{Disclaimer: I don't own, and i dont want to own, so no one can make me dammit!}
Ed looked up from finishing the diary, surprised yet pleased with what he had read. If one of the wizards trying to incriminate the Malfoy family were to get a hold of this diary they would have hard evidence on the father, for sure. Ed felt a slight need of urgency as he recalled reading that the boys father was very pleased that his son would be following in his footsteps that summer, if everything went to 'the lords' plan. Draco hadn't sounded overly pleased, from Ed's standpoint. In fact, he had sounded resentful and scared, if a little apprehensive. He had even mentioned altering those plans.
Draco might be a pompous child, used to getting his way, but he didn't want to torture people or use them. Sure, he seemed fine with using hurtful words, and a few cheating habits to get what he wants, but from this diary Ed could easily see that Draco wasn't truly that happy with his life. Ed would even hazard a guess that it was the exact opposite. It was more than a guess, seeing as how he had read that Draco, along with his friends, were slowly giving away the secrets and plans of Voldemort.
Throughout the whole diary there had been snippy comments on his 'friends'. The only ones that hadn't gotten any negative comments was Blaise Zabini and Theodor Nott, which seemed to be his only true friends.
Hearing a slight rustling Ed looked up only to freeze as another owl, this one a blood red, landed in front of him. In it's beak was a black letter, and Ed almost decided to ignore it. It was probably going to say the same thing as before anyways, and it would be just his luck to have blood in his ears, again. Steeling his spin Ed rose slowly from his position and cautiously approached the fluttering red owl. The fact that there was plenty of owl scat all over the tower wouldn't be much of a shock, if the good portion of it wasn't fresh. However, the owl had obviously been there for a while, considering the amount of fresh, sticky, smelly scat littering the ground around the owls talons.
"Give it here." Ed, being the very gentle man he was, crouched down and snatched the letter from the owls beak. It hooted at him in irritation before turning and flying away. He didn't really care if he hurt an owls feelings, no matter how mean that might seem.
Looking at the letter Ed sighed before opening it, only for a green light to flash in his face. Coughing Ed waved his hand infront of his face and focused on the letter, after the powder that had been with the green light vanished. All that was written on it was one date. In large white writing: Dec, 20th.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ed muttered angrily before shredding the letter. Clapping his hands in a sliding motion he made the shreds of paper catch fire. Turning he frowned in the direction the owl had disappeared in. Common sense told him that the group of people targeting him were probably in that direction. And, from his past experience, Ed knew that if he didn't confront them soon, they would come after him, and he would be the one in the defensive which would not be ideal, in any case.
Deciding to follow through with Albus's wishes and remain at the castle, Ed sighed and left his secluded tower. but, not until after depositing the diary into a tiny hole he made into the wall. He might have finished it, but that didn't mean he wanted to get rid of it. Like any alchemist worth his research, he knew the value of making sure he kept any and all paperwork, because you never knew when you may need it.
Stepping through the painting Ed walked aimlessly through the halls, not really having any one destination in mind. it would be just his luck to find out he had a stalker. He should really make a list of all the enemies he's had, or more specifically, the different kinds of enemies. First there was Winry...although, to be fair, he was only 5 or so, and the fact she was a girl didn't really make her his enemy. Then there was his father, who turned out to be working for the greater good...Then Mustang...yeah, he was a jackass, but not bad...to many people. Scar, he started out to be a serial murderer, then turned out to be on the good side. But that didn't excuse him for destroying half of Ed's body and Al's body.
Ed grinned as he remembered Winry's reaction to those injuries. It was one of the worst. Looking up his thoughts were temporarily interrupted as he heard the voices of many students heading his way. 'Classes must have let out, or dinner is over...' Deciding he didn't really care one way or another Ed went back to his thoughts, only to realize that the group heading his way weren't dressed for school, and the students were required to wear the uniform at all times, except for Hogsmead weekends and to bed.
'It can't be that late though!' Looking out the window Ed's jaw nearly dropped. While wandering aimlessly and thinking time had passed quickly to where it was pitch black outside, and the stars were shinning brightly in the sky. Looking back at the group now nearly beside him he noticed McGonagall was with them, along with all the Weaslys. And Harry Potter.
Curious, and worried (but he would never admit it) Ed turned and started walking the other way slowly, until McGonagall came up to him, and then he started matching his pace to hers. She had Harry under her arm, so Ed didn't ask any verbal questions, just raised an eyebrow at her sideways glance. She didn't respond, only flared her nostrils slightly before turning forward and lengthening her stride once more.
Having a feeling that something important had happened Ed continued to follow the group, realizing after a few moments they were heading straight to the headmaster's office. Knowing this Ed didn't have to focus on where he was heading, and he allowed his eyes to wander through the group. All of the Weaslys were pale. More so than was normal. Being red heads their skin was naturally pale. Now they all looked like they had been drained of blood, almost like Vampires. The only difference was that the vampires he had met all had electric blue eyes and no freckles anywhere on their bodies.
After looking over the Weaslys Ed sped his pace up slightly to get a better look at the hunched over Harry Potter. What he saw set him on edge immediately. Sweat rolled down Harry's body, his shirt was soaked through, and it looked like he was shivering. The sweat was probably cooling with the wind from the fast pace, and what ever had scared him bad enough to make him sweat had faded, and a grim determination had taken place, if the look on Harry's face was any indicator. Harry didn't even look at him, and it took Ed a moment that Minerva was keeping Harry from running off, she was going at the fast speed because of him, he was pulling her along forcefully.
Breathing deeply Ed allowed the quiet calm to fall over his muscles and mind. If he wanted to help he had to close off most of his emotions and view what ever was revealed in a distanced manner. Over the years he had been away from the magical world Ed had witnessed a war, and how the emotions of people interfered with the process of solving the conflicts. He had noticed, even then, how his world, and this one, were very alike. Everyone in Amestris had been emotionally charged about the fact that if they didn't defeat the father on that day, they would all die. No one would be left in the city, or the whole country. It was both beneficial, because everyone put their all into the battle. But it was also a hindrance when faced with the fact that if someone close to you perished, like old man Fu, everyone would be devastated.
He's had many years to contemplate things that could have gone differently, things that could have been changed if they hadn't been emotionally tied to the war, if they had thought things through better, if he had been older then, and more wiser. But no matter how he imagined it going, he knew nothing would change. And, given the amount of time that had passed Ed didn't want it t change. Everyone he knew was gone, he reminded himself. No matter what he did, nothing would change that. He had kept the mirror until the very last one, Mei, had passed on. After that he had shattered the mirror, not wanting to chance anything happening to it, and allowing this world into his...no, not his world. His past world. This was his world now, and had been for years.
Looking up, Ed realized they had arrived at the headmasters office while he had been focusing on his emotions and thoughts. He stepped to the side and allowed a grim Minerva to lead the group of students up. Looking around Ed narrowed his eyes, the feeling of being watched very prominent. Not trusting the feeling Ed reach up his sleeve and withdrew his wand. Waving it in an intricate pattern and mumbling a spell in complex Latin, Ed erected a barrier to keep out all sound, and also erected another barrier to dissuade anyone with cruel intentions away from the office.
Satisfied with his quick spell work, which had only taken him moments, Ed shoved his wand back up his sleeve while ascending the stairs. Pushing through the office doors Ed was greeted with a very familiar, and worrying sight. Albus was pacing. Always a sign that he was thinking deeply. The headmasters along the wall weren't pretending to sleep, all of them looked worried and anxious. Obviously, what he had thought was quick spell work hadn't been quick at all. Something had been said while he was casting it, and he had no idea what it had been.
"In the dream, where were you? Were you positioned over the body, or were you standing to the side?"
"I-I don't know. I think I was the snake. Dumbledore, whats-"
Albus didn't answer Harry, and Ed narrowed his eyes as Albus avoided Harry's gaze altogether and instead walked to Niggy's photo. "I need you to go to your photo in Head quarters and notify the order." Turning he walked to a witch who was dressed in the medical robes of a nurse. "Please go and see Arthur." He was about to start pacing again, as the witch quickly left without arguing, only for Harry to stop him.
"LOOK AT ME!" Everyone turned to look at Harry, including a weary Ed. This was way too familiar, like a bad dream. "What's going on?" Ed's eye brow shot up at Harry's almost pitiful sounding voice. It was obvious something bad had happened, something that had really gotten into his head.
Stepping forward before Albus could say anything Ed moved quickly to get in his personal space. "Albus?"
Albus's blue eyes were almost pale in his worry, and Ed's own suspicious rocketed as the nurse came back with a fellow wizard. "Hello Albus, I was helping Author when it happened. The Order arrived in time, and the Dark Lord failed to acquire it."
"Good." Albus gave Ed a long look before crossing his arms and starting to pace once again. 'Something has really gotten under his skin.' "Albus?"
This time Albus only flicked his eyes to Ed before turning and continuing his pacing. Niggy returned and nodded at Ed before facing Albus. "Mrs. Weasley is going to St. Mungos, and she would like her children to accompany her. She wouldn't stop yelling about them. She also wants to let you know they wont return to Hogwarts until her husband is stable. She wants the family there to support him. And she wanted me to inform you she's mailing her older sons as well."
Albus nodded before looking at Minerva pointedly. Nodding without question she moved to a large old shoe, equipped with a...illegal portkey. He kept it in a cardboard box. Motioning all the students to gather around the bx Minerva nodded one last time to Albus before touching the shoe with the Weasleys and portkeying to the order head quarters.
As soon as they were gone Harry sank to the floor. Before Albus could pass him again Ed grabbed his arm forcefully. "What is going on?"
"Harry had a dream that he attacked Arthur Weasley, as a snake." Albus muttered quickly, continuing his pacing as Ed released his arm quickly.
'He's having dreams of being snakes, ones that are real. Could this mean what Albus feared fifteen years ago, and what he feared last year as well? Could Tom Riddle have a mind link with Harry? It would explain those dreams, and also his parstle tongue skills.' Ed had found out about those through the Prophet papers he had read. 'It probably does, which means he's both an asset and a liability. If Tom knows about this link...' Ed didn't want to finish that thought. He decided, instead, to avoid the thought and look over that Harry, kneeling alone on the floor. Looking very confused and abandoned.
Sighing to himself Ed quickly Moved forward and knelt down beside Harry. Looking at his blank face Ed almost rolled his eyes, but instead glared angrily. "Snape out of it Harry." Grabbing the boy's arm roughly Ed forced him to his feet. "Albus, I'm taking Harry with me for a few hours."
Albus stopped his pacing abruptly and frowned. "Ed, I think I should have-"
"I don't trust him, despite what I know of you two. Right now I want to tak to Harry, privately. And there is no way for you, or him to listen or stop me." Ed said, his voice stern. Releasing Harry momentarily Ed pulled his wand from his sleeve once more, and did a very intricate design on the floor, almost like a transmutation circle, only with his wand, and a totally different purpose in mind. He had a vast amount of knowledge of this school, and this room. Before the spell that prevented the alterations of this room, Ed had made a little...slide get away, when Niggy was headmaster. Using his wand he quickly opened the floor, which sealed shut in seconds, and he, along with Harry, were on their way outside.
Rolling with the landing Ed hopped up to his feet. Looking down he sighed as Harry just laid on the ground. Whatever the boy had seen in his dream had truly scared him. Knowing that it couldn't be nearly as bad as the first fifteen years of his own life, Ed reached down and forcefully grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him to his feet. "Come along, Harry. You and I have a field trip. No worries, I wont kill ya."
When even that didn't get a response Ed felt a nibble of worry before shrugging. Harry would be forced out of his little shell soon enough. And when he was, Ed would enjoy teaching him the physical training Teacher had taught him. Without knives...no matter how effective they were to encourage students.
#$# after a few hours #$#
Ed looked around himself in satisfaction. At first had was going to take Harry to the safest place he knew of, his Garden. However, he didn't want to have to share the knowledge of his Garden with anyone besides Albus. So, plan B had entailed going to the Amazon jungle once more. Ed had a tiny hope that the faeries were in a different jungle this time, but he doubted it.
Ignoring the bugs flying around, it was a very humid and bug poluted place, Ed reached down and grabbed Harry's arm. "Come on Harry." Turning he walked purposefully towards where he knew was the waterfall with the large pond/pool. Stopping at the edge Ed didn't second guess his actions. Instead he just shoved.
Harry went flying into the water, only to splash up gasping for air. "Now that I have your attention." Ed drawled, drawing Harry's eyes to him. He plopped down onto the ground cross legged and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked alot like the fictional indians wound sit, before saying how. Harry wiped his face quickly, breathing hard to catch his breath. Looking around in confusion Harry tried to remember how he had gotten into a weird jungle with Ed of all people, and why he was soaked to the bone.
"What's going on?"
Ed's eyebrows rose before he leaned forward in curiosity. "What do you remember last, Harry?"
Harry was silent so long Ed began to think he was asleep, until Harry started to shake. "Mr. Weasley was attacked...I did it. It was me!" Ed was taken aback. Harry looked so horrified and convinced that it was him.
"No, you didn't. When Voldy gave you that scar, he also linked his mind to yours. so, when he also linked his mind to his snaky, he linked yours to the snake to. The human mind's walls are down when we sleep, so you see what they are doing if they are awake. It was his snake Harry, not you. Now listen to me, I don't know how to teach occlumency. It's likely Albus will have Snape teach you. He's the best in the school."
Harry immediately looked appalled, and angry. "I don't want to learn anything he has to teach me, I already have to learn potions from him!"
Ed sighed before sitting infront of Harry's dripping wet form. "Right, well, I would teach you, but i suck at describing magic. Now, ask me about actual fighting, or my own personal magic, and i could talk about it forever." Ed shook his head before shrugging. "No, you'll have to learn from Severus."
"But-"
"Do you want a connection with Voldy that you can't control?" Ed interrupted, lifting one brow in question.
Harry paused before shaking his head vigorously. He was acting younger than his experience should be allowing. That dream had really scared him, obviously.
Deciding to just go with it Ed stood, and bent over holding out his hand. "We have to head back to the school. But, if Severus causes any trouble, just let me know and I'll deck him for ya, okay?"
Harry, surprised at Ed's weird behavior, slowly nodded before standing up, with Ed's help, and returning to Hogwarts with him. Unknown to the two of them, a very small person watched from the shadows, a evil grin forming on her lips as she watched her prey leave. Satisfied with the information she had gathered she turned and appareled away, her green eyes twinkling evily at the thought of capturing the one with the long golden hair.
{AN: so...i lost the will to write for a bit. Even though I've said this multiple times I'll say it one more time, this time in bold, underlined, and capitalized.
I DO NOT HAVE A BETA READER. THERE WILL BE MISSPELLINGS, ERRORS IN NAMES, AND OTHER SUCH ISSUES.
IF
I HIT A WRITERS BLOCK I WILL GO BACK AND EDIT IT. i STARTED IT ALREADY. OK?
The fact that i still get reviews saying "you spelled Albus wrong" You didn't capitalize your 'I's and other such things kinda annoys me. And since most of the last reviews were of that nature I almost didn't finish the chapter at all. BUT the last review, done by DruidFWY gave me new energy. I made their review my desktop background, its the most optimistic and happy review i'v gotten for a while. So, the reason i say this is as follows.
I wont be reading the reviews for a while. I will still like them, and urge you all to leave them. But i wont read them until a few chapters later, for the simple reason that reading the reviews doesn't give me the same boost as it used to.
Alrighty then. Thats the authors note. OH, and if i seem...pissy, its cause in the last few days i've had a 20lb box dropped on my foot, a glass cup broke and i stepped on the shards, my dog ruined my school bag, my cats ruined the image screen of my laptop, so i'm using the stationary computer, i was suspended from work cause were not busy enough for all the workers at the moment, so i have to find another job, my 50+ year old mother was up a ladder when i got home tonight, by herself, un-hooking her light fixture, that has a fan attached. SO i'm in a pissy mood.
Hope everyone elses week was nice!
~KittyMeowsAlot~