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Chapter 43-Technetium
Edward
With Voldemort's return made official to the public, things around Hogwarts changed. Most of the students looked nervous and scared and mail arrived more regularly in the morning. Edward supposed families wanted to make sure their children were alright and vice versa.
But the best in Edward's mind was Umbridge getting chased out of Hogwarts by Peeves. With Dumbledore back and the toad gone, Edward was starting to feel a little sad he and Al would have to leave soon.
But it couldn't be helped.
Edward and Alphonse spent most of their time with those they had gotten close to over the year. Harry seemed more withdrawn but it wasn't as bad as before. Edward knew that time would help him recover from what he had lost in the Ministry.
Dumbledore did call them up to his office a few days before the train to take the students back would leave.
"I wanted to thank you both for what you've done this year," he began.
Edward gave a nonchalant shrug. "You really don't need to thank us."
"But I do. You helped ensure that the students were protected in my absence and looked after Harry. I am in your debt."
"We would have done it regardless. That Umbridge was a mean old lady," Al said.
"I also wanted to give you this," Dumbledore said, giving Edward a letter. Edward looked it over and saw the wax seal on the front. "It's a request that you both come back to Hogwarts next year if you wish."
Al looked to Edward and he nodded, putting the letter in his coat. "We'll try to make it. But I can't make any promises. If we're on a long mission or find a good lead we can't come back here to teach." And while it would make Al happy, Edward couldn't see spending another year here. He would feel guilty as he did not see the path for getting Al his body back here. Al would be stuck in that suit of armor for another year at least if they came back.
But if Al really wanted to come back Edward didn't think he would deny him. Maybe after using the summer to reflect he could see a way to use the magic here to reach their goal.
"I understand," Dumbledore said with a kind smile on his face. "If you cannot return, please know you will be greatly missed."
"We'll miss it here too," Edward replied.
"And even if Brother can't come back to teach let us know if you need our help!"
Edward gave a short nod. "Yeah, we'll be there if you need us."
"Of course," Dumbledore replied. "I also wished to ask how you want to return to Amestris? I can arrange a portkey on the grounds."
"Can we ride on the train?" Alphonse asked.
Dumbledore nodded. "I'll have one of the Order apparate you from Kings Cross Station back to Amestris."
"Sounds good to me," Edward stated and the brothers headed out of his office.
"I am happy we came Brother," Al said softly.
"Me too...it was an interesting year, to say the least."
"Do you think the Colonel will give us another mission once we get back home?"
"Ugh knowing that slave driver he will and will want me to complete a huge report on my year here," Edward groaned, already dreading it.
They headed back to Edward's office where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were.
"What are you three doing here?" Edward asked.
"Classes are done and exams are canceled," Ron replied with a shrug. With all the fear and uncertainty in the air, Dumbledore had elected to cancel any exams and classes to let the students enjoy their last few days at Hogwarts.
Edward went and leaned against his desk. "And you three don't want to be mobbed by everyone so you hid out in here?"
Hermione nodded and asked. "So when will you be leaving and going back to Amestris?"
"Al wanted to ride on the train with you so we'll be leaving right after that."
"Oh! That's nice," Hermione replied, smiling a bit.
"And you don't know if you'll be back next year?" Ron asked to which Edward nodded in confirmation.
"Hopefully we will," Alphonse interjected.
"We'll send you a letter if we can't," Edward also added. "And don't get me wrong, this year has been crazy at times but it's also been fun, and with the military, I don't get to choose where I'm sent sometimes and even then...if we find a potential lead, we can't pass that up either."
"We understand," Hermione said, still looking a little sad at the idea.
"You'll still send letters though?" Ron then asked.
"Of course, I got an owl don't I?"
Ron smiled and said. "Well I know Mum still has her open invitation to you both, so let us know if you get your bodies back and we'll throw a huge party when you come up."
"We will," Edward promised. The list of people they would have to tell was getting pretty long now. Ed supposed there would be lots of parties thrown.
"How are you three doing though?" Edward then asked them. He knew that what happened at the Ministry didn't just affect Harry.
"Alright," Ron said. "I mean...we did know You-Know-Who was already back and thanks to you none of us got extremely hurt."
"It is hard to adjust though since everyone knows he is back it's going to get dark again. He won't be moving in the shadows anymore. Everything that happened last time will happen again," Hermione said quietly.
Edward knew as a Muggle-born she was in more danger than most other wizards and witches, and especially since she was friends with Harry Potter. "You guys are tough and you'll make it through all of this. The important thing is to make sure you stay together."
"Even though you might not come back to teach, can we count on you to come back and help?" Harry asked.
"Don't worry about that, just send a letter and we'll come," Alphonse said and Ed nodded as well.
"Yeah, can't miss a chance to give it to that bastard again," Edward said with a grin.
Harry looked out the window and Edward knew he was thinking about the prophecy yet again. Edward didn't blame him, it would be hard to think of anything else. Alphonse changed the subject to something more light-hearted and Edward glanced over at Hermione. He supposed now was as good a time as any to do this.
"Hermione? Can I have a word?"
Hermione nodded and followed him to another empty classroom. "What is it?"
Edward sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. Winry may say he is an idiot when it came to things like love but he wasn't blind. "Look I-I've noticed that you've..." This was becoming more painful by the moment.
Hermione turned red and stammered. "N-noticed what?"
"I'm sorry, I just-I don't feel the same way," he said. "I'm really sorry."
Hermione ducked her head and Edward sighed. "You're a really nice girl and one of the smartest people I know. You'll find someone who'll worship the ground you walk on."
"I-I wasn't...it-"
"Hermione," he said in the most gentle tone he could. "You're a great friend and I'm glad we met this year."
Hermione looked up, a dusting of pink still on her cheeks. "How long have you known?"
"I suspected it a while ago, but I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure. And then with everything happening...I'm sorry."
"Why are you the one who is apologizing?"
"Because, I never wanted you to be embarrassed or in any kind of pain."
"It was just silly of me," she said, looking down again.
"You are many things Hermione Granger but silly is not one of them."
Hermione smiled a little at that and Edward felt a little bit better.
The days flew by and next thing Edward knew, he and Al were packing up their things. It didn't take them long and once they stepped out of their room Edward set his suitcase down.
Elizabeth stood from her piano and smiled at them. "It was nice having you this year. I hope to see you again soon."
"You were the best painting we could have hoped for...if that makes any sense," Edward replied.
"We'll miss you," Al added.
Elizabeth smiled a little and waved as they left. Edward walked to the main entrance with Alphonse and saw Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid, and Madame Pomfrey standing there.
"You two take care now," Madame Pomfrey said. "I'm afraid I can't give you anything to take...just in case."
"No worries," Edward said. "Thanks for taking such good care of me." Madame Pomfrey had a small smile on her face and she said her goodbyes before departing.
"I'm gonna miss ye Ed, ye too Al," Hagrid said.
"We'll miss you too Hagrid," Al said, giving the half-giant a big hug.
"Hope ye can come an' teach next year."
"Us too," Edward said and let himself be hugged as well, feeling all the air get knocked out of his lungs.
Hagrid pulled out a big handkerchief and dotted his eyes.
"Don't cry Hagrid, we'll be back...one day," Edward said. Even if it was years from now, they would definitely come back.
"Sorry," he murmured and stepped to the side so McGonagall could say her goodbyes.
"It was a pleasure to have you with us Edward, Alphonse."
"It was an absolute honor to meet you," Edward replied. McGonagall gave him the smallest of smiles and said. "Please give Miss Winry and her grandmother my regards when you see them next."
Edward gave her a mock salute and replied. "Yes, ma'am."
McGonagall looked the tiniest bit amused before Dumbledore approached them. "You two best be off with the rest of the students."
Edward extended his hand to Dumbledore and said. "Send us a letter if you need us. We'll be here."
"I have no doubt about it," he replied with a smile. "I wish you luck on your endeavors. If there is any way I can be of assistance please let me know."
"Will do old man," Edward said and Dumbledore laughed a little at that.
"Thank you for letting me come to Hogwarts too Professor," Alphonse added.
"Of course," Dumbledore replied. "And you both are forever welcome here at Hogwarts."
Edward picked up his suitcase and looked to Al. The two waved and said goodbye once more to the professors that they had come to know over the year and headed out with the rest of the students.
On the train, Edward leaned back and looked out the window. He and Al would be back on the road again soon. It was odd staying in one place for so long and now they'd have to readjust to hopping all over the country again.
The others talked about summer plans and played games of exploding snap. It was much more light-hearted and a nice breath of fresh air with all the doom and gloom that seemed to hang over the castle since the Ministry.
Once they started to get closer to London, many changed back into their normal clothes. "Oh! I almost forgot," Hermione said, getting something out of her bag. "We got you two something."
"You guys didn't have to do that," Edward said, accepting the small parcel that Hermione had handed to him.
He unwrapped it and saw it was a small photo album. Opening that he saw moving a moving picture of Harry, Ron, and Hermione waving.
"It's just a couple pictures of all of us and Hogwarts. Something to remember us by when you're back home," Ron said.
Edward flipped through the album and smiled when he shut it. He was at a loss for words, which was not something that happened...ever really.
"Thank you," Al supplemented for him.
"Yeah...thanks," he said when he finally got his voice back.
He put the photo album in his suitcase and while he knew he really couldn't show them to just anyone, it was something that he would carry with them everywhere. Edward wasn't much for sentimentality but he could make an exception for this.
Getting off the train, Edward smiled when he saw Mrs. Weasley with Fred and George along with a few other Order members. Going up to them he said. "How's life outside of Hogwarts?"
"Amazing, business couldn't be better," Fred replied.
"Did ya miss us Ed?" George asked with a smirk.
"Have to say things were much less interesting without you two around. But that exit...It was mighty impressive."
Fred and George both grinned and high fived one another.
"You two are legends at Hogwarts, can't think of a more fitting way to honor you both."
"You're going to make us cry."
"Yeah, never seen you this sentimental, you sure you're Edward Elric?"
Edward rolled his eyes and lightly punched George's arm. "You two take care now."
Mrs. Weasley, after greeting Ron, Hermione, and Harry came over to Edward and Alphonse. "Dumbledore wrote and told us of what was going on. Once we send Harry off then Tonks will take you back to Amestris."
The pink haired witched turned at the sound of her name and smiled, waving at them before returning to her conversation with Ginny.
"Why are you all here?" Edward asked her.
"Oh...well we wanted to have a little conversation with Harry's Aunt and Uncle before he went home with them," Mrs. Weasley said delicately.
Edward had a grin on his face and asked. "Might I join that conversation?"
They went through the barrier, Al staying behind as his armor would draw too much attention. They approached a very fat looking man and his son, along with an abnormally thin and tall woman.
"Good Afternoon," Mr. Weasley said with a pleasant smile on his face. Harry's Aunt and Uncle looked very displeased that he was even near them, let alone talking to them.
"We wanted to have a conversation with you about Harry," Mad-Eye said, glaring at them.
"How he is treated when he's in your home," Tonks added.
"H-how..it is none of your business what goes on in my home," he stammered.
"Oh I think it does," Edward interjected.
"Who are you?" He asked, looking Edward up and down and having a displeased look on his face.
"Oh, a friend of Harry's," Edward said taking off his glove and pushing his sleeve up. The glint of metal made Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley all look rather pale. Edward straightened himself up and said. "Harry told me what it's like living with you and I have to say...I don't like what I'm hearing. So here's the deal. You're going to treat him with respect. You are not going to starve him. You are going to give him clothes that are new and actually fit him."
Vernon seemed to stammer a bit, not liking that someone who looked so young was giving him orders.
"So if we find out you are treating Harry in any unpleasant way," Mr. Weasley said.
"And we will hear about it," Mad-Eye growled. "We will be having another chat...one much less delightful than this one."
"Is that a threat?"
Edward had a very devious grin on his lips. "Yes, it is actually. Good to see we're all on the same page."
Edward turned and smiled at Harry. "Have a good summer Harry Potter. I have to say...it was very nice meeting you." He extended out his hand and Harry shook it.
"You too...Edward Elric."
Harry said goodbye to the rest of the group before heading out with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin.
What do you all think?
Sorry it's a bit short, the story is winding down and everything and this chapter is to help wrap some stuff up.
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