Dumbledore didn't seem the least bit fazed.
"No signature? That's perfectly fine. I was thinking, if you're not keen on it, this paper could just be a gift from me to you. How's that sound?"
"When you've had time to think it over, you can come find me. Or, if you'd rather keep it private, that's your call too. After all, without you, I wouldn't have delved so deeply into this mirror's secrets. The choice is yours, and so is the right to publish."
Edward finally caught Dumbledore's meaning.
So, it's not just about putting my name on it—he wants me as the first author?
Being the first author on a magical paper by Dumbledore? That's the kind of thing wizards dream about!
"But, Professor, all I did was go in and explore twice. I didn't really do anything," Edward said, feeling a bit sheepish.
"Oh, my boy, don't say that. Magical research isn't some walk in the park—it's often fraught with danger. You entered the Mirror of Erised twice, and both times you took enormous risks. You could've been lost in there forever, couldn't you?"
"If you think you don't deserve to be credited, then there's no point in publishing this paper at all," Dumbledore explained calmly.
"Well, if you put it that way, I'm in," Edward said after a moment's thought, nodding.
It's a chance to leave a mark on the wizarding world!
"Excellent! Here's the paper. You can take a look at it over the holidays. If I've gotten anything wrong or it doesn't match your experiences in the Mirror's realm, we can discuss revisions when term starts," Dumbledore said, sounding positively delighted.
"As for the Mirror itself, I think it's best it stays with me for now. I can continue studying it, and knowing its true power, it's a bit too dangerous to leave lying around, don't you think?"
"But if you ever want to take another peek inside, I'll go with you. Consider it a safeguard—and a chance to explore the unknown together," Dumbledore added, his tone shifting from serious to warm.
"Of course, sir," Edward agreed readily.
Truth be told, he was itching to know more about the mysteries within the Mirror's realm. His parents had warned him against messing with it too much, but after two trips inside, Edward's curiosity was only growing. What else was in there?
And with Dumbledore by his side, maybe they could avoid the Wild Hunt Knights—or even recover that black armor from Quirrell?
He was tempted to ask to go in right then and there but held his tongue.
After another ten minutes in the Headmaster's office, Edward left with a ten-foot-long parchment in hand.
Ten feet! Three meters! And the writing was so tiny!
With that kind of talent and a research drive at over a hundred years old, if Dumbledore isn't the greatest wizard in the world, there's no justice!
On the last day of term, the students signed the usual notice banning magic use over the holidays, packed their trunks, and boarded the Hogwarts Express.
Malfoy was visibly nervous, but Edward was calm. After all, who could've predicted a run-in with a Dark Knight?
Naturally, Edward, Daphne, Malfoy, and Pansy claimed a compartment together.
"Finally, the holidays!" Malfoy stretched, drawling lazily. "So, what's everyone's plans for the summer?"
"Previewing second-year textbooks. I'm aiming to outdo a certain someone next term," Daphne replied without looking up.
"Daphne, please don't turn into that Muggle-born Granger," Pansy said with a groan. "Besides, no matter how much you study, you're not beating Edward unless you read all the fifth-year books now!"
Daphne couldn't argue with that and just huffed, clearly annoyed.
"What about you, Edward?" The three turned to him, lost in thought.
"Well, since none of us have big plans or trips lined up, how about we meet up somewhere and hang out?" Edward suggested.
The idea was met with instant enthusiasm.
"Count me in! My family's near Southampton—there are some great little islands nearby," Pansy said eagerly.
Malfoy considered inviting everyone to his place but thought better of it, picturing his father Lucius's expression.
"I'm game, but I might need to bring my sister," Daphne said hesitantly. Noticing their puzzled looks, she added, "Astoria's a year younger than us. She'll probably start at Hogwarts next year."
"Ugh, she's so clingy," Daphne grumbled, but Edward could tell she adored her sister.
"It's settled then! We'll sort it out by owl," Pansy said, buzzing with excitement.
Suddenly, the compartment door slid open.
Harry Potter stood in the doorway.
All four pairs of eyes turned to him, and the chatter stopped dead. Even though Harry and Malfoy had patched things up, the air felt awkward.
"Hey, Harry! What's up?" Edward broke the silence.
"Er, Edward, I wanted to give you my address," Harry said, hesitating before handing over a tightly gripped note.
The paper read: 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.
"You know I live with my aunt and uncle. They're Muggles, and, well, they're not big on magic," Harry said, looking embarrassed. "Write to me, yeah?"
"That's what's so annoying about Muggles. Even with the famous Harry Potter living under their roof, they still don't believe in magic? Maybe someone ought to teach them a lesson—turn them into pig ears or something," Malfoy snorted, aiming his jab at Harry's relatives instead of Harry himself.
Though Edward had gotten Malfoy to drop terms like "Mudblood," he still wasn't fond of Muggles—especially ones who disrespected wizards.
"I couldn't agree more, Malfoy," Harry said suddenly.
Malfoy nearly fell out of his seat, shocked to hear Harry agree with him.
"Anyway, see you next term, everyone," Harry said with a friendly wave before leaving.
Edward tucked the note away carefully, planning to write to Harry over the summer. From what Harry said, his aunt and uncle didn't sound like the easiest people to live with.
Edward came from a family that didn't judge Muggles, but that didn't mean he liked all of them. After all, during the First Wizarding War, some Muggles had sided with Grindelwald and even helped his cause.
"We'll keep in touch by owl!" Pansy called out excitedly as Harry left.
The day passed quickly. The little Slytherins munched on snacks, played Gobstones and Wizard's Chess, and finally, as night fell, the train pulled into King's Cross Station.
The students disembarked, and Edward and Malfoy kept an eye out, half-expecting their fathers to start brawling on the platform again.
Thankfully, they didn't.
William and Lucius stood at opposite ends of the platform, ignoring each other completely.
The young wizards exchanged wry smiles, waved goodbye, and headed to their parents.
Anne rushed forward, giving Edward her usual enthusiastic hug and ruffling his hair into a mess.
William looked at Edward with a mix of pride and concern. "Edward, we've heard some wild rumors about Vol—"
"Mom, not here. Can we talk at home?" Edward interrupted softly, sensing Anne was about to ask something sensitive in public.
The three hurried out of the station, found a quiet corner, and Disapparated to the Bedivere family's hall.
"Voldemort was at Hogwarts? Your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was his puppet? They were after Nicolas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone?" Anne fired off questions like a Bludger.
Edward stared at his mother, stunned. Even some Hogwarts students didn't know the full story. Where did she hear all this? Was wizarding gossip really that fast and accurate?
He nodded. "Dad, Mom, I don't know where you got these rumors, but they're true. Voldemort tried to possess Quirrell to steal the Stone, but Dumbledore was onto him from the start. The plan failed, and Dumbledore destroyed the Stone."
Anne sighed in relief, slumping into a chair. "Thank Merlin he didn't get it."
"Was it Dumbledore who stopped him? Or that Potter boy? Or…" William trailed off, sensing Edward was holding something back.
Edward didn't want to hide his role in the events from his parents. "Okay, Mom, Dad, what I'm about to say might be a bit… intense. Please hear me out calmly, alright?"
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