Chapter XVIII

Cherry Syndrome

The alchemy books fell shut with a heavy noise and three sighs of relief.

"Well I suppose that would be all then." Hermione said and looked proudly at the pile of notes she had written.

"Yep," Ron grinned, pointedly ignoring the look sent his way at the pathetic attempt he had made at taking notes, "until next year then?" Four months and eighteen lessons passed and Harry, Ron and Hermione were torn between never wanting to hear the word 'alchemy' again and never putting the quill down. At this point however, the first feeling dominated all of them. The next day, was the last of the autumn term and with it, also the final alchemy class. It had been difficult but the steps they had made were tremendous. Unfortunately, they had not had the chance to try their hand at the practical side of alchemy.

"What on earth made you think that was it?" Edward scoffed, pulling his desk drawer open. The students watched as he retrieved a small tin box. Inside were five small pieces of broken chalk. Alphonse took the box and handed them a piece each. "It would be such a shame for you to forget everything over the holidays. I thought I'd give you something that'll stick." Edward explained with a grin. Hermione just about squealed with excitement.

"Do you mean we're going to try it?" She asked, already dropping to her knees to scribble at the stone floor. Alphonse laughed at her enthusiasm then crouched down to help her. This left Ron and Harry staring deftly at their chalk.

"Is this your idea of a Christmas present Edward?" Ron asked reluctantly to which Edward chuckled.

"Oh no, Ronald, your Christmas present is that you don't get to leave until it's worked." He smirked.

"But you said it was nearly impossible for us to do." Harry commented in place of Ron. Edward hummed in agreement but the smile only grew wider.

"Let's just say I believe in you." He encouraged and patted them both on the head. Harry and Ron exchanged uneasy glances, until they both felt gravity setting in on them as Edward applied more pressure to his grip. With a yelp they both fell to their knees, chalk in hand. "Good luck boys." While Harry and Ron went to work, grumbling about abusive teachers and impossible tasks, Edward sat back in his chair and grabbed the nearest book. After all there was no need not to get comfortable, they were going to be there for a while….

Three hours and many tears of frustration later, Edward was jolted out of his reading trance by a triumphant yell made by Hermione. An ice blue light flashed around the room as before the eyes of everyone, Hermione transmuted a slab of the floor into a goblet.

"Awesome!" Edward cheered and jumped out of his seat. Both he and Alphonse had their arms around Hermione's shoulders in an instant, showering her with praise. "Brightest witch of your age you are." Ron watched on sullenly as a smile spread across Hermione's lips that could have split her face.

"Thank you very much. It's all because of your teaching. I'm sure Harry and Ron will manage it too." As if on cue, another flash blinded the group. Once it was gone, Harry's own slab had changed as well. Ron's followed suit within minutes.

"Well it looks like we're a lot better than I thought, Al." Edward said with a grin. His brother rolled his eyes at him.

"Don't listen to him, you three are brilliant." Alphonse encouraged warmly. The three nodded their thanks and smiled. "We've actually prepared presents for you." He added, nodding towards his older brother. Edward grinned and pulled out three wrapped gifts from under the desk. "Merry Christmas!"

"It was all Al's idea." He explained, handing them their respective presents. "Think of it as a rite of passage." The trio exchanged confused looks before tearing the wrapping off.

"What's this?" The little, tin boxes were all identical. They were red with rounded silver edges and inside was a brand new, neatly stacked set of white chalk.

"It's for your lessons." Edward answered. Ron raised an eyebrow.

"You got us chalk? Big spenders aren't you?" He said sarcastically earning himself an elbow to the gut from Hermione. The Elric brothers were not too bothered though. Instead they edged closer.

"Ah but you see the point of the present isn't the chalk. Look at the lid." They did. Engraved on each lid was an eerie symbol. It was a black crucifix, engulfed by a snake. Two small wings were suspended above the cross completing the image. Edward and Alphonse smiled fondly at the symbol.

"It was our master's mark. She passed it on to us when our training was completed." Alphonse elaborated. "Now we're teaching you, so in turn, the mark is now yours."

Harry could not quite describe the feelings that welled up in him at that point. All he could do was clutch the box and smile appreciatively at his teachers, until a thought occurred to him.

"Wait, does that mean this is our last class?" He said with bewilderment. Both Ron and Hermione's smiles dropped at the though. Edward scoffed and returned to his desk seat, picking up the book he had been reading.

"Course not. You're going to practice creating over the break. Then when you get back, it's time to focus on destroying. After all why else do you think you're here?" He flipped open to the page he had been on and was engulfed in it once more. He ushered them out with one final dismissive wave. "That would be all. Good night students." He drawled. Harry, Ron and Hermione rolled their eyes at this but the skip to their step still remained.

"Good night, Professor." They chimed and left the room to return to the Gryffindor dorms. A moment of silence reigned as the two brothers got comfortable. Even if there was nothing pertinent for them to discuss, Alphonse and Edward still liked to end the day by spending time together. But they would be having company this time. Harry, Ron and Hermione had barely left the room before another set of feet swept in.

"Good evening Brothers Elric." Dumbledore greeted, smiling pleasantly with his hands folded loosely behind his back. "I see you've just wrapped up your final class." Alphonse and Edward both shifted their attention to nod in greeting towards the headmaster.

"Yes we have. The results have been better than we expected. We will be able to start focusing on the Horcruxes soon after the New Year." Alphonse said, getting to his feet to offer the headmaster a seat which was politely declined. Dumbledore's hands came out from behind his back and settled for stroking his bead instead.

"Very good, that should coincide perfectly with Harry's other private lessons." He murmured more to himself than the others.

"How that boy is managing is beyond me." Edward chipped in, leaning forward to rest his chin in his hands.

"Harry is a very bright young man. He has managed to find a way to balance it all." Dumbledore said offhandedly. "Now then, on to business, I'm sure you both know why I am here. We all know very well that the incident with Miss. Bell a couple of weeks ago was Mr. Malfoy's doing." He continued solemnly, looking at both boys from above the tilt of his half-moon spectacles. Alphonse and Edward sighed.

"We know Headmaster but unfortunately these things take time." Edward offered weakly. Dumbledore only shook his head in response and replied.

"This is no simple matter we are speaking of Mr. Elric. Unfortunately one of the students was harmed and sent to St. Mungo's. I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps we should rethink your involvement concerning Mr. Malfoy."

"No!" All eyes fell to Alphonse. He had a hand halfway to his mouth, lips slightly parted and eyes just a little wider than usual. It was as if he were shocked himself by his exaggerated reaction. Alphonse glanced at Edward who merely gave him a funny look before turning back to Dumbledore.

"Look, we have things under control. What happened with Miss. Bell was unfortunate but she is going to be alright. We just didn't factor into our plans that he may use other people as mediums." Edward rushed, the plan suddenly becoming much more important to him than before. But the look of concern on Dumbledore's face was gone. Instead, he was smiling enigmatically between the brothers.

"Well, I trust you know you are doing." Reaching into his pocket, Dumbledore retrieved a small sweet, popped it into his mouth and turned his back. "Just try to make sure that no more people get hurt in the process. Good night Mr. and Mr. Elric." With one final sweep of his long cloak, the Headmaster was gone. Edward and Alphonse looked at one another and blinked a couple of times in silence. The look to Alphonse's expression was just a little out of place, somewhat guilty but Edward decided not to harp on it. He just raised his eyebrow and returned to reading.

"What's with you recently?" Edward asked obnoxiously. Alphonse opened and closed his mouth several times before determining that he really had no reasonable answer.

It was Friday evening, dinner was quite animated. The season cheers along with the ends of classes brought a bounce to each student's actions. The snow that lightly fell from the ceiling and turned into silver glitter on its descent only added to the festive season and the rich feast before them brought smiles to everyone's face.

"Oh shit." Harry's fork dropped to his plate in terrible realisation. Alphonse, Ron and Hermione immediately left their own meal in concern.

"What?" They all asked simultaneously. Harry met their eyes in dismay.

"Slughorn's Christmas Party." He said. "That's tonight?" Hermione frowned.

"Yes?" She informed. The frown on Harry's face deepened as he swore.

"Bugger."

"What?"

"I haven't got a date." Both Hermione and Ron seemed to deflate at his words, their figures slumping with relief.

"Is that all?" Ron laughed punching Harry playfully in the arm. Alphonse chimed in with his own chuckle. Hermione did not find it as funny.

"Harry James Potter! You had me worried!" She scolded, smacking his finger harshly with a spoon.

"Relax Hermione. I don't think you realise that to us men it's a huge deal." Ron countered and naturally a whole new round of bickering ensued. This time Alphonse really did begin to laugh wholeheartedly.

"Ron's right Hermione, it is important. Especially considering him, you, Ginny and Alphonse already have dates." Harry complained, rubbing his hand.

"Well that's not quite true. I'm dateless." Alphonse said albeit cheerfully then he smiled warmly and nodded towards the Ravenclaw table. "Coincidentally, I believe Luna is too." Ron returned to his meal and said through bites.

"Well isn't that great then Al? You and Luna can go tog…" Harry was on his feet within seconds.

"Sorry, I'll be right back." He excused distractedly before walking over to her. Harry's three friends watched all the surrounding girls grow envious as a smile graced Luna's lips and she nodded. Alphonse reached for his goblet smugly.

"Guess it's just me then." He murmured, taking a sip. Hermione breathed a lighthearted chuckle.

"You're too nice Al." To which Alphonse shrugged.

"Yeah well, Luna deserved it." He said happily then turned to Hermione with a grin and offered her his elbow. "Now then, shall we go and prepare Miss. Granger?" Hermione giggled and linked her arm with his. The two rose to their feet and sauntered out of the Great Hall in friendly conversation. It was Harry who had to return to his seat to find his best friend seething.

After Harry and Ron finished dinner and returned to their dormitories to don dress robes, Harry found himself alone outside the Ravenclaw common room waiting for Luna. He tried his hardest to ignore the giggling of the other girls who walked past him, knowing exactly who he was waiting for but after a while it became annoying. Instead, Harry opted for staring defiantly at anyone who so much as breathed wrongly. He leaned casually against the stone wall of the hallway and looked down at his bowtie. Harry felt guilty. That was a fact. It had been over two months since he had last had a concrete conversation with Luna and now it was only because he was lonely. What kind of low, shallow friend was he? Never mind the fact that he and Luna had been teetering around in their relationship for almost a year now…

Harry was brought from his musings by the delicate tap of footsteps coming towards him. The pink shoes were what he saw first then when he looked up he could not help but smile widely. Luna looked like a Christmas tree but it was just so her.

"I thought I'd go with something festive." She murmured, fingering her skirt. Her hair was unruly but something was shining through in it.

"You look beautiful Luna." He said and without thinking reached out the pat down her hair endearingly. She smiled back then turned away.

"Shall we go then? I'm quite looking forward to feeling like part of a group." She mused so cheerfully that Harry could not resist the laugh that crept out of him.

"Alright let's go." He agreed. They linked arms and walked in the direction of the party. By his life, Harry could not remember why they had even stopped speaking. He did not know what it was but Luna just seemed to understand him. They spoke pleasantly and animatedly all the way to the party and upon entering did not even notice the approaching camera before it was too late. The lights were blinding. They got into Harry's eyes before he even realised they were there and whilst he was rubbing his eyes, trying to get over the dazzling lights dancing before his eyelids, all he could hear was the annoying wittering of an all too familiar voice.

Who the hell had invited Rita bloody Skeeter?

"Well if it isn't the Boy Who Lived. Oh my, he's cut his hair, that's going in the tabloids and who is this lovely lady? I see Harry Potter likes them blonde…" Harry planted a smile so fake it would have hurt to look at it on his face as he greeted her. The best thing with that woman was just to wait it out.

"Oh my, what have we here?" It would seem Harry's tactic worked. Rita's attentions had been shifted. He looked up to see who her next unfortunate victim was. He sniggered at the sight of Alphonse and Edward looking as if they wanted to walk right back out of the door they had just entered. Well rather them than him. Harry scanned the room for an excuse to leave and just like that he found one. Ginny was alone by the drinks, she was staring dejectedly into the bowl, her hands hung at her side. Without another thought Harry left the chattering group and went to speak to her. All Luna did, was watch him go.

"Everything alright?" The soothing voice of Alphonse Elric, reached her ears as she turned to find him smiling at her with two drinks in hand. He offered her one which she took appreciatively and sipped quietly. A small, sad smile graced her lips as she brushed a loose strand of blonde hair from her face.

"It would seem I have lost the affections of the Chosen One." She mumbled looking sadly into the goblet. To her surprise, Alphonse laughed. It was not a cold laugh but felt more like a reassuring gesture. He looked at her and did just that with his hands, patting her on the back.

"You know I always thought you deserved better anyway." He offered. Luna's thoughts drifted to the jewel hanging from her earring, a small round coin with a snake enveloped crucifix and black wings. Alphonse leaned forward and touched this very earring and winked at her. "Don't settle for anything short of the best Luna." He reassured then drew back and ushered her back to Edward.

"So tell me Mr. Elric, how's your first term at Hogwarts been? Still as short as ever I see. Do the students like you? Do you miss life as a freelancer? Have you found love with any of the professors…no strike that any of the students?" Rita bombarded.

"I beg your fucking pardon? Of course not!" Edward shouted back in outrage, crossing his arms. "How lowly do you think of me?" He exclaimed. Rita, annoying as she may be, was excellent at her job and did not seem fazed in the slightest.

"Well you can say what you will Sweetie but a little birdie told me that you have in fact found love." She said, he quill scratching away with lightning speed. "I dare say you've found it in a tall, dark Hogwarts Supervisor by the name of Roy M. Mustang. How does he feel about your height issues?" Edward was struck completely and utterly speechless but there was something in his eyes that suggested it would be in everyone's best interests to take one large step back.

"You…." He began dangerously, his arms rising, little twitches appearing all over him as the thought of throttling this woman became ever so appealing. Alphonse was the only one who saw where this was going and chose to act. He stepped forward and grabbed his brother's shoulders firmly.

"Ah no Brother don…" Luckily though, it never got that far because at that very moment, Filch pushed past them into the room, cackling triumphantly.

"Let go of me you filthy squib!" He had Draco Malfoy held firmly at the ear. Filch without a single look at his audience marched straight towards Slughorn and threw Malfoy forward. Slughorn watched in apprehension as Malfoy sneered and straightened himself out.

"Found him snooping around, obviously looking to get into the party. Didn't get past me and good ol' Mrs. Norris though did he?" Filch bragged smugly.

"I should have you and that filthy cat incarcerated, you revolting…" Malfoy scoffed and exclaimed with a voice full of disgust. It was what did him in. Slughorn seemed to activate into teacher mode and stretched out to perfect posture.

"Mr. Malfoy, I will not have this level of vulgarity at my party! Honestly it is students like you that give the Slytherin house a bad name. You should take a page out of Mr. Zabini's book, perhaps then I would allow you in the club." With this, Slughorn nodded towards Blaise who was currently trying to blend in with the group of Slytherins who were trying to shrink against the wall. The group winced as betrayal flashed across Malfoy's face that pierced at all of their consciences. Draco could do nothing but chuckle. Of course there were Slytherins in the Slug Club but Blaise? He looked darkly towards Blaise.

"Zabini, how nice to see you, thought I smelt something repulsive." He sniped, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. They had been the closest thing he had to friends at Hogwarts but to hell with them all. He did not need anyone. Not even Snape who he knew was looming in the background.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Slughorn snapped. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Argus please remove him." Filch grinned so wide it could have split his face as he gripped Malfoy's arm and began to tug violently. Slughorn watched stonily until….

"Ah Professor please don't have him removed." Everyone's, even Malfoy's eyes widened incredulously as a Gryffindor stepped forward and put a hand on Draco's shoulder.

"Mr. Elric? What is the meaning of this?" Slughorn questioned, interest captured. Alphonse shifted uncomfortably for a minute.

"Ah well…" He murmured bouncing from one foot to another.

"What in Merlin's name do you think you're doing?" Draco hissed harshly at the boy who appeared to have come to his awkward rescue.

"Well you see Professor Slughorn...I invited him." Alphonse offered, motioning flippantly between them.

"WHAT?" It was not only Harry, Ginny and Hermione who exclaimed this. No, it was pretty much everyone in the room, all except Luna and Edward who merely exchanged a smug glance and a whispered 'I told you so'. Slughorn opened his mouth to question this but Alphonse got in first.

"You see Professor, we agreed that we'd meet here to avoid any inconveniences so we didn't arrive together. I suppose Mal…Draco was just running a bit late right?" Slughorn looked from one boy to the other in confusion.

"Is this true Mr. Malfoy." Alphonse looked pointedly at Draco, willing him to agree. It worked.

"Yes Professor." He muttered. Slughorn smiled widely.

"Well you should have said so in the first place. Alphonse is one of my best students. If I had known I never would have suggested you leave. Please don't think this was about anything else. I apologise Mr. Malfoy." He gushed pleasantly, patting them both on the shoulder. "In that case, enjoy the party." He bid them then turned his back to leave. The rest of the room followed suit seeing that the show was over but a new subject had sparked within each conversation. Alphonse let out a sigh of relief then turned to the other boy.

"Oh wow if looks could kill." He commented at the death glare Malfoy was sending his way.

"What did you do that for?" He challenged. Alphonse took a step back at the dark look he was being given.

"Well knowing you, you'd rather not be kicked out with an entire room there to hold it against you." Al explained, holding his hands up as if he were surrendering.

"I'd rather that than be saved by the likes of you." Malfoy scoffed defiantly to which Alphonse shrugged.

"We both know that's not true but whatever. Sorry for wasting your time Malfoy." He quipped, stepping away from the boy. Let Malfoy do what he wanted, there was only so much Alphonse could do for him in the end. The look in Malfoy's eyes softened at the unexpected surrender just a tiny degree but he still turned his back and stormed out of the room. Alphonse watched him leave then frowned when he saw the billowing, midnight form of Severus Snape follow after him. Well, at least someone was able to lecture Malfoy, even if it was not him. Suddenly, the air around him grew incredibly uncomfortable as he felt someone breathing, purposefully down his neck. The smug air around Edward was so strong, he could have bottled it. Alphonse just sighed.

"Please don't say anything." He pleaded, not even bothering to turn around. He did not have to. Edward stepped smoothly to his side, smirking widely.

"Say anything about what? Honestly I have no idea what you are talking about." Edward almost sang, nudging his brother. "Say I didn't know that Malfoy was your date. I thought you were going stag." He added. Edward was an older brother after all and this was just one of those things he could not let go.

"Argh, you're so annoying sometimes!" Alphonse snapped halfheartedly. All he got in return was another nudge.

"It's why I'm here. Now go on Romeo, go after your man." Edward ordered. Alphonse pulled a face at him but nodded and jogged out of the room.

Malfoy was pushed against the wall with Snape drawling something threatening into his ear. Harry was not close enough to hear the exact words but he got the gist of it. Whatever was going on was not good and Harry was increasingly getting the awful feeling that Alphonse was in on it. He was not sure if he could handle the thought of having to fight friends. It was a feeling he never wanted to repeat but sadly, Harry just may have landed himself in exactly the same position as he was in last year.

….Dark Lord…..unbreakable vow…assistance….chosen…..Dark Lord….

Malfoy struggled against the grip Snape had on him but the words were obviously coming across clearly. He slumped against the wall and just nodded sullenly at the man's words. Snape, obviously satisfied stepped back.

"You'll do well to keep that in mind Mr. Malfoy." He drawled with such a sense of finality that Harry was ready to leave just as Snape was but another, new voice stopped him.

"Urgh what do you bloody want?" Malfoy spat, the stress cracking his voice.

"Look, I get it, you're having a tough night but please just listen to me." Harry's stomach dropped and he felt a shiver run down his spine. That was Alphonse. Harry crept closer towards the end of the hallway, peeking around the corner to watch the two young men argue.

"What do you care, go on then Elric why don't you have a go too?" Draco growled, taking a step towards Alphonse. The two were barely a breath away. Heights matched and expressions equally as determined.

"I'll just say one thing Malfoy: back off." Alphonse ground out, not swaying in the least but holding the Slytherin's gaze with everything he had. Malfoy frowned.

"What do you…?" He began but Alphonse was obviously in no mood to mess around.

"Do you honestly think no one is noticing?" Alphonse's tone almost had a laugh to it but any hint of mirth was lacking. The falter in Malfoy's façade was obvious even from where Harry was standing. Whatever was going on, Malfoy had not known of Alphonse's involvement but that was still no help. Alphonse's expression lightened and a look of concern washed over him. He looked down to the point where Malfoy's neck met his chest. "Look I know you don't think we're that close and I'm not sure what's going on but I'm worried about you. Why can't you allow me to offer you just a little help?"

"No." Alphonse looked back up again at the blunt statement. Their eyes met and Malfoy seemed to hesitate. "I can't... you… look there's just something I need to do alone. I've been chosen for this. I don't need help from you or Snape or anyone. So just stay out of my business" Malfoy said. His will was coming back with every word uttered and by the end of the sentence Malfoy was stood tall and glaring just as he normally did as he repeated his professor's words. "You'll do well to keep that in mind Elric." Harry watched Malfoy leave. He watched Alphonse slump against the enormous windowsill and tap his fingers against the edge in frustration as he muttered under his breath in a language Harry did not recognise. Two English words did however make their way into the fray repeatedly.

"Stupid brat, stupid brat, stupid brat." Alphonse muttered, the taps increasing in both noise and frequency.

"I'm guessing it went well?" Alphonse's cursing was interrupted by his brother joining him.

"Oh absolutely phenomenal. He'll probably never speak to me again." Alphonse wailed the sense of failure slowly setting in again. Edward just laughed and handed his brother something to drink.

"Hey you know what they say: if at first you don't succeed…" He began. Alphonse looked at his brother and smiled.

"Pick it up and try again?" He finished. Edward chuckled.

"Well that too. I was going to go with 'destroy all evidence of you ever trying'" He continued and full out laughed this time. Alphonse groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Brother I have a headache." He complained, resting his head against Edward's shoulder. Edward wrapped his arm around him comfortingly and smiled.

"You're right Al. I think it's time for bed. We can try again with Malfoy tomorrow."

Almost 5000 words there. I hope you enjoyed my pretty Alphonse-centric update. I am so sorry for the wait. I know you probably don't want to hear excuses but I'm in my final year of IB and my life has just been nothing short of hectic recently. I can't give any specific dates but I will try to update soon. Until then please bear with me.