Harry Potter, #1

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Genre

Fantasy, Children's, Young Adult

Year

1999

Pages

312

The Mirror of Erised

Previous: Quidditch Next: Nicholas Flamel

Overview

Over Christmas, Harry receives an anonymous Invisibility Cloak, explores the Restricted Section, and stumbles upon the Mirror of Erised, which shows him his family. Ron sees himself as a celebrated leader. Dumbledore explains the mirror reveals one’s deepest desires, warns against dwelling on dreams, and says the mirror will be moved.

Summary

As snow blankets Hogwarts, students prepare for the holidays. Draco Malfoy mocks Harry and Ron, drawing Snape’s punishment of Ron. Hagrid refuses to reveal more about Nicolas Flamel. Once term ends, Harry and Ron enjoy a quiet castle, wizard chess, and Christmas festivities.

On Christmas morning, Harry receives gifts: Hagrid’s wooden flute, a Weasley sweater, sweets, and an anonymous Invisibility Cloak with a note claiming it belonged to Harry’s father. After a joyful feast and games, curiosity about the cloak drives Harry to test it.

That night, Harry uses the cloak to reach the library’s Restricted Section. A screaming book alerts Filch, and Harry flees, hiding in an empty classroom where he discovers a tall, ornate mirror. Looking into it, Harry sees himself surrounded by his family, realizing the mirror reveals an impossible vision he longs for. He resolves to return.

The next night, Harry brings Ron. Harry again sees his family, but Ron sees only himself as Head Boy and Quidditch captain, suggesting the mirror shows different desires. Spooked by Mrs. Norris, they retreat. Ron warns Harry not to go back.

On the third night, Harry returns alone and is surprised by Dumbledore, who identifies it as the Mirror of Erised. Dumbledore explains it shows the deepest desires of the heart, not knowledge or truth, and that many have wasted away before it. He says the mirror will be moved and cautions Harry not to seek it again, reminding him not to dwell on dreams. Harry leaves, pondering Dumbledore’s evasive answer about his own reflection.

Who Appears

Harry Potter

Receives an Invisibility Cloak, explores the Restricted Section, discovers the Mirror of Erised, sees his family, and learns its purpose from Dumbledore.
Ron Weasley

Stays for Christmas, teaches wizard chess, visits the mirror and sees himself as Head Boy and champion; warns Harry against returning.
Albus Dumbledore

Finds Harry at the mirror, explains it reveals deepest desires, warns him not to dwell on dreams, and says the mirror will be moved.
Argus Filch

Responds to the screaming book in the Restricted Section and searches corridors with Snape for the intruder.
Severus Snape

Penalizes Ron after Malfoy’s provocation and joins Filch in hunting the night wanderer near the library.
Mrs. Norris

Nearly discovers Harry and Ron at the mirror, forcing them to flee under the cloak.
Rubeus Hagrid

Carries Christmas trees, defends Ron to Snape, nurses owls, and refuses to discuss Nicolas Flamel.
Draco Malfoy

Taunts Harry and insults the Weasleys, provoking conflict in Potions corridor.
Hermione Granger

Searches for information on Nicolas Flamel before leaving for the holidays; sends Harry Chocolate Frogs.
Madam Pince

Catches Harry near the Restricted Section and orders him out.
Fred Weasley

Celebrates Christmas exuberantly; teases Percy and enjoys Weasley sweaters and crackers.
George Weasley

Joins Fred in holiday antics; helps force Percy into his sweater and celebrate.
Percy Weasley

Reluctantly drawn into family festivities; later interferes in Harry’s chess game.
The Fat Lady

Challenges the invisible Harry leaving the Gryffindor common room at night.
Professor McGonagall

Decorates the Great Hall and is kissed on the cheek by a tipsy Hagrid.
Professor Flitwick

Helps decorate the hall with magical bubbles; shares jokes with Dumbledore at dinner.
Professor Quirrell

Subject of bewitched snowballs hitting his turban during the snowy spell.