Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Any dialogue that you recognize comes from page 214 of the American edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Dumbledore looked at the boy as he stood up, preparing to leave. This was the one prophesized to kill Tom? He looked just like his father, but with Lily's eyes. He refrained from telling the boy this, he was certain it had been said to him many times before. The world depended on Harry and the training he would receive. And Dumbledore would make sure his training was the best Hogwarts had to offer. But to think that one so young had such a big responsibility!
"Sir—Professor Dumbledore? Can I ask you something?"
Dumbledore's musings were interrupted by a tentative question. One so young may have a big responsibility, but he, like many a child, also has a great number of questions.
"Obviously, you've just done so," Dumbledore smiled. "You may ask me one more thing however."
"What do you see when you look in the mirror?"
Dumbledore had to admit that he was able to predict many things before they arose; the only man that could hope to match him in this art could possibly be Severus. But he had not predicted or expected this question. He didn't think Harry was ready to know what had happened. How was he supposed to tell the boy that in the mirror he saw an image much like what he sees? That Aberforth and Ariana and his parents surrounded him in a world untainted by prejudice or dark wizards? That Grindelwald stood by him as a friend, rather than an enemy? The truth was, he couldn't tell Harry this. Not now. The boy was staring at him expectantly though, so he told him the first thing he thought of.
"I? I see myself holding a pair of thick, woolen socks."
Dumbledore cursed himself. A great mind like his, and all he could think of was socks? He could have said anything and yet that is what he chose!
Harry stared.
"One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books."
He felt that he had to elaborate. Dumbledore could see that Harry hadn't believed him and he did not want the boy to press him for another answer to the question. Thankfully, Harry looked as if he accepted Dumbledore's answer.
"Oh. Well, goodnight, Professor Dumbledore," he said as he put on the invisibility cloak and left the room.
Dumbledore stood there after Harry left. Socks? Hmmm…he supposed it could have been worse. At least most thought he was off his rocker anyway. He saw a cat with curious markings around its eyes leave a shadowed corner of the room and exit into the hallway. Ah, well, at least Minerva will get a good laugh out of this one tomorrow.
Author's Note: Well, you can probably tell that this is my first fanfic so please review. I welcome any constructive criticism, though any flames will be used to roast marshmallows. Thank you!