GILDEROY LOCKHART

Will be signing copies of his autobiography

MAGICAL ME

Today 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

“We can actually meet him!” Hermione said happily. There was a beaming smile on her face.

Ed looked skeptical. “Who is this guy anyways? We have to get seven books by him.” He looked over his booklist. There was no way this guy did everything he wrote. No one was a miracle worker.

No sooner had Ed finished that thought to himself, Gilderoy Lockhart in sight. He was seated at a table with pictures of him surrounding him. His pictures were all smiling and winking. The real Lockhart wore a forget-me-not blue robes that matched his eyes. His pointed wizard’s hat was set at a jaunty angle as the sunlight shone off his golden hair.

Ed sweatdrop. “You have got to be kidding. He looks like a self conceited jerk,” he mumbled to himself. He wasn’t the only thinking along those lines. Roy was too. Even Shinka. Though Shinka’s thoughts were a little more on the violent side. She didn’t even have to hear the man’s voice to know the man was fraud. People like him support the phrase ‘Dumb Blond’. It was also people like him that gave her master a bad name. Shinka’s tail flicked back and forth. She wondered if her master would mind if she attacked the idiot blond man in front of her.

Lockhart apparently heard Ed for he looked at Ed’s direction. But it wasn’t Ed who he was looking at. It was Harry, as in Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, as in another chance to be on the front page with a famous person…

Lockhart jumped to his feet. “Harry Potter?” he asked. He leaped forward and shook Harry’s hand. Around him photographers were snapping a thousand pictures of them. Ed coughed as a thick cloud of smoke from the cameras surrounded him. Roy twitched, seriously wishing he could set the photographers on fire. Then again, he had no idea what the smoke was made up of, so he might end up setting the whole store on fire.

Shinka came up with a better idea. She just attacked the photographers. Lockhart paid no attention to the sudden stop of picture taking or the screams and yelps that appeared as Shinka attacked. A word of advice: never mess with the cat, especially Shinka. Ed watched in amusement as his pet attacked. He made no movements to stop her; in fact, Ed was enjoying this.

Meanwhile, Harry was trying desperately to get free from Lockhart’s grip. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to stand next to this man. Ron, Roy, and Ginny (Ron’s sister. Roy and Ed met her outside) gave Harry looks of sympathy. Harry tried to escape from the man’s evil clutches but Lockhart swung his arm around him, making sure Harry didn’t escape.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lockhart said loudly. Everyone began to hush, wanting to hear what the wizard had to say. "This is the perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I’ve been sitting on for some time!” Whispers darted through out the crowd. Now what announcement could it be?

Roy suddenly got a sinking impression. Why did it feel like something very bad was about to happen? He didn’t become Colonel without trusting his gut instinct. He subconsciously tugged at his white spark gloves. If there was one thing Roy hated, he hated being caught unaware. And he had a feeling he was about to be catch VERY unware.

“When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography – which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge –“ The crowd applauded and cheered. Some people were wishing to be in Harry’s place right now, and Harry would have gladly swap lives with them. “He had no idea,” continued Lockhart, “that he would be shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!”

Shinka stop in mid-attack as both Roy and Ed just stared. ‘Hell no…’ they thought. This year at Hogwarts was going to be a long one…

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"YOU IDIOT! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING! GOT NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN KISSING TRUCKS FOR FUN! YOU SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ALL OF US! YOU WERE THIS CLOSE TO FLOATING NEXT TO AMIDAMARU HERE!" Horo Horo shouted dramatically as he pinched his fingers together closely to stress his point.

(HoroHoro Shaman King, ‘Aniki’ By Shiroi Ai)

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(1) This is not true caculations. Just mere numbers typed randomly.

Seito: I hoped everyone enjoyed the story. –Smile- Well, this is the start of another long story. Let’s enjoy the ride, ne? But hey, don't push me for updates. School starts in like 2 days, I've got enough stress in my life as is. Just wait patiently okay. The chapters are coming.

PLEASE REVIEW!

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Reimei: Honor and Pride

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Chapter II

Large Pride; Of Garden Gnomes

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READY STEADY NEVER LOOK BACK

LET'S GET STARTED READY STEADY GO

READY STEADY NEVER LOOK BACK

LET'S GET STARTED READY STEADY GO

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Getting into the bookstore was harder than it looked. The witches went a little crazy with the autographing of Gilderoy Lockhart. What Ron found embarrassing what that his mother was one of those witches fawning over this wizard who appeared to be a idiot at first sight. Even Hermione was standing in line! What did these witches see in this man! Wasn’t he just some bimbo who had looks, fame, and fortune… okay never mind the last part! He was a fraud! He had to be!

On the other hand, Harry was lucky enough to get out of the mob of witches. He handed the free books he had gotten from Lockhart over to Ginny. “Here, I’ll buy my own set. You can have these.” He dropped them into the pile of Ginny’s school supplies.

Ed had just finished paying for his set of Lockhart books. He frowned in disgust. The impossible had happened. Ed had found a set of books he did NOT want to read. The world is coming to an end! Ed set his stack of books on the side when he heard a snide remark.

“If isn’t boy wonder and the shrimp.”

Ed’s reaction was standard and normal. "Who are you calling a tiny bug that escapes the wrath of a shoe because he's so small that he fits in the grooves and can't get squashed?"

While Ed drew everyone’s attention in the store, Harry looked to see Draco sitting on the side. The remark had come from him. Harry bit his lip. While part of him was glad to see Draco, another part was ready to snap at him for the remark. It didn’t really matter what Harry decided though, someone else stepped into the picture.

Lucius Malfoy.

The older Malfoy stood tall and proper, looking every inch like a pure blood wizard and all the pride and ego that came from being one. He strolled over to where Ginny’s stuff laid and picked up an old ratty book that looked like someone had stepped on it too many times. At the same time, Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley had gotten out of line and were coming back.

“Lucius,” said Mr. Weasley with a hint of disdain in his voice as he saw the senior Malfoy.

“Arthur, “ replied Senior Malfoy with equal dryness.

Lucius flipped up the old Transfiguration book that he picked out of Ginny’s stuff. “Rubbish.” Looking at Mr. Weasley, he coolly said, “I didn’t think you were so poor that you have to buy second hand things for your children.”

“Why you!” Mrs. Weasley held her husband back as Mr. Weasley nearly flew into a rage. Ginny look like she was about break down in tears from Lucius’ remark.

“Arthur! You can’t!” shouted Mrs. Weasley.

Lucius smirked to himself and tossed the old book back into the pile of Ginny’s stuff. “Come Draco,” he called his son. “Let’s not waste anymore time around here.” Draco nodded and obeyed. He quickly followed his father out of the store.

Ed glared at the back of two Malfoys. Like father, like son. The older was just as nasty and cruel as the young one. Add the senior to Ed’s hit list. It was then that Ed noticed that Roy was nowhere to be found. He looked around. Where on earth did the Flame Alchemist disappear to?

Ed pushed through the mob of witches and looked outside. He found Roy sitting down on a bench waiting for everyone to come out. “Before you ask,” started Roy, “I wasn’t about to push my way inside, so I sat down out here and waited for you to finish. By the way, Shinka left again. I believe she got bored waiting.”

Ed stared and resisted the urge to pull his hair. How was it he always had the answers to the questions Ed was always about to ask! Infuriating man!

“Yes, I know you’re ready to hit me because you hate the fact that I always seem to know everything,” Roy calmly stated as he watch Ed grow more annoyed. A smug smirk worked his way onto his face. Oh, how he loved taunting Ed. It was fun and amusing. Ed was just too easy to read when he was about to ask a question.

Then Fate smiled on Roy as the Weasley family, Hermione, and Harry joined the two of them outside before Ed could do any physical harm to Roy. It was here that Ed and Roy got to properly meet the Weasley family. After quick introductions were given, causal conversation took place. Mr. Weasley was fascinated at the fact that both Roy and Ed were muggles who didn’t even LIVE in London. He continued to ask Roy countless questions, some things even Roy didn’t understand.

“So do you have cars where you come from?” asked Mr. Weasley. His eyes sparkled with amazement as Roy sweat-dropped and nodded to Mr. Weasley question. Without missing a beat, Mr. Weasley was on another question, interrogating Roy and pumping him for all the answers.

“So where are you and Mr. Mustang staying, Edward,” asked Mrs. Weasley kindly. “I’m sure your guardian arranged something nice.”

Ed stared at her for a moment. “Guardian?” he asked with a blink. He wasn’t aware he had a guardian… He and his brother had been on their own since their mother died.

Mrs. Weasley looked surprised. “Why yes. Mr. Mustang is your guardian isn’t he?”

It took a moment to sink in for both Ed and Roy. “Actually he isn’t, Mrs. Weasley,” said Ed. He found it hard to imagine Roy as his guardian and tried his best to keep a straight face and not burst out laughing. It wasn’t working; a silly grin was spreading across his face.

“Oh, well then,” said Mrs. Weasley with a confused expression, “Where are the two of you staying?”

Ed looked at Roy who just shrugged. “Well, we haven’t thought about that yet.”

Mrs. Weasley’s expression turned into one of cheerful joy. She loved helping people out even though she knew that her family could not afford to always be so helpful. “Then you must stay with us.”

Now it was Ed and Roy’s turn to blink.

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It took much protesting, pleading and overall arguing before Ed and Roy lost the war and somehow ended up at the Weasley’s house. They had said good-bye to Hermione who left with her parents and found Shinka and the next thing they knew they were at the Weasley’s house, via floo powder. Ed was convinced that Ron and Harry somehow tricked him into saying yes and then getting him into the fireplace and saying Burrow. He wasn’t sure how, but he knew those two were the reason behind this.

Although, Ed had to admit it was kinda nice in the Weasley’s house. It had this warm cozy feeling with dishes washing themselves and a clock on the wall. Strangely it had odd things written on it like 'At work', 'Coming home', 'Mortal peril', including nine hands each labeled with a Weasley name. On the mantelpiece, there were stacks of books. (Ed spotted a few Lockhart ones and twitched). The radio was turned on and playing some female singer’s song.

Mrs. Weasley, ushered Ed and Roy upstairs, staying they could squeeze into Ron’s room with Harry. By the time they came back down, they found Mrs. Weasley ushering Ron, George and Fred out the door.

“But Mom, we don’t wanna de-gnome the garden,” protest Fred.

“Too bad. They’re getting out of control, so go,” said Mrs. Weasley. She pushed Fred and George towards the door. “And if you don’t go, you don’t get dessert tonight.”

“I’ll help,” offered Harry. “I’ve never de-gnome a garden before.” It would be interesting. After all, the Weasley’s house was the first wizard house he’s been in. He wanted to see how things were different from the Dursley’s.

“It’s dull work, Harry,” said Ron as his mother pushed him out the door. Mrs. Weasley had already thrown three of her sons outside as Harry followed outside. Out of curiosity, Ed followed as well. Then out of nowhere, something leaped up and tried bite Ed’s right hand.

Now see, if Ed’s hand had been normal fresh and bone, Ed would be screaming in pain right now. For you see, the gnome had attacked Ed’s automail arm. So it was the gnome who was on the ground screaming because it had broke its teeth. Ed stared at the small, leathery looking creature who looked more like a potato then those Santa Clauses gnomes you see in your neighbor's yard. ‘So this is what a gnome looks like,’ Ed thought. ‘It’s kind of ugly looking.’

Suddenly the gnome got up and tried to attack Ed again. This time, however, Ed was ready. BAM! One garden gnome, via airmail, thanks to the Fullmetal express.

“Wow. That one flew really far Ed,” said Ron.

“But we can beat that!” exclaimed the twins. They found their own gnomes and started launching them in the air. Fred’s flew a good twenty feet before his brother’s gnome had bumped causing both to land a only twenty five feet away.

“Hah! With a throw like that? Just try!” challenged Ed. He joined the fray of de-gnoming. The air began to fill with gnomes flying in all directions. Roy shook his head. Ed couldn’t resist a challenge could he? A grin appeared on his face, though he supposed that’s one of the reason why he liked Ed so much. Roy paused his thoughts. Damnit, why couldn’t he stopped thinking about Ed?

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The days just seemed to fly by after that. The little bit of summer vacation that was left just zoomed by a like a speeding bullet. Between playing chase on the Weasley’s old broomsticks (Ed still hated flying and believed that broomsticks were conspiracy against him.) and de-gnoming the yard again, to eating Mrs. Weasley’s home cooked food (Ed and Roy considered it a blessing in disguise) to studying in Ed’s case, summer just pass by like a breeze.

Soon September first came. Chaos broke out in the Weasley’s house. Everyone was trying to get packed and into the car. (Ed still couldn’t believe that rusty old looking car could fly). Harry was stumbling down the stairs, half dressed. Fred and George were swallowing breakfast. Ron was still packing as Roy and Mr. Weasley were trying to pack up the car with all the trunks. Ed, with a little help from alchemy, was repairing the plate he dropped. Shinka was outside chasing the garden gnomes who managed to come back already. Mrs. Weasley was helping Ron look for Scabbers upstairs. And the train was leaving in two hours.

By the time they tried to left, George forgot his Filibuster Fireworks, Fred, his broomstick minutes later. So a quick turn around to grab the things. They almost reached the highway when Ginny realized she forgot her diary. By the time everyone made sure they had everything, Roy was ready to burn something and Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to explode.

Finally, they arrived at King’s Cross with fifteen minutes to spare. Everyone clambered out of the car, unloaded their trunks and rushed towards platform nine and three-quarters. Percy disappeared through the barrier first. Followed by Mr. Weasley, Fred and George, Mrs. Weasley and Ginny. Ed and Roy stepped through the barrier together.

There before them stood the grand Hogwarts Express. Steam blew from the hot engine, just roaring to get started. Late students rushed to get on board. Parents waved goodbye to their children, wishing them the best of luck at school. “Hurry up, Fullmetal,” said Roy as he walked quickly towards the train, pushing his trolley with his and Ed’s trunks on it.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” said Ed. He ran towards the train. He was going back. Hogwarts was just a train ride away away!

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Yuusuke snarled viciously. "You are SO sleeping in Kurama's room!"


Mission X by Kurome Shiretsu

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Seito: Hope everyone has been enjoying the story. Yup yup, now I’m off to recover from my cold.

REVIEW PLEASE!

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Reimei: Honor and Pride

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Chapter III

Honor’s Limit; Back to school

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fukitonde yuku fukei korugaru you ni mae e

kurushi magure demo hyouteki wa mou minogasanai

Sceneries being blown away seem to whirl in front of me

Even if I get desperate, I won't overlook my target anymore

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After loading their trunks, Roy and Ed climbed aboard the train. Strangely, they had found an empty apartment with ease. Roy had figured they were so late that they wouldn’t even find a compartment. He was proven wrong. Suddenly Ed noticed that Harry and Ron weren’t behind him. “Where did Harry and Ron go?” he asked.

“Perhaps they went to look for Hermione,” suggested Roy.

Shinka, meanwhile, leaped off of Ed’s head and curled up on a seat. A catnap would be wonderful right now. It was a long trip back to Hogwarts, might as well sleep for now. There was much prowling to do when she got back to Hogwarts. Shinka smiled to herself, much prowling to do indeed. Especially with that rat… If possible, Shinka frowned to herself, there was something odd about that rat. It didn’t feel safe.

Ed nodded. Roy was probably right. They probably just went looking for Hermione. No need to fret over anything. Ed sat down and opened up a book. Anyways, he still needed to finish these goddamn Lockhart books.

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Meanwhile, Harry and Ron got stuck outside the barrier. Somewhere along the way, they got the brilliant idea to take Mr. Weasley’s car and fly to Hogwarts. So no, they were not looking for Hermione like Ed thought they were. They were currently flying high up in the sky, looking for the Hogwarts Express. Not very bright today, were they? They would have been better off staying back at King’s Cross.

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It was halfway through the train ride when Ed’s stomach decided to make itself known. Roy chuckled. “Hungry, Fullmetal?” he teased.

Ed threw him a glare. Roy just chuckled more and tossed him a bag of wizard coins. “Go find the lunch cart and buy yourself something.”

Ed’s eyebrow rose. “You’re paying for my lunch. What’s the catch?”

Roy smiled. “Get me something to eat as well.”

-Whack!- The coin purse hit the wall where Roy’s head formerly was before he tilt it. Roy promptly threw it back. “Now, now, Fullmetal. Anger won’t get you anywhere. Unless you want it be a direct order.” Roy’s smile grew wider.

Ed’s reply was storming out and slamming the door, startling poor Shinka. Roy chuckled to himself and flipped the page of his book. Another point for Flame, none for Fullmetal.

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Ed trotted down the hall, looking for the lunch cart and the witch that was always pushing it. They were nowhere in sight. Ed grumbled to himself. You could never find the things you’re looking for, and when you’re not looking for them, they suddenly pop up. He was just about to give up when a compartment door open and someone ran straight into him.

“Ow!”

“Hey!”

Ed looked to see Hermione rubbing her head. She had hit her head when she ran into Ed. “Geeze, Hermione, watch where you’re going. You don’t just go rushing out of compartments,” grumbled Ed. He was already in a bad mood because of Roy. ‘What does he think I am, his servant?’ he thought to himself. A tiny little voice in his head whispered, ‘You would have done it anyways.’ Ed blocked the little voice out of his mind.

“Oh Ed,” said Hermione. “Sorry! I was looking for Harry and Ron. Are they with you?”

Ed blinked in surprised. Okay… that was new. “No, I thought they were with you.”

Hermione shook her head. Mentally, Ed cursed. So where on earth were those two? Suddenly something caught his eye. It was a car. A blue car that looked just like the one Mr. Weasley owned.

However, that wasn’t the reason why Edward was now gaping like an idiot. Oh no. It was just that the blue car Ed was staring at was FLYING! Yes, flying, as in floating in the air. It should be no surprise; after all, wizards could fly on brooms. But a flying car is still a flying car. Ed darted into the compartment that Hermione had just come from, startling the people in there. He opened the window and peered out, the wind whipping his hair into his face.

The car had disappeared…

“ED! Are you crazy!” shouted Hermione, pulling Ed back in.

“Trying to kill yourself, shrimp? You’ll be doing the world a favor if you are.”

Again, Ed’s behavior was right on the dot. "Who are you calling a super midget that makes you want to step on him!"

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Back in the compartment, Roy closed his book. Sounds like someone got Fullmetal mad again. The person must have a death wish. ‘He is cute when he’s mad,’ Roy thought to himself. It then dawn on him what he was thinking. As a light, almost undetectable, blush stained his face, Roy quickly tried to push those thoughts out of his mind. He wasn’t falling love, right?

-----------------------------

“Actually stepping on you sounds really fun right now,” said Draco with a smug smirk. “Hehe, just a couple Mudbloods. No Wonder-boy and Weasel. They must have gotten smart and ditched the couple of nobodies you are.”

Hermione gasped as Ed growled. He so wanted to hex the younger boy.

“You’re one to talk, Malfoy,” growled Ed. “You’re just a pathetic nobody. What do you have to do? Hire your own friends?”

Draco bristled at the remark. “You dare mock me,” he shot back.

“Yeah, I dare challenge you. You’re nothing but a little brat anyways,” taunted Ed.

Now if you took a step back and could actually see the two auras of the two boys, you’ll discover that both would have been a fiery red from anger. In fact they would be so bright and so big that they would blind you.

By now a small crowd had gathered in the narrow hallway of the train. People were tiptoeing, trying to see what was going on. Everyone who could see what was going on expected wands to be drawn and hexes and spells to start flying.

And the Roy had to go and spoil the fun. “What is going on here?” asked Roy, appearing behind Draco.

No one answered him. Draco glared at Ed and hissed, “You got off lucky this time, mudblood.” Then he stormed out of the compartment and pushed past Roy and the other students Ed growled lightly. Annoying, arrogant, prick!

Roy looked at Ed. “What was that about?” he asked.

Ed glared at Draco’s retreating back. “Just Malfoy being a jerk.” Then he looked at Roy and offhandedly asked, “Cars don’t fly in this country right?”

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The train came to screeching halt in front of Hogwarts. Steam blew off the hot engine; it was just itching to get back on the track. Students quickly filed off the train and climbed into horse-less carriages that awaited them at the station.

“Hmmm, so this is how the older students get to the castle,” said Ed as he and Roy climbed into one carriage, along with Hermione and another Ravenclaw student.

Roy, however, reminded quiet, disturbed by something. Thus, making the short journey to the castle a slow and quiet one. Within no time, Ed found himself seated with the rest of his house waiting for the first years to come out. ‘Where are on earth are Harry and Ron,’ thought Ed. He still couldn’t spot his two friends.

Ed directed his thoughts away as the new first years were ushered in the Great Hall. Right on cue, the Sorting Hat broke out into a song…

“Hello, children, hello!

No need to be afraid me,

I’m just a silly old hat

But you see,

I’m also the Sorting Hat!

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Ed soon found out why Harry and Ron were late. He wasn’t the only one. The whole school knew and was in a massive partying uproar, the Gryffindor house especially. As Harry and Ron walked into, a swarm of people surrounded them, cheering them on for that they did. (“That was brilliant! Inspired! What an entrance! Flying a car right into the Whomping Willow, people’ll be talking about that one for years – “ – Lee Jordan.) You know what they say, gossip spreads like wildfire.

Apparently, Harry and Ron couldn’t get past the barrier and were stuck back in England at King’s Cross. So they had gotten the bright idea of using Mr. Weasley’s car to fly and either catch up with the train (Ed wasn’t dreaming) or just go straight to Hogwarts instead of sending an owl. Now, as they tried to land in Hogwarts, they rammed the car straight into the Whomping Willow.

The Whomping Willow was an old tree that stood just outside the castle. When they call it a –whomping- willow, they mean it. This tree, literally, has a mind of it’s own and will attack anyone who approaches it.

So, Harry and Ron rammed straight into the Whomping Willow. It was a miracle they were alive, and even bigger miracle that they weren’t being shipped home tomorrow.

“You’ve gotten to be joking… That was you guys in the car?” asked a slightly stunned Ed.

Harry looked at Ed, surprised. “You saw us?”

Ed snorted. “Yeah. You guys were flying right next to window for crying out loud. I can’t believe no one else did.”

“Ehehe,” said Ron. “Actually we were spotted by a few Muggles.”

Ed’s eyebrow rose. “And you’re telling me you didn’t expelled for this? Lucky bastards.”

“Yeah, I guess you say that,” said Harry. “Hermione doesn’t look too happy.”

In the back of the Gryffindor common room, Hermione was glaring at them with a scowl. She wasn’t the only one. Ron’s brother Percy was also carrying the same scowl.

“You guys better get up stairs before Percy and Hermione tear you two apart,” said Ed dryly. Harry and Ron were already one step ahead of him, saying good night to everyone and disappearing upstairs.

Once upstairs, the three of them were grinning like idiots. Suddenly the door burst open and in came a few of the other second year boys. Immediately, they wanted to know everything that happened to Harry and Ron and how they thought of flying the car into the tree, or even thinking of using the car in the first place.

Ed chuckled as he sat on his bed. Shinka leaped into his lap, and he petted her fondly. It looks to be another exciting year at Hogwarts.

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“They amused me, and I like that. I actually enjoyed myself for once.”

(-Jackal Getbackers Vol 3)

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Oops
wrong chapter. ^^;;

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Reimei
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Chapter IV
Hurtful Pride; Someone Shoot Me, Please

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ate ni naranai chizu yakute shimaeba ii sa

uzumoreta shinjitsu kono tenohira de tsukami torou

An unreliable map should be burnt

I'll grasp onto the buried truth with my hands

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Ed was a little late to breakfast the next morning. He had overslept and Harry left him asleep for once. Still, late or not, Ed somehow managed to run into Roy.

“Morning, Fullmetal,” Roy casually greeted. “You’re late.”

“You’re one to talk,” snorted Ed. “You’re just as late as I am.” He pushed open the Great Hall and BAM!

“- STEALING THE CAR, I WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED IF THEY’D EXPELLED YOU, YOU WAIT TILL I GET HOLD OF YOU, I DON’T SUPPOSE YOU STOPPED TO THINK WHAT YOUR FATHER AND I WENT THROUGH WHEN WE SAW IT GONE –“

Ed covered his ears. “What the hell is that!”

Roy was also covering his ears. “I don’t know but it sounds like Mrs. Weasley!”

“-LETTER FROM DUMBLEDORE LAST NIGHT, I THOUGHT YOUR FATHER WOULD DIE OF SHAME, WE DIDN’T BRING YOU UP TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS, YOU AND HARRY COULD BOTH HAVE DIED-“

Ed forced himself into the Great Hall, looking for Mrs. Weasley and wondering why on earth was she yelling so.

Ed stared in awe when he found the source. Surprisingly, it was an envelope that was doing the yelling. A red envelope… Ed made a mental note in his head, do NOT tick off Mrs. Weasley and avoid any and all red envelopes from now on.

“-ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED – YOUR FATHER’S FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT AND IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE WE’LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT BACK HOME!”

Suddenly the envelope burst into a ball of flames. Rounds of laughter spread though the room as Ed watched Ron turn a bright red. ‘Poor Ron,’ thought Ed with a wry grin.

Next to him Roy’s eyebrow rose; he looked at Ed and said, “Remind me to never anger Mrs. Weasley.” Edward nodded in agreement. Definitely didn’t want one of those envelopes.

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Ed raced towards the greenhouse. Why did he seem to be late today? He quickly caught up with the rest of his class, spotting Professor Sprout just heading towards the class. Maybe he won’t be late.

He nearly tripped when he heard that loud and obnoxious voice. “Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don’t want you running away with the idea that I’m better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels…”

It was Lockhart. Ed growled. Why on earth was he here? Judging by the scowl on Professor Sprout’s face she was thinking the same thing. “Greenhouse three,” she said, ushering the kids towards the children. As Ed got closer he saw Lockhart grab Harry and began a conversation with him.

“Harry, Harry, Harry,” Ed heard Lockhart say, “I understand. Natural to want a bit more once you’ve had that first taste – and I blame myself for giving you that, because it was bound to go to your head –but see here, young man, you can’t start flying cars to try and get yourself noticed. Just calm down, all right? Plenty of time for all that when you’re older. Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking! ‘It’s alright for him, he’s an internationally famous wizard already!’ But when I was twelve, I was just as much of a nobody as you are now. In fact, I’d say I was even more of a nobody! I mean, a few people have heard of you, haven’t they? All that business with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!”

Lockhart smiled at Harry as he looked on to the lightning scar on his forehead. He pat Harry’s head and continued, “I know, I know –it’s not quite as good as winning Witch Weekly’s Most-Charming-Smile Award five times in a row, as I have –but it’s a start, Harry, it’s a start.”

Edward interrupted Lockhart before he could say anything. “Come Harry, we don’t want to be late for class.” He pushed Harry into the greenhouse before Lockhart could say anything else.

“Thanks Ed,” said Harry once they were safely inside the greenhouse.

“No problem. He’s annoying anyways.”

“Class we’ll be repotting Mandrakes today. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?”

Ping! Ed and Hermione’s hands were the first two up, no surprise there. “Mandrakes, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative,” said Hermione and Ed in sync. “It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state.”

“Excellent!” said Professor Sprout, her gloomy mood caused by Lockhart was beginning to disappear. “Ten points to Gryffindor,” said Professor Sprout. “The Mandrakes form an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?”

“The cry of the Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it,” Hermione and Ed said together. They glared at each other, almost mocking, saying, ‘hey!-stop-stealing-my-answers!’

Ron and Harry looked at each other. Oh boy… it’s going to be a long year with those two.

--------------------------

Meanwhile, up in the library, Roy was shelving books the old fashion way, by hand. Why? Merely because he was bored out of his mind and it would take longer to do it this way. Granted yes, Riza had given him tons of paper work to do everyday, but he didn’t feel like doing it.

He balanced the next set of books in his hands, pushing the cart with the rest of the books just a bit further down. A quiet meow brought him out of his thoughts. Roy looked up.

And there was Shinka…

“Shinka? What are you doing up there?”

Shinka crouched, ready to pounce.

“Shinka! No! Don’t!”

-Crash!-

Lying on the ground, book scattered all over the place, Roy glared at Shinka who just sat on his chest with an innocent look on her face. “Shinka…” said Roy in an annoyed tone.

Shinka just licked his nose. Oh yes, it was good to be back at Hogwarts.

----------------------------------

“Alright everyone, grab a pair of earmuffs,” said Professor Sprout.

There was a scramble to grab them as no one wanted the pink and fluffy earmuffs. “When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered,” said Professor Sprout. “When it is safe to remove them, I will give you the thumbs-up. Right – earmuffs on.”

Grumbling, Ed snapped his earmuffs on. Sadly, he wasn’t fast enough and got stuck with the pink and fluffy ones. Professor Sprout, after snapping on her pink earmuffs, rolled up her sleeves, grasped one of the tufty plants firmly, and pulled hard.

Ed’s eyes widened as he stared in shock. Instead of roots, a small, muddy and extremely ugly looking baby popped out from the pot. It had leaves for hair and it had a pale green, mottled skin color and was crying like crazy.

Professor Sprout took a large plant pot, plunged and mandrake into it, buried it under the dirt until you could only see the leaves. Ed had a grim look on his face. Oh boy… this was going to be a long lesson…

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As usual, Ed’s prediction was correct. He was dirty, muddy, and tired. The stupid mandrakes kept kicking and biting and flailing their tiny hands too. More than one of them had quickly given Ed a few bruises and if it wasn’t for his automail, he would probably have more.

Everyone rushed back to the castle in hopes for a quick shower before heading to Transfiguration. Ed, of course, enjoyed the class. It was easy turning a beetle into a button. Hermione was breezing through it too (though not as fast as Ed). Harry wasn’t having much luck as the beetle kept running away from his wand. Ron was worse. Apparently he had broke his wand during that flying car trick he and Harry pulled off. It was not a pretty sight. Or smell, as thick clouds of smoke engulfed the classroom, making it smell like rotten eggs. Needless to say, Professor McGonagall had to excuse the class early for lunch. She was not happy.

“Why don’t you ask for a new one?” said Ed.

Ron grumbled. “And risk another Howler. ‘It’s your own fault your wand got snapped- ‘”

“That red envelope was a Howler?” Ed asked.

“Yeah,” said Harry.

‘Okay, definitely not telling Winry about those. Last thing I need is that she figure out how to get one and yell at me for not writing to her and Grandma Pinako more often,’ thought Ed.

“We have Defense Against the Dark Arts this afternoon,” said Hermione in a chipper voice.

That snapped Ed out of his thoughts. “You’ve got to be joking. An afternoon with that idiot?”

“He’s not an idiot,” protested Hermione. Ron grabbed her schedule.

“You got his lessons outlined in hearts!”

Hermione snatched it back and began to blush furiously. Without another word, she disappeared into the Great Hall. Then came the worse experience in Harry’s life and one of the most annoying for Ed.

It started out with this boy. His name is Colin Creevey. He was a very small, mousy-haired boy who on Sorting Night was staring at Harry like an owl. To Ed, he looked like a frightened mouse, practically jumping and blushing as soon as Harry looked in his direction.

“I’m- I’m Colin Creevey,” he introduced himself. “I’m in Gryffindor, too.” In his hands he had a muggle camera. “D’you think –would it be all right if –can I have a picture?” he asked.

Ed stared at the boy. Oh boy… not one those You’re-The-Boy-Who-Lived moments. “A picture?” Harry repeated blankly.

“So I can prove I’ve met you,” said Colin Creevey eagerly, edging further forward.
I know all about you. Everyone’s told me about how you survived when You-Know-Who tried to kill you and how he disappeared and everything and how you’ve still got a lightning scar on your forehead and that if I develop the film with the right potion I can get it move. It’s just really, really amazing here. I never knew all about this magic stuff and it’s just amazing. I never knew it exist until I got my letter. Boy, was my dad surprised. He’s a milkman, you know, so he didn’t believe it here, but I’m here! And I can take plenty of pictures to show him. Ummm, so can I take a picture of you so I can send it to him and could you sign it?”

Ed had a headache by the time Colin had finish talking and it was about to get much, much worse.

“Signed photos? You’re giving out signed photos, Potter?”

Ed groaned. Malfoy. Great, wonderful! Just want he need right now.

“Hey! EVERYONE LINE UP!” shouted Malfoy. “HARRY POTTER IS GIVING OUT SIGNED PHOTOS!”

“Put a sock in it, Malfoy,” growled Ed. “Or I’ll put one in your big fat mouth myself.”

“Yeah! You’re just jealous,” said Colin.

“Jealous? Of what? Having a stupid scar across my forehead which everyone gawks at like idiots every time they see it? I don’t think getting your head cut open makes you that special,” Malfoy taunted. “By the way Potter, better give one to Weasel here. It’ll be worth more than his family and house put together!”