Hey guys! We're back!
We have excuses!
{So, here's the story, we had this chapter around half way done and planned for it to be much longer, but then what we had so far for this chapter got deleted! *mutters* Still don't know HOW, though.}
I blame Ica!
WHAT! Why? YOu know what, never mind. Just go read the chapter, it's good.
{Wait! One more thing. We must dedicate this chapter to Fi Suki Suki who gave us the awesome idea for this chapter. Okay, go read.}
Chapter 11
A Friend?
Ed was walking back to the common room after a good afternoon of researching. He already had a solid theory, but he wanted more evidence to back it up. He was glad that he had made this breakthrough so early on. It was kind of scary to think of how he would have reacted if he hadn't. After all, practically everything that had happened in this place contradicted practically everything that he and his his brother had ever believed in and had based their lived off of. He probably would have insane if he hadn't formed his theory. Either that or have a nervous breakdown. His brother seemed to agree with the theory, but he didn't really have a whole lot of information about the topic at his disposal. Edward really wished that his brother was here with him. They had always seemed to get research done twice as fast when he had another mind to bounce ideas off that actually understood what he was saying. Ed was pulled out of thoughts by the sound of voices coming from around the corner.
Quieting down, he creeped closer until he could hear what they were saying. "-really that weak, Longbottom?" It sounded like bullies. Casual, weak minded bullies.
"Come on! All you have to do is say it." Bullies disgusted Ed. They were usually just scared individuals either trying to vent their anger or make themselves feel stronger by beating up those that are weaker than them. They were cowards. If you wanted to prove your worth then you should face those stronger than you, not those who aren't even capable of protecting themselves. Ed's hatred for bullies probably came from the times when his brother was bullied and he protected him. Usually his anger got out of control. Enough said that those bullies would never think about touching his brother again.
The recognizable sound of someone kicking someone else followed by a grunt of pain broke Ed's thoughts. Moving along the wall he looked onto the scene, careful to stay hidden. He didn't want to reveal his presence until it was necessary. He saw three boys who were among the older of the Hogwarts students. They were Slytherin if the color of their ties had anything to say on the matter. The boys were mocking and sometimes adding physical injures another kid who was collapsed against the wall in a position that made it hard for Ed to see him.
"Call to your mommy, Longbottom! That's all you have to do and we'll let you go." The edges of Ed's vision turned red. No one brought anyone's mother into a situation like this. No one. Especially in front of Edward Elric. For him, mother was a term to be held in the highest respect and only meant for reference to one special person, who was not to be defiled. These jerks were definitely asking for it.
"N-no!" The Slytherins were slowly losing their patience with their prey. As the largest boy's foot drew back for a hard kick, Ed saw someone else in the kid's position. He saw his brother stubbornly refusing to do something even if not doing it caused him harm. He heard the same stubbornness that his brother's voice sometimes carried come out of this boy's mouth.
Without really realising what he was doing, Edward ran from his place behind the wall and punched the kicker in the face.
"What do you jerks think you're doing?" he asked with venom dripping off his words. At first, the others cliched back ready to flee, but they they realized who their attacker was.
"What do you think you can do, pipsqueak? Sometimes these poor little Gryffindors are just too blind and 'brave' to realize that they have no talent what so-" They boy was cut off by Ed's fist meeting his stomach. The other rushed to help, but received a foot to the jaw instead. All three boys ran in fear for their survival after a few more well placed blows. Ed considered running after them, but decided to settle with yelling after them.
"And don't even think about doing that again!"
"T-thank you." Ed turned around to the sight of the Longbottom person using the wall to stand up. "You didn't have to do that. "He held his gaze on the ground. He was probably embarrassed that someone else had to save him. "I would have handled it." The blonde noticed that he didn't mention how, when, or his abilities to handle it. He didn't believe that he could have handled it. He just hated someone else that he didn't know seeing him weak and having to save him. Ed understood perfectly.
"Of course you could have. I just happen to be passing by and tend to act before I think. Sorry that I ruined your chance to get a punch in," Ed said sarcastically, but with a light humor in his voice that let the boy know that he was joking in a friendly manner.
The boy raised his head with a smile. "I'm Neville Longbottom." Now Ed recognized him. He was one of his roommates, if he remembered correctly.
"Edward Elric."
"Edward Elric? Like the Edward Elric that comes from the country that we aren't allowed to know about and who sleeps in the same room as me?"
"Yep, that's me."
"T-thank you, a-again! You really didn't have to. I'm not really worth it."
"Yes you are." Ed couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a desire to protect Neville and to push him to be the best he could. He figured it was because the boy acted so much like his brother. He was gentle but stubborn when he need to be. There were obvious differences, of course. Neville wasn't confident about anything, and it seemed as if the boy had nothing to protect to give him a drive in life. "Everyone is worth it, even if it is only a little."
Neville nodded before wincing in pain as he stood without the support of the wall. Ed would give him a different support.
"You have a broken rib, at least," Edward informed him while sighing. "Better get you to the hospital wing."
Neville nodded once more and began to stumble away. Sighing again, Ed quickly caught up and pulled the boy's arm over his own shoulder. Neville looked at him in surprise for a few seconds before facing forward one more with a smile on his face.
"Thanks," he whispered quietly, but it was loud enough for the blonde to hear. Both walked through the doors to the hospital wing with smiles on their faces, one much bigger than the other.
{Ah! So short! *walks off crying*}
So, yeah. Short.
I think that it's kinda cute, in a sorta... short way.
The next chapter WILL be LONGER! We promise! If it isn't then you can feel free to come after us with pitchforks!
{Him. You can feel free to come after HIM with pitchforks.}
Yeah, leave us out of this, Ica.
But you're the authors too!
{So?}
Ah! You see hat I have to live with?! Anyways, Kile and Ala will deal with the reveiws. Aperintly I have to get typing.
I got homework!
{So I geuss it's just me. Way to ditch me guys!}
BulletWitch1985 (Guest): Hmm, interesting. We'll think about it. Not too bad. Hopefully the next one will get a higher grade, but hey you can always do worse! Just look at Ica! *Glares at sister from across the room and starts muttering about revenge*
Guest: Thanks! I'm glad that you found it amusing!
Jurassica97 (Guest): Yeah, well he doesn't really have a whole lot of practice with making friends, and he could do worse. It is kind of true though. We probably won't do Luna since she isn't really introduced until the next book. I hope that this chapter is a good replacement.
ReginaDC21 (Guest): Thank you! Alive would be nice. Probably won't do tourture scenes, not too good at that, but we'll see. Kile might like it. She really is a demented sometimes. Confruntation... I think that I can do that. Might not be in the way that you think, though.
hallie4ragged: Here ya go! sorry if it's a bit late. I don't even know how often we update, and that it's short. Longer chapter soon!
