A/N: I really appreciate the support! As always!

Shout outs to: Phyrradoxa, MomoPeachFlower, Krazyfanfiction1, gundamzbd36, Cizco, justaislinn, Legendarily Quiet, urs-v, Guest(1), sootface, The QAS, Suzululu4, Guest(2), three-cats-meow, Guest(3), Aya Maria Sparkle, Morghan. Made. Of. Kandi, Konohamaya Uzumaki, and Original name2 for taking the time to review the last chapter!

* Sorry I didn't get the chance to reply to all of you personally! The least I thought I could do was give a quick shout out.

**Someone seemed pretty upset that Ed isn't more involved in this story and felt that I was favoring Al - said I was 'taking a crap on' Ed. I don't feel like I'm 'crapping' on him just because I'm not giving him his alchemy (just like everyone else seems to do) and magic. Ed made a guess about magic and alchemy being connected by the Gate. Doesn't mean it's fact - and it hasn't been disclosed. Besides, Ed doesn't need magic or alchemy to be awesome. He has other abilities that I'm going to play on.

As for me not knowing much about the book? I don't. I said in a previous chapter, I do believe, that this is going to be based on the events of the movie. This story isn't going to be ridiculously long, and if I followed the book, it would take a lot longer to get written. But I do completely agree that the movie seems (reminder: I've not read the book at all) to skip a lot and leaves holes.

About Ed's flying: I didn't put that in to insult Ed. I don't understand why someone would think it was a way for me to bash him. I really don't, because I love Ed. It just seems like (Guest Reviewer) is convinced that I'm out to make fun of him. The only reason Al hasn't encountered anything of the sorts, is because he hasn't been in a situation to do so - and if he were, then I'd do the exact same to him.

It has also been a little over a month since they've arrived. Not two weeks. I'm relying heavily on magic to improve Al's physical being. As for Ed, he didn't have any magic to help his arm regain muscle mass, which is why it has taken longer for him to recover. The moment he got new clothes he practically pulled on a long sleeved shirt and kept the condition of his arm to himself (because that's who is he and what he'd do), unlike Al was able to do (wasn't possible).

Overall, what I'm saying is that for ONCE Al gets to be in the more flexible role than Ed, which is why it seems Al is getting more chapter time. In almost every Harry Potter x Fullmetal Alchemist stories I've read, Ed gets the spotlight while Al is pushed to the background. If you want that, I promise that there is a surplus of that on the site. My story will give them equal time (for the most part, some chapters will have to focus on either Ed or Al more at times) and chances to be awesome.

As for a few mistakes grammatically - I'm not perfect. I re-read everything I post multiple times and still manage to miss a few things, it's frustrating, but it happens. I don't have a Beta Reader and I don't plan on getting one, just because that I means I'll have to work around another person's schedule besides my own.

Hope that helps you understand where I'm coming from and what my approach is with this.

Someone also wanted to know why Harry froze up. He did because that's what he did in the movie the moment he saw the Death Eaters.


7. Oxygen


"I want to show you something, Edward."

The sixteen-year-old arches his blond eyebrows, his golden irises lazily trailing after Dumbledore as he takes a few strides to a specific shelf in his office. The elderly man had called him roughly fifteen minutes ago, initially irking him as he had been in the process of preparing for another trip, but now his curiosity is piqued.

Dumbledore's tone of voice rings with a positive vibe - which means he must have some semblance of good news to share with him. Edward's willing to take whatever he can get at this point, too.

"Well?" He takes a seat in one of the chairs sitting directly across from Dumbledore's desk, his feet finding their way to the desktop. Dumbledore doesn't seem to mind as he hunkers down by the shelf and pulls a dirty boot out from it. Edward cringes at the sight. "Do you always keep nasty ass shoes in bookshelves? That's what trashcans are for, you know . . ."

The old man chuckles good-naturedly as he approaches. "No, not particularly." He holds the boot up. "This isn't any dirty old boot. It is a portkey."

Edward blinks. He's read of those actually. "They get you from one point to another at a quick rate. Usually they are grotesque objects that muggles wouldn't want to get their hands on . . ." He waves his hand in front of his face when the stench of sweaty foot invades his nostrils. "Makes sense."

"Indeed." Dumbledore agrees. "This is going to take us to a dear friend's house."

"Okay?" Edward says and crosses his arms, a look of skepticism displayed on his visage. "You want me to go why?"

The elderly wizard merely extends the boot outward. "Patience is a virtue," he says, "Remember to hold on tightly."

Well, there's nothing else to do anyways, Edward reasons with himself. Besides, if push comes to shove (not that he thinks Dumbledore door will betray him, but one can never been too sure), Edward's physical prowess should be enough to gain him the upper hand in a battle with Dumbledore and his other wand waving idiots.

Mind made up, he reaches out for the boot.


After the tournament and a brief run in with Mr. Crouch, followed by an aluminous skeleton cast into the sky by an unknown wizard, the a majority of the Weasleys, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Alphonse, all got to return to the Burrow. It was there that Alphonse was backed into a corner and pressured into explaining his wandless magic - alchemy as he called it - all of which went over everyone's head and out the window.

Molly, as her and Arthur had discussed a few days prior, had to contact Dumbledore about Alphonse's appearance. He showed up right away where they discussed the child, his condition upon arriving, reasons why she kept him secret, and much more. The meeting went really well and in private from the children's prying ears.

The verdict? According to Dumbledore: "Alphonse Elric can prove to be beneficial to the wizarding world, therefore will not be in need of a memory wipe. In fact, I'm going to offer him an opportunity to become a student at Hogwarts. But first I must retrieve an official invitation from my office." It was more than Molly could hope for. She's just grown too attached to the boy to let him go without a fight.

She can't deny that something during the meeting caught her - and she might be misinterpreting Dumbledore's body language - but his eyes seemed to light up with a healthy dose of both joy and relief when she told him Alphonse's name. Now, she doesn't know to take it, or if her mind is playing tricks on her in her middle age, but she doesn't want to jump to any conclusions or even begin to decode Dumbledore's reaction. Most likely she'd be wrong anyways.

Currently, she sits at the kitchen table, her dinner untouched, and her eyes occasionally flickering to Alphonse and back down to her plate. She is well aware that Dumbledore will be showing up any moment now - the meeting with said man having occurred about two hours ago - and finds that she is anxious about whether or not Alphonse will accept the invitation to join Hogwarts.

She knows it will be difficult to get caught up to the year he's supposed to be in (a fifth year) - if he even can. But thankfully the study has all the textbooks he will need to review. She's certain that Hermione will help him study.

Then there will be the sorting and going to Diagon Alley for supplies. Surely Dumbledore will supply him with the funds, being that the invitation is on such short a notice and considering Alphonse's circumstances. (The child's practically an orphan now, after all! He has no one but himself and the Weasleys to rely upon.)

Then there is the fact that the boy's older brother is missing. He might skip out to look for him - and knowing Alphonse's mentality and sense of loyalty, devotion, and diligence, he most likely will.

Molly sighs. She can't much blame him for wanting to find his only reliable family member. Still, the thought of him being out there, suffering and struggling as he searches - it disturbs her more than she likes to admit.

She takes a bite of pasta and washes it down with a big gulp of water. Her heart aches. Perhaps she has become too attached to the boy. But how could she not? He showed up so sickly and in obvious need of a mother's affection. She tended to him and got him in better shape, fed him, gave him clothes, and took care of him as if he were one of her own (in her mind he has become as such).

That and he seemed so lost - as if he had spent years in misery, which, based on his body's initial condition, is probably the truth.

It was inevitable that she'd grow to care for him in such a manner.

Molly's internal reverie comes to an abrupt end when there's a loud 'pop' sound followed by a flash of light and a human - a teenager from the looks of it - that comes crashing down on the ground. As she predicted, Dumbledore is present, too, amused as he looks down at his fallen companion.

"I'm surprised you took so long, Dumbledore!" she chimes in greeting, smiling kindly. Dumbledore gives a slight bow of his head in response.

"I apologize for that -"

"Fuck that hurt!" the golden-haired boy groans from the floor. Most of the people present in the room gasp at the profane language - all except Alphonse who jumps out of his seat and runs around to the boy's side. That's when Molly sees it -

Alphonse and this boy both have the same noses, golden eyes and hair, similar facial structures, and are the same height. Molly raises a hand to her mouth in shock. This boy, without a doubt, is Alphonse's missing brother: Edward.

Before anyone can comment or do anything, Edward lets out a loud cry and pulls Alphonse into his arms. Molly feels a smile tug at her lips, her heart warmed at the sight of the two finally being reunited.

Alphonse chuckles at his brother's antics. "Here I thought it'd take forever to track you down, brother."

"Al . . ." Edward trails off, eyes big. "it's you . . . really you." He has a look on his face as if this is the first time seeing Alphonse ever. It's an odd expression, Molly decides, one that seems out of place, but doesn't comment. She has no intentions of ruining this family reunion.

"Yeah," Alphonse says with a small smile, his arms wrapping around his brother's back. "you weren't getting into anymore trouble were you?"

Edward pulls away and looks Alphonse up and down, accessing his current condition (Molly assumes). "No. I've been searching for you while staying over at Hogwarts." There's a bright look in his eyes, almost as if he is on the verge of tears.

"I was just about to come looking for you, brother . . ." Alphonse trails off before lifting a hand to his face and wiping at his eyes. "I still can't believe you're here!" He throws himself back at his older sibling, his body shaking.

Edward smiles, his frame slumping against Alphonse as if he's weak in the knees. "Gee, it's not like it's been that long," he teases, the look on his face contradicting his words.

"Edward has been dedicating himself wholly to looking for you, Alphonse," Dumbledore chimes with a smile, interrupting the brothers. Molly and the others look at the headmaster.

Edward steps forward, his eyebrows burrowed deep between his eyes, his lips pulled into a tight scowl, and his eyes a molten gold. "Did you know where he was the whole time, you old bastard?! Did you keep this a secret?!"

Molly can't believe Edward just addressed the headmaster in such a way and can only gape. To think this boy is the complete opposite of Alphonse! If they didn't look so much alike, she'd think them the farthest thing from related - let alone brothers.

Before anyone can come to Dumbledore's defense, the elderly wizard raises a hand as a way to halt anyone - namely Harry and Ron - from making a scene. Alphonse gives his brother a scolding look.

"No, I just learned of Alphonse's location earlier today," he says. Edward's facial expression only slightly relaxes, the tension still thick in the room. "He's the reason I asked you to come along with me here. I wouldn't dream of keeping you two apart."

"It's my fault," Molly interjects, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. She takes a deep breath, her eyes locking with Alphonse's questioning ones. "I didn't tell Dumbledore here of your arrival, Al. You were just so sickly - I didn't think it'd do you any good at the time." She wrings her hands, the guilt swelling in her chest almost unbearable. "Had I known your brother was with him though, I would have said something right away."

The blond gives her a warm smile. "It's not your fault, Molly," he says, "It's no one's."

"Now, that, that is settled, I will get to the other reason I came here," Dumbledore trills and reaches into one of his sleeves. Must be the invitation, Molly thinks, not surprised when Dumbledore fishes out a little envelope. "This is for you, Alphonse." He extends the letter out for Alphonse to take. The boy looks genuinely surprised.

"Me?"

The old man chuckles. "Yes, go on."

"Just take it," Edward cuts in, snatching the envelope up and thrusting it into Alphonse's hands.

"I was about to grab it . . ." he mutters, glaring at his older sibling though there is no real threat or irritation behind the look. He then focuses on the seal on the back of the envelope and gives it a tug. He pulls out the letter and hands Edward envelope. "A letter?" he inquires, looking up at Dumbledore, obviously confused. Molly can't blame him, either. It most certainly is an odd situation.

"Read it." Dumbledore encourages, the corners of his lips curved upward. Alphonse blinks and shrugs before doing as suggested, his golden gaze sweeping across the font quickly, his eyelids pulling back in surprise. He looks up, shocked.

"You want me to attend . . . Hogwarts?" he questions. It's obvious that he's hesitant - if not reluctant. He glances over at Edward. "Um, well, I don't know, me and brother should probably try to get back to our home now that we've found each other and I'm all better."

Molly opens her mouth to protest, refusing to let those boys go back to such an undoubtedly hostile environment, but Dumbledore beats her to the punch:

"Actually, I've already offered Edward here a job. Although at the time it was to help him receive enough funding to find you," Dumbledore explains, turning towards Edward, a serious look in-tact. "My offer still stands, nonetheless. You may attend as student, too, if you'd prefer -"

Edward frowns. "How? I can't even use magic." He crosses his arms. "And why is Al being invited to attend, anyways? He doesn't know how to use magic."

Hermione stands up. "He saved many lives at the Quidditch World Cup Final - including mine - with his alchemy. That's reason enough."

"What?" Edward asks, blinking rapidly as if he can't believe what he heard. He stares over at Alphonse with a glare. "You WERE getting into trouble. And people say I'm the one that constantly brings it upon us."

Alphonse waves his hands in front of him frantically. "I-it's not like that, brother! These cloaked figures showed up and started burning down all the tents outside the stadium! I couldn't just runaway when I could save people!"

"So many more would have died had Al not done what he did." Harry adds with a nod. Ron sighs beside him.

"Yeah, the rest of us were practically powerless to do anything."

"That's not true!" Alphonse insists firmly. "Arthur was able to help evacuate a lot of people - and my injuries wouldn't have gotten healed if you three weren't there with me."

"I don't know," Edward says, "There's a lot we have to do."

Alphonse frowns and tugs his brother close and begins to whisper something harshly into his ear. Edward looks shocked a brief moment before whispering something back. Molly huffs, irritated that she can't quite make out what they're saying, but concludes it must be something positive, because Edward's facial expression softens and he nods. Alphonse beams in response.

"We accept your invitation, Mr. Dumbledore."

"Very well," Dumbledore begins with a bob of his head, a pleased look upon his face. "Class starts in just a week's time. Beforehand you will need to be evaluated to see what year you will be placed in, sorted into a house, and to purchase the appropriate items from Diagon Alley."

"Um, where do I begin?"

"Well, I'll need you to come with me to take your examination, then we'll get you sorted into a house. Your supplies can wait until later."

Alphonse's eyes grow wide. "I-I don't get to study?!"

"You've already devoured every book in the study, Al," Hermione intervenes, shaking her head. "That includes all the textbooks from previous years and the ones I bought for this year. You'll be fine."

He doesn't look convinced, but doesn't make any sounds of denial. Dumbledore takes this as a good sign and continues: "We shall be on our way then." He pulls out the same dirty boot that got him and Edward there and hold it out to the two boys. Alphonse looks a little green at the sight of it.

"I take it that's a portkey?"

"Yes."

"It stinks, I know," Edward adds, pinching his nostrils shut with one hand while the other slowly reaches out for the boot.

"Probably not as bad your shoes used to," Alphonse comments with a snicker. Edward gives him a dry look.

"Don't make me mention a certain bedtime habit you used to have." he threatens. The younger brother jumps in surprise, face red.

"Okay, okay, you win!" he cries. Molly can't help but wonder what it might me. Probably bed-wetting - most children do at one point or another.

Dumbledore chuckles at the two and shakes his head. "Are you ready?" They nod while the elderly wizard gives the Weasleys and their guests his undivided attention. "I'll be seeing the rest of you shortly."

They are gone with a flash.


After getting over the nausea that comes with traveling by portkey, Alphonse finds himself in a large, somewhat cluttered office of sorts with unique decorations and bookshelves. He assumes it must be Dumbledore's quarters based solely upon the fact that the man takes a seat at the desk in front of him. Edward plops down in one of the seats opposite of the wizard in the meanwhile.

"So, this is Hogwarts . . ." he mumbles to himself. He won't deny that it looks like an old dungeon, dim lighting and stone walls included. He's too kind to announce that thought however. "Will I take my test here?"

"Yes," Dumbledore answers, wand suddenly in hand. He gives it a wave a packet of papers appear on a clean section of his desk. "Just take this seat here," he motions to a chair beside Edward, "and you may begin."

Alphonse does as instructed and picks up a nearby pen. He takes a deep breath, calming his frayed nerves (failure isn't an option, the information in the library might help them discover where they are), and begins.

Roughly forty-five minutes later, he's finished. Edward throws his head back with a loud sigh as Alphonse turns in his test. "It's about damn time! I thought I was going to die of old age over here!"

"Gee, don't be so dramatic, brother - I've had to wait a lot longer on you." Alphonse remarks. Edward snorts.

"Whatever."

"I'll have this graded shortly. In the meanwhile I'll have you sorted." Dumbledore interjects, getting up from his chair and walking to another corner of the room. The Elric brothers watch him curiously until he returns with a pointy, black hat in tow. "You put this on and the hat will speak to you."

"Wait . . ."

Edward's eyes widen. "How can a hat talk to you?"

"Simple: magic." Dumbledore chimes, handing the hat to Alphonse. The boy gives it an apprehensive look, the corners of his lips pulled down into a frown. "Go on, put it on your head. It won't hurt you."

Alphonse keeps a look of skepticism upon his face while slowly lifting the hat up and plopping it onto his head. At first, he doesn't feel anything, and wonders if this is some hoax, a means for insulting him - when a voice invades his ears: "Hmm, it seems you've experienced much . . ."

He stiffens. "Y-You're a soul . . . attached to the hat?! Who did this to you?" he demands, standing up. Dumbledore and Edward look at him, both concerned.

"I did it to myself," the hat returns in a hushed manner. "Don't fret. I wanted this form and I got it."

"But why would you want that?"

The hat is silent a moment as if pondering the question, then answers: "It's a long story. Please, just understand."

Edward raises an eyebrow. "Are you okay, Al?"

"Um, y-yeah, it's nothing brother." he replies. His brother hesitates momentarily before accepting his answer and going back to filling out the paperwork for his job. Dumbledore's eyes linger on him a little longer, making Alphonse slightly uncomfortable, but the elder eventually averts his gaze back onto the test he had taken earlier, quill in hand.

"Shall we continue?" the hat inquires. He takes a deep, shaky breath, and bobs his head. "Very well," it begins, "you are brave, loyal, smart, and cunning. You have traits from all the houses."

Alphonse balls his hands up. "Please, please put me in the same house as my friends."

"No, no, you would flourish much more on your own . . ." the hat trails off, tenses, then announces: "Ravenclaw!"

Alphonse's heart drops to the pit of his stomach. He wants to object - say anything to get the hat to change his mind, but Dumbledore is already looking at him with an unquestionably cheery expression, and knows it's too late to go back. "I wanted to be with Hermione and the others . . ." he grumbles quietly enough that neither Edward nor Dumbledore hear while removing the hat from his head. He hands it to the elderly wizard.

"Congratulations," he trills, "Ravenclaw is the house of the witty and intelligent. A good house if I do say so myself."

The blond sighs. He's not exactly pleased with his results (obviously), but there's nothing that can be done. Besides, he and his brother have other, more important, things to worry about (finding out where they are and how to get back home, for instance). With that in mind, he inhales deeply through his nostrils and forces a smile onto his lips. "Thanks."


This is all for this chapter - honestly, the reason it is even getting posted so soon is because I already was half-way through it before I posted the previous one. The next chapter WILL take longer. Mainly because I'm already getting swamped with homework! The first week of school and I've already had two homework assignments and a paper to write that's due this coming Monday.

Anyways, enough of my rambling and onto my assessment of this chapter:

1. I decided to make Ed and Al's reunion through Molly's perspective, primarily because I thought it would be interesting to see it through someone else's eyes.

2. The reunion didn't end up being as I initially planned it due to everyone being present (they couldn't say all that they wanted to).

3. It's not as long as I'd like. The next chapter will be better - this one was necessary to push the plot forward.

PLEASE share your thoughts! Sorry about any grammar mistakes.