Harry Potter Lessons Learned, Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised

Welcome back to the chapter-by-chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. We've hit the holidays in the book and, it's the perfect time to gear up for our own holiday season with a review of a truly intriguing magical object: The Mirror of Erised.

I show not your face

Things have taken a turn for Harry at last. In "Diagon Alley" we saw him admired and fawned over for being The Boy Who Lived, but that wasn't really personal. When whispers followed him in "The Potions Master," it was point-and-stare attention not admiration. Here, finally, we see Harry being recognized and accepted for who he has become.

I love that people are too impressed by Harry's skill and bravery to pay any attention to Draco Mallfoy. The Slytherin really came into the school thinking he'd keep having privilege. He already had loyal followers, even if we never know how much they llike him.. He was put in Slytherin according to his heart's desire. And while we don't see what he's like in most of his classes he has the favor of Professor Snape. But his privilege can't beat out Harry's simple accomplishment and that rankles him.

Meanwhile, Harry has become something better than a privileged kid: an honorary Weasley. Ron groans at Harry being saddled with a Weasley sweater, but Molly gives Harry a present that shows he has a family to turn to. Even Gred and Forge recognize it.

The Invisibility Cloak note says that "it is time it was returned to you." The person who passed on this inheritance to Harry recognizes that he has grown into the kind of person who will "use it well."

And Harry does. I find it appropriate that Hermione gave Harry a box of sweets that will help educate him and Dumbledore gave Harry a means to learn about himself and the place he now calls home.

The Mirror of Erised says, "I show not your face but your heart's desire" reflected back at a person. While Ron sees validation and acceptance, it's poignant that Harry sees the people who would have always seen him for who he is. Lily and James are moved by seeing their infant grown to adolescence while generations of those who went before are proud to simply know him. I As someone who doesn't closely resemble her family, I understand the joy of Harry seeing a little old man with his knobbly knees.

Dumbledore, when he appears, understands why Harry is drawn back to this reflection over and over again. He understands the sense of rest and peace that Harry feels there. His comment that "men have wasted away before it" and that is a significant way to see it. It does no one, not even Harry, good and lingering in such a place is a waste.

Lesson Learned: Act now!

Let's not waste away. When we have something that personally inspires us, let's make sure that we look at what we can do with that inspiration. I'm not the greatest at recognizing such opportunities, but it's like any other talent. It improves with time.

And take a moment to think of someone in your life who needs to be seen and appreciated for who they are.