. “Rarity wants her shop to do so well, she has business in other words. Fluttershy, always the kindest soul, wants nothing more than world peace and all animals, of all shapes and size, protected. Pinkie Pie always wants everyone to smile, so she believes comedy and candy are the best ways to go.”
“Spike saw himself standing alone because he always felt overshadowed and strives to be the best…” Celestia added. “And you, my most faithful student, always want to be the best, hoping friendship finds a way with ponies, creatures, and even ‘people’ alike… as Gallus always felt alone, seeing him with tons of people he wanted as friends, because that is what he always desired the most…”
“And Ronald Weasley,” Dumbledore spoke up. “Who has been overshadowed by his brothers, sees himself standing alone, the best of them all. I’m sure the rest of you know about your desires and what they relate to…”
The others nodded their head simultaneously.
“But remember this, everyone,” Dumbledore advised. “This mirror gives us neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away in front of it, even gone made, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible.”
“That’s why tomorrow, it will be moved to a new home,” Celestia declared. “We must ask you notto go looking for it again.
“And if, by any chance, you ever do run across it,” Luna added. “You’ll now be prepared.”
“It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live,” Dumbledore told him.
Harry turned back toward the mirror, realizing Dumbledore was right… that suddenly what everyone else advised was right. Understanding, he offered a nod and stands up.
“Okay, why don’t you put on that admirable Cloak of yours and get yourself off to bed?” Dumbledore suggested.
“And don’t worry, Twilight,” Luna assured. “Celestia and I won’t say a word about you and your students out of bed. Let’s just say… you were studying the stars.”
“Thank you, princesses,” Twilight sighed with relief. “Rest assured, we’ll be more careful in the future.”
“Yeah, I think it’s time we all head for bed anyway…” Gallus replied.
The others looked ready to leave, but Harry paused as he looked towards the three.
“Er… Sir—Professor Dumbledore? Princess Celestia? Princess Luna? Can I ask you three a question?”
“Obviously, you’ve just done so,” Dumbledore smiled. “You may ask us one more thing, though.”
“What’s on your mind, young Harry?” Celestia asked.
“Well… I was wondering…” Harry pondered. “What do you three see when you look in the mirror.”
“You know, we spent much time discussing what we saw,” Twilight nodded, pausing. “I never thought about asking what you’ve seen, princess.”
Celestia paused as she looked back toward the mirror. In the mirror, she saw not only herself and Princess Luna… but a familiar pony. A smile was on his face, his arm wrapped around her. After a few seconds, she turned toward Twilight, pondering where the time has come to tell her or not. She takes a deep breath and gave a smile.
“For me, Twilight… I see myself… with lots of ice cream.”
“Ice cream… Princess?” Twilight blinked.
“Sure! You know how much I always love cake? Well, don’t get me wrong, cake is the best. But somethings, having ice cream to go with it is always delectable.”
Luna raised an eyebrow over Celestia’s statement but went along with it.
“For me, my desire used to be wanting to show people the night… but that desire since changed. Now, when I look at this mirror, I see me and Celestia showing off the powers of the sun and moon together.”
Dumbledore, amidst all this, remained silent as he gazed upon the mirror… before giving a smile.
“As for I, my friends? I see myself holding a pair of thick woolen socks.”
Everyone blinked twice.
“Socks?” Harry questioned.
“But of course,” Dumbledore smiled. “One can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone, and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”
Twilight Sparkle blinked twice over Celestia and Dumbledore’s odd things… before giving a smile.
“Tell you what, princess,” Twilight spoke. “When it comes to your birthday Celestia, I’ll talk to Pinkie Pie and see If we can get ice cream on the list… and Dumbledore, come next Christmas/Hearth’s Warming Eve, we’ll make sure socks are a top priority.”
“That would be most grateful,” Celestia smiled. “Well, good night, every pony, Harry.”
The others nodded as they left one-by-one. Soon, Dumbledore, Celestia, and Luna were the only three left. A sigh escaped Luna’s lips as if she held her breath for eternity.
“Why didn’t you two actually tell them what you REALLY saw in the mirror?” Luna asked.
“As much as I want to tell everyone…” Celestia spoke, pausing. “… about him… I think I’ll save it till the right time. Twilight and the others are just getting used to Hogwarts and the teachings. I just… I just don’t want to share too much right now.”
“As for myself Luna,” Dumbledore sighed. “I don’t wish to burden young Harry and everyone else with my thoughts. Like Celestia, I shall tell them when I’m ready… one day.”