An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Hermione, rather than Ron, accompanies Harry to see the Mirror Erised, which leads to a better outcome for all involved.
I AM LITERALLY SOBBING OHHH MY GOD.
This is??? So sweet???? So pure??? Never thought a fic about innocent little eleven year olds would get me like this.
The author did something I found so admirable I have to comment on it first. They actually captured what it's like inside an eleven year old's head, with Harry's cluelessness about "adult" emotions and how he even copies gestures like comforting Hermione because he's seen it elsewhere. It's just excellent, a breath of fresh air. So often I see kids written with a full adult range of emotions and way too much self awareness + awareness about the world.
“At last, they reached the room where the mirror was. Harry folded the cloak. He noticed that Hermione was smoothing her hair. Well, perhaps he'd better do the same. She might know something he didn't, after all.”
^ THIS. THIS PASSAGE RIGHT HERE. I mean this was chock-full of lovely lines but this one really got me. It captures that childhood mentality I mentioned earlier, for once. AND HARRY. COPYING HERMIONE. BECAUSE HE JUST DEFERS TO HER SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE. He doesn't even question that it may have nothing to do with him.. he's just like "she knows better. let me learn from her." There is something so sweet about it, so indicative of the respect and deference he has for her
Not to mention the ending!!!!!
*screams into a megaphone* HARRY NEVER HAS TO GO BACK TO THE DURSLEYS HARRY LIVES WITH TONKS AND HER FAMILY WHO ENDEARINGLY CALLS HIM "COUSIN HARRY" HE IS HAPPY HE IS LOVED
Needless to say, I loved this.
