Harry Potter and the Darker Path

Chapter 7: Reflections of Power

December arrived at Hogwarts, bringing with it snow-draped grounds and freezing winds that howled through the stone corridors. The castle was aglow with festive cheer as Christmas approached, but for Harry, the magic of the season was mixed with a growing sense of curiosity—and unease. 

The recent Quidditch victory had solidified Harry’s place in Slytherin, and he was now seen as one of the rising stars of his house. Draco seemed to delight in their newfound friendship, often praising Harry in front of others. But Harry had noticed something different about Draco lately—a glint in his eyes, as though he were constantly weighing Harry’s actions, deciding whether to trust or challenge him. 

The excitement in the Slytherin common room was palpable as students discussed the upcoming holidays. Many would be returning home, but Harry, like Draco, had opted to stay at Hogwarts. The thought of going back to the Dursleys’ was unbearable, and the allure of having the castle mostly to himself was too tempting to pass up. 

 A Slytherin Christmas 

Slytherin House was quieter with so many students gone for the holidays, but that only heightened Harry’s awareness of the strange events happening at Hogwarts. His thoughts kept drifting back to the forbidden corridor, the mysterious door, and Snape’s involvement. Every time he passed Snape in the halls, he felt the Potions master’s dark eyes on him, as if Snape were always waiting for something. 

Christmas morning arrived with a blanket of fresh snow over the grounds. Harry woke to find a pile of presents at the foot of his bed, something he had never experienced before. For a brief moment, the weight of Hogwarts’ mysteries lifted, replaced by the warmth of the holiday spirit. 

Draco and the few remaining Slytherins gathered in the common room to open their gifts, the green and silver of their house reflecting the glow of the enchanted fire in the hearth. Harry unwrapped a finely-crafted set of Quidditch gloves from Draco, a thoughtful gift that made him smile despite his lingering suspicions. Among the other gifts, there was a strange package—a silvery cloak that shimmered in the light. A note accompanied it:  

“Your father left this in my possession. Use it well.” 

Harry’s heart skipped a beat. An Invisibility Cloak. He had heard about them, but seeing one in person was something else entirely. He draped it over himself, watching as his body disappeared beneath the fabric. This, he thought, would be very useful—especially if he wanted to investigate certain areas of the castle unnoticed. 

 Discovering the Mirror 

That night, curiosity gnawed at Harry as he lay in bed. The Invisibility Cloak was too tempting, and the castle’s secrets too alluring. Quietly, he slipped out of bed, pulling the cloak over himself and leaving the Slytherin dormitory behind. 

The corridors of Hogwarts were eerily silent, the only sound the distant wind rattling the windows. Harry moved cautiously, his footsteps muffled by the thick stone floors. He had no specific destination in mind—he just wanted to explore, to see where the night might lead him. 

It wasn’t long before he found himself on the third floor again, drawn back to the forbidden corridor. But something told him it wasn’t time for that yet. Instead, he wandered deeper into the castle, his mind racing with thoughts of Snape, the mysterious door, and the strange events of the past few months. 

And then, he found it. 

A room, tucked away behind a large, dusty door, dimly lit by the pale moonlight filtering through a high window. In the center of the room stood an enormous, ornate mirror, its frame gilded with intricate carvings. Something about it drew Harry in, an almost magnetic pull.