Chapter 4: Beryllium
SEVERUS'S P.O.V.
"Your name is Severus right?" Nicholas asked me as we walked down the hallway.
I growled in annoyance... Why is it that children are always the one to bother me first? Sure this one seemed nice as first but just wait for an insult or a joke...
I replied, "Yes, I am Professor Severus Snape."
Nicholas looked at me a bit and said, "Pardon my mannors sir, I had no idea you were a Professor. But it does make more since considering the amount of kids sitting in that area... This place is a school... A private school cut off the main stream... Am I correct?"
The boy's inteligents levels are quite astonishing... He looks like a first year though...
I nodded and said, "Correct Mr. Mustang..."
He smiled and said, "Mr. Mustang is my Dad, please just call me Nicholas or Nick. If you feel inclinded to you may also call me Dragon Scale since it's my title."
I looked at him and asked, "May I ask how old you are?"
He replied, "I'm 14 Sir... I'm very aware that my size makes me look like I'm 11... It's a common question I recieve Sir."
14...? He's the same age as Potter's brat would be... But he seems more refined, more mature... He certainly doesn't act like a Fourth year.
Edward walked up to Nicholas and said, "Hey Nick have you noticed the infostructer in here? It looks similar to the one in Liore's cathedral."
He nodded and said, "By the general size of the colmums and thickness of the walls, I believe we're standing in a castle Ed... An old one at that."
They deduced where they were just by looking at the colmums?! These boys are brilliant... If the two boys are like this, what of the rest of the group?
"TEACHER!"
I turned around to see Mrs. Curtis cough up a small pool of blood. She whispered, "Dammit... Sig has my medicine..."
I looked at her and asked, "Does this happen often?"
Alphonse who was helping her up nodded and said, "She has Gastro Animeia..."
She throws up blood...? Then why the hell isn't she in a hospital?!
I pulled out a vial of Stomach Soother and said, "This should calm your stomach until we can get you to the hosptial wing."
She slapped the vial and said, "Not a chance bub." She stood up tall and wiped her mouth off. "I'm perfectly fine to continue walking and I don't need a damn doctor! I been like this for 25 years and still can pumble a bear to the ground, you've got that?!"
The two boys and the armor trembled a bit and they said, "Yes Teacher..."
This woman wields fear like there's no tomorrow... But how can an ill woman do that?
We continued walking until we came to Albus's Gargolye. I looked at it and said, "Pixie Stix."
They all looked at me with confusion, until the statue moved revealing a stair case.
Edward looked at it and said, "This isn't right... That's disobeying the laws of Equivalent Exchange... This isn't alchemy unless he has..."
He glared at me and asked, "Do you have the Philosopher's Stone?!"
I looked at him and said, "The old legend? No I don't. Why would I? The only one I have ever even seen belonged to Sir Nicholas Flammel and his wife Pernelle."
They seemed disgusted by that fact... What so bad about a magic rock?
We entered Albus's office to see Fawkes poached on his rest above Albus's desk. Nicholas looked at the bird in wonder and said, "Beautiful..."
Roy walked up behind him and said, "It's feathers looks like fire... You're right son, it is beautiful." Son?
Ah, so Roy is Nicholas's father... Explains the shared last name. Though they don't look quite a like... He must have been adopted.
I looked at the phoenix and said, "That is Fawkes, Albus's pet Phoenix."
Nicholas looked at me and said, "You're joking right? Phoenix are legends which started in Xerxes, futhermore one of the symbols of flame alchemist such as my Father and I."
Appearently the bird took offense to being called a legend and lit itself ablaze, till it became a pile of ash.
Edward sighed and said, "Well it's a pretty good atempt with a chimera like that. Too bad it can live up to the..."
"Brother... look..."
They all turned to see the ashes spiral up and new baby phoenix sat before them, still ruff with flegling feathers.
Winry stepped foward and said, "Aw he's so cute! Still don't know how it did that but I really don't care! Look at this cute little guy!"
The rest of them just stood back. Alex then said, "There's something about this place is completely disobeying the laws of Equivalent Exchange..."
Alphonse nodded and said, "I haven't seen a single transmutation circle since I got here... Maybe they aren't using alchemy..."
I looked at them questionablly...
Alchemy? It's an almost forsaken magic... Only Flammel and his wife know it... But they did talk about the stone... Could they really be alchemist?
Riza looked at them and said, "If that's the case, does your alchemy still work here?"
Nicholas and Edward looked at each other with a smile and Edward said, "Only one way to find out."
Edward clapped his hands and placed them on the ground while Nicholas pulled his glove with the red thread tigher to his left hand.
Sparks erupted from Edward's hands and a fire banaster came from the floor filled with little liquid.
Edward smirked and said, "The floor has been cleaned with a oil based cleaning product, seperate the oil from the rest of the chemical you have pure ethenol, or in lamen's terms pure alchaol."
Nicholas smiled as he held his hand up and said, "And alchaol is highly flamable."
He snapped his fingers on his left hand making a metal clicking noise. A fire came from his fingers where he snapped and ignited the alchaol making the banaster into a well burning torch.
Nicholas smiled and said, "I'd say the alchemy is up and running."
I gawked at them with awe... Wandless magic... No not even wandless magic could do this... Their transfiguragtion had all the ingedients of the floor, they didn't turn it into something else completely, they rearranged it...
This was increadible, they are actual alchemist!
The baby phoenix looked at the fire and spread it's wings flying into the blaze renewing it to an older form. The bird landed on Nicholas's shoulder and began nuzzling him. He laughed and said, "Stop it...! That's tickles... Alright!"
The boy's laughter brought the others into the hardy laughs, with the bird cooing against the young man.
I sighed and said, "It's appears he's taken a liking to you... Much more than Albus..."
Nicholas petted the bird with his right hand even though it rested on his left shoulder.
He smiled and said, "I still want to know why there's a real life phoenix and why he decied my shoulder is a good place to rest."
"You'll get your answers my boy."
I looked to see Dumbledore walking in the door with Minerva behind him. He smiled at the boy and said, "I see you've met Fawkes."
The bird began rubbing itself against the young man again and Minerva said, "He's seem to taken a liking to you... Nicholas is it?"
He nodded and said, "That's right, Major Nicholas Drake Mustang, State Alchemist of Amestris, at your service."
A boy his age in the military?! That's insane... What was his father thinking letting his son join at his age?!
He looked up at us and said, "Seriously don't give me that, 'I can't believe you're in the military' look or 'Your father let you do that?' look either. To become a State Alchemist you have to have a large amount of knowledge, and past the hardest exams in the country. Ed passed when his when he was 12 and I did it at 10. Dad said it wasn't a good idea but he supported me anyway... And I passed, with highest marks for the time I took the test. As for Ed, he and Al are on their own and can make their own dessions, thank you very much. Mostly alchemist join their ranks for the reasearch materials and grants which is why Ed and I are State Alchemist."
Minerva looked at him and said, "Alchemist? Like turning lead to gold and the elixer of life?"
Edward stepped foward and said, "You're half right. We can turn lead to gold, but it's highly illegal due to the fact it would mess with the economy. As for the elixer of life... It's a bunch of crap."
Alphonse nodded and said, "Our defintion of alchemy may differ than yours but basicly, the art of alchemy is the science of understanding, deconstructing and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the law of Equivalent Exchange. The basis of all alchemy. Alchemists are by all means scientists and we obey these laws."
Izumi nodded and said, "So far we've noticed the laws of Equivalent Exchange has been broken several times since we arrived. We'd like to know how and why we are here in the first place."
That nearly through my head for a whirl by how complex they went into detail. Minerva and Albus seemed just as awe struck as I was.
Albus coughed for a moment and said, "Yes well... We do have a different defintion of alchemy here that portains to our abilites... You see we are called wizards, well Professor McGonagall here is a witch but you get the point. Instead of using science we use magic..."
They all looked at us with serious faces and then burst out laughing. Nicholas laughed out, "Magic?! Ha! Did you not just hear us say that we're scientists? We don't believe in unprovable concepts like creators, gods, or magic... We observe the physical laws that govern this world to try to learn the truth. Hell we're athesis for Truth's sake!"
These kids don't believe in God...? Where the hell are they from?!
Minerva sighed and said, "I might as well do what I do for the Muggleborn parents..."
She raised her wand and then said, "Expecto Patronum."
The outsiders watched in amazement as a silvery mist in the form of a cat came out of the tip of her wand and jumped across the room.
Alphonse then said with a exicitement," It's a cat! Oh, I just love kitties!"
Edward rolled his eyes and said, "I noticed, you try to take one home everytime we go some where!"
Alphonse let the Patronus jump on to his shoulder and he began to pet it, letting it purr in delight. Soon Minerva lowered her wand and the Patronus disapeared (much to Alphonse's dismay).
She smiled and said, "That is magic. It can do much more than that but it would take a life time to explain it all."
Edward looked at her and asked, "Do you have a library and if so can we use it?"
Roy looked at him and said, "Fullmetal what are you thinking?"
He looked back and said with a hiss, "I'm thinking we might be able to fix what we messed up on, plus find out what all this magic crap is all about."
Albus nodded and said with his grandfatherly voice, "We would be happy to lend you acess to our library while you are here, and acess to the classes as well. Now as for why you were brought here..."
He pulled out the piece of paper which he recieved from the goblet. "You see you are inside a magical school called Hogwarts, which right now we're hosting a tournament of sorts. To choose the champions, competators place their name into an object called the Goblet of Fire. If your name is drawn you have to compete... Now someone put in a name of someone who went missing from out world along time ago..."
Hawkeye glared at him and asked, "Who's name?"
He replied with a smile, "Harry Potter."
Nicholas's eyes widen in fear and he collapsed to the floor writhing as if he was in pain.
Mustang yelled out, "Nicholas!" He rushed to his side said, "Nicky calm down! You're okay..."
He was hyperventalating and Edward was trying to help as well.
He cried out in a scream, "No...NO!... God no! No! No! No! No! No! Don't take me back! Not with them! Not with them!"
I looked at Izumi and asked, "What the hell is happening?!"
She looked at Nicholas and said, "Nicholas was severely abused before his father found him...There certain things that will trigger his panic attacks... That name must be something bad to him because I never seen him panic like this before..."
His father petted his head and said, "Come back to us Nicky... Come back..."
He was shaking breathing heavily and hard and the tears swiftly fall down his face. His father bushed away part of his bangs, trying to sooth the boy, and I gasped.
His eyes seemed familar, but now... I know who he is... The lighting bolt scar tells it all...
"I think I know why that name causes him to panic..."
Izumi looked at me and said, "Why is that...?"
I replied, "The boy who went missing had a lighting bolt shaped scar on his forehead... Everyone recoginizes it with his name..."
I looked at the woman as she said, "So that name was Nick's name before..."
I nodded and said, "It must have been... I had no idea he had been abused... I knew his mother before she died and I haven't seen him since the funeral..."
I heard a sharp sound of metal clanking against the ground coming from Nicholas as he past out still shaking and breathing heavily. Mustang looked at Albus and said with a deadly serious tone, "Never say that name around my son again... You may have just sent him into shock, you do relize that?!"
He replied calmly, "Well it was his name... And since his name came out of the Goblet he has to compete... If not then I doubt the goblet will return you home."
Edward jumped up and said, "So we're stuck here unless he plays you're damn game?! Dammit!"
Fawkes flew down to Nicholas and rested itself on the boy's chest trying to sooth the boy as well.
Albus looked at the phoenix with the slightest bit of envy and said, "Fawkes come to me. I need you to deliever a message."
But the bird refused to move. He stayed firmly on Nicholas, frankly disobeying the Headmaster.
Wait a second... Fawkes is Albus familar, he can't disobey... Unless...
By the look on Albus's face, he made the same relization as I did.
Fawkes has made a new bond... And he bonded with Har... Nicholas.
Then it hit me... The boy I was expecting to be a clone of his father acted nothing like him...
In fact he acted like Mustang... Mustang took him in and raised him... He's only James Potter's son by blood and that's it, he is Mustang's son in the rest...
Mustang picked Nic... His son up in his arms and asked me, "Is there somewhere we can stay since we'll be staying here?"
I nodded and said, "We have some room down in the Slytherin dorms... Just follow me."
With that I began leading the group of outsiders to my snakes making me wonder what the hell was Albus thinking?!
DRACO'S P.O.V.
"Draco?! What on Earth are you doing back here? Your dorms are near the front." Uncle Sev said as he entered the empty rooms of Slytherin House with the strangers from dinner following him.
I looked down and said, "I come here to think... You know get away from everybody."
It's true... I may be in Slytherin but there just not too many people I get along with here. Sure Crabbe and Goyle follow me around but they don't have a mind of their own, only following their fathers orders.
Truly they're aren't many people who talks to me, and when I try to talk to someone outside my house, the Slytherins would shun me and the others would mock me. Thus my anti-soical habits from my Asperger's syndrome kicks in...
Sev looked at me and said, "Well you'll need to move from this room, our guest will be staying here."
I watched as the man with black hair... What was his name...? Roy?
Roy Mustang set down Nicholas Mustang (who for some reason had a phoenix on his chest) on one of the beds completely knocked out.
That must be his son... He looks like a good father... better than my Father anyways.
I looked at my Godfather and said, "Uncle Sev... What happened to him?"
He looked like he wanted to tell me but also not, until finally the guy with the blonde braid (I remembered his name was Edward) said, "Nick had a full blown panic attack and hypervetalted to passing out. He might go into shock unless we calm him down somehow..."
Panic attacks... Something I'm far too familar with after what happened...
FLASHBACK
"Draco, what are you doing in here? Lords Crabbe and Goyle, and their sons are here, why aren't you playing with them?" Mommy asked as I was seated in the library reading different books.
I didn't want to talk to them... They were mean and snoody and shared a brain cell. I just wanted to read stories that Mommy collected from the Muggle world.
I looked at her and said with some difficulty, "They aren't... Well they can't... I mean..."
Mommy smiled and said, "Think it out Draco... Then say it..."
Mommy knew how I worked... Because I was different...
She said I have something called Asperger's Syndrome... She said it meant I was really smart but had trouble talking to people...
She hadn't told Daddy about it... Only me, Mommy, and Madam Derwent know about it and she said it need to stay that way...
I took a deep breath and said quietly, "They aren't kind to me... They can't understand when I talk to them... I try to play with them but... It's too hard for me Mommy... I don't even like the games they play... I mean Exploding Snap, Dragons and Sheep, Auours and Outlaws (1)... It's all mindless violence... They won't sit still for Wizard's Chess and not balanced enough to ride a broom to play Quidditch since they're only 6..."
Mommy laughed and said, "Draco, you're only 6 years old too, silly."
I smiled and said, "I feel older though Mommy... Can't I just sit the library and pretend I never knew they were here?"
Mommy crossed her arms and said, "No Draco, you have to see them... Besides I hear Vincent got a new pet..."
I looked up a bit with wonder...
A new animal? I wonder if it's something as mundane as a cat or frog, or something a tad bit more exotic like a Cresent Raven or a Lilyian Wolf...
Mommy looked at me with a small smile and said, "Go on... I know you want to see it..."
With out a second to spare I closed my book after marking the place and jumped up to the door. I hugged Mommy and made a mad dash outside to see the animal Crabbe had brought.
Crabbe and Goyle looked at me with smiles and said, "Hey Draco... What's going on?"
I then said, "Hello... Mother informed me there an animal out here?"
Crabbe nodded and said, "Yep! Father got him for me while on business in the Ama-... Ama-... Ama-something?"
I then said, "Amazon?"
He nodded and said, "Yeah! That's it! Anyway meet Pepper!"
He stepped aside to reveal a large animal, which the likes I have never seen before...
It had black fur that clenched neatly to the animals skin, it had feline traits but snakes for a tail, feathers for a mane, scaly reptilian feet, and eyes like a wolf...
I never read anything about a breed like this...
I looked at Pepper and asked, "What is it?"
Crabbe replied, "Father called it a Chimera... Something about a guy named Nicholas Flamel living in the jungles there... Gave it to Dad as a present..."
Flamel? I think I've heard that name before but I'll have to go over it again...
Crabbe looked at me and said, "Well Draco, go on an pet it..."
I looked at the majestic beast and slowly placed my hand out. Pepper put her head out and into my hand letting me pet it and scratch it behind the ears... I felt a connection to it already as I petted it and it purred in delight... I tried to set my hand down but Pepper put her head back in it.
Goyle laughed and said, "Eh, Crabbe I think it likes Draco more..."
Crabbe shook his head and said, "Nah it's probably being nice."
Crabbe whistled and said, "Pepper, come on then."
But the chimera remained by my side.
'I am not leaving with that thing again.'
I looked around and said, "Hello?"
I looked at the two boys and asked, "Did you say something?"
They both shook their heads no. 'Of course they didn't. They don't know a stick from a wand.'
Pepper looked up at me with her golden eyes and bowed a little bit. Wait, you mean...
'Yes, I'm the one speaking to you... Although I'd prefer you don't call me a female anymore Young Master... I am a male...'
I looked at her... I mean him and said, "How can I... What's going on?!"
'Well Young Master, I'm a creature raised in magic and you are a wizard... What happens when a wizard and a animal form a bond?'
He talking about...
"You mean you my..."
'Yes Young Master, I am your familiar. My name is Sebastian (2), which was the name give to me by my old master, Flamel of Avalon... Master of Alchemy...'
"Draco?"
I looked at the two and said, "Go get my mother and tell her you chimera is talking to me in my head..."
The two nodded and ran off. "So you're my familiar? That's great and all but Crabbe isn't going to be happy when you want to stay Sebastian..."
'I know Young Master, but I can abandon you... It is my duty to protect you, to be your friend, and faitfull servant.'
"Draco... What's this about Crabbe's animal talking to you in your mind...?" Mommy said as she came out with the boys behind her.
I looked at her and said, "He talked to me inside my mind... By the way Crabbe, it's a boy named Sebastian... He didn't like it when you called him a girl..."
Crabbe flushed a bit and Mommy said, "So it's speaking directly to you..."
I nodded and Mommy smiled. She looked at Crabbe and said, "Vincent, we'll need to buy you a new Chimera..."
He looked at Sebastian and said, "And why's that?! Father gave him to me..."
Mommy nodded and said, "Yes but Wizarding Law says when a Familiar Bond is formed, the ownership of that animal moves to the bonded... And Draco has bonded with your Chimera dearie..."
Goyle looked at me and said, "A Familiar?! But that's older Wizard Stuff, how'd you do it?!"
I shrugged and said, "I just felt a connection..."
Crabbe yelled, "Aw! This isn't fair! I'm telling Dad!"
He ran off and Goyle close behind. Sebastian cuddled closer and looked at Mommy.
'Your mother is quite sensible...'
I nodded and said, "Mommy is smart like me, but Crabbe and Goyle will listen to her too."
Mommy laughed and said, "I take it I'm being complemented?"
I nodded and said, "Sebastian said your sensible..."
"Narcissa what on earth is going on?! Vincent and Gregory ran in saying Draco has a familar and that familar is the Chimera Vincent brought!" Daddy yelled as he and Lords Crabbe and Goyle came out.
Mommy nodded and said, "It's true Lucius... Draco can understand it and it follows his commands..."
Daddy looked at me with a glare and said, "Is this true Draco?"
'Your father seems scary to you Young Master...'
I nodded to both of them and Daddy said, "Let's see... Draco and Vincent, you are both to give the chimera an order... We will see who it obeys..."
Crabbe stood next to me and said, "Pepper, run around the fountain."
Sebastian groaned and lied down on the grass.
I looked at him and said, "Sebastian... Please go to my Mother..."
'As you wish my lord.'
He stood up and trotted over to Mommy and sat down next to her.
Lord Crabbe then said, "That's all the proof I need... Your boy is indeed a prodigy, Lucius. Making a familar bond at his age is a hallmark sign of that."
Crabbe looked at his Dad and said, "But Father I want Pepper!"
Lord Crabbe said, "Now be quiet! He is not yours any longer and the Malfoy's have promised to by you a new pet, now be respectful child!"
He nodded and said, "Yes Father."
I looked at Crabbe and said, "Perhaps we can find your familar animal too..."
Crabbe grunted and walked away... I sighed and said, "Well that didn't work..."
'Young Master... You need to stand back...'
I looked at him as he looked ready to defend... Something bad must be coming...
I looked at our guest and said, "He said to stand back... I don't know why..."
All of a sudden the earth began to shake a bit and the ground began to break... Things began to fall over and I was knocked to the ground near the fountain.
I watched as the statue began to tilt towards me...
'YOUNG MASTER!'
I was knocked out of the way before I felt a sharp pain in my chest. It felt like someone was driving a needle to my heart...
'You-ng... Ma-st-er...'
I looked up and saw Sebastain being crushed by the statue...
I yelled out, "No... Sebastian! Some one help! He's trapped! Someone!"
I felt magic roll off me in waves as the dust cloud cleared... Mommy ran up to me and said, "Draco are you hurt? Why were you screaming?"
I pointed to Sebastian as the pain in my chest got worse and worse...
Mommy then said, "Wingardium Leviosa!"
The statue floated up and Sebastian was freed from it... But he was hurt badly... Blood was all over him and he barely moved...
I cried out, "Sebastian... Why? Why did you do that?"
'It's my...duty to pro-tect... you, my lord... I did... my duty... I'm... sorry I didn't kn-ow you... longer my young... master...'
He closed his eyes and said, 'Good-bye... Draco...'
I watched as Sebastian disloved into a cloud of dust leaving a little red stone that rolled towars me.
The pain in my chest stopped completely and I felt myself become empty and hollow inside...
I picked up the stone in my hand... It still felt warm... And that made me hurt worse...
Mommy hugged me and said, "You'll be alright Draco... You'll be alright..."
I felt tears go down my face and my breathing get sepratic as I sobbed.
Mommy held me tighter and whispered out, "Don't panic anymore Draco... Calma Sios."
END FLASHBACK
I gripped my necklace from under my robes where I put the warm red stone... It's my calming charm and my only thing to remember Sebastain from...
I know what the pain of a panic attack feels like...
I picked up my bag and pulled out a old necklace I found while exploring the old rooms back here. It was a little silver dragon wrapped around a green stone.
I pulled out my wand and said, "Calma Sios."
A soft blue light enveloped the necklace and merged into it.
Uncle looked at me and asked, "Where did you learn such a complex calming charm?"
I replied, "Mum... You remember how I was when I was little after the accident... She showed me it so I could calm myself down..."
I slowly walked up towards the father and son when Edward stepped in front of me. "He's past out... You don't need to bother him."
I then held up the necklace and said, "You said he has panic attacks right? Well I used to have them too... My Mum taught me a charm to help calm down and I put on this..." Motioning to the necklace. "I was trying to be helpful that all..." I said in a whisper.
Edward grabbed the charm and held it in his hand.
He looked at me and said, "If something bad happens... It's your fault."
Edward walked over towards Nicholas. Mustang having heard the entire conversation moved slightly so he could place the charm on him.
As soon as the necklace rested on his neck, his breathing seemed easier and he seemed more peaceful.
Mustang seem to sigh with relief and stood up. Edward looked at me and said, "How strong is that thing?"
I replied, "It's rather strong... Will a lot of times stop a attack from happening, or lower the degree of the attack. Although the charm itself will need to be renewed every four months or so, but by then he should be able to deal with what's causing him to panic."
Mustang stepped up to me and asked very serious like, "What's your name young man?"
I gulped and said, "I'm Draco Malfoy Sir..."
He smiled and said, "Well Mr. Malfoy I owe you a thank you... My son has had those attacks since the day I found him... Because of your selfless actions you may have just stopped them all together... For that I am into your debt."
Uncle Sev turned to him and said, "This room is for you, your son, the Elrics, and Mr. Armstrong."
He smiled and said, "Since we are military, we'd prefer if you called me Colonel Mustang, him Major Armstong, and her Lieutentant Hawkeye. That way we represent our country instead of a school."
He nodded and said, "But back to what I was saying, Mrs. Curtis, Ms. Rockbell, and Lieutentant Hawkeye will be staying in the room acrossed the hall."
The girls of the group nodded. Uncle turned to them and said, "Now is their anything impertical you'll need?"
Edward looked up and said, "Oil... Nick, Winry, and myself all need oil."
I looked at him and asked, "Why's that?"
He replied, "Nick and I have automail, Winry is our mechanic."
I tilted my head and said, "Two questions, what's automail and why do you need a mechanic?"
He sighed and said, "You people are so in the dark."
He pulled off his gloves and rolled up his sleeves... To reveal his right arm was made completely out of metal. He then took off his boots showing his left foot was also made of metal was well.
He then said, "Automail... Bio-mechanical prosthetics..."
I looked at Nicholas and said, "So he's has a..."
"Nicky's left arm was tore off by the bastards that were abusing him..." Mustang said in a hoarse whisper.
I looked to see Hawkeye looking down and said, "He has many scars from there abuse... Too many to count... But he better than he was back then..."
Uncle Sev then said quietly, "I'll inform the judges of his name change, his reperesentation, and his limb... Although he may be asked to show it... and show his alchemy as well."
Mustang nodded and said, "No matter... As long as stays with us, he'll be fine. Fake arm or not, Nicholas can handle himself..."
Ed nodded and said, "Except for swimming. In that department both him and I are screwed."
I looked at confused for a moment then I relized what he meant.
Metal sinks... They have metal limbs... Throw them in water and they sink.
Winry smiled and said, "That may not be true for much longer Ed..."
She pulled out a drawing and said, "I've been working on a scimatic that mixes winterized automail which is nearly 5 times lighter than normal, and a compression method that will give your limbs the ability to swim. But it will take some time to make and you'd have to practice swiming with it before do anything recklace like that."
Uncle Sev and I looked at her in confusion and the man in the armor named Alphonse then said, "She's going to make some automail that they can swim with."
Uncle Sev nodded and said, "That's probably for the best. I have no idea what these challanges will be, but make sure Nicholas is ready for them."
Uncle turned to me and said, "Come Draco, let's let our guest settle in."
We walked out of the room and began heading towards the commons. I looked at my Uncle and said, "So Nicholas is in the tournament? I thought the old man pulled out Harry Potter's name from the goblet?"
He nodded and said, "That's because Nicholas's real name is Harry Potter..."
My eyes widen and said, "So that was him?! But he missing an arm... and had panic attacks... and was..."
He placed his hand over my mouth and said, "His muggle relatives were abusive Draco... His arm was tore off by his Uncle from what the Colonel told me... Some how or another he got away from them and adopted into a good home... The first six years of his life was a Hell Draco... He's been trying to forget that Hell ever since and now he's been thrown right back into it."
He realsed my mouth and said, "I want you to show him, Edward, and Alphonse around tomorrow. They have been given permission to go to classes, go to the library, and learn more about our world. They're around the age to attend classes and it would only seem fitting."
I stopped for a moment and said, "I know that Nicholas is 14, but how old is the Elrics?"
He looked down at me and said, "Edward is the elder brother and is 16 years old, while Alphonse is 14. Their heights are very deceiving."
I gave a small snicker and said, "Indeed. I will show them around Uncle..."
He nodded and said, "I'll send out a misive to your classes informing them what you're doing to so won't be counted absent. Now get some rest Draco... You have potions tomorrow."
My Uncle gave me a sly smile as he left.
I sighed a bit and entered my room which I shared with Crabbe and Goyle. Crabbe looked at me and said, "Hey Malfoy, where have you been? We've been looking for you."
I loosened my tie and said, "I'd had some business with Professor Snape. I'm showing our guest around Hogwarts."
Goyle smirked and said, "Sure we can do that..."
I looked at him and said, "You misunderstood, the Professor has given me the task, not us."
He growled lowly and said, "Git."
I sighed taking off the rest of my school uniform and dressed into my normal night clothes...
Next year, I'm going to see if I can get a room to myself.
I crawled underneath the dark green blanket falling into slumber, hoping tomorrow held a better day.
NICK'S P.O.V.
"Wha...? What the hell... happened?" I asked as I drowsly sat up out of a bed.
I found myself sitting in a room covered in green and silver, Dad sitting in a chair at the foot of my bed.
He must have been worried... He only sleeps at my bedside if I had a panic attack...
Then I remembered what happened...
My old name...
They knew my old name...
They might send me back to... Those people...
Usually this would freak me the hell out, but... I feel so calm...
I placed my hand on my chest to feel a little piece of metal.
I held it up to reveal I was wearing a necklace of a little silver dragon wrapped around a green stone... Kind of ironc me being the Dragon Scale Alchemist and all. But something about it... It felt...soothing...
I looked to see Fawkes sitting on the side of my bed looking at me. I rubbed my hand on it's beak and said, "Hello Fawkes... Did you follow me down here?"
'I came with you because you got me away from that old fool.' A voice said.
I looked around the room to see if anyone else was around. Ed was asleep, Al was out of the room, Dad and Uncle Alex was asleep, and the girls were no where to be seen.
Who the hell said that?!
'I did, young Alchemist.'
I looked at the Phoenix with wonder...
How the hell are you reading my mind?! Ah God dammit, I forgot you're magical...
Fawkes tilted it's head and said telepathicly, 'You and I have formed a bond. I am your familar now. I was Dumbledore's familar, but his bond with me was weakened... You felt that spark of fire when I landed on your shoulder... And I felt it when you ignited the banster... We are now tied together Alchemist... As long as you'll have me...'
I smiled and said, "You're quite intelligent, I'll give you that... Fawkes doesn't suit you... How about a new name"
'Please... I felt rediculus going by... That.'
I gave a small laugh and said, "Alright... Let's see... You're a bird of flame, contantly reborn from your ashes... How does Pyre (3) sound?"
'Pyre? Like the funerals where the bodies are burnt?'
I nodded and said, "In a lot of myths once the bodies are burnt, they are allowed to reform themselves in the afterlife... Reborn from their ashes..."
The bird hopped on my shoulder and said, 'Pyre... I have to say I like it.'
I rubbed the bird's head and said, "Pyre it is then."
"Nicky...?"
I looked at my Dad with a smile as rubbed the sleep off his eyes and said, "Hey Dad..."
He hugged me and said, "Nicholas Drake Mustang, never scare me like that again! You hear me?!"
I felt some tears fall to my jacket and he said, "I thought I lost you to your mind again..."
I hugged on to him and said, "I'm fine Dad... Really I am... I'm really calm for some strange reason."
Dad leaned back a bit and wiped his eyes dry. He then said, "You remember Severus right?" I nodded and said, "Yeah he's a Professor here... Which I still don't have a clue why we are here..." He sighed and said, "Then I probably should start where you blacked out..."
~ONE EXPLINATION LATER~
"So we're stuck here unless I particapate in the tournament... That is completely idiotic!"
"That's what I said." I looked to see Ed sitting up rubbing the sleep off his eyes.
He yawned and said, "Only good news from this is we get full acess to the libraries, classes, and other materials to do research."
I smiled and said, "Hey yeah! Maybe we can get you and Al's bodies back to normal with this magic stuff."
Dad gave a small chuckle and said, "Alright boys calm down... Fullmetal, where's Al?"
Ed pointed towards the door and said, "Um... That Severus guy said there was some books in the main commons... Al is more than likely reading."
A knock came at the door and Dad said, "Enter."
In the door way stood Al, Professor Snape, and a blonde boy who looked around my age with grey blue eyes, black robes with a silver and green patch that read, 'Slytherin'.
'That's one of the houses... He's in the house of the cunning.'
Cunning huh? Sounds like me.
The professor looked in the room and said, "I found Mr. Alphonse in the commons reading the books we have to offer... Let's just say he surpised many of the students this morning..."
Al rubbed his head and said, "Sorry Sir... I get insomina from time to time... I remember you saying their was books so I..."
He raised his hand and said, "No, it not your fault... I didn't explain that part I suppose. We have a curfew for students to be in their rooms, but most of my students believe that impyled to you. I'll inform them at this mornings meeting."
He motioned the blonde boy to come in and said, "Draco will be showing the three youngest around today."
I looked at him and said, "Wait, you're Draco? The same Draco who made this necklace to where it stops my panic attacks?"
He shyly nodded and I said, "Dude, that was awesome..."
I jumped off my bed and walked up to him and said, "I'm Nicholas Drake Mustang, The Dragon Scale Alchemist. You can call me, Nick, Nicholas, or Dragon Scale... Call me Nicky and you're toast..."
Dad laughed and said, "Yeah, he barely stands me calling him that."
I blushed and said, "Dad!"
Dad nearly lost it with laughed, while Ed and Al joined in, and the Professor gave a small amused smile. Draco smirked and said, "H-Hi I'm Draco Salazar Malfoy. Most people call me Malfoy but I prefer Draco."
I laughed and said, "Your first name is nearly the same as my middle name. What are the odds?!"
He gave a small laugh and said, "True, it's a bit weird..."
I looked at Al and Ed then said, "Well I'm ready to check out a crazy magic school? What about you guys?"
Ed nodded and said, "Yeah I'm ready Nick."
I looked at Draco and said, "Since you're showing us around and telling us about magic, we can tell you about alchemy... It's Equivalent Exchange."
Draco raised a brow and I said, "Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. Basicly, in order to gain something you must give up something in return."
He nodded and said, "But you don't need to do that... Honestly... I'm..."
I looked at him and said, "Dude, trust me... With all the alchemy talk we do, you'll need to know a little bit..."
I then smiled and said, "Besides... I owe you for the calming charm, and you're not getting rid of me till I pay you back."
Ed walked over and said, "It's usless to argue with him... Just go with it and you'll have the time of your life."
He sighed and said, "Alright..."
I nodded and said, "Good, now let's get a move on! Come on Pyre!"
Pyre flew over to me and landed on my shoulder with a nudge.
Professor Snape looked at the bird and said, "Pyre does suit the bird more that Fawkes ever did."
'You've got that right!'
I gave small laugh as he puffed him self up overconfidently.
Dad smiled and asked with a chuckle, "Any clue why the Headmaster's bird is with you and letting you call it Pyre?"
Draco looked at the phoenix and said, "The Headmaster's familar? Familar's don't leave their bonded master unless told to or a new bond has been formed..."
Snape looked at Pyre and said, "It's did break the bond and formed one with your son, Colonel. Basicilly means that your son has a magical pet."
I smiled and said, "Seriously?! I've been trying to get a pet for years! Dad can we keep him please?! I mean he chose me, it has to mean something!"
Dad sighed and said, "Alright... But you're looking after it, meaning you feed, clean, and take care of it."
Snape smirked and said, "Phoenixes are a fairly indepentdent animals, they hunt for their food, they clean themselves every time they burn themselves away, the only thing you'll need to to is give it attention and it will be loyal to you."
Dad sighed and said, "Well that get's rid of the list of problems on him getting a pet..."
Draco looked at us and said, "We best get going... They're serving breakfast right now."
Ed and I smiled at the thought of food.
Dad looked at me and said, "I'll wake up the Armstrong and wait for the girls. We'll see you down there at... Where exactly are we sitting?"
The Professor replied, "They set up tables for the other schools, so they set up a table for your group. Feel free to invite others to the table."
He looked at me and said, "This morning they'll be annocing you as a champion for Amestris, and told of your name change, your alchemic abilites, and your... Hem... Metal limb..."
I sighed and said, "So I suppose they'll want a demostation... Fine. Ed and I will give them one, they'll never forget."
(1) Aurors and Outlaws- a game metioned in one of my favorite Yugioh/Harry Potter Crossovers.
(2) I love Black Butler... Couldn't resist it... :D
(3) Pyre- A old tradition performed in various counrties (Most famous was the Vikings) where a body is set in a wood pile and set ablaze.
A/N: Dammit I cried, when I wrote about Sebastain... Tell me in the reviews, your take on the story so far... I want to know!