Chapter XXII

Cherry Syndrome

The Great Hall was once again buzzing with excitement for the weekend. The snow had all but disappeared, the Forbidden Forest and the rest of the grounds were arising with new life, Spring had arrived and with it the Quidditch season. The biggest effect was on the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. Their match was fast approaching and the electricity of a good rivalry could practically be felt when walking between the tables. Everywhere grins were worn in anticipation. Everywhere except for around Harry Potter.

It had been weeks since the Malfoy-Bathroom incident and Harry was still in the doghouse. His punishment had been left to Snape which meant Detention, once a week for the rest of the term. Harry hated it with a passion. Every Saturday evening he had to drag himself down to the dungeons to do some pointless task while Snape loomed over him, insulting his father, his friends and anyone else Harry associated with. It had taken all his will power not to punch the man during their last session. The one thing Harry was clinging to was his hope of going to the game on Saturday afternoon.

"I heard they broke up."

Harry snapped to attention at these words, once again tuning into the conversation going on around him. It had been Hermione who had said this. She was leaning forward slightly, turned down the table towards a group of fifth year Gryffindors.

"Who did?" Harry asked, glancing the same way.

"Ginny. Heard she dumped Dean" Ron clarified, nodding towards his sister.

"So she's single?" Harry asked, praying for his sake that he did not sound hopeful. Ron nodded and leaned back once more.

"Her and me. The Weasley's are all alone again." He sighed dramatically. It was then that Alphonse and Edward swept past.

"Well that's nothing new, is it Ron?" Edward said, pausing on his way to the teacher's table. Hermione smirked at him but Ron's scoffed reply overpowered any of her comments.

"Excuse you Professor. I had a girlfriend." He replied indignantly. Edward raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"You did?" He asked, turning to Alphonse. "Did you know that?" He said incredulously, only receiving a clueless shrug in reply. Edward hummed a little in thought, before deciding that Ron's love life was not worth missing lunch over. He bid them a quick goodbye then Harry watched him head towards his table where Roy and Hagrid were waiting. Alphonse settled into the seat beside Harry, restarting the conversation.

"So, are you feeling prepared for the match tomorrow?" He asked with an encouraging smile.

"Absolutely! It's going to be great." Ron began, launching into a tirade about past Gryffindor – Ravenclaw matches. His friends listened with attentive grins and Harry was about to join in when once again he was interrupted by a passing professor.

"Mr. Potter." Harry had to keep from cringing at the voice. Six years and he still detested the way Snape drawled his name. He turned away from his meal to find Snape looming over him, an entirely unimpressed look on his face.

"Yes professor?" He said, trying his best not to sound sarcastic but Snape snarled anyway.

"There's been a change to your detention time tomorrow. I am unable to take it. You will be having detention with Professor Mustang instead." He sneered and Harry's stomach leapt in excitement. Detention was still detention but Harry would gladly take five hours of it with Roy than even thirty minutes with Snape. He felt himself relax at the thought. Rumour had it detention with Roy usually involved darts or muggle board games. That would be a breeze. Harry heard a slow clearing of the the throat and carefully schooled his features into an uncaring expression.

"I understand, Professor." Harry said evenly, looking Snape in the eye. He was about to turn back to his plate when Snape spoke again.

"One more thing Potter. Your detention time has been moved to three o'clock." Harry stopped his movements and across from him, he noticed Ron do the same.

"But Professor that's when the game st.." Ron began

"This is none of your business Mr. Weasley." Snape cut in coldly, glaring back at Harry. "Three o'clock Potter, don't be late."

"Where will you be Professor?" Alphonse asked, wondering if Snape had business with Dumbledore. Snape's eyes turned to him.

"I will be watching the Quidditch game." He drawled, turning his back and billowing away from the group. A moment of silence settled over them where Ron took the time to swear foully at their departing teacher.

"I can't play.." Harry said eventually, looking helplessly towards his best friend. The complete outrage everyone felt was clear.

"That utter git! He knows it's a big game. He's bloody going to be there. I bet you money he did it on purpose just to make us lose!" Ron yelled, slamming his fork onto the table.

"How the hell are we going to find a seeker by tomorrow?" Harry asked. Alphonse shook his head.

"Leave that to us Harry, you just focus on detention for now." He said, patting his friend on the shoulder reassuringly. Harry looked around him at the grimaces on everyone's faces. Somehow none of it seemed reassuring at all. Hermione sighed.

"Look on the bright side, Harry," She said. "Detention with Professor Mustang is still infinitely better than with Snape." She said and Harry grumbled, returning dejectedly to his food.

Hermione could talk about the positives all she liked but the next day when Harry had to watch his friends pile out of the castle towards the Quidditch pitch with the rest of Hogwarts he could not help but feel utterly bitter and disappointed. It was with great reluctance that he turned away from the doors and trudged his way towards Roy Mustang's office. He knew that none of it was Roy's fault but he could not help but feel a little resentment towards the man when he greeted him with a wide smile on his face. If Roy had simply refused to hold this detention then Harry could have been at the match. It was with these dark thoughts that Harry sat across the desk from his professor and waited for instructions. Of course, he knew he was being unfair. Snape would have found someone to replace him no matter what. Harry should have felt grateful that it was Roy. He glanced up at his professor who was eyeing him thoughtfully.

"Harry let's not pretend. We both know you don't want to be here. Let's just try and make this as painless as possible." Roy said tapping his fingers lightly against his cheek. Harry just nodded his agreement. Roy analysed him for a few further moments then seeming to decide something jumped to his feet and walked towards a bookshelf. He placed a firm hand on the side of the shelf and pushed. It gave in immediately, sliding away to reveal a dartboard and several piles of board games behind it. Roy bent over and retrieved a box. "Right then." He said lifting it and showing Harry the cover, wizard's chess. "Shall we have a game?"

Harry sighed but it was more to relax him than anything. A slow smile spread across his face as he inched forward on his seat. He may as well enjoy this.

"What are we playing for?" He asked.

"Fun and a bit of healthy competition?" Roy replied, taking a seat across from him.

"That's no fun." Harry protested, setting up the board.

"Well, I'm your teacher, Harry. We can't play for money." Roy answered making Harry grin.

"Ok, how about this? We play for information. Winner gets to ask the loser a question." He said, waving his black king in Roy's direction. He got a chuckle in reply.

"You're that confident you'll win?" He asked, shaking his head.

"Well I learnt from the best." Harry said, grinning fondly at the memory of Ron in their first year. Picking up on Harry's lightened mood, Roy smiled.

"You're on Potter. I'm warning you though, don't underestimate me." He chirped, putting his final player into place.

Roy had not been joking. He was good, incredibly so. They were about halfway through their first game when he admitted to using wizard's chess as one of his ways to escape work back at the Ministry. He and one of his colleagues hosted chess championships behind his secretary's back. Roy had always won. So it was not surprising when not much later, Harry watched his King's sword fall from his hands, as the white bishop smashed him to pieces. Roy whooped in delight. Gathering his pieces back into order.

"Rematch?" Harry tried, glancing pleadingly at his professor but a smug smirk, very similar to Edward Elric's was plastered across his face.

"Not so fast Potter, there's my prize." Roy droned, leaning forward. Harry cringed, He had honestly expected to win. He was hoping to ask Roy more about himself or perhaps the Elrics. No one really knew just how involved Roy was. Hell, Harry did not even know if Roy was a member of the Order. He eyed his smirking professor warily. Merlin knew what Roy would ask of him.

"Ok, what do you want to know?" He asked. Roy seemed to consider him for a moment.

"Tell me about something that's worrying you." Roy said, surprising Harry.

"What?" He asked.

"Tell me about something that's worrying you." Roy repeated then smiled in understanding. "We'll have time for harder questions later, Mr. Potter." He said and Harry nodded. He was getting off easy.

"I'm worried about the game." Harry confessed, almost feeling like he could hear the cheers from the pitch outside.

"Yes I heard it's a big one. Never really been one for Quidditch though." Roy commented, nodding his head in compassion. He leaned back in his seat, lacing his fingers together before him. "Who did they get to replace you?" He asked.

"Ginny Weasley."Harry replied and Roy hummed his understanding.

"Oh yes, Ron's younger sister. I heard she's quite the solid player." He said and Harry was the one to nod this time.

"That's true. I guess I just wish I was there. Ginny is fantastic though. I completely believe in her." He agreed fondly. Something in Roy's demeanor changed then. There was a small twitch to his eyebrow and slowly he untangled his fingers, grabbing the chess pieces.

"Well there you have your answer don't you?" Roy commented, reassembling the smashed players with his wand and putting them back into place. "Shall we play another round?" He suggested.

"Of course, I know what's coming this time. I won't lose again." Harry grinned doing the same with his set of players.

A comfortable silence settled over them as they once again fell into the rhythm of a game. Harry and Roy were much more evenly matched this time and the tension of competition was building up between them. Neither made a sound other than a yelp or mutter of protest at the other's moves. They both understood that this time around the stakes were much higher. There would be no nice questions about the other's well being.

It was about halfway through their second game when Roy spoke again. Harry's queen had just decimated his white knight and things were not looking too good. Roy decided it was time to play dirty.

"So, fancying your best friend's sister. That's got to be tough."

Harry's concentration shattered in seconds. His eyes flew away from the board, any semblance of a strategy lost to him. All he could do was stammer, wide eyed at his professor.

"What? H.. How did you know?" He demanded. Roy smirked and surreptitiously moved his Rook up the board.

"Well I didn't until just now. Really Harry, was it supposed to be a secret?" He laughed. Harry moved a piece, barely even looking at the board.

"Of course it's meant to be a secret! Ron would kill me!" He exclaimed. Roy's laugh simmered down to a chuckle.

"Well I suppose you could always see her behind his back." He suggested, moving another player. Three more moves and Potter was going down.

"That's terrible." Harry protested.

"Then tell him and risk the damage?" Roy suggested. Harry had moved a piece again but he seemed really frazzled and Roy could not make out a strategy. He forced away the grin at the thought of his impending victory. "I promise to step in if he tries to Avada Kedvra you."

"Thank you Professor." Harry sighed. He looked absolutely devastated. Roy grinned, two more moves.

"No but really though, my personal opinion is go for it. Love is love and all that. I think Ron will understand if you're serious about her. Your life is only going to get more complicated, so do it now. You don't want to end up old and in love with someone who doesn't have a clue." Roy said lightheartedly, inspecting the chessboard. When he turned back towards Harry, his eyes were on him but somehow, they were much calmer.

"I know Professor.." Harry said quietly. They weren't talking about him anymore. "Checkmate."

Roy stopped dead in his tracks. Those had not been his words. He looked to the board where the white sword clattered to the tiles and the king fell to pieces. Harry was smiling widely and unapologetically. He had won.

"That was an act wasn't it?" Roy gasped, before bursting into laughter. "You little shit." If possible Harry's grin widened.

"My turn." He gloated proudly and Roy just sighed and dropped his arms to the table.

"Ok hit me. Just remember how nice I was." He said. Harry noticed Roy tense. It was probably to do with him losing but he found himself thinking there was something more to it. Harry had the chance to ask him anything. He could finally get answers to all those things he had fleetingly wondered about his professor. Because ultimately, what did any of them really know about Roy Mustang?

"Are you a part of the Order?" He asked. Roy had been distracting himself by fiddling with one of his chess pieces. He took only a second to glance at Harry before his eyes went right back to the struggling piece.

"No I'm not."

Harry blinked, slowly raising his eyebrows. That was.. unexpected. Roy seemed to understand his surprise because in the next moment he set aside the chess piece and rested his cheek against his palm. Roy let his eyes drift away from Harry and out the window, onto the grounds beyond.

"You see, I'm a lot more selfish than you all seem to think I am. I have specific goals in my life and being part of a rebellious group like the Order of the Phoenix is quite incriminating. I wasn't willing to run the risk of it harming my situation in the future." Roy stated evenly.

Harry could not believe what he was hearing.

"So you refused to fight because you're scared it'll make you look bad?" He asked, not moving an inch.

"I have fought. I've seen war. It's not what you've romanticised it to be, Harry. I chose to remain invisible. I wanted to do whatever it took to achieve my goals even if it meant staying silent when I shouldn't have. Quocumque modo, if you will." Roy replied to which Harry shook his head frantically.

"You make it sound noble but really you're just being a coward Professor. You're scared of how people will see you so you're choosing not to act when something really needs to be done." He said, clenching his fists.

"There's nothing noble about it. I just know to pick my battles. Voldemort doesn't see me as a threat. He probably doesn't even know I exist. I am insignificant in the enemy's eyes. If I choose to, I have the option of using this to my advantage in the future but that will only be if it is beneficial to me." Roy said, taking in his student's aggressive stance. This war was very personal to Harry, he understood that. The boy's anger was completely justified but Roy had put plenty of thought into his own actions too. "You must think I'm terrible don't you?" Roy asked with a sigh. He felt terrible himself sometimes but it still hurt to see disappointment in Harry's face.

"No it's not that... I was just thinking Professor.. don't you have anything precious to you?" Harry replied hesitantly. Roy was surprised to hear it. Suddenly he recognised Harry's expression for what it was. It was not disappointment. It was pity and that made Roy cringe.

"Precious?" He repeated, averting his eyes.

"Yes, something worth defending." Harry nodded, then after a moment added, "or maybe someone." Roy smiled.

"I didn't when I turned down the Order, no." He admitted, still refusing to meet his eyes.

"And now?" Harry urged.

"Now, I may have found someone." Roy said and Harry did not know what made him say his next words but they were out before he could stop himself.

"Is it Edward?" It was completely out of line. He was digging into his teacher's personal life and private feelings but for whatever reason Harry wanted to give Roy a chance to redeem his ruthlessness. Just by looking at the man's actions he could tell that Edward Elric was affecting Roy. Hopefully it was for the better.

"You know, I knew of Edward Elric before I was assigned to be his partner. From what I heard, he sounded very similar to me. He chose not to get involved in the first wizarding war but provided information to the Light when needed. I was sure that he would continue with that passive attitude towards the war but coming here has changed him. You have changed him, Harry. He wants to fight now." Roy said, turning towards Harry who frowned thinking over those words. It was true that at the beginning of the year, when Harry first met them on Privet Drive, Edward and Alphonse had shown very little interest in anything other than teaching him Alchemy. He vaguely remembered Edward saying that he had no intention of participating in the fight against Voldemort. And now? Now Edward and Alphonse were researching protection spells to guard Hogwarts. They were training not just Harry but also his friends in how to handle the Horcruxes. They were constantly doing something for Dumbledore and the Order. Whether it was by choice or not, Edward and Alphonse were very much involved in the fight against Voldemort.

Harry blinked then looked towards his professor. If the Elric brothers were, then what did that mean for Roy?

"It was around Christmas that I found myself thinking that I'd be willing to do anything to help him keep fighting. So yeah, I guess you could say I've found something precious," Roy said. He was still smiling. Harry nodded before Roy continued, "but I'm not going to do anything about it." He said.

"Why not?" Harry asked, making Roy sigh dramatically.

"Because Ed is the most stubborn, suspicious person I know. I could gift wrap my feelings in an Instant Growth potion and he still wouldn't accept them as genuine." He sniped and Harry tried not to laugh. He really did but Roy was spot on. He just knew Edward so well.

"I'm sure he would eventually, Professor." Harry assured him between chuckles, although he had to say he was not all that sure. Roy simply waved his comment aside.

"That's not the only reason. Ed is completely wrapped up in the War right now. I told you I would do anything to help him and I meant that. I won't let my own selfish whims distract him." Roy said resolutely. Harry looked down to his lap where his fingers were wound together. He had thought Roy was selfish, well, he still was about the War but every move he made somehow factored into Edward's best interests.

"I don't know, it sounds to me like you're just playing it safe because you're worried about how Ed will respond." Harry said but Roy simply waved it aside. There was clearly no changing his mind.

"Be that as it may, I'm putting my happiness on the back burner. But Harry, don't do the same as me. Like I said life's too short and yours is only going to get more complicated. So take my advice. Don't worry about Ron. He'll understand." Roy smiled, finally meeting Harry's gaze. They stared at one another for what felt like hours before Harry nodded.

"I'll think about it Professor." He replied and Roy's soft smiled doubled in size.

"Fantastic. Now, I reckon we have about forty five minutes left. Shall we have another game?" He suggested and Harry readily agreed. They set up the pieces swiftly and efficiently and just as Roy's white pawn advanced on the board, Harry spoke again.

"Professor you talk a lot when it's about feelings don't you?" He asked and Roy did not budge an inch, all his attention focused entirely on the chess board.

"Shut up."

Harry had a feeling he probably was not going to win this round.

It had been an honourable fight but Harry had been completely and utterly destroyed. Roy had dismissed him with a delighted cheer and more than a few snarky comments about his victory. Harry would have expected no less from the smug professor.

He was now stood in front of the Portrait of the Fat Lady, shifting his feet hesitantly. The quidditch game had just finished and Harry was dreading the results. He was about to either walk into a wake for the end of year Quidditch Cup or cheers and a party that would probably go on all night. Harry was scared to find out. He had already asked the Fat Lady and she had given nothing away, merely telling him to find out himself. That probably meant bad news but he had to face it sometime. Taking a deep breath and steeling himself, Harry said the password and stepped into the room beyond. The yells almost knocked him over and before he knew it he was being dragged into the room by Alphonse and one of his team members.

"We won?" He asked, looking around dumbfound at what was probably the entire Gryffindor population.

"We won!" Alphonse exclaimed joyfully. The atmosphere had him giddy, his steps were much lighter than usual and there was a grin on his face that was so bright nothing was getting rid of it. It must have been infectious because mere seconds later, Harry had one too.

"WE WON!" He roared over the Common Room and it erupted in cheers. Harry laughed in relief then he heard his name yelled from across the room. It was Ginny and she was running towards him. Suddenly, she was hugging him and Roy's words were playing through his mind. He did not have to think about it, not about Ron, not about his team, not about the entire Common Room who were acting as an audience. He just kissed her. Behind him, he was sure he heard Alphonse mutter.

"Well, about time."

Word spread quickly in Hogwarts. It always had and over the next few weeks the only thing on anyone's mind was Harry and Ginny. Harry heard people whispering their names as he walked down the hallway and anytime they were together he felt the eyes on him. For once, he did not feel bad about being the centre of attention, especially when it was due to something that was making him so happy.

The gossip even reached the teachers' ears, it turned out. It was during dinner one evening that Harry felt a proud hand on his shoulder. The fleeting pat had been from a passing Roy. Harry turned around and met the man's eyes, as he winked approvingly. It must have been through Roy that word reached Edward because that same night when Harry and his friends were prepping for Alchemy class, he sauntered into his office with a grin on his face.

"Heard you got a girlfriend, Harry. Don't let it distract your learning." He remarked and Harry just rolled his eyes. Alphonse chuckled and nudged Harry.

"Don't worry about him, Harry. He's just glad that people aren't talking about him and Roy for once." Alphonse said, nodding towards his frowning brother. Harry smiled proudly at them. He could not help but remember what Roy had told him about Edward and Harry found himself wondering how Roy felt about all the gossip regarding him and his colleague. It was Ron's scoff that brought him out of it.

"Who's talking about Edward and Professor Mustang? All the real talk is about you Al." He drawled, bringing all attention to himself. Edward's frown was gone and both Elrics had their eyebrows raised, urging Ron to continue.

"Well, all anyone has really been talking about since Christmas is you and Malfoy." He clarified.

"What?" Edward and Alphonse exclaimed simultaneously.

"Haven't you heard anything? It's all anyone ever asks us about." Hermione said in surprise.

"But why?" Alphonse asked, genuinely confused.

"Well you boys aren't nearly as loud or obvious as Edward and Professor Mustang.." She began.

"Hey!" Edward snapped. Hermione ignored him.

"But you did bring him as a date to Slughorn's party." She said. Alphonse glanced towards his brother who carelessly shrugged his shoulders.

"I didn't really. I just didn't want him to get into trouble." Alphonse confessed.

"Yeah we know that but Hogwarts doesn't." Ron said with his own shrug. Alphonse allowed this to process, bringing his fingers up to his chin. He seemed to be reflecting, taking in the new information and interpreting it into people's actions.

"Is that why he's been so testy recently?" Alphonse asked no one in particular.

"No mate, I think that's just Malfoy." Ron answered.

"I don't think you should bother trying to understand him." Hermione said, taking Alphonse's concern as merely his friendly nature.

"Exactly, Al you've got Alchemy to teach." Edward cut in, throwing his brother a piece of chalk and a dark stare. Alphonse nodded, coming back to the topic at hand and turning towards the blackboard behind him.

"Right, today I'm going to teach you about the unique ways State Alchemists used Alchemy. My personal favourite was the Fullmetal Alchemist." He added tossing a smirk to his brother. Edward stuck his tongue out at him and rolled his eyes. With that, the class on how the people from the Elric's world made use of Alchemy began.

They were about half way through their class. Alphonse was just covering the Flame Alchemist's technique, a glove that was decorated with a transmutation circle when there was a knock at the door. Alphonse halted his writing looking towards his brother, silently asking him if he was expecting anyone. The look on Edward's face told him he was not.

"Come in!" Edward shouted from his seat behind the desk. The door slowly creaked open and behind it stood Luna. She scanned the room slowly, before letting her gaze settle on Harry.

"Professor Dumbledore asked me to tell Harry to come and see him." She directed towards Edward. He nodded his understanding then waved his hand dismissively towards Harry.

"Go on then, must be important." Edward said. Harry got to his feet, briefly exchanging a glance with his friends then he followed Luna out the door.

Harry and Luna walked in silence for the first few minutes. They had been spending increasingly less time together in the past months and now that Harry was together with Ginny they had practically stopped talking. This was probably the first time they had been alone together since Slughorn's party and that had been in December. It was nearing the end of March. Harry wringed his fingers together and shifted uncomfortably, trying to come up with something to say.

"Listen Luna.." He began, not really sure what his next words were going to be. Luna took the choice away from him.

"You know if I were you I would avoid the seventh floor. There's some strange things going on up there." She murmured, looking up towards the ceiling. Harry blinked stupidly, not fully processing what she said.

"What things?" He asked.

"Well, I was there just a few minutes ago and I'm sure I heard laughter coming from the room where we had Dumbledore's Army last year." She said. Her body jerked suddenly as it raked with shivers. "It wasn't nice laughter either. It was evil, whoever was up there means to hurt someone." She whispered.

"Was it a boy's voice?" Harry asked with a frown. Already, an idea was forming in his head. He knew all too well of someone who had been lurking around the Room of Requirement far too much recently.

"Yes it was. It was very strange." She remarked, coming to a stop. They were stood in front of the towering dragon statue. Dumbledore's office lay just beyond. Harry and Luna eyed one another, neither moving an inch. He felt like there was something to say. Like he needed to apologise to her but Luna being who she was, cut him off with an easy shrug.

"It's ok, Harry. I knew...probably before you did. Either way, Harry you're a very dear friend to me.." She said, smiling gently at him. Harry frowned but said nothing. Luna deserved better than some meek apology. She sighed and Harry watched her extend her hand, waiting for him to shake it. "Let's both be happy, ok?" She asked with a smile that contained none of the hurt Harry thought she might feel. No, Luna felt only acceptance and affection towards him. Harry gripped her hand tightly and returned the smile.

"Deal." He agreed and with that they exchanged their goodbyes. Harry watched her walk away then turned towards the dragon, uttering the password and stepping onto the winding staircase.

Half an hour later Harry found himself striding down the hallway, Marauders Map and Invisibility Cloak in hand. Dumbledore had not wanted to show him another of Tom Riddle's memories. This had been much more. They were going away. All those months that Harry had been working to learn all he could about Voldemort and Horcruxes were going to pay off. He and Dumbeldore were finally going to act. Harry could feel his insides churn in anticipation. He was terrified, of course. Even if he was not going to face him directly, anything to do with Voldemort was dangerous but Harry reassured himself that with Dumbledore by his side, nothing could go wrong.

Harry broke out into a run. Dumbledore had told him to make preparations to leave and then immediately return to his office but that was not where Harry was going. He was heading back to Edward's office where his friends should just be finishing their class. He wanted someone to know where he was going. Harry knew he was disobeying Dumbledore's orders but there was something that had happened that just did not sit well with him.

Harry had told Dumbledore about Malfoy's laughter. He had told him everything that had happened with Malfoy over the year, from seeing him in Knockturn Alley to his actions and conversation with Snape at Slughorn's party but Dumbledore had brushed it all aside. Harry had always disapproved of Dumbledore's blind trust in Snape but he had listened to his headmaster. Now he could not ignore it as easily because if Luna was right, which she always was, then whatever Malfoy had been working towards all year was going to happen very soon. Harry needed to act.

Alphonse, Ron and Hermione were still with Edward when he burst into the office. He took a moment to catch his breath as his friends rushed him with questions. As soon as Harry could speak again, he raised a hand to silence them and pressed the Marauder's Map into Hermione's hands. As quickly as possible, he recounted what had happened. His friends fell silent as they waited for him to finish, then Edward turned to Alphonse and snapped something at him in a language that none of them understood. Harry recognised it though. He had heard it once before, muttered from Alphonse's mouth in frustration. It must have been their native language. Alphonse did not hesitate, he jumped into motion and began gathering his things.

"So you're leaving tonight?" Edward asked. He was no longer relaxed, his jaw was set in determination and Harry could tell he was already devising a plan.

"Yes, Dumbledore's out of the castle, I think it's best that we protect it just in case." Harry nodded and pulled out the cloak from under his arm. "Hermione, Ron I think you should take this. Alert all of Dumbledore's Army. Get them ready." He said and Ron reached to take the cloak from Harry but Edward's hand stopped him.

"No, Harry, you keep that. I'll write Hermione and Ron permission notes to stay out late." He ordered. Harry considered this for a moment but decided to trust Edward. He tucked the cloak securely under his robes.

"Brother, I'm heading out." Alphonse said, putting on his cloak.

"Ok, I'll follow you once we're done here." Edward replied as a goodbye. Alphonse looked grim. He wished Harry good luck and said his goodbyes to Ron and Hermione before dashing out the door. Harry started to consider where he could be going but Edward stopped him by speaking again.

"Harry, you should get back to Dumbledore. Remember how important getting that Horcrux is and just leave the rest to us." Edward assured him, putting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing. Harry took in his Professors stance. For the first time he felt like he was looking at a superior. Edward's jaw was set and determined and Harry could feel the weight of his automail on his shoulder. He tried to imagine what it must be like to carry that weight around all the time but it was too hard to grasp. Instead, Harry wondered if Edward had always been as tall as he was at that moment.

"Yes, Professor." He said and made his way to the door. He stopped with one foot over the threshold and turned back towards his friends. "I'll see you all later." Harry smiled and then he left. Hermione quickly moved to gather her things, as Ron activated the Marauder's Map. Edward walked over to one of his bookcases.

"Right, there's no guarantee that it will be tonight but Harry's right it's better to be on the safe side." Edward said, reaching for a book on protective spells Alphonse had taken from the Room of Requirement months ago. "Let's make a plan."

Alphonse found Malfoy where he expected to, on the seventh floor of the Hogwart's left corridor. He was not wearing his uniform but his outdoor cloak was wrapped comfortably around him. Draco was expecting to leave the castle that night. There was no doubt in Alphonse's mind that Dumbledore was not going to survive until tomorrow. But that also meant that this was the last time he was going to see Malfoy in a long time. This was Alphonse's last chance to convince his friend that he was not a killer.

"I thought you might be here." Alphonse greeted, making Malfoy halt in his tracks.

"What is it Elric? Now isn't the time." Malfoy sneered. He did not have to turn around to know who it was but he did so anyway, coming face to face with Alphonse.

"I just thought I'd approach you, seeing as you've been avoiding me for weeks now." Alphonse said, slowly walking towards Malfoy. He stopped when they were a few paces apart. Malfoy was glaring at him but showing no intention of leaving.

"Well maybe there's a reason for that." Malfoy snapped.

"Oh I heard. You're scared people will think we're friends." Alphonse replied easily.

"They would be wrong." Malfoy said sharply.

"Would they? Because as far as I can tell, I talk to you more than anyone else here, including your fellow Slytherins." Alphonse cut in. "I genuinely like you." He added, frowning at him.

Well, most of the time.

"I don't need you or any of the blood traitors in this dump to like me, Elric. I have the respect of people who really matter." Malfoy sneered, his expression twisting into one of utter disgust.

"That's what you're doing this for? You're going to commit murder for respect?" Alphonse asked and Malfoy's expression dropped instantly, pure shock taking over. Alphonse sighed and dropped his head. He had given himself away but fuck it all he did not care.

"You knew?" Malfoy whispered, terror lacing into his tones. When Alphonse looked up again his eyes were set in determination.

"Yeah I know. I know Voldemort ordered you to kill Dumbledore. I know Snape took an Unbreakable Vow to protect you and guess what? I even know that you keep going into the Room of Requirement to use that cabinet to bring Death Eaters here." Alphonse exclaimed, his voice getting louder with each word. Malfoy rushed over to him, hushing him. He looked around in panic for anyone who could have heard them but they were completely alone.

"How the hell did you find out?" Malfoy hissed, all pretense dropped now. He just looked like the terrified sixteen year old he was.

"Anyone who paid attention to you could tell that something was going on. I just had the sense to look into it." Alphonse said, suddenly feeling a rush of pity for the boy. He was not being entirely honest but what he said was true. Anyone who paid attention to Malfoy would have noticed that something was wrong. He had been cracking under the pressure all year but only Harry and Alphonse had bothered to notice. "I'll tell you something else too Draco. You won't do it. Your father may have been a killer but you aren't." Alphonse assured him.

Those words had been a mistake. Malfoy's resolve hardened as he reached out and shoved Alphonse away. He stumbled back a few steps, not expecting the sudden assault.

"Are you calling me a coward?" Malfoy roared, advancing on Alphonse to push him again but this time Alphonse was prepared. When Draco's hands slammed into his shoulders, he did not move an inch.

"There is a difference between refusing orders because you're scared and refusing them because they're wrong. You know that killing Dumbledore would be wrong, Draco." Alphonse said through gritted teeth but Malfoy was not listening, his frustration at not being able to shove Alphonse growing.

"You think I'm too much of a coward to do it don't you? That's why you haven't told anyone. You think I'm scared! Well fuck you Elric!" He shouted and drew his fist back to punch Alphonse but he was too quick. Within a heartbeat, Alphonse dodged his punch and pushed Malfoy against the wall, locking his arms at his sides. Malfoy growled furiously and tried to struggled but he was stuck. All he was doing was driving the ridges of the wall further into his back and making Alphonse tighten his grip.

"Yes, I think you're a coward. You're refusing any help offered to you. You're choosing to stay by Voldemort's side, a man who killed hundreds of people, because you're too much of a coward to fight back. Are you really ok with siding with a murderer?" Alphonse said, his patience wearing very thin. He had to get Malfoy to listen now or there was no hope.

"You want to talk about murderers? Alright Elric. Let's talk about the murderers who turned their mother into a monster because they were too cowardly to live without her." Malfoy sneered darkly. Alphonse's grip loosened, as did his jaw. Malfoy freed his arms and shoved him away but Alphonse did not noticed any of this. He just stumbled backwards, horror streaked across his face.

"What did you..?" He began but could not bring himself to finish. Malfoy could not possibly have meant that. There was no way he could know. Malfoy was looking almost rabid now. His pristine outfit was rumpled from the struggle. His jacket had fallen off his right shoulder and his hair was splayed messily across his eyes. He heaved a steadying breath.

"You're not the only one who does their research, Elric. I've read that book about you and your pathetic brother. I'm not naive enough to think it was fiction. You're a killer too. You murdered your own blood so don't go around acting so sweet and innocent, you fucking.."

Alphonse threw the punch before he had time to think it through. Malfoy was thrown backwards, his back hitting the wall and making him slide to the ground. It made Alphonse feel no better. He was absolutely livid. His clenched fists were shaking in fury. He could practically feel his blood boiling in his veins. If Malfoy had been trying to get under his skin, he had succeeded and Alphonse felt completely merciless. He watched Malfoy slump against the wall and glare at him defiantly.

"You know Malfoy, I thought I knew you. I thought that beneath all that ignorant, heartless drivel there was something else. I guess I was wrong. Do what you want but just remember no amount of respect in the world is worth the toll killing someone takes on you." Alphonse sighed, shaking out his hand and stepping away from him. "Take it from someone who knows. I'm done with you." He murmured.

Alphonse did not stay to watch Malfoy get to his feet again. He did not see the shame flush across his face as he rubbed at his bruised cheek. Alphonse and Malfoy just turned their backs and walked away.

Alphonse only stopped, once he had rounded a corner. He momentarily allowed the emotions to overrun him and he choked down a sob. He let his back rest against the wall, all his feelings of guilt about Malfoy, about his mother, rushing back to him. He should not have been so harsh on him. He knew that but he was just too tired. There was only so much of these ups and downs that Alphonse could take. He felt a body settle beside him and a familiar hand on his shoulder.

"Guessing it went well then?" Edward asked and Alphonse let out a bitter, mirthless laugh. That was the second time he had heard those words from Edward.

"You heard us. What do you think?" He scoffed. Edward shrugged his shoulders, walking over to the corner Alphonse had just come from.

"Well I'm surprised he bothered to read the book. He must really be interested in us." Edward remarked.

"Brother, I think we should give up on this one. Dumbledore is going to die either way. Maybe we should just let Malfoy do it." Alphonse said tiredly. A few steps from him, Edward grunted disapprovingly.

"What has this boy done to you Al? Are you really ok with giving up and letting Malfoy be a killer?" He asked incredulously, although he really did not have to. They both already knew the answer. Of course he was not.

"I just think that there's really nothing more we can do." Alphonse muttered. Edward hummed in thought and glanced down the corridor to where the Room of Requirement door had just disappeared. He looked back to his brother and murmured.

"I don't know Al, I think you might have done just enough."

Two chapters in one month. Wow I must be sick. I hope you enjoyed it. I will be updating again soon. Only two chapters to go! See you soon.