Wow. This wasn't a short time was it ? Hahaha... I'm sorry guys, really. School and laziness (but mostly school) must have won me over for the last three months But I'm really sorry to say that my actual planning will often be closer to this gap than the two publication in a span of one week sadly. Still, I'm here aren't I ?

Writing this chapter was a bit complicated : I knew what needed to happen more or less, but not who should came, how, why and though I cut the chapter there I thought at the beginning that there would have been way more things. Finally, those things will be all compiled in next chapter. Edward wanted to rant so I let him do so :^)

Thank you everyone for your reviews and your kind words. Thank you for following my story, and I send even more love to those of you that will read this update and not hate me too much for my lateness.

On this note, hope you'll like what follows. I wish you well, all of you.

Disclaimer : As I already said, I own nor Harry Potter nor Fullmetal Alchemist.

Beta : Joker Oak. Everyone, here is the person you have to thank for read-proofing (does this makes sense?) this chapter and for this publication tonight. Thanks Joker !

TO FIND A WAY BACK

Chapter Two

Of Magic and New beginnings

Remus was running around in circles, feeling quite restless while Miriam tended to the injured boy. The whole thing was a mess really. After the blond child woke up, the wizards had to try to calm him down, which had proven difficult. But it was also understandable since his young responsability appeared completely unaware of how he ended up here. To be honest, Remus really hoped that it was just the shock settling in, because if it was something else... He had just found another problem to add to his already complicated life.

The werewolf sighed just as the door opened to reveal Miriam Strout. The mediwiard came out of the bedroom, silently closing it behind herself, before going to Remus. Her face was grim as she tried to figure out how to explain the whole situation to her friend. She opened her mouth several times, her brows furrowed, seemingly lost in her thoughts. However, Remus beat her to it as he tiredly shook his head and began speaking.

« It isn't just shock right ? He... has simply forgotten where he comes from ? »

Miriam Strout battled with herself for a moment before nodding, closing her eyes to compose herself. She was ready to help this child no matter what, but faced with this new developpment, she started to think that she had bitten off more than she could chew... More than they could chew in fact. Remus simply hadn't signed up for this and Miriam wasn't sure that they could help the kid out either. But they still had to try...

« It seems like it... But come on, time for you two to properly meet. »

Remus rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by the truth that transpired in her words. He DID let Miriam take care of the kid as soon as she arrived but it was for the best. Proof of this was the silence that reigned in the room as they came back in. When he left, even after trying his best to stay calm, the child was still shaking with a mix of fear and anger. Now though... The room was oddly quiet, the kid simply staring at the hands folded in his lap. He didn't even lift his head to look at them. For both of the wizards, the sight was strangely unnerving and Remus caught himself missing the loud ruckus that welcomed him home hours ago. He just couldn't fathom the idea that this child... had it in him to be so calm. It seemed unnatural.
Fortunately Miriam knew how to take care of the young ones, and she quickly sat next to the blond kid to stir up a new conversation.

« Hey there. We're sorry if we scared you before. My name is Miriam Strout and my friend there, she turned to the werewolf as she spoke, is Remus Lupin. He was the one to find you in the woods. Remember ? I told you a bit about it. »

The child only nodded, barely taking a glance at the two wizards as they introduced themselves. Both shared a worried glance before Miriam resumed their talk.

« I'm sorry to disturb you since I'm sure you're really tired but we... need to learn a bit more about yourself. You told me you didn't remember any of the events that led you here right ? But can you remember anything else ? Even just little bit ? Your name, your... family. Anything really. »

The gold orbs finally looked up more than a mere moment to settle on the woman, thoughtful. Miriam only smiled in return, supportive , and waited patiently for him to make up his mind. Slowly, the child opened his mouth to let soft words escape him.

« I... Yes. I mean, I think I remember some... things ? But it's not very clear and I'm not really sure about it...
- Don't worry kid; Miriam was still smiling slightly but had brightened a little at his words. If the kid remembered anything, it was more than a good start ; every bit counts as I told you so don't be shy. »

He hummed slightly, scowling a bit at her first words before letting out a short breath to begin again, muddling through long faded memories.

« First... My name is not ''kid'' or ''child'' or..., he seemed both lost and frustrated as he uttered the last one, "shorty"... It's Edward. I think. It seems right at least. Like I shouldn't be called anything else. Ugh, does that even make sense ? » He groaned lightly, rubbing his forehead before continuing. « I... remember a brunette, a tall blond man and... another blond of my age. I think... I think they're my family but... I don't remember any names. Just their faces...
- That's good Edward. Really, don't think otherwise, you've got a good start there, encouraged Miriam, do you recall anything else ? For example... You know what I told you about us right ? Does it ring any bells for you in your past ?
- Your... wizarding thing right ? Mâdgic that's it ?, answered Edward, pressing on the word as if it was completely foreign to him. Which must have been the case since he was talking a completely different language before Remus cast a translation spell. The blond furrowed his brows, sorting quickly through his memories before adressing Miriam's question, « I recall times when the... blond man created things like... out of nowhere I think. And me too. Does that count ? That's what you did with your wooden stick back then. Except he didn't use one like that. »

Miriam and Remus exchanged glances, nodding slightly as Edward talked. At least, it seemed that he wasn't muggle-born which was relieving in itself. It narrowed down their research... The wizarding community was smaller than the muggle one after all. They had yet to recognize the boy's language though, to know where they should seek. And language wasn't exactly their area of expertise. But when talking about knowledge, there was one person you could count on.

« Say Edward... Since Miriam and I don't have a clue about where you're from... Would it be okay for you if we call upon an old professor of ours ?

o

OoO

o

Getting Dumbledore to come to Remus' house wasn't a problem in itself. More than anyone, Remus was the one that fled the magic community, not the other way around. In this sense, Dumbledore didn't need any convincing to help his former student and was more than happy to finally know where he was hiding. De facto, the three adults plus Edward were soon all together in the bedroom, ready to untangle the mystery that were the kid's origins.

Currently Albus and Edward were just staring at each other, trying to gauge the other. Without expressing any thought about the subject, Dumbledore knew deep down that this Edward kid was the very same one that had sent the book and quill into a frenzy the previous day. The 11-year-old, on his part, couldn't shake off the feeling that this old man already knew more than he let on, even though they were supposedly meeting for the first time. That was probably why he blurted out the first thing that came to mind, all courtesy forgotten.

« Who the hell are you old man ? »

Both the Lupin guy and Mrs. Strout let out quiet sound of outrage, probably shocked at the change of behavior from the boy. But hey, what could he do about it ? He was sure that these two didn't have any after thoughts, but he couldn't say the same of this new guy that gave off a strange aura of wisdom but seemed the type to stick his nose where it wasn't supposed to be. Edward quickly crossed his arms with confidence, already feeling more like himself as the shock wore off - yeah that's how I'm supposed to be – and raised a brow at the headmaster, waiting for his answer. Albus let out a silent chuckle and his eyes sparkled a bit with amusement behind his glasses as he replied, as good-natured as always.

« Well, hello Edward. Instead of 'old man', you can call me Albus Dumbledore. I'm the headmaster of Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardy, and former professor of these two I must add.
- A... teacher ? » Edward spared a glance at the two other adults, who nodded to themselves, supporting the old man's last affirmation.
« Sure, that's what I am. Well was at least, but I like to think that I haven't lost my touch, and that it's why my students still reach for me when in need. On this confidence, would you like to go on ? I think first and foremost, you wanted me to see if I could understand Edward's language isn't it ? »

Edward pouted a bit, a bit of wariness still shining in his eyes before nodding slowly. Remus shot a glance at both Miriam Stroutt and Dumbledore before taking his wand out of his pocket and putting an end to the translating spell. A heavy silence settled on the room as Edward took a deep breath and resumed talking. His words were once again mingling together, and neither Lupin nor Mrs. Stroutt were able to understand a single word. But they weren't the only ones. Albus Dumbledore was silently listening, his brows furrowed, fumbling in his brain through all the languages that he knew or only even heard of but to no avail. Despite all his supposed knowledge, the headmaster had to admit : he had never heard anyone talk this way anywhere in the world. So sure, there was a possibility although slim that the kid was lying and had made up a language out of nothing but... The way he talked, the way his voice rose and dropped as he released his litany of words... There was no way this was an invention. Beside, how would he have the time to elaborate this scheme just after waking up, to include Remus Lupin ? There was simply no way, and it was the problem.
This boy, Edward, spoke a language he didn't know. And he was fairly sure that he knew most of the languages spoken on their planet. Still, this one didn't sound like any of them.
No wonder then that the Quill and the Book were panicked. The origins of this child seemed to be even more complicated than his students imagined.

Albus slowly raised his hand, causing Edward to stop as he slowly shook his head. The blond closed his mouth in a snap, worry building in his belly in front of the thoughtful face of the headmaster. He wanted to keep talking, ask all the questions that were rising up his throat. But at the sigh of the old man, he couldn't help but understand. He wasn't stupid after all, and it was plain as day that this wise man couldn't recognize a single word that he said. He felt his throat close up, the need to yell overwhelming. You were supposed to help me ! To understand me ! To shed light on where I'm from and what I should do next ! If you can't even do that, why're you here then !
He knew he wasn't being fair. This old man didn't do anything to him, and though he gave off a weird feeling, it wasn't a /bad/ feeling per se. But the blond didn't care one bit about being fair. He was alone, so very alone, angry and most of all he was scared. Even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone, he was scared shitless. Where was he, why was he here, where did he come from. All of those, he should have known himself but he didn't. And it was scary, but so much easier also to change this fear into anger because anger was so much more reliable and it helped. Anger it was then, and if Edward held back and didn't yell, he still shot some resentful words at the old man, his tone accusatory, taking advantage of the fact that no one could understand him for the time being. He got it all of his chest until he was panting, his eyes a bit shiny. How he was scared, and angry, and how he didn't understand any of this. How he wanted to come home, to find what brought him here and why he was in such a state. He stuttered as he cried for his family, how much he missed them deep within even though he couldn't even remember their names and it was so painful. He let it all out, finally bursting from this quiet and catatonic state that he composed himself since Miriam Strout's arrival. The shock was settling in and it was /hard/.

Miriam Strout and Albus Dumbledore were both used to children but they could only stare in astoundment as Edward ranted and ranted and only stressed himself further. For when Albus had asked for a stop he had reactivated the translating spell to explain to Edward how they should proceed next. No need to say though that he wasn't ready for the outburst. And surprisingly enough, the one that took charge was none other than Remus, who still thought of himself as the most clumsy out of the three adults.
But these outbursts, he had lived with them most of his life. As a child, when he realized that he was a werewolf and that he never would be able to go to Hogwarts and to live his dreamed life. As a teenager, when he was trapped at night in the Shrieking Shack and he could do nothing else than hurt himself because of the wolf and wake up in so much pain he sometimes wished he hadn't gotten the chance to go to school. As an adult when his best friend killed quiet Peter Pettigrow and helped Voldemort to end both Lily and James. It was heartache as its purest. It was that moment you realized you had nothing left, and you didn't know where to go and what to do next.
Remus empathized, and he was the one who reached for Edward and took him by the shoulders to calm him down. Muttering soft and soothing words as he asked the child to breath slowly with him. In and out. In and out. Count to three, breath. Count to three and release. Ever so slowly Edward felt his heart slowing and his breath stabilizing. His vision wasn't such a blinding white anymore and he could /breathe/. He could breathe, he could think and he could feel Remus' hands drawing soothing circles in this back but he didn't care. It felt good. Reassuring. And damn if he would ever say that he needed that but... He needed that.
Ed kept breathing slowly for a few more minutes more before getting free from Remus' embrace, a bit embarrassed. He had not cried, and that was good news at least, but burying his face in the wizard's shoulder because he needed comfort wasn't any better. The man didn't seem to care but... yeah. His own pride did.

« Better ? » asked softly Remus.

Edward hummed slightly and nodded before looking up to the greying-haired man ; he was looking down on him with slight worry and his usual quiet face. Yup, not embarassed at all. Guess he was the only one to feel this way. He should apologize then but he didn't really feel like giving one. His reaction may have been exagerated but Lupin didn't seem upset and Ed himself didn't feel guilty. Ed knew that he needed this outburst to face another day. He.. couldn't just take all that happened and not react accordingly. And most important... Wait. Did the wizard just /talk/ to him ? And he undersood him ? But that meant that...
The blond felt his face go even redder and he squeaked a bit, his train of thought completely forgotten because of the realization.

« You I.. I understood you. The spell... You heard all of that ? »

And at that the adult looked a bit sheepish and rubbed the back of his neck with embarrassment, averting his eyes from the kid face. Yeah, the blond hadn't exactly been discreet but... He had thought that those accusations were meant to hit home. Not that Edward was ranting for himself. Great, he felt like an intruder now.

« Well... Yeah, I did. We all did I think... », the youngest went even redder and buried his face in his hands, embarrassed by the admission before muttering lowly.
- That wasn't meant to be understood... I just... It was just too much and...
- I understand kid. And it was healthy for you to do that. » Remus chuckled lightly, the atmosphere now lighter. « Besides, I've heard much worse so don't worry. But this ''old man dressed as a fairy from babies' story ?'' Don't think I ever heard anyone call Dumbledore like that. » The boy furrowed his brows, crossing his arms just like sore loser do after a bad move before barking loudly, a bit awkward
- W-Well I won't apologize for this one ! In fact, I don't feel like apologizing at all. YOU should apologize to me for putting back the spell without warning. I'm not at fault here !
- Right you are. Now keep it down a bit. I'm sure Dumbledore has some ideas as to what we should do next. »

Edward humpfed a bit but shut his mouth nonetheless. Behind them, Miriam Strout and Dumbledore could only smile slightly at the duo. The mediwizard didn't miss at all how Remus included himself in the future of the boy, with that ''we'' that promised a great future. And Dumbledore couldn't miss either how both Remus and Edward relaxed in their light banter. All lingering sadness had fled the boy as he defended himself against the teasing of the werewolf. And Remus seemed to have gotten some peace of mind for the first time in long years. His whole stance was less tense and his eyes a bit more sparkling. Seeing them like this was heart-warming and it asked for some change of plan...

« You're right Remus. I've got an idea as to what you could do Edward. I must admit that I have never heard anyone talking like you, but it doesn't mean that you don't have a lead. Miriam here told me a bit about your... memories. You remember a brother right ? Here is my offer then : though you don't talk our language, your name sounds perfectly english, and you seem to be just of age to go to a wizard school. And what better place can you think of than a school to find another wizard child of your age ?
- So basically you want me... to go to school ? » Edward frowned a bit, unconvinced. This plan may be better than nothing, but he wasn't sure. « How can you know for sure that my brother will go to this school ? I mean there must be loads of them in the country no ?
- On the contrary Edward. There is no other school than Hogwarts that welcome wizard children in England. Do you see why I would suggest such a thing ? I can't imagine you crossing a whole country with your injuries before ending up here. Your strange language apart, there's no way you could come from far. Those wounds... They're not from a travel by Portkey that went badly. And you're way too young to know how to apparate anyway. I understand that it doesn't seem like a fantastic idea and that you probably hoped for more; but I think that with so little information, it's our best shot. »

Though Edward still seemed a bit disappointed by the whole ordeal, probably hoping for more since both Lupin and Strout had acted as if this old guy could solve all of his problems with a snap of fingers, he could admit that it WAS better than nothing. He just... thought it would be easier, that those people could help him go back home as soon as he was better. Still, Remus appeared to understand his doubts and he quickly added more perks to this wizard school.

« What Dumbledore forgot to tell you is that Hogwarts probably has the biggest library of all England. If you're up to it, I'm confident you'll be able to find informations there. And since the headmaster knows what you're searching for, he could even give you some permits other students don't have to make your researchs in the library easier. Better plan ? »

Edward looked thoughtful for a moment but didn't take too much time before nodding slowly. This idea seemed to please him more, and Remus easily understood that Edward wanted to be a part of their research team. He couldn't bear to just stand on the side and wait idly for his family to come to him. He wanted to be the one to find them. The werewolf smiled slightly, lost in his contemplation of the blond child, until Dumbledore quietly cleared his throat while getting up.

« Well in that case, I think that's settled. I'll take care with a scholarship of the expenses necessary for your school supplies, and I'm sure Remus will be happy to take you to Diagon Alley when the time comes. And no Remus, the matter is not up to debate, I think you will have quite enough spendings by feeding another mouth without having to pay for the books and everything. Your pride will take it I'm sure. On that note... I hope you'll make the most of this summer Edward, I will see you again at the Sorting Ceremony. »Dumbledore finished with a smile before disapparating.

Edward started a bit when the old man disappeared suddenly before turning his gaze to the two adults. He tried to get up, putting a foot on the ground before suddenly stopping himself, a realization slowly coming over him. His eyes open wide he let out a small squeak, avoiding the others' eyes.

« This old man... We didn't tell him about my leg did we ?
- What ? Of course we did, it's not that easy to forg-... Oh. »

Lupin turned to Miriam, looking a bit distraught.

« We didn't, did we ? Oh god... Miriam you're the mediwizard, how can Edward go to school like this... ? I'm not exaclty sure that there are acomodations for wheelchair it just... » He paused, frowning as he tried to organize his thoughts. « It doesn't happen in the magical world... In fact I think the only one I know that has such a problem is Mad-Eye, and he was an auror ! Please tell me there are others solutions than the wooden leg... »

Unfortunately Mrs. Strout didn't appeared very convinced, chewing absently her lips while she sorted through all the recent medical wizard discoveries, and artificial limbs weren't part of them.

« I.. don't think so. As you said, we don't have much cases of limbless wizard. For this, maybe you should look up on muggle medicine ? I think I remember having seen somewhere that muggles were trying some things to make artificial limbs. With their wars and all those weapons they may have more need for it than us. »

Remus Lupin nodded to corroborate her advice before developing a bit.

« I think you're right. Not that I'm an expert but I remember that when I was little, they were developing researches for those because of WW2. But I don't really know where I should look, that's not really the sort of medecine you look up when you don't have any need for it.
- Ask your parents then ? They do live in the muggle word don't they ? I remember you leaving school to see your mom once a month. They may know more than you on the matter. »

Lupin's face seemed to close off right away at the mention of his parents and he only nodded absentmindedly, muttering a mild ''Yes, we'll do that'', his thoughts seemingly somewhere else. Miriam Strout didn't look too much into it and simply returned her attention to Edward, promising him that she had to go home to her family but she would be back tomorrow. Edward thanked her shyly while looking at Remus from the corner of his eye, a bit concerned with the sudden silence. And without losing much more time she left, leaving the two boys together for the night.

A strange stillness seemed to settle on the room for a time, Edward fidgeting in the bed while Remus was lost in thought and unmoving. What finally broke the awkward silence was a low rumble from the younger's belly, that managed to tear Remus away from his thoughts. Both of them appeared a bit bewildered for a few seconds, Edward even more embarrassed, before Lupin chuckled lightly and claimed that it was time for dinner. Edward's face seemed to light up and the werewolf went to help him stand up while the eleven-year-old chatted a bit about how hungry he was and that he would even eat a bear if he had to. Remus couldn't stop a smile from creeping on his face, driving out the dark thoughts from his brain. The situation wasn't perfect and the two of them were more than conscious of this fact. But still, there was a funny feeling of warmth in their chests whilst they came downstairs together, Edward tripping over himself more than once because of his new balance and Remus catching him with a sly smile, as the blond objected that he could take care of himself without him thank you very much. It was the meeting of two lonely and broken people ; and while the situation may have been desperate, the evening was nothing short of nice. And as Remus watched Edward eat with gusto, spending his meal with another person for the first time in a while, he got the feeling that strangely enough, they would both be alright.

Aren't they the cutest ? I myself wanna cuddle them haha. So here, take some Remus/Edward bonding ;)

Next chapter, Edward will discover more about the Wizarding world and take a trip down Diagon Alley at one point. Those of you that just LOVE to see the choice of wand and everything, next chapter will be for you. You'll also see how Edward will move around in a world without automail. I made some research for this one just to be sure not to screw it up !

For those of you that like precision, I also looked up for Edward's memory loss. The little fellow suffers from Retrograde amnesia : complete loss of memories doesn't appear to exist so I settled instead for retrograde amnesia, and twisted it a bit with the traumatic events Edward lived so that he remembers very little. But yeah, I tried to be a bit realistic about this one for a change.

Hope this chapter was worth the wait. See you later y'all ! I love you.