Chapter 1: The First Encounter

Here's a little snip-it of a much larger idea that I currently do not have (and may not ever have) time to write. I liked this little head-cannon, though, and still wanted to share… enjoy!

Gryffindors aren't exactly known for their aptitude for following rules. The first-year boys of 1971 were no exception to this. James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, in fact, were well known for their midnight strolls. Sometimes it was to pull pranks, sometimes it was to sneak food from the kitchens, but in this instance, it was for the purpose of exploration.

For a group of prankers as inept as themselves, it was very important to know the lay of the land. Through these ventures, they had already discovered two secret passage ways, a couple abandoned class rooms, and some very efficient short-cuts. Today's objective was to find a way to sneak into the library, as they suspected that the restricted section would have plenty of enlightening pieces of information that could be useful in their shenanigans.

In their search, they came across a new room, one they had not seen before, with only a single mirror in the center of it. James was the first to approach it, glancing to his side confused as he did so.

"Hey! When did you-" He was about to inquire about the sudden presence of Lily Evans, but then noticed she was not standing next to him as she was in the mirror.

"Are you alright, James?" asked Remus, mildly concerned for his friend's sanity.

"Yeah… sorry, I just thought I saw… Lily?" He stuttered, now looking back to towards the mirror, where Lily's hand was now holding his, and she was smiling at him sweetly. Sirius, at this point, took it upon himself to step in.

"I'm afraid your just lovesick mate… being that she hardly hangs around you when she has to, I doubt she would go out of her way to follow you!" As he said this, he approached his friend and threw an arm around him, but stopped in his tracks when he caught a glance of the mirror himself.

Looking back at him was the usual reflection of himself, but along with it stood his mother, father, and Regulus. The odd thing, though, was that they were smiling- not a smirk, but an actual affectionate smile. His mother had her arm around his chest, gently pulling him towards her, while his dad placed a hand on both his and Regulus's heads, ruffling their hair. Regulus, himself, was grasping Sirius's arm, looking up to him with admiration. They looked, all at once, like everything a family should be, and everything his family was not.

Remus, confused as to what had both of his friends in such a trans-like state, went to see what the big deal with this mirror was. It took him a moment to realize anything was off about it, but then noticed that despite James and Sirius being right next to him, the only reflection he saw was his own. The second indicator was that he was smiling- not that that was as uncommon for him these days, but it certainly didn't match up with the confused expression he knew he was sporting at the moment.

With a closer look, he realized that his smile was a lot more peaceful and at ease than he had felt in years. Even now- having friends, not being so alone, thriving in his studies- he was still plagued with constant anxieties. Whether it be his best moments, or his worst, he had the constant weight of paranoia of them finding out his secret, them not accepting him, him hurting them. He also noticed, in the mirror, that he no longer had the scars across his face. That's when it became clear- this is himself, but in the case that he had never been turned.

The last to approach was Peter. Ever the follower, he was anxious to know what had enticed his friends so much, and as he neared it, he too realized his appeal. He saw what was undeniably himself, but better. A bit taller, a bit thinner, his hair a bit neater, and his skin a bit smoother. His facial structure adjusted, making him as attractive as Sirius, sporting Quidditch robes and a snitch in his hand with the confidence of James, and a prefect badge near his neck, as he was sure Remus would one day have. He was finally the equal of his friends.

But he knew it wasn't real, and the longer he looked, the more sad and bitter he felt about his reality, and knowing that reality is what he would inevitably have to return to, he decided not to focus on fantasy any longer. The only problem was his friends, still enthralled in whatever it was they might be seeing. He tried snapping them out of it- calling their names, tapping their shoulders, clapping in their faces. The closest thing he got to a reaction was a 'shush' from James, and a one-handed swat from Sirius.

Giving up on that approach, he decided he would have to move the mirror out of their sight. The problem with this, however, was that in all his short stature, his attempt to move the large ornate mirror was ineffective. He did, though, manage to almost knock it over, causing him to panic, and quickly steady it.

His disruption of the mirror's position must have been enough to effectively shake the other three 11-year-olds out of whatever world they were previously in, as all three turned to him with varying looks on their faces.

"I think we should go." Remus stated, being sure not glance back into the reflective surface.

Receiving hums of agreement from Sirius and James, the four boys left the room, not discussing what they each had just seen.