Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 1

Vlad sighed as he dragged his luggage behind him. He was at the airport of a British city called Meldale, and he was to meet up with his new housemate for the duration of his stay in England.

When he applied, he never thought that he would actually be accepted in a university abroad. But there he was. It both excited and scared him.

He searched around, knowing that his British housemate would be holding up a board that said 'Kirkland'. He was told that there would be another student from Norway arriving at the airport at the same time as him, and that the three of them would be sharing a house for the duration of the year.

He finally spotted them, and he hurried along. He was slightly annoyed that the Norwegian had arrived before him. He was hoping to not be the last one there.

The other two, both blonds, were speaking with each other, and when the green-eyed one noticed Vlad out of the corner of his eye he turned to face him, the other blond following suit.

"Are you Vlad?" the green-eyed one asked with a British accent.

"Da, I am," Vlad said. "Arthur Kirkland?"

"Yes. And this is Lukas. Shall we be off then?"

The other two nodded their heads, and the three made their way out of the airport, Vlad and Lukas dragging their luggage along behind them. Arthur led them to a car, and Vlad wondered whether it was a rental, his family's car or his own. Arthur seemed to be able to read his mind, for he turned an amused smile towards Vlad.

"It was a gift," Arthur said. "My family's pretty well-off, you see, but we can't really stand each other. So they gave me the car and the house, and they pay for my studies. But for all else, they demanded that I get a job to pay for it."

"And the housemate deal?" Vlad asked.

"It was another requirement. They don't want me to completely isolate myself, and I can't exactly stand other people my age from my own country."

"And how do you know you can tolerate us?" Lukas asked as they loaded the luggage into the trunk of the car.

"I'm not sure. Something just tells me that the three of us will be able to get along swimmingly."

The drive was silent, with Vlad admiring Meldale from the backseat. Lukas just seemed to be one of the quiet sorts, and Arthur didn't seem as though he was eager to start conversation either.

They finally arrived at a two-storey townhouse, and Vlad's eyes widened at the sight.

"Here we are, chaps," Arthur said. "My house. And now, your house."

Vlad smirked at the word 'chaps', but he tried not to show it. He had a feeling that he was going to enjoy it there.

…

There was still about a week or so before classes would begin, so the trio had enough time to settle and get to know each other. Unfortunately, it was only Vlad that seemed as though he had a desire to do so.

Vlad was in the living room, with both Arthur and Lukas in their respective rooms. He sighed in boredom, trying to find something good on the TV. He had invited the other two to join him, but they weren't interested at all. And it would be boring to just spend time in his own room.

But soon enough, the TV also became quite boring. It felt as though he had an itch that he absolutely had to scratch.

Turning off the TV, he decided to explore the house. After all, if he was going to live there, then he might as well get to know the place a little more.

The first place he arrived in was the kitchen, and he gagged at the smell. He didn't know what exactly caused the smell, but it wasn't rotten. It smelled as though something had been horribly burned in there, and whatever had been burned wouldn't have been edible at all.

Further examination showed that all of the ingredients in the cupboards and in the fridge were fresh. But in the oven he found what could have been pieces of chicken stuck to the roof, and he seriously contemplated asking Arthur about his cooking.

He continued exploring the first storey, seeing a study and a library of sorts. Both rooms showed signs of not being used much, though they were clean. Evidence that Arthur hadn't lived there for very long, and had probably just finished unpacking. He had found a few collapsed cardboard boxes to suggest that his suspicion was true.

There was only one room left, which was hidden behind a closed door. And when Vlad attempted to open the door, he found it impossible. The door was locked.

His eyes lit up at the revelation, finally finding something interesting. He looked both ways, trying to see if he could spot either one of his housemates in the vicinity, and when that wasn't the case he turned back to the door. He muttered a quick spell, and grinned when he heard a click. He cautiously opened the door.

His eyes were met by a set of stairs, and his face lit up even more. He quickly descended, and when it became too dark to see clearly he muttered another spell, not in the mood to search for a light switch. The room below was illuminated, and he saw that he only had three more steps. But that wouldn't be necessary, and his eyes widened when he saw the contents of the room.

Shelves upon shelves of bottles filled with questionable content. One shelf was dedicated to books. Candles littered the room, though they hadn't burned much. There was a large cauldron and a magic circle. The room showed signs of not being used a lot, but unlike the study and the library, this room showed signs of actually being used.

His face split into a grin. If this room was what he thought it was, then he had managed to find some common ground with one of his housemates. And that should probably make things easier. He didn't want to live in a house where they had to keep secrets from each other.

Now, all that was left was to determine whether or not Lukas also had this thing in common with them. But that could wait. First, he had to figure out how to break the news to Arthur. And he figured he had the perfect way to do it.

He sauntered over to the bookshelf, looking through the titles until he found one that would be satisfactory. He hugged the book against his chest before he left the cellar.

Arthur had explained earlier where each of their rooms were, and so Vlad immediately went to Arthur's. He didn't bother knocking, immediately opening the door and earning the ire of the Brit who was lying on the bed, reading a book.

"Don't you know how to knock?" Arthur demanded, before he caught sight of the book in Vlad's arms. "W-what is that?"

Vlad beamed, before he held up the book to show Arthur. The Englishman's face drained of all colour.

"W-where did you find it?" Arthur asked, looking incensed. "Give it back!"

Arthur lunged at him, and Vlad had expected it, so he held out the book and let it float into the air as Arthur crashed into him. Arthur had a grip on his shirt, and he froze when he realised that the book was no longer in Vlad's possession. He turned, seeing the book floating in the air, before turning back to Vlad, then back to the book, and back to Vlad. The Romanian, meanwhile, had a broad smile on his face.

"You're a practitioner?" Arthur whispered.

"Da," Vlad said. "And I know you are too."

He allowed the book to float closer, and Arthur released him as he slowly reached out to take it. The Brit looked at him, and the fear and anger he had on his face a moment ago was replaced by happiness and relief.

"I never met anyone outside of my family," Arthur said. "Did you know many?"

"There was an old lady in my hometown when I was a kid, but she passed away a few years ago," Vlad explained. "She gave me her collection. My mom doesn't mind, but my dad…"

Vlad's face darkened for a moment, before he shook it off. Arthur seemed to sympathise with him.

"I understand," Arthur said. "It can be rough."

"You cast a spell recently, didn't you?" Vlad asked. "There was a faint trace of magic in the air."

"I did," Arthur said, smiling softly. "It was for luck, prosperity and protection for all who call this house 'home'. I cast it last night, so that the two of you would receive the positive effects as soon as possible."

Vlad smiled upon hearing that, but the moment was shattered by someone clearing their throat in the doorway. The two of them turned their attentions to the door – Arthur with a worried and fearful expression, Vlad with a curious one. Lukas was at the doorway, a few fairies hovering around his head.

"Friends of yours?" Lukas asked, pointing to the fairies.

Arthur's eyes widened.

"You can see them?" Arthur whispered.

Lukas nodded, and Vlad tackled him, throwing his arms around his shoulders. He accidentally pushed Arthur aside in the process. Lukas's eyes widened in surprise, and he took an automatic step back.

"This is great!" Vlad shouted. "All three of us use magic!"

"Wait!" Arthur yelled. "Just because he can see them doesn't mean he practises magic!"

Vlad pulled away from Lukas, grin still in place. Lukas's eyes narrowed marginally.

"So, do you practise or not?" Vlad asked.

Lukas stared at him for a moment before closing his eyes, nodding his head. That only resulted in Vlad giving him a tighter hug.

"Idiot," Arthur scolded. "What would you have done if he wasn't a practitioner?"

"He's already proven that he has the Sight," Vlad said. "If he didn't practise then he would at least have known."

"He's got a point," Lukas said, briefly turning to Arthur before focusing his attention on Vlad. "What are you studying?"

"Psychology," Vlad said simply.

"Makes sense," Lukas said. "You're surprisingly observant. Now, could you please let go?"

…

Afterwards, Arthur and Lukas were a lot more willing to get to know their housemates, much to Vlad's delight. They went to the living room, where Arthur served them some tea.

Arthur was the second youngest of five brothers, and according to him, he was the black sheep of the family. He was studying Law. As he had mentioned earlier, his family was well-off, but there was more to that. He came from a long line of mages who had influence across the world for almost a thousand years, though their numbers had dwindled slightly (which explained the reason for him having four brothers, in order to increase their numbers again).

Lukas had a younger half-brother. He was a History student. Magic in his family was only gifted to one person every second generation, and he had been lucky enough to receive the gift. Like Arthur, he also had a few fairy friends, as well as a troll.

Vlad's family's magic had been dormant on his mother's side for a few generations, only to be awoken in him. His teacher had been a witch that lived in the town, at least until she passed away. But because he would socialise with the town witch, he had been bullied as a kid. His appearance didn't help much, either. He had a younger brother as well.

Afterwards, the conversation focused more on their hobbies, before returning to the terrain of their studies. Arthur mentioned that him studying Law was his parents' idea. If he had his way, he would be studying Literature.

The trio were interrupted by a knock on the door. Arthur's fairies flew into the room before perching on his head.

"It's Alistair," one of the fairies said.

Arthur groaned, while Vlad and Lukas shared a glance.

"Who's Alistair?" Vlad asked.

"One of my brothers," Arthur said. "Just ignore it."

There was another round of knocking, this time faster and louder.

"Oi, Artie, I know you're in there!" a harsh voice that they assumed belonged to Alistair could be heard. "Open up!"

"He's not going to go away," Lukas said calmly while Arthur massaged his temples.

Vlad cocked his head to the side, before he stood from the couch.

"Where are you going?" Arthur hissed.

"To see how he freaks out if I open the door," Vlad said, a mischievous smile on his face.

Vlad practically skipped to the door, aware of how his housemates were staring at him oddly. Vlad jumped slightly when there was another round of knocking – actually, pounding now – and he waited for it to die down before he flung the door open.

Standing on the other side was a brunet, whose eyes widened comically as he took a step back. Vlad smiled broadly.

"Can I help you?" Vlad asked.

The brunet – Alistair – shook his head, trying to recover from the Romanian's sudden appearance.

"Is Arthur here?" he asked.

Vlad's smile widened and he opened the door wider, allowing the other to enter. Alistair shot him one more nervous look before walking inside.

Arthur and Lukas had followed behind Vlad, curious to see what was going on. Upon seeing the unnerved expression on his brother's face, Arthur had to stifle his laughter. Alistair noticed this, but chose not to comment on it, instead glancing towards Lukas and then Vlad.

"So, these are your new housemates," Alistair said. "Forgot they were meant to come today. Oh well. Works out for me."

"What do you want, git?" Arthur asked.

"A few of my friends are throwing a party before classes begin," Alistair said. "It's also meant to be an icebreaker and stuff. You three are coming, right?"

"Hell no!" Arthur shouted. "If one of those 'friends' of yours happens to be that frog, then count me out!"

"Sounds fun!" Vlad piped up. "So, when and where's the party?"

"Vlad! Fine. You can go on your own."

"Aw, but you know where everything is. You don't want me to be all alone in a new city in a new country on my first day. What if I get kidnapped?"

Lukas pursed his lips while he glanced towards Arthur, who was glaring at Vlad.

"Why do you want to go to that party?" Arthur hissed.

"Because it sounds fun, and we might get to meet new people," Vlad said. "Hey, are there any Psychology students there?"

Alistair jumped slightly at being addressed, before shrugging.

"I don't know," he said. "Probably. You get to meet all sorts."

"Even more reason to go then!" Vlad exclaimed happily.

Arthur's eye twitched, before he sighed.

"Fine," Arthur said. "We'll go to that stupid party."

"Yay!" Vlad exclaimed, before he threw his arms around Arthur.

The Brit sputtered, trying to push the energetic Romanian away. Alistair laughed at the scene.

"I like that one," Alistair said. "Looks like he's going to make sure you don't become a hermit. And I'm sure Franny and his friends will like him."

"Aha!" Arthur exclaimed. "So it is that frog!"

"He's the host," Alistair said, rolling his eyes. "His house at seven. Now, Artie, I want to discuss something with you alone."

Vlad pulled away from Arthur, and he and Lukas moved towards the living room, while Arthur directed the way to the study.

…

"What is it?" Arthur asked, closing the door behind him.

"You know to keep the cellar door locked, right?" Alistair said. "We don't want them to find out and freak out."

"Actually, turns out that's not necessary," Arthur said. "The two are practitioners."

Alistair looked surprised for a moment, before he assumed a more neutral expression.

"Mages?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," Arthur admitted. "They only said that they're practitioners. Lukas's family is once per second generation, while Vlad's family magic had been dormant. But he acknowledged that they had magic in their family."

One thing about magic was that it was hereditary. You needed to have magic in your blood in order to be able to use it.

"In other words, the Romanian wouldn't be able to tell what he's supposed to be," Alistair sighed. "It's a little concerning."

"What do you think his family might be?" Arthur asked.

"Not sure. It could be anything. Summoners, sorcerers, mages, warlocks, spellsingers… Try to ask him about his magic. What about the other one?"

"Lukas would probably know. I'll ask him later."

"Alright. And I hope you realise how lucky you are to have housemates that you wouldn't need to hide your deep, dark secret from. Fate seems to be on your side."

Arthur smirked.

"Indeed she is," he said.

…

"Wow, this is so cool!" Vlad exclaimed, eyes wide in wonder.

Arthur sighed, hand against his forehead.

"How on earth do you have this much energy?" Arthur asked. "Haven't you ever heard of a thing called 'jetlag'?"

"Simple spell to cure it," Lukas said lowly, and Arthur sighed again.

They had already arrived at the place of the party, and they were a bit on the early side. But there were already a few people around, and in the corner someone had set up a bar. The music was upbeat, but not too loud (yet). It looked like the standard college party, at least before things got wild.

"Ah, it seems as though Alistair succeeded."

Someone threw his arm around Arthur's shoulder, and the latter's shudder was quite visible. Lukas and Vlad stared curiously at the blond who had spoken in a French accent.

"Let go of me, you frog," Arthur said, pushing the other away.

The other seemed unbothered as he examined Lukas and Vlad.

"Who are your friends?" the Frenchman asked.

"My housemates, Lukas and Vlad," Arthur said, before he grabbed the both of them. "Come on. I don't want you two getting corrupted by this frog."

Vlad threw one last look towards Francis. Somehow, he got a strange vibe from him…

I originally wanted the setting to be London, but it's difficult to write about a city you've never been to. I realised it would be easier if I made up my own city. It took a while to find a good name for it. And then I found out there's an Australian city with the same name. Oh well. Just look at the list of cities called Paris. Even in South Africa, there's a town called Parys, which is the Afrikaans word for Paris. And I discovered this after already changing everything in multiple chapters, so I'm just going to leave it like this. So, to any Australian readers, sorry for the confusion.