Hi everyone!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I enjoyed seeing what other people thought of this story and liked seeing what characters people thought might be included. And as for the guest why wondered why England would bring foreign nations into a domestic issue – don't worry; I've already thought of that I've got something planned in this chapter.

Sorry for the late update! I did not intend to have such a long gap between chapters. Given that this is the third chapter and it came out over a month after the last, I'm willing to bet that some people thought that this was a dead fic – well… it's not.

I had a pretty busy few weeks. On top of working full time, I also moved house from one side of Tokyo, to the other (technically I now live in Kawasaki, which is right next to Tokyo.) It was only 27 km away, but travelling through Tokyo – whether that is by train or car – takes an hour and a half. Then when I got my stuff to my new place, I stupidly realised I'd left my bike at my old place. I actually managed to get it back – I had such a nice day, riding my bike through the suburbs of Tokyo.

I also had to go to the department of immigration (where some of this chapter was written). Long story short – Immigration is not fun. Especially when you have to go there three times in the space of a month, each time waiting close to two hours to be seen for just a few short minutes.

Thankfully that's all behind me now. I'll make sure to have the next chapter out sooner. In the meantime; please enjoy this chapter…

London - near Trafalgar Square

25th August, 2:55 pm

Alfred's POV

"Done!" Alfred declared. It had taken all morning but he had finally defeated the second highest boss of Final Fantasy VI. Only one more level to go and he'd be finished the entire game – a bitter-sweet realisation. It was a good game after all and he didn't really want it to end. Well, he reasoned. With any luck there will be a number VII soon enough.

After a quick break to relieve himself and grab more gaming snacks he sat back, ready to start the final level when his phone rang. Looking at the caller ID he answered.

"Yo Iggy. What's up?"

A rather annoyed sounding Arthur answered. "Don't give me that 'what's up?' nonsense. I told you to meet me at my place at 2:30. That was half an hour ago."

Alfred looked at his watch. Sure enough it read 3:00pm.

"Opps, sorry about that," Alfred said lightly, before adding, "I thought you meant 2:30am."

"Why would I want to see you then!? If you're going to make excuses for being late at least put some thought into them!" Arthur sighed. "Well, whatever. Everyone else is already here, so hurry up and get your ass down here too."

"Yeah, yeah. But first I need to—"

"Bloody hell Alfred, I meant now!"

"OK dude, no need to get cranky. I'll be there soon."

Half an hour (and one trip for takeout McDonald's) later, Alfred stood outside Arthur's London home; a nice town house dating from the early Victorian era – Arthur of course had been the sole owner of the house for its entire one hundred and fifty year history, occasionally changing the ownership to different false names to avoid suspicion, should someone notice his abnormally long ownership. Letting himself in, Alfred walked down the corridor to the living room where he could hear the voices of Arthur, along with several others. Alfred paused at the door thinking; I could knock – well anyone could knock. And that's why it's boring. So….

"Never fear, the Hero's here!" he announced bursting into the meeting room.

"It's about time," said Arthur rolling his eyes at the unnecessary entrance. "I don't know how you got here last when others had to come from the other side of the world. You only had to come from the other side of the city...Is that McDonald's? You stopped for that even though you were already late?! Do you really only think of yourself?"

"Well, this is America we are talking about," said a stylish looking blonde who was sitting by the window, sipping on a glass of champagne. "He probably guesses that ze only food that'd be here would be your food – so he needed to get something else. Even if that something else is almost as bad as your food."

"Oh shut up France."

America nodded a greeting to the French nation before looking around the room, spotting another friend seated at the table. "Yo Kiku! What's up?"

"Hello Alfred-san. I am well. How have you been enjoying my copy of Final Fantasy VI?"

"Dude, it's great!" America said happily, dumping his burger and fries on the table. "My people are going to love it once it's translated into English – so will I for that matter."

"I didn't think you'd need it translated," commented France.

"Oh – I understand all the words they say, it's just a bit hard reading some of it," America admitted before continuing, "Hey France, you should play it too. It's loads of fun! I've been playing it all day—"

"So that's the real reason you're late! I knew it wasn't because you got the time wrong." England accused. "Really Alfred, you're the United States of America you can't keep—"

"Hey chill man," America interrupted, taking his seat at the table. "I would have turned up eventuall-wahh!"

America jumped up, finally becoming aware of the presence of a fifth person as he almost sat on the nations lap.

"Hey Mattie, I didn't notice you were here!"

"Clearly," said the personification of Canada. "Because otherwise it'd be really weird if you just came and sat on me."

"Ahh, yeah. Sorry bro," America gave an apologetic laugh.

"OK, since Alfred has finally decided to grace us with his presence, it means that we are all here." England said, taking his seat at the table. "Alfred, I'll quickly fill you in with what I have already told the others."

"Yeah, something about a new Global Warming program?"

"Actually…. that's not what this meeting's about," England began. "I called you all here because of something that my Minister for Magic—"

"So this is about magic?" America groaned. "How many times do I have to tell you, I'm not interested in that magic shit? If I had known that this is what the meeting was really going to be about I wouldn't have bothered coming—"

"And that's exactly why I didn't tell you what it was really about. I need you here. There's something really important we need to discuss."

"— All those wizards going around thinking that they're better than Muggles simply because Muggles weren't born with magic," America continued dryly as though England hadn't spoken.

"America-san does have a point."

"Oui, but to say they're all like that would be overgeneralising. Some of them are good people."

"Thank-you Francis, I—"

"And when it comes to ze bedroom, there is really not much difference between ze Muggles and ze wizards."

"— did not need to know that." England finished slightly exasperated. "Look," he continued more strongly before anyone else could interrupt. "While there are some bad wizards in the world, who, just as Alfred mentioned, do think that they are better than Muggles, there are also good wizards. Some of whom secretly help Muggles in different ways. Unfortunately though, the wizards who are evil can become very powerful, therefore causing a lot of trouble. And that is what I need to talk to you about."

America took a seat and listened as England spoke about the wizarding war that had occurred several years before. He frowned slightly as England mentioned some of the details. As much as he disliked wizards and their prejudice towards Muggles, he knew that England would not bring up this particular subject without some purpose in mind. England continued, speaking of a riot that had happened at the Quidditch World Cup as well as the Dark Mark that had been summoned at its climax.

"And who would you guess was there, right at the sight were the mark was released?" England asked dramatically.

"Uhhhmm…." the other nations pondered.

"James Bond?" supplied America, stating the first Englishman who came to mind.

"What!? No, of course it wasn't James Bond."

"Sherlock Holmes then."

"No, you stupid git."

France smirked, "Well, you did say 'guess who '. And it happened here in England, so it could have been Bond or Holmes for all we know – they are some of your people after all Arthur."

"They're also fictional! So stop making stupid suggestions when I'm trying to tell you something important!" England exclaimed, before quickly continuing. "It was Harry Potter. The very boy who was key in eliminating Voldemort thirteen years ago! He was right there, right at the very spot that the Dark Mark was released for the first time since Voldemort disappeared!"

"So, you are saying this Potter child released ze Dark Mark?"

"Actually France-san, if this is the first time the Dark Mark has been seen in thirteen years, that means Potter would have only been about a year old when it was last seen. That makes it very unlikely that it was him," Japan commented.

"Oh – right."

"As I was saying..." England continued relaying the turn of events, mentioning the rumours that had reached his ears that Voldemort may not have been quite as dead as they had originally hoped. England also mentioned that many of the rumours related back to Harry Potter in one way or another.

He then went on to state that since Harry Potter was key in eliminating Voldemort as a baby, it was possible that in some way the boy could be involved in bringing about a second wizarding war. This in turn made him a possible target of Voldemort and his Death Eaters if anything were to happen.

"You said Potter goes to Hogwarts? The professors should be able to protect him there," commented Canada after some time.

"True, but as his teachers there are some dangers that they cannot protect him from. Potter is a teenager after all – I'm sure some of the dangerous situations he has been in, in the past have happened because he hasn't followed the school rules."

"So ze teachers crack down a little on ze rules," commented France. "Make sure those kids are where they are meant to be."

"Yes, if the students respect the rules, they will not get into dangerous situations," Japan agreed.

"A task that's easier said than done it seems. Which finally brings me to why I asked you all to come."

America looked between England and the other nations. The excited expression on England's face gave America a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach – he had a feeling he knew exactly where this was heading.

"In order to protect Harry Potter from the forces that may try and bring about another war, I have organised for the five of us to travel to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the coming school year."

Ah, shit. America cursed that feeling in his stomach for being right.

"Do you mean for the whole year?" Japan asked. "England-san, I do not think I will be able to do that. I have commitment at my home and I doubt my boss would be too happy if I just left it all for a year," the other nations nodded their agreement at this statement.

"You need to think about what I've already told you," England argued. "You all saw what Voldemort was doing to my country 13 years ago. If by some chance the war returns – even if that chance is unlikely – it would only pick up where it left off. And judging by what was happening towards the end of the last war, it won't be long before other countries are pulled into it. You'll all have a lot more than paper work to worry about if that eventuates. I'm sure you don't want your citizens – wizard or Muggle – dragged into this. As the saying goes 'prevention is better than cure'. I called you four here today to ask you; will you please come to the school, help me protect Harry Potter, and prevent a second wizarding war from even starting?"

There was a rare moment of silence following this as each of the nations' contemplated England's words.

France spoke first. "Mon Cheri, you make a convincing argument. It'll pain me to be surrounded by your food for an entire year, but I'll do it if I must."

"I also agree with you England-san. If I tell my boss the importance of this mission I am sure I can do something about the paperwork."

"If it'll stop another war then you can count me in," said Canada in a confident yet quiet voice.

All eyes turned to America for his response. Alfred himself felt conflicted. He had done his best to avoid the wizarding world, along with their magic superiority complex for close to three and a half centuries now – well over half his lifetime – ever since that had happened. His visits to the Ministry of Magic in the US were so rare that he was sure that on more than one occasion, several Ministers for Magic had gone through their respective terms having never met the personification of their own nation.

And here was England asking him to spend an entire year with them.

And yet, America found himself thinking. If I don't do anything, the wizarding war may begin again. He vividly remembered the way the last one had affected England and certainty didn't want to see that happen again. So many of Arthur's citizens were killed – both Muggles and wizards…. Even if those wizards are pretty arrogant – and laughably ignorant of any type of technology – nothing can justify what happened at that time. If a new war does start up, it'll all begin again. And my citizens could be in danger too — Arthur said it — there's no reason to think that it wouldn't jump the Atlantic and hit the US…America sighed. He knew which decision he'd be making.

"I guess a part of being the hero is doing things that you really don't want to do, so that it'll help others," America said after a moment's pause.

"You mean you're in? Fantastic!" England smiled before turning to the others. "So I guess now you're all coming, I should go into some of the finer details."

"Are these ze details that you told me last night?"

England frowned. "Well, partly, but—"

"Hey!" complained America. "Hey – how come France already knew about this!?"

"Because he's a noisy wanker."

"It's not my fault you leave your private letters lying about all over ze place," France said, with a flick of his hair.

"Locked up in my personal drawer does not count as 'lying around'!"

"Oh, you managed to get in there?" America asked eagerly. "Was there anything else in there?"

"Well, actually now that you mention it-"

"No there was not!" England stood up, slamming his hands down on the table. Looking at France he continued, "It is none of America's business what was in there – nor was it any of yours either, damn noisy Frog!"

I wonder what was actually in there? Thought America, tuning out as France made some comment in retaliation, causing the two older nations to begin yet another petty fight. I'll make sure to ask France later – sounds like it was good.

America continued to enjoy the spectacle of England and France's fight for a while longer. Knowing the two nations, it could be quite a long performance.

Canada could also sense the fight escalating, however unlike his brother who was content on watching the show, Canada decided now was the time to step in. "Um, England?" he said, raising his voice in an attempt to get the older nations attention. "England?" Again the European pair continued fighting. "England!" he repeated a third time, this time managing to gain the attention of the two older nations. "You were about to tell us something….?"

England stopped. The book he was just about to toss at France's head still in his hands. "Oh yes," he said, placing the book back down and straightening his clothes as though it give him the appearance of a more mature person. "To cut a long story short; there is a possibility that Voldemort could return and I believe that one of the best ways of preventing this is to ensure the safety of Harry Potter. This is not a task that I can take on alone however, which is why I carefully selected eac- well the majority of you to take part in this mission."

"Oh, so you're dragging us in particular into this mess," commented America unable to stop the hint of a smile spreading on his face after hearing the word 'mission'. "So why are we the unlucky ones?"

"Well, it basically goes without saying why I'm going," England began. "Obviously I don't want another war to break out in this country. I missed my opportunity to stop the war from even beginning last time," he paused, a somewhat sorrowful expression momentarily spreading across his face. Shaking his head he continued calmly, "So this time I'll do whatever it takes to prevent another war."

He doesn't seriously still think it's his fault?

"Arthur," America began.

"Also I'm the only one here who has a contact that can get us the positions we'll need to stay at the school." England continued, speaking over the top of America. "And I know the most about magic in the UK, both now and in the past. Basically it'd just feel wrong if I didn't go."

"OK, so that's you. What about the rest of us?" questioned Canada.

"Well I chose Alfred mostly because of his strength." England explained, turning his attention to the American nation. "As we all know, even a weak nation has roughly the strength of five humans, but as a superpower, your strength is ten times that. You've been super strong since you were a baby – it's something we can use, should the situation call for it," England finished, clearing his throat to explain the next nation's position.

"Dude, you only mentioned my strength. You forgot to add my cunningness, my bravery, my winning personality..."

"I can think of many adjectives to describe your personality Alfred," England said dryly. "However 'winning' is not one of them."

"Ehh—" America said, mockingly clutching his heart as though England's words had pierced right through it.

"Stop being such an immature prat and let me finish – jeez, you are and your brother are such opposites. Actually speaking of your brother… Matthew," England turned to Canada. "I chose you for your stealth. I know it annoys you, but the fact is going around virtually unnoticed is a talent of yours. I'm sure you've heard more than one private conversation without being noticed."

"You mean like how you and Francis were arguing about that adult magazine he found in your draw last night while I was sitting literally right in front of you?"

There was a long, slightly awkward pause before Arthur continued, "And I that's why I chose you for the stealth side of the mission. Moving on. Kiku."

"Hai," the Asian nation responded with a somewhat bemused expression.

"I've asked you to come along as you already have some understanding of the wizarding world and their politics. Also you are well trained in the skill of martial arts, and although it's unlikely we'll need it, I hear you have mastered the use of a katana."

"England-san, I'm afraid you give me too much credit. While I have visited my Ministry of Magic regularly in the past, my knowledge of the wizarding world is not nearly as extensive as yours. Also, there are many others whose skill in martial arts, as well as the use of a katana are far superior to my own."

"Come on Kiku, quit selling yourself short dude. Your martial arts are sick and you could smash anyone when you're using your sword thingy."

"Katana," Japan found necessary to correct.

"Alfred's right this time Japan, I chose you because I know you have the skills needed for this mission. Were that not the case you would not be here."

Japan, unable to challenge this statement fell silent.

"So," summarised America, using his fingers to check off the nations mentioned so far. "Arthur's basically here because he's organising it all, I'm here for my strength, Mattie's here for stealth, Kiku's also here for his fighting skills. So, why did you invite France?"

"I didn't," England said shortly. "Francis wanted in as soon as he read the letter and figured out where we'd be for a year. He said it sounded like fun and I haven't been able to get rid of him since."

"Hey dude," America smiled at France, who in turn was glaring at England. "That's a pretty lame reason."

"That's not fair," the Frenchman retorted. "Sure, I only found out about this because I read ze letter, but you need me just as much as you need this lot." he swept his hand over the other nations.

"Why? For you 'superbly good looks'? Remember this is a school we're going to. Courting minors is illegal these days, or did you forget?"

"What was that?!" France stood to face England. "As if I'd go for high schoolers, they're so immature. And for you information I can bring plenty to this mission, you damn black sheep!"

"Oh right! England's the Black Sheep of Europe!" America laughed out loud, tilting back on his chair as he did.

England sent America an annoyed look before glaring at France. "Oh yeah, damn Froggie, and what exactly could you bring – other than being a pain in the ass?"

"You already know I have ze skills for this," France said simply. "Plus, as you should know, a couple of my people are going to that school this year. Wouldn't it make sense for me to be there if they are also coming?"

England's argument died on his lips, instead he settled for simply saying, "You are such a pain in the ass sometimes."

"Well, you get pissed off so easy. You make it fun."

England looked as though he was about to retaliate when Japan quickly cut in. "England-san, you mentioned something about having a contact that could let us stay at the school? That is convenient."

"Yes," England said, settling back into his seat. "I have spoken to the headmaster – he too believes that something is starting. He agrees that our presence at the school for the coming year may be beneficial."

"Wait, he does not know we are nations does he?" asked Japan.

"Actually he does—" England began, before being simultaneously interrupted by Frances' argument and America crashing to the floor as he finally rocked back too far on his chair.

"What!? But you said he's just a school headmaster. How did he find out? Only top level government officials are meant to know about us and he doesn't fill that position!" accused France.

"You mean you went and told some random old wizard about us?!" exclaimed America as he pulled himself up by the table edge.

"As it turns out he is a very intelligent man," England explained, choosing to ignore the latter's comment. "He figured it out for himself about fifty years ago, after we had met several times. We've been communicating ever since. I trust the man. He has never told anyone else about our secret and over the years we have mutually helped each other in various ways. If truth be told he is a much more capable man than my current Minister for Magic."

"Well, since we are not getting into the school without his consent I guess there is nothing we can really do about it," Japan reasoned.

"I guess so, it wouldn't make a lot of sense waiting 50 years with our secret only to suddenly blurt it out," France agreed.

America sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "I still don't like it, but I guess what's done is done."

"Good, then I'll quickly tell you our positions," England said, the twinkling in his eyes giving away the delight he felt that so far things were going his way. "One of us will be given a position within the staff, most likely as a trainee professor. Dumbledore couldn't justify removing one of his teachers in order to give one of us a position, but he was open to the idea of one of us acting as a trainee professor for the year. Aside from that, there are four openings for transfer students this year. Unfortunately, there were only three places available within the fourth year – the year Harry Potter will be entering. However there was one space available in the sixth year, so one of you will be in that grade."

"So, who'll be in sixth grade?" Japan asked as England walked over to some shelves.

"And how do you expect to trick the wizards into thinking we're teenagers?" America questioned skeptically. "Matthew and I could probably pass as seventh years, but no one would believe we're younger than that – and the rest of you look a few years older than us."

"Not only that, but how exactly do you expect us to fit nicely into grade level when most of us have never even a wand before," added France. "Do you not think that people will become suspicious of students who cannot perform any magic after supposedly spending a few years at a wizarding school?"

England returned placing a small, rectangular box on the table before the rest of the nations. "Those are all valid questions, but I'll answer Alfred and Francis' first, seeing as those questions have almost the same answer. You're right, as we are now we probably wouldn't even get through the front doors before those at Hogwarts figure out we're not who we say. That is why," he opened the box, revealing five gem necklaces. They rested on the box's velvet lining with a small space separating each. "I have prepared one of these for each of us."

Japan looked at the necklaces with surprised recognition on his face. "These are Seidhr gems. I haven't seen one in centuries. How did you come across five?"

"I told you that Dumbledore is an intelligent man, and in reality that is understating his talents. When I told him my plan, he helped me attain them. He even provided a gem for Francis after I mentioned that he'd invited himself along."

America looked at the necklaces with suspicion. "So what do they do?"

"They change the appearance of the wearer." Japan answered.

"Not so much wearers the appearance," corrected England. "But their age. In addition to that these gems will also allow us to gain a particular skill at speeds that would otherwise be impossible. These for instance will not only allow us to appear the correct age, but they will also allow us to reach the appropriate grade level by the time lessons begin on the first of September."

"So this is something wizards use?" Canada questioned.

"Wizards have something similar, but these ones only work for nations."

"If they can help us gain skills then why don't we use them more often?"

"It's because the age and skills we gain from it are only temporary," France answered, surprising America with his knowledge on the subject. "Contact must be made with the necklace or you'll revert to your true appearance and will lose the skills you gained while wearing it."

"Exactly," England said. "Some of us older nations would use these before you two," he nodded towards the North American brothers, "were born. However due to their weakness we stopped using them and eventually, over decades many were lost. I can tell you that suddenly losing your swordsmanship skills in the middle of battle is not a good situation to be in, you're far better off to gain the skills yourself through actual study and practice. That way the skills belong to you, and can't be so easily forgotten. However seeing as we don't have the time for that, we will be using these."

"Well, OK then. Let's get this over and done with," America said, stretching out his hand to take a necklace.

"Wait, you impatient prat!" England said, grabbing America's hand before he could take one.

"What?! You said we'll be using these, so I'm taking mine now."

"Wait until I've finished explaining or you'll screw things up before we even begin!" England indicated toward the necklaces. "These have already been set with the ages, so once you touch it you'll automatically become the correct age for your year group. However, these necklaces will also bind to the first person that touches them, meaning that if you touch the wrong one, you don't get a second chance – that is the age you'll be for the entire school year, or whenever you're wearing your necklace. And I'm not having you as my teacher because you stuffed up which necklace you're meant to take," he shot at America before adding; "Same goes for you Francis."

"Then I am guessing you have already put some thought into the grades we should be in?"

"Actually I have Japan," England admitted. "The grades that we have been positioned in have been chosen in a way that will be best for each of us, given our personalities and skills – so don't whinge when I tell you where you're going." This last part was again directed at France and America.

"So where will we be?" Canada asked before France or America could begin arguing again.

"Well, starting from the top. I'll be posing as the trainee professor as I am already familiar with the school. Also, considering the fact I know Dumbledore, it makes sense for me to take the adult position – it'd raise questions if a child knew Dumbledore as I do."

America rolled his eyes. No prizes for guessing he'd give himself the teacher job.

"I've chosen you Francis for sixth year, because I doubt with the things that tend to come from your mouth that you'd pass for anything less than sixteen."

France shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgement of the accusation – facts can't be argued after all.

"Though, please try to keep your comments from becoming… too mature. We are at a school after all," England added before pushing the box in France's direction. "Your necklace is the blue one. Make sure you only touch that one as you take it out, we don't want you getting the wrong one."

France stood and walked to the box. Carefully reaching into it he took the blue necklace. Almost immediately the de-aging magic of the Seidhr gem started to take effect. America watched, intrigued as the French nation morphed from his usual 26 year old appearance into that of a sixteen year old boy. It was not so much the height that changed, if he lost any height at all. It was other details that America could see change, from France's overall form becoming lanker than his usual, more filled out appearance, to the retreating side burns. By the time the process had finished half a minute later, the millennia old personification of France made for a pretty convincing looking high-school student. France pulled out a compact mirror, conveniently hidden in one of his pockets and examined his new appearance for a moment. "Well, looks like it worked."

"So to reverse it, Francis just has to just stop touching the necklace?" asked Canada.

"It'll still work through clothing, but if he puts it down he should go back to normal."

France nodded, placing his necklace back on the table to demonstrate. At once he reverted back to his normal appearance.

"Good, it worked." England smiled, trying, and failing to hide the relief from his voice.

"What do you mean 'Good, it worked'?" France demanded, grabbing England by his collar. "You're telling me you got me to try this without even being sure it'd work properly!? What if it didn't?"

"Then I guess you'd be stuck looking like a teenager," England retaliated. "Maybe it'd even be good for you; it'd give you the excuse you need for being an immature git. And that goes double for you!" he added as America laughed.

"Who's next?" Japan prompted, clearly trying to avoid yet another fight from breaking out. "Obviously the rest of us will be in fourth year now that the sixth grade position has been taken, but is there any order in which we should take the Seidhr gems?"

"You can go first," England answered. "Although the order doesn't matter so much seeing as you are all going into fourth year. On that note – Alfred, since you and Matthew will be in the same grade, I know that you'll be telling everyone that the two of you are twins, so please don't let it slip that you have different birth dates."

"Hey – why do you assume I'd be the one to slip up?"

"Because I know you." England said simply before turning the box to Japan. "You need to take one of the purple ones – they'll de-age the user to fourteen. Careful you only touch one of them."

Japan gave a brief nod before picking one of the purple gem necklaces. As with France, the effects of the necklace took place immediately. However, unlike Francis, Kiku was de-aging further into his younger teens. America watched in fascination as Japan – who was already by far the shortest nation present – shrank even further. By the time Japan had finished de-ageing, the now much younger faced nation barley reached America's elbows.

"Well, that felt strange," Japan began, stopping when he noted his higher pitched voice. Smiling he added, "I think it will take some getting used to."

"Well, I think you look very cute," France said. "Hurry up and take yours Alfred, it's been a long time since I saw a fourteen year old America."

England rolled his eyes at France's comment, but agreed nonetheless. "You do need to take yours Alfred. You'll be spending a lot of time as a fourteen year old this year, so it's best you start getting use to how that actually feels."

America stood and slowly walked to the box on the table. I know I agreed to do this, he thought, but taking this – after I take it there really is no going back. That damn Arthur. He knows I don't like all this magic crap, and he still asks me to do this—

"Well hurry up America," began France. "We're not getting any young- well, I suppose we are, but still I don't want to be here all day."

—But then I've already said I'll do this. Ahh, man! Arthur so owes me for this one. And why do I have to do this as a kid? Why can't I at least have France's spot?"

"Alfred—" began Canada.

"Fine! I'll do it!" America declared before plunging his hand into the box and swiping out the second purple necklace. Even before the gem had finished its upwards swing, America could feel the magic taking hold. From his very core he could feel a….squishing sensation. Glancing to his left, it looked as though France and England had suddenly began to grow. The squishing sensation grew as he continued to shrink. Just as it began to feel uncomfortable it stopped. America took in a deep breath. Still holding the necklace in his hand he walked to the mirror in the corner. Peering back at him was his pre-independence reflection, the bottom of his trousers, now too long, were dragging on the floor and his bomber jacket was falling slightly off his now his much narrower shoulders. Even his trademark glasses seemed to be bigger than they had previously been.

"Wow," America said, noting that his voice had also changed somewhat.

"Great, it worked for you too. Now Matthew-"

"America! You look so cute now! And you too Japan!" France said, pulling the two de-aged nations into a big hug. "If only things were as they had been a hundred years ago – I think I'd make both of you my colonies."

"Shove off France," Alfred said, swinging his elbow into Francis' gut. If the de-aging necklace affected the American's strength at all, it did not show. France grunted, immediately letting go of the two younger nations and bumping into England.

"Ohohoh," France laughed. "It seems little America can still throw a good punch."

"Dude, it wasn't a punch, it was an elbow."

France opened his mouth to respond "I-"

"Oh shit!" came another younger voice.

Alfred looked over to the table to see none other than a fourteen year old Arthur standing there, the last purple necklace resting between the table and the palm of his hand.

"Um, Arthur…." America began, no longer having to look up to meet England in the eye. "If you're going for the teacher position, why are you a kid now?"

"I didn't take this one on purpose you moron! I accidentally touched it because the two of you knocked me into it!" England removed his hand from the necklace, immediately regaining his usual appearance. "Damn it America!" England rounded on the near hysterical America. "It's not funny!"

"Will the other necklace not work now?" Japan asked.

"Not for me. It's as I said earlier; when we first choose a necklace it binds to us. Even if I do try and use the other necklace now, its power will have no effect on me," To demonstrate his point England picked up the last remaining necklace. "See? The green gem has no effect on age – its sole purpose is to get its user to a level that a professor would be at in only a couple of hours. But if this worked for me I'd be able to feel its power already."

"Not only that, but the fourth grade necklace will probably no longer work for Canada as it's bound to me." At this Canada picked up the purple fourth grade necklace. England shook his head. "Sure enough, nothing's happening…. Damn it….I guess this means we'll have to change our plans a little," he tossed the teachers necklace into Canada's hands. "I hope you don't mind being the trainee professor instead."

Canada fumbled with the necklace, managing not to drop it. "Oh, ok – I guess that's alright."

"You look exactly ze same as before Matthew," commented France before turning to England. "Is it broken?"

"It's not," Canada answered before England could. "I know I haven't gotten any younger, but I can feel power coming from it. England's right, by using this thing I can get to the right level to teach before term begins."

"Actually, that's something we'll all need to do within the next week to get the skills we need for our respective grade levels. Two hours of study per grade – Canada," England sighed, clearly unhappy with the turn of events. "You'll need about 20 hours of study – so you might want to do it over a few days." Canada nodded his agreement.

England slumped back in his seat, a slight scowl on his face as he took a sip from his cup of tea.

"So I notice you change back to normal pretty quickly when you stop wearing your necklace," Japan prompted after a few moments, as he too put his necklace on the table, becoming his usual age almost immediately.

"Yes," England replied, sitting up in his chair a little straighter. "It's important that none of you take them off when other people are around. I expect our cover will be blown pretty quickly if one of you gits changes back into an adult half way through class," again the English nation nodded towards America and France. "Also, to be able to access the knowledge of magic the necklace gives you, you must be wearing it. So, Matthew, although your appearance won't change if you forget to wear your necklace, you will not be able to use any magic. I believe it'll also raise suspicions if a first year student can perform more magic than the trainee professor. Also," England added, "Though it basically goes without saying, make sure you only use our human names while we're at school. If we walk around the school calling each other our nation names, people will start asking difficult questions. So, starting now, I don't want anyone using our nation names – the sooner we break that habit the better."

"No prob Iggy."

"That does not mean you start using that stupid name again."

America smiled in response. Glancing over at an extravagant looking grandfather clock in the corner he noted it was already nearing 6pm. "Can't make any promises about that one Iggy," he grinned. "But I can promise I'll help you save this war and stop this school boy – or however it goes. Now, if that's all, I've got something important that I need to get back to."

"Actually that basically is it for today," England said. "Today is the 25th of August. That means that we have exactly one week until school starts. So starting from tomorrow we'll begin our preparation so that we'll be ready for the beginning of term. I think 8am would be a good starting time."

"Dude – there's totally no way I'm getting up that early. How about midday?"

"That's basically lunch time – too late. Though I guess we could make it 9..." England compromised.

"11."

"10."

"10:30."

"Fine," England agreed to the final compromise."Unless anyone else has any objections, we'll meet back here at 10:30 tomorrow morning," he paused for a very brief moment."None? Good. See you all tomorrow."

Finally – it's over, America thought to himself in relief. Quickly he left the room, heading down the hallway. Time to get back to my game – I'll have to finish it tonight. I don't know when I'll next have the time to play, with all this new crap I have to do.

Exiting the building and crossing the road, America almost didn't notice his name being called.

"Hey! Alfred!"

Looking back at the open window on the second floor he could see all the other nations grinning down at him.

"You're still fourteen!"

America looked down at himself – sure enough his necklace was still in his hand and his appearance was that of a young teen. He shrugged, turned and continued on his way, giving a quick back hand wave to the others.

At least like this no one can say I'm too old for video games – maybe this magic business won't be such a drag after all.

Yay! Finally I've finished the editing. That took a long time, though I'm sure there's still some things in there. Hopefully not too many though.

In my initial draft I said that Alfred went to the meeting via a stop at Maccas, it was only after that that a work colleague (in an unrelated conversation) pointed out that only Australian's shorten McDonalds to Maccas. It's so commonly used in Aus that I didn't realise it wasn't used elsewhere. Seriously, I left Australia over a year ago now and I'm still finding out that some of the phrases that I find normal and use on a daily basis are only really used in Australia. So a heads up for all the non Australians out there, if you do come across an expression that you don't know that's probably why.

Second note of the chapter; I have decided to call the gems that the nations will be using Seidhr gems because the world 'seidhr' was the ancient Norse word for magic (pronounced "SAY-der;" according to Google). Basically I liked the look of the name and it fits with the theme of the story.

I'd also like to know what people think of the accents. I based France's accent off the accents of the French people in Harry Potter, though I did decide to tune it down a little by only accenting the 'th' in words, not the 'h's.

With Japan's accent I tried to think of some of the people I have met over the past year and a bit here in Tokyo. The stereotype is that Japanese people can't pronounce the letter 'L', which is true for people who are still learning (The amount of times I've had to explain the difference between words like 'lake' and 'rake' to my students over the past year….) however Japanese people who can speak English fluently can usually differentiate between L and R (emphasis on 'usually'). I decided not to have Kiku making these mistakes for two reasons.

1) I would imagine that he's fluent in English (Just as I imagine the others could speak Japanese – they are nations, so they have to deal with foreign correspondence all the time and they are immortal, so they have all the time in the world to learn a new language – there really is no excuse for not being able to speak another language – unless you include being stubborn about not learning a language, which is why I'd imagine Arthur's French is not all that good, while Francis wouldn't have bothered much with English if it hadn't become the most widely spoken language in the world.)

2) I think mixing the 'L' and 'R' in written fiction can be distracting to the story and can make it confusing. Lake turns to rake – both are words in English – same with 'world' and 'word', rice turns to lice. And then there's election…. yeah...

To covey Kiku's accent instead of mixing 'L' and 'R', he just won't use contractions. (I.e won't – will not).

(Another side note)

I was teaching my class how to break apart and use syllables through clapping.

The next day I asked what we had done in English class and one of my students responded with "Crap". It took me a few moments to realise that she wasn't meaning to be rude; she had actually meant to say "Clap". It was pretty funny, I explained to her what she'd accidentally said – she laughed too.

Anyway, that's enough from me for now. I hope you liked the chapter as much as I liked writing it. Any reviews would be appreciated as it did take me a long time to write all this.

Next time:

Arthur and his fellow nations catch the train to Hogwarts. Arthur does his best to prevent the others from letting any of the students become suspicious of their true reason for being at Hogwarts while Alfred continues to doubt whether or not he can handle being surrounded by wizards for the coming school year.

25/07/16 Update: After some thought and considering my readers reviews, I decided to cut back on France's accent. I wasn't 100% happy with it before, thinking it was a little over the top, however I still want to acknowledge his accent a little, so from now on I'll only accent his 'the', which I'll turn to 'ze'. I'll also continue to have him use 'oui' for 'yes'.

30/03/18 Update: Hello again my readers. I've just reedited this chapter as well as made two changes for this chapter – one of these chapters is quite major.

The first of these changes is throughout the chapter, I've changed all non-dialogue name use to their nation names, not human names. I'll be using human names for most of the story, and since it was a meeting between nations, I decided the use of nation names fit.

Second important update. For anyone reading this story before this update, you would have read that Arthur was placed in 3rd year. Upon further thought, I realised this would make some parts of the story more difficult. For example when the Yural Ball comes about, I would have to make some way for Arthur as a third year to come (as he'll need to for plot reasons). Also I will be already giving extra scenes to Mathew and Francis as a teacher and 6th year and felt that having to write additional 3rd year scenes (like in class) would be stretching it. In short, I felt that from a writing / story perspective, it would be better if Arthur was placed in fourth year alongside Alfred and Kiku.

27/01/19 Update: Due to not understanding French, I used the term 'Ma Cherie' when Francis was speaking with Arthur. I have since been told that this is term is for females, so I now fixed this with the male form of Mon Cheri. Thanks to Narniaisinmycloset and Syntax-N for making me aware of this.