"Why is this so late?!"

My answer is simple. I have something rather special prepared, and in order for it to work, it needed to be late. I haven't been at my best lately, so please excuse any horrific writing.

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

"Why don't you just go back? I'm sure if you as that headmaster of yours, he'll make an exception." Said that voice Ed so despised. Ed reluctantly nodded. That may be the best solution, I need to check something too, back in Resembool. But..

"Why hesitate? He's your brother"

Something just doesn't feel right. Now, either get the hell out of my head, or tell me who you are!

"You really are short tempered aren't you?"

"Don't call me small!"

The voice just laughed, and Ed felt the urge to hit something. Oh how he wished he knew this person's identity, so he could give them a good punch.

Maybe I should ask the old man…

Chapter 14- Cronies and Festivities

Ed's eyes fluttered open to see parchment. As his sight adjusted to the room, he realized he had fallen asleep among a large pile of books. He looked down at his "travel log" groggily, seeing that the point of his pen seemed to have trailed off the parchment, leaving a trail of ink behind. He grunted in displeasure, and mentally berated himself for leaving such crucial material out in the open.

When Ed finally finished cleaning his work space, and returning the books to their rightful location, he began to explore the school. He had originally intended to study some of the portraits, or even get a sample of some of the potion ingredients to research, but he ended up simply walking.

Ed was most certainly not one to stroll around aimlessly looking at scenery, but even he couldn't help but admire the place. Hogwarts Castle was on its own level of absolute superiority to what he had originally thought to be mansions. In fact, the great hall is roughly the same size as the Tucker estate. It was the definition of medieval, the very essence of abnormal, and the home of a never-ending fantasy. One could never say they knew everything about it; that was the type of place it seemed to be. Whenever you felt you understood it, it did a 180, and you were left clueless once again. It wasn't unlike a small child, who found joy in messing with their parents, and having fun trying to be unpredictable.

Ed hated it. It was as if the castle itself were mocking him, daring him to try and learn all he can, and knowing he could never do it. He hated the small things in this castle that resembled the Tucker estate, such as the statues, or the dishes. He hated that it was so unpredictable, and could turn a person on its head.

As he walked, the whispers of portraits could be heard, a hushed cacophony of voices, muddling together in his brain like soup. Some said things that had nothing to do with anything, some tried to stop his march by challenging him to duels, some suggested he was infected with an odd disease he couldn't remember. Every now and then he would pass a group of students, whispering or giggling about some joke they had made. He was quite sure he had seen someone who looked like a first year, though he seemed much younger. The boy gave off the impression of someone well nourished, and untroubled. It wasn't something Ed was unfamiliar with, but it still gave him a pang of nostalgia, to the days when he had no worries. He had a happy family, a good friend, and everything was laughs and tricks.

"Oi! Ed!" Came a voice shocking him out of his thoughts abruptly. "There you are!" He looked up to see a panting Ronald Weasly standing in front of him. Ed rolled his eyes. "What do you mean, "There you are"? I told you I went to the library" Ron shook his head. "Then why are you on the 4th floor? The library is on the 2nd. You do know there's a quicker way to Gryffindor tower, right?" Ed blinked. Since when was I on the 4th floor? I only went up one flight of stairs didn't I?

"Besides, you've been gone for hours! It's nearly time for dinner!" Ron added, motioning for Ed to follow him. Ed perked up at the mention of food, as his stomach seemed to agree with the prospect of being fed. "yeah, I've been doing a of research" He said, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "Then I fell asleep. I'm kinda surprised that evil librarian didn't kill me for it"

The librarian, Madam Pince, was a sharp looking woman who would find any excuse to get mad at you. She and Ed had already started on bad terms when she saw the state in which he worked. She said it was "unhealthy for the book's bindings" should they be left open in such positions. Ed had merely scoffed and said questioned why it would be so important, resulting in a loud row, which only ended with the intervention of Hermione Granger, someone who Madam Pince seemed to like. Ed had made sure before he fell asleep, to pick a spot where he was out of her sight.

Ed suddenly froze, remembering what he had been doing before falling asleep. "Actually, Ron, I need to see the old man" Ed said. Ron looked at Ed as if he were an elephant. "Are you out of your mind? Don't you remember? We have to finish that essay for McGonagle or she'll turn us into cats!" Ed shivered at the thought of Ron telling him to do homework; it was a daunting prospect if he was becoming responsible.

"Since when did you care about teacher opinions?" Ed asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly. Ron blushed slightly, saying "I don't I just don't want you being on her bad side. She's really influential and can probably screw up your whole mission if you're not careful. Her words carry a lot of weight."

Ed knocked on Ron's head lightly, saying in a joking manner "What's this? Ron, actually being considerate? Has the world gone mad?"

"Well, I mean, that's what Hermione told me to tell you at least…" Ron muttered. Ed nodded, mouth forming an 'o' in understanding. "Now it makes sense"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ed laughed out loud hearing this. He had to admit, these people were growing on him, it felt as if so much pressure had been lifted, knowing he didn't have to continue to tell such blatant lies, and he didn't have to be so secretive. He still couldn't forgive them for what they had done, he still couldn't forget their intrusion, but he could live with it. Besides, the last time he had felt the way he did with these people, was long before anything had happened. His time with Al, Winry, and his parents. It's nice to make the most of it, even if this whole thing is just an illusion. A small distraction from my true goal.

"So, where's the old man's office again?" Ed asked, reverting to the original topic of discussion. What am I thinking? I need to hurry the hell up and check on Al! I'm such an idiot!

"What, you're still gonna go?"

Ed shrugged. "Yeah, I need to talk to the old man. So, any ideas?" now it was Ron's turn to shrug. "Not a clue. I heard it switches locations" Ed groaned at this. "Why are the things in this damn castle so confusing?" He asked, looking to the ceiling, demanding an answer. However, the only response he received was a few laughs from portraits. "I believe his office is on the 6th floor, to the right." Said the picture of a knight, posing in a ridiculous manner. Ed nodded. "Thanks" Ron groaned, saying "I'm going with you. I don't need to get killed by Hermione cause of you"

Ed waved it off taking off towards the stairs. He could hear the hurried footsteps behind him and knew that Ron was indeed following him.

After the short trek to the 6th floor, Ed saw something that immediately caught his attention.

Draco Malfoy and his cronies. Ed groaned. "Damn, your everywhere aren't you?"

Malfoy smirked triumphantly at this, oh how that look was sickening. It was a smaller, prissier looking image of a certain pyromaniac.

"Well how strange to see you two here, what are you doing?" Malfoy asked in that drawling tone of his.

"Nothing you should worry about. Now, we need to get going-" Ed attempted to push past them, but was held back by one of the gorillas. Ed struggled in his grip, but to no avail. The boy had an iron grip.

"Now that's no way to address you superiors, Elric" Draco said, and Ed heard the boy holding him give a low toned "yeah" in agreement.

Ed decided to give the boy a punch with his right hand to the stomach, and was pleased to find the tactic effective. The boy doubled over, and Ed immediately pushed past them, dragging Ron with him. "We don't have time for your crap, Malfoy." Malfoy looked stunned at this, and opened his mouth to take away points, before Ed grinned, turning a corner. He could hear Malfoy yelling "Get back here!" and laughed. Once they were certain they had lost Malfoy, Ed slowed his pace. Normally, he wouldn't have run, but today he just didn't want to deal with it. He just wanted to find out about Al.

I can't believe I fell asleep, and then wasted all that time when Al might be in danger! What kind of brother am I?

He rushed through the hallways, receiving many stares as he went, until he finally reached the large statue of a gargoyle, which Ed stared at curiously. He could hear Ron behind him panting heavily, muttering something about bloody chickens and freakish foreigners. He rolled his eyes, and reached out to touch the gargoyle, before jumping out of his skin as it turned to him sharply.

"Password?" It said, as Ed panted, gulping down air and trying to right himself.

"Bloody hell!" Ron swore from behind him, followed by a string of other curses.

Once he had finally calmed down, Ed began to wonder about how the thing worked. Is there a soul bound to the statue too? That seems to be the cause of a lot of this.

"Password?" The gargoyle repeated, more forceful this time.

"I don't know! I just need to see the old man!"

"Can't get in without the password,"

"I can find your blood seal!" Ed growled. Ron looked at Ed curiously, most likely wondering what he was talking about. Of course he had absolutely no intention of erasing it, but the gargoyle didn't need to know that. The gargoyle recoiled slightly, before saying "Edward Elric?"

Ed nodded. "Yeah, that's me. It seems everyone in this damn castle knows me before I know them, doesn't it?" he said, venom dripping from his tone.

"Alright, you can go in then." The gargoyle said gruffly, and behind him appeared a spiral staircase embroidered in gold, with an eagle in the center. Ed was a little miffed at the easy entry, but let it go, not quite caring about it at the moment. He dashed up the stairs and banged his metal fist on the doors. "Old man! Open up, we need to talk!"

"Ed, I don't think you can break in there" Ron said, seeming to try and soothe Ed's anger. At this, Ed was once again miffed, not used to hearing a voice of reason from Ron of all people.

A calm, "enter" came from the depths of the room, and Ed didn't hesitate to barge in. Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, quite relaxed. It bothered him to no end.

"Ah Edward, how nice to see you on a pleasant day such as this." Dumbledore said with his signature smile.

"I need to go back." Ed said, not at all attempting to beat around the bush. Ron made a noise of protest at this, but was completely ignored as Ed waited for Dumbledore to speak. He took his time doing so, saying "Why would you need that?"

"Al, he's in danger!"

"Who's Al?" Ron asked, though he was once again ignored.

"Are you referring to his plan?" Dumbledore inquired, surprising Ed profoundly. "How..."

"It has already happened, Edward. Your brother is safe, and they were successful" At this Ed temporarily relaxed before asking "How do you know this? How do I know you're not lying?"

In response, Dumbledore held up a letter for Ed to see, smile still ever-present on his lips. It bothered Ed to no end, oh what he could do to get that damned smile off his face.

"I happen to be in close contact with your superiors."

"Oi! Edo! What's goin' on here?" Ron said, very loudly to prevent being ignored again. "What are you talking about?"

Ed turned to Ron, mentally debating whether or not to say anything. Just then, Dumbledore spoke.

"Oh, I am sorry for leaving you out of the loop, Mr. Weasly. We were discussing some affairs in Edward's home country. He seemed to be worried about his brother, being the caring older brother he is" Ed couldn't help it as his cheeks burned at this

"Whatever. Can I see the letter, Old man?"

Dumbledore nodded kindly, handing it to Ed. Ed took it and read it, muttering to himself.

It was all written in the colonel's writing, and he could tell by the speech pattern. Ed was slightly irritated that the bastard had been coming into contact with Dumbledore and giving him information about Al, but not even telling Ed, his older brother who cared about Al much more than this old man could ever imagine.

"You two should get going to the great hall" Dumbledore said genially, and Ron nodded eagerly at the prospect of dinner.

Grudgingly, the two left the office, and Ed began to mutter to himself darkly in his native tongue. Ron looked somewhat frightened by the mutterings, but Ed didn't particularly care. When they reached the great hall Ron immediately ran to the table to take a seat by Harry and Hermione, who looked like they had practically broken their necks from swiveling them around looking for them.

"Where were you? It's been over an hour Ron!" Hermione demanded, causing Ron to flinch.

"Ed went to see Dumbledore" Ron said hastily, holding his hands up in surrender.

Harry looked irritated at this and Ed suddenly remembered. Dumbledore has been ignoring him. He probably doesn't even want to hear about the bastard.

Ed took his seat across from Harry, and looked around in awe. He saw a few teachers holding their wands to pumpkins, and levitating them into the air. The pumpkins appeared to have odd faces on them and were glowing like candlelight. It looked very odd, and seemed to be intent for intimidation, though badly executed.

"What are they doing?" Ed wondered aloud.

"Halloween decorations. Don't you know? Tomorrow is Halloween, there's a big Hogsmede trip for it." Hermione explained, though she seemed shocked.

"What's Halloween? It sounds ridiculous" Ed scoffed, filling his plate with piles of food.

His friends seemed to stare at him in absolute shock, and Ed was at a loss. Was Halloween really that big a deal?

WOW NO LINE BREAKS THIS TIME! It's a miracle.

See you with another chapter soon!

Thank you for reading

-SevenBlazingSkies