So I'm in a totally happy mood! The next chapter is my very favorite so far for this story! ;) It nearly got me in so much trouble at work from all the spacing out! ^^; Anyways, I gotta go to bed. (Is it just me or do I always post at bed time?)

Don't own FMA or HP

The next two days passed in a relative blur as Edward and Riza relentlessly helped Roy sort through the papers and grade them, trying to see if the students weren't all hopeless. It wasn't until that Thursday that Edward got the chance to wander and check out the other classes. With permission he sat in Flitwick's and the McGonagall's class and he couldn't help but feel fascinated at the feats that thy accomplished. Though watching them he understood why the students didn't get alchemy.

They didn't seem to have any equivalent exchange. Even Edward with his non belief he still couldn't help but think that maybe magic could possibly exist, though he internally beat himself up for thinking that. Then after lunch he decided to check out the class that was attracting his attention. Defense Against the Dark Arts. In the class he sat in the back, trying to keep out of sight of Harry and his friends who had luckily not noticed him as they sat in front.

For some odd reason they made him uneasy. He got the feeling they were used to solving mysteries and weren't afraid to pry into others business. He then shivered as Moody walked into the class, his false foot clunking. Edward frowned, wondering how he could stand that pathetic excuse of a limb. Then again he didn't think that automail made it out of Amestris according to the books he had read.

He frowned, forcing himself to concentrate "Curses. They come in many strengths and forms. Now according to the Ministry I'm not supposed to show you these but Dumbledore has a higher opinion of your nerves, so I'd like you all to pay close attention. Now, do any of you know which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law?" he asked.

Several hands rose and Moody called on Ron. Edward frowned, so the kid did know some stuff? He had pegged the guy for an idiot. Ron avoided Moody's gaze, looking at the desk "My dad told me about one. The Imperious curse I think" he said quietly.

Moody nodded "He would know that one. Gave the ministry a lot of trouble at one time" he growled.

Edward flinched as Moody brought out a jar with three spiders. He could feel an oddly threatening foreboding about what would happen to the three spiders. He watched in horrified fascination as Moody said the spell, the spider moving to do exactly as he commanded. Most the class roared in laughter as it preformed several feats. Only Edward realized the true horror of the spell. But it soon became clear as Moody began talking, the words not even penetrating Edward as he watched the spider roll around in a ball.

Total control

He then watched as Moody plucked up the now somersaulting spider, setting it back in the jar. His face was pale and he wondered exactly how powerful this magic stuff was. If they could control someone's complete being then there was no telling what they could do. He then watched as Moody picked up the next spider, enlarging it. He couldn't help but tremble as he preformed the second curse. This time the entire class was pale as they watched the horror unfold in front of them as the spider twitched.

Then Edward aught sight of Moody's face, and the almost hidden glee in his eyes. His attention was focused purely on the spider. Those eyes were not one of a man who had seen war and risked his life. They were the eyes of a madman…a killer. This man was a full fledged killer and did it for glee. Edward could see it in the mans eyes. All of a sudden he lost his fascination for magic as Moody put the spider away, talking once more. He looked at the desk in front of him, talking as Edward tried to sort out his thoughts. He then looked up as Moody raised his wand one last time "Avada kedavra" he said clearly.

Edward felt his heart stop completely. He couldn't stay there. With a shaky nod to Moody he stood, leaving the class, barely keeping his composure. He felt…scared. These 'wizards' could kill with a simple word and not leave a mark. And the scary thing is he knew there were dark wizard out there who would use the spell. He could remember reading about moldy warts and how that was his most common weapon. He didn't understand but now he did. If the homunculi, or even his nation got a hold of something like that he had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.

Line break

Roy was the one who found Ed a few hours later after dinner. He was sitting on his bed, absently stroking Kiri's head while staring wide eyed at a wall. Carefully Roy approached him "You okay Edward?" he asked.

Edward shook his head "I sat in on Moody's class after lunch" he said quietly.

Roy's eyes sharpened "What happened?" he asked.

Edward shivered, closing his eyes "He showed the class three curses. Ones that are forbidden for them to perform on humans. As much as our taboos. The first one allows total control of ones body. You could make them do anything" he said quietly.

Roy paled at that, worry flashing through his eyes :The second one was a torture curse. More cruel than anything I've seen. A few of those and I'm guessing it would drive you to insanity" he said quietly.

He then winced "And the last one is a killing curse. With two words these people can kill, simple as that" he said in a terrified whisper.

Roy sat down heavily on the side of the bed next to Edward, his face growing pale "Not even we could stand a chance if these people decided to turn on us. And Riza…she doesn't even have alchemy to protect her. As long as we're here we are at their disposal. Granted I can't see Dumbledore allowing us to come to harm but there are people who would hurt us" he said quietly.

Edward nodded gravely "Yes. Something tells me we were sent here for more than punishment. Look at Hughes. He would never do anything to be punished, and he didn't make it to long after this school. The question is, is someone trying to get us out of the way for good or for temporary? Because Hughes was only here part time. I asked around and he only taught one class every other Saturday to all who wanted to learn. But we are here full time. Not only that but it seems odd that he let Hawkeye come with. She told us it was to help with our cover and at the time I didn't think about it but now I'm starting to wonder why he'd let her go. She's pretty good at gathering intel right? Maybe they want her out of the way as well" he said, frowning at the wall, his hand pausing on Kiri's scales.

He then looked down at her with calculating eyes "I'm…worried. This school has something coming but I can't tell you what it is. It's just something big and something bad" he said.

Roy frowned "Does it have to do with the Triwizard tournament you think?" he asked.

Edward frowned thoughtfully before meeting his superiors gaze "I don't know" he answered.

line break

The next few months passed in a blur for Edward, Roy, and Riza. Both Roy and Riza were struggling to keep up with the school work till Riza finally relented and said they could tone it down. It didn't matter anyways. The students couldn't even get motivated. Edward had a feeling it would be a different story if they actually saw someone perform alchemy.

However both him and Roy had been careful about keeping their alchemy secret, though they had found an odd room on the seventh floor to practice in. Ed continued to join in Moody's classes, along with a few others though he had yet to try potions. He had a very unnerving experience when Moody insisted he join them when trying the imperious curse. He still became pale after recalling the experience.

Edward felt a peaceful sensation come over him, washing away all of his troubles. Do alchemy, a voice suddenly commanded. Edward tensed, throwing off the spell, his eyes on Moody with accusation in his eyes.

Neither Ed nor Roy could figure out where Moody learned they could do alchemy but it became clear he was the only one and he seemed to be clueless otherwise. But finally came the day that seemed to bring most attention to the school. The day when the other competing schools in the tournament would come. It was cool and crisp out as everyone stood, waiting. Everyone was divided into groups, though Edward had been placed with the teachers, though several teachers had protested the decision until Roy pointed out that Edward would not be wearing a school uniform and it would look better for him to take his normal spot than for him to look like a disobedient student.

So instead he stood between Roy and Riza, wearing his usual black slacks and black jacket over his black tank top. Granted his white gloves had been switched for black to match his attire. That was one blessing he'd had. So far nobody had discovered about his automail. He shivered slightly in the cold, eyes scanning the area as he tried to figure out how the students would arrive. He was much more open minded now that he had studied the school more. He realized that maybe magic did exist though he was doing extensive research to see how it worked.

Finally a shriek broke through the crowds "A dragon!" a students shouted, pointing at the sky.

Edward squinted his eyes, seeing a shape flying towards them. One student eagerly laughed "It's not a dragon it's a flying house!" he cried.

The second student was closer. It turned out to be a flying carriage, pulled by several gigantic horses. Edward shivered, unable to help glancing down by his side where Kiri stood loyally. Lately she refused to leave his side, her eyes flashing in anger whenever anybody suggested it. She had doubled in size, now as tall as Edward's knees. But what was a new development was small black wings that protruded from her back. Edward shivered, looking forward as students piled out of the car after a large woman who reminded him of Hagrid.

Edward frowned, not enjoying the puny feeling that accompanied seeing these freakishly tall people. He stood impassively as he watched them enter the school. For a moment silence followed once more for several minutes. Suddenly he picked up on an odd vacuum like noise. Roy leaned down towards his ear "The lake" he said quietly.

Obediently Ed looked at the lake, raising an eyebrow at the whirlpool that quickly attracted the students excitement. They all watched as a skeletal ship rose from the depths, people wandering back and forth on it. He stayed silent, watching as the students got off, approaching them. Edward was bored and fidgeted as Dumbledore talked with the man in charge of the students before motioning for them all to enter. Edward and Roy breathed equal sighs of relief before grinning sheepishly at Riza's sharp glare. Granted they still fought at every occasion but they had two truces in place.

One when around the strict first lieutenant and the other when involving magic and its users. The great hall was buzzing in excitement as everyone took their seats. Edward felt 'privledged' when he got stuck just two seats away from the giant lady with only professor Sprout in between them. The lady looked at him with a sniff "'Ittle boy I believe oo are in de wrong place" she sniffed in disdain.

Edward twitched while Roy merely laughing "Actually Edward isn't a student. He's my son. I'm the alchemy teacher this year, Roy Mustang" he introduced.

The man from Durmstrang shot Edward a beady look "Shouldn't he be in school?" he asked.

Riza smiled at him "Actually Edward graduated early. He currently helps us make breakthroughs in the alchemic field. He's actually been called a child prodigy before, though he can't use alchemy himself" she explained.

Edward shot her a small glare though she just returned it with her own sharp smile. After that dinner passed relatively short as everyone talked and chatted. It seemed quiet silent and tense though as everyone waited for the official tournament to start. It was with almost a tangible tenseness that Dumbledore finally finished his meal. Edward sighed, sitting back in boredom. This tournament didn't affect him so why would he care?

Then again he had picked out a few students he could see as doing very well, Harry Potter being one if he was old enough. He sighed, only watching half heartedly as Mr. Filth (as Edward had fondly adopted to the man behind his back) carried a box up front. He watched curiously as a wooden goblet was revealed. It would have been generally not special but it had a vibrant blue flame that stayed constantly burning inside the cup. Ed couldn't help but find himself hypnotized by the flames. On Riza's other side Roy was experiencing a different story. He didn't trust magic, not since Edward had told him about the avada kedavra curse.

He did not like the fact that these wizards held so much power though Edward was consoled by the fact that they could only access magic through their, or any, wands. It was highly consoling because Edward figured he would easily be able to dodge their attacks long enough to destroy the wand. In theory. Ed then sat up as everyone began rising to their feet. He winced, internally berating himself for missing what happened. For some odd reason he had been spacing out a lot.

Ever since Al. He winced, rising to his feet. Cautiously Riza touched his shoulder, understanding in her eyes "Its okay. I swear it'll be fine" she said quietly.

Edward nodded, feeling a shiver run down his spine. He still felt nervous. Though now the feeling was starting to reach an unbearable intensity. Kiri whined slightly, touching his hand with her nose, a wing brushing against his leg. He smiled slightly, rubbing her head, causing a small noise that sounded like a purr. A feature that had heavily startled him the first time he hear it. He then sighed as they began to walk quietly towards their rooms, their hearts heavy as Roy, Riza, and Edward thought about their own things.

Finally Roy broke the silence, looking down at Edward "I've noticed you're almost out of dreamless draught. You should get some tomorrow" he said uneasily.

He still didn't trust the stuff. Edward nodded absently "Yeah, I probably will. It'll be interesting…to see who gets picked. I'm going to guess that Johnson girl, from Gryffindor. She seems to be the most modest about it though she does have some skill" he said in slight disdain.

Roy scoffed "As far as I'm aware, none of those kids have talent. I suppose it's a blessing they can't grasp alchemy. They don't need anymore weapons" he said, his eyes flashing.

Edward looked away "Yeah…" he said.

Riza shot them both sharp glances "Now that's not true. If anything the ones who learn it would more than likely be the ones who are most open minded, and less likely to become a criminal" she pointed out.

Roy merely scoffed at that. The nights at Hogwart's were beginning to take their toll on him, as noticeable from the dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. Edward frowned before smirking "You just don't like teaching. Just wait, in a few months we can go home for Christmas right? And not to mention we'll be able to watch these tasks. I'm sure they'll be exciting" he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

It wouldn't matter how fun these events were it wouldn't be the same without Al there with him. He sighed as they reached their rooms, once more in silence. Riza sighed, looking at Edward "Good night" she said.

She then walked into hers and Roy's room, Roy following. Roy couldn't help a small smile on his face "You're starting to become more motherly with him I've noticed. Either you're getting a little to scary in your role or you are starting to really feel a parental feeling for him" he commented.

Riza sighed, closing her eyes "Edward is all alone out there. I can't help but worry and care about him in a parental way. He's so young but he's had to deal with so much. It really makes you wonder what kind of life it is for children these days" she said quietly.

Roy nodded "True" he consented.

He then sighed "Then again, sometimes it's easier to be a child than an adult" he muttered.

Line break

The next morning dawned crisp and clear with excitement and tension quite tangible as many seventeen year old students placed their names in the goblet of fire, though occasionally there were crazy people younger who tried. However there were three individuals who did not feel the excitement and cheerful anticipation. Rather Roy and Riza were worried about Edward who felt an almost thick foreboding that seemed to stab deep into his very soul every time he drew a breath. However Roy had classes to attend so Edward was left alone. He drew a deep sharp breath from where he lay on his bed, scratching Kiri in between her ears.

She whined softly while Hayate cocked his head in the back round, not completely understanding what was going on. Edward sighed, carefully sitting up "Well, might as well get something done today. I guarantee there won't be time after dinner" he muttered. He sighed once more, running his hand through his hair. He had to get that stupid dream potion refilled. He probably could do without it if it weren't for that stupid foreboding. Even when Al had died it wasn't this bad a foreboding. Something bad was going to happen this year.

He shivered, looking at his walls, so closely resembling Resembool "The only other time I had this kind of foreboding was during that incident with the terrorists a few years ago(1)" he muttered.

He then sighed "Though it's still not near as extreme as this" he whispered.

With a final sigh he stood, slipping on his famous red cloak to protect against the chill that had descended on the castle. He was really dreading winter here. He slowly exited the room, gathering looks from several Beauxbatons students who happened to pass him. One of them smiled brightly "Aren't oo tha ittle boy oo was sitting with the teachers?" she asked, flipping her black hair over her shoulders.

Edward twitched at the word little but answered her calmly "Roy Mustang is marrying my mother so we're all here for the year. And I'm not a student. I can't do any of that weird mumbo jumbo. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get going" he said, pushing past them.

Another girl gave a little scoff of indignation "London wizards are much ruder" she said.

Edward paused, smirking back at her "One, not a wizard. Two, I'm from Amestris, not London" he said, walking away and leaving the speechless girls.

Kiri let a little whine out as she followed him, jumping into a small glide to reach him before loyally trotting at his side. Edward smirked, reaching down to pet her as he walked towards Madam Pomfrey's office. He knocked before entering, instantly seeing her tending to several students with bushy beards on their faces. Edward snickered, bringing Madam Pomfrey's attention to him. She smiled tiredly "I suppose your out of dreamless draught?" she asked.

Edward nodded "Pretty much. I've had this strange foreboding lately and it's making it so that the night terrors won't stop. If anything they increase" he explained.

Madam Pomfrey frowned at that but hurried to her back room before returning with a bottle "Here's this. If these don't stop in a month come back and we'll figure out a better solution" she said, returning to working on the students beards. Edward smirked, shaking his head in amusement. As dangerous magic could be he also couldn't help but find humor in many of the things that went on.

Line break

That evening dinner was tense. Edward could swear that the teachers table was the only ones not completely hopelessly tense, with the exception of Edward of course. If it hadn't been for the picking of champions he would have left early. Granted it was still tempting. Finally Dumbledore stood, the goblet being carefully being set in front of him. The lights dimmed and nobody dared make a sound as they watched.

Edward frowned, opening his pocket watch, watching as the seconds slowly counted down. It was exactly on the hour that the flames suddenly turned a blood red, shooting out and carrying a lone piece of parchment. Edward's eyes narrowed as his heart hammering wildly. This foreboding. He was about to figure out exactly what it was. He watched, shoulders trembling as the next name was called out.

Finally it was the last name. "Cedric Diggory!" Dumbledore called. Edward frowned, his heart still hammering, the feeling threatening to overwhelm him. Suddenly the flames became a blood red a fourth time. And as Edward's heart seemed to stop as not one, but two parchments flew out.

Dumbledore frowned, reading the first "Harry Potter" he called, bringing and instant hush to the crowd.

He then turned to the other one and jolted wildly, turning to meet Edward's eyes "And Edward Elric" he said.

1: This is from the Fullmetal Alchemist side novels they have. In the second on they deal with terrorists and a string of kidnappings. It's a pretty good side series but since they are actual books you have to find them in libraries or buy them.