A/N: I'm really sorry it took me so long, guys! And this one's kind of short too... I'll hopefully get the next one out sooner. I have a good idea of what's coming next, and it will start to get interesting. But it will probably be kind of like this for a while; some present explanations with a bunch of flash backs. There'll be more present action in a while (I promise it's coming), but be prepared since I'll probably get a lot of the technical stuff out of the way before then.
Chapter 4: Love
"Attention!" called Dumbledore. The only three in the room who were talking, Renault, Minerva, and Augusta, quickly quieted down. Albus tended to have that effect on people; he simply claimed their focus when he spoke. "We'll actually start now. All of you have skills or information that could potentially help us defeat Grindelwald. Now we just have to figure out what they are. This could be a bit difficult, since you probably won't immediately think of what will be useful. Now, I understand that a few of you will have an understanding of obscure branches of magic because of your occupations and pasts. I'd like to examine your knowledge first, since you might have an easier time coming up with something to contribute. I have a pensieve here, in case it's necessary to experience your memories." He gestured towards the stone basin on the table next to him. "Renault? Are you a willing first victim?"
"Sure, why not," replied the jovial black-haired man.
"All of you should write this down," Albus commanded. "You might catch something that the rest of us don't."
"Like that's ever going to happen," muttered Augusta to Minerva, who gave a little giggle, clearly agreeing at the futility of Dumbledore's suggestion.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Augusta," Dumbledore responded to the comment that should have been far too quiet for him to hear. "As I've said, we all have a reason for being here. Renault, begin with your exploits in the Department of Mysteries."
"Right, sir. I've worked in several sections of the Department as an assistant, although I know the Ancient Magic section best. Most of the stuff we do is classified, but I'm guessing I'm allowed to tell, given the circumstances." He glanced over at Dumbledore, who confirmed the statement with a nod. "Ancient Magic is completely different from the stuff we do today. Most of our spells are based upon a purpose. In basic terms, we use magic to get things done. Back when the first witches and wizards were around, spells were based on intention. A spell was either good or evil, and it was either meant to help or harm.
"Ancient magic is some of the most powerful stuff I've ever seen. Our spells nowadays don't have real feeling behind them most of the time; the only Ancient Magic spells I know of that are still being continually used are evil ones. You all know them as the Unforgivable Curses." A collective shuddering passed over the room. Not only did the mention of the Unforgiveable Curses shake the people present, but the solemn manner of the typically bouncy Renault Potter unnerved them further.
"Any other Ancient Magic spells have been lost over the years. All documents on Ancient Magic that haven't been destroyed only give the basic theory, not the actual spells. The Ancient Magic section in the Department has been trying hard to find some Ancient Magic spells powered by good that will counter the Unforgiveables, and any other dark Ancient Magic. We have a theory… It's not proven at all. A lot of the people at the Department think that love is the key to good Ancient Magic as hate is the key to dark Ancient Magic. However, any attempts at spells fueled by love have failed. Perhaps our testers just don't love strongly enough, but we can't gauge something like that. In any case, it is evident that Grindelwald is using the Unforgiveable curses, if not something more involving Ancient Magic. If we can discover the good counter to the Unforgiveables, we might be able to gain the upper hand in this battle."
Renault settled back in his chair, his piece done. He seemed rather pleased with himself, that he had connected all of this and had been able to present it in a serious, orderly fashion.
"Thank you, Renault," Dumbledore said, pensively. He had already known most of what Renault had covered, although he hadn't known that Ancient Magic had been studied so extensively in the Department. It made for a relatively good start to what seemed completely pointless and impossible. However, if the Ministry did not make any progress soon on developing this branch of magic, it would be no help in the fight against Grindelwald. He looked up and found Edward staring at him, clearly thinking the same thing. He wondered if Edward would have enough love in him to perform a good Ancient Magic spell. He had certainly lost a lot, but still retained bonds across worlds. A love like his couldn't be found often enough.
1925, Godric's Hollow
Albus had kept his family's home, even after his brother had moved out. He stayed there during the summer and used it to conduct his research on various subjects. Right now, he was doing some brief experiments on the properties of dragon's blood and was getting some interesting results. However, once the boys moved in, everything changed.
Alphonse was open and talkative. He never said much about their past or where they came from, since his brother always gave him scathing looks when he started to give something away. However, he always felt free to share his feelings with Albus and seemed to find some common ground with him. He had a certain flair for the more hands-on types of magic, such as potions and herbology. Edward was good at these as well, but he seemed to be afraid of what the result might be when he finished whatever Albus had assigned them. Where Alphonse lacked, unfortunately, was power. He simply felt little drive behind using wand magic and preferred life without it anyways. This caused his spells to feel rushed or half-done because he lacked not only the skill, but the determination necessary to make them work. He openly loved and admired his brother; it seemed that his brother was the only thing in the world that truly mattered to him.
Edward seemed to be the opposite of his brother. He was a closed book most of the time, completely unwilling to even think of the past. He seemed hesitant when it came to his brother's strong suit, potions, perhaps because it reminded him of something painful. Edward was also extremely skeptical towards magic in general. He refused to accept certain concepts, like conjuring something out of thin air. However, despite his stubborn denial, he excelled in spell casting, and seemed to be nearly as powerful as Albus. He was often rude to his brother, and someone who didn't know them well might think that Edward hated Alphonse. This was completely untrue, as Albus soon discovered, for Edward truly loved Alphonse dearly.
Albus allowed Edward his silence, resolving to ask for their story at the end of the summer, if he hadn't already figured it out by then. The lessons had been going quite well, so far without incident, although Edward often seemed to have his mind somewhere else. He would look out the window, his golden eyes searching for something that only he could see.
A/N: Hmmm... Not sure if I'm entirely happy with this one or not. Oh well! Please review and let me know what you think!