Author: Jade S. Lee
Interlude: Genius
He had been called many things in his life: little boy, Full Metal, the people's saviour among other things. But the one recurring label that followed him even to a different world was genius.
Edward knew that he was a prodigy, had known it ever since he discovered that he completely understood alchemic equations that baffled adults as a young boy and was better than even Alphonse at studying the science. But he truly realized his genius when he had attempted human transmutation with his brother one stormy night, and had almost succeeded. It was a strange moment for him, he remembered - feeling the cold grip of terror washing through him but at the same time a disgusting sense of pride at his accomplishment. From that day on he grudgingly accepted the smiling praises of brilliance with a detached smile and a nod. He did not want to be known for his genius just because he could memorize volumes of information, he wanted to be recognized for applying his genius to help others.
That was probably why I was an annoying, gloating git when I was younger Edward thought distastefully, knowing that in those times he was still too young and too naive to understand that a few good deeds were not enough to change the world. He knew better now, living in this alternate universe alone had opened his eyes to what the world was really like and how it took more than one brilliant child to bring about a revolution.
Resting his head on his arms wearily, Edward watched his miniature Firebolt model whizzing around his office. He did not really know why he had bought the thing; it had been completely spur of the moment. But when he had seen the model flying around the store he couldn't help but smile. It was the first time he had found anything humorous in this world. He even remembered laughing at it at some point, at which the store clerk had given him an odd look and told him the selling price of the model.
Now, nearly four months after he had stumbled upon this world of witches and wizards Edward found the novelty of the model had worn off. The cliché of witches riding broomsticks as a means of transportation didn't amuse him as much anymore so the model was quickly becoming a nuisance.
I'm getting too used to this world, Edward thought ruefully. With a heaving sigh he decided that he had better things to do than to watch a toy model fly around his office so he set to work marking some papers.
No sooner had he finished marking the first paper when he heard a knock on the door. Before he even had a chance to call in the person the heavy oak door opened and a tall man swept in.
"Make yourself at home, Professor" Edward grumbled sarcastically, not pleased at the interruption.
"Good evening Edward, may I have a word with you?" The man said, moving a pile of paperwork from the worn sofa to the floor and sat down.
"You could have said that at the door. Surely wizards are taught simple manners?" Edward turned to face the man, leaning precariously on his chair and feigning nonchalance.
"Did you not hear me knock on your door?" An innocent smile graced the man's aged face, and his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Fuck you. Edward wanted to say, but instead forced a pleasant smile on his face.
"To what do I owe this pleasure Professor Dumbledore?"
"Albus" Dumbledore corrected brightly. "Well you see Edward..."
He hated it when the old man called him by his first name. Although it was to be expected - he addressed the other instructors informally as well, Edward did not like how the professor said his name - especially when they were alone. With an unnatural lilt to his voice, the kind that of tone that little children would use when they were baiting someone. The twinkle in his eyes and the little half-wink were also thrown in at odd times to annoy Edward further. It made Edward want to shove the model Firebolt down the bastard's throat.
But he knew that he couldn't do that. The school would be hopeless without their headmaster and Edward was supposed to keep a low profile in this world. Landing himself in jail for attempted murder would not bring him any closer to finding a way home.
"...so I trust that you'll do this task for me then, Edward? Edward?"
Realizing that the professor was still speaking to him, Edward refocused his attention on the old man.
"Roger that." Giving the professor a smirk and a lazy salute, Edward stood up from his chair and moved towards one of the numerous bookshelves that lined his tiny office. Pretending to scan the titles on the nearest shelf, Edward willed the man to leave. I'm tired of dealing with you.
"Excellent! When you have the time please notify Severus that you will be available to substitute for his classes and inform Minerva of your agreement to participate in the festivities."
...WHAT?
"I have to what?" Turning around sharply, Edward glared at the man incredulously, fury lining his face.
"I believe you just agreed to this, Edward, I trust you will be able to follow through?" Another casual, far too friendly smile appeared on his face. Edward's hands shook with fury.
"Fuck you" This time he really said it, growling the curse softly and narrowing his eyes.
The bastard was trapping him again. He knew that Edward did not want to mingle with the public more than necessary. Yet he purposefully asked Edward to do these tasks, waited until Edward was distracted to tell him, and somehow got him to agree to it. It pissed him off.
Seemingly unfazed, Dumbledore strolled away from the quietly seething young man and reminded him to speak with Professor Snape first thing in the morning.
After slamming the door shut in frustration after Dumbledore had left and pushing all the clutter towards the edge of the desk, Edward sank in his chair and rested his forehead on the table. The cool wood soothed some of his anger and he felt himself sigh heavily.
He felt tired, and old, dealing with Dumbledore. The man, probably thrice his age or more, was more difficult to handle than the colonel bastard back in Amestris. At least the colonel was frank; he didn't sugar-coat his words and it was relatively easy to tell what kind of mood he was in. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was harder to read and hid behind his cheerful facade. And the damned twinkling pissed Edward off as well.
He did not know why he felt so drained when dealing with the old professor. He had dealt with people like him before - manipulative, crafty bastards who used their charms and trustworthy appearance to their advantage. But he had never felt distracted or tired during a conversation with a person he deemed dangerous before. It was just his luck that the professor would always visit him when he was having a bad day. Or when he had consumed too much firewhiskey.
Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, then wearily opening the bottom drawer of his desk, Edward gingerly pulled out a half empty bottle of firewhiskey.
Living in this school has turned me into an alcoholic. Taking a long swig from the bottle, Edward looked blearily around his room, wishing that he had not ordered the house-elves to stop cleaning his room. Feeling the drink burn down his throat followed by the slight heady sensation of the alcohol taking effect, Edward felt himself completely relax.
Might as well finish what I started, he thought ruefully, once again picking up his quill to continue grading assignments. But before he could even grab an assignment to grade, a small piece of fiery red parchment caught his eye. It was placed on top of the assignments, arranged like a birthday or greeting card would be. Yeah right, like anyone would send me a greeting card. Snatching the parchment from the top of the pile Edward opened it to find Dumbledore's neat, slightly slanted cursive.
Edward,
There are certain books up in my study that you might find interesting. Feel free to peruse my collection at your leisure. Help yourself to some Ice Mice as well, consider it equivalent exchange.
And please refrain from smuggling firewhiskey into the building, the house-elves will be able to supply you with all the alcoholic beverages you need.
Albus
He hated to admit it, but the old bastard was a genius.
A.N: Another chapter….erm…sub chapter done. The numbering of the chapters are going to get weirder from now on because I'm going to add in "interludes" every so often (probably after every two chapters) that are not in Hermione's POV. This is because I want the main story to be told from Hermione's POV but also wanted to explore other characters so that the plot would make more sense. The "interludes" are just going to be little sidestories or clarification of certain facts told from a different person's point of view (who I'm going to choose next, I dunno. I'm seriously making this stuff up as I go along) This one, as you can see, is from Edward's POV. I hope I didn't make him too OOC but I wanted to stress the fact that he is older and wiser now so he might seem more introverted and bitter than in the anime. But I also wanted him to keep the same sort of personality: having a quick temper, mistrustful, wanting to do things his own way, foul mouth, intelligent beyond intelligent etc. As for Dumbledore, I didn't intend to make him seem like a bastard but this is how Edward views him. Arrggg, I don't wanna explain. There's a reason why Ed hates him so much. Well, hope everyone liked it.
Until next time!
p.s. I tend to think of better ideas when I get feedback. I also think that two heads (or more) are better than one. So I hope that I get constructive criticism in the future and maybe even some ideas so that I don't run out of ideas…..yes I'm already running out (Don't worry, as of now I can last another four of so chapters, it'll come to me eventually. Don't you hate it when you already have the end all planned out but don't know what to do for the middle?)