I'm back! Granted, I probably should've been back a while ago, but I'm still back! Long story short, I had lots of interruptions and computer bugs.

I DO NOT OWN FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST BROTHERHOOD, OR ANY PART OF THE HARRY POTTER SERIES!

"So, Edward, how has your research been doing?"

"Fine" Ed said. "How much have you found out?" Dumbledore asked.

"I have a theory, but it has holes, it's not too solid." Ed said, once again being very vague. "I see, I am impressed you managed that in so little time" Dumbledore said.

"Can we just get to the point?" Ed asked.

"Alright then Edward. You see, you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" Dumbledore said. Ed's eyes widened.

"…What?"

Chapter 6- A Problem

"You have been accepted into a magic school, Edward." Dumbledore repeated his voice grave.

"But that doesn't make sense! I'm not like you people!" Ed protested. Dumbledore nodded. "That's exactly the problem. You are not a wizard. You are a muggle, who is incapable of using magic."

"So why the hell am I being taken for one?!"Ed said, shooting up from his chair. Dumbledore simply stared at him for a while, before saying "Tell me, Edward. How much do you know about the magical power of the world?" Ed blinked, taken aback by the question. "What does that have to do with this?"

"Please, just tell me" Dumbledore said. Ed was about to object, before his mind began to digest what Dumbledore was saying. Does the usage of this power have to do with it? "I know that it works a bit like material for alchemy. It can somehow be converted into many different materials, and can be used in alchemy as well as…magic" Ed did his best to hide the disgust at the word 'magic'. It was such a vague, unscientific word. However, he knew that his tone had betrayed him.

"I know that it exists, spread in the air throughout the world. The rest is all just guesswork" Ed concluded. He waited for the elderly man in front of him to say something, but all he did was give him an encouraging look. Go on his eyes said. Ed sighed, before continuing.

"I think that this energy also resides inside the bodies of people who you call 'wizards'. When they do 'magic', the energy from inside and out circulates, and gather into a single point, which are the sticks you all carry. Then there's a whole bunch of factors that need to be taken into account, and then…" Ed had gone into a series of mutterings, completely forgetting that he was talking to someone. He was brought back to reality when Dumbledore let out a light chuckle. Ed's head shot up and he stared at Dumbledore, as if daring him to make an insult.

"You seem to have made quite an interesting theory in quite a small amount of time. I can see now why your superior spoke so highly of you" Ed scoffed. "That bastard colonel spoke highly about me? My ass" Dumbledore chuckled saying "Yes, I also recall you two not getting along well. He had quite a hard time telling me about you. I believe that charming lieutenant of his helped…motivate him to speak" Ed shuddered probably held a gun to his head. Though I would've liked to see that conversation.

"You should be proud Edward. A large portion of your knowledge is correct. Magic power resides both in the air around us, and inside the wizard. Using these two areas of power, they gather it into their central point, the wand. This is where the conversion, or as you may say, a transmutation takes place."

"But that shouldn't work! There's no circles, there's no way every single one of you has seen truth!" Ed interrupted. "Be patient Edward." Dumbledore chided. Ed was about to speak again when he stopped, noticing the look in the man's eyes. The look that clearly showed that to ignore his directions would not be smart in the slightest.

"As I was saying, wands are made of very special parts. Certain factors put together make the wand unique. Do you know Edward?"

"The wood, length, core, and flexibility right?" Ed filled in.

"Correct. Each wand has a different set of those attributes. The cores provide different ranges of magical power, depending on the witch or wizard's capabilities. The wand's material, length and flexibility all determine the conversions made. You can say it serves to control and balance the power, otherwise it could backfire at random moments." Dumbledore explained. Meanwhile, Ed had his own mind process. This old man is saying that those sticks are performing the transmutations? Without a circle, nor going through the process? That can't be right. These people may be able to do some odd things, that's why I was sent here, but that's just ridiculous! There has to be a different reason! This whole business is fishy, being able to do these things with a few words or a flick of a stick.

"Edward?" said Dumbledore, shaking Ed from his trance. He looked up to see Dumbledore looking at him oddly. "Did you hear what I said?" Ed shook his head and Dumbledore gave a sympathetic smile.

"I said, that if you really want more information, you should look into wand-lore. I myself am not too familiar with the field, but I'm sure you could consult someone, or research it."

For being such an accomplished man, he isn't all that helpful is he? Ed thought skeptically.

"There aren't many books on that stuff old man. This library has quite a lot of limits" Ed recalled his searches through the bookshelves of the dusty and broken down library. He remembered he had attempted to learn more about the sticks they used, but he could never find anything related to it.

"I'm sure that the Hogwarts library could give you the information you wanted" Dumbledore said, an odd glint in his eyes which Ed couldn't quite place. What's he planning?

"Like we said before, I'm not the same as you people." Ed said quickly. He didn't appreciate being lumped in with these mysterious people with a weak governing force.

"That is true, but you seem to have been mistaken for one by the ministry" Ed snorted at this, saying "Is your ministry really so bad at their job that they can make mistakes like that?"

"I believe it has to do with your use of alchemy" Dumbledore said, voice still grave. "Can you think of how this might be so?" Ed thought on this. Something to do with Alchemy? Clearly it has to do with magical power as well, or the old man wouldn't have mentioned it. When I perform alchemy that power is also used, similar to what these people refer to as magic. So that means…

"Does your Ministry have a way to monitor the usage of this Magical Energy?" Ed asked uncertainly. Dumbledore gave him a knowing smile, sending Ed into anger. He was just testing me! He probably knows everything I need to finish this damn mission but won't tell me! "Have you heard of The Trace charm, Edward?" Dumbledore asked.

Ed shook his head, though he thought he already knew what to expect. "It is a charm put in place by the ministry on all witches and wizards under the age of 17. It monitors the usage of underage magic, which is forbidden once they enter schooling." Dumbledore explained. Ed nodded, understanding. Maybe the government has more control than I thought, being able to monitor so many people, but what if they are missing someone? No, I doubt this technique is absolute, after all, if someone used energy while in the presence of an underage person, they wouldn't know the difference right? That would explain why they don't monitor schools, it would be pointless.

"So when I used Alchemy and the power interfered, they took it for the use of magic?" Ed said, fitting the pieces together.

Dumbledore nodded, "that is exactly the problem. According to the Ministry, you are a Wizard. They will know every time you use magical energy, and you will be persecuted for it outside of school" So from the moment I first used Alchemy, I have been being monitored, if I use any more I may be going against the laws, unless I attend a school where it would be allowed. What a situation to land in! The Colonel won't be happy… I suppose I could go to the school, but I'm not like them! It's all a mistake! My cover would be blown immediately! Ed thought, steadily growing more panicked with every other thought.

"I see you now realize what situation this puts you in" Dumbledore said, staring right into Ed's eyes, silently asking the question on both of their minds. What now?

"Is there any way to hide the energy usage?" Ed asked, "after all, I need alchemy to finish my research" Dumbledore seemed to think about this for a bit, before saying "I'm afraid there isn't. Though, if you were to attend Hogwarts, then that problem could be avoided"

Ed immediately shook his head. He had heard quite a bit about Hogwarts, a school for people to refine their techniques. He heard that the place was full of odd things, and the work there always kept students busy. How was Ed supposed to research, as well as find a lead on their bodies, with all that? Not to mention, with so many people, all capable of an unknown things, Ed's cover would be as good as gone. Especially if they were all as nosy as Mad-Eye.

Then again, Hogwarts most likely has far more research material then Grimmauld Place, as well as all the samples Ed could ever need. It would most certainly be beneficial for him to go, but at what cost? "As a student, how much access do I have to research material?" Ed asked.

"normally, there are certain age restrictions for books, however, I am willing to make an exception and grant you full access, as well as access to all parts of the school grounds" Dumbledore said, with that smile that Ed was never sure what to think about. Should he be uncertain or reassured?

"What do you want?" Ed said sharply. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at him saying "What do I want?"

"That's a lot of generous offers old man, so what do you want from me in exchange?"

He seemed to ponder this for a moment, as if he was not entirely sure himself of his motive. Ed stood, arms crossed, waiting for an answer. Dumbledore finally gave a smile, saying "Take it as repaying a debt to an old friend" Ed scoffed at this. "I don't want anything to do with that bastard. Repay him in person"

"Everyone makes mistakes Edward, I'm sure you know this better than anyone else. Sometimes they just need people to find it in their hearts to recognize them, and forgive them. Forget the past and move forward" Dumbledore said seriously, eyes twinkling. "You don't know me, old man. I'm nothing like that bastard." Ed said, refusing the wizard's words. So he really is a teacher then. Ed thought sourly.

"That's quite a shame. Perhaps one day you will find it in your heart to forgive him" Dumbledore said, and Ed snorted in distaste at the idea.

"So will you be attending Hogwarts Edward?" Dumbledore asked, directing the conversation back to the original topic. "Like I said, I'm not like you. People will be bound to notice that nothing happens when I wave around a stick and say some words. I can't let my cover be blown" Ed reasoned, silently acknowledging that they did have priorities in their discussion. At this however, Dumbledore chuckled lightly, which only made Ed more irritated. "An alchemist as skilled as you are, I was sure you already knew the answer to that."

"You want me to mimic what you people do with alchemy?"

"I think that is the only way for this to work. After all, it may help you in your research. Being surrounded by magic in a magical school, what better place is there to study magic?" As he said this, Dumbledore pulled out a stick from his pocket, though he immediately noticed it was snapped in half. "This wand was made especially for people like you. It is made to amplify alchemy and help the user control magical power" Ed raised an eyebrow, staring at the thing suspiciously. "What's it made of?"

"It was crafted from a normal wand, imbued with an incomplete philosopher's stone. The wand's magical power and the stone's alchemic power combine to allow the user to create an imitation of magic. However, this has only been possible for the most accomplished alchemists, who like you, do not need a circle. Why this may be is something you have to find out for yourself. The man who owned this wand was careless, and overused its power. Eventually, a rebound occurred and he was killed, and the wand broken." Dumbledore said, as Ed examined the wand. So by combining alchemy with this energy, I can imitate what they call magic? That can't be it, there has to be more to it. And what about the fact only people who've seen truth can do it? And alchemy can't do some of these things no matter what! Like control someone's mind? What will I do if I have to imitate something Alchemy can't copy? This whole plan is risky, and this old man is hiding something. I just know it. Where is he even getting these fake stones? How are they combined into these sticks? I need answers, and he doesn't look like he's going to give them to me. Intentionally or not, I can't be sure. It seems to me most of his information came from the bastard…

"Where would I get these anyway? Surely philosophers stones aren't common around here right?" Ed asked. Dumbledore shook his head. "The art of making these wands is known only to two wand-makers in history, Gregorovitch, who is not reachable, and Garrick Ollivander, who is the one who created this wand. If you should decide to come to Hogwarts, he will make one for you." It's a huge risk, but it's a risk I have to take. For the mission's sake, and Al's.

Ed let out a long breath, before saying "Fine. I'll go to your school"

Dumbledore smiled, as if reassuring Ed that it wasn't as bad as he thought. Or is that my imagination? "I'm glad, you will get you book list at the same time as the other students. I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts" He stood up to leave the room, before saying "there's also this. It will open a vault at Gringotts, the wizarding bank, for you. It used to belong to your father. I would recommend using it if you want to have your books for school. You can also show it to Ollivander. He will know exactly what to do." He handed Ed a golden key with odd engravings on it, before taking his leave.

Ed stared at the key in his hand, before throwing the key against a wall. "Dammit!"

The next morning, Ed was the last to wake up. After the previous night, he had gone to sleep with too much on his mind, and as a result had not fallen into sleep until late. Harry and Arthur had already left and everyone was either worrying, or convinced that he would be fine. Everyone was somber, except for the twins, who were attempting to lighten the mood when Ed arrived in the kitchen.

"c'mon! Harry has Dumbledore on his side! He'll be fine, as long as he doesn't lose his cool" Fred said.

"Yeah! He's gonna be fine!" George continued.

"Oi! Ed! You think Harry's going to be okay right?" Fred said, noticing the new arrival. "He has the old man on his side, and he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. Harry will be fine." Ed said plainly. Hermione and Ron looked at Ed questioningly, and Ed shrugged.

"How is your research progress coming along?" Remus asked, redirecting conversation. "Fine. Good mount of progress" Ed said, before saying "hey Sirius, do you have any books on… er… Wand-lore?" He winced at the word 'Wand-lore', hating it.

Sirius looked taken aback, but soon said "Dunno. There should be one or two, though my mother was never fond of it. I doubt you'll find much" Ed nodded. I guess I really don't have a choice. My resources are limited here to what the old hag has.

"Why are you interested? Is it part of research?" Tonks asked. Ed shook his head. "Nah, it's just something the old man said"

"You mean you've talked to professor Dumbledore? When?" Hermione asked. "He came last night, while you guys were asleep" Ed said, before sitting in a chair and taking a piece of toast. "Edward, dear, did you get enough rest last night? You look peachy" Molly said, looking Ed up and down.

"I'm fine! Really Molly, I'm fine" Ed said, dismissing her worries quickly.

After breakfast, Ed went to the library, where he wrote a letter to Al, explaining everything. As he was about to fold it into an envelope he hesitated.

PS: I don't know how this will turn out, but there's one thing I'm sure of. I can't trust many of these people; I just have to hope they don't dig too deep. I'm sure they'll have a clue to what we're looking for. I won't give up, I promise.

This was hard to write, mostly because of interruptions, and all of the things I needed to consider, including the fact Edward refuses to acknowledge what he sees as magic, and refers to it in a more scientific way whenever possible. I decided that Ed's relationship with Dumbledore is a bit of an on/off type. Even though Dumbledore sometimes irritates him, Ed still feels the reassurance that many people do while in his presence. I'm sorry if the character's personalities are a bit skewed, the future chapters will be better.

Alchemic Imitations:

Wizardry through Alchemy is a complex feat. It can only be accomplished by those with certain knowledge that is truth. However, not all magic can be imitated, as Alchemy is not all powerful. This will be shown later.

The Philosophers stone is an alchemic amplifier, that when combined with magical energy will allow an alchemist to perform transmutations that normally shouldn't be possible. This is because magical energy works as a form of material for alchemy, that can be converted to almost anything. But there are plenty of 'spells' that still cannot be performed.

The next coming chapters will be better, probably.

Thank you for reading

-SevenBlazingSkies