A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J. and Mo Xiang respectively.

A/N: I know this contains part of the story 'Advent of the Archmage'; however, only a single character and few elements were used. Although I should put it in the crossover section, not everyone knows about that novel, making it difficult for people to read this story. Hopefully, no issues will occur.

It was a bit underwhelming, she would admit. She had thought she might discover something magical. However, it was just a mirror, albeit an incredibly beautiful one. It was massive, almost as tall as Hagrid. The borders were silver, they seemed to radiate their own source of light, illuminating the immediate area around the Mirror. This allowed Rose to take in the mirror in full detail, including what was written on the very top.

"Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi" Rose read, her face quickly contorting into confusion. "What does that even mean?"

Whatever thought may have followed her question, was snuffed away by what she was seeing. She had looked at the mirror itself, she saw herself which was normal. What was abnormal was the appearance of 2 people standing behind her. Still mildly charged on adrenaline due to her escape from the Cerberus, Rose immediately turned around hoping they weren't the professors.

Bewildered, Rose surveyed the area around her. She was still alone. No one around. 'But then why…?' Looking back at the mirror, she was surprised to learn that the people were still there, staring at her. 'Are they part of the reflection? Is the mirror magic?'

Looking at the people, really looking at them. Concentrating on their appearances, she could see there was a male and a female. They seemed to be of similar age. The man was tall, broad-shouldered and fit, but not overly so. He seemed like the type of fit you'd expect from playing sports occasionally. His black hair, a similar colour to hers, messy and untamed. His face had a kind yet mischievous smile, the type you'd see in a friend that is about to tease you; at the same time, for some reason, she could feel an untold amount of something when he looked at her. It was a bit overwhelming, she had no idea what he was thinking. He had laugh lines showing that he was one that is jovial most of the time.

The woman was beautiful. She was of average height, with a lithe figure. Her hair so red it was like a dark flame. She had a breathtaking smile. Her eyes… her eyes were very similar to Rose's. A brilliant emerald green, shining brightly in the reflection. They too contained the same emotion wished to be conveyed by the man. Especially when they locked eyes.

It hit her like a ton of bricks. Her breath shortened. She could hardly believe the thought that occurred. Trying to collect enough breath to speak, she hesitantly looked at the woman's face, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Mom?"

The woman gave a gentle smile, nodding at her. Her heart leapt to her throat, making it increasingly difficult to breathe, let alone speak. Her eyes blurring due to unshed tears. Looking towards the man.

"Dad?" Her voice notably hoarser than a second ago.

Still smiling, the man nodded as well. Confirmation in hand, the last of her strength escaped her. Rose collapsed on her knees, hands on her mouth, she sobbed while staring at the two figures on the mirror. She just kept staring, while the occasional sob broke out.

She may have had closure with their death a few months ago when she visited their graves, but this was the first time she had seen what they looked like. She could finally put a face to the names she had. She felt slightly overwhelmed, but she welcomed this feeling. Rose finally understood what the hidden emotion was, it was love, unconditional pure love.

It may have taken a while to realise the meaning of these emotions, however, Rose had been in so little contact with positive emotions for so long, she could hardly grasp it when it was directed at her. She was more attuned to the negative aspect of emotions than is healthy.

Rose stayed in that position for an unknown amount of time, she only came out of her daze when she saw a faint light coming out of the window near the wall, a window she hadn't noticed before. She couldn't muster the energy to move for even a second. To be away from her family for a second more was almost unbearable. However, she knew she had to leave, so as to not get caught. She forced herself to stand, turn and leave. Just before she left the room, Rose looked back at the mirror, where she could still see her parents smiling at her, an image she would never tire of, she whispered a little sentence, then made her way to her dorm.

"I'll be back. I promise"

A promise she intends to keep.

The next day, or night more specifically, she came again. This time, Ron accompanied her. He had been shocked beyond words when she had shown him the cloak. He was the first of her friends to see the cloak, though she had already written to Link and told him about it; she has yet to write about the mirror though, she will tonight. But she digressed.

Ron was a bit confused on where she was bringing him, particularly when she was so excited. He has never seen her so thrilled before. He followed her nonetheless, only to be disappointed when entering the room all he saw was a mirror. 'What's so special about a mirror?' Ron was about to express his exasperation at having been dragged just to see his reflection when Rose placed him right in front of the object. His thoughts were immediately halted by what he was seeing.

"Do you see them? Do you see my parents?" Rose was practically vibrating with delight.

"Parents? No, I see myself surrounded by the school cheering. I'm quidditch captain, and I'm also holding the cup. We won the cup" Ron was also getting animated.

"What? No, they're right there. Look, those are my parents" She was slightly indignant that he couldn't see them. They were right in front of him.

"No I don't, I told you what I saw. Rose… Do you think this shows the future?" There was hope in his question. He was mesmerised by the image.

"How can it? Both my parents are dead" was the morose reply. It seemed to snap the redhead out of his daze, confused he shared his thoughts.

"I don't think we should stay here much longer. I have a bad feeling about this. Let's leave"

Although reluctant, Rose agreed with her friend. They left for the dorms, and Rose intended to write the letter to Link. Ask for his opinion. She explained her encounter with the Cerberus, as well as the mirror. She explained the second part in much more detail. Hoping he would make sense of it.

Two days later, she received his reply.

Hello Rose,

How are you? I hope you finished your homework, and you didn't slack off.

It's always great to hear from you.

In regards to the Cerberus, we already knew that the Philosopher's stone was hidden in that corridor. With the presence of the beast, I can infer a few things. The Cerberus is known as the guardian of the Underworld in Greek Mythology. He is also known as the first line of defence. So we can deduce that there are probably multiple lines of defence after the dog, and there is a high probability that it lies underneath it somehow. I am glad you escaped unscathed. Though I question why you went there in the first place.

As for the Mirror. I find myself in awe at its enchantments. I hope to study it when I return. The words written, "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi", were an interesting puzzle. First seeing as it is a mirror, I thought to write the words from back to front, this gives us "ishow no tyo urfac ebu tyo urhe arts desire". Slightly better, but not by much. So I thought to separate them differently, which finally got me "I show not your face but your heart's desire". So somehow, through enchantments, the mirror will look into your heart, getting your greatest wish. Beautiful magic really, though dangerous as well, as it could be addictive. Rose, it would be best if you do not go to the mirror for the time being.

See you in a few days,

Regards

Link.

She sighed in admiration. Link's mind is truly a wonder. How did he get so much information just from a few words from her letter? Regardless, the mirror really is amazing. It must mean that family is what she desires most. That really put things in perspective. Ron must want a lot of attention with what he saw, it was concerning. She hopes it won't put them at odds. Also, she might have to start her homework, she didn't want to slack off after all. Yup, nothing to do with Links disappointment. Nope, nothing at all.

As for the last part of the letter, she agreed that she shouldn't go, but the allure of seeing her parents was too great. She had to see them, at least one more time.

Days passed by, and like clockwork, Rose never missed a chance to see her parents. It became like a strange obsession. Before she knew it, it was January and Link was coming back on Saturday. That's three days from now.

She was once again in front of the mirror, just gazing at the love-filled eyes of her parents. A form of euphoria she had never experienced, or at least she can't remember ever experiencing it.

Tonight was going to be a little different though. While enjoying her time with her parents, she heard a voice from behind.

"I do believe it is past curfew, Miss Potter. So it begs the question of why you aren't in your room" The voice was soft. It carried a tint of wisdom and the hoarseness of the elderly. Dumbledore was standing by the entrance, it was obvious he had just entered the room.

Startled, Rose was quick to stand and face the Headmaster. Dread creeping in at having been caught.

"Sorry, sir, I…" She didn't know how to explain this situation. She just hopes she won't be sent back home.

"It's an amazing object, the 'Mirror of Erised'. It shows our deepest desires. If one were perfectly happy with no desires, then the mirror will act as it was first intended and show only their reflection. At any other instance, all the viewer would notice is their desire. May I ask, what is it you see?"

"Ummm… I know, Link explained it to me, in a letter. I see my parents, sir" she was a bit surprised that he was not bringing up any form of chastisement.

"Remarkable boy, Mr. Granger. Truly a genius. To be able to infer its meaning, even when he is not present. Ah, the longing of a family. You have a good heart, Rose. However, the mirror is like a double-edged sword. It shows us what we want the most, but it is only an illusion. Not real life. The allure of our greatest ambition might be too great, we might forever be lost in the false reality of our illusion. So, I will be moving it elsewhere, I believe you will not go look for it, Miss Potter." He looked at her with his twinkling gaze, impressing upon her the severity of his request.

"Yes sir. Sir? May I ask… what do you see?"

"Me? Well, I see myself with a brand new pair of woollen socks"

"Socks?"

"Of course, can't have too many socks after all"

Maybe he was mad after all, but wise all the same.

'Shit! I forgot to start my homework… I have to finish everything before Link comes back… Bloody mirror'

Link was in the train. He was coming back to Hogwarts. He has not been idle this holiday.

His parents were very happy to see him again, they had celebrated that day by going to a restaurant. Chinese food, a nice change of pace compared to the traditional English cuisine they serve at Hogwarts. Don't get him wrong, the food tastes really good, but he misses the variety the muggle world offered.

During their reunion dinner, Link regaled his eager parents with tales of his time at the magical school. They could hardly believe the fantastical castle even existed. Everything from the confusing staircases to the talking portraits, even the ghosts, they seem reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss book.

They paid special attention when Link mentioned a girl multiple times in his tales, and upon further insistence from them, he relented and explained that she was his closest friend, named Rose Potter. Drs' Granger were ecstatic, their son finally made a friend. They started prodding him for further details about this young woman.

This allowed an excellent segue way to share his concerns regarding Rose's homelife. He confided that he suspected the girl to be neglected, or even maltreated, if not abused.

Concerned, the parents promised to look into it. He mentioned that Rose's uncle worked at a drill making factory, Grunnings. As dentists, they use drills. So it could be used as an excuse to view the house she lives in as a potential client. They agreed.

Fast forward a few days, and phone calls. The Granger family were making their way to the Dursley household. They were prepared. They spent nearly the entire time to figure out a good excuse to bring Rose up in the conversation. It had to be natural. This was merely a 'social' visit. Though they can't do anything legally, at least not without solid evidence, they could try to mitigate the interaction between family members. Plans for the future.

The door opened with much fanfare. Wide smiles and overly gracious words greeted them.

"Ahh, the Grangers! Great to see you. That must be your son, sharp lad. Let me introduce you to my family. This is my beautiful wife, Petunia, and my son, Dudley, he's a boxer in Smeltings."

'I don't know what he's boasting about' thought Link, incredulously.

The Dursleys were, in a word, fake. Every action they took just screamed artificial. As though their every movement was scripted to 'ensure the greatest feedback' from their guests. Their son was even worse. His acting was terrible and over the top. It was painfully obvious, and yet his parents were treating him as though he were a king.

Half-way through their conversation, Link excused himself to the 'bathroom', an excuse to roam around the house a bit and understand her home life.

Looking around, if Rose hadn't mentioned the same address, Link would not dare to believe that a fourth person lived in this house. There were absolutely no signs of a fourth resident. Granted, not everyone would display pictures so openly, but in a house filled with pictures of the three he just met, the absence of the fourth is telling enough of their unfavourable attitude towards their niece.

While walking past the stairs, he felt… something from the cupboard. It was weird, but he sensed a remnant of magic and sad emotions. It had the same aura as Rose, only much weaker.

Normally, a wizard or witch would not leave an aura, especially not when they've been gone for a few months. To leave behind aura residue, the mage must repeatedly cast magic in a certain location for long periods of time.

For Rose to leave behind an aura, she must have experienced a lot of accidental magic over a long period of time, possibly years, in that cupboard. That was… an unsettling thought to say the least. 'Why would she be in a cupboard? They can't have… did they lock her in there for punishment?'. Link was already simmering in rage, though his expression was as calm as ever. How bad would it be if he were to learn that this cupboard was actually Rose's bedroom for 10 years?

He had to know, making sure no one was paying him attention, he opened the door. Softly, so as to not alert his hosts to his deeds. What he saw, saddened and enraged him. It was barren, with nothing in there. That in of itself would not have angered him, but the faint marking against the wall, that faintly read 'Rose's Room', carved messily, that did. The bolts on the outside far more than is necessary for a cupboard did. The faint creases on the wall, that suggested that something was pressed against it for a very long time, like a mattress, did. All these put together, dropped a ball of dread right to the pit of his stomach. He had a feeling that Rose Potter spent more time here than merely for punishment.

With growing horror, it was all Link could do not to curse these terrible people. Woodenly, he made his way back to the adults. Numbly going about the dinner, until they finally left. He told his parents everything he found out as soon as they were in the car, much to their horror. Together they brainstormed and tried to come up with a plan. They couldn't think of much for now, but they would help Rose no matter what.

Now he's on his way back to Hogwarts. Hopefully, they would succeed in helping her.

He should be here, he finally came back. Rose was excited, her best friend came back to the castle. Not that she was entirely bored here, not with the Weasleys and the others that stayed back. But she missed Link.

She was in the Great Hall, waiting for the boy to come through those doors. The train arrived about an hour ago, but this was the earliest she would be able to see him, due to being unable to leave the castle. Though why she didn't use the cloak… she forgot. Even when she used the near godly item on a nightly basis to sneak around the castle, she still forgot she could make use of it to exit the castle. Not her best moment.

There he is, he made his way to the Gryffindor table. She was pulled in a hug as soon as he was close enough, something she immediately reciprocated.

They spent the rest of the feast chatting with each other, practically ignoring everyone else. At the end, they promised to resume their habit, and take a walk around the school grounds.

They met the next day at the entrance. Taking the 'scenic route', they took their time. Just enjoying each other's company, the conversation and the view.

Somewhere along the way, they made it to Hagrid's hut. Deciding to greet the friendly giant, they knocked.

"Hey, Hagrid. How was the holiday?"

As usual, conversations with Hagrid were always animated and fun. Today though, there was an undertone of frustration within. It was not directed at them, of course, more like a problem he has no idea how to fix.

"Is there something wrong, Hagrid?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You just seem slightly irritated. Can we help?"

"Ahh, you saw that? It's nothing students should do. It's just that someone or something was targeting the unicorns over the holidays"

"They killed unicorns?"

"Exactly, why would someone target those harmless creatures? We don't even know why they killed them"

"Could they have used it to drink their blood?"

"Why would anyone do that? Whoever dares to kill such a pure animal would be cursed with a half-life. It's impossible"

"Would a person close to death care about such a thing?"

"Umm…" Clearly, he hadn't thought about that. Indeed, a person about to die anyway would cling to whatever means that could save their life.

Rose had been sitting on the side, watching the byplay between Link and Hagrid. When she was suddenly struck by inspiration.

"Wait, it wouldn't even matter if they were after the Philosopher's stone!"

"You are absolutely right, it must be the thief that broke into Gringotts"

"Yeah, no wonder he was so desperate"

"Nonsense!" Hagrid was nervous, these kids were scarily perceptive. At the same time, he had absolute trust in Dumbledore. No one would be able to bypass his security. Or Fluffy's. "Why would they come here? Hogwarts is the safest place to guard something"

"Perhaps, but we mustn't disregard a good theory. Either way, there is nothing we can do yet. We have to make our way to lunch. Goodbye Hagrid"

"Bye, Hagrid"

"Bye"

The months passed by in relative peace. Link and Rose have developed a closer friendship. They continued to do their homework, and work on practical casting often. Though Link held himself back to only year 1 spell.

Link has advanced remarkably in his self-study. His core had grown to Level 5 strength and capacity. He could now be considered an average wizard in this society, which is remarkable, considering he is still 11. Should the school staff catch wind of this development, they would be beyond shocked. Link would be held as the second coming of merlin, almost. Not all would be pleased that a muggle-born would possess such extensive might. In short, it would not be safe.

On top of his magical strength, Link has now read ⅔ of the Library accessible to students, excluding the restricted section. This feat of academic prowess would be startling enough, which leaves nothing to the fact that he had understood and mastered all that he read. His studies in Potions and Runes have reached the pinnacle of year 5, which allowed him the basis to implement his own knowledge of enchantment and alchemy. He could now be considered as an accomplished enchanter and alchemist. Which although is impressive, left much to be desired to Link. He was after all a master in both fields, even among the very best, if not the best. But, there is still time to get there. No rush.

Additionally, he wanted to keep his abilities a secret a bit longer. He would reveal his prowess after the 4th year, as by then, He would be on the verge of being a legendary mage once more. None could challenge him by then. Then again, none would challenge him by the time he was a Level-9 mage, but he wanted the extra insurance.

It's a week away from the final exams of the year. After that, they will be returning home. Rose didn't like this week, all she did, or rather all Link forced her to do was to study for the exams. 'It's unfair! Why do we have to work so hard' she was most definitely not pouting, she was merely… grimacing. Yeah, grimacing at the work she went through. At least they were taking a break at this moment.

Other than studying, Rose played her second Quidditch game. She caught the snitch in record time, making her the star of Gryffindor house. She caught it less than a minute after the start of the game. As Snape was the Referee, Rose felt that the faster the game ended, the less trouble the professor could create with his biased refereeing. Compared to her fame as the Girl-who-lived, she much preferred her Quidditch fame. At least the latter was due to her hard work and conscious effort. It also does not have a negative connotation tied to it, like the death of her parents. Link attended that match as well.

They were walking around the castle. They stopped when they heard a noise in the room besides them.

"Forgive me, master"

They had their backs to the wall, eavesdropping into the admittedly one-sided conversation.

"I'll try harder… please, just give me more time"

Rose was confused as to where this was going. What was going on? Link on the other hand, had his suspicions. He can't be too sure. He would have to get a good look at the participant.

"Thank you, Master, it will be done. Just give me a week"

This was the last thing the duo heard before heading into the, now, empty room. They looked around, trying to search for clues left behind that may give them an idea as to what had happened. However, there was no such thing; naturally, a conversation wouldn't leave behind anything.

For Link though, there was a lingering, and quickly dissipating aura. An aura he was a little familiar with. Only the tint of darkness is much more pronounced than before.

Unfortunately, he couldn't do anything about it. He has no evidence. All he could do is keep a closer eye on Quirrell. He almost hadn't recognised him without his stutter. Regardless of how forced it may have been.

The week went by, Link and Rose were busy with their exams. Link easily breezed through them, exceeding the expectations of all professors, even Snape. He got beyond 100% in every exam, as there were extra questions and his extremely detailed explanations allowed for that in the theoretical portion of the exams. For the Practical, although he was restricted by the spells of a year 1 student, his ease of use, fluid transitioning between spells, and the creativity employed in their use assured grades to be at the 200 to 300 percentile. Boggling the minds of all who knew, namely the professors and Rose, the only student he informed about.

Speaking of, Rose also enjoyed spectacular results. Due to her friend's training and study sessions, Rose was able to score a near-perfect score on all her subjects, including Potions, much to Snape's dismay. Her practical results being much better than the theoretical, but she was still proud of her results regardless.

Link was obviously the first of his year, in all houses, to Ravenclaws contentment. Followed by a girl in Slytherin by the name of Daphne Greengrass, then Rose, Susan Bones of Hufflepuff. Ron wasn't too concerned with his ranking, as long as he passed. Neville did well enough to be placed within the top ten.

The duo were just exiting the Great Hall after dinner, it was about 5 pm. They were chatting together, talking about their exams, and what they would do this summer.

"I'll be going back to my relatives. So I don't think I'd do much of anything this holiday"

"Don't worry about it, I'll visit you often. We'll even be able to go places."

"Really?" her tone is slightly doubtful, not that she is to blame, she had long given up on people helping her from her relatives.

"Trust me, we will see each other, and we will have fun. Don't worry"

"Alright" Even against her wishes, she felt hopeful that Link would keep true to his word. He has never given her reason to doubt him, but it was still difficult to trust people easily.

"Link, do you think the stone would be safe?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I don't know, it's a feeling I've got"

"I think it would be fine, as long as Dumbledore stays within the castle. Plus it would be difficult for a mage to get past the Cerberus, Fluffy, without any amount of noise. I believe Hagrid said that he and Dumbledore are the only ones that know how to put the dog-beast down…"

He suddenly jolted. He just remembered that Hagrid got a dragon egg not too long ago. He said he won it from a man in a game of cards. He had to ask details about that. He ran towards Hagrid's hut.

"Where are we going? Why are you running?"

"I just remembered the dragon egg Hagrid got a few months ago. You said that the first time you met, he wanted to have a dragon, right?"

Rose instantly knew what he was talking about.

"That's right, what are the odds of a man having a dragon egg, which is highly illegal, and was willing to put it up for wager in a game of cards. Especially when it could be charged for a fortune."

"Exactly, I think things aren't as simple as they may seem"

He immediately set to knocking on the door, the moment he reached Hagrid's door.

"What are you doing here? It's almost curfew"

"I just thought of something. The guy that you won Norberta off of. Do you remember him?"

"Absolutely, I do. Helped me get a dragon, of course, I'd remember him. It was my dream you know"

Rose was a bit anxious, so she blurted out the main reason immediately.

"Did he talk about Fluffy?"

"Yeah, he seemed unusually curious about him"

"What did you tell him?"

"Ah, that night? I had a bit too much to drink, you know. I told him that Fluffy in particular gets sleepy with music…" Hagrid realised that he just spoke in the presence of children. "I should not have said that… Should not have said that… Any chance you'd forget that? Hey, where are you going?" It was a bit too late by then as Link and Rose were running towards the Headmaster's office.

They quickly made it inside, making a bee-line straight towards the Headmasters office. They had visited it previously during the dragon incident. Though, now that they were in front of the office they just remembered something crucial. What was the passcode? The one used previously did not work, it is possible the passcode changes frequently, the same way it did for their dorm entrances.

It was an oversight on his part, he must admit. Though, it didn't matter too much, because they came across Professor McGonagall not too far from the office.

"What are you doing, running at this time of night? It's almost curfew. You should make your way to your dorms. Go on"

"Professor… where is the Headmaster? We have something urgent we have to speak to him about"

"What is it? I'm sure I can help you after all Dumbledore just left for the ministry"

"What? He's not here?" Rose couldn't believe their luck. Why must he leave at such a time?

"The Headmaster is an extremely busy man, Miss Potter, he can't be expected to delay his work at all times, can we?"

"You are right, professor. I'll be blunt then. We know about the Philosopher's stone, and we be-"

"What? How did you know about that?" She was certainly astonished. Only the Professors and the Headmaster know what they've hidden in the third story corridor. How did they know?

"We figured it out, ma'am. I'll explain later, but we believe that someone is about to attempt to steal the stone, now with the Headmaster gone, he might really attempt it today."

"Nonsense. Do not be absurd, Mr Granger. The stone is perfectly safe. Now off to your dorms"

"But…"

"No buts. Now make your way to your dorms, or I will be deducting points. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Professor"

"Very well. Off you go then"

On their way, Rose was feeling anxious. She had to do something. She can't have someone, probably working for Voldemort, get that stone. Her Parent's murderer would come back. She can't have that.

"Don't worry. Let's meet up in 3h time. The thief won't make a move until most teachers are asleep. We have time. Get a little rest"

Link was still calm. He was thinking through their situation rationally and already had a game plan. She nodded her head and made her way to her dorm.

A/N: Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed it.