Allen strides quickly and quietly through the corridors, knowing exactly which paths to take to get to his destined location.
Somewhere in his mind he curses the old fool of a wizard for tempting him. Dumbledore has always been cunning and manipulative, since that starry night where he had seen Allen cross into this realm from the Ark.
Allen isn't concerned, though. Dumbledore knows that he is not The Boy Who Lived, and that he is not even half as gullible.
He enters the room, wincing as the door creaks slightly.
He sees it.
The Mirror of Erised is tinted gold, with simple-yet-intricate design.
Allen holds up a candle and peers into the magical artifact, and what he sees of a future that could have been takes away his breath.
There is Road Kamelot, smiling and greeting him by waving her hand and some candles around. There is Kanda, looking away grumpily, but still seeming more affectionate than usual. There is Lavi, smiling, and there is Lenalee and Komui too. And there is Master Cross, reaching to ruffle Allen's head as he smokes a cigarette. Behind them all are the other Noah, and a vast amount of Finders and nameless Exorcists.
Looking into the mirror, Allen can almost believe that they are still alive.
Allen turns away and is about to leave when out of the corner of his cursed eye he sees the sight change.
Mana is there.
Looking healthy. Happy. His hand is resting on Allen's back, while his other hand holds a cluster of balloons. Allen - the dog Allen - is sitting at their feet, tail wagging, mouth panting.
Mana smiles and laughs silently.
Allen smiles too, dryly, because this sight - while it really is what he wants most - is much too impossible.
He shakes his head and turns around, this time for real, and leaves. What-could-have-beens are useless, Allen thinks. He is moving on to the future and what-will-bes.
The door closes behind him.
The Mirror of Erised stays and waits for someone else.