Hey! You guys got the ten! I feel so happy! AS promised I will now post the second chapter with the same condition. Next chapter is ready and I will post with either ten reviews or in one week. Next saterday. And thanks for th support everyone!

(And FYI, the next chapter contains a very big plot changing scene)

Don't own FMA or HP

Edward frowned as he walked along the edge of the Black Lake, studying it's surface critically. A brief test had already shown it was definetly freezing. He was almost surprised the surface wasn't frozen. Almost. But after a while he put it off to magic.

"What are you doing out here Fullmetal?" Roy's voice barked.

Ed smirked, turning towards his superior "Studying." he said.

Roy's eyes narrowed slightly "Studying? Studying what?" he asked.

Ed merely waved it off "Nothing important. By the way, where is Hawkeye? I have a favor to ask of her." he said.

Roy raised an eyebrow "What favor?" he asked.

Again Ed waved it off "Just a book I need from Amestris. I need Hawkeye and Winry to grab it since you and I don't have clearance to return home while under probation." he said easily.

Roy frowned, looking at Ed critically "This school has the largest library in the nation. What book could you need?" he asked.

At this Edwards eyes turned mischivious "It's a 'muggle' book." he said before walking off.

"Nevermind. I'll find them on my own." he said casually.

As he left Roy frowned "What is that little shrimp up to?" he asked himself.

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Edward managed to make it to Professor Sprouts class right at the tail end of class as the students were packing up to leave. He smiled as he made his way to the front of the class "Hey professor. I was wondering, do you have any books on plants that may enable you to swim under water?" he asked.

Professor Sprout frowned as she dusted off her hands "So you've discovered the clue. I thought you'd come asking. I can't give you my books but I honestly don't like the idea of you going in this in your...condition." she said hesitantly, her eyes shooting to where his arm was missing.

She sighed, grabbing a paper and using her wand to make some writing appear "These are the books that could help you. And be careful. I don't like the idea of you being in this contest. Wether your an alchemist or not." she said, handing the list over.

Edward nodded, pocketing it before leaving the class with a wave of his hands "I appreciate the effort. I can try to find the information I need somewhere else." he said with a smirk.

Professor Sprout sighed in amusement "That boy." he said knowingly.

Professor Mustang sure had his hands full with that boy. That much was for sure.

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That night, after Ed and Winry had gone to bed Mustang rounded on Hawkeye "Did Ed tell you what he needs?" he asked.

Hawkeye frowned, sighing heavily "Yes. But it's not exactly an easy book to find. I beliece you've heard of it. 'The mechanics of alchemic mehcanics'." She said.

Roy frowned "I know it. It's in the state library at central. But only a State Alchemist can get it." he said.

Riza sighed heavily "I thought so. And I have a feeling that this is for the next task. What do we do?" she asked.

Roy frowned, his eyes hardening "I'll take care of it. Riza...can you cover my class for a few days?" he asked.

Riza sighed, nodding in resignation "Please be careful sir. You won't have me to watch your back." she said quietly.

Roy smirked though there was a slight edge to it "Don't worry. It won't take me very long. I'll talk to Dumbledore tomorrow and leave first thing in the morning. Just...don't tell Edward. I don't want him to worry." he said before moving towards his room.

Riza frowned, hesitating before turning to him "Mustang?" she asked softly.

Roy stopped, turning to her expectantly. Riza however looked away in an uncharacteristically shy manner "About that date you mentioned. Back in november. If you...I'd like to take you up on that offer. But you have to make it back before next saterday. ANd then it'll just be you and I. For one day." she said.

Roy smiled, relaxing slightly "Sure. I promise I'll be back in time." he assured. After all, now he had a date to look forward to.

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The week passed rather slowly. Riza had passed off Roy's absence by saying he had needed some supplies from Diagon Alley. Fortunetly Edward believed it. But now it was nearing saterday and Roy still was not back. Riza frowned as she waited by the entrance gate, hoping to catch sight of Roy. But as the day wore on it resulted in the same as any other day. With no Roy...

"Riza?" Hawkeye gasped, her head snapping up as she found the very person she was waiting for.

She would never admit it outloud but she felt relieved at seeing him here. Standing at the very least though she did notice he favored his right side. she smiled softly "You were almost late. Our date is tomorrow." she reminded cooly.

Mustang nodded before handing her a small bag from his coat "That should have everything Ed needs. It has not only the book he requested but every book on mechanics I could get my hands on. Wasn't easy but they are there." he said.

Riza frowned, opening the bag to see the inside much bigger than the outside "Sir...this is..." she trailed off.

Roy smirked, walking stiffly past her and in the brief moments before he could pass her completely she saw dark circles under his eyes "I asked Dumbledore to do it. I want Edward to survive this. If that means carrying around the freak incident of nature called an expansion charm then so be it." he commented easily.

He then paused "Mind if I head to bed early? And I'll take you on that date tomorrow. I promise." he said with a smirk.

Riza nodded before smiling softly "And Colonel Mstang?" she asked.

Mustang paused, looking back with a raised eyebrow. It wasn't like her to risk cover like this. "Welcome back sir." she said.

It was almost natural. So natural it took Roy a moment to compose himself. When he did he found he could only smile and nod his head "I'm back." he asnwered softly.