When Mama Comes Home
When Mama Comes Home
Mustang-Elric Residence
6:00 am
Winry was scheduled to arrive in just two hours, and Ed was excited. Al was too, and Mei, but Ed was a ball of nervous energy. It was early, even for the crowd of early risers, but they were all up and dressed. Roy was making breakfast as usual, while Al entertained Yuery and Mei read one of the books Ed had offered her from his personal library.
Rose, Hannah, Daniel and her baby, William had not come down yet, presumably still sleeping. Ed was out in the yard with the pets. Part of what had Ed so on edge was the Rose situation. The press had gotten ahold of the idea that she must be his mystery fiancée and run with it. His staff had officially denied the claim several times since she arrived, but it didn't seem to help. Luckily, Winry seemed to find it amusing, though Ed was annoyed the press even cared.
Then there was Rose herself. She had assured him that living with Roy Mustang for however long it took to get on her feet wouldn't be a problem for her, but it was. She avoided Roy. She would not speak to him directly unless she absolutely had to, and even then her answers were brief and formal. Ed needed to find a way to get her into a new stable place both financially and mentally because the tension was driving them all mad.
There was also the matter of his promotion and new responsibilities. As it turned out, he was in the wrong department to deal with Liore. When he learned this, he almost demanded a transfer, however the big picture held him in place, along with the knowledge that Colonel Armstrong was looking into the border occupations. He trusted Armstrong to handle it correctly. The man was like a big marshmallow wrapped around a steel-trap. He still didn't like it, and asked that Roy keep him informed on the progress. Roy agreed.
Roy had had a hard time with Hannah and Daniel the first day or two. They were Ishbalan, which triggered his not so buried guilt. However, as he pointed out himself, if he wanted to spearhead the movement to restore Ishbal then he was going to have to find a way around those feelings and work with their people.
He handled it well, instead of focusing on how these children were orphaned, he focused on them being children. He sat with them and read Hannah stories and played with Daniel like he would Elicia and Yuery. He bonded with them quickly. It may have helped that Daniel's young age meant there was no chance he had been the cause of their loss, but it was mostly just spending time with them.
They had settled into what would eventually be Al's room once he was strong enough. Mei was staying in the guest room. That left only one problem with Winry's impending arrival. Where she going to stay. Al and Mei both suggested she just stay in Ed and Yuery's room, which after some debate Roy reluctantly agreed was the best solution at the moment. Yuery's future bedroom was currently the playroom. Honestly, Roy was already making plans to expand the house if not move again.
Now that his son was engaged, the house would get too small to soon, then they were hosting the Xingese Princess for however long she was here. Possibly the second Princess as well, as long as she and Ed could be civil, which Roy doubted, when she came to study under Mei. That wouldn't take more than a few months.
He wanted to bring it up to his sons again, but aside from his statement when Rose and the children first arrived he hadn't said anything. Edward in particular seemed resistant to the idea of moving. He had complained about the house being bigger than their old one, and the staff that came with having a bigger home and higher rank.
Really, in a way he would be doing Ed a favor to move up bit by bit, because once Roy was Fuhrer he would have to live in the mansion. It was expected, tradition that none of the advisors seemed willing to part with. It was a problem for another day, however. Today they had to get Winry here without the press having a field day, which was frankly unavoidable. There had been too many pictures published with her at Edward's side during their trip to Xing. It was part of the reason that Rose's arrival had caused so much scandal.
Somehow, only one paper had suggested that Rose was Roy's new lover instead of Ed's. On one hand, he was grateful as it wouldn't do to have public opinion of him shift at this point. On the other hand, it was a shame his son was the subject of such negative rumors. It was hardly the first time, for either one of them. Roy planned to call his mother's people at some point this weekend to get it started on the corrections.
After all, it wasn't too late to re-spin the whole thing to make Edward look like the hero he was. All it would take was the truth for a change. He had gone to check in on an old friend, only to find she had become a victim of Bradly's reign. The press was picking up these stories daily at this point. Now that Bradley was gone and the shock had recovered, everyone wanted to throw their hand in on the 'what Bradley did to us' circus.
Rose and the children appeared in the doorway, as Edward and the pets re-entered the room, as if summoned by his need to speak to them both. Alphonse and Mei had both already eaten, so, sensing the tension, offered to take the kids all into the library for awhile while breakfast was made for them.
Once the children were out of the way, Roy asked that the others sat to have a short talk with him before they fed the crowd. Both sat on either side of him, and seemed to think they were going to be in trouble. He assured them they weren't which made them relax before continuing "We need to get a handle on the press before they ruin not only Edward's reputation but Ms. Rockbell's." Roy began knowing what Ed would have said about his own, but that he would do anything to protect Winry's " I think, as long as Ms Thomas is willing, Edward should address them directly,, and tell the truth. Or a version of it. He will tell them you and your children are staying with Edward while you get back on your feet. That you are among those who were displaced by Bradley's warmongering."
"No one can know about William." Rose said quietly. "I'm sorry, I don't want to cause trouble for Edward and Winry, but no one can know."
"We won't say anything about William one way or the other, just you." Roy said. "All Edward has to do is when he picks Winry up in an hour, address the press when they question you. Tell them . 'I'm afraid you have been misinformed. Ms. Rockbell is my fiancée. Ms. Thomas is an old family friend, who after being displaced by the border skirmishes, is staying with our family for a few weeks.' Then walk away without giving anything else. I will have an official press release written up to be released on Monday."
"Okay. That's fine then." Rose said with a nod. Ed shrugged as he mouthed the short speech his dad had just given him to use because it was exactly what he would say and nothing else.
"Have you set a date yet?" Roy asked.
"Not yet, we've barely had time to talk the last few weeks. I'm busy setting up my new office, she's busy closing down her part of the shop. With her being here we'll finally have time to talk about it though."
Central Station
Edward had agreed to a car. Winry would have a lot of luggage, now that she was moving instead of visiting, and the walk was much further than it would have been if Ed was still in the dorms or a hotel. He sighed heavily when he saw the reporters in front of the station. Whoever was leaking information to the press needed to be found now.
It wasn't the matter of his private life, he didn't care what they wanted to think they knew about him. Now that AL was flesh and blood again, no one could prove anything. Plus his worthless Father had brought AL back in front of what felt like half the military so it was hardly a secret anymore.
No, it was a matter of security. If they were willing to spread around exactly where he would be and when, what was to stop them from selling Ed, or Roy out to an enemy that could then hit them from a distance. Ed did not survive punching a want-a-be god in the face just to be taken down by a random bullet.
Taking a deep breath, Ed strode into the station without pausing. He would give his speech, but he wasn't making Winry wait for him to pick her up while he did it, she was going to be by his side because if he had to face the press he was going to make it worth it and promote Winry's business. As far as he was concerned she was the best mechanic in the country and deserved more fame.
He only had to wait a few minutes before the train arrived, but in that short timeframe he became aware of Jean Havoc standing next to him. "Havoc. Why are you here, waiting for someone?"
"No, well, no one but Ms. Rockbell. In light of the press, and previous encounters with random violence, Lt. Colonel Hawkeye felt it was best that I join you as your adjutant. She also said we both might as well get used to it and it was my job to make sure you didn't die and finish your paperwork."
"I would love to argue with you over this, but it's Hawkeye. Fine, just don't get in my way. I'm going to have to make a speech, and I don't need you tripping up."
"Yes, Sir. Very Good ,Sir."
"…I'm going to enjoy this almost as much as automail replacement."
Havoc laughed but otherwise didn't comment. He agreed with the kid. It was odd enough when there was a twelve year old who technically outranked him, now he was standing next to a sixteen year old who was his direct commander. His mother was going to be so unhappy when he finally got around to telling her he had been reinstated. Which he should probably do today, since there was very little chance he was going to avoid being seen during Ed's short press conference.
Before either man could say anything ese Winry appeared in the doorway and waived happily before rushing toward them. Ed hugged her, but wasn't given much choice with they force that she slammed into him, it was hug her or let them both fall over. He was laughing at her antics anyway. Havoc was laughing at them both, as he waived a hand and Ross and Broch appeared to collect Winry's luggage.
"Hey, why are you all here?" Winry asked before Ed could.
"Benefit of his new rank and office. Ed has minions now." Havoc said with a wink. "Don't worry, we have the office nearly unpacked Boss man will be all set when he starts next week."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Ed groaned. "And I always had minions. Dad told me from the first day if I needed to borrow any of you just let him know. Now I just have minions who stalk me."
"Greed would be so proud." Winry said. She hadn't gotten to know Greed herself, only meeting him once, but she'd heard plenty of stories from Ed and Ling. "Ling would be too."
"Well, let's go get this press thing over with. I wanted to get home before too long so we could catch Al and Yuery before naptime. Yuery is going to be so excited to see you!"
"Aww, and you're not?"
"Naw. I'm just waiting for the smack on the head." Ed said with a laugh. "Of course, I'm excited. I missed you while you were gone."
Mustang-Elric Residence
Yuery was playing with Hannah on the floor in the living room, when Winry and Ed walked in the door. He looked up before yelling "MAMA" and jumped to his feet running to Winry. Winry scooped him up and spun him around happily.
"Oh, I missed you baby. Were you good for Daddy and Yeye?" Winry asked and Yuery shook his head no but refused to let go of her even when she sat down.
"He's very good, most of the time." Hannah offered as she began cleaning up the toys around her. "Daniel and I love him."
"I'm glad to hear that, and it's very nice to see you again Hannah. How have you been?" Winry said with a smile
"A lot better now that we're here. We don't have to hide inside all of the time anymore, and Miss Rose seems a lot happier away from the mean people. William is happy too, I think."
"I'm glad you are all doing better." Winry said but refrained from saying anything else about the situation. She didn't know how much they had told the girl, but from what Ed had said on the drive over, he wasn't going to lead the investigation that would be Armstrong. He wasn't overly happy about it going to Armstrong, but only because he wanted to handle it.
Apparently, it was decided that Ed was too close to the situation. Being friends with one of the victims, and the rumors being as they were, it was decided that Ed wasn't involved because it wasn't his department and if he was listed as involved someone would claim they had mistreated the case. It was frustrating to him, but he also agreed that his new department was just as important.
He was taking over the labs. He had free reign to immediately shut down and if necessary arrest anyone who was running dangerous experiments. It wasn't going to be pleasant, but it was what it was. Winry was distracted by the sound of the front door opening and closing. Everyone who lived here was in the room, so she was confused and concerned. Ed saw her expression and said "It's okay. It's just the maid Dad insisted we needed."
"Oh. I think I remember you mentioning that. She doesn't live here does she?" Winry asked trying to remember everything Ed had said.
"No. I don't think Dad would be anymore comfortable than I am sleeping with a stranger in the house." Ed said before noticing Rose's frown. "You aren't a stranger Rose. You're a friend."
The maid poked her head in the room, and noticed it was full, before starting toward the kitchen instead. Roy called her back to introduce her to Winry, who greeted the woman with a smile. Ms. Bella, as she had asked Al to address her, greeted them all before offering to wait to clean the living room until they had finished. Ed waived her off and told her not to worry about it today. Ms. Bella took note of who all was in the room, including the new one, before leaving to finish her cleaning as quickly as possible.
Hogwarts
Early Evening
Headmaster's Office
Professors Snape and McGonagall had been summoned to meet with Dumbledore this evening at dinner. Since the school term had ended, and the next term wouldn't be starting for a few weeks, now seemed the best time to talk about Harry.
Dumbledore had not yet arrived, so the two teachers sat in silence. Neither was very comfortable with the situation, not knowing for sure how much the other knew about Harry Potter or the Order. Snape had never been to an Order meeting, as he had been acting as an undercover agent for almost a year before the end of the war. He hadn't been told anything of the group. At the time Dumbledore assured him it was to keep him safe should Voldemort question him. At the time, Snape didn't believe him and now he trusted him even less.
Only Dumbledore's assurance that the boy lived brought him here, and he wanted proof before he got too deep into whatever the other man was planning. He didn't trust the man anymore, not after he failed to protect the Potters.
McGonagall for her part assumed there had to be some reason why Dumbledore trusted that Snape was truly a former Death Eater and not an enemy agent. She didn't know how much Dumbledore was trusting Snape with however, and she wasn't going to tell him anything that could possibly upset the plans to keep the boy safe. It was bad enough they had lost James and Lily. Had thought until recently they had lost Harry as well.
Dumbledore came into the office a few tense minutes later, and frowned at them both. "Minerva, Severus, I am going to be relying on you both to help me keep the boy safe and secret for the next few years, but that can not be accomplished if you can not work together."
Both nodded at him, before he decided to further clear the air in order to hopefully get them comfortable with each other. "I understand. I shall tell you both everything I know so far so that you know which parts the other knows. Do avoid interrupting, especially if it's a part you already know. Feel free to relax. This could take a while."
When both teachers had joined him in soft armchairs around the fire, Dumbledore began. " A few years ago, Severus came to me with a plot Voldemort had intended to hatch, removing a threat he perceived based on a prophesy. The Potters, and the Longbottoms, were in great danger with the births of their sons. According to the prophesy one of these boys was the key to defeating him. With Severus' help we were about to discover most of his plan, and I put people in place to keep the boys safe. Unfortunately, the Potters were betrayed, by one of James' friends. As a result, both James and Lily died. We had feared the boy had died as well, though we hadn't found the body. Recently, Harry Potter registered on his Trace. Briefly. Very briefly, but long enough for us to realize he is hidden somewhere on the hidden continent."
"Where? I assume you already sent someone to confirm the boy's safety?" Snape said.
"Yes, he's perfectly safe and appears happy. He is staying with a young alchemist and his family. I have placed a couple of agents close to them to ensure the boy is being well cared for, but so far that doesn't seem to be a problem. Minerva has agreed to go undercover to check on the boy as well. Which is part of the reason I called you in. As it turns out the family's trip abroad seems to have ended and they have returned home. You may leave as soon as you're ready. For your part Severus, at the moment we need to work together to ensure your covers are not blown." Dumbledore before sighing deeply. "What I need from you Severus is to go back around those still free and ensure that none have found out that the boy lives."
"I will leave as soon as possible, if you would arrange a port key?" Minerva responded as she stood and Dumbledore nodded. Snape nodded to them both then left the room, to head part of the way to town before leaving to check on the others. Especially the Malfoys.
Once the others were gone, Dumbledore relaxed, pleased with himself that he was able to find a new plan in the ruins of the old one. Once word got out the boy was still alive it would greatly improve morale. They would need it, because much like young Harry, Voldemort would be back as well. It wasn't a matter of if, it was a matter of when.