Quest of Truth and The Order of the Phoenix: Chapter 2 - Questions
Disclaimer: Most unfortunately I don't own FMA or HP, they belong to their respective copyright owners.
Order Headquarters – Grimmauld Place
It had been a long few hours since the strange Edward Elric had arrived, Dumbledore had confirmed by both attempting to cause extreme pain and kill that it was impossible to harm Ed with magic. However physical harm was not out of the question, or so he believed anyway, no one had been brave enough to attempt harming Ed after Dumbledore's outburst at the use of Veritaserum and Spells.
Though it had been hours since the adults kicked Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred and George out of the kitchen, they'd still heard most of the conversation thanks to an extendable ear, that was until Molly caught sight of it under the door and threw it out before casting an imperturbable charm on the room.
Ed had still not been released from the ropes and chain that bound him to a chair as Dumbledore felt content to leave him that way for the time being. Ed was after all seething at both Snape and Moody for the attempt at getting the 'truth' out of him with Veritaserum, even with numerous apologies. Ed knew when people were bullshitting him, he'd done it to quite a few people over the course of his 16 short years.
Two hours later…
Ed hadn't spoken to anyone since his informing Dumbledore that the attempt at killing him was going to 'sting for days'. Was there a double meaning behind those words, that perhaps he wouldn't talk to them for days? Who knew. It was getting close to dinnertime though, and the adults knew the children weren't going to keep quiet about the stranger, nor stay away and not ask questions, it was an issue that needed addressing fast. The only problem in the whole situation was that no one had an adequate solution.
Dumbledore realised that it would be unwise to leave Ed in a room on his own tied and chained to a chair as he may not only harm himself but others if he were able to escape, after all, magic was affectless against him so far, more tests needed to be conducted on what spells could affect the young man and what spells couldn't. Likewise the rest of the Order agreed that the boy couldn't be left to his own devices, he'd likely escape and do harm either to himself or someone else.
Thankfully, however, the rest of the group need not find an answer for what to do with Ed as he himself decided. He'd been busy scratching a small transmutation circle into the chair now for the entire time he'd been tied up and now he was done. He rubbed a finger over it and activated it. In a flash of blue lightning, the chair Ed had been sitting on seconds ago fell to pieces on the floor, leaving all the ropes and the chain that been binding him useless.
"Uh," Sirius' dumbfounded reaction came, "That was unexpected."
"Well," Dumbledore smiled cheerfully, "I believe Edward has solved our dilemma for us."
"What do you mean solved 'your' dilemma old man?" Ed growled angrily.
"Well, now that you're no longer bound to a chair we can talk in a civilised manner," Dumbledore remarked, "And that of itself should help us come to a decision as to what is to be done about you."
"What do you mean done about me?" Ed laughed, "I'm unable to be harmed by those stick-thingys you carry around."
Dumbledore's eyebrows raised, "Indeed you're not, but I'd like to know why that is," He thought aloud, "Do you mind telling me why?"
"As far as I'm concerned, you've got far more explaining to do old man." Ed retorted, "I don't know why I'm resistant to this unscientific art you perform."
"Alright," Dumbledore thought for a moment, "Can you tell me how you came to find this place? It's supposed to be protected by magic of the most powerful sort to keep people out."
"Is this magic as dangerous as that thing you tried to kill me with?" Ed moaned scratching his chest, "If it isn't, then I'm simply unaffected by it and can see this place clear as day. Equivalence, I expect some answers. What country am I in?"
"Why, you're in England," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, "Surely you knew that?"
"No I didn't." Ed stated puzzled, "Ok, we might as well have some semblance of order, next question?"
"You mentioned the word equivalence would you by any chance either be an alchemist or related to one," Dumbledore looked at Ed trying to gauge his reaction.
"I'm an alchemist," Ed waved it off, "How far is this England from Amestris?"
"I'm sorry," Dumbledore looked confused, "Could you please repeat the name of the country you are enquiring about?"
"Am- Ah, never mind." Ed huffed. Damn Truth! He's put me in an entirely different world, unless….. "That was a question old man, how far is Germany?"
"It is approximately 500, miles from London to Munich." Dumbledore murmured, "but you should know that already, its on every world map, its not very far at all. This question is going to seem strange, but are you of this world?"
"What do you mean am I of this world?" Ed was startled, "Of course I'm from Earth, where else could I be from, please enlighten me?"
"It was just a simple question," Dumbledore answered pleasantly. "You're free to ask any question you want."
"What year is it?" Ed asked cautiously, "I haven't paid attention to the date in so long."
"It is currently August 10th, 1995." Dumbledore replied carefully watching Ed's face.
Ed's expression gave him away, he seriously couldn't have been of current time if his expression was anything to go by, his eyes widened and his mouth hung loosely hinged, it just couldn't be 80 years into the future.
"The date has you startled," Dumbledore mused, "I can tell Mr. Elric, you're most certainly not from the present day time. Your expression gives you away."
Ed's mouth closed and his facial expression became one of pure determination, "If I'm not of present time, how did I end up 80 years into the future?"
"Do you seriously expect us to believe you were born in what, 1903?" Snape sneered, "Well do you?"
"You idiot!" Ed spoke vehemently, "I was born in 1899. I'm not 12, I'm 16 dammit!"
"If we used the year you were born in and todays date," Dumbledore mused, "You'd actually be 96 years old."
Ed began to ponder many things, the one foremost in his mind was whether or not Truth had placed him 80 years into the future or if the two worlds had different dates but worked on a similar time system. That bastard Truth, I bet he's placed me 80 years into the future so that even when I do get home, everyone I care about is either 80 years older than when I left or dead.
After Ed's outburst, and following silence, Dumbledore waved everyone else out of the kitchen so he could take some time to talk to Ed alone.
"Mr. Elric," Dumbledore calmed, "Are you willing to cooperate with us? If you do, I can promise that you will no longer be tied and chained to chairs, and we'll allow you to move freely about the premises here, although I think some restrictions will need to apply on the use and discussion of Alchemy."
"What do you mean 'restrictions'?" Ed asked with a critical tone, "I'm not sure I understand you entirely."
"Well," Dumbledore murmured, "I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but Alchemy is considered a dead art in this world. It would be greatly helpful if you didn't confuse people by performing or mentioning it."
"Hmmmm," Ed nodded, "I get your drift, but why should I change my lifestyle, particularly not perform the science I've dedicated my life to studying just for you?"
"I see your point," Dumbledore also nodded, "You wish for something in return for your sacrifice don't you Mr. Elric?"
Ed simply nodded in response to Dumbledore's question.
"I see," Dumbledore mused, pondering his situation, "What if I were to offer you a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Would that be enough to satisfy you?"
"No." Ed stated bluntly, "It wouldn't. I've studied my entire life, and while I welcome the opportunity to study more, it will require more than that to keep me away from alchemy for so long."
"Indeed," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, this boy was very difficult to make sense of, "Then perhaps being a member of the Order of the Phoenix as well as a student at Hogwarts would satisfy you?"
"If I knew what this 'Order' was about, perhaps," Ed muttered.
"The 'Order' as you put it," Dumbledore started slowly, "Is a group of individuals that is presently fighting a war against Lord Voldemort, the darkest of wizard's to have ever lived. In a way, I suppose you could call us an army."
Ed flinched. An army? Not again, never again would he serve an army. "I despise military groups," Ed growled, "They've treated me badly my entire life."
"Then don't think of us as a military group," Dumbledore reproached, "I certainly don't. Think of us as freedom fighters."
"Would that be minus the fact you're already free to do what you want?" Ed mumbled.
"But the people of this world are certainly not," Dumbledore moaned, "No matter how much we might wish it, most are also ignorant of magic. There are laws against performing it in the presence of muggles, without erasing their memories anyway. The government has to constantly cover up the murderous actions of Voldemort just so that we do not worry the muggle populace. Someone needs to fight, and when the government will not do so, even an old man like me is willing to take up the reins to do so."
"Ok," Ed murmured, "Lets assume I join you, what would be expected of me as a member?"
"We would request your presence for large scale operations and also expect you to fight at any point you meet up with Voldemort, or his followers" Dumbledore informed.
"You've got something more to request haven't you?" Ed glared.
"Caught out, I suppose I do." Dumbledore chuckled, "While I will be placing you a year above him at Hogwarts, I would like you to watch over Harry Potter, the young man who Voldemort seeks to kill the most."
"And why would he want to kill a what is he? 14 year old? Boy?" Ed glared again, "I've been wanted dead by plenty of people in my time, but several at least had reasons for it." Ed grumbled.
"Voldemort has a reason, it is simply unjustified." Dumbledore answered, "He wants Harry dead, partially because Harry was the only person present at his fall from power, and also because he is the only person besides myself whom he fears."
"And Scar wanted me dead for simply being a State Alchemist," Ed thought allowed.
"State Alchemist?" Dumbledore inquired.
"Damn," Ed muttered, "I've said too much."
"I see," Dumbledore thought, "Ah, you mentioned being treated badly by military groups your entire life didn't you? It would make sense if you were a part of those military groups now wouldn't it? Whether by force or not."
"YOU KNOW NOTHING OF MY REASONS BEHIND JOINING THE MILITARY!" Ed ranted, "NOR COULD YOU EVER UNDERSTAND WHY I'VE DONE WHAT I'VE DONE!" Ed stormed out of the room before Dumbledore could stop him.
Walking around the house...
Dumbledore relaxed himself at this point, he'd at least established this person wasn't an enemy, much like himself, he was haunted by past mistakes, or so he believed anyway. What else could possess a 16 year old to be within a military? The same thing that caused him to calm his rather strange lifestyle. The death of a loved one. He wondered if he should broach the topic, or if it would possibly be too sensitive? He certainly thought that if it were him, Arianna would be a very sore topic. After some careful searching, he'd found Ed hiding in the drawing room, remarkably well too, considering he'd removed the door. Dumbledore just cast a spell and walked through the wall.
"So," Dumbledore motioned for them to continue, "Mr. Elric, do I have your agreement to join the Order of the Phoenix, participate in its activities and maintain an active watch over Harry Potter?"
"You do," Ed started, "What is your name?"
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," Dumbledore responded, "Why?"
"Do you, Albus Dumbledore," Ed started, "Agree to place me, Edward Elric at Hogwarts and supply me with any necessary information you discover in relation to Harry Potter, Voldemort and not press me with questions unless I have otherwise consented first?"
"I agree." Dumbledore smiled. Ed smirked. Light flashed between them, an alchemical vow of unimaginable proportions had just been made. Only Ed fully understood it.
"Good," Ed laughed, "Now that's settled, can we eat? I'm starved."
" I suppose we should," Dumbledore chuckled at the fast change of topic, "Wouldn't want everyone else getting worried about us now would we?"
Ed clapped his hands and the door to the room was restored.
Dumbledore stood up and wandered over to the door, opening it and informing all the Order members that they were having dinner, with the new recruit, so long as they didn't attempt to torture or question the 'newest' member.
Kitchen for Dinner...
Everyone was gathered around the table, most staring in astonishment at the pile of dishes beside one Edward Elric. No one, no one could eat that much could they? The piles were taller than he was for crying out loud. Possibly due to the largely gawking crowd, Ed put his bowl of stew down and glared! After the dishes were cleared of course.
"What are all of you staring at?" Ed grumbled, "You act like you've never seen someone eat before."
"Well mate," Ron shakily started, "I'm usually the biggest eater around, and I'd say you've beaten me by at least 10 to 1."
"You try not eating for days," Ed hissed, "AND THEN DEFENDING A COUNTRY AGAINST AN INSANE GENOCIDIST!"
"Uh…." Ron was gobsmacked.
"Please calm down," Molly smiled, "We're here to help, and you're a member of the order now, so could you please not go yelling at the other children every chance you get?"
"WHAT?" Came an astonished reply from everyone who wasn't an adult, or Ed. "Why does he get to join the order? He's under age, we're not."
"He is his own guardian," Albus slyly smiled, "He is allowed to choose what is restricting him from entering, you on the other hand are most certainly not your own guardian's at this point in time. Fred. George."
"But he's only what? 16. How could he not have a legal guardian?" They all wondered aloud.
"My mother," Ed muttered, "Died when I was ten and my brother was nine. My father left us when I was four and Al was two." There were gasps around the room as some imagined what it would be like to live with no parents.
"That doesn't make any sense," Hermione started, "They should've placed you under the care of the welfare system."
"What welfare system?" Ed glared, "I come from a place where the public were not the damn mil- government's concerns. The only thing the damn government cares about was themselves."
"Then who raised you?" Harry asked curiously, wondering if perhaps Ed had experienced anything slightly like the Dursley's. "My best friend's grand mother, and… and teacher." Ed stuttered when mentioning his teacher. Sure she was intimidating enough, who wouldn't be scared recalling her?
"Why does it sound like this uh, teacher scares you?" Sirius smirked, knowing he'd found a crucial point.
"That woman was crazy!" Ed spoke horrified, "How many of you have been taught by a woman who hurls butcher's knives at your head for screwing up? Or leaves you on a deserted island for a month to try and teach you the meaning of a single phrase? And takes great pleasure in beating you up and calling it 'training'? That was the sort of person I had for a teacher."
Blank stares all around were the response that Ed got for his rather slight but horribly disturbing description of Izumi. Could a boy this small really have survived what he had spoken of so far? Spending a month on a deserted island, having butchers knives hurled at his head for mistakes, being beat up and having it called training. And then there was the fact that he mentioned what was it, saving a country from a deranged madman who was intent on genocide? Surely someone so young could not have achieved such a feat. Not unless he'd had a very difficult life, which everyone guessed he might have given the loss of his mother and his father who had simply left when he was four.
"You mentioned saving a whole country from a single man that was bent on genocide didn't you?" Hermione queried, "Which one was it, I've not heard anything about it or you on the news for that matter."
"I'm exercising my right to not answer that question as per our agreement," Ed nodded towards Dumbledore, "There are somethings that you are all better off not knowing for your own sakes." Ed got up and left the room.
Kitchen moments later...
After Ed left the room, all the conversation turned to was about him. Snape was the first to open the account. "Are you meaning to tell us, you have made an agreement with him? If so, why do you trust him?" Snape directed at Dumbledore.
"I made some simple observations while talking with him," Dumbledore smiled, "And no, don't think about legilimency, it won't work. He is well skilled in Occulumency."
"Well skilled?" Everyone gawked, "What sort of person has ever been resistant to your legimens spell?"
"I believe," Dumbledore chuckled, "That he would be the first I've ever met who is capable of defeating me in the battle of the minds. Perhaps he considers his own mind a sanctuary, a place where he and only he is able to read and be free of certain thoughts?" On that note, the rest of the room went silent.
A/N: Ok, I wish I'd written more, and I have so many apologies to give for how long it took me to write this. I wish it was faster and I will try to make it better next time. Sorry to all those whom I promised it too soon and then failed to deliver. But it has been here now, and of course reviews will be my best friends.
So, here is a rather large list of people to thank after the success of chapter one:
Alice of Keys, Blue-dragon-Black-wolf, Demon Lord of Blood, Fallenarchangel, FearIsButFearItself, I-sold-my-soul-for-a-cookie, Kingtaso, littlefoxx567, wishfulliving89, 13thsephiroth, Aapela, Aliinna, Avampiress, Corsiva Vyrae, Elia950, Elsi of Dark, Eternal Love's Eclipse, foreverboundtopain, I-Ate-The-Wiggles, IDreamOfDistantSeas, Invader Devi, LaRire, niconugget, PennyShort, Potatoe Girl, Ranger Mitsuki, Ritsuka119, Saffrin-chan, Squidypus, SuperNekofan, TaintedxShadows, tbcassie, To Destination
And the reviewers:
, Squidypus, wishfulliving89, Fallenarchangel. PeterKirkland, Anatidae, Avampiress, Ranger Mitsuki, niconugget, littlefoxx567, Jesagon, SuperNekofan and Eternal Love's Eclipse.
You guys alone nearly got it to the 15 review quota I set for chapter, 3 or 5? I can't remember which. Anyway, I've had fun so far and rest assured I intend to keep having fun with this story. I won't try to sway the vote, but whichever bird Ed gets shall be in the next chapter, and the votes are currently tied, what a bugger of a thing to happen eh? I guess I might have to throw my bias into it and resolve the voting :P Alright, have fun, see you all next chapter and be ready for more.