The Mirror of Erised...

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 12601

Scott, great post.  Thanks for sharing.  I like the thought that the 
images are more metaphorical than literal--which Dumbledore suggests 
in the way he interprets Harry's, and especially Ron's, visions.  
I.e., Ron doesn't necessarily want to be Head Boy and Cup-winning 
Quidditch captain, nor does he want his family to disappear, but he 
wants to stand out and be the best at something.  Harry doesn't 
necessarily want to be at a family reunion; he wants to know his 
parents and to stop being so alone in the world.

So whatever one sees in the Mirror might require some interpretation 
in order to really give insight into who you are and what you dream 
for yourself.  If Hermione sees herself as Minister of Magic, 
dispensing justice to the house-elves, it might not mean she literally 
wants to be MOM, but that she wants to have the power to right the 
wrongs she perceives.

This would make a great "children's time" in my church--we have a 
children's story or conversation with the kids in each service--I 
could ask the kids (90% of whom have read SS) what they would see in 
the Mirror and how it might change their lives to see it.  (Hmmm...can 
I call the hours spent on HPforGU work time now?)

Amy Z

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"I thought it sounded a bit like Percy 
singing.  Maybe you've got to attack him 
while he's in the shower, Harry."
            --HP and the Goblet of Fire
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