This chapter was almost painful to write. I had one idea, then another, and finally realized that this...this could work. And I think that this is something that all of you have been waiting for. Also I have some important news. Back in chapter one when I started this story I told you that depending on the popularity I would either cut it off or do a sequel for i had ideas for both. I have decided to do neither. I have been searching for any KH fics that intrest me lately and many have cut off at the end and then you have to go to the authors pae and find the sequel and it's a pain. So instead, when I finish to my cut off point I will have an interlude chapter and just continue writing it as Building Trust without making a new story. Unless you guys want it as a seperate one. Either way I am doing the longer one. I have had more fun with this fic than I ever have and the next arc in a sense, taking place during book five, has been begging to be written. I'm now nearing the end part for this though I'm now hitting the point where there will be a lot going on. Extending this has actually added a lot to the plot line where if it hadn't been popular would never had made it. That's why I ask your help in choosing if I should just keep the whole thing on the same story or change it to a second? Personally I find it to annoying to search down the sequel though i I do I will keep the last chapter withheld until the same hour I post the sequel so keep that in mind. But I leave it all up to you. until then I hope that you enjoy this chapter. it's been a long time in the coming and I've been wanting to write it for months now. Unfortunetly I never had a spot to put it till now. So I hope you guys enjoy reading this. Thank you so so much for your continued support.

I dont own FMA or HP.

It gives you an advantage. It means you have nothing left to lose.

Ollivander had told him that. Back at the weighing of wands. But as Edward settled down for bed that night he realized...it was no longer true. He now had so many peeople that he would hate to lose. Winry, Roy, Riza. They were all important.

It was...odd. At the beginning of the year Edward had lost his brother. Lost his last family member. His father, mother, and brother were gone but instead h had gained a new father, a new mother, and realized how much Winry meant to him. He then chuckled, realizing that everything was starting to right itself at last. Granted he still felt a hurt inside him over Al's death but he knew he could continue on past it. Develop a new purpose. But one thing was for sure, he wasn't going on alone.

Mustang's class was still going horribly but he had, on Riza's suggestion, started up a special after hours class in which Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Eleanor Branstone, and even draco Malfoy had all joined and were already advancing far beyond their classmates.

Roy and Riza had just gotten closer and closer since Roy's actual proposal and Edward couldn't help but wonder...this was their punishment? Normal alchemists who got stuck on this job went home insane or worst. Bt here they were learning so much more and gaining so much out of the trip. it felt more like a vacation than anything. Even Roy agreed that the homework was starting to get easier to manage than office paperwork. And now with Sirius's additional help they were starting to try and unravel the mystery of who put Ed's name in the cup and why.

It was as though everything was working out perfectly.

But like everyone knows...all peace had to come to an end sometime.

break

Edward frowned as he wandered through the white dreamscape. Wondering why he was here again.

Suddenly he paused, seeing Alphonse standing in the open, smiling at him. "Alphonse? Is this...a dream then? For sure?" he asked.

Alphonse shrugged "It both is and isn't." he said cryptically, smiling in amusement.

He then looked at Edward teasingly "So...you and Winry an item yet?" he teased.

Edward blushed "Of course not." he defended hotly.

"But you want to be." Alphonse pointed out. Edward fell silent, looking away from his brother.

When he finally turned to him his face was full of pain and regret "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." he said.

Alphonse shook his head "You did everything you could. It was my fault for getting caught. That's why I told you to live on." he said.

But finally Alphonse frowned, looking nervously over his shoulder "Look, Ed. I need you to do me a favor now. This tournament you are in. There is more to it than it seems. You have to be careful Edward. Don't fall into their trap." he said.

Edward frowned "What? Alphonse what are you talking about? You are just a dream." he said in confusion.

Alphonse shook his head "I don't have much time to explain before I'm stopped. I can explain later. Just trust me on this. Make sure you keep an eye on Winry. She's in danger but you can't shut her out. Keep her close and keep her safe. I'm counting on you brother." he said seriously.

Edward frowned, his heart starting to increase "Alphonsse what are you talking about? How is Winry in danger? What is going on?" he demanded.

Alphonse suddenly flinched, looking behind him "I'm out of time. Just trust me. That's all you can do for right now." he said.

Before Al could walk away though Edward grabbed his hand "Alphonse are you...are you actually dead?" he asked suspisciously, that blasted feeling of hope rising in him.

Fervently he praye he was wrong. That would be far to painful. but Alphonse smiled ever so slightly, his lips forming the words as everything began to dim, showing the end of the dream.

Abruptly Edward sat up in his bed, gasping for air as Roy, Riza, and Winry looked at him worriedly. They had heard him calling in his sleep and mumbling nonsense but they hadn't been able to get him to wake. But now that he was up, gasping for air he said the one set of words none of them had been suspecting "Alphonse is alive."