Chapter 3- Metal Limbs and Dumb Announcements

Harry dawned his invisibility cloak and left while everyone was still lounging about in the common room, figuring he had all the night to spy on Ling, he made his way to the Hufflepuff dormitories first. He waited a bit when a Hufflepuff ran into the room and said the password to the door. Harry jumped inside while he could. Hufflepuff had a pleasant common room with a friendly atmosphere. Harry rather liked it there, but he had a mission. Walking up the boy's dormitories, he spent ages looking for the younger Eric's room. Finally, he found it. Alphonse was taking off his shirt and- oh dear God!

Alphonse Elric was missing two arms. In their place were advanced, metal prosthetics that seemed to work exactly like regular arms. Alphonse sat on the bed and began smiling at a photograph. Harry inched closer to it. The picture was very odd indeed. It was of Edward, Alphonse and two people in what seemed to be military attire. They were all smiling, and there was a banner in the background that read, Something Something Füher (it was in another language) in bright green lettering. Harry hadn't the slightest idea what a Füher was, but it seemed fairly important considering that everyone looked so happy. One more thing caught Harry's attention: the picture didn't move. Everyone in it was completely still! The picture had been taken with a muggle camera! With all this in mind, Harry crept back to Gryffindor tower. He'd tell Ron and Hermione as soon as possible.

Ling woke up hungry. Very, very hungry! And hungrier than he normally was when waking up. He hadn't had his midnight snack last night. He strained his brain trying to remember what had possessed him to not eat, when it came to him: he had been up all night talking to Neville. He supposed that was worth it! The poor boy was riddled with anxiety about everyone hating him and that was obviously not something Ling would leave Neville to deal with on his own! He was future emperor of Xing after all! It was his solemn duty to defend and comfort the innocent! The two Gryffindor boys strode down the hallways, Ling was doing all the talking since Neville seemed to be too nervous to start up a conversation himself. Often times Ling would talk until he hit a subject Neville was comfortable talking with him about. Today was very much the same. The two took their seats at the Gryffindor table when Dumbledore stepped up to the podium. The students stopped their chatter.

"Children, I have a very important announcement. Due to a parent's natural need to worry about their child's safety and the recent escape of Sirius Black-" A low wave of mummers went through the student body at that particular name. Ling noticed Professor Lupin tense, like the name gave him bad memories. He also noticed a few pity-filled glances in Potter's direction. "-we are organizing a Parent's Day!" This time, excited and exasperated banter filled the hall; Dumbledore shushed it with a wave of his hand. "Muggles and wizards alike will be free to come into the castle and visit you. We have already notified your legal guardians. It will be on November 5th and all classes will be canceled! That is all."

Ling sighed, he certainly knew his father wouldn't show up, but perhaps his mother or babysitters? He would like to see them again! Neville was muttering something about his grandmother, and Ling assured him that she would be proud of his progress, though he personally didn't believe it. Neville's grandmother didn't sound like a pleasant or kind woman in any sense. Certainly not one to be proud of her grandson's progress, even though Neville deserved it every bit.

Al was practically jumping in his seat. Roy and Riza could visit them? He had so many things to show them! Like the 100% on his last Potions test, or the the plant was growing for Herbology, or the shield spell he learned in DADA, or his own original spell he'd been working on! He wanted to make a spell that could form an instant line of communication with anyone, anywhere. That way, people who were lost or refugees or people who were kidnapped could get help! It was already halfway completed.

Ed was indifferent to the whole Parent's Day thing. Mustang required him to send a report every week to make sure he and Al were okay, so there wasn't really much Ed could surprise him and Hawkeye with. His magic was subpar anyway, so the best thing he could think of for that day was to show Mustang and Hawkeye his impeccable intimidation skills-! No. That wouldn't work. He would have to stand by, he supposed.

Hermione was excited to show them everything she knew. She was the brightest witch if her age! By the end of Parent's Day, two dentists would be experts in the magical world!

Harry knew no one would come. His parents were dead and the Dursleys didn't care at best. He would spend the day alone.

Ron just hoped his parents would remember him in between Ginny, Percy, and the Twins.

Neville knew his gran would shout at him all day, no matter what Ling said.

Somewhere in the distance, a man disguised as a dog longed for his godson.

Chapter 3 is ready! The plot thickens, and all thanks to Lady Jessica Mustang! I was stuck on this chapter and she really helped me out. Like I was so stuck I was thinking of giving up. So thank you!