CHAPTER V

The World Knows

"You know," Ed was saying, "the first time I came here I nearly lost my mind."

"Don't be so dramatic." Minerva drawled.

"I'm not being dramatic." Ed muttered. "After a lifetime of alchemy all this magic could make anyone go insane."

Minerva sighed. It was obvious to everyone this morning that Ed was not looking forward to this day. He had taken to grumbling and moaning at everything. "What is the problem Edward?"

It was Ed's turn to sigh. "Just nervous I guess. I'd rather wait till classes start to meet the students. Here I'm just another teenager."

"As long as you are a teacher at Hogwarts," Minerva said sternly, " you carry that authority everywhere you go."

It took a moment for Minerva to realize she was walking by herself. She turned back to see Ed staring at her, a small smile on his face.

"Thanks Professor." He said.

"Please, call me Minerva when we are not in front of the students." She said, smiling back.

"Only if you call me Ed."

They continued to walk until they came across a trio of students. Minerva steered towards them.

All three students stopped their conversation when they saw them coming towards them.

"Hello Professor McOnogal." One said.

"Good afternoon Miss Patil." Minerva said, coming up and looking at the copy of Witch Weekly she was carrying. "May I see that?"

"Oh.. uhm… yes." She handed over the magazine. On the magazine was a moving picture of Ed, sitting in a chair reading. The headline read-

PINTE-SIZED PROFESSOR

THE NEW ALHCEMY TEACHER THAT CANNOT BE OUT OF SCHOOL YET

Both Minerva and Ed almost lost it. Never had Ed been so humiliated in his life. But to Minerva's infinite gratitude to the powers that be, Ed calmly read the article and handed it back to Pavarty.

"You really shouldn't read crap like that." Ed said calmly.

Minerva had to walk very quickly to catch up to Ed. Little did Ed or Minerva know that Pavarty and her friends were actually looking at the picture, not the article. The basis for the Edward Elric Fan Club, the P.E.F.C., was founded that day.

After several more hours of trying not to lose his temper as more and more articles about him popped up, Ed finally had had more than he could stand and asked Minerva if he could go back to the school. She took him back, then returned to Diagon Alley.

With nothing else to do, Ed retired to his room to write up his weekly report. Winry, who's rooms were connected to the same common room as Ed's and Al's, was sitting by the fire reading about her new favorite subject, Quiditch.

"Hey Ed." She smiled. " Professor Dumbledore wants to see you. He wants you to ask Roy something."

"Fine." He grumbled. "I'll just write up my report and go see him."

Flame,

Finished writing up class schedules. Kids will be here in twelve days. I was in a magazine. It sucked. Bad day. Albus is sending you a letter.

Fullmetal

"Edward please come in." Dumbledore smiled as Ed walked into his office.

"You said you needed to see me about something?" Ed made himself comfortable in a chair.

"Yes. I was wondering if you could ask Colonel Mustang if he could send us a few books on alchemy. Our library may be large, but that is a subject we have very little material on. The students will want something for reference."

"I'm sure Colonel Obnoxious can send something." Ed thought for a moment. "But the military has complete control over the five main libraries. You would have a better time going to Xing, or one of the other nations."

"I see." Dumbledore looked strait into Ed's eyes. "Your country does not have much tolerance for its people do they?" it was a statement.

Ed could not meet Dumbledore's eyes. "No." His voice became fierce. "But me, the Colonel, and everyone at East Headquarters are trying to change that."

"Good." Dumbledore abruptly changed the topic. "So how are you settling in?"

"Fair enough." Ed grumbled. "Except for that damned Witch Weekly article everything's going fine."

"Ah, you saw it." Dumbledore chuckled.

"Hard not to when everyone at that damn Alley is carrying one around." He ran his hands through his hair. "I'm not so sure this is a good idea anymore."

"The best ideas are never the easy ones."

"Tell that to my pride."

"Edward." The serious tone his voice brought back Ed's full attention. "There is something I want you to do for me."

"Yes?"

"I want you and Daniel to teach the students defensive alchemy."

Ed was perplexed. "Why? Aren't they taught how to defend themselves in D.A.D.A.?"

"Usually yes. But I am afraid that Professor Umbridge has other plans."

"Why?"

Dumbledore sighed heavily. "You have heard of Lord Voldemort?" Ed nodded. "Through the events of last year, we have concluded that he has returned. Unfortunately, the Ministry does not believe us-"

"So they sent Umbridge to watch over you." Ed finished.

"Very observant." Dumbledore said, smiling. "The Ministry is trying everything they can to discredit us, hence the Witch Weekly."

"So you want me to pull double shift. Teach them alchemy and how to use it in a fight."

"You're very quick."

Ed leaned back, gloating. "They don't call me a genius for nothing."

They both laughed at that.

The day the students were supposed to arrive, Ed was told that Al and Winry had decided, with the Headmaster's approval, to enroll as fifth year students. Both had demonstrated that they both were very quick learners in Transfiguration, so they were given class schedules and sorted before everyone had arrived.

Minerva was absolutely beaming. "Two new Gryffindors! You'll have to move up into the Tower with the rest of your house, but I'm sure you'll be welcome!"

So it ended up that Ed had to make his way down to the Great Hall and sit up at the teacher's table without them. When he reached the great hall, Professor Flitwik ushered him over to sit next to him.

"I say," Flitwik absolutely reeked happiness, "You must be so proud of your friends. I was in Ravenclaw myself, but Gryffindor is a splendid House!"

"Quiet you two!" Snape, who Ed had taken an immediate disliking to, hissed. "Here come the students."

Ed growled, but shut his mouth.