Prisoner of Azkaban
Chapter Twenty-Three
Preparations
Outside Central City
Early Morning
Sirius decided one stop before Central that he needed to leave the train. It seemed every stop more soldiers boarded, and with every boarding Sirius became more nervous. Clearly, he thought, they had to be looking for someone to have so many entering this car.
He had begun to feel surrounded as time passed and the car filled. Any time now they would decide they had caged him in and made their move, so he had to slip away while they were distracted. He had intentionally muttered that he needed to find the toilet just before the station as he passed several of them and made as if to enter the toilet area, instead slipping between cars.
As soon as they stopped, he jumped down between the cars before he hid under an uncoupled car as he transformed. No one had noticed him as far as he could tell, though he remained hidden long after the train moved on with yet another load of soldiers. The next train was on its way in the distance when he finally escaped the trainyard.
His new plan, as it was, was to sneak through the city he saw in the distance as fast as possible, possibly jumping on another train, and then make his way to the border. Xerxes Academy was the most likely place to find his godson if the ones who took him had any sense whatsoever.
As far as he knew from the limited information he had overheard, the ones who took Harry were not magic users themselves so they would have to send him to specialize training. Hogwarts would clearly be the first choice, if they were rational, though Xerxes was closer and with the isolationist attitudes here it was probable they would avoid European schools.
There had been a rumor that Harry had entered and been withdrawn from Hogwarts last year, making the chances he was at Xerxes more likely. Now it was a matter of finding the boy. The old photo he had been sent some time ago made it clear though that the boy looked exactly like James. Central grew closer as he mused, and soon he was on the outskirts of the city.
He saw no guards or soldiers as he snuck passed a series of warehouses and slipped into an alley. Here he once again changed into a dog, as it was always easier to find scraps in this form. He slipped back out onto a nearly deserted street, in search of something to eat and perhaps a newspaper.
Xerxes Academy
Headmaster's Office
Alphonse agreed to allow Minerva to plead her case, so she had arrived just after breakfast. Edward had assured him that she was one of the wizards who had taken the vow. She could then be trusted as much as any of them that he hadn't personally interviewed.
Minerva walked calmly into his office, carrying herself with grace though she had a worn expression on her face. "Good Morning, Professor Elric."
"Good Morning, such as it is." Alphonse replied. "I would not venture to label this day as 'good' with the issues we are having at the Amestris-Creta border however."
She seemed confused, as she asked, "The border? I was reliably informed a spell had been cast like the protections around Hogwarts preventing trouble?"
"Yes, though it seems the border was breeched. The being is believed to be Sirius Black. Apparently, he has a gift like your own." Alphonse frowned down at his notes that he created the night before from his old journals. "No matter, it will be handled, I'm certain. Now though, until it is settled, the children are being kept inside."
"If it's Black he will be after Yuery." Minerva was concerned, the boy needed to be protected.
"Yes, which is why none of my nephews are currently attending classes." Alphonse replied, "Now, it is my understanding that your Minister is forcing upon us at least two wizards to teach here for no less than a term."
"One wizard, one witch." Minerva corrected, "I was chosen, as well as one other who should be in contact soon, I believe. I do feel I need to warn you that I was let go of my last post very recently."
"Was there a particular reason?"
"Professor Dumbledore seemed to be under the impression I was trying to steal his job."
"Well, I cannot believe you would be a worse Headmistress than he is Headmaster considering how much the man drinks." Alphonse smiled sarcastically "I take it this was not the case however?"
"I was simply ensuring the children's records and tests were kept up to date as he seemed to be neglecting the paperwork this year." Minerva sighed. "To be honest, I was staying on primarily because his drinking had become a concern for me and several others. Once I had been informed of certain things it seemed the best option."
"I am aware of the things my brother told you or said you could be told." Alphonse nodded as he shuffled the papers on his desk. "We agreed it would be best that at least one of the two they are sending should be informed already so I do accept the offer of your assistance. I will warn you that should it become obvious you are a spy, you will be removed and imprisoned. There are several politically important children her from all three nations and we take their security seriously."
Minerva sighed in relief that at least she would not be turned away. Alphonse picked up the phone and asked someone to join them in his office, before he stood to shake her hand. "Princess Mei will be in in a moment to show you to your cottage. Princess Chen will be around shortly to give you a tour. It goes without saying that you are not to write to anyone about the layout or operations of this school. We pride ourselves on the safety of our students."
Central City
Fuhrer's Mansion
Winry once agreed, many years ago now, to always listen when Edward asked her to take the children a flea. She had never regretted making this agreement as much as she did right now. She reluctantly, though without an argument, packed for herself as most of her children to spend a few weeks in Reseembool.
Part of the reason she was reluctant was their eldest would remain behind with Edward as the most likely target of this Sirius Black. Yuery would be fine, between Ed and Roy, she had been assured. It did not make leaving him behind easier.
Yuery was currently sitting beside her as she packed, helping her fold up the girls' clothes into a suitcase. "I promise Mom I will stay exactly where I am told to be." Yuery offered a hug.
"I know, but I will worry about all three of you." Winry replied, "None of you are good at staying out of trouble."
"We don't go looking for it! It just finds us." Ed said from the doorway.
"Well, that's just a lie. I know you have actively sought out trouble, many times. As have your father and son. Last year, for example." Winry said, quickly mentioning the year before when Yuery opened his mouth to protest. Yuery quickly shut up, he had no valid argument that his mom would accept.
Kain and Sheska arrived before the conversation could continue, as they had been assigned to go with the women to help guard the children. Riza then announced her own packing was finished, and the children were all waiting in the sitting room. "I'm going to go say my goodbyes. I love you, Mom." Yuery said as he hopped up to see the others. He needed to remind William to watch over the others, as Yuery wouldn't be there to help. Both brothers took keeping the younger kids out of trouble seriously. Their parents had said more than once it was not their job, but neither boy agreed. Dad had also told them plenty of stories about protecting his own brother.
"Jean and Rebecca are expecting you. Kain and Sheska will be with you the whole trip, and of course there are extra guards currently on the train." Ed said as he came into the room with a piece of paper that he had written a list of items to take care of today. "Alex and Heymans will be staying in the ensuite guest room for the foreseeable future. They will be here to help watch over Yuery. On the off-chance Black arrives at our place, lock the doors and call for help."
Yuery came into the sitting room as William and Maes were entertaining the younger children with stories about school. Kain seemed amused by the boys' stories as well, William telling them all about a recent experiment that resulted in accidentally dying his hands purple for the afternoon.
"I think Mom is about ready, Dad just went in to help her finish up." Yuery announced, "Make sure to be extra good. Moms really stressed right now."
"Mom is stressed because you, Dad, and Yeye are intentionally staying here as bait instead of hiding." William scowled. "Why do we have to bother with all this leadership training if it's all going to be ignored anyway."
"We are hiding, just here in Central. I'm confined to an apartment, with a tutor. Dad's working from the office downstairs and Yeye… well Yeye will be surrounded by guards since he refused to hide."
Trisha and Sarah came over for hugs, Izumi following shortly behind them as Tad and Lizzie came over as well. Maes and William were unhappy about being sent away, and the schoolwork being sent to them again instead of attending, but they understood it was for their safety. It wasn't the first (or last) time they had been under threat.
Mom and NaiNai came in as the children finished their hugs, so Kain and Sheska rushed over to help with the bags. Alex and Heymans arrived with a loud knock just as they were putting shoes on the girls and Tad.
Alex silently grabbed up all the luggage to carry down to the car, while Heymans walked around the apartment checking all the window locks. Roy came in a moment later, though he did have to meet with the Generals later he insisted on being the one to join them on the way to the train station.
Edward and Yuery waved to the others as they were packed into the cars, Alex escorting Roy and driving him back, while Heymans stayed at the mansion. "Do you think he will actually try to get in here sir?" Heymans asked quietly as he led them back inside.
"I don't know, and we aren't risking it. Alphonse said they sent the first of the two this morning. Apparently, the idiots out west think we have a problem, let's make sure we don't."
"Dad, can I sit in with your meetings today?" Yuery asked, pretending not to overhear what the adults were saying. He was aware all of this was once again happening because of him. He knew his father would argue otherwise though so there was no point in bringing it up.
"I don't have anything but paperwork today. You can sit in with me though, bring your homework." Dad agreed.
A/N: Apologies for the delay, I was unable to log in last night, internet issues. Next week's installment will also arrive on Saturday instead of Friday.