AN: Neither Prussia nor England's point of view and Canada's back!
Arthur Kirkland and the Job
Chapter Nine
The first month of watching Beilschmidt unforgivably abuse and torment Kirkland had been amusing for Severus. After most of his doubts about them had been removed it had been easy to sit back and watch the albino have his fun.
Then October started and suddenly Kirkland wasn't the most interesting person anymore.
Severus was horrified, the annoying man hadn't spoken to him since the first day and now he found himself the sole focus of all his unwanted attention. To make it worse the man had researched him. And not just a little he knew disturbing, private things that he shouldn't be able to know. Like what under Severus was wearing any given day and about the embarrassing tattoo he'd gotten one drunken night in Sixth year that not even his fellow housemates who'd convinced him to get it were sober enough to remember. Beilschmidt followed him everywhere and had a penchant for showing up at Slytherin-Gryffindor classes before him and giving long elaborate lectures about horrible inappropriate topics, from "How would Professor Snape look in a Speedo? Yes or Definitely YES?" to "Why Prussia is superior to all other countries and why Russia should simply be dropped into the oceans to suffer a long painful death. Discuss.". And inexplicably the students enjoyed them, even his Slytherins though Severus could tell they fought it were falling over the man's sway, something helped by the fact he took an unnatural, in Severus's opinion, interest in them.
The rest of the staff had found it amusing, though Dumbledore had encouraged him to "make friends". Kirkland in particular had been unsympathetic and smug about the change, actually skipping the first day.
By the time Flitwick came to see him for the monthly teacher Pub visit after the last of their trimonthly Staff Meetings, Severus was only getting through the days sane due to copious amounts of alcohol and planning increasingly complex, painful ways to kill the pest. He was at the point that he instantly agreed to Flitwick's polite offer, which by now was more of a habit than a viable suggestion, surprising the small man so much he was actually speechless. Severus didn't find it necessary to explain the only reason he was agreeing to go was because his Firewhiskey stores were running low.
The Gods must have truly hated them because, as Severus found out when he arrived at the Three Broomsticks a little later than the others, Kirkland and Beilschmidt had chosen for today to be their first time going to the pub with them. This of course meant the staff was going to use this opportunity to interrogate the younger members. Severus had tried to flee, but Minerva and Hooch grabbed him and frog marched him over to their table, Minerva wearing her damnable smile the entire time.
The larger than normal group was a little off putting. What with Hooch, Minerva, Burbage, Hagrid, Trelawney, Lupin, Dumbledore, Flitwick, Beilschmidt, Kirkland, and Severus all at one table. Severus grimaced finding himself stuck between Dumbledore and a sour faced Kirkland, who kept throwing dark looks at the laughing albino beside him. Severus was a little surprised the staff didn't instantly maul Kirkland and Beilschmidt for answers, but guessed they'd figured that a little alcohol would loosen their tongues.
When the drinks arrived, Kirkland opting for a small Butterbeer and scowling at it the entire time, while Beilschmidt mockingly drank some Firewhiskey, they began the interrogation.
Kirkland answered the questions as simply as possible clear uncomfortable with the whole thing. This only made them more nosy and finally Dumbledore took pity on the boy and went into a long description of his Grandfather which led to many tangents and almost made the staff forget what their main purpose for the night had been. Hooch, gossip monger that she was, brought things back into perspective and started on Beilschmidt who seemed much more open to the idea talking at length about his little brother. Despite his ease and all the talking he did, Severus noted he gave away just as little if not less than Kirkland did, while making it seem as though he hadn't. Severus narrowed his eyes at the German with new interest and suspicion. Beilschmidt it seemed was more Slytherin than Severus had given him credit for. Not always a positive thing.
Before Severus could consider this much though Hooch began insisting Kirkland had a "real drink" and with Beilschmidt's helped dragged the struggling man off towards the bar. Severus relaxed as the others drifted off into separate conversations and occasionally other tables. Even Dumbledore was distracted turned towards another patron discussing knitting patterns. Now Severus could enjoy his drink in almost peace.
"Not very open about their pasts are they?" Minerva said casually slipping suddenly into the vacated seat beside him.
"Beilschmidt more so than Kirkland." Severus pointed out casual refusing to be surprised by the suddenness, despite how his first instinct had been to grab his wand when she'd appeared.
Minerva nodded looking thoughtful. "Albus's information was good, but how well do you think he really knows them?"
"They're keeping secrets I know that much." Severus said and after watching the two mentioned, Kirkland now pointedly friendly and laughing, continued. "But I do not think they are a threat. For the moment."
Minerva paused watching them both with a slyness she rarely displayed. "For now. I have a feeling both of them have a great capacity for darkness in them, but neither would hurt the students. Kirkland watches them with a parent's eyes and Beilschmidt dotes on them, especially your Slytherins and a few select others. He's still fair though, which is nice for everyone I'd say."
"Perhaps." Severus said noncommittally. Minerva smiled and turned to him with a mischievous smile.
"So," she began casually. "How thoroughly do you think my lions will trounce your snakes this year?"
Severus narrowed his eyes, but it was more teasing and friendly than he liked to acknowledge. "I think we both know that it will be mine who will be doing the trouncing old woman."
Minerva grinned and they were off. Their Quidditch arguments kept them busy for another hour and quickly dissolved in the traditional "whose house is better" argument that was never settled. Severus was just about to snap something back when music started playing. Surprised, music rarely played in the Three Broomsticks, to a rather unsteady Kirkland with a sultry smile and a slap happy clear drunk Beilschmidt both standing on the bar little orbs of light floating away from them through which the music was emitting.
"Ladies your damn right you can't read a man's mind." Kirkland began hips starting to sway slightly grinning as large as Beilschmidt now. "We're living in two tribes and heading for war."
"Nobody's perfect,we've all got to work it, but fellas we're worth it so don't break the law." Beilschmidt cut in, hips swaying in time to Kirkland's.
"You call's late, big mistake, you've got to hang about in limbo for as long as I take. Next time read my mind and I'll be good to you."
"We're gift wrapped kitty cats, we only turn into tigers when we got to fight back."
"Let's go Eskimo, out into the blue."
And then they both started singing together arms thrown around the each others waists.
"Come take my hand, understand that you can, you're my man and I need you tonight. Come make my dreams. Honey hard as it seems, lovin' me is as easy as pie. I-I. I'm just a love machine, feeling my fantasy. Give me a kiss or three. And I'm fine. I need a squeeze a day instead of the negligee. What will the neighbors say. This time?"
That was when they started dancing. Severus was horrified to admit it, but they weren't half bad even if the sight of seeing them suggestively dancing around each other was wrong on so many levels. Many of them having to do with the fact that Severus had not drunk enough to be able to sanely watch his fellow staff members start joining the cat calls the twining around each other and swishing hips without missing a beat in the song incited from the crowd. Minerva looked similar scandalized by the scene.
When they finished the song to the thundering applause of the crowd Kirkland, grinning drunkenly stepped forward and promptly tumbled off the bar. Minerva decided then it was time to leave and made sure everyone knew it. Nobody wanted to argue with the thunderous, threatening and clearly embarrassed look on the Scottish witch's face. She quickly left to go retrieve Albus from his in depth all consuming discussion about knitting patterns muttering under her breath about "shaming the school", "proper behavior", and "being seen in public with".
A suspiciously sober looking Beilschmidt easily dragged Kirkland to his feet, and when it became obvious the man couldn't walk a straight line despite his protests, threw him over his shoulder revealing a surprising strength in his rather thin form. Something about the diabolical expression on Beilschmidt's face and his laughter ("Kesesese!") made Severus wonder if he should do something in the vulnerable, inebriated Kirkland's defense. But then, remembering the man had been the one who'd given Beilschmidt the directions to his private rooms, shrugged deciding it couldn't effect him and anything that made the albino stop bothering him was a good thing.
…
At first Canada was sensible about America's overreaction. After his breakdown had passed they called the Prime Minister, who told them England was busy with a project they are working on, but they'd probably see him at the September Conference. When Scotland was sent with England's papers Canada was a little worried, but he accepted the excuse of England being sick from food poisoning. When the next World Meeting happened without England returning any of Canada or America's phone calls they both decided it was time to panic. Especially when others kept coming up to them asking if they knew where England was having had similar problems contacting him. They confronted Scotland who muttered something vaguely about a Giant Squid and escaped. Then they contacted the Prime Minister only to have him hand up on them. Canada agreed with his brother now was the time for action. England would never be this irresponsible or inattentive to his work. What he didn't count on was the group.
"It doesn't look like anyone's been here in weeks." Norway commented as they entered England's house. At the usually quiet man's words any thought of a reasonable explanation vanished from Canada's mind leaving him with a deep feeling of dread and fear. Even when he'd realized this was unusual behavior he'd held out some hope for something to prove America's increasingly paranoid suggestion about what had happened wrong.
America disappeared at that comment so quickly Canada almost didn't see him move. The others looked disturbed, by the action and the normally loud American's silence. Canada wasn't surprised though.
"Maybe he just hasn't cleaned recently." Seychelles suggested her tan skin unnaturally pale. Canada shook his head and he saw Hong Kong grip Iceland's hand in a fierce grip at that. Seychelles though looked crushed and scared. Canada felt for his step-siblings even through his own feelings of worry and unease. They'd both come to America and him, worried, but not really expecting anything bad having had similar problems contacting England as the others. Iceland had insisted on accompanying Hong Kong, making Canada remember that he'd recently started dating his step-brother after years of being friends. He was one of the reasons Norway had come. Apparently he didn't trust Hong Kong with his little brother. He hadn't been completely without concern for England though. He'd been concerned enough to bring up the fact that England had already missed two Magic Meetings. Denmark, well honestly he was probably just here because Norway was. And Sealand, well he was only here because Sweden and Finland couldn't find a babysitter and when that happened Canada would take him when they remembered he existed.
"It will be alright." France said stepping forward to place a comforting hand on Seychelles shoulders, but looking into Canada's eyes when he spoke. "Your Papa will find him I promise."
Canada nodded to France acknowledging the words, his eyes watering slightly at the worry and love he saw mixed in there. No matter how much they fought his two fathers cared about each other even if neither could admit it. Seychelles leaned back into France allowing him to hug her in a rare allowance of physical affection and comfort. Seychelles had been complaining since she'd become the age equivalent to a human eleven year old that she was too grown up for France's sometimes smothering affection, because it was for babies.
"Oh God." It wasn't said loudly, in fact Canada wasn't sure how he heard it, but the second he did his legs were moving and he was rushing towards America's voice. Canada found his brother standing in the wreck that was once England's immaculate kitchen. Glass was shattered everywhere, things were torn open, and the back door was left hanging. Canada took all this in as he moved to America's side and pulled the shaking man into a tight hug.
"Do you think someone took him?" America asked voice tight and high pitched, sickly looking his eyes refusing to move from the destruction. "It looks like a fight. But who could have taken him? He isn't like me, but he's still a country and knows how to fight like all of us."
"I don't know."Canada admitted feeling useless and dizzy as the others followed in. America laid his head on Canada's shoulder not able to look while the others displayed their shock and horror.
Everyone was convinced it was something serious now.
They decided to search the rest of the house breaking up into groups. Seychelles and France. Iceland and Hong Kong. Norway, Denmark, and Sealand. America and Canada. America took to it face carved with determination and cold fury, that Canada, once he was passed his shock, shared. Whoever did this would not get off easy. They started looking for anything moved or missing that could be a clue for why England had been taken. While in the back rooms Canada saw something surprising.
The basement door was open.
That door was never open. England kept it locked and Canada had learned quickly as a child not to try and go down there. The door knob had shocked him and when he'd attempted a lock pick in a rare moment of rebellion he'd been knocked unconscious. After awhile he'd forgotten about it and by now his eyes simply passed over it as if it was a bit of the wall.
And now it was wide open.
"Alfred." Canada said. He tried to shout, but it came out a painful squeak. America heard it anyway though and was there, eyes flashing to the door and instantly understanding the significance.
"We're going in." America said in a tone the allowed no argument. Canada wouldn't have anyway and was through the door before even his brother.
It took a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, forcing him to fill his way down the stairs, but when he did what he saw was both surprising and not. It looked like the home of a cult. There were hundreds of different symbols, large and small spray painted, inked, and carved onto the walls, floor, and ceiling. The bookshelves covered one wall entirely and Canada recognized scrolls and books with almost every language on earth he suspected. He saw one book with Latin that was made of a pale soft material that made his skin crawl. It looked like human skin. Then there were the tables. Most were covered with strange objects, some he could identify others he couldn't. The largest though near the center of the far wall was under a set of shelves filled with vials and ingredients from what he recognized as aconite to something that resembled a shriveled frog foot, only too big to be any known species and clawed. On the table was an open book, some tools that looked vaguely like cooking implements, and a large cauldron.
"So this is where he moved it." America said mildly looking at the large purple inked inscription on the floor. Then he straightened eyes focusing. "Look."
Canada saw what his brother had noticed. Behind the large table on the ground was an almost empty cloth bag. There was a golden coin hanging out of it.
"They took money whoever they were." Canada observed and narrowed his eyes as he looked over the room again. "You take your half I'll take the other."
America nodded and they separated.
Canada had only just started searching his side of the room when his phone rang. Canada picked it up, mainly because he didn't want to risk missing a call from Arthur, and was surprised to hear Prussia's voice, sounding oddly muffled. Canada's heart clenched painfully at the sound of his voice and then realized what was going on. Canada would have snorted under any other circumstance. It was a butt dial. Canada could easily recognize one now from having America do it at least once a week. Then though someone else spoke.
Although it sounds oddly high pitched, Canada instantly recognized the second voice as England's. All the tension left him. He was alright. With Prussia for some unexplainable reason, but alright. Then he heard the conversation and went numb dropping the phone in shock.
America was there before Canada could blink, face concerned and questioning. But Canada couldn't focus because the world was tipping and he could feel himself heading towards the England's cauldron.
Before America could catch him though, Canada grabbed one of the shelves to catch himself. He felt the vials touch his hand and going falling off, shattering and splattering their unknown contents all over his and America's pants.
Canada didn't care though, but somewhere in the back of his mind and instinctual warning alarm was going off, but was being over powered by the pure unadulterated pain and shock coursing through him,
America only got out "Mattie, what's—" before the liquid seeped through the jeans to the skin and Canada is suddenly on fire, and judging by America's screams, so is he. Canada opened his mouth to call for help, but all that came out was a wordless sound of pain. Then all thought disappeared and the burning was everything.