In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Ron's reflection in the Mirror of Erised is wildly different from Harry's. In his reflection, Ron, who is constantly reminded of his siblings’ successes, sees himself standing blissfully alone. His reflection seems to take on attributes of his brothers. He is older, a head boy like Bill, and a quidditch captain like Charlie. However, unlike his older brothers who just had one these things, Ron has both. This makes him superior to his brothers and therefore best. To someone who has always been burdened with the success of his older siblings, it must be a huge relief for Ron to see himself having the most achievements and standing alone, unencumbered by anyone else in his family.
The Mirror of Erised shows Ron what his version of perfection would look like. When looking in the Mirror, Ron does not feel inadequate. However, when he is done viewing the Mirror Ron feels an even greater sense of lack. Although J.K. Rowling focuses on Harry’s reaction to the image in the mirror, it must also be devastating for Ron. For a few blissful moments, Ron is the best he can be. When leaving the empty classroom where the Mirror is housed, Ron is forced to realize things about himself that he never thought about before. Although Ron undoubtedly knows about the pressures put on him by his family, it is something that in his subconscious. He does not think about it or focus on it. However, seeing it manifested in the Mirror of Erised brings forth ideas and lamentations into his conscience that were not there before. Ron will from this point out take his mother’s nagging more to heart and his brothers’ achievements will make him feel defensive.
The Mirror once again established feelings that weren't there earlier.
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