"First class of the year. Defense Against the Dark Arts with Lust," said Harry.
"I don't remember so many people taking it last time," Ron commented. He and his friends were standing outside the DAtDA classroom. All of the other Gryffendors were there, along with all of the Hufflepuffs.
"Professor McGonogall made Defense Against the Dark Arts mandatory," explained Hermione.
"Zacharias Smith, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, all in one class! I hope Lust's up for this," exclaimed Ron. Lavender, standing a few paces away, shot Ron a deadly glare.
"Didn't you see the way she finished Snape off? I think she can handle a few teenagers," replied Harry.
"Is Professor Lust nice?" asked Neville. "Is she like Professor Snape, or Professor Umbridge?"
"She seems okay," answered Hermione. "We didn't see too much of her during the summer, but she doesn't seem that bad. Definitely better than Snape."
The door to the classroom opened. Lust stood there attentively, dressed for success. She had thrown black robes over her usual outfit, and even donned a tie that hid her tattoo. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and she held a wand in her hand. Gluttony followed right behind her, drooling. The chatter stopped, and all turned their attention towards their new teacher.
"Come in," Lust said rather mildly. "Sit where you like."
The students followed her instructions. The classroom that had so many changes of teachers now looked… normal. All of Snape's posters and other fetishes had been taken down. The room was strangely plain, but The Golden Trio preferred it to Snape's. The decorations in the room consisted of desks, the teacher's table, a blackboard and some candles. Lust walked up to the front, and started the attendance. In the middle of it, two blonde twelve-year-olds ran into the classroom.
"Ronald!" Ino shrieked, throwing herself around Ron's neck. Lavender looked positively outraged.
"Er… hi Ino," Ron choked out.
"Can I help you?" Lust asked.
"We're not on duty right now, so we thought we'd explore the school!" Ino announced.
"I have to stay with her because we're partners," Naruto grumbled.
"If that's what you want," Lust shrugged, still creepily meek. "Just don't disturb the class."
"Okay!" Ino perched herself on the desk behind Ron's, blocking Parvati's view. Naruto found himself a seat at the back, and proceeded to fall asleep. Lust finished the attendance.
"As I'm sure you've all figured out, I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Lust told the class. She read the name written on the blackboard. "Professor Solaris Lust. I'm sure you know about the guards from the other worlds who have come to protect Hogwarts. It is true that I am one of them. Before we begin our first unit, do any of you have questions you'd like to ask?"
"Who's that?" Zacharias Smith pointed at Gluttony.
"This is my assistant, Gluttony."
"You're the first teacher we've ever had that needed an assistant," Zacharias snickered. Lust shot a stabbing glare over to his direction.
"Are you implying that I'm incompetent?" she asked. Everyone was suddenly aware that her manner was as mild as Quirrell's, but she was much more dangerous than Snape.
"No ma'am," Zacharias squeaked.
Seamus Finnigan put up his hand. "I thought the people from the other worlds couldn't use magic? Then, how can you teach us?"
"The humans from the other worlds can't," replied Lust. "It is true that, while you may use magic, you cannot use alchemy or ninjutsu. In the same way, Konohan blondes over there can't use magic or alchemy, but can use ninjutsu. And those from the alchemy world can't use magic or ninjutsu. However, I am not human."
"What does that mean?" asked Dean Thomas.
"McGonogall and I researched on this over the summer. First, you must understand that all of our powers come from a place called The Gate. It converts the deaths of the people from our worlds into energy. We draw energy from the Gate, changing it into either alchemy, magic or ninjutsu, depending on what Chakra system your body has. When we traveled from our worlds to yours, we passed through the gate, using transportation circles. That is how it works for humans. Homunculi are a different matter." Lust explained.
"What are homunculi?" questioned Ernie Macmillan.
"We are created through alchemy. However, we cannot use it. Except for Wrath, but that's a different story. On the other hand, the Red Stones that give us nutrition allows us to have amazing regenerative abilities, and all seven of us have a unique talent. It also lets us use magic and ninjutsu." Lust transfigured a coffee mug sitting on her desk into a mouse that scurried away. She then used Kage Bunshin no Jutsu to create many forms of herself. The class applauded her, quickly taking a liking to her.
"As you can see, being a homunculus is very useful… at the cost of a soul," Lust sighed. "Shall we begin? After the events of yesterday, Professor McGonogall wishes me to teach you a spell called the Patronus…"
"What a beautiful day," exclaimed Roy. "I think we have the best shift of all!"
"Hogwarts is a pretty big place. They run it pretty well, too," Anko was impressed.
"Too bad we can't go inside. I want to see how they teach some of the classes," answered Roy.
"Hey, that guy Hagrid teaches classes outside," recalled Anko. "Care of Magical Creatures of something."
"Let's watch," Roy decided, and they went to Hagrid's cabin.
Second period C.o.M.C. was starting. The third years were taking it, and Wrath was helping Hagrid unload the Flobberworms. Sloth stood off to the side with Winry and Rose, watching the child-like homunculus. The third year students, who had obviously heard rumors of the fun and exciting creatures from the older kids, looked at the ugly, slimy creatures in disbelief. Hagrid gave everyone instructions, and went to talk to the adults.
"How's things so far?" he asked. "Do you like Hogwarts?"
"It's very interesting," said Roy. "This is the only thing even resembling a vacation that I've had in a long, long time."
"Poor, overworked Roy-kun." Anko patted his arm sympathetically.
"After the Ishbalan war, we were all pretty busy," replied Roy.
"My parents died in that war," said Winry.
"Oh, really? I'm sorry," Roy expressed his sympathy. "Many people died. A whole nation was practically wiped out. I hope nothing like that ever happens again."
"That's why you're all here, isn't it?" said Sloth. "Voldemort plans another genocide like that. And you classify under 'muggle'."
"Wars are such terrible things," Rose sighed.
"I think all of us here can agree," nodded Roy. "I fought in the war. It wasn't a pleasant experience. How did your parents die, Winry?"
"They were doctors that were killed on the battlefield. One day, they left, promising to return. They never did." Winry bit her lip. "Granny Pinako raised me, and now she's gone as well. I practically grew up with Ed and Al. They're the only family I have left."
"Their mother… she was a woman named Tricia Elric, wasn't she?" asked Sloth.
"That's right. She passed away some time ago. They were totally heartbroken. They loved her a lot. She was really nice," Winry recalled.
"Was she?"
"Yes. If you don't mind me saying so, you look a lot like her, ma'am." Winry peered at Sloth. "They tried to bring their mother back, but Ed lost an arm, and Al became a suit of armor…" Winry gasped, suddenly realizing how the similarity between Sloth and Tricia came about.
"Wait, Winry… isn't your last name Rockbell?" pondered Roy. "So your parents would be the doctors Rockbell…"
"That's right," nodded Winry. Roy's face darkened.
"I see. It's been a pleasant chat. I think we'd best be getting back to our duties." Roy announced. He walked away. Anko raced after him.
"Roy? What's wrong?" she asked when she caught up.
"The Ishbalan war brought out the worst in all of us. Everyone who returned from the battlefield lost something. For some, it was their limbs, and for others, the change was inside. Wars bring out the worst in humans. When we're placed on the battlefield, we become animals whose only thought is to kill and kill and kill." Roy felt a tear slip out the corner of his eye. He tried to hide it. "Some people, like doctors, are sent to help, but sometimes, they're killed, too. Killed by the very people they're trying to help. Like Winry's parents."
"That girl's parents… you were the one that killed them, weren't you?" asked Anko.
"I did some things that I'm not proud of, Anko. I killed many innocent people that didn't deserve it. I helped annihilate a nation who just happened to think differently. When I become Fuhrer, I will make up for my sins." More tears ran down his face. "I don't want innocent blood to ever shed like that again."
"You were subjected to many horrors you weren't ready for, weren't you?" Anko handed him a handkerchief. "We shinobi are also weapons of war. We live to fight from birth until death, and we find happiness in it. I wouldn't think twice about killing someone if they got in my way. I suppose a life isn't that valuable in our world. The opposite of yours, huh?"
"Many don't realize the worth of life until they're surrounded by death. Deaths caused by their own hands." Roy sighed in lament. "I really regret my actions, and I will amend for my sins."
"A worth cause. You can stop crying, Roy. I've made a decision." Anko wiped away the last of Roy's tears. "I don't know why, but I really care about you. I'll help you. I'll make sure you achieve your goal, and I'll travel to the top with you."
"What?" asked Roy. "Are you sure? What about your own life, in your own world?"
"I've decided to support you, and I stand by my decision." Anko embraced Roy. "So don't try to talk my way out of it."
"Oh… thanks…" Roy hugged her back.
"Your dream is really, really huge, Roy Mustang. You'll need all the help you can get," replied Anko. "The higher you get, the more enemies you'll make. You need friends who you can depend on."
"That sounds just like something Maes Hughes would say," Roy laughed.
"Edward! You can't sleep!" Temari scolded her partner.
"Why not? Nothing's happening. I need plenty of rest. I'm still growing," Edward yawned.
"Clearly," Temari muttered.
"Who are you calling short!" demanded Ed, sitting up from the couch.
"Calm down…" Temari sweatdropped. "Can't blame you for falling asleep, though. It really is boring here. It's a beautiful day so everyone's outside."
"Don't know why the old witch wanted us to stay here the whole day." Ed sighed. The fireplace they were sitting in front of suddenly burst into bright green flame. The face of smirking sin with verdant hair emerged. Both Edward and Temari jumped up.
"Fullmetal Pipsqueak and Fan Girl! Finally, people that don't refer to themselves in the third person!" Envy heaved a sigh in relief.
"Don't call me pipsqueak!" Edward snarled.
"Fullmetal Pipsqueak? Cute!" Temari laughed.
"Wanna switch duties?" offered Envy. "You can run around cleaning classrooms and being ordered around by house elves, and I'll… sit around doing nothing."
"I'll pass," declined Edward.
"Aren't house elves the little green people that cook in the kitchen? I thought you were the caretaker's assistant," said Temari.
"Filch dumped me in the kitchen because I'm 'too useless'," Envy made a face. "I despise that man! And as for his idiotic cat, I'd like nothing better than to give her a well-deserved kick in the face!"
"Is Envy-san shirking duty again? Dobby going to have to tell Mr. Filch if Envy-san not get back to doing dishes!" a voice called from behind Envy. He winced at every word of the house elf's terrible grammar.
"I'm going to go crazy in here!" Envy exclaimed. "I'd better go before Filch puts me on permanent bathroom duty!"
"If you do, you'd better stay away from Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," Ed cautioned, shuddering at the memory of his last run-in with the perverted ghost.
"Oh yeah, Pipsqueak, Lust wanted to know if you found out anything about the Philosopher's Stone?" asked Envy.
"Not really, since we've been stuck here the whole day" shrugged Ed. "I'll start on it when the idiots take over."
"Envy-san get back to work!" Dobby yelled.
"There's a really big library here," said Envy. "I'd better go. We've kept our part of the deal, so you'd better get to work!" Envy pulled his head out of the fireplace, and the flames went out.
"Oh man, I'm starving!" Ed groaned. "It's past lunchtime, isn't it?"
"Naruto and the blonde girl are supposed to deliver it to us," said Temari. "I wonder where they are?"
As if her words had summoned them, the blonde ninjas entered the room, bearing trays full of sandwiches.
"No ramen! I miss home!" exclaimed Naruto.
"About time!" Temari snapped. "What took you so long? Did you lose the map McGonogall drew you?"
"She was stalking Draco Malfoy," griped Naruto.
"Well, at least they're here now," Edward shrugged, stuffing the food into his mouth. "What's the castle like?"
"It's huge! There are a lot of talking paintings and ghosts!" Ino told them. "You should see what they learn here! It's so awesome!"
"We can't. We're on duty, remember?"
"Well, there are a lot of ghosts. Did you know that each house has one? Slytherin's ghost is called the Bloody Baron." Ino giggled. "I bet he's awesome, too! I've heard so many rumors about him! He's covered in blood, but no one knows how he got like that. Maybe you'll see him later!"
"Did someone say my name?" a translucent man with silver bloodstains came through the ceiling. Ino and Naruto shrieked, diving over to their older peers.
"What the hell?" Temari yelled.
"King Bradley?" Edward saw the uncanny similarity between the phantom and the Fuhrer. The only differences were that this ghost had poofier hair, wore different clothing, and had no patch over his eye. He gaped at Edward in surprise, too.
"You… such resemblance! You look so much like him!" he gasped. "Hohenheim of Light!"
