So this is my first fanfic ever. A big warning: English is not my first language and you can probably see that in my grammar. I will appreciate corrections and suggestions.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Sound of Music or any of its characters. I just like to imagine what would have happened in different scenarios.
Please review, I'd like to know if people are enjoying this story!
"If the Nazis take over Austria, I have no doubt, Herr Zeller, that you will be the entire trumpet section."
"You flatter me, Captain."
"Oh, how clumsy of me - I meant to accuse you."
Herr Zeller narrowed his eyes dangerously; he would not stand for such a display in front of other members of the Austrian aristocracy and upper class. He was going to be one of the most important members of the Nazi Party as soon as the Anschluss took place, he would not be made a fool by a former sea Captain that thought too highly of himself. Things would change soon, and Captain von Trapp should be aware of that.
"Captain, I would like to have a word with you. Alone" he said.
"There is nothing you could say that would interest me, Herr Zeller", the Captain answered with distaste.
He hated the fact that this man was here, in his own house. Elsa had insisted on the invitation and he had been too distracted by the governess of his children to pay much attention to the party and its endless planning.
Zeller came closer to the Captain "I don't think that you want your guests to hear what I have to say. I assure you, I will leave after our conversation".
The other guests that were close, picking up on the tension that emanated from both men, took a few steps back and went back to the ballroom.
Captain von Trapp could not believe the man's insolence. At the same time, hearing out what he had to say might get him out of his door sooner. "Damn this man, damn this blasted party…" he thought.
"Follow me"
The Captain did not take him to his study, that was his private space and he could not dream of having that man in it. They went to the main vestibule, right next to the front door. This place was good enough for whatever that Nazi wanted to say to him and the front door was conveniently close for him to leave his house as soon as he was done.
Neither man saw that Maria and Elsa were on the stairs, both having left the party only a couple of minutes ago. Maria wanted to check on the children before going to her room to change and Elsa had waited for her in order to "help her" choose something to wear.
"All right, here we are. Say whatever it is you want to say Herr Zeller", the Captain said impatiently.
Both women stopped walking and turned to watch the scene that was playing out in front of them.
"Captain von Trapp, I would be more careful if I were you in your public attitude regarding the Nazi Party and Austria's annexation to the Third Reich regime. It will happen, it is only a matter of time. You and I both know it."
The Captain was about to reply angrily and demand that he leave his house, but Zeller continued, "I don't care what you think about us Captain. I just want you to be aware that things are already in motion for Austria's future, and that includes you too. You will be called to serve on the Third Reich's Navy, I can guarantee that."
Both men heard two gasps from the women that were listening to the conversation taking place a few steps below. Zeller actually smiled, while the Captain's posture stiffened ever more.
"And you will comply with the wishes of the Nazi Party," he continued, "if you don't, it will be more than just you who will suffer. Just imagine what would happen to the family of a man who dared to defy the Third Reich's wishes", he looked at the women that were watching him too. "Your children, it would be a shame if anything happened to them, such beautiful voices… And imagine if you were to be married by that time… what a tragedy."
It happened very quickly. The Captain violently pinned Zeller against the wall and kept his hand on his throat. Maria and The Baroness screamed and came closer to both men, not knowing what to do or what to say.
"Leave my house this instant and never set foot in my property again. I am warning you. I will not be responsible for my actions if I ever hear you threaten me or my family again."
Zeller's eyes betrayed his fear. He tried to push the Captain away but he had a deadly grip on him. Eventually, it was Maria's voice that broke the silence "Please Captain, let him go".
Georg turned to look at her, and she saw such anguish, fear and anger in his eyes as she had never seen before. Her face was also contracted in fear and anger. Looking at her, knowing that she felt those emotions too, helped him regain control. He let him go slowly, looking at him with hatred and disgust.
Zeller opened the door to leave the house, and, in a final whisper that sounded like a bark to the three people that were there, he said, "you will get your orders soon enough, Captain. It will be your principles or your family. You will have to make the choice". He closed the door and disappeared into the night.
As soon as he left the house, both women reacted quickly.
"Captain, you can't give in. You all have to leave. You can't possibly make that choice", Maria cried in distress.
At the very same time, Elsa said loudly, "Georg, you have to do as he says. You can't put us… put your family, in danger. It would be ludicrous to try to resist them".
"What?!", cried the Captain.