This chapter is really short, that's why it is also being posted. It explains a few things and kind of serves as a transition from the beginning of the story to the middle.
Edit: Some kind person pointed out that I had written "try not to stay out of trouble" instead of "try to stay out of trouble". Thank you so much for catching that!
The plan finally makes sense, though not really.
The Germanics and Hungary met England at his house yet again, this time to go over many of the spells they didn't get to yesterday. It was now August 30th, and the school year was rapidly approaching. Though there wasn't much England had to do in the way of preparation (he wasn't even going to Hogwarts!) he still felt anxious. He didn't like not being able to do anything, and he really didn't like having to rely on others like this.
Luckily, teaching the group of nations took his mind off of these thoughts. Unluckily, they were quick learners, which meant they finished early. They went back to their hotels around lunchtime (not before England offered them some tea and scones), Prussia mumbling about being bored and wanting to see the sights even though it was supposed to rain today, and Austria wanting to find a good piano to practice a new song. He vaguely heard Liechtenstein ask if they could go to a cafe before the door shut.
He stared at his fireplace and sipped tea for a few minutes, though the tea was cold and not very pleasant. This did not help ease his racing mind. He dreaded the start of the school year.
'I could still contact them, maybe even ask them to send weekly updates. Would that make them think I don't trust them? But what if something happens and I don't know about it? Would sending advice be against the no interfering rule? No.. no... the Minister wouldn't bother checking mail, would he?'
All these ideas were giving him a headache. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden?
Before he knew the answer to any of those questions, it was already six in the evening. Though it wasn't terribly late, he decided it best if he retired for the night.
-linebreak-
They had another meeting the afternoon of the 31st (aka today) to go over and finalize their plans. The Hogwarts Express left tomorrow, and with it, the nations. Now, England's nerves had turned into excitement. It had been a while since he had defied direct orders.
"Alright, so. The train for Hogwarts leaves tomorrow. Meaning this is your last day to ask questions. It leaves the station at eleven o'clock am exactly. You lot will come here at eight at the latest to get your things, and I will drive you to King's Cross Station at no later than ten. I will show you to your platform and see you off. From there on you'll be on your own. Once you're inside the castle, you'll all be sorted into houses based on personality. No, Gilbert I don't know which ones you'll be in. And for God's sake, please try to stay out of trouble." England pointedly looked at Prussia during the last sentence.
Prussia almost sulked at this exclamation. He was hoping to pull all sorts of pranks on teachers he didn't like.
"Furthermore, I want one of you to send me a letter if 'anything' suspicious happens."
"Like what?" Germany asked.
"Like any sightings of Voldemort, any of your house mates acting sketchy, teachers or caretakers acting suspicious, anything of the like." England waved his hand around vaguely at the last bit.
Germany seemed satisfied, as he nodded and did not ask any more questions.
And with this, England sent them off. It was going to be an interesting year, for better or for worse.