(Neither Hetalia nor Harry Potter are mine. They are copyrighted to Himaruya and J. K. Rowling respectively.)
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Arthur," the tall, silver haired wizard said softly, leading the way down countless flights of stairs.
"It was no problem, Albus, really," England replied. "I'm glad you called me for this, especially after, ah, last time…"
Albus, also known as Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, or Professor Dumbledore depending on who you were, chuckled as his hand unconsciously brushed the top of his left knee. "Yes, last time was interesting. Though, having a map of the London Underground has come in handy."
England flushed, thankful that Albus was looking forward and not back at the Nation. "Right, I'm glad. Sorry about that."
Albus waved away the apology and began working on opening the door. England stood by, staying quiet, not wanting to ruin the wizard's concentration. Soon enough, the door had opened and the two men slipped inside.
"Here it is," Albus said reverently. "The Mirror of Erised."
England stopped in the doorway, not daring to come any closer. The mirror was supposed to show your heart's desire…and England wasn't sure what he would see upon looking in the mirror. In fact, he was rather certain he'd be much happier not knowing. But Albus was looking at him, his eyes doing that twinkling he's so well known for, and England sighed. Might as well get it over with.
Slowly, as if he were walking to his death, England made his way into the room and stood in front of the mirror.
"You need to open your eyes, Arthur. The mirror can't show you your heart's desire if you're unwilling to see."
"Yeah, yeah. You don't need to sound so amused about it," England grumbled, opening his eyes slowly.
There in the mirror was England…but he wasn't alone. He was surrounded by all of his former colonies and territories, and they were sitting together, laughing, happy…something that would never happen in a million years. His heart suddenly heavy, it took England a moment to realize that Albus' hand was on his shoulder.
"Family. One's greatest desire…and life's greatest curse."
England nodded, forcing his gaze away from the mirror, instead focusing on the half-moon spectacles. "So, you want me to take this mirror from the school and hide it where no one can find it?"
Albus nodded sadly. "Yes, that would be best. Too many men have wasted their lives away pining for what they see in the mirror, but cannot have in life."
Sighing heavily, for once feeling his age, England ran his hand through his hair, resisting the urge to look in the mirror again. "Right. I'll have the fairies move it. It is a creation of fairy magic, after all."
"Of course."
