Hi there! I'm fond of reading HP fanfics but have never tried to write one but have decided to after watching FMA Brotherhood. I extremeley love that anime as it always remind me of HP (maybe because of the philosopher stone) Basically, my story is a crossover of FMA Brotherhood and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I made some changes such as Ed didn't lose his alchemy ('coz i just didn't like it when he lost it in the real story). BTW. Amestris and Europe exist in the same dimension and timeline. EdWinNeville love triangle :P
Sorry for the title, I can't think anything other than that.
Chapter 1: Another Immortal Being?
Most of the time Ed wakes up earlier than anyone in the house and he usually spend his mornings up in the roof waiting for Mr. Sun to show up. But this morning is different. As he went to climb the roof, he saw Al already sitting on his favorite spot. He heard him let out a long, slow breath before staring up at the dark sky.
"Hey Al, up this early huh? Is there something bothering you?" Ed carefully sat beside his brother.
"Nothing of much importance." Ed saw a weak smile on his brothers face as he uttered these words.
It felt strange for Ed to be sitting on the rooftop and talking calmly with his brother. Everything seems perfect and peaceful.
"Are you thinking about him? Our Dad?" Ed spoke as he looked up at the vastness of the sky.
"Yes. It has been three months since the Promise Day but I still, cannot fully believe that our dream we once almost given up would become a reality. And this became possible because of him." Al frowned slightly with that thought. Van Hohenheim, their father, being a living philosopher stone made a deal with Truth to take himself as an equivalent exchange to bring back Al's body.
"That bastard. Always doing what he wants without even considering us. We never asked him to do that. Does he think that's enough to make up for the years he left us? Well he's wrong!" Ed gave a smirk. Ed stopped being a fan of his father since he abandoned them and the fact that he was absent when their mom died made him want to punch his face at this very moment. But now he's gone. He can never do that anymore and that's what he hate the most about his father.
A ray of sunlight struck Ed's face and Al saw his longing eyes. He knew in his heart what Ed was feeling because it's the same for him. Snapping out of his thoughts, Al held his brother's shoulder and said "I think we don't need to worry about him too much brother. Dad is happy now that he's with mom. All we need to do now is move on. Right?"
"Right. Accept what happened and continue living. That's our new goal Al!" At this, Al and Ed raised their eyes to asses the rising sun. It's light now showering the entirety of Risembool. The large, square houses are now at sight and smoke starts to come out of their chimney tops.
"So brother, what's your plan now?", said Al staring at him.
"Well, i got no other choice but to remain as a state alchemist. I vowed to serve the citizen of Central and I keep my words. But with a condition that i won't carry out orders that are against my will. I' ll never let that Mustang treat me like his puppet." Ed retorted with an annoyed expression. Just the thought of that name makes him sick.
"It sounds like you're going to be a free-lance dog of the military huh?" Al responded with a grin.
"You can say that." Ed agreed.
"But what about her?" Al glanced below and Ed followed. they saw Winry on the porch, who's still dressed in her night gown, waving her hands to them which they eventually returned.
"What do you mean Al?" Ed gave a puzzled look.
"Admit it brother, you like her don't you? And it's obvious that she likes you too. So why don't you give yourselves a chance."
"Wha-? I don't know what you're talking about Al! Who do you say like her? Me? Oh c'mon. Never in a million years!" Ed uttered self-consciously but it's evident that he's turning red.
"You're so stubborn Ed. Why can't you be true when it comes to Winry."
"Well, I don't know Al. I still have many things to do. And she's not on top of my list. Not now. But the right time will come Al. We just have to wait for that." Al finds it good to know that Ed has already set his priorities.
"See, you just admitted it." Al's lips stretched with a huge smile. "Okay Ed. Just don't make her wait too long because who knows one day she'll just be gone with someone else and you'll never have a chance of getting her back. I don't want regrets for you, y'know."
"Yeah. I know that. Wait a sec, why are you so into lecturing me Alphonse Elric. Im your older brother! Don't make fun of me!" Ed blurted slightly pissed.
"Age doesn't matter with matters of the heart. And please, you don't have to shout.", said Al slightly nervous with the sudden outburst of his brother. But little things like this makes him at ease because after all that they have gone through, he's still the same hot tempered Ed he knew when they were young. It's as if nothing has changed.
"Why you..." Ed stood up as if he's starting to break arguments when Al interrupted him before he can say another word. "I've been thinking about going to Xing to research and practice Alkahestry. I have rested enough for three months now and I think i need to get myself back up and explore like what we used to do."
"That's unfair Al. Changing the subject all of a sudden.", said Ed quite annoyed. "But on that note, I support you if that's what you really want." Ed added cooly giving Al a wide reassuring smile.
For minutes nobody uttered any more words. They just sat there at the rooftop looking at the scenery. They savor every detail of Risembool because soon enough they'll be leaving to follow the paths they chose to live.
Later on, Winry came now dressed in her usual mechanic's garb, a beige worker's jumpsuit with the top half open and tied around her waist to reveal her usual black tube top and her bare midriff.
"Ed! Will you come down now? You have a call." Winry shouted.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SMALL!?" Ed said sharply.
"She didn't say SMALL brother. It's a CALL. You heard her wrong." Al immediately explained.
"Oh. Ha-ha. Is that so? My mistake.", said Ed as he scratch his head out of embarrassment. He had moved about two inches when a silver metal wrench came swiveling and hit his head.
"Bullseye! Ha-ha", Winry exclaimed aloud. Ed, losing his balance, fell hard from the roof down the porch. She might be a very sweet lady but when it comes to Ed she just transforms into a monster. That's what scares Al most of the time.
"You've gone too far Winry! I'm gonna get you this time!", Ed gasped as he carefully stand in his ground.
"Do it if you can, jerk.", said Winry teasingly. "But before you try, Mustang is waiting for you on the line. I bet it's something urgent.", she added quickly.
Opposite Pinako, Ed was entertaining the General on the phone. Al, Winry, and Pinako were having their breakfast that time. Their eyes and ears were all on Ed and they usually catch a glimpse of him as he was screwing up his face with the same pained expression he had worn back whenever he's in Mustang's office. They quickly revert their attention to their foods when Ed finally hung up the phone.
"So, what important matter did the General tell you?", asked Al.
"He's asking me to go back to Central as soon as possible. That guy is such a pain in the ass.", said Ed quite pissed.
"It must be really important for them to make you rush. Better eat fast before we miss the morning train.", said Winry as she took a scoop of her pudding.
"Did you say WE? You're not thinking of coming with me aren't you?", Ed muttered.
"Of course I am and Al will come too. Right Al?", she turned quickly to Al, hopeful that she was about to get an ally.
"I thought of buying some materials for automail repairs and I also want to pay a visit to Mrs. Hughes and the others as well.", said Winry quickly.
"Well, not a bad idea Winry. It's been a while since I last saw Mrs. Hughes.", Al agreed. For a minute Winry just stood there not breaking her eye contact with Ed.
Ed's defeated expression was mild as he spoke "Since I'm going to be overruled, fine, we'll be leaving right after meal."
All things were set as they board the first trip of the morning. They got off the station, at the very heart of Central, swept from the train in a tide of men and women carrying briefcases and paperworks. Amongst the crowd was Colonel Ross who has been waiting for Ed for sometime now. Ed went straight ahead to the command center with Colonel Ross while Al and Winry went to visit Mrs. Hughes.
The people of Central had retreated into their usual business, doors of shops thrown wide open where loop of customers goes in and out. Ed was relieved to see the people working hand in hand in rebuilding the town after the destruction three months ago. Ed was deep in his thoughts when the car suddenly turned right. Central command came into his vision giving him a sense of nostalgia. Colonel Ross brought Ed to a room which he have never seen before. Inside was the infamous Flame alchemist sitting on a couch with his legs crossed and hands clutched to his shin as if he's been thinking of something.
"General, sir. Lt. Colonel Elric is here.", said Ross while giving a salute.
"Thank you Colonel Ross. You may leave us now.", Mustang replied. He broke his stature as soon as the colonel closed the door.
The office seemed to be slightly larger than the room he and Al used to stay. Two desks had been crammed inside at the far most edge. Beside it are bunch of overflowing filing cabinets and bookshelves full of alchemy and literature books. There's also a receiving area with two small couch and a center table.
"So, do you like your new office?", said Mustang who has been surveying Ed's speculations.
"Not bad. So? What is it that you wanted to talk about?", Ed suddenly blurted.
"Is that the most genius thing you can say to your superior after a long time of not seeing each other?", said Roy, his blunt face with a stern look.
"Heh, don't assume that I'll congratulate you on your promotion because that won't happen unless if you're Fuhrer.", Ed hissed cockily.
"As expected. I guess I need to work my hardest to hear that from you.", said Roy with a confident grin on his face.
"Make it happen if you can.", said Ed as if challenging Roy. "Anyway, let's stop this non-sense. Tell me what you need from me.", Ed demanded.
"I'm giving you your first assignment Lieutenant Colonel." Mustang extracted a bundle of paper from the center table and handed it over to Ed. "Better take a seat and read these papers." Mustang mused as he rose from his seat. "For now, I'll be leaving but I'll be back soon to entertain your inquiries. And uhm, don't stress yourself too much fullmetal." Before Ed could even utter any more words, the General was gone.
On his hand was a five page request file, made by Mustang himself, which was then approved by the Fuhrer. "That bastard, why of all the state alchemist, chose me.", Ed hissed. He started to read the material. The first paragraph was normal as it say something about an escort mission of a young boy. But the next paragraphs seems like he's reading a fairytale. Ed shakes his head as though to scare off a fly, his mind racing now. At some point he has to stop and reread everything. He was at the point of doing it the sixth time when the door flung open.
Mustang came back but he's not alone. Just behind him was a tall and thin man, with silver hair and beard so long that they could be tucked into his belt. He had a very long and crooked nose that looked as if it had been broken at least twice. He's cladded with half-moon spectacles and colorful array of robe. Ed, with his mouth half opened, stood there with an evident look of anger on his face.
"What is the meaning of this?", Ed mused while holding the papers tightly. "Is this some sort of a joke?", he added.
"This is a serious matter Edward. Every word that's written on that paper are of genuine truth.", Roy said firmly.
"This is ridiculous! Magic doesn't exist. I mean, it goes against the law of equivalent exchange. You're an alchemist too, you should know that", Ed groaned as he slammed the papers on the table.
"I told you not to stress yourself too much, didn't I. Now let's talk it over." Mustang gestured his way to the couch but was interrupted by Ed's sudden rage.
"But this is impossible. I'll never accept such thing unless you give me proof. I'm leaving." Ed was about to walk out when a sudden spark of fire started to burn the papers he left on the table. He quickly glared at the general, his temper rising. Mustang, with an innocent look, eventually raised his hands to make Ed see that he's not wearing his gloves which he use when transmuting.
Edward, still standing, looked rather taken aback. He reverted his sight to the man behind Mustang whose eyes are beaming with conviction.
"Sorry for the intrusion gentlemen, may I speak?", the man spoke as he take one step closer to Ed and Roy.
"And who are you exactly?", Ed retorted. He's now confined in a very bad mood that he didn't even bother how rude he was with the visitor.
"Have respect fullmetal, this is-", Roy ordered but was hushed by the man in question.
"If you let me General.", the man moved closer to Ed.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, but I preferred being called with my last name. Nice to meet you Mr. Edward Elric.", Dumbledore reached out his hand looking forward for a handshake which was not returned by Ed. "Albus-hang on...", said Ed, his face screwed up, a look of dawning comprehension in his eyes. He knew the man. He was the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as what he have read on the papers.
"You may not be fond of formality are you?, said Dumbledore while tipping an enormous wink.
Ed just stood there not uttering any words. He observed the man as he inched his way to the paper on the table, which they have forgotten, was burning. With a flick of his hand, the fire just disappeared. Ed's jaw dropped as he saw the papers good as new. No burn marks or anything.
Dumbledore turned to them with a knowing composure and said, "What do you say about magic not existing Mr. Elric?"
"How could that be possible?", Ed gasped as his anger is now replaced by confusion and disbelief.
"That's the proof you wanted to see fullmetal.", said Roy staring at Ed still processing everything on his mind. It took him some time before he could speak again.
"No, it's alchemy. It's some sort of Alkahestry, destruction and reconstruction. Or maybe something related to it." said Ed who keeps shaking his head out of disbelief.
"Yes. They are related in such ways that it's the fourth branch of science."
"There are only three branches of science- chemistry, biology, and physics. And these three encompasses alchemy. You can read that in any book. So what were you talking about having a fourth branch of science?" Ed explained quite shaken.
"Magic. That's the fourth. And you just have witnessed it Mr. Elric." Said Dumbledore.
"If what you were stating are facts then why are there no records of anything related to magic or the school you were saying on books?", Ed questioned.
"I know this is hard to believe young man, but this is the truth. Our land has been kept hidden from non-magical creatures for the sole purpose of protecting the integrity of magic itself.", Dumbledore replied.
"That's being selfish would you say? Just keeping everything you know within yourselves and not share it to the world.", said Ed with a sly grin on his face.
"That's enough fullmetal.", ordered Mustang with his piercing stare.
"Why don't you go with him yourself Mustang since you're the same as them.", Ed said, wringing his hands. Ed's statement made Roy's fist clinch. He wanted to punch the fullmetal's face so badly but have decided not to. He'll never give in to Edward's game.
"It's true that we never shared the knowledge of magic to anyone who's out of our bounds. Moreover, this is for the benefit of all." Dumbledore mused.
"What do you want to imply?", said Ed, hungry for answers.
"Magic is a supernatural force that can alter the fabric of reality at fundamental levels. We cannot deny the fact that some people play God. If the whole world knew about this ability, they will be threatened. They will do everything just to gain these powers. This will rage war and we don't like that. We had enough to worry about the intending war within the wizarding world.", Dumbledore explained.
"If you are concerned with YOUR war, then why would you cross the borders of OUR world just to ask for OUR help. Why don't you keep it within yourselves and stop involving us.", Ed hissed, letting his emotions cut through his words.
"You have a point young man but the result of this war will surely affect the future of the whole world. This is all because of a wizard, whose name is not worthy to be spoken of, has claimed immortality to himself and wanted to rule not only the world of magic but of all creatures.", Dumbledore explained.
There was an arid tone in Edward's voice as he spoke. "Immortality? Did you mean he has gained a philosopher stone?" Ed questioned. Up and down he paced, consumed with frustration and clenching his fist.
"He once tried to attain it but has failed.", Dumbledore said weakly.
"An immortal being without a philosopher stone? How could that be possible?"Ed hissed with disbelief. He felt a dull sinking sensation in his stomach and, before he knew it, the feeling of anger and disappointment that had plagued him the last four years rolled over him once again. All along, he knew that the stone is the only way to attain eternal life but now this outsider says that it can be done without it. But how?
"That, I'm afraid, I don't know.", said Dumbledore in a resigned voice. "I'm still in search of answers, Mr. Edward. Soon enough I'll be leaving Hogwarts. Someone from the Ministry will take charge of Hogwarts temporarily. However, I'm afraid that whoever that is, he or she won't be an ally."
"Is that the reason why you want me to escort this Harry Potter?", said Ed.
"Yes indeed. The Dark Lord will try kill him." Dumbledore said wryly.
"Is this Harry that big that he would waste his time killing him?", asked Ed.
"He plays a major role in this war. It's because of a certain prophecy that he's the only one capable of defeating the Dark Lord." Dumbledore added.
"I guess he's a big trouble maker like someone I know.", Mustang mumbled. Edward can bee seen twitching his lips.
"Moreover, I'm just curious, of all places and all people you can ask help, why here and why us?" Ed asked snapping out of the subject.
"Ah. Good question. A friend of mine used to dwell here in your country. And he's a state alchemist by profession. You might be familiar with him, Nicholas Flamel." said Dumbledore.
Mustang's eyes grew wide. He suddenly had the urge to talk. "You know him? Do you know where he is now?"
"I suppose, he's long gone General." Dumbledore said weakly. "Do you happen to know him?"
"Yes, I actually met him once when I was a child. He's the Fuhrer's grandfather." Roy explained.
"Alas. What a small world." Dumbledore mused.
"Wait Mustang, you said you know this Flamel and he has a philosopher stone. Why didn't you tell me before?" Ed snarled.
"There's no use of telling you because he suddenly disappeared after his secret of was revealed." Roy added.
"Tell me, did he kill thousands of people to make the stone?" Ed asked coldly.
"No. His method of creating the stone is still unknown. And I think he has no intention of sharing it to others. He had his secrets hidden up to his death." said Roy.
"It's true. The time he disappeared in your country was the time that he came to the magical world. For years he had lived with the power of the philosopher stone. However, he found something much more important and powerful than immortality. And that is, love."
Ed followed Dumbledore waiting for him to continue the story. "And?" Ed muttered who's growing with much more interest on the topic.
Dumbledore looked at Mustang who gave him a nod permitting him to continue his story. "Perenelle, his wife, who, too, happened to acquire the power of the stone caught an incurable disease that even alchemy and magic cannot cure. Hating to see his beloved in such agony, he surrendered the stone to me which released them to the bounds of immortality. Afterwards, they both died together.", Dumbledore explained with an evident sadness on his face.
"So where's the stone now?" Ed asked.
"As what I have said, the Dark Lord tried to claim it. But it was destroyed before he could even touch it." Dumbledore added.
"That's interesting. I never thought about immortality that way. I thought it's just about living forever but the truth is it's all about love and every living force on which the continuation of all life depended on.", said Ed.
"Indeed. Love, it is. It's so powerful that even death can't defeat it." said Dumbledore quietly.
Ed repressed a small smile but Dumbledore saw through it. Dumbledore watched Ed with an unusual shrewd expression on his face. He was relieved to see him this calm and collected.
"So, do you have any more question fullmetal?" Mustang chip in.
"Nothing for now." Ed replied.
"So I expect you to pursue the mission then?" Roy added.
"You don't have my confirmation yet so don't conclude that I'll do it. Al needs to know about this first.", said Ed firmly.
"I know you well Fullmetal. You like challenges. And apparently, this is something you can't refuse.", Mustang said confidently with a tiresome sigh.
At that point, Dumbledore said his goodbyes. "See you then Mr. Edward.", with that he left with Colonel Ross escorting him.
Thanks for reading. So how do you find my story so far? I would appreciate comments and suggestions. :))
