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For those out there already familiar with my writing, I'm well-aware that this sin't ususally what I do. At all. However, I somehow ended up finding out about Fullmetal Alchemmist (don't ask me kow, I don't remember the details) long story short, it intrigued me, and I ended up watching the series. And of course, I've read the Harry Potter books. After reading some of the crossovers, I decided to make one of my own.

Chapter 1: Magic? Seriously?

Resembool

Edward Elric was resting peacefully in one of the guest bedrooms that Winry Rockbell and her grandmother had set aside for him during his short visit. Ed sighed as he pressed his head against the pillow. He'd been gone for almost a whole year, never calling, never sending any letters, and then without any warning he had just shown up on their doorstep simply so Winry could take a look at his automail.

Ed was delighted to find out that he had grown a full inch during his time abroad, but that also meant that he was off-balance again, so they needed a couple days to make him a new leg.

Ed secretly hoped that it would take them longer to assemble his automail. It was bad enough that they were charging him a small fortune for the rush, but what really made him wish for the long wait was the simple fact that spending time in the company of friends was a rare luxury nowadays. Along with that, now whenever he was off in foreign countries searching for new knowledge, he didn't even have his brother Alphonse there with him.

Edward had called Al when he'd decided to go back to Resembool to see the Rockbells, hoping they could return to their old home together, but apparently Al was still learning about Xingese alkahestry.

Yeah right, Ed snorted in amusement. He probably just wants to spend more time with May Chang. And then he drifted off to sleep.

When Ed opened his eyes, he wasn't awake. The overwhelming feeling of nostalgia along with Ed's disbelief made him almost certain that this was a dream. But it wasn't.

Edward found himself in the same white void he had been to before, but this time, there was no Portal of Truth towering above him.

"Welcome back, Edward Elric." An all too familiar voice said. Ed turned, and to his dismay, found himself face to face with someone he had hoped he would never have to lay eyes on again.

Truth.

"What the... How am I here!" Ed screamed. "I didn't do a human transmutation! I can't even do alchemy anymore! I gave you my Portal of Truth when I brought Al back!"

"That's right," Truth snickered. "But you see, Edward Elric, you still have a role to play in this world."

"What are you talking about?"

"There are others like the dwarf in the flask, the one you knew as the Father of the homunculi. These beings, given the chance, will inflict untold suffering on the world."

"Why the hell does that matter to you?" Ed demanded. "In all the years that Father and the homunculi manipulated and massacred the people of Amestris, you never did anything. Why have you decided to act for the good of the world now? Why does it matter to you if we suffer?"

"You know who I am, Edward Elric. I am the World. I am the Universe. I am God. I am Truth. I am All. I am One. And I am You. My role is to act as a balance. The power that I safeguard is not meant for just anyone. Those who seek to claim the power of what you call God for themselves must pay a hefty price for their arrogance, you know this better than most." Truth told the former alchemist. "And you're a fool to think that I played no part in the defeat of the dwarf in the flask. Without my subtle hand guiding mankind, you, your brother, and everyone you know would have blundered in the darkness, desperately in vain for a solution to the mayhem."

"I suppose." Ed reluctantly admitted. "But what the hell does that have to do with you bringing me back to this place?"

"I told you that there are others who will destroy the world if it means getting what they want. Since I oversee the world, I can't just sit back and let that happen. But even I have to play by the rules. The only reason I can appear to you now is because you are the only person, human or homunculus, who has ever beaten me. This allows me to bend the rules a little when dealing with you."

Ed bared his teeth. "You still haven't told me why you brought me here."

Truth smiled. "As I've already said twice, someone is planning to take something that isn't theirs, and they aren't ready for. And so I'm here to make sure that you can stop them."

"Exactly what makes you think I'm just going to do what you want?" Ed snarled.

"Because you will be affected by this whether you like it or not, Edward. If this evil goes unchallenged, it will eventually find you and the people you care for. That's not me threatening you, that's the simple truth of what will happen without your intervention."

Ed grimaced, and gave in. "Alright, if it means protecting innocent people, I'll help stop this guy, whoever he is. But how am I gonna go up against this guy? Ever since I gave you my Portal, I'm not much of a fighter."

"I've noticed, Edward. Thats why I'm giving you your Portal back."

Ed was silent for several seconds, until he finally managed to choke out "...What?"

"It's true that you don't need alchemy to live a perfectly happy and comfortable life, but having powers such as alchemy at your disposal certainly make it easier. Your alchemy will give you the strength needed in order to succeed. However, giving you back your Portal will still require a sacrifice."

Edward's eyes widened in horror. "No! I won't let you take Alphonse again! I'll do everything I can to protect people, but I won't let Alphonse be the one to pay the price, he has nothing to do with this!"

Truth grinned "You can relax, Edward. If you had freely chosen to take back your Portal, it would have required that you sacrifice your brother's body and soul, but since you're being forced, you can get away with paying a lesser price."

"Seriously?" Ed gaped.

"Of course. You've already seen it once before. When you attempted human transmutation, you lost a leg, your brother lost his body, and your teacher lost several of her organs. But when Roy Mustang entered my domain, all he lost were his optic nerves. He did lose his ability to see, but that was a small price to pay compared to attempting to create an entire person. The reason he lost only a small part of his body is because although he committed the great taboo, it was against his own will. And now you, Edward Elric, will regain your Portal of Truth, like it or not. And while you will still have to sacrifice something, I will be gracious, and show you the same generosity I showed Roy Mustang."

Ed sighed "If that's the way it has to be, then fine. But if something's going to be sacrificed so I can get my Portal back, then take it from me, not Al, or anyone else."

Truth nodded. "Fair enough. And now that you mention it, I have the perfect sacrifice in mind."

"What?" Ed wondered.

"Nothing you haven't given up before." Truth said calmly, though that didn't exactly reassure Ed.

Before he could respond, he heard the signature sound of transmutation directly behind him, and spun to see a Portal of Truth, his Portal of Truth, forming before his eyes. It was reconstructed exactly the way it had been when he had given it to Truth as the sacrifice necessary to bring back Alphonse. As it finished, the doors of the Portal swung open to reveal a single eye, which was shortly followed by several ethereal shadow hands reaching out to Edward.

Ed couldn't help being slightly afraid, but he didn't bother trying to run. The Gate would take whatever toll Truth demanded no matter what he did. And as long as it was taken from him and not Alphonse, he would find a way to cope. And so, Edward calmly watched as the hands of the Gate reached out to ensnare him.

Or more specifically, his right arm.

The sound of screaming woke Winry.

That's Ed! She realized. Winry lit a candle and ran to Ed's room, thinking that he must be suffering from a particularly horrifying nightmare, since he was still screaming. She opened the door to his room, ready to offer Ed whatever comfort she could give.

But when Winry opened the door, the sight that awaited her would leave her with nightmares of her own for a long time. And that sight was of Ed screaming in pain while lying in a pool of his own blood.

"Edward!" Winry screamed.

"Winry!" Grandma Pinako's voice exclaimed from behind her. "What's going on- Oh dear heavens!" She gasped as she saw Edward herself. To her credit, the old lady sprang into action immediately. "Winry, take those bedsheets and do what you can to stop the bleeding. I'll go get some bandages."

"Right," Winry said as she recovered from her initial shock. She ran to Ed's side and bundled up the sheets. It only took her a second to find the source of the bleeding: Ed's right arm was gone.

"Oh Ed..." Winry whispered as she pressed the sheets against Ed's bleeding stump, making sure that she put on enough pressure to slow down the flow of blood, yet not so hard that it would cause further damage. Ed's screaming died down, though his face was still cringing in pain.

"Winry..."

"Don't talk, Ed," Winry told him. "Just try to stay calm. Granny's going to be here with some bandages any minute, and we'll stop the bleeding and take good care of you."

Pinako appeared in the doorway, and sighed sadly when she saw that Ed had somehow lost his arm a second time. The old lady and her granddaughter then set themselves to work by wrapping up Ed's injury, and then Pinako had Winry take him out of the room while she cleaned up. She knew it wouldn't be good for Edward's mental health to remain in a bed that was drenched with his own blood.

"Hey Winry," Ed wheezed.

"I told you not to talk, Ed." The girl scolded.

"I was just gonna ask... think you could add a new arm to my bill?"

Ed was forced to spend the next several months with the Rockbells as his body painfully readjusted to having a mechanical arm. He knew he should count himself lucky, it took most people about three years to get completely used to automail. Ed couldn't deny that it was frustrating, losing his arm after going through so much trouble to get it back, but he'd spent the past several years with two automail limbs, and as long as Alphonse didn't have to suffer, he was okay. Besides, now that he had a metal arm, he had something he could use to protect himself with against Winry's wrench. The arm was just like the one Winry had made for him in Fort Briggs; durable and light. And then there was the fact that his alchemy was back.

While Edward lived with the Rockbells, technically he was still recovering. But after just a couple months it was clear even to Pinako that he was strong enough to help out around the house. Normally it would have been a real chore, but with his alchemy back, all Edward had to do was clap his hands, and a second later the job would be done. Then they'd give him something else to do.

On one of the last days of spring, Edward sat on the front porch, scratching Den behind the ears, when he noticed two people wearing blue coats trudging up the path that led to the Rockbells' house. One had black hair, the other was blonde.

Curious, Ed got up and waited. As the newcomers came closer, Ed realized that they were Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye.

"Well, if it isn't Colonel Bastard himself. What brings you to Resembool?"

"It's General now, Edward," Mustang growled. He then noticed Ed's arm. "So the rumours are true. Does that mean you can use alchemy again as well?"

"Yep."

"Then I think we might be able to help each other." Mustang said as he continued walking towards the house. "Why don't we go inside, and I'll explain everything to you there."

"As you know, Edward, Amestris has had a... strained relationship with its neighbours." Mustang began.

"Yeah, that tends to happen when your country is constantly starting wars so it can expand." Ed muttered.

"Tell me about it," Mustang sighed. "But now that the homunculi are no longer pulling the strings, we in the new government's senior staff are hoping to have some international alliances for a change. Unfortunately, that not exactly easy since we're at open war with Aerugo despite our new attempts at forming a peace treaty, and maintaining the non-aggression pact with Drachma is a constant challenge. The only reason we're not at war with Creta as well is because their population is so decentralized."

Mustang continued "Since finding allies in any of the nations bordering us is next to impossible for the foreseeable future, Fürher Grumman has instead tasked me with pursuing treaties with countries a bit farther from home. And there is one potential alliance that I think you might be very interested in, Elric."

"Go on." Ed muttered.

"About five months ago, we began negotiations for a treaty with a country called Great Britain. It's not close in any sense of the word, but we have good reason to pursue our relationship with them."

"And what might that be?"

"Well... I can't think of any convincing way to say this, but the people of Great Britain have found little use for alchemy throughout their history, mainly because what little they've been able to do with it is mostly primitive compared to what alchemists of our calibre know. So their people have compensated by instead become adept in the use of magic."

Ed couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Magic? Come on, General, you're an alchemist, you know that there's no such thing as magic."

"Believe me, Ed, until a few months ago, I thought the same thing."

Edward snorted, but decided to play along. "Alright, let's say for a minute that I'm willing to believe you. So, where do I come in?"

"Just as we're intrigued by their magic, Edward, they're intrigued by our advanced alchemy. After some negotiation with the Ministry of Magic's Wizengamot - their equivalent of a parliament - it has been decided that a State Alchemist will be selected by their Chief Warlock to become a professor of alchemy and teach it to the students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I've recommended you for the position."

"What the- Me? What makes you think I want to be involved in this crap, General?"

"Ed, you've dedicated yourself to traveling the world seeking new knowledge. Right now I'm offering you the chance to go directly where they teach magic. Just imagine the wealth of information that you'll have unrestricted access to. And I should probably also inform you that the people in Great Britain who use can magic keep their true selves secret from those not born with their power. So if you ever manage to get to Great Britain yourself, I guarantee you that you'll have no small amount of trouble finding these magic users."

Ed paused as he considered this. "Alright, I guess it couldn't hurt to at least check it out. And who knows, maybe this whole magic gig will turn out to be true after all. Although I should warn you, General, if this turns out to be a prank, I'm gonna kick your ass."

Mustang smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Edward, and I'm glad to have your assistance. You'll have to come with me to Central so you can meet the Chief Warlock. And that reminds me, you'll need this as well," Roy then reached into his pocket, and when he brought his hand back out, it was holding a silver pocket watch. And after a moment of deliberation, Edward took it.

"Welcome back, Fullmetal."

Central Command

"So your old place wasn't big enough to satisfy your ego, General?" Ed muttered as they entered General Mustang's new office.

"Not now, Fullmetal," Mustang hissed. He then spoke so that the person who was already waiting in his office could hear him. "Edward Elric, I'd like to introduce you to Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Mustang then spoke to Dumbledore directly. "Albus Dumbledore, may I present Major Edward Elric, also known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. He is one of the most skilled alchemists in all of Amestris, and the youngest State Alchemist in history."

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Elric." Dumbledore smiled. "I understand that General Mustang here has recommended you to be the new professor of Alchemy at Hogwarts."

As Ed looked at Dumbledore, one thought crossed his mind. Damn, this guy is old.

Finally Ed spoke. "So... you're a wizard?" At first, the only response he got was the sound of Mustang muttering "Idiot" under his breath.

Fortunately, Dumbledore didn't seem offended at all, and instead smiled. "It's understandable that someone who has no experience with magic would be skeptical. I've seen the same behaviour from Muggle-borns more times than I can remember. Rest assured, Mr. Elric, you'll be seeing plenty of magic the coming school year, should you accept the position, and hopefully for many years after that. You are eighteen, correct?"

"Yeah, got a problem with that?"

"Not at all," Dumbledore assured him. "In the wizarding world, we actually come of age at seventeen. I imagine that some will be skeptical of your ability to teach Alchemy to the students of Hogwarts due to your youth, but if the general here vouches for you, then I have complete confidence in your abilities."

Polite, respects my abilities as an alchemist, doesn't mind the fact that I'm young, and best of all, he hasn't made any cracks about my height. I'd say he's passed. Edward thought, pleased. "Alright, if it's okay with you, then I'll teach Alchemy at your magic school."

"Splendid." Dumbledore smiled.

"If I'm gonna be teaching a bunch of kids how to transmute, then I'm gonna need to bring a bunch of books with me," Ed explained. "I can get some of them from the library here in Central, and I'm pretty sure I can get the rest from my old teacher's house in Dublith."

"I'm sure whatever books you bring will make excellent additions to the library in Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. "And if it's not too much to ask, would you mind finding a textbook or two that you feel would be good as mandatory reading for the students?"

Ed shrugged. "I'm sure I can find something that help ease the beginners into it. I suppose I should go get those books now, shouldn't I?"

Leaving General Mustang in his office, Albus Dumbledore and Edward Elric walked to the the rebuilt First Branch of the National Central Library, with almost all of its books restored thanks to Sheska's tireless efforts (Ed seriously hoped she was at least getting paid overtime for all the work those slave drivers were putting her through). The First Branch was restricted for anyone who wasn't a State Alchemist or didn't have the rank of a major, but fortunately, Ed had just been reinstated. A quick flash of his pocket watch, and fifteen minutes later he left with copies of all the books he needed. As he picked them out, Dumbledore would put them into a little pouch he carried with him. The pouch looked like it could barely hold two of the books Edward had selected, but he watched in amazement as the old man stuck more than twenty books into his little pouch, and it never even swelled.

When they exited the library, Dumbledore said, "Well, now that we've done that, why don't we go to Dublith?"

Surprised, Ed answered "Uh, okay. But it's gonna take us a couple days to get there by train. You sure you wanna come?"

"Oh, that's not necessary, Mr. Elric-"

"Ed, please, or Edward. Calling me Mr. Elric makes me feel old."

"As you wish, Edward," Dumbledore said. "As I was saying, it is not necessary for us to take the train to go to Dublith. I can Apparate us there."

"Appa-wha?"

"Apparition is a magical method of transportation. A term you might be familiar with is teleporting."

"Seriously? You can teleport us to Dublith just like that?"

"Indeed I can." Dumbledore said proudly as he held out his left arm to Ed. "Simply take my arm, and we will be off."

Ed looked at the arm offered to him warily, then he looked back at Dumbledore's face, which didn't seem to be hiding any sinister intent. So Ed just took a deep breath, and grabbed Dumbledore's arm. Ed then heard what could best be described as a loud crack, and an instant later, everything changed.

To put it bluntly, it felt like his teacher's fists were slamming into his body from every direction at the same time. Ed saw the world flashing by, and then suddenly everything was normal again.

Edward leaped as far away from Dumbledore as he could, and rested his hands on his legs as he panted.

"I'm impressed," Dumbeldore admitted. "Most people vomit the first time they experience Apparition."

"Warn me the next time you're gonna do that you crazy old bastard!" Ed roared.

"I apologize for your discomfort. It was simply the fastest way for us to get to Dublith." Dumbledore said. He then seemed to remember something. "Edward, is your arm a prosthetic?"

Ed suddenly realized that this old man must have felt the metal in his hand when he'd grabbed his arm for the Apparition, and realized that there was no point hiding it. He removed his glove, bringing his automail hand into view.

"Extraordinary," Dumbledore said as he saw the hand. "I'd heard that your country has advanced prosthetics, but this is the first time I've seen it in person. Is is really connected directly to your nervous system?"

"Yeah," Ed answered. "The automail takes the electrical signals sent out by my brain, and then turns it into normal electricity to move the parts the same way it would if I still had my real hand. My whole right arm is automail, and so is my left leg."

"I see. Now your title of 'Fullmetal Alchemist' makes a lot more sense." Dumbledore said as he tapped his chin. "Hmm, this may present a small problem. Part of Hogwarts' defence system is that electrical items do not function properly within its grounds. However, I promise that by the time the school year starts, I will have devised a solution so that your limbs will be unaffected."

"Good, I'd hate to arrive at your school and not be able to use an arm and a leg..."

The wizard and the alchemist then made their way to Izumi Curtis' home, where Ed explained to his old teacher why he needed to borrow some of her books. But when he told her that he was going to be teaching at a school, Izumi began to laugh uncontrollably. When it became clear that she wasn't going to stop anytime soon, Ed ignored her, took the books he needed from her library, and left. Izumi had laughed the entire time, and Ed could hardly differentiate whether or not he could still hear her while they were leaving the town, or if that was just his imagination.

Dumbledore offered to Apparate him back to Central, but Edward declined, opting to instead return to Resembool by train as he would rather take the longer, more expensive route than go through that again.

"Very well, Edward. I will see you again when it is time for you to come to Hogwarts. Until we meet again." And then the old man Apparated away.

Ed knew that he would have to spend the next couple of months figuring out the curriculum for his class. Apparently Hogwarts had seven years' worth of students, but because Alchemy was a new subject at Hogwarts, he would only have to put together a plan for a single year of teaching. And if he felt like going there again to teach next year, he'd only have to worry about two years worth of teaching. However, Ed could hardly see himself being content with becoming a professor for too long after seeing what Dumbledore looked like after his many years at Hogwarts.

In any event, Ed figured that he should at least check this "magic school" out, it could be interesting. A big part of Ed kept telling him that there was no such thing as magic, but then he'd remember some important words that an old friend had said to him long ago.

There's no such thing as no such thing.

Anyone who can guess who said that quote at the end (it's pretty obvious) gets a cookie!

Well, hope that's satisfactory for you. Please leave a review so I know what I can do to make it better!

Also, I'm torn on which Harry Potter year this fanfic should be set in. I've narrowed it down to Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, and Half-Blood Prince, and I've decided to let you, the readers, decide which one it will be based in. There's a poll on my profile, so go there and vote! And remember that I can't write the next chapter without knowing what year to set it in!