Ivan was frozen solid at the moment. He felt the iceliles spreading over him, nearly making him paralyzed. He was back? The little…. He doesn't even know of a name vile enough to describe the man he saw that day.
Russia had figured out over the years that he had been tricked, hypnotized and made a fool of. Whoever that 'Riddle' was, had turned him crazy. It has been well over two hundred years and he still has the golden circles in his eyes, and in all likelihood, will forever. And it was all his fault.
His muscles started to tense as his shoulders hardened for combat. When he sees ole Tommy, he is going to let him take a visit to the 'street sweepers daughter' alright.
In a sick and twisted way he mises the old methods of punishment. Slowly compressing an individuals body, cuasing blood to squirt from the eyes and ears as the other is driven to insanity….
…Okay his wrath is showing.
That is rather odd though, after years of practice he has gotten quite good at controlling his feelings, so what was going on?
-o-
The twins watched the passing faces of Russia, moving as if in a silent movie. Alfred gulped when seeing the red burning in his rivals eyes. He knew from experience that when that happened to either of them something bad was going to happen.
Mathew also could sense the dread in the room. The continuing echoes of 'kill' and 'get up' were still sounding through the large area.
Canada knew something was off, he could feel it. Even though nothing was triggering his envy, he could sense the heat behind his eyes start to build up as if he was about to go into one of his dazes again. And as far as he can tell looking at his brother (although considering Alfred's complete denial about having wrath in the first place, he probably doesn't even notice) his eyes were also glowing red.
Speaking of red.
"Hey Ivan" Alfred shouted, shaking his head to the side to shake away some fog starting to form. "What's wrong?"
"Little Riddle" he sang creepily, ignoring the other. He began standing up and pulled his pipe from besides the bed. Playtime is over, he is going to die.
"Whoa" Alfred screeched hopping up. "Dude, no weapons. If I'm not allowed to shoot anything I see, you can't club them to death."
Ivan really didn't care. He had waited two hundred long years for the chance for payback. Maybe it was the crazy in him making him want to do this, but then again that was Riddles fault anyways so it's not as if he is wrong in the desire.
"Russia, stop" America groaned rubbing his eyes then trying to yank the pipe from the other man's grip to no avail. It was too late at night for this. Maybe if he was at the bar with Prussia and Denmark this would be fine, but not when he is sober and locked up in the hospital trying to regrow his leg bones, which makes it really painful to be standing up at the moment.
"Nyet, let go" argued Ivan pulling back on the end. Great, here goes the tug and war match again.
-0-
While Russia and America reenacted their old fights, Canada just rolled his eyes and sat back down on the bed. Did they really have to do this every time they were together? If so, this is going to be a long year.
He sat back down on the uncomfortable bed and grabbed a glass of water from the side and took a sip. Maybe the voice was just in their head or something, it wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened.
Although having Russia also here it rules out that possibility. Why did he react so strongly anyways?
Canada was in the middle of pondering this question when he looked to the side and found a brownish one stuck in his.
Doing a spit take on the poor elf, he hopped up panicked.
After hearing the shriek, all of the nations simultaneously turned to Canada, and after a few seconds of processing the whole room had turned to the soaking elf standing on the bed.
"…Dobby?" questioned the twins. What was Dobby doing here?
Ivan tilted his head to the side as he saw the short creature. He looked much like the gremlins (the creatures that America's movie completely butchered by the way. They act nothing like that) back in Russia, but not quite. Plus he didn't seem like the kind to trick someone into a deal that leads to their death, or kill them. So yeah, probably not similar at all.
While Ivan was staring at the creature, analyzing it shamelessly, the twin's rolled their eyes and walked over the house elf, sitting next to him on the bed.
"Sorry for getting you all wet" Canada apologized. Poor Dobby, he really cannot catch a break can he?
"Yeah dude, but that was gross. But epic spit take." Added Alfred, ignoring Mathew's 'really?' look.
"It is fine ma-" the elf began, but cut himself off when he remembered that he wasn't supposed to call the twins that anymore.
"Sorry, I mean it's fine Alfred and Mathew."
Mathew smiled and rubbed the other on the head as if he was ruffling his hair, and Alfred let out a sigh of relief. Okay so the creepy voice was just Dobby.
Since he was calming down through, the adreline wore off and he now was back to feeling the agony of regrowing bones. He grunted as he held his leg. Stupid Lockhart, if it weren't for him he would have been fine by now, but no. Now he is stuck like this.
Dobby looked at Alfred's wound and tutted. It was just like when the twins were little kids and Alfred would go crying because he scrapped his knee, despite the fact it would heal in minutes. America was a bit of a crybaby back then.
"Alfred should have listened to Dobby. Alfred and Mathew should have gone back home when they missed the train." Dobby said to the other's. Why couldn't they have listened to him? If they had none of this would be happening.
The twins were confused for a second. Wait, how did he even know about that? Unless…
"It was you!" they said in unison, more than confused. The get that code Black cloak is on, but how did he even manage to lock down the station in the first place.
Ivan caught site of Alfred's confused face and let out a chuckle. "Ah Amerika. First beaten by the blonde kid, and now a gremlin. You really have fallen haven't you?"
"Shut up Ivan" Alfred shot with his usual glare. "And he is an elf not a gremlin."
"Whatever you say, comrade."
Alfred was glaring at Ivan again, although really halfheartedly, and Canada slapped the back of his head.
"Focus." He snapped, then turned back to Dobby who was looking slightly guilty, but more proud than anything.
"So it was you who stopped me, Alfred and our friends from getting on the train?"
"Indeed, si-Canada" the eld admitted, now looking a little more guilty than proud. He hadn't wanted to take it that far, but he will do what he has to in order to keep his masters safe.
"You nearly got me and Alfred arrested!" Canada whisper yelled. Not so much because of his voice, but more because he did not want to wake up the Hufflepuffs next door. They were nosy enough as it is and since they are so 'kind' and 'caring' they probably would rush into the room with cameras ready to Instagram some embarrassing pictures of them.
"But it was awesome. Like, Prussia awesome" commented Alfred. Which just got him an eye roll.
"At least you would be away from here" defended Dobby. Stepping forward in a pleading manner. "Alfred and Mathew would be safe."
Dobby was well aware of the third person in the room watching Dobby with intrigue, but he didn't care about him or Dobby. Dobby needed to help Dobby's friends no matter what.
"Go home" he begged. "Dobby thought Dobby's plan would be enough to make Alfred and Mathew want to leave."
The two of them groaned and lied on their back. They were well acquainted with Dobby's martyrdom; in fact, Mathew speculated that some of it rubbed off in his brother, leading to his need to try to fix everyone else's problems while ignoring his own.
"Dobby, let me ask you an honest question." Said Alfred. "I will not be angry if you say yes. Did you make the bludger chase after me?"
Dobby hung his head low as he gave a small nod.
"He is the one whole stole the heat seeker?" clarified Ivan now glowering at Dobby. Maybe he was a gremlin after all.
"Russia, I'll buy you a new one or just give you one of mine. I swear, if you lay a hand on him, I will cut off that hand." He said without any tone of threat in his voice. At this point in their many years as enemies, raising their voice means nothing. They both know their threats are valid.
Russia didn't want to let it go, but it wasn't as if he would gain anything by attacking the little gremlin. Besides, he'll just steal two from America to make up for it plus interest.
"Dobby feels most aggrieved sirs." He apologized, this time acknowledging the other. Dobby hated the fact that he had to steal but he could not think of any other way to have a tracker that accurate. True there are spells that could work, but nothing quite hits home like heat seekers.
"Dobby had to iron Dobby's hands" he held out his blackened and bandaged fingers, that if it were not for the many years of war and seeing actuall cooking people, the nations would have thrown up at the site of. It still looked fresh too.
"Dobby" said Canada keeping his cool. He could threaten him, but both he and America know that never works. "Please go alright? Me and Alfred will be fine."
Dobby was shaking his head and plopped down refusing to move.
Mathew sighed realizing what he had to do. Knowing that his brother will hate the idea, but also realizing it was the only thing that would make Dobby leave he said "Really Dobby we're okay. Arthur hired Ivan to protect us. See? He is like our body guard."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Alfred started chocking on his own water, frantically pounding his hand on his heart to clear it and Ivan's was doubled over in laughter.
"Oh this is classic. Just classic. You hear that Amerika, you cannot even handle yourself anymore, you need me to guard you. Oh the mighty have fallen, the mighty have fallen."
Alfred who was still chocking on the water, managed to cough out a "In your dreams, commie" between the heaves.
Seriously, Ivan? Ivan?! Russia as his body guard? He is pretty sure Russia is more likely to put him in a body bag than prevent him getting killed. Seriously, what was England thinking when he sent Russia to protect them. Russia! He's so, so, Russia.
"Dobby doesn't know…" he trailed off. "Is 'Ivan' able to protect Alfred and Mathew?"
This of course sent out another round of laughing and indignant sputters while Canada just tried to ignore them and actually get something done; since no other country except him and Germany can do that apparently.
"Yes Dobby he can." Mathew explained. "He is very good at his job. Also, what is the other option? We can't leave before we learn how the magic world works other wise Code Black Cloak will never go away. What you tried earlier with the ball would only get me Alfred and Ivan locked away if we get discovered."
Dobby still looked very unconvinced. He doesn't want his old masters to get hurt by the dark loard again. He was there that day they came home, cut up from the branches and the still burning scar fresh on their arms.
They were such a peaceful family before that. They treated him so kindly, not like his current house. A house where he is threatened with death ten times a day, not allowed to sit and is starved. Where he cannot talk to anyone and is forced to just work all day long.
He misses the endless fields and rabbits scurrying around. The long mountains and oceans stretching not even close to sea to shining sea back then.
But then the revolution hit and no longer could their family stay together. With a heavy heart Alfred had hugged Dobby goodbye and sent him back to England, not wanting him to have to witness the future horrors. But he knew what had happened. Alfred was now 'independent' and Arthur could no longer keep Dobby due to the fact people were suspicious about why he hadn't been returned for purchase.
Dobby was set on the market, sent to the Malfoys where he went from being a treasured friend, to a common household item, easy to abuse and work without any care or fear or neglect.
He can not let the people who had given him those few decades, no matter how short, of pure bliss be hurt. He would rather die a slow and painful death than let that happen. He will not let the last remnants of a happy life be ruined by he who shall not be named. He needs to repay them for the kindness they had showed him, no matter what the cost.
"Dobby" Canada said bending down and looking into the others eyes. "We will be alright. I promise you."
Dobby still wasn't conviced so Canada ripped a piece of paper off a notebook nearbye.
"Look" he explained to the other. "See this piece of paper?"
Dobby nodded and looked at it closer. There was nothing special about it, just a regular piece of paper.
"If any of us need help, we will hide this piece of paper under the couch where the first message was written. Is that alright?"
Dobby was still uncertain. "Please just leave" he begged.
"Terrible are about to happen at Hogwarts. Mathew and Alfred must not stay here now that history is to repeat itself."
"Wait a second" Mathew cut him off. Alfred and Ivan were still busy argueing so they were hearing none of this. "You mean all of this has happened before?"
Dobby slammed his big, fat mouth shut and fast his hands over his mouth. Idiot. He is an idiot.
"I shouldn't have said that" he scolded himself out loud. Grabbing a candle holder on the table next to the bed he was standing on he started hitting himself in the head. This is the only way to make up for the complete stupidity he has just commited. Stupid, stupid, vermin.
"Dobby" Mathew commanded grabbing the candle from him and placing it far away. "I told you to stop doing that to yourself."
"Sorry sir" Dobby quickly apologized. Oh no, now he had made Mathew angry. He searched around for another thing to hit himself with, but seeing where this was going, Mathew took a hold of his arm.
"Look Dobby, I am not angry. I just need to know when this has happened before" Canada kept his voice at a whisper. Seeing how Ivan reacted to the voice earlier, he is starting to think that there is a connection that he might want to figure out before letting the others know.
"Dobby cannot say Canada" Dobby said trying to get away. "Dobby only wants his friends safe."
"Please Dobby" pleaded Mathew. "I need to know. To keep my brother and me safe. Please Dob-" but he was cut off by Dobby snapping his figers and disapeering in a flash of dust into the air.
Mathew hates it when people do that to him.
-o-
Fuming slightly Mathew grunted then plotped on the mattress. "Can you guys stop fightening already. The cold war ended years ago, so stop acting like five year olds."
The others looked at Canada slightly shocked, but Mathew had no idea why. What he couldn't see was how brightly his eyes were shining at the moment. Green was lighting up half the room.
Canada was just glaring at first but then it dawned on him how out of character that was for him. He just snapped at Russia. He was not crazy enough to do that. Looking out the window to the side, he could see his eyes shining brightly in the reflection.
Suspecting the same was happening to them, Alfred and Ivan also checked the closest reflective surfaces and saw that indeed their eyes were glowing red. Although Ivan's of course had the golden rings attached.
They were all wondering what was going on, when they heard hurried footsteps echoing down he nearby hallways.
Jumping into their beds, they pulled up the covers and shut their eyes tight as to not let the light escape.
When the steps got even closer and eventually filed into the room, all three nations listened closely to every word spoken. Years of battle experience told them that there were five people in total, and were carrying something long and thin. From the shuffling that it was making it sounded like a stretcher.
Instantly getting more curious, the twins in complete silence reached for their glasses to dampen the glow of their light, and be used as a mirror to see backwards, and Russia pulled up his scarf to cover his eyes but still let him see through, and used the window in front of him as a reflection.
There was the boy with the camera who had been following around, Creevey they think the name was, being laid down completely paralyzed. Dumbledore, McGonagall and a few other teachers were huddled around him examining the body.
"Another attack" whispered the headmaster, although it was so loud that it hardly counted as one. His naturally booming voice echoes all around.
"I think you are right" agreed McGonagall. "I think he's been petrified, Madam Ponfrey what do you think?" she told the nurse.
The three were listening with intent ears trying to reason out what was happening. What did they mean by 'another' attack. Did that mean there had been more?
Mathew wondered if this is what Dobby had been referencing to when he spoke of repeating history. But it wasn't as if a nation could be paralyzed…could they?
"Perhaps he managed to take a picture of his attacker?" suggested Mcgonagall again.
Dumbledoor ripped the old style device out of the younger boy's hand and looked it over. Why a young student would use such an ancient relic is beyond him, but he is not going to question it.
When Dumbledore opened the back to take out some of the pictures, the entire inside exploded erasing all the film.
"What could this mean?" asked the teacher.
"It means" explained Dumbledore, causing the nations to lean forward to strain to hear him better. Figures now he starts to actually whisper.
"That our students are in great danger."
The teachers gave a miniature gasp while the nations rolled there eyes. No shit Sherlock, no need for the dramatics. Dumbledore may be a great headmaster but he would be awful in the military where the captain obviouses get shot.
"What should I tell the staff?" questioned the Gryfindorr house leader.
"You tell them Hogwarts is no longer safe."
'Seriously!' Alfred wanted to scream. He may love the headmaster, but man, he needs to learn to actually start saying some important things, not just state what everyone already knows. And what is with the 'just not safe'. Unless he has forgotten they have almost gotten eaten by a tree, stabbed, almost bulldozed by a bludger and killed in various other ways over the past year alone. Baring even last years adventures. This school had lost the right to be called 'safe' a long time ago.
"It is as we feared; the chamber of secrets has indeed been opened again." The older man continued.
'Finally' all three cheered. Some actually useful information.
With that final cryptic message, the teachers all walked off discussing what they could do. No one had any decent answers outside of set a curfew though.
The room went back again as the door closed, leaving the nations to ponder the new information only in the light of their own eyes.