A few points. Yes, Edward and Roy CAN use alchemy. But they are not supposed to let anyone know that. And sorry for the lack of updates. I recently started reading Naruto and got a little side tracked. (Blushes) Luckily work is being frustrating right now and for some off reason I write better/more when any of my emotions are heightened so I'm on a bit of a writing spree. I've got the next chapter(ish) written out and ready to post but I'm gonna wait just a bit (Sorry!).
Don't own FMA or HP
Riza was the first one up that morning, a lack of surprise to her. What did surprise her was that despite the quietness Roy was not in bed. Following a hunch she quietly grabbed her house coat before crossing the room. She sighed as she saw Roy still sitting in a chair, his head on Edward's bed and light snores coming from both men. She rolled her eyes at the two as Kiri looked up. Hayate also looked up from where he was sleeping at Roy's feet. Riza carefully lifted her finger to her lips, motioning the animals to be quiet. She then crept back to hers and Roy's room, grabbing a blanket from his bed before returning. She meant to be quiet about putting the blanket on his shoulders but it was in vain. Roy groaned, his eyes opening sleepily "Riza? What time is it?" he mumbled, not moving.
Riza frowned at him "It's morning. But you should sleep. I can handle class for today. But it's only for today. Got it?" she asked.
Roy shook his head, starting to rise before wincing and lowering himself again "I need to get to class" he mumbled, not even registering her words.
She sighed, pressing down on his shoulders gently, frowning as she saw he was still wearing his bloody shirt "Stay here. And when you decide to leave do me a favor and go to the hospital wing, okay?" she asked.
Roy nodded sleepily his head lowering once more. Riza then knelt down to Hayate "Make sure he goes okay?" she asked.
The dog cocked his head before letting out an understanding whine. Riza nodded before going into another room to change. After a glance outside a window it didn't take long to choose an outfit. She went for simple black pants and a light blue turtle neck while adding Fuery's old glasses to give her a more appropriate look. Granted the kids would learn that with Roy out they wouldn't get a break. Then again they'd probably get a break when he returned, not that they'd know that. She couldn't help but smirk as she gathered up some books in her arms on alchemy along with the quiz that Roy was supposed to give the students to figure out where they should start. Riza sighed, hefting the stuff up. She'd drop it off in the classroom on her way to breakfast. But before leaving she couldn't help but sneak a quick peek at Roy and Ed. She smiled softly, sighing as she left. She didn't care what Roy thought, he made a better father than he gave himself credit for.
Line break
At breakfast Riza quickly went to madam Pomfrey, her eyes full of gratitude "Thank you for last night. Oh and Roy will be stopping in later. When Ed got him it left quite a bruise. At the very least I figure he can ask for pain killers if that's alright" she said.
Madam Pomfrey nodded "Of course. And actually I figured it would leave a bruise so I made some salve. If you want we can stop at my office and grab it for him" she said.
Riza bit her lip, trying to remember when the first alchemy class was "If I remember right the first hours a free period so yes, that'll work" she said.
Madam Pomfrey nodded "Just meet me at the entrance hall when your finished" she said gently.
Riza nodded gratefully, making her way to the teachers table. It seemed like she was instantly accosted by Professor Sprout "So where are young Edward and professor Mustang today?" she asked.
Riza frowned, filling her plate with some of the foreign dishes around her "I'm afraid Edward had a rough night. This past months been a bit rough on him and it was to much. He's sleeping now but unfortunately both him and Roy can't make it until later" she explained.
The small witch furrowed her eyes in concern, glancing at Riza "Will Edward be okay? He seemed quiet last night, like he was upset. Is he homesick?" she asked.
Riza shrugged "Edward doesn't stay home. He likes to travel so I doubt it. He just reently lost some…close friends in an accident and I think it hurt him more than he cares to admit. But knowing him he'll pull through it" she said, though her eyes held a hint of doubt.
Pomona smiled gently at her "I'm sure he will. But if you ever need my door is always open for you to talk" she said.
Riza nodded "Thank you" she said gratefully.
Line break
Edward groaned as he woke up, his eyes feeling heavy. He felt exhausted, though that was no surprised. But at the same time he felt strangely refreshed? He shook his head, yawning as he sat up, looking to the side. Instantly he froze, his mind slowly whirring as he struggled to put together what he was seeing. Finally it came together with an almost audible click. He shouted in alarm, scrambling back, accidently tossing a startled Kiri onto Roy who shouted in alarm, shooting up. The chaos only increased as Roy accidently stepped on Hayate who yelped, biting Roy's pant leg. For a moment they all ran around screaming and shouting all sorts of things and even scaring several first years who happened to be passing by. After several minutes Roy finally reached his limits and groaned, sinking heavily to the chair, holding his chest in pain. Edward cocked his head, pausing from his shouting "What's wrong with you? Why are you covered in blood?" he asked.
Roy winced "I'm…sorry...Edward" he said quietly.
Edward raised an eyebrow "What?" he asked suspiciously.
Roy sighed, looking away "Last night. What do you remember?" he asked.
Edward frowned, carefully sitting on his bed "You told me about Hughes and I went to bed" he said, his voice guarded.
Roy sighed "You had a night terror. It's a much worst version of a nightmare. We called in the nurse because we couldn't even get near you. You ended up breaking my nose, thanks for that by the way, but luckily the nurse had a potion to get rid of dreams. She gave you some so that you could sleep" he said quietly.
Edward blinked in surprise, realization lighting up in his eyes "Oh…" he said quietly.
Suddenly his eyes widened as he realized exactly why Roy was apologizing. He looked down to the ground, his face void of emotion but he didn't say a word. They both sat in silence, neither knowing what to say to the other, nor willing to break the tense silence. Luckily neither of them had to as Hayate started barking, pulling at Roy's pant leg towards the door. Roy groaned, looking down at the dog "What do you want?" he asked in frustration.
He jumped as a chuckling came from the door "He's listening to me. I told you to go to the hospital wing, remember?" Riza asked as she walked in.
Roy winced, looking down "I just woke up a few minutes ago" he said quietly.
Riza nodded, rolling her eyes "I've got some salve for that bruise. Poppy figured you'd be sore today. She also recommended bed rest for today, for both of you. I'll take over the lessons for today alone" she said sharply.
Edward looked at Roy curiously "Bruise?" he asked.
Roy winced "We had to pin you down to give you the potion" he said.
Edward smirked at that "So I ended up getting you good?" he asked.
Roy scowled "Fear for your license when you get back" he muttered. Edward just smirked casually "Hey, I've no longer got my original goals. If I want I can drop free of the military any time I want. Heck, I could probably quit the military and go home" he pointed out.
Roy's fists clenched in anger at Edward's attitude. All of a sudden he really began to wonder why he should have worried about the little brat the night before. Riza merely smiled "Lunch is at noon, you guys come down then. Until then, get along" she said, her words sounding as though she were teasing but for those who knew her they could here the hidden warning in those words.
Both of them exchanged nervous looks "We don't have a choice do we?" Edward asked.
Roy nodded nervously "Pretty much" he said fearfully.
Line break
When it came time for lunch Edward and Roy went down separately in order to avoid the wrath of a possibly angry ex sniper. Both of them had gotten along as best they could though it had lead to several very colorful arguments. Edward sighed as he reached the entrance hall, wondering how the class went. He then paused, seeing a commotion in the hall ahead of him. He couldn't hear but it seemed as though some blond kid was teasing another red head. After a moment Edward realized it was the kids from the train. He watched as the two others, Harry and Hermione, went up and held Ron back. Edward sighed, walking down to see if he could help. He then froze as Harry turned his back. Quickly Edward ran forward, sensing the tension as Draco drew a stick. He said something and a white beam shot at Harry. Edward scowled, jumping forward and grabbing Draco's arm, twisting it into a painful hold to force him to release his hold on the stick, which Edward now figured was a wand that the books had mentioned.
Draco grunted in pain, looking at Harry "Did he get you?" he asked.
Harry shook his head "Missed" he answered.
Edward nodded, turning his attention to Malfoy who was shouting something about him telling his father something. Edward smirked, tightening his grip and successfully shutting him up "Well let me tell you something. Right now you are a student, and as such my father could work to have you expelled for attacking a student with their back is turned. Now granted I don't understand your laws but where I come from if you were to have done that I guarantee it would have won you a very long trip to jail, no matter what age you are. Now if I were you I'd think of the consequences of that before attacking someone" he hissed.
He then let go of Draco, allowing the boy to drop to the floor. Draco scowled up at Edward but Edward wasn't intimidated. Instead he held his arms open "With that said, feel free to take a shot. Would you be willing to accept the consequences?" he asked.
Draco scowled angrily, snatching his wand. He then pointed it at Edward "Reducto!" he cried.
Edward nimbly rolled to the side, the beam missing him clearly. Draco however was quick and Edward was out of shape from a lack of excercise since Al wasn't there anymore "Expelliarmus!" the furious boy shout.
Edward grunted as the red beam connected with his chest, throwing him against the wall. His hands moved together as he prepared to do alchemy but it was quite un-needed "Oh no you don't!" a voice shouted.
Just seconds later Draco Malfoy was no longer there but a white ferret. Edward stared in a mixture of amusement, horror, and curiosity. He had read about transfiguration and understood it was different from alchemy and safe on humans and living creatures but this was the first he had seen about it. He watched as the man from the night before limped downstairs, an electric blue eye staying on Malfoy as he switched his gaze from Edward to Harry "I saw the whole thing, good thing he's a lousy shot, eh Potter?" he asked.
He then nodded respectfully towards Edward "You've got good wits about yeh. You'd make an excellent wizard. Perhaps we'll have to have Dumbledore check later if you have any magical blood" he commented.
Edward winced "No thank you. I've studied alchemy my whole life. Maybe once this magic mumbo jumbo has settled in then I'll think about it, unless I come up with proof that this isn't my imagination" he said quickly.
Moody shrugged, turning to the ferret and calmly moving his wand up and down, bouncing the ferret on the floor as it vainly struggled to get free. Around them the crowd roared in laughter, watching as the ferret began to steadily bounce higher "What is going on here!?" a voice shouted, cutting through the laughter.
Everyone looked cautiously at the stairs as Roy walked down, followed by a confused McGonagall. Moody merely smiled "Just teaching" he said calmly.
McGonagall's eyes widened in alarm "Teach…Moody is that a student!?" she asked frantically.
Moody didn't take his eyes off the ferret "Yep. Caught him trying to attack Mr. Potter behind his back, and your son when he tried protecting him" he said.
Instantly Roy's eyes shot over to Edward before he raised an eyebrow "And the kids still alive? Impressive" he said, all traces of anger gone from his eyes to be replaced by amusement.
McGonagall wasn't as easily satisfied, pulling her wand out and transfiguring Draco to normal, his face bright pink "We never use transfiguration as punishment! We do detention or talk to the heads of houses!" she said.
Moody shrugged "Alright then" he said easily.
He turned to Draco with a smile "Your head of house is Severus right? Been needing to talk to him. Shall we go?" he asked, grabbing Draco's arm roughly and dragging him towards the dungeons.
Roy then quickly approached Edward "Are you okay?" he asked.
Edward shrugged him off "Fine. Just fine" he muttered.
Harry then approached him "Thanks for the help back there. If you want you could join us for lunch" he offered.
Edward shot a look at Roy who shrugged "Go on. I'll catch you later shrimp" he said casually.
Edward twitched violently "Will you stop calling me that!" he shouted, though pointlessly.
He then looked at the trio behind him "So what house are you guys?" he asked.
Hermione pointed to the Gryffindor one "Gryffindor. Come on, we'll lead" she said.
As they walked to the table a glazed look passed over Ron's eyes "Don't talk to me" he said quietly.
Hermione shot him a concerned look while Edward raised an eyebrow "Why not?" he asked.
Ron beamed widely "I'm fixing that in my memory. Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret. Not to mention when you went up against him. Where did you learn that stuff anyways?" he asked.
Edward scoffed slightly "In my school you have to be ready to defend yourself. There are some pretty rough people in the area and the people who don't join are pretty bitter against us" he said carefully.
He then blinked as they sat down, Hermione scarfing down food faster than he could ever remember doing. Harry looked at her funny "Don't tell me your planning on going to the library again?" he asked.
Instantly Edward perked up "You guys have a library here?" he asked in surprise.
Hermione nodded "Largest in the nation" she said.
Ron looked at him curiously "Don't you have a library?" he asked.
Edward nodded "Yeah, largest in the nation" he said with a grin.
He then looked thoughtfully at his plate "Perhaps I'll have to check that out this weekend" he said.
Hermione nodded, rising to her feet as finished eating "I can show you now" she offered.
Edward shook his head "Nah, I'll wait" he said.
If he went now he would probably lose track of time and miss Roy's class. They had a lesson after lunch and Edward wanted to sit in to see his oh so amazing superior mess it up. Granted he was worried that Roy would blow cover and torch someone. Hopefully they'd all keep their cool though. He then looked up as Riza entered the hall, looking harried and annoyed. She paused at seeing Edward at the table and hurried over "Were you both fighting?" she asked.
Edward shook his head "No, I just wanted to sit with these guys. So how was class?" he asked.
Riza gave a slightly hysterical laugh "I have very little understanding of alchemy and I can tell you Roy is going to have a hard time. He might as well be trying to teach two year olds" she said. Edward couldn't help but blink as she excused herself to talk to Roy.
Curiously Edward watched her, cocking his head "I've never seen her this frazzled. The classes must be pretty bad" he commented.
Hermione blushed slightly "Well it is pretty hard to understand. I'm muggle born so I understand a bit of the science but it's hard to do when we have transfiguration" she said sheepishly.
Edward nodded "And that is where the problem lies. You guys are too reliant on magic. If m…Mrs. Curtis were here you'd be planning your grave for saying that. She always teaches to not be reliant on alchemy, and I'm pretty sure it goes for magic as well. She said that if you rely to much on something so simple then it makes you lazy and dulls your reflexes. That's bad because you never know when the powers will clash in war, like with that moldy wart or whatever he's called" he said.
And that was it. A speech so pointed and reprimanding ended with those around him either spitting out their pumpkin juice in laughter, giggles from the girls, and flat out laughing from several people. Edward blinked, looking at Harry in surprise "What?" he asked.
Harry grinned widely at him, his eyes sparkling in amusement "Voldemort is the most feared wizard to date. To hear his name like that really brings out a good laugh" he said.
Edward raised an eyebrow, still unsure on why exactly it was so funny. There was plenty of people in Amestris that were feared but to this extent? Then again, these wizards were far too reliant on what was given to them. It really was pathetic. He sighed, shaking his head. He then took out his pocket watch, glancing at the time "Well I'd better get going. Class will start soon and I gotta help Mustang" he said.
Hermione perked up "Why didn't you call him dad?" she asked.
Edward twitched "Let's get this straight. They are engaged. I may approve of mom…" he internally winced "Marrying him but he will never be my dad. Got it? He's a pigheaded selfish jerk who is morally bankrupt with a god complex(1)" he said roughly.
Hermione raised an eyebrow "And your okay with him being with your mom" she said deadpanned as they stood.
Ed shrugged "She can control him. Trust me" he said, shivering slightly as he remembered the gun.
Ron shot him a smirk "Your mom does look good for being a mother" he said.
Edward blushed wildly "Not like that!" he defended, blushing heavily.
He then rose to his feet, face beet red "I have to get to Mustang's class" he said.
Hermione smiled kindly "We might as well go together. That's our next class anyways" she said.
Edward sighed, having been hoping to get away from these three "Fine" he muttered.
With a quick step he exited the hall, the three chatting behind him about something or another. He sighed, wondering why the heck he had agreed to sit with them in the first place. He could see they were the kind to gravitate towards anything mysterious and he didn't exactly feel like sharing any history with anyone. He fidgeted uncomfortably as they walked down the halls, stopping at the classroom that had been set aside for Roy. Several students (mostly girls) were already waiting for the class to start outside the door. Edward sighed standing outside the crowd and leaning against the wall, waiting for professor lazy bones to get there. He sighed, looking around. The students didn't seem to enthusiastic about the lessons though it seemed like everyone joined it. Edward had several guesses about what they were here for. Curiously Hermione walked over to him "So when do you think professor Mustang will get here?" she asked.
Edward shrugged, leaning casually against the wall as his eyes closed "Depends. If mom" he internally winced again "Is with him then he'll be early but if not then I guarantee he'll be late" he said casually.
He then smirked as two people approached then "And he'll be early because moms with him" he said in amusement, not even opening his eyes.
Roy scowled angrily at him "I can be early on my own thank you" he said bitingly.
Edward opened his eyes, smirking at him "Sure you can. You couldn't be early to save your life" he taunted.
Roy scowled again "Watch it shrimp" he said. Edward twitched violently, bristling but staying silent Roy paused for a moment before shaking his head as though he were clearing it. He then opened the door, allowing the students to enter. The students filed in quickly and, much to Ed's surprise, quietly filed into their seats. Roy sighed as he entered the class, Riza and Ed taking seats in a corner behind him. Ed leaned back, curious on how Roy would teach these kids. Roy walked up to the front of the class with his eyes blazing. Ed couldn't help but be surprised. The normally seemingly carefree man in front of him seemed to actually look like an authority figure.
Roy stood tall, his eyes searching the class "First I'll start with the rules. Whenever the teacher speaks, whether it be me, Riza, or Edward, you will listen. Any cheating will result in a zero. You will be learning alchemy but you will not attempt any transmutations unless either in mine or Ed's presence or unless we tell you. We may not be alchemists ourselves but we've seen the recoils from bad transmutations" he said.
Curiously one girl in Gryffindor raised her hand. Roy nodded in her direction "Ms…" "Brown. What do you mean recoil?" she asked.
Roy glanced back at Edward "You want to describe this one?" he asked quietly.
Edward's brows furrowed but he nodded, his muscles tensing as he stood "A recoil happens when your input and output are unable. Alchemy isn't like 'magic'. Your output and input have to be exactly equal. For example, you can take a chair and change it's shape and even make it bigger or little by taking away from the support but you can't take stuff out of thin air to make it something completely different. And going with that the base elements have to be the same. You can't turn wood into metal or metal into water. But you can do stuff like grass into bread because of the base elements being the same. As long as you follow these principals you'll do fine but if you don't you get a recoil. For example I have seen a guy try to turn a cane into a gun. It worked for a little because of an alchemic amplifier he had found but once that ran out the metal attached itself to his arm, a very painful experience for him. Another example is a good friend of mine who tried to do a very advance transmutation but didn't have enough to transmute. As such she had several organs removed" he said. The class went deadly quiet as the students watched with wide eyes, not daring to breath.
Edward closed his eyes, pain crossing his face "A recoil can be anything. From a fingernail, to your eyesight, to your whole body. That's why you will not do it unless we are watching" he said quietly. Roy nodded gratefully and Edward sat back down, his limbs feeling oddly heavy.
Another Slytherin raised their hands slowly. Roy nodded at them "Name?" he asked.
The person lowered their arm "Bulstrode. And why do you know so much about recoils if you're not an alchemist? Why didn't they hire professionals?" she asked. Edward tensed, his eyes flashing angrily as he moved to rise.
Roy however held out his hand to stop him, a cruel smile on his face "Well Ms. Bulstrode. I am a teacher at an alchemy academy. It was be a very poor assumption to think I would not know a subject I've taught for years correct? And as for Edward, he has seen the recoils brought and known people dealing with that. You are very naive for thinking we have no experience. Just because we don't do it doesn't mean we don't know the subject. For example, I'm sure Edward could tell you quite a bit about 'magic' if you asked him though he can't perform it" he said coldly.
He then grabbed a stack of papers "Now for today since you seem to be clueless I am going to give you a placement quiz to see where you stand in knowledge" he said. The lass all groaned, sending glares to the poor Slytherin girl. She looked down with a red face though she occasionally looked up to send glares at Mustang. Edward smirked, leaning back in his chair. This would be an interesting year, he could feel it.
1: That line was actually modified from the first series after Scar first attacks Edward and they head back to Resembool. (Ed's leaning out of the train to talk to Hughes)
Now, I've decided on a new little thing to add in. Call it a competition of sorts between who loses it first. Roy, or Edward. I feel I've been to lenient on Roy's sanity. I mean, he has just pretty much all he's worked for to be stuck teaching kids who are the equivilant to two year old when it comes to anything not related to magic. He can't be sane after teaching a few weeks in that (Probably explains the previous teachers as explained earlier in the fic) Anyways, I really got to get to bed. I currently feel like I'm going to pass out in exhaustion. Ugh... zzz