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

The 25 Days of Christmas

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Drabble 22

First Snow

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Today was NOT Ed’s day. Every thing that could have gone wrong went wrong. He was called short by someone. Another dead end on a rumor about the philosopher’s stone. Not mention listening to some lame ass idiot rant about something on why they deserve something bigger and better and that with their so-called evil ‘plan’ they’ll have all the power in the world. Then he still has to write a report to baka Colonel Mustang and Al was trying to hide another cat inside of his body. Plus he got hit with a broom and a rubber ball and got drenched with water because some old lady decided to dump it on him by mistake. Yes… today was not his day.

“Brother,” said Al.

Ed looked up to see his brother looking outside the window. “What?” Ed asked in a tired, irritated voice.

“Look outside.”

Ed looked out the window. To his surprise, there was something small and white fluttering down from the sky. Slowly a smile came to his face; his anger from the day slowly melting away. “It’s snowing,” he said breathlessly. The first snowfall had finally come…

----------------------owari-----------------------

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The 25 Days of Christmas
----------------------------

Drabble 23

Bells

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Ring-ring

Seika paused in her work, her sharp ears picking up the sound of bells. Now who on earth would be stupid enough to wear bells?

And Major General Mustang walked around the corner with a couple of red and green bells in her hair.

…. Scratch that last question and no one heard Seika say that.

“Rayna… Major General, why are you wearing bells?” Seika asked.

Rayna paused. “Oh, these bells?” She shrugged. “Riza put them in my hair this morning, and I see no reason to take them out. They’re Christmas colors, so no harm.”

Seika practically face faulted. She will never understand Rayna and she was not going to bother trying to understand her.

------------------owari----------------

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

The 25 Days of Christmas

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Drabble 24

Waiting for Santa

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“I can’t sleep brother, I’m too excited.”

“But if you don’t sleep Al, he won’t come.”

“I know. I wonder if I can stay up and watch him come!”

“You’ll never make it, Al.”

“Hey!”

Chuckle. “You can try, Al. You’ll fall asleep.”

“I will not!”

Smile.

“We’ll see in the morning.”

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

“We fell asleep!”

“Who cares, Al. We got gifts!”

“YAY!”

--------------------owari---------------

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

The 25 Days of Christmas
-----------------------------

Drabble 25

I’ll Be Home for the Holidays

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

Roy let out a deep breath, watching the cold materialize the heat. It was Christmas Day. Well, night actually. Roy let out an irritated sigh. He was sent away last minute on a mission that kept him away from Edwa- his sister and friends. On top of that, he was about to miss Christmas.

Still, he made a promise to Edward that he’ll be home for Christmas. Roy intended on keeping that promise.

So if it meant trudging through three feet of snow while a heavy snowstorm beat down on him, then so be it. Of course, hat didn’t mean he enjoyed it. Roy growled. It was times like these when he wished he had taken Rayna’s advice and learned some ice alchemy. Not that you could really do any alchemistic reactions in this snowstorm. Nevertheless, he will NOT give up!

Christmas… It was a wonderful time of the year. It was a time to be with friends and family; a time of pure joy and happiness. Perhaps even love.

Unfortunately, Roy wasn’t with family and friends at the moment. There was still quite some distance between him and his house. And he was most certainly not happy to be outside in the cold after being forced to go on a last minute mission. But he would not give up.

After all… he promised a certain chibi alchemist that he would be home for the holidays.

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

It seemed like an eternity. Finally, Roy managed to stumble home. He let out a breath of relief. It felt like he had been wandering in the snow for days. Right now, safety and warmth was just a few steps away.

Shortly after he knocked, the door opened. Roy drew in a sharp breath. The one person he wanted to see was standing right in front of him.

Golden eyes blinked with a hint of curiosity before realization appeared and happiness rushed in. The next thing Roy knew, he was in a breathtaking hug. “You’re home,” said Edward with pure happiness. “You’re home.”

Roy smiled and placed his head on top of Ed’s. “Yeah, I’m home.”

------------------owari---------------

Another fanfic.
This one is a HP/FMA crossover
Yes contains shonenai hints. Yeah. >>

Mesa no own FMA or HP or Song (Just the cat)

Seito: I didn't plan on posting this fic... but there were three people that were telling me to post it so here it is. (Might as well contribute to the much-needed FMA fics). =sigh= I don't know...

Well I'll consider this my goodbye fic. (Don't worry I'm not really going anywhere). Tomorrow I starts school... goodbye summer. (oh and people don't go rubbing it in if you don't start tomorrow... or soon. =grumble= I get that enough from my brother and friends)

Just some facts you need to know.

-Take place during the manga (That makes Ed about 15, I believe)

-Take place during Harry's first year (the first book) [Some of the words and actions are taken directly from the book, please don't sue for that]

-Contains some minor spoilers for FMA if you hadn't read up vol 6 (Not too much, just a few sentence of it, I think)

-THERE WILL BE SHONEN AI HINTS!!! IF YOU'RE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT PLEASE LEAVE!!! I DO NOT WANT FLAMES ABOUT HAVING SHONEN AI. (I'm serious about this people. If you know who I am, you know I write plenty of shonen ai and fluff. I refuse to be flamed by people who ignore this warning. So if you flame me about this, it will ignored and the review/e-mail will be deleted.)

-PAIRINGS (OR AT LEAST HINTS OF IT) ROY/ED, HARRY/DRACO.

You can start reading now. I think that's it.

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

Yoake Mae

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

Summary: Ed's search for the philosopher's stone has brought him to Hogwarts! Just a few things, Al isn't going, Roy is. He's in first year and half of the first years are taller then him. He has a cat, (thanks to Roy). Meets Harry Potter. Oh and Voldemort is after the same stone.

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Chapter I

Intertwining Fate; The Alchemists Have Arrive

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Hitori de wa, tooi ashita wo
Yoake no mama de, koesou de

{When I'm alone, tomorrow feels far away.

And I must go over still into the darkness of dawn.}

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

"YOU WANT TO ME TO WHAT?!?!?!?!"

Riza Hawkeye let out a soft sigh as the semi-peaceful headquarters was disturbed by a loud yell. Next to her, Alphonse Elric also let out a sigh. And today started out like a beautiful day too, the birds were singing, the sun was shining, and as usual chaos decided to ran amuck.

"Nii-san must not like his new assignment," Al mumbled. Riza could only nod in agreement. She got a feeling that whatever was happening in the office, her superior was having a headache.

=Inside the Office=

"I refuse."

"Don't you want to learn more about the philosopher's stone?"

"Yes, but I refuse to go without my brother!"

"Lieutenant Hawkeye will look after him."

"I'm still not going by myself."

"You're not. I'm going with you."

"Yes— what?!"

"I'm going with you."

Edward Elric fainted right after hearing that.

==============

Of course that was a few days ago. At present time, Edward Elric was on a train with Colonel Roy Mustang after a tearful goodbye from Major Alex Louis Armstrong and his brother Al. First lieutenant Riza Hawkeye was the only one who gave them a solid goodbye (mainly because she was the only other person there) and wished them luck. The blond haired boy collapsed onto the chair on the train. Why was he doing this to himself?!

"Stop looking so glum. It's not going to kill you," said Roy.

Ed merely glared at the only person in the cart with him. Roy didn't look up from the book he was reading, but Ed could see that familiar smirk from behind the pages. He ignored his superior and pouted. If Mustang hadn't mentioned the philosopher's stone, he wouldn't even be here. Actually he didn't even understand why he was here.

=Flashback=

"Nice of you to return to the world of conscious, Fullmetal."

Ed merely glared. "I am not going to this 'Hogwarts' place."

Roy handed him a letter. "I'm afraid your invitation has already arrived."

Ed blinked and opened the letter.

Hogwarts School
Of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc. Chef. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)

Dear My. Edward Elric
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress

"Owl?" questioned Ed.

"Already been sent," said Roy.

Ed looked at his superior with this I-can't-believe-you're-making-me-do- this look. "You've got to be joking," he said. There was a hint of anger in his voice as he threw the letter onto the desk. Roy just smirked. "No, Fullmetal, I am not."

"Why can't Al go?" Ed asked.

"Because he wasn't invited. Oh and please refrain from using Alchemy while we are at this school," said Roy in a matter of fact tone of voice.

"What?!"

"We're going to learn 'magic', not Alchemy. You are not to use Alchemy unless under direct circumstances. That doesn't include you getting angry when someone calls you short or shrimp," said Roy.

"I AM NOT SHORT!!!"

"See what I mean?" said Roy smugly.

Ed settled for glaring at him. "Why do we even need to go there?" he whined.

"Because it is said that the philosopher's stone is hidden there."

Ed snapped to attention at the sound of those words. "What?!"

=End of Flashback=

Of course Roy gave him the bait, and Ed fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. Hence why Ed was on a train with his superior. The past few days had been a rush. Al had been understanding and gave Roy instructions to make sure his brother drank plenty of milk and kept healthy. ("Damnit Al, I don't want milk." –Ed) Then Ed and Roy had to go shopping for supplies.

Diagon Alley was a very interesting place. However, Ed was not looking forward to ever returning to that place again. Here's a list of what happened:

-Twenty five times he had been mistaken for his size and age.

-He threw up from the ride down in Gringotts bank.

-Seventy six times Roy had found a way to annoy him like crazy or call him short/shrimp. (Plus Roy wouldn't let him buy all the books he wanted. "You only need your textbooks. You don't need anything else." –Roy)

-Five times he had been scratched by his new kitten (courtesy of Roy), named Shinka. ("Sacred Flame? I'm honored." –Roy "I'm not naming it after you!" –Ed [Seito: Liar])

-Fifteen times he felt like transforming something. Whether it be his automail into a sword to skewer his superior or his kitten, some annoying kid or goblin, or the lady who called him short when measuring his size for his robes.

-Six hours trying to find the right wand for him. Four hours waiting for Roy to get his wand. ("I can't believe you made me wait four hours." –Ed. "This is coming from someone who took SIX hours." –Roy)

Yes... Ed was not looking forward to going there again. EVER.

Then Ed found out why Roy was going. He didn't know whether to laugh or thank his superior.

=Flashback=

"Colonel, why on earth are you going to Hogwarts. You're not a student..."

"I'm going as an assistant"

"For what."

"The library."

Ed blinked before he starting laughing. "What?" asked Roy with an irritated look.

"I just can't imagine you being a librarian," said Ed in between laughs.

Roy just smirked. "Then I guess I can't give you access to the restricted section of the library..." he trailed off as Ed got the hint and stopped laughing.

=End of Flashback=

Ed's thoughts were broken as the door opened. There in the doorway stood a boy with messy black hair and bright emerald green eyes, dressed in clothes that were too big for him. Next to him, was a boy with flaming red hair and brown eyes dressed in what looked like hand-me-down clothes.

"Err sorry. We were looking for an empty cart," said the redhead. "Do you mind if we stay here?"

Ed looked at Roy who had yet to look up from his book. Personally, he didn't care as long as they didn't call him shrimp or short. Roy just gave a small nod. "Sure," said Ed. He sat up, his anger forgotten at the moment. Both boys walked into the cart and took a seat. Not wanting to disturb the older man (Roy: I am not old!) in the cart with them, both boys took a seat next to Ed.

"I'm Ron Weasley," introduced the redhead.

"And I'm Harry Potter," said the black haired boy.

Ron seemed to be waiting for a reaction from Ed. "I'm Edward Elric, but you can call me Ed," said Ed. Finally someone else to talk to other then his baka superior. Ron opened his mouth to say something, but Harry stopped him with an elbow jab. Ed looked at them, curious. He looked over to Roy and was about to ask when the door opened again. This time is was girl with bushy hair.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one."

Ron and Harry shook their heads. Ed ignored her as did Roy. The girl waited for an answer from them. After a few moments of silence, she gave a 'humph' and stormed off. Roy turned the page in his book as Ed fished out one of his own. Might as well start memorizing spells and such. He had gotten through most of his first textbook before they left this morning.

Harry decided to take a shot and ask Roy whom he was. "Um... sir, are you a teacher?" Roy looked up from his book at that time. He was about to answer when the door opened yet again.

This time it was a boy. Harry's heart skipped a beat when he met those blue- gray color eyes. Harry had met the same boy at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. While the boy made his heart race for some reason, Harry was a bit irked by his attitude. If he would only change it...

"Is it true?" He said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?" Harry felt a sparkle of pride (again for reasons unknown to him).

"Yes," said Harry. He watched as two more boys stepped into the compartment. They looked to be more brawn then brains. Out of the corner of their eyes Roy and Ed watched the new arrivals. There were alarms ringing in their heads that said to be careful around this boy.

The pale boy introduced himself and the two boys next to him. "Oh, this is Crabbe, and this is Goyle, and I'm Draco Malfoy." Ed gave a cough, and Ron snorted. Draco looked up at the two of them.

"And what do we have here?" he sneered. "A blond shrimp and a Weasley." Ron blushed a ruby red color and Ed jumped to his feet. "I am not a shrimp!" Ed's hands twitched as he fought the urge to punch Malfoy's lights out.

"Fullmetal!"

Roy's voice cut through the air like a razor. Ed stiffen as Draco's attention shifted to the older man. It seemed everyone forgot that the flame alchemist was in the same cart as they were. Ed looked at his superior silently questioning him. Roy merely sent him a look that said 'later'.

"Who are you?" asked Draco.

Roy shifted his attention from Ed to Draco. "I'm Roy Mustang. I'll be assistant librarian at Hogwarts. Not a very high position, but I still hold enough authority to get you in trouble with the headmaster if you choose to cause any more trouble here. I suggest you leave, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco bit his lip. The last thing he needed was to get in trouble with a teacher before the school year even started. Even if the teacher just happened to be an assistant. Before he left he turned to Harry. "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. If you ever want a helping hand, I'll help you, but I suggest that you don't hang around riffraff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid, they'll rub off on you." Then he and goons left.

Anger rose in Harry. The nerve of him; what did he see in that guy? Harry took a few deep breaths and attempted to still his anger. Ed didn't seem to be having much luck, sulking in the corner. A question then arose in Harry's mind, distracting him from his anger.

"Ed why did umm... err Mr. Mustang, call you Fullmetal," asked Harry.

Ed looked up distracted. Roy twitched at his 'new title'. Mr. Mustang. Blah, he hated it. But he couldn't just let his new 'students' call him Roy either right? Ed looked at Roy, half glaring.

"It's a nickname," he explained. "I can't say I'm fond of it, but he insists on calling me by it sometimes."

"You two know each other?" asked Ron. They certainty didn't act like it. Ed and Roy exchanged glances.

"We know each other alright," said Ed.

Before anything else could be said, they all noticed that the train seemed to slow down a bit. Just then the same girl from before came into the cart. "You better change into your school robes. We're almost there," she said.

Ed looked at her darkly. All this girl seemed to do was nag and nag. So he blocked out her voice and continued to read. The girl took no notice of him or Roy and continued to chatter. "My name is Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you. You're Harry Potter aren't you? I've read about you in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century." Harry looked at her in a bit of a daze. She had just told him he was in more books then he could even imagine. Hermione soon left as well.

Ron and Harry left to change, their robes were in their luggage, which was located down the hall. That left Roy and Ed alone. Ed proceeded to change while Roy appeared to be reading. (Keyword there: appeared). In a matter of minutes, he was dressed. It was then Roy's turn to change as Ed when back to reading. Roy didn't notice but Ed was watching him dress too.

Once Roy was done, Ed looked up and blinked, once, twice, three times. "What," said Roy, noticing the look he was getting.

"It's nothing," said Ed as he turned back to his book. "I just realized how strange it was to see you out of uniform and into something... a little more casual. Even if it is just boring black robes."

Then the train came to the stop. They were here... The alchemists had arrived at Hogwarts...

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

A painless lesson is one without meaning

One who does not sacrifice anything cannot achieve anything
-Fullmetal Alchemist Manga, Chapter 1, Volume 1

----------------------Owari? Or To be continued?--------------------

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

Yoake Mae
---------------------

Chapter II Shards of Destiny; Sorting
---------------------

Butsukatteikya kokeru omoi yo

Konya mo mata, sure chigai

[If I try to play it straight, it will no doubt fail,

And tonight it won't go well between us again.]

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

Ed looked around in awe. He had been speechless since he got out of the train. First off, he met a man named Hagrid whose large size made Ed feel even smaller then usual. Turned out he was kinda like Major Armstrong only not as sappy, but still a nice guy. Harry whispered to him that Hagrid was the gamekeeper of Hogwarts.

Hagrid ushered them into boats. Ed grabbed a boat and jumped in. Harry and Ron followed his example. The last person in the boat was the boy who lost his toad, Neville Longbottom. The boat ride to the castle was cold and slightly eerie, but Ed was too busy staring down into the lake to see what it held. Then he caught sight of Hogwarts. He was expecting a small building, not a huge castle with winding towers. Yes, Ed was speechless.

Next he met Professor McGonagall, the same person who sent him his letter. She briefly explained the four houses and welcomed them to Hogwarts. Ed got the feeling that this was one professor he should not piss off.

‘I wonder what a Sorting Ceremony is,’ he wondered. That was where Ed was now. He was waiting for Professor McGonagall to come back and take them there. Looking around, he found most of the students were nervous. Actually most of them were nervous except for Hermione who was whispering rapidly to anyone who would listen. Problem was she was making those around her even more nervous then before.

“Why are you guys so nervous?” he asked. Harry and Ron looked at him as if he was crazy.

“We have no idea how they’re going to sort us into the houses. I mean what if it’s some sort of test? What if they say they made a mistake and I have to go back to Dursleys?” worried Harry frantically. Ed’s eyebrow rose at the name of the Dursleys. Who the heck were they?

“Why aren’t you nervous?” asked Ron. Ed shrugged. He didn’t really care. He became a National State Alchemist at the age of twelve and had seen many horrors of the world before and after that. Ed wasn’t really that nervous. After all he survived his sensei’s training, was stuck on an island for a month with nothing but a knife and his brother for company (plus some weird guy who wanted to fight them), seen the true knowledge and lived through it, attempted human transmutation, lost a leg and arm, lived through the surgery to get his automail ones, and various other things. There was nothing these wizards could throw at him and him not be ready for it.

“The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. Form a straight line and follow me,” instructed Professor McGonagall. She had returned. Everyone did so and followed her into the Great Hall.

Ed looked around. There were thousands of candles that were floating in midair. There were four long tables with rows of students sitting around them. On the tables were glittering goblets and plates of gold. In front of him there was the High table. In the center was an old man with a long silver beard and bright sapphire blue eyes that twinkled. Hagrid was sitting at the end of the table and right next to him was Roy who left Ed at the train station to go straight to the castle. Roy gave a small smile to Ed who grinned back.

“What are you looking at,” asked Ed. He realized that Harry was staring up at the ceiling. Harry pointed up. Ed followed the finger and left out a small gasp. The ceiling was a velvety black color. There were little bright lights that sparkled like the stars in the sky. Actually it looked a lot like the midnight blue sky. It was just missing a moon. Oh wait there it was. The moon glowed softly, hidden by a fluffy cloud. ‘It’s like trapping a piece of the sky,’ thought Ed. He watched the dark clouds that were up there, slowly moving as if the wind was blowing them.

Suddenly a loud voice distracted his thoughts.

“Oh, you may not think I’m pretty,

But don’t judge on what you see,

I’ll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.”

Ed fell over. Was that a talking HAT?!?! Granted it’s probably as strange as his brother being an armor suit but still! A TALKING HAT?! Ed wondered if someone was stupid enough to bind a soul to the hat.

“You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I’m the Hogwart Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.”

Harry blinked as the hat continued to sing. When he first saw it he wondered what they were going to do with an old and dirty hat. Thinking of all the magicians he saw when he was a child, the thought of pulling a rabbit out of it did come to mind. Relief filled him as he listen to the hat sing. They only had to try on a hat. That was easy.

“There’s nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can’t see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.”

Ed twitched and Roy left out a sigh of relief as they both hear those words. ‘That ‘thing’ can see into my head?! Thanks but no thanks, there are things I don’t want people finding out,’ cursed Ed as he thought about it.

‘I am glad I don’t have to do that. Some things are best left buried,’ thought Roy. He watched Ed who looked like he was throwing a silent fit. Roy couldn’t blame him this time. Alchemists had things they wanted to hide, some more then others.

“You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff

Where they are just and loyal

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw

If you’ve a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You’ll make real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.”

Roy thought hard about those qualities wondering where Ed would be put. He had all of those qualities. Ed was quite true to himself... most of the time. He was loyal to his brother but certainty to no one else. (It could be because no one earned it). Ed wasn’t all that patient either... ‘Okay so maybe not Hufflepuff,’ thought Roy. Ed wasn’t a coward and always taking risk. He also had a ready mind, always learning. ‘He isn’t called a genius for nothing. Maybe Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.’ But Roy also knew that Ed was cunning and will use all means to restore his brother’s body. ‘Maybe even Slytherin...’ he thought.

“So put me on! Don’t be afraid!

And don’t get in a flap!

You’re in safe hands (though I have none)

For I’m a Thinking Cap!”

Everyone in the room broke out into an applause. Harry smiled weakly. Thank goodness! Harry didn’t know what he would do if they had to do some sort of spell. Though he wasn’t sure which house he would be put in... He didn’t feel like he had any of those qualities. Harry was actually feeling a bit unworthy of any of those houses. He didn’t feel brave or smart or loyal, and he didn’t want to go into the Slytherin house...

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, carrying a long list. “When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted,” she said. “Abbott, Hannah!”

A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right over her eyes, and sat down. A moment pause –

“HUFFLEPUFF!” shouted the hat.

The list continue.

Bones, Susan went to Hufflepuff.

Boot, Terry was the first Ravenclaw

Brocklehurst, Mandy was also a Ravenclaw

Brown Lavender became the first Gryffindor

Bulstrode, Millicent was the first Slytherin

The list went on until it reached Ed.

“Elric, Edward!”

Ed strolled up to the hat and put it on. He nearly jumped when he heard a small voice whisper in his head. “An Alchemist. Nice, nice. What to do with you? Not Hufflepuff, you’re loyal but you lack the other qualities of the house.”

Ed scowled and thought, ‘Just hurry up and put me in a house.’

“Tut, tut. You lack patient that’s why not Hufflepuff. You’re certainly smart. Oh you’ve seen the true knowledge? A feat nearly unheard of. Perhaps Ravenclaw? You’re brave too, you’ll risk it all for your brother and you’ll do what it takes to restore him to his former body... Both qualities of Slytherin and Gryffindor. Hmm... where to put you... You’ll be too smart for Ravenclaw so certainty not there. Ooo what’s this I found? A liking for a certain ... shall we say ‘fire’?” (Seito: XD)

Ed let out a small growl. ‘Stay out of my personal thoughts hat, before you’ll do something you’ll regret.’

He could have sworn he heard the hat chuckle. “Yes... yes... While Slytherin will help you achieve greatness, not that you need anymore, destiny seems to call to put you in—GRYNFFINDOR!!!”

Ed promptly took off the hat, looking rather flush. He took a seat at the Gryffindor table. He immediately was attacked by several other students, curious about him and to greet him into the house.

Ed managed to avoid most of the questions, just gave his name, because everyone’s attention suddenly shifted. “Potter, Harry,” called out Professor McGonagall. Whispers broke out through the hall.

“Did she say Potter?”

“The Harry Potter?”

“It’s him!”

“I can’t believe it.”

Everyone was quiet as they waited for the Sorting Hat to shout out its response. “GRYFFINDOR!”

A pair of twin boys, who looked oddly like Ron, started chanting happily. “We got Potter! We got Potter!” Ed frowned. What was so special about Harry? He didn’t understand. He looked towards Roy who merely shrugged in return. What was so special about his new friend?

=====

Ed fell onto his new bed. Today had been a long day. Hogwarts was actually interesting place. Ed felt a bit of excitement race through him. The things he could learn here. Ed was actually looking forward to tomorrow.

He turned to his side and looked outside. Night had already fallen. The stars sparkled and gleamed. The moon glowed softly. Shinka was sleeping quietly at the corner of his bed, purring in her sleep.

“Ed? Are you awake,” whispered someone.

Ed looked away from the window. There was Harry dressed in blue pajamas, his hair a mess as usual and his bright green eyes were dull with sleep. Harry rubbed his eyes. He had just fallen asleep when he heard Ed come into the room. The other boys in the room were already fast asleep.

Ed sat up on his bed. “Yeah I’m awake. Harry?”

Harry yawned. “Yeah?”

“Are you famous or something?”

That shook the sleep from Harry’s mind. “Umm... well... I guess... They say I defeated a dark lord when I was just a baby,” he mumbled. He didn’t want to be famous nor did he want friends because he was famous.

“Ah I see,” said Ed. He understood what Harry was feeling. “And who are the Dursleys?”

Harry made a sour face. “They’re my only living relatives. My parents died when that dark lord attacked. I don’t like them very much,” he mumbled. “They didn’t even tell me that my parents were a wizard and witch. They’re just a bunch of muggles.”

Harry decided to change the subject. Something away from his supposed fame and muggle relatives. “Umm... nice kitten you got there,” he said. He pointed to Ed’s reddish, brown colored kitten. Ed looked at Shinka, remembering how he got her. It was all Roy’s fault. Actually... maybe Ed should thank Roy... It had only been a few days... but Ed found himself getting rather attached to his new kitten.

“Thanks. She kinda was just given to me as an early birthday present. A very early birthday present,” said Ed.

===Flashback===

[Diagon Alley]

“Here.”

Ed found himself staring into the black eyes of reddish, brown colored kitten. “What is this?” he asked.

“A cat,” said Roy.

“I know that,” snapped Ed. “Why are you giving me a kitten?” The kitten started to pace around Ed, checking out its new master.

Roy smirked. “As an early birthday present, so I don’t have to go searching for one when it comes up.”

“WHAT?! Beside I don’t have time to take care of a cat,” protested Ed. “Get me something else, books, a cake – OW!” The kitten decided to make its presence known again. It bit Ed’s right leg. Ed immediately shifted his attention to his new kitten.

He picked up the kitten by the scuff of its neck and peered into its eyes. “Listen here, cat. You’re going back to that pet store right now!” The kitten’s only response was its claws. It scratched Ed again. This time on the nose. “OW!!” Ed dropped his kitten (which Roy safely caught). “Damn cat,” he cursed under his breath.

“Just keep her,” said Roy. He handed the kitten back to Ed. Ed’s nose crinkled as he frowned. “Fine... I suppose I can keep her,” he mumbled. After all, Roy did give her to him. It wasn’t like he could say no anyways. The kitten purred and licked Ed’s nose, the same place where it had scratched him.

Roy chuckled, amused at the scene that was before him. “So what’s her name?” he asked.

Ed looked back and forth between Roy and the kitten. “Shinka. Got it? Your name is Shinka.” Ed could have sworn Shinka nodded at him. He wasn’t sure; he got half distracted by that I’m-innocent look mixed in with those adorable black eyes. Ed wasn’t sure if he had just sealed his doom or not.

Roy smirked. “Sacred Flame? I’m honored,” he mused, teasing Ed.

Ed set Shinka down and glared at his superior while fighting a blush. “I’m not naming it after you,” he snapped sharply. Then he stormed off. He missed the hurt expression on Roy’s face.

Shinka rubbed against the Colonel’s legs. Roy looked down. Shinka could only give him an expression that said “You stupid idiot, watch what you say.” Roy sweatdropped and wondered if he was seeing things.

=End of Flashback=

Ed laid down on his bed. “I suggest you go back to bed, Harry. We start classes tomorrow. Don’t want to get in trouble with the teachers,” said Ed. Harry nodded and laid down as well. He was just about to close his eyes when he heard Ed’s voice again.

“Don’t worry about making friends, Harry. Both Ron and I are here for you.”

Harry stared at the blond boy. How did he...? A slow smile made it’s way onto Harry’s face. “Thanks Ed,” he whispered. Then he pulled his blankets closer to him, sleep engulfing him, taking him back to dreamland.

He had just missed Ed’s response, “You're welcome...”

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

Atonement is... For sinful crimes no matter how much pain is poured into atonement, it

can’t become that without someone’s forgiveness

He doesn’t know whether it will end without forgiveness... He doesn’t know whether it

will become a life without retribution...

However...

Despite that he still smiles...

With that usual full kind smile that hides this slight sadness...

It can’t replace human life but...

I, at least, want to stay by him–...

I want to stay by his side throughout anything----

-Kaoru

Rurouni Kenshin Manga, Act 250, Vol 28

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&-------------------&

Yoake Mae
&-------------------&

Chapter III

Testing Fate; Classes Start

&-------------------&

Sanzan sugite doryoku no ato mo

Naku naru kekka, only no tsuna watari

[You can't see all of my hard efforts, because it's only result

Is that it makes no sense. It really is a "tightrope".]

&--------------------&

Thus began the school year at Hogwarts. Ed discovered some interesting things, like ghosts and that pictures could move and talk. ("Ok I can stand ghosts, but talking and moving portraits?! That's crazy!" –Ed) He was late to class once because no one told him that the staircases MOVED. So Ed ended on the seventh floor instead of the first one. (Luckily he ran into Roy who pointed him to the right direction.) A tip from Harry about false doors and trick steps that suddenly vanishes helped too. The poor boy, Harry, had been in shock when one of the armor suits pointed the way to the class. Ed took it very well. (Seito: Gee I wonder why? XD)

After attending one lesson from each class, Ed could tell you which classes he liked and disliked and which teachers he liked and disliked (AKA hated).

Class/Teachers

-Charms/Professor Flitwick: Not Ed's best class, but not his worse. He really liked Professor Flitwick. ("Finally someone smaller then me!" –Ed)

-History of Magic/Professor Binns: Ed's favorite class to sleep in or do homework that he didn't finish. He admitted it was kinda strange for him to be taught by a ghost but Binns turned out to be the most boring teacher in the most boring class. It didn't help that he already read the textbook and knew it like the back of his hand.

-Herbology/ Professor Sprout: Okay Ed didn't like this class. Professor Sprout was okay, but he didn't like the class. One of the plants tried to eat him, thinking he was a afternoon snack. He had to resist the urge to kill it or transfigure it into something. ("Grrr..." –Ed)

-Transfiguration/Professor McGonagall: This was Ed's absolutely favorite class. Why? It was the closest thing he got to Alchemy. Granted the rules and way of doing it was a bit different, but hey, he was alchemist, this was his field. Just like he thought, Professor McGonagall, who happened to be the head of the Gryffindor house, was a very strict teacher. The first day they had her, her first words were: "Transfiguration is one of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned." Despite what she said, Ed caught on very fast. While everyone was trying to turn their match into a needle, Hermione was the only who turned hers silver and pointy, but Ed got his turned into a needle pretty fast. Professor McGonagall was impressed and gave five points to Gryffindor for such a good job. Hermione was glaring at him for the rest of the day. That brought a smile to Ed's face. ('Ha! Take that Granger! This is my field!' –Ed)

-Defense against Dark Arts (DADA)/Professor Quirrell: Ed wasn't sure about this guy or this class. It was like a big joke and it seemed Quirrell didn't really know what he talking about. Ed stuck to learning from the book. That seemed to be the safest way to learn.

-Potions/Professor Snape: Ed was torn between hate and like. Potions turned out to be a bit like Alchemy (at least in sense of measuring and combining ingredients like chemistry). But Snape.... Oooo Ed found himself wanting to strangle the potions teacher. If he thought Roy got his nerves... he was wrong...

=Flashback=

Ed walked into the Potions classroom, located in the dungeons. He took a seat next to Harry's right while Ron took a seat on Harry's left. Professor Snape came into the classroom soon after.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper. Ed had to strain his ears a bit to make sure he hearing everything. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle frame, brew glory, even stopper death— if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

Ed mentally rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. Snape decided who his first target would be. He was planning Potter, but this boy would have to do. "Elric! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood," he snapped.

Ed didn't meet his teacher's eyes but calmly spoke in a bored tone, "Professor, you would get a sleeping potion known as the Draught of Living Death."

Snape bit his lip. "That is correct. Then where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

Ed was suddenly glad he had read One Thousands Magical Herbs and Fungi first. "A bezoar is a stone found in the stomach of a goat. It is said it will save you from most poisons."

Snape's lip curled into a snarl. "And tell me, Elric, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

Ed knew that one too. "They're the same plant, just different names, which is also known as aconite."

Snape growled before barking at the class, "Well, why aren't you writing this down?!" Then he looked back at Ed. "A point from Gryffindor for being too smart, Elric." Ed's hands tightened in fists, but decided not to tempt fate. (Who would have thought coming here would help with controlling his anger?)

Snape then paired them off and had them mixing a simple potion. He was criticizing almost everyone except Malfoy, even Ed who was doing everything correctly. (He was an alchemist and alchemists were like scientists.)

"What are you doing, Elric?" questioned Snape. Ed looked up, almost glaring at his teacher. He got this feeling that he was on Snape's hit (or was it hate) list already. He was about to answer when a green cloud appeared. Neville somehow managed to melt Seamus's cauldron. Their potion was leaking onto the floor, burning holes in people's shoes.

Snape cleared the potions with a wave of his wand and instructed that someone take Neville to the hospital wing. The boy had broken out with boils when the potions spilled on him. Snape looked around the classroom, looking for someone to blame. Harry came into his vision.

"Potter, why didn't you warn them not to add in the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire? Another point lost from Gryffindor," said Snape. Harry was going to open his mouth to protest when Ed elbow jabbed him. "Don't test fate," he whispered to Harry. Harry nodded and rubbed his arm. Ed had a hard arm.

=End of Flashback=