The Mirror of Erised is the twelfth chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Events[]
Harry, Ron and Hermione research to find out who Nicolas Flamel is. They fail and are beginnung to lose hope. It is nearly the Christmas holidays and Hogwarts is decorated.. Harry and Ron sign up to stay at school during the break and Hermione gives them the task of continuing their research. Harry wants to look in the Restricted Section but the Librarian, Irma Pince tells him to leave.
Harry and Ron receive lots of presents for Christmas Day. Harry is given a Cloak of Invisibility with a note that belonged to James Potter. It also tells him he should "use it well". That evening, he sneaks out under the Cloak to search the Restricted Section but he opens a book which screams and Argus Filch runs in.
Harry ran and escaped under the Cloak by hiding in a classroom. Upon looking around, he finds the Mirror of Erised in there. Harry views his reflection only to discover lots of people who look like him standing behind him, but when he looks behind, he is on his own. In the front are James and Lily Potter and even though they can't speak, they communicate by waving. Harry brings Ron back the next evening but Ron views something different in the Mirror. They realise it shows the viewer what they want, not reality. He tells Harry to let it go but he goes back for a third evening.
This time, Professor Dumbledore is waiting for him and he gives Harry advice. He tells Harry that the Mirror shows the heart's desire of the viewer. People have wasted away in front of it, wondering if what they view is real or possible. He tells Harry he needs to let go and that the Mirror is going to be moved and he shouldn't look for it. Harry asks Dumbledore what he views in the Mirror, and he tells Harry he is holding a pair of socks but he had a feeling Dumbledore is lying.
Characters[]
Chapter guide[]
| Chapters in Harry Potter books | |
|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 16 • 17 |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 16 • 17 • 18 |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 21 • 22 |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Companion novels |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 Epilogue |
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them • Quidditch Through the Ages • The Tales of Beedle the Bard |