Chapter 47: The Mirror of Erised

Chapter 47: The Mirror of Erised

It had to be admitted: Voldemort was the most naturally gifted Dark Wizard in history.

Leon's magical education had begun with Lupin, and then continued under Flitwick. Both were excellent teachers who had taught him a great deal. But compared to the sixteen-year-old Tom Riddle, Lupin and Flitwick... simply couldn't compare.

Just through their written exchanges, Leon had already learned an immense amount, many of his previous understandings completely overturned. Tom had even corrected Leon's wand grip, explaining that since every wand was unique, each required a different handling. Following Tom's advice, Leon tried straightening the back of his hand, curling his right ring finger slightly to rest lower on the wand's shaft. He was astonished to find the power of his spells more than doubled.

During their 'lessons' on the Cruciatus Curse, Voldemort's perspective on spellcasting opened Leon's eyes, clarifying complex theories with just a few sentences.

Likewise, Leon's quick understanding clearly pleased Tom Riddle. They got along famously, perfectly playing the roles of mentor and protégé. Leon even felt a grudging admiration, a sense of kinship with the sixteen-year-old Dark Lord preserved in the diary.

Their exchange continued late into the night until Leon had grasped the basics of the Cruciatus Curse.

Well, that shall be all for today, Draco.

I must admit, of all the wizards I have encountered, you possess a rare and exceptional talent.

How surprising... that after all this time, my memory preserved within these pages should encounter someone as interesting as you.

Looking at the final words, Leon picked up his quill.

I learned a great deal today. We shall speak again tomorrow, Tom.

Closing the diary, Leon stood up, stretched, and collapsed onto his bed. He hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours and was utterly exhausted.

The next morning, Leon nearly overslept. He missed breakfast entirely and had to rush to Charms class.

Professor Flitwick was reviewing advanced levitation techniques. Leon, having already mastered the basics, struggled to stay awake. The forty-five minutes crawled by. Afterwards, Leon intercepted a house-elf in the corridor and procured some breakfast before heading to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Gryffindors and Slytherins shared this class, so as soon as Leon entered, he saw Harry waving at him from beside Ron and Hermione. Leon yawned and slumped into the seat next to them.

"Mr. Shelby," Harry whispered, leaning close. "I didn't see you all weekend. Weren't you in the library?"

Leon mumbled a vague excuse, then looked blearily towards the front of the classroom. His eyes met Quirrell's, who quickly looked away. When Quirrell noticed Leon's obvious fatigue, however, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face.

Then began the mind-numbingly dull lecture – Quirrell stammering his way through a passage from the textbook, occasionally darting furtive glances at Leon.

"Quirrell keeps looking over here," Ron muttered nervously around a mouthful of chicken leg he'd smuggled in. "D'you think he saw me eating?" He hesitated, then decided the risk was worth it and took another bite.

Hermione kicked him sharply under the desk, sending the chicken leg flying to the back of the classroom.

"Honestly, Ronald!" she hissed.

Ron looked utterly betrayed. "You could've just told me to put it away! Why'd you kick it? It was a perfectly good chicken leg!"

Harry, ever the serious one, ignored their bickering and leaned towards Leon, whispering without moving his lips.

"Mr. Shelby, I found this amazing mirror. Would you like to come see it with me?"

Leon looked at Harry in surprise. Impressive, he thought. While the others are sneaking food, the Chosen One is already breaking serious school rules.

He knew exactly which mirror Harry meant: the Mirror of Erised, the one that showed the viewer's deepest desire.

Leon nodded.

"Great! I'll meet you outside the Slytherin common room entrance at midnight. It's in the dungeons, right?" Harry offered, helpfully providing pick-up service.

"Midnight!" Hermione hissed, aghast. "Harry, are you mad? If you get caught, Gryffindor will lose points! You could even be expelled!" She turned to Leon. "And you, Mr. Shelby..."

Leon met her gaze, his expression calm and reassuring.

Hermione faltered, her tone weakening slightly. "Slytherin's points are quite high now. You have a chance at the House Cup..."

"We won't get caught," Leon said smoothly. "I suspect Harry has a little something that might help us. Don't you, Harry?"

Harry looked surprised but nodded firmly.

And so, it was settled. Hermione was reluctantly persuaded, while Ron demanded to come along too. Harry promised to take him the next night.

Having settled their illicit plans, they realized Defence class was nearly over, and Quirrell was still reading from the textbook. All four of them sighed.

"Mr. Shelby," Hermione whispered, apparently giving up on the lesson entirely. "You spend so much time in the library, you must have read a lot... Have you ever come across the name 'Nicolas Flamel'?"

Leon raised an eyebrow, surprised again. Had the trio already gotten this far? At this rate, they'd figure out about the Philosopher's Stone soon. It looked like the whole business might be resolved before Christmas.

Though his mind was racing, Leon kept his expression blank. He shook his head, feigning ignorance.

As the four chatted quietly, the bell finally rang. Before Quirrell could even dismiss them, the students bolted from the classroom.

Midnight. Slytherin Common Room.

Leon glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. As the hands met at twelve, he walked out into the dark, silent corridor.

He heard a faint whisper call his name. He followed the sound to a dark alcove. After a rustling sound, Harry suddenly appeared before him.

"Mr. Shelby! Quick, get under!"

Harry grinned, radiating the pure joy of a child showing off a new toy, and beckoned Leon towards him.