The Mirror of Erised...

[Scott]

No: HPFGUIDX 12539

I know this has been discussed in the past. Perhaps to often. I shall 
see whether anyone is interested by the replies I get.

We know what Harry saw in the mirror. We know what Ron saw. We 
possibly (most likely don't) know what Dumbledore saw in the mirror. 
What would other characters see? Hermione? Neville? Voldemort? Draco?

Another thing is whether the things in the mirror are actual or 
metaphoric. One could argue that Harry's parents and family are his 
actual desire. One could also argue that Harry greatest desire is to 
be part of a family, not necessarily his own, however the greatest 
manifestation of that desire is his own family and it is that which 
he therefore sees. 

What about Ron? Is Ron's greatest desire to get the Quidditch cup (or 
whatever I can't my copy of SS or PS) or in fact is it simply to be 
recognised for his accoplishments without having to worry about being 
overshadowed by his family and friends. I'd say the latter.

In other words I'd say that the mirror isn't actually showing what 
one wants the most but erm...am I making ANY sense.

Now what would Hermione see? Herself living happily ever after with 
Harry? (I'm just joking!) Getting the top awards for her academic 
achievement? Or something more along the lines of what I think I 
myself would see (I'm getting to that).

(The Below is rather personal, so if you have no interest in me, as 
I'm sure you don't then don't read it. The only reason I'm posting to 
begin with is because I see myself in Hermione and I think that 
Hermione would see much the same thing.)
Now the other part of this question is what would YOU see? (I know 
this has been asked before but I'm asking again.) I  thought long and 
hard about this and came to several conclusions.

1) One was that I'd see myself doing one of the things I love most- 
traveling.  I would be visiting some of my favourite places in the 
world- England, Italy, New York City, and going to the places I most 
dream about visiting India, Scandinavia...

On second consideration this seemed kinda I don't know- shallow.
 
2)My other consideration was that I'd see myself going to university 
(hopefully in Britain)

3)Then it hit me. I can see the world all I want. I can learn as much 
from books and lectures at University as there are books to buy and 
lectures to listen to. But I'll never really understand anything if I 
don't understand myself. So I think that my greatest desire is to 
know who I am. To to know the answers. The answers to what I'm not 
sure but to know them just the same. To understand the world simply 
because I have a grasp on why I'm in it. 

I see the above as being similar to the type of thing Hermione would 
see. I think that Hermione is very insecure but wants to learn, on 
all levels which means more than just books and cleverness. Does 
anyone have this interpretation of Hermione? 

Am I alone, or are you guys asleep?

Scott