In Times of Trouble

Chapter Twenty

After the Storm

Hogwarts

The Alchemists and Wizards set to work removing the damage from the battle. They made quick work of the debris, and with a clap Edward had removed the stone walls, returning to their natural shape. Roy frowned at his eldest son, who said without looking at him "Yes, I can put it all back. Yes, I almost always DID put it all back, unless some idiot local said I couldn't. I kept trying to tell you at the time, those expense reports were bullshit, there wasn't any damage to repair."

"Well, to be fair, there was. You just had already repaired it. I think an audit's in order, don't you?" Roy said with a smile, even as stones flew around them as McGonagall continued repairs on the castle.

"I think an apology is overdue. You should have believed me." Ed grumbled.

"I usually did. It was just easier to sign a check." Roy said with a sigh. "Plus, I didn't want to explain to the brass why a thirteen-year-old could not only tear down half the town but put it back just as fast."

"…Acceptable." Edward said.

Dumbledore walked up to them then, as the Healers carried in the sheet wrapped bodies. "That woman. You said she called herself Dante?"

"Yes." Edward said shortly.

"She appeared to be at least in her eighties." Dumbledore added. Edward nodded and rolled his eyes, already guessing where this was headed. "Really, anyone could claim to be Perenelle Flamel. She hasn't appeared publicly in years. I think perhaps it would be best if her clearly false claim was kept between us, so as not to raise a panic in the wizarding community."

"Whatever you want old man." Edward said. "It's nothing to me either way."

"Very good. Well then, I think we should get the children settled." Dumbledore replied with a smile.

He wandered off back toward the castle, with the others watching him go. "He's already planning on ways to cover this whole thing up. You know that of course." Edward said with a huff.

"It is what I would do in his place. He isn't wrong. The way these people revere Flamel and his wife, it could do a great deal of damage if the truth of who attacked the school were to come out so soon after the fall of their last enemy." Roy said thoughtfully. "We'll likely be shipped off before the Ministry arrives as well, though that's for the best. This could easily become an international incident if we aren't careful."

"I hate politics." Ed grumbled.

"I know."

"Yet you dragged me into them anyway."

"I led you willingly into the arena yes."

"…Dammit. C'mon this is cleaned up and I'm getting food before they send us away. I burnt ten pounds today." Edward said. Roy nodded. He was hungry himself, and Ed did look a bit shaky. Aside from Al, the other alchemists had returned to the castle a while ago in search of food.

Roy led Ed up the hill, then went in search of Al who was surely in need of a break as well. He found his younger son sitting against a cottage near the edge of the forest. Next to him was a man with shaggy black hair, that was larger than Armstrong. A feat Roy would not have believed had he not seen the man himself.

"Hello there!" The man said cheerfully. "Is this one, one of yours then? I found him near the wall fast asleep."

"Yes, my son, Alphonse." Roy said with a smile. "Hello, I'm Fuhrer Roy Mustang. Thank you for helping him. Alphonse was sick for a long time, and he still tires easily."

"Oh, it's no problem. Would you like me to carry him up to the castle for you? It looks like the clean up is just about done." Hagrid replied.

Roy and Hagrid made their way back up the hill again, where Ed was still waiting on a stone bench that Roy left him on. When he saw Al in the giant's arms Ed jumped to his feet in alarm. Roy rushed forward and wrapped an arm around his elder son, who was still pale. "It's alright Ed. Al's just tired. He wasn't injured."

"Idiot Brother. I'm telling your wife!" Ed said, delighted to finally throw the threat back at Al after the last couple of years.

"Don't Ed, you'll only worry her." Al said from the man's arms, struggling to get down. Hagrid set him on his feet but kept a hand on him in case he fell over.

Hagrid chuckled a bit at their antics before leading the three of them inside. Dumbledore waited until the worst of the mess was removed from the castle before having the children called up to the Great Hall, and the Amestrians in the Kitchens released.

Once everyone was seated and they had the children distracted with food, it was decided that it was in everyone's best interest if the Ministry was not informed that two foreign bodies had been involved in the battle. It was enough to know that Death Eaters had attacked and killed a handful of people.

Ed and Al were busy shoveling food into their mouths at alarming speeds, though the other alchemists were eating almost as quickly. Marcoh, who had spent the battle on standby in case of injuries, agreed with everything Dumbledore was saying about their return to the train station as well as explaining that the battle had drained a lot of the alchemists' energy and though they could carry on a lot longer than they had, they tended to eat whenever they could in the field for that reason.

Once the plates were cleared, and all of the luggage had been moved to sit near the doors, Dumbledore thanked them again for their help and Mustang lead the way outside to a line of carriages waiting to take them to town.

All of them froze when they saw the skeletal horses in front of the carriages, though Hagrid had been quick to explain they were magical and that they were invisible unless you had witnessed someone die. He then looked a bit sad when he realized every one of the visitors had seen them.

"We're soldiers Hagrid. From a country that until recently spent most of its history at war with its neighbors." Roy said," If these creatures are as safe as you claim, we really should be going before the Ministry arrives."

Train

Once they were on board the train, on their way back to London, Roy finally found the time to bring up Gringotts to his sons. Edward frowned, before sighing heavily. "Did I pack any civilian clothes? I'm not drawing attention by walking into Diagon Alley dressed in uniform."

"No, but you can borrow something from me. We're nearly the same size." Al said as he dug through his brother's bag.

"Dad? Are you going ahead or staying with us?" Ed asked. "What about the others? Should we just send everyone back and meet you guys in a couple days?"

"I already spoke to Snape on the matter. We're taking another suite in the hotel Mei and Al were in, we have three days. Then he will arrive to take us back." Roy said. "Al and Mei, at that time you can come back with us, or carry on with your trip it's entirely up to you."

"We'll discuss it once we arrive at the hotel, however, I believe either way I will send my brother's people back to him. They should not be needed any longer." Mei said with a smile before leaving the cabin to talk to her people.

"So, are we sending anyone on ahead, or is our party sticking together?" Ed asked Roy.

"Hmm. In light of our station, it would be improper to send them all ahead." Roy said thoughtfully. "I do not wish to keep them from their homes longer than is necessary. I will discuss it with the men. You two need to rest."

London

In the end, Mei kept two bodyguards, Roy kept Fuery, Edward kept Breda, and Armstrong insisted on staying. They rented two suites for the nine of them, sending the rest ahead. Lupin had arrived to help take everyone back as quickly as possible, so they were not forced to take the train, to everyone's relief.

Roy and Ed both send letters back with Tringham to take to their wives explaining their reason for remaining. He promised not to unseal the letters, which were also written in code. He agreed to explain what happened in person as well. Once they were gone, and the others settled into their rooms, Roy sat down with the boys to plan their next move.

"I've been to Diagon Ally before with Snape. It shouldn't be too hard to navigate. The bank is the biggest building there, and sits right at the end, easy to see." Ed said. "I think Al and I can get in and out without too much trouble. With it being a blood seal, I'm not sure we would be able to take anyone else in with us Dad."

"I assumed that may be a problem, however, I would feel better if Mei and I at least went as far as this shopping district with you. We can always wait outside if you would not be allowed to take us down to the vault." Roy said with a nod. "The others can take the day to rest."

"I believe, from what I have read, that we should be able to take Mei and Dad in with us because they are relatives by law, but one of us would have to be with them since we are the blood tie." Al said.

"That would make sense. Okay, we go in the morning. For today, I need to eat again and get some sleep." Ed said with a tired nod.

Hogwarts

Dumbledore met with the Ministry officials at the gate, accompanied by McGonagall and Snape. He greeted them with a grim expression as he led them up the hill toward the castle. Luckily, it was Shacklebolt and Moody who had been sent, so they would understand the parts he was leaving out.

"I'm afraid the grounds surrounding the school became a bit of a battle zone this morning. It appears that two rival groups were fighting in the area and the school was just an unfortunate crossover. We sent for aide as a precaution because, of course, our own security measures are in place and were doing well to keep them out. We gathered the bodies of the dead once the battle was over." Dumbledore explained as he led the way to the infirmary. "I am afraid one side was unknown, but the other was Death Eaters."

"This is grave news indeed Dumbledore. How many casualties do we have?" Shacklebolt said.

"None from Hogwarts, thankfully, twenty-one altogether from the fight." Dumbledore said. "Ranging in age from late teens to early eighties."

"Hmm. I wonder what the Death Eaters wanted with them." Moody said in his normal growl.

"I'm sure the Professor here wouldn't know. After all, he's simply the Headmaster." Shacklebolt said and Moody nodded in agreement.

When they reached the infirmary, the bodies were waiting for them, wrapped in sheets and strapped to litters. No one else was in the room at the moment, not even the medical witch. "I don't know everything that happened, however, in the middle of the siege the Death Eaters arrived, one walked forward and yelled the name 'Dante' and as soon as this woman turned around, she was hit with the killing curse. The others were a moment later before they could react. Then the Death Eaters turned around and walked right back off the grounds as if nothing happened."

"Off the record. What was this really about sir?" Shacklebolt asked.

"This woman, Dante, gathered a group to try to take the school." Dumbledore said. "That was the only part I left out of the official report."

"Very well. Thank you for your cooperation, Dumbledore. Will clear this away for you now." Moody said with a frown.

"Thank you very much gentlemen. I fear telling that bit may cause a panic among the parents, and the students were never endangered." Dumbledore assured.

Gringotts

Diagon Ally

Edward lead the way through the pub, then the wall, into the wizard's shopping district. As he remembered, the bank was easy to spot, though the number of bookstores called to him. He was able to keep going without a pause thanks to the promise of even more obscure books secured in the Vault.

They walked calmly down the ally until they reached the bank. Ed frown briefly at the message on the doors before entering with Roy, Al, and Mei trailing right behind him. With more confidence than he felt, Ed walked up to the counter and waited for the teller to respond to him.

"Good Morning. "Edward said with a smile.

"Hohenhiem's kin, come to collect his interest. You can enter whenever you wish." The goblin grumbled before turning to call for another one to take them down into the tunnel.

"Who may enter?" Alphonse asked politely.

"Whomever you wish." The new goblin grumbled leading them away into what appeared to be mine carts.

None of them felt particularly comfortable with the idea of getting aboard, but reluctantly followed the goblin. He calmly lead them down until they reached a lower level, to vault number 715. They got out and he instructed Edward to place his hand on the door, along with turning the key.

Inside the vault were the contents of his library, as well as mountains of gold. They stared at the rows of shelves, showing no interest in the gold at the moment. "I wonder if they are in any sort of order?" Alphonse whispered.

"Knowing the way, he had our home library set up, yes." Edward replied. "It's a matter of locating the right section. Provided it all moved in the same order it was arranged in the house."

"Brother, I wonder…do you think the first library is in here too?" Al asked.

Ed frowned and turned to the goblin standing just outside of the vault. "Would you know if books arrived more than once?"

"Since this vault was occupied in 1778, there have been eight instances of library retrieval. There have been three in the last decade." The goblin replied in a bored tone.

"There you have it." Ed said to Al.

"I don't think we'll be able to go through all this in three days." Mei said as she read the spines.

"I don't think we would be able to go through all of this in three months." Ed replied. "I've done my fair share of research, but this…this looks like the First Branch before it burned."

"Brother, I think part of the First Branch is in here." Alphonse said from a different row.

"I found a promising section." Roy said from even further away.

It seemed the vault expanded whenever something is added to it, the vast majority of the space was taken over by books, though there were tapestries and portraits further back, as well as other treasures that Hohenhiem had brought over the years. Here, in this vault, was pieces of Xerxes, preserved.

The boys stared in wonder at what they had found. They were going to have to make several trips to explore it all. For the first time in a long time, the sheer weight of their birth father's immortality became obvious to them. He had lived lifetimes, something they were well aware of, but here in this cave under a city far from home was the proof.

They followed Roy's voice until they found the section he had located. Judging by the shelving the books sat on, this row had come from at least three different libraries originally. All of the books in this section were on the subject of souls.

"We need to narrow this down." Mei said calmly. She walked up to the first set of shelves. "At least it appears to be divided between magic and alchemy."

"For what we need right now, look at magic. I won't completely rule out alchemy though, after Promised Day." Edward said, and the others nodded as Ed started pulling out titles that looked promising.

Hogwarts

Life had returned to normal in the castle, the student body only somewhat aware of what had occurred the day before. Slughorn had turned in his notice after breakfast this morning, which was not completely unexpected. Nor was the sudden resignation of Professor Lane. Defense Against the Dark Arts never retained its professor long.

Dumbledore was not looking forward to trying to restaff multiple positions over the summer, and he called Snape to his office to discuss whether the man intended to return to Potions. Snape met him in the office shortly after he was summoned and sat as Dumbledore gestured to the chair.

"I heard Horus will not be returning in the fall." Snape said. "The question then was, have you remained sober the entire term."

"I can assure you Severus I haven't touched a drop in months." Dumbledore said.

"Yes, the house elves said as much." Snape replied. He then sighed heavily. "Truth told, to keep up the ruse we gave Lucius I'm afraid I don't have much of a choice. I will return to my post. However, I swear to you Albus, if you give me any reason to doubt you again, I will leave. There are other school to teach in, other countries willing to help stop HIS return."

"I assure you Severus, I have put it behind me. You were right to yell at me and point out my laziness as requested. I am recovering." Albus said.

I'm giving you this chance. Don't take advantage of this, I will know." Snape said. "I must settle my affairs abroad, then I will return to teach beginning the fall semester."

"Thank you, Severus." Dumbledore said with a smile.

"If you wish to thank me, do it by pulling yourself together and don't make me regret trusting you again." Snape sneered.

Dumbledore nodded in agreement, pleased with the conversation overall. Things had been rough for a while, but it appeared everything was back on track. He agreed that the advice had been sound, after spending time with the Amestrians. They would likely allow the boy to attend Hogwarts, provided none of the wizards approached them again until then.

Snape and Lupin might be alright to continue limited contact. However, Dumbledore himself was going to take a step back. This was not an easy decision for him to make and he had been debating it with himself for months, but he finally agreed it was the only way.

He would be leaving people to watch over the situation of course. Lupin could continue as well, he saw no reason to pull the man back to England, where he would struggle to find housing and employment, not when he was welcome and safe where he was. He had also become rather friendly with the brother and the brother's wife, which would help in the end as well.

He wrote out the advertisement once again to gain a new Defense teacher and sent it off to the Daily Prophet with one of the school owls before he read through the incoming mail. He had been about to head back downstairs for dinner when there was a knock at his door.

Professors McGonagall and Flitwick entered together, though Minerva took the lead. "Professor Dumbledore, we have a small situation."

"What's happened?" Dumbledore asked, with a frown both teachers seemed rather upset.

"Professor Binns died this afternoon between his third and fourth period classes sir." Minerva said.

"Why wasn't I informed earlier? Who took the afternoon classes?" Dumbledore asked as he stood intent on heading to the infirmary where he assumed Binns had been taken.

"Professor Binns took the lessons sir. It appears he died in the break room, but then his ghost simply returned to his classroom to finish the lessons. We were alerted to the situation when Professor Sprout found his body a few minutes ago. I went to his class myself, and he is in there, teaching the lesson. The students seem unaffected sir." Professor Flitwick replied.

"I will have to look into this. Please, have the students head to dinner now, I will be down shortly." Dumbledore said, debating the ethics of allowing a ghost to continue to teach the class.

On one hand, they had no other ghosts actually teaching here, on the other hand, the ghosts did tend to tutor students in need. There was also the matter of trying to find a new teacher, while not insulting the new ghost. Newly made ghosts were known for being emotional and easily insulted. It may be best to leave the situation at least until the end of term. After all, the students weren't bothered by the situation.