Being the personification of a country was a curse. To begin, you lived as long as your nation stood. If it fell, you did as well. There was only one case where this hasn't happened. Second, if people find out what you are, you could be taken advantage of and used to take over another nation, permanently damaging your relationship with them. To prevent this you have to live a life of secrecy. Lastly, the people of the country help make up the country. If they die, you feel it.

This was the worst part for the personification of England. Someone was always dying, so it was only natural that he would feel the familiar twinge of pain in his heart. He could easily ignore this. Mass murders however, took a heavy toll on him, especially when they involved magic.

The start of the First Wizarding War came as a shock. When it began, England was still recovering from World War Two, which had ended only twenty-five years before.

The first major attack resulted in regular fits of coughing that became worse with each death. The next major attack added blood to the coughing fits. It wasn't until four attacks later that the seizures started. During the seizures, he would feel the exact way each and every person was tortured. Voldemort would grow eerily quiet, only to strike again ten times worse a few months later.

All the while, England couldn't do anything but sit and watch, as he was no longer involved with the Ministry of Magic, or the magical world at all. He made a promise to a long and forgotten magic hating boss that he would not have anything to do with magic. This promise was kept on record, becoming a sort of law. It was made such a long time ago that the ministry had all but forgotten his existence.

Eventually, the Dark Lord fell and he was able to recover….slightly.

So fourteen years later, when England felt his return, he knew that he couldn't stand by and wait for things to boil over. Not if he didn't want to feel the pain again. This time he was going to fight back.

England sat in his study reading a certain article in the Daily Prophet.

The headlines read; 'Ministry of Magic's Dolores Umbridge to teach as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor this coming term at Hogwarts'

It was clear to him from reading the article that the Ministry was trying to interfere at the school. As to why, he wasn't entirely sure, but he was willing to bet that it had to do with Albus Dumbledore's claims that Voldemort had returned a month before. The Ministry was afraid and didn't want to admit that the terrifying wizard was back. They would rather the entire wizarding community was clueless and lived in whatever 'peace' they could while people started dying left and right.

Though England had to admit, it was a great idea. Interfere at Hogwarts by posing as a teacher. He blinked. It was a good idea. In fact, it was a brilliant idea.

That was it! That was what he could do!

A plan began to form in mind. It was perfect. He would apply for a job at Hogwarts, as there were still two empty staff positions. If he got the job, he would be able to stop the Ministry's influence at Hogwarts. He would bring an ally with him, and they could take the position of a student at the school. While he kept an eye on Umbritch or whatever her name was, they would keep an eye on Harry and keep him safe. There were still a few kinks, but it was a really great plan for having just come up with it on the spot.

That's when he hit a snag. He still had that 'law' that prevented him from interfering in the magical world. He was then reminded of the seizures and torture he felt when Voldemort killed others. He did NOT want to experience that any more than he had to.

"To hell with rule following. There are more important matters." England growled as he strode over to his desk. He pulled out a roll of parchment and a quill and began to write. A smile formed on his face.

"Besides, I could use a change of pace."

Albus Dumbledore was just finishing up a meeting with Severus Snape when he received the owl. It was a rowdy bird, screeching loudly for their attention and hopping frantically across Dumbledore's desk, making a mess of his papers."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "It appears that the bird has a letter for you, Albus."

"Indeed it does."

"Perhaps you should read it before the thing knocks itself out."

Dumbledore untied the letter from the bird's leg. Wax with the coat of arms of the United Kingdom pressed in it was sealing the envelope shut. He looked at it in curiosity as he opened it. What would anyone in the British government want from him? His eyes began to scan the letter.

Dear Headmaster Albus Dumbledore:

I have received word that you are in need of both a Muggle Studies and History of Magic professor. I would like to tell you that I want to apply for both of those positions, as it would be a shame to see such wonderful subjects have to go. Now before you reject me and toss this letter away, I had an idea for those classes. History of Magic and Muggle Studies should be combined, as the two are very close in topic. This would save you money and the effort of trying to find another teacher.

If you would like to discuss any of this, I will be available at any time. Let me know the time and the date, and I will be there.

Sincerely,

Arthur Kirkland

Dumbledore finished reading and looked to Snape who interrupted the silence.

"Who is it from?" He asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.

Dumbledore handed him the letter. "A man from the British government by the name of 'Arthur Kirkland'. It appears that he wants to apply for a job."

As Snape read through the letter, his eyes narrowed.

"You shouldn't trust him. There are so many things off about this situation. For instance, why on Earth would a government official contact you? The muggle government isn't even involved with magic!"

The older man smiled. "Or so we think. I for one am rather curious as to why he would apply for a job if he already has one, and at such short notice."

"What is it that you plan on doing, Headmaster?"

"I am going to reply to this man. I am willing to give up some of my time to meet with him, and see what he has to say."