First off I'm going to apologize. In this chapter and the next I skip a lot. Actually the next chapter is the first task. Sorry! But my brain won't put in anything in between those two things. The story plot does not start developing in my brain (And trust me is it developing some juicy stuff) until after the first task. However that is what bonus chapter are for because all the more important stuff will be mentioned in flashbacks or brief summeries because there's not anything important. Heck, in the actual book she only touched on the paper really before skipping to the event so I'm not the only one right? But trust me when I say the next bit is very intense and the plot will start rolling!
Don't own FMA or HP
The next few days were easily some of the worst of Edward's life, even more so than several pretty bad days he could mention. Luckily he was able to hide in his room for the most part. Students mocked and jeered at him, believing he was some muggle and had stolen a wand and somehow passed the line. Some spread rumors about him being half of some creature or another and that was why Riza had left his father. Unfortunately it put a strain on her as well to deal with those rumors.
Roy just lashed out with a vengeance in his alchemy class (Which had yet to even grasp the basics, though they had started learning about transmutation circles) and he easily became the most hated teacher in the school, more so than Snape. Out of the five champions it was hard to tell who had it worst, Harry or Edward. At least Harry didn't have people try to attack him. Several students had tried to jump Edward on the way to meals and if it weren't for Edward's quick reflexes there could have been some very serious injuries involved (Not to say that one or two of the students hadn't wound up in the hospital wing later, the others just stayed quiet).
And even the teachers who had so kindly accepted Edward had now turned a blind eye towards their struggling, believing he was a threat to their society or something, Edward didn't know but he could always imagine. The worst part however was the total loneliness he felt. More often than not he was left completely alone in the dark confines of his, Roy, and Riza's temporary home. Black Hayate usually prowled loyally behind his mistress, growling at anyone who dared threaten her while Kiri had taken to a new guest in the hospital wing. It had come to a surprise for them the day after the selection to find a young woman passed out in front of the hospital wing. She claimed to be a squib trying to find someplace to fit in and of course Dumbledore had invited her to stay.
Edward had found out a lot, since Kiri was in there all the time anyways. The woman was Lucy and she was twenty four and had short black hair though her eyes seemed to pierce through you. She always wore thick layers of clothing, something that seemed to make Edward suspiscious though considering he had also worn thick layers to hide his automail he couldn't say anything. But after about a week Riza entered looking hurried. She sighed as she saw Edward "Hey Edward, I've been asked to take you to an interview they are doing for the newspaper. Unfortunately all of the champions have to go" she said in a hurry.
Edward sighed "Is there anything I need to bring?" he asked, a bitter undertone to his voice.
Riza smirked "They said a wand or if you need something to channel your power. This should help in your favor. Alchemy needs writing utinsils, you don't" she pointed out.
Edward smirked, rising to his feet and stretching "Alright. Just tell me where to go" he said.
Riza nodded "I'll take you there and then get back to Roy's class. I swear he's going to use alchemy one of these days and barbeque a poor unsuspecting kid. Luckily at the moment he can't" she said, a mischievious glint in her eye.
Edward chuckled bitterly "They'd deserve it" he said as they exited the room.
His voice then dropped down several notches "Why can't we use alchemy here?" he asked quietly.
Riza's brows furrowed and she frowned, her pace slowing "Roy likes having the upper hand. When we first came here we didn't have a clue what these people were capable of. It's bad enough we have to teach a class on it, however incompetent these people are, but for them to know would give us a disadvantage. Except for the fact you've been learning it. The problem is, they can use alchemy. You can't use magic. So even now that we understand the settings it's best to stay as unnoticed as possible for as long as you can. That's even more reason why this tournament is risky. It blows the advantage you have" she said.
Edward frowned but didn't say anything. They then stopped in front of a room "This is your stop. Good luck" she said before hurrying off.
Edward frowned, opening the doors slowly. So far only Krum, Fluer. Cedric, Harry, Ludo, and a witch in magenta robes and an annoying looking man with a camera. He frowned as he entered, drawing Ludo's attention from where he was clearly annoying Harry "Ah, couldn't you find Elric?" he asked.
Edward twitched "I'm Edward Elric" he said stiffly.
Ludo gave a little cough as the magenta witch looked up "Oh…wasn't expecting a shorty…" he said.
That was it. Months of taking it from Roy snapped "WHO ARE YOU CALLING SHORTY!? You think that just because I'm shorter I don't have what it takes? I'll have you know I am fifteen" he defended angrily.
Ludo blinked as everyone turned to look at him. The witch stood up, a challenging smirk on her face "So you think you have what it takes to win this?" she asked.
Edward met her smirk with a challenging glare "No. You can never tell that stuff but I do have what it takes to survive this and I'd rather die than back out like a coward. I'll show everyone that I have exactly what it takes" he said, his voice steely.
The witch smirked, scribbling something on her pad. Edward then looked around "What are we doing here anyways?" he asked.
Ludo beamed brightly "It's just the weighing of wands, nothing to be concerned over" he said easily.
Edward crossed his arms "Good so I can leave? I don't use a wand and I've already specified I'm not revealing my abilities until I have to" he said.
Ludo blinked before frowning "Either way we have a photo shoot after words" he said carefully.
Edward frowned, leaning against the wall in a pout. He then looked up as the witch approached him "Would you be interested in a private interview?" she asked.
Edward raised an eyebrow "And you are?" he asked.
She smiled though Edward could see it was fake "Rita Skeeter of the daily prophet" she said.
Edward rolled his eyes "Not interested" he said.
She narrowed her eyes before moving onto Harry who was promptly dragged out against his will. Edward frowned, shaking his head, this had to be a joke. He yawned as everyone began doing what they were doing before. He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning back against the wall preparing to relax. Unfortunately he obviously wasn't meant to "Excuse me" a rough voice broke through his concentration.
He opened one eye in annoyance to look at Krum "Yes?" he asked.
Krum cocked ahead, a smirk on his face "So you're not magic and you still try? Vhy?" he asked.
Edward frowned, looking at the ground "If the odds are stacked against you, you don't give up. You try harder to win anyways" he said with a shrug.
Krum nodded, holding out his hand "I like your spirit. I look forward to competing against you" he said as Edward returned the hand shake.
Edward nodded his head "Likewise" he said.
They then looked up as several people entered the room. Edward merely looked away as two of those figures shot him sharp glares. One unfamiliar figure however shot him a look of surprise and recognition, something that made Edward nervous. Dumbledore frowned as he looked around "Has any one seen Harry?" he asked.
Edward frowned, motioning out the door with his head "That witch took him out for an interview" he said.
Dumbledore nodded, excusing himself for a brief moment to go retrieve him. Edward frowned as the air became tense, the two other headmasters staring at him in a mixture of disgust and loathing. Edward met their glares with his own fiery gaze, refusing to stand down. The air remained tense and very harsh as the people in the room waited for Harry and Dumbledore to return. Edward couldn't help but fidget in boredom. Why couldn't they wait for after to call him?
This was pointless! Finally Dumbledore entered the room closely followed by Harry and Rita who moved to the corner, taking out a quill that moved on its own, skimming across the paper quickly. Edward frowned at that before watching casually with a mixture of curiosity as the man who seemed to recognize him studied the wands. It took a while but finally they were done.
Karkaroff turned to Dumbledore with a slightly greedy look on his face "I do believe we still don't now if the little boy has what it takes" he said.
Edward twitched angrily but he didn't have to say anything as Ollivander walked up to him "You're Hohenhiem's son, aren't you?" he asked quietly so only Edward could hear.
Edward's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing suspiciously "How did you know that jerk?" he asked quietly.
Ollivander merely smiled in a curious way, turning to Karkaroff "If he is anything like his father then I'm sure he'll be just fine. But if you want I can test him in private later" he assured.
Karkaroff scowled and Edward couldn't help but shiver. Why did these people care so much about his abilities? Finally came the photo shoot. Edward somehow got lucky and managed to hide in Madam Maxime's shadow for the most part, not quite wanting to be the center of attention. Finally after about half an hour it was over and everyone disbanded for dinner. All that remained was Edward, Ollivander, and Rita Skeeter.
Rita shot Edward a sly smile "So would you be interested in a private interview now? Maybe I can watch your demonstration?" she asked.
Edward scowled "Not a chance" he growled out.
Ollivander smiled with a strange, almost devious smile "Now if you'll kindly leave us, your job is over" he said, gently yet firmly leading her out before closing the door and uttering several spells, doing the same to the window.
He then turned to Edward with a kind smile "You look very much like your father. I estimate in a few years you'll be identical if you get a beard and glasses" he said with a kind and reminiscent tone.
Edward's eyes narrowed "So you know the old man. How?" he asked sharply.
Ollivander moved to the side, sitting in one of the now abandoned chairs "It was many years ago. He came into my shop and was curious, never having heard of magic. In all honesty I think he at first believed it was all a hoax but I let him stay in the shop with me for a few months and he started believing it. I was just a young chap then, back in the old days. He wasn't even married then and always tried to remain distant from everyone. The only reason I gained his friendship was because he became curious about magic. Eventually I started teaching him a bit of magic and I was very surprised to find he could use it. Along with his alchemy. I ended up giving him a wand when he departed. I must say I'm surprised he had a son. When did he get married? And who are those people who are your parents? Did your mother leave him?" he asked.
Edward looked away sharply "No. He didn't actually marry my mom. But he left when I was really young. He left me, my mother, and my little brother. The strain was to much and my mom ended up dying. After that I…" he trailed off.
Ollivander smiled "I saw the chain in your pocket. According to Hohenhiem only state alchemists carry them. Correct?" he asked.
Edward nodded, pulling out the watch "Yeah. I'm a state alchemist. Mustang's actually my superior officer and Hawkeye is his first lieutenant. We're here on orders from the Fuehrer" he said hesitantly.
Olivander nodded in understanding "I see. So are you an alchemist like you're father?" he asked.
Edward frowned "I'm not like the old man but yes. I'm an alchemist. I'm a state alchemist remember? I'm one of the best our military has" he said.
Olivander nodded in curiosity "So what of your brother? Where is he?" he asked.
Edward flinched, looking away "He's dead. He died about three months ago" he said quietly.
Instantly the old man in front of him looked at him with pity "So you've truly lost everything. And at such a young age. But on a note it gives you an advantage here because you have nothing to lose" he said.
Edward shrugged "I guess" he said emotionlessly. He then looked at Olivander "So did you want to test my skills?" he asked.
Olivander cocked his head curiously "Do you need chalk? Your father didn't but he said he was one in a million for being able to do that" he commented.
Edward shrugged "Yeah. Both my teacher and I have no need for chalk. It's one reason that makes me so valuable" he said with a small shrug, his face blank.
Olivander nodded "Even if your half as good as your father then I'm sure you'll do fine in this" he said.
Edward looked away "So can I go?" he asked.
Olivander nodded and Edward turned, going to leave, pausing so Olivander could undo the spells on the door. He then paused, his hand on the door "You said the old man could use magic. Do you know if he continued to use it? Or if it would have affected my ability to use it?" he asked out of pure curiosity.
Ollivander smiled mysteriously "I don't know. Your father never returned after that day. However I don't know if you'll be able to use it or not. That's just something you'll have to try someday isn't it? And if you see your father…tell him his old friend in Diagon Alley is still waiting for a return owl" he said, a hint of sternness in his voice.
Edward frowned, looking to the ground "I don't have a father. He gave up that title when he let my mother die" he said coldly before stalking out of the class.
He then exited the class, frowning as he debated what to do next. His stomach growled hungrily but he didn't feel like going to dinner and dealing with all of those kids begging and pestering to find out his abilities. He sighed, resigning himself to go hungry for the night. Maybe Riza would sneak him some food though he wasn't sure if she would. He sighed again, briefly looking in the direction of the hospital wing and debating on visiting Kiri.
He then shook his head, heading off in a random direction. However he didn't get more than five steps before two figures jumped in front of him.
"Hey mate"
"Looks like"
"Your skipping dinner"
"Mommy might not appreciate that" they both said in perfect sync.
Edward's eye twitched and he flexed his metal arm experimentally "Back off or else" he hissed.
One of the twins held up their hands in defeat "Professor Mustang told us to make sure you ate dinner. We just got out of class" he said.
Edward scowled "Yeah well I don't feel like it" he said.
Unfortunately his stomach decided to protest that. Edward flinched, not meeting their eyes as they smiled smugly. Suddenly one of the twins came up to him, wrapping his arm around Ed's shoulder "Now mate. How about you eat so we don't get in trouble and we tell you a place where you don't have to deal with the prejudice of the students. But you have to promise to help us with pranks" he said.
Edward frowned "Pranks?" he asked.
The other twin smirked, wrapping his arm around Edward's other shoulder "Didn't you know? We're the schools biggest pranksters"
"We have all sorts of stuff in our books" they said.
Edward couldn't help but smirk "Is that so. Okay, it's a deal" he said.
The twins smirked triumphantly. They then stepped back "You know the hall with all the food paintings?" Edward nodded, having found it last month.
"Look for the one at the end with the bowl of fruit and tickle the pear. It'll get you directly in the kitchens" they said.
Edward smirked, nodding to them "Thanks for the tip. And as for Mustang, he's just an ego statistical jerk so don't pay attention to him" he said with a sly smile.
The twins exchanged impressed looks before heading towards the great hall. Edward then smirked, ducking off down a side hall, heading towards where the twins had directed him to go. He could picture the directions clearly in his mind and easily found his way there. He looked at them curiously as he walked down the hall, wondering who was the guy who decided to pretty much paint (literally) directions to the kitchen. He paused as he reached the indicated painting, tickling the pear with a skeptical frown. Surely there couldn't be this kind of entrance.
Paintings didn't guard places.
But sure enough the door swung open wide and he was immediately surrounded by creatures he remembered as house elves from one of the books he had read. He blinked as they asked him many question, each trying to win the honor of serving him. Sheepishly he rubbed the back of his neck "Well I was hoping for some dinner without having to face the students" he said sheepishly.
The house elves smiled and several of the dozens surrounding him vanished for a moment giving him time to take a look at the kitchen. It was huge and there were five tables set directly underneath the house ones and they were quiet laden with food and several house elves working nonstop to keep the food restocked and plates clean. He blinked in surprise, barely noticing when the house elves returned with plates full of food.
He smiled unsurely "Uh…thanks" he said before taking his leave.
He wasn't sure what to make of all that as the door swung shut, completely masking the noise and aromas from all the cooking going on behind the painting. Edward then looked down at the food in his hands, seeing enough to easily feed three people, let alone one. With a shrug he continued on his way to his room.
Line break
It wasn't until Friday that Edward finally decided to exit his room. He figured that hiding wouldn't get him no where in learning about the enemies abilities if he hid. So for Friday he decided to head down to the potions room, one of the classes he hadn't visited yet. When he got there he was thoroughly surprised to see Harry down there and involved in a fight with the Malfoy kid.
Edward frowned, leaning against the wall and watching without a word. This was a wizards fight. He still remembered the lump from the first one with this kid. Granted he could probably win this time but at the same time he figured this was the kind of kid to play dirty. That point was only proven when Harry and Draco exchanged attacks that bounced off each other and hitting Crabbe and Hermione.
Edward frowned, twitching as he resisted the urge to help. Luckily Snape walked down the hall at that moment, though judging by the looks on the Gryffindors faces Edward guessed it wasn't the best news. He sighed in defeat, recognizing the signs of trouble. Obviously this class would be a bit tense and he really didn't feel like dealing with that. With a heavy sigh he turned on heel. Maybe he could check out Hagrid's class again.