A/N Thanks for your reviews and support. Thank you to everyone who has been sending me well wishes. My collarbone is healed now and I almost have full range back as well.

The Reading Dragon 666: thanks for your review, my friend. Your kind words help me keep writing this fic. I'm so glad you enjoy it and recommend it. I try to do some things differently. It makes things interesting and I hope to continue to do so.

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review, my friend. Thank you!

SkylerHollow: thanks for your review, my friend. Thank you for your well wishes. I'm finally healed and almost have a full range of motion back.

mizzrazz72: thanks for your review, my friend. Yeah, they just need to keep away from him. Things, however, are never so simple. I will thank you.

APridefulSin: thanks for your review, my friend.

WhiteElfElder: thanks for your review, my friend. Alchemy wouldn't be easily recognized amongst the wizards. They barely acknowledge the muggle version existence. Petunia would if she was watching for it.

DarkRavie: thanks for your review, my friend.

Harrison's POV

Tarloc replied, "If you are amenable then I would take you as my first and only apprentice. I'm sure your godfather still has all the books that you would need. They haven't changed since he was an apprentice."

Harrison looked to Petunia. The look in her eyes said that it was his decision. No matter what it was she would support has as she always had.

Harrison questioned, "What would the apprenticeship entail? Are there costs? How long is it? Is there a contract? If so what kind? What are the differences between muggle and magical contracts?"

There was a flicker of pride in his godfather's eyes. It seemed he had asked the right questions.

Tarloc didn't seem at all bothered by his questions and replied in the same tone he had been using, "An apprenticeship to become a Ward Master is between 3 and 7 years. Most apprentices are not ready to take their exams until at least their fifth year of studying. Though on a rare occasion there is one seen in their fourth. As for contracts, one would need to be signed by yourself and Lucius as he is your magical guardian. Magical contracts if broken can lead to a number of things. Anywhere between a hefty fine to the loss of your magic. For this contact, it would be a fine of an agreed-upon amount by myself and Lucius. There are some exceptions to this rule that we allow. Such as the death of a family member and you having to take the mantel of Lord early."

Like what had happened with his godfather. That would make sense. This allowed no ramifications if the issue was not intentional on his part.

Lucius said drawing his attention, "Its a lot of work but it's worth it. This is your choice, however."

Harrison leaned back in the chair. This would be a good opportunity for him.

At the very latest he would be a ward master by the time he graduated. At the earliest, it would be his fourth year.

His alchemist exams were something to consider. It wasnt an easy exam but he was confident that he could prepare for it and do an apprenticeship.

He declared, "I accept your offer of apprenticeship, Grand Master Tarloc."

It only took a few moments for a contract to be written up. He would serve as an apprentice Ward Master for no less than three years and no more than seven.

Harrison would obey orders given unless they caused him harm or interfered with his school studies. This did not include any extracurricular activities he may be apart of. In his third year at Hogwarts, he must take at least arthimacy and ancient runes. All his grades must be no less than an Exceeding Expectations. If he struggled in any classes Tarloc must provide a tutor.

Tarloc's duties were that he must teach Harrison to the best of his ability. He had to provide safety nets when they would set wards for families. Especially if they should have ties to the Dark.

In addition, any books excluding the beginner ones that Lucius would provide Tarloc was responsible for. All in all the contractor was serious but easy to understand.

Harrison, Lucius, and Tarloc all signed the document. Then the Grandmaster left after giving him the assignment to read the first book onwards by next week. It wasnt a thick book so Harrison wouldn't have any trouble completing the assignment.

Once the man was gone Lucius sat back in his chair. He said, "We will have to sign magical guardianship over me. Otherwise, that contract will be null and void."

"What about Dumbledore?" Came Petunia's query.

Lucius answered, "The goblins will be able to stop all his inquiries. As I am a Lord they won't be able to tell him who took it over. Just that it is a Lord of a family."

That would protect both Harrison and Lucius. His godfather would protect them.

Lucius helped him get the books he needed for his books. Draco would ask questions as they trailed after the elder.

Lucius almost seemed reluctant to allow them to leave later that afternoon. It was only after promises to come by in a few days did they leave.

Harrison wanted to know his godfather. To have a larger family than what he currently had.

Roy's POV

Exhaustion filled the young Flame Alchemist. The war was taking its toll not only on him but on his men as well. His squad had dead looks in their eyes. Killing was breaking their souls.

Maes was one of the few people who barely seemed to change. His onyx eyes held a hidden pain in them. Roy had found the other sitting by the fire more than once. Staring into the flames lost in his memories.

For his part, he would sit out on the hilltop. To avoid the flames that would remind him of those he killed.

A voice shouted drawing his attention, "Major," Roy turned towards the voice to see a young corporal heading his way, "Lieutenant Colonel Grand needs you at the command tent immediately."

Roy sighed but gave a sharp nod. No rest for the wicked it seemed.

The command tent wasn't far from his own squad's fire. One of the soldiers announced his arrival and he went in.

Grand was standing by a table. He was leaning over a map with several other high ranking alchemists.

Roy snapped to a quick salute as he said, "Major Roy Mustang reporting as ordered."

Grand snapped, "Mustang come. You will need to hear this to understand your orders."

There was a pit of dread in his stomach. That wasn't good. The orders were not going to be something he enjoyed. Not that they had been since the start of the war.