A/n- sixty reviews people, holy crap. SIXTY!!! I feel so LOVED!!! THANKS to you all!!!

Chapter 25- The Philosopher's Stone

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let her patient go after Al convinced her he was all right. Ed then brought him to Gryffindor Tower, knowing his friends were eager to meet the one person he cared most about.

One thing bothered him though; he hadn't seen Hoenheim since after the incident in the Great Hall. With all that had been suddenly brought upon him pertaining to saving the world, he was worried for his father's well being. That and a bit annoyed he hadn't greeted Al yet; Ed knew his brother must be anxious to see him. He was the only one who had never given up on Hoenheim after all, even when the man had been suspected of being in league with the homunculi so many months ago.

When they arrived, Ed put his thoughts on hold and decided to give his father the benefit of the doubt for once; he figured it was the least he could do for all the times he had condemned him first.

"Ed!! Bloody hell," Harry exclaimed, jumping up from where he was seated as soon as his friend crossed the threshold into the common room, "We tried to come see you but McGonagall ordered us all back here. The Fat Lady wouldn't let us out! I'm glad you came back; how's—"

Harry stopped ranting as Al stepped into view and stared at him, speechless. Ron and Hermione rose from their seats as well.

"—Al," the boy-who-lived finished, relieved.

"He's fine," Ed replied, confused, "How did you know about—?"

"We saw you come out of the Great Hall," Harry explained, "We were right there—don't you remember?"

"No, I don't," Edward said slowly, "It's all hazy now. I just remember being really afraid."

"You scared us too, mate," Ron remarked, "Looked like you were falling apart."

"I was," Ed admitted, slightly embarrassed, "Anyway, guys, this is Al. Al, this is Harry, Hermione, and Ron."

"Nice to meet you," Al greeted, shaking each of their hands, "I've read a lot about you from my brother's journal."

"And we've heard loads about you," Harry replied, "I'd say we practically know each other."

"Yeah, I guess," Alphonse laughed.

"Don't suppose you'll be sticking around for long," Hermione said casually.

"Probably not," Al told her, "But I would have liked to. From what I've read, this place sounds really interesting."

"Only with us here, of course," came two uncannily synchronized voices as the Weasley twins walked over.

"This is Fred and George," Ed introduced, "Or…George and Fred maybe…I'm not really sure…"

"I remember reading about you," Al said, snickering, "You're the two who mistook Brother for a wizard."

"We've said it before," Fred started.

"Could've happened to anyone," George finished.

Al laughed, the rest of the groups not far behind. Then Edward brightened as he remembered something.

"Oh, Al—there's someone else I want you to meet," he said, leading his brother up the stairs to the boys' dorms.

"Who else could there possibly…" Al began, his eyes then falling on the little gray kitten laying at the foot of Edward's bed, seeming to be waiting for him.

"I named him Alphonse," Ed informed his brother, "But we'll have to change it if we're to keep him."

Ed smiled as his brother rushed over to pet the kitten, knowing his idea to keep the creature out of his journal as a surprise was a very good idea.

"I can't believe you—Ed, he's so cute," Al cooed, scratching the cat's ears and then turning to his brother with brighter eyes, "How about Spark?"

It took Ed a moment to realize Al was talking about renaming the cat. Once he did, he smiled and nodded.

"Whatever you like," he said.

Just then, Dean and Seamus came up the stairs with hard-set faces, seeming dangerously inquisitive.

"Hey Ed," Seamus called, inclining his head in a demanding manner, "What's going on—who the hell is he?"

He nodded toward Al, who instinctively took a step back as Ed instinctively stepped in front of him as a shield.

"This is Al," Ed explained calmly, "My brother. He's just scoping things out before he decides to transfer here."

"Bullshit," Dean broke in, "Don't act like we didn't see what happened in the Great Hall."

"Alright," Ed agreed, then clarifying, "What happened in the Great Hall is unexplainable. He just needs a place to stay until we can figure out what happened. If you have a problem with that, you can answer to me."

"Please," Seamus scoffed, "You can't even do magic."

"I don't need magic to kick your sorry asses," Ed shot back arrogantly.

"You trying to start something?" Seamus instigated, moving toward Ed.

"Hey, cut it out," Harry said, planting a halting hand on Seamus's chest, "Just calm down, alright?"

"Whatever," Seamus replied, turning toward the door.

As the two left, Ed let out the breath he'd been holding, wondering if Seamus and Dean suspected Al and him of working for Voldemort, and if that was why they were being so hostile; they had seen most of his scry last night.

A few hours passed in which Al got to know Harry, Ron, and Hermione better as well as chat with his brother. Then they all headed down to lunch, their moods uplifting. However, it didn't last long.

Hoenheim showed up halfway through the meal and, after a happy reunion with Alphonse, insisted his sons follow him back to his office. Harry, Ron, and Hermione tagged along too, despite Hoenheim's exaggeration of the word 'private'. Soon they were all seated in his office, as they had been not long ago.

As soon as they assembled themselves, Hoenheim reached into his robes and presented a ruby about the size of a pecan for everyone to see. When he spoke, he did so to all, but looked only at Edward, silently telling his son that his words were meant more for him.

"While Al was recovering, I was getting this. I figured it'd come in handy."

"That makes things a hell of a lot easier," Ed stated, "thanks."

"Then you're serious about creating the Philosopher Stone?" Hoenheim asked, knowing the answer and yet needing to hear it, for the fact he didn't want to believe it was true, even though he understood why it had to be done; he was undoubtedly concerned for his son.

"Yah, tonight if it's possible," Ed replied.

He took the ruby and stored it in his robes, getting up as he did so. Al got up as well, looking worried.

"Brother—" he started, but Ed interrupted him.

"We have a lot to do," he said, "Harry, Ron, Hermione—you think you can round up some of the DA members to help out? I'd say we need as many as we can get; theoretically, the more participants, the more evenly spread the magic will be consumed and the less chance of anyone getting hurt."

"What should we tell them?" Hermione asked uneasily.

"The truth," Ed stated firmly, "This is too big to put anyone at risk who doesn't want to take it. They have to be willing to take the chance of getting hurt."

Hermione nodded and the three left to find able candidates. Ed turned back to his father, one last thought on his mind.

"Can you see if Dumbledore will help us? He'd be a big help since he's made the Stone before, so do whatever it takes."

"Will do," Hoenheim replied with a warm smile, "You know, you remind me of Trisha when you take control of a situation like that," he added.

Surprise flitted across Ed's face as he was taken aback by the sudden reference to his mother, and then he too smiled.

"Well, I am her son, after all," he pointed out.

Hoenheim granted his sons one last smile and then exited, en route to Dumbledore's office so that now the brothers were alone. Ed had done this purposely, knowing Al had something to say, and hadn't wanted to cause a scene with everyone present.

"What is it, Al?" he then asked.

"Ed, how can you seriously be considering making the Philosopher's Stone so soon? If what I read from your journal is true, then—"

"It's true," Ed confirmed, "and I know it's risky, but we have to act fast. Voldemort could have killed hundreds of innocent people by now; we have to get to Amestris before it turns to thousands."

"You do realize that if this works, you'll be completely drained, right? You're not going to cross over to Amestris like that, are you?" Al pointed out.

"No," Ed replied, "I'll take a day to recover. That's why we have to make the Stone tonight."

Any other time, Alphonse would be convinced his brother was right, and he half was, except for the dreadful feeling in his gut. Maybe it was his subconscious deducing this was a bad idea from the four years he had spent with his brother searching for the Stone, and all of the times they'd nearly gotten killed due to recklessness, or maybe it was the few months he'd had to mature. Whatever it was, Al was certain he must trust his instinct instead of ignore it like the night they had tried to bring their mother back to life.

"Ed, this is suicide," he said, shaking his head.

"Al, I have to do this," Edward replied sternly.

"Why!? Why is it your job to save Amestris!?" Al demanded, lashing out suddenly due to frustration.

"Because it'd be my fault if Amestris was destroyed," Ed replied calmly yet firmly, "Voldemort wants me, not Amestris."

"I'm saying Amestris can handle itself! We have a military, State Alchemists!"

"They don't know what they're up against!" Ed bellowed, becoming exasperated by Al's continuous naiveté, "I have a responsibility to those people!"

"You gave up that 'responsibility', remember!?" Al countered.

"Give me a break—I wasn't talking about rank and you know it!"

"Know what, Ed!? I know nothing these days!" Al shot back, "How come we don't see eye-to-eye anymore!? We used to agree on pretty much everything, but now—" Al stopped short of his words and shook his head in disgust, lowering his voice once again to a controlled volume, "I don't even know who you are these days."

Hurt washed across Edward's face as the words hit him, almost as if it were an invisible force. When he spoke, he did so softly, his tone layered with guilt and remorse.

"Al, we've been separated for almost six months. Of course I've changed—I've been living in a frickin' magic school for Christ's sake—but I'm still the same brother I've always been. That'll never change—no matter what," Ed consoled, "Right now I have to do this, for our home."

"I know…but I'm scared for you—now more than ever…" Al confessed, suddenly seeming small, "Isn't there another way?"

"Sorry, little brother," Edward said, "there are no shortcuts to saving the world."

As soon as dinner was over, the DA members willing to help Ed and Al followed Harry, Ron and Hermione to the Room of Requirement. Ed and Al met them there with Hoenheim and Dumbledore, who had graciously agreed to help. Hoenheim had told Ed at dinner that, while the headmaster didn't approve of their strategy, he knew he'd only be putting his students at risk if he didn't assist them, for they no doubt would do it anyway.

When they arrived, Ed scanned the room, more than satisfied with the number of people who showed up, which was 13, including him. These consisted of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hoenheim, Dumbledore, Wood, Fred, George, Ginny, Luna, Neville, and Cho. Edward figured their chances were solid; it would either work, or it wouldn't.

Ed was suddenly hit by the reality of the situation. It was actually happening; all the dreams he'd had of making the Philosopher's Stone were coming true! And it was his job to make sure everyone came out in one piece.

"Alright, everyone gather in a circle around the ruby," Edward directed, placing said jewel in the middle of the room.

They listened and Ed moved now to draw a complex transmutation circle on the floor surrounding the ruby, so that its edges ended where everyone stood. It was embroidered with magic runes that he'd researched during his studies in the library; the idea for this had been floating in his mind for some time, and only now did he act on it. To be honest, he was pretty much winging it, but he wouldn't let the others know that.

"This circle will guide your magic into the Stone," Ed explained, "All you have to do is think of a spell you're comfortable with and shoot it into the array. Try not to pick a spell that'll drain you quickly; the simpler the better. Actually, how about we all do the disarming spell, 'Expelliarmus' so that the energy coming from everyone is equal. Oh, and try not to shoot the spell on the lines—they could wear off and that would be bad," Ed instructed.

The participants around the circle nodded and withdrew their wands, seeming a little nervous. Ed now turned to Al, who looked lost and felt useless.

"Al, I want you to stand back near the wall—just in case there is feedback," Ed told him.

Alphonse nodded and did as his brother said, hoping fervently that everything would be all right. He wanted to mention the jeopardy of Ed's circle, but he knew deep down that his brother was too far into his plot to listen.

"Everyone ready?" Ed called, making sure he received a dozen nods before yelling, "GO!!!"

Thirteen magicians bellowed, "EXPELLIARMUS" at once, sending thirteen red blasts into the transmutation circle. The response was explosive; the circle was enveloped in red light and the ruby in the center glowed with it. Red lightning shot off from it every now and then, lodging itself in the walls, ceiling, or whatever was in its way.

Ed could see fear in the eyes of his assistants as each glanced toward him, then Hoenheim, and finally Dumbledore. Each remained calm, which in turn calmed those who were frightened.

Everything seemed to be going well; Ed could feel the power leaving him and escaping into the alchemic equation before him. The ruby was becoming brighter now, as well as a darker shade of red, and even levitated in the air about three feet from the ground. Edward couldn't help smiling; his theory was working!

A pulse of energy extended from the ruby and issued a wave of lightning bolts, red with furry. There was a millisecond in the pressure change that Ed couldn't breathe, and he panicked, but soon that was the least of his worries.

The pull of energy he'd felt earlier was increasing exponentially—he could feel it draining from his body like a broken dam. The blood pounded in his head and the world became fuzzy; from somewhere in his mind he knew the reaction of the Stone was catalyzing—a factor he'd overlooked. Humans could handle a constant drain of energy, this he knew, but their bodies weren't designed for something of this magnitude.

'If only there was someone else,' he cried inwardly, 'If only there was one more—'

His thoughts ended abruptly as he was provided with an answer. Feebly, he collected his voice and blinked rapidly to clear his vision.

"AL!!!" he yelled, his voice almost lost in the thunder of energy, "AL!!! ASK THE ROOM FOR A WAND!!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!"

Whether or not his brother responded, he didn't know, for suddenly everything went black as his senses were erased.

Granted, he was still conscious. Somehow he knew he was still pouring his magic into the Philosopher's Stone, but that there was now so little of it left that his functions were shutting down. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be in a coma.

Al heard his brother's cry as clear as day. He'd seen the domino effect that had happened to the weaker magicians and that was now happening to Ed. Frantically, he scanned the room, saying, "I need a wand," under his breath. "Please," he added for his own sake, "for brother!"

Then he saw it, laying on a desk he'd looked over not half a second before. He ran to it and snatched it up, his heart pounding.

"What do I do!?!" he yelled to no one, "I don't know magic!! What's the spell!?!"

"It is Expelliarmus, young one," came the headmaster's wise and calm voice—Al had completely forgotten he was there.

"But what—!?!" Al started to yell, before Dumbledore interrupted him.

"You must believe in yourself or else 'tis merely a twig," he said.

Al nodded and concentrating, called upon whatever magic he possessed, hoping fervently it would work.

"EXPELLIARMUS!!!" he bellowed.

A jet of red light erupted from the end of the wand and embedded itself into the circle. Relief and excitement filled Alphonse at once; he was saving Brother! With magic!

Night turned to day in Edward's world; his eyes cleared and his senses returned. The first thing he saw was his brother, wielding a wand with a grin across his face. 'I knew he could do it,' he thought.

The faces of those who had been consumed by the darkness brightened and surveyed their surroundings, confused. They were wondering what had saved them, Ed realized, or rather, who.

The light ebbed now as the ruby—now a deep crimson—floated to the ground in slow motion as if it were a feather, drops of a blood-red liquid dripping off of it on the way down. It landed in a puddle of the liquid and solidified into a perfectly oval gem. Ed lowered his wand, retrieved the Stone, and grinned; it was done!!

A/n- LET'S HEAR IT FOR 100 PAGES!!! WHOOHOO!!! just for CLARIFICATION, when Ed says 'feedback' he's talking about the lightning bolts—picture the first episode when everything got purple and the light broke. That is all. READ AND REPLY!!!