With the Help of Magic
With the Help of Magic
Mustang-Rockbell-Elric Residence
7:00pm
Edward was still deep asleep on Roy's bed. Roy had decided that the boy wasn't going to be alone tonight, not completely trusting that he would be without nightmares. Roy had just slipped out of the room to check on his team and find something to eat.
Riza was in the kitchen with Snape, who would be staying until Edward awoke in case of any side effects at Roy's insistence. Outside, the shift had changed and was now guarded by Breda and Falman. He sighed heavily, and sat next to Riza at the table, before folding his arms on the table and laying his head on his arms with a groan. "I shouldn't have let him come. I knew we would be finding a body. Why did I let him come?"
"You had no way of knowing that it would be that kind of scene Roy. It isn't your fault anymore than it is his." Riza said as she stood and scooped some soup out of the pot on the stove. "You are taking a leave sir. I already filed the paperwork and spoke to my grandfather."
"I can't. I need to help find the people who did this." Roy said as he sat up and looked into his soup without lifting the spoon.
"You need to keep your sons safe, and your grandsons. I am sending you all south I contacted Izumi Curtis an hour ago, she will expect you in two days, and is looking forward to meeting her newest grandson, though wishes it was under better circumstances."
"She met Will at Yu's birthday party?"
"But he wasn't yet being called her grandson, to the best of her knowledge. I pointed out the same thing." Riza said. "I will be joining you in three days. After I arrange the office work. Armstrong has completely taken over the investigation. All preliminary evidence suggests a conspiracy."
"And it would be better for me to remain away from the investigation because of personal involvement and past history with your suspects?" Roy said with a sigh before turning his attention to the wizard. "Ed didn't stir when I attempted to get him up to eat."
"I believe I explained he would not wake for several hours. He will be alright; I am monitoring him from here." Snape said before taking a sip of his tea. "After today's trauma I feel it is best to leave him. I can offer him several calming draughts to take with him tomorrow. They will not make him sleep but will allow him to process what he witnessed today without becoming overwhelmed. I myself used them for several months after I lost…someone very dear to me."
"Why are you offering so much help?" Roy asked, suspicious. He didn't feel Snape was involved in what happened to Rose, but it was very convenient that he arrived when he did.
"As I said, I read the papers. I felt you needed my services. Do not worry, I made an unbreakable vow not to reveal anything I've learned to the other wizards."
"You aren't coming with us tomorrow." Roy said, to be sure the man knew his welcome was limited to tonight.
"I must be going tomorrow; I have other obligations. I'm afraid I would have to decline had I been invited."
"Will you leave the ingredient lists and instructions to these medicines you offered my son?" Roy asked after a few minutes.
"Normally, I would decline. Brewed incorrectly they can be extremely dangerous. However, it is my understanding that most alchemists would be masters of potions, had they bothered to learn them. I will leave a few books as well; I know the Colonel has expressed interest in magic. I have a small collection of first- and second-year books in my luggage. After that you would have to write to request more."
"…There's been no exchange." Roy said, though he wasn't as rigid on the matter as his son, he was still an alchemist, he still believed in equivalent exchange.
"Prevent Ms. Rockbell from joining the ranks of dead mothers and we shall call it even." Snape said. "Too many children have lost their mothers."
Roy silently nodded, still not trusting the man, but liking him more than he had this morning. He seemed sincere enough in his motives that Roy was willing to accept limited help, based on what Ed had said about it before falling asleep. Apparently, the man has cast some sort of spell that made it nearly impossible to betray them. Ed was roughly forty percent comforted by this act but was taking it more as a sign of good faith than actual prevention. Ed wanted to read more about spells to see if it was possible to bind someone in such a way, as well as ways to help Yuery.
"Ms. Rockbell will be fine. She is capable in self-defense, and the family is not going to let her out of their sight anytime soon. We are nearly certain who it was that did this. It's a matter of proving it."
"Well, there is always truth potions. Should you wish to use one, I can retrieve it for you and return with in a week. "Snape said, he didn't truly understand himself why he felt compelled to continue to help these people. He certainly didn't want to form a long-term friendship with them, or to actually meet their children. He was relieved beyond measure to learn that Lily's baby had lived, but he didn't want to meet him. Perhaps he simply hopes that if he gives them enough aide, they'll be around long enough to ensure the boy wasn't another James, because he was now convinced, they will not allow the boy to become a bully.
"Okay." Roy said, figuring the worst that would happen is it didn't work…or the ones he assumed involved weren't. He would wait until Friday then to join his kids in the South. Meanwhile he needed Snape to bring it as soon as possible.
"If I leave tonight, I will be back no later than Thursday, if I run into trouble. Tomorrow afternoon at the earliest." Snape said.
"Then by all means, go. We will see you soon." Roy said.
Snape nodded, already plotting how to get into the castle and back out without anyone realizing he'd been there. It was easy enough; he knew all the routes. He just needed to get to an open flue network. There was no way he would consider connecting this fireplace, that would set off too many alarms and weaken their defenses. However, he could apparate to a pub in Creta and flue from there. It would take him only a couple of hours, eight at the most if anyone noticed him.
Hogshead
Hogsmeade
Private room
4:00pm
Albus and Aberforth sat in silence as the elder drank his wine. Eventually, the younger sighed deeply before asking. "What do you want brother, this isn't Order business, or you would have already been on your way."
"I needed a place to feel Abe. Is that too much to ask?"
"It depends on what yer feelin I guess." Aberforth said with a shrug, unconcerned with whatever melodrama his brother had invented this time.
"I dear friend has died. I don't know when, or how, but I can't let on he's gone or too many things he set in motion would crumble." Albus said.
"Once again you find yourself the victim of your own ambition. I hope no one innocent died in the process this time." He said without bothering to conceal the contempt in his voice.
"I have nothing to do with it. I am merely holding onto some things for him until his letter said to release them. "Albus said with a sigh. "I am going to miss him, I believe, though I haven't seen him in person in years.
"One of your secret Exes I assume?"
"You could say that." Albus said as he poured more wine. "You never did care to hear about my personal life though."
"If it'll get you outta my bar quicker, I'll let ya list every ex you eva had at this point." Aberforth said, speech growing worse with every glass of his own. Albus eyed him. It was likely his brother wouldn't remember this conversation, and even if he did, he wouldn't repeat it.
"When I was young, and he was not so young we met. It didn't last long but friendship remained. At least I hoped it did. I know there are many things he did not tell me, and there were many things I did not tell him. We met again, off and on through the years, it went the same way every time. Now he's gone."
"You were in love with this guy at some point?"
"I believe I was. It hardly matters now."
"You always were an idiot brother, and that pride of yours never stops getting you in trouble." Aberforth said gruffly. "I'm sorry your friend died, now get out of my bar so I can open to paying customers."
Albus sighed and set aside his glass before swaying to his feet. Aberforth watched for a moment before rolling his eyes and grabbing his elder brother's shoulder. "Come on. You can sleep it off upstairs. Can't have people talking about the Great Albus Dumbledore being drunk off his ass. People will blame me."
He le his brother up the stairs to plop him on the bed. "If you vomit on my covers, I swear I'll turn you into a newt. I won't turn you back this time either."
"Do you hate me Abe?" Albus muttered.
"I don't not hate you." Aberforth replied. "Go to sleep your drunk. You got a world to save through ruthless manipulation."
Hogwarts
Snape slipped silently into the castle and down the stairs to his private quarters. The potion he needed was already brewed and waiting for him there. He managed to make it all the way there and most of the way back before anyone saw him. Minerva stopped him at the last moment before he was about to leave the castle. "Severus. We weren't expecting you yet."
"That would be because I am not back yet. I simply needed some supplies and chose to come and go as quickly as I could so that I may return to my true duties as quickly as possible." Severus said smoothly. "I should be home no later than the day after tomorrow."
"Very well, then you were never here. But you may want to use my fire instead of the pub's Albus just left for a pint."
Severus groaned but agreed before following her. This time he returned to the safehouse they established their last visit, allowing him to transport much faster. Within an hour he had completed the task.
Mustang-Rockbell-Elric Residence
Snape politely knocked on the door, which was opened by the woman…Hawkeye he believed. She raised an eyebrow and he shrugged before saying "I met even less traffic than I assumed."
"Well, come in then." Riza said. As she stepped back into the house. "I'll let General Mustang know you have returned."
Snape was still removing his boots when she disappeared, and he looked around curiously. He had been invited into the kitchen, but he had not seen anywhere else in the house and wasn't entirely certain it was allowed. He saw the frames on the mantel though and was drawn to them.
The first must have been taken shortly after Elric returned home with Harry, it showed Edward, looking a lot younger though it was less than two years ago, holding a tiny baby in an office chair as he stared down at the baby and fed him a bottle. The second photo, taken a few weeks later judging by the baby's size, showed Edward, Roy and the baby all sleeping on the floor together. Judging by the books scattered around neither of them had intended to fall asleep. Curiously, the next photo featured a clearly much younger Edward and someone in a very large suit of armor standing with Mustang and a few other soldiers Hawkeye among them.
There were several more of Edward and the armor, some just the two of them but three with others, one showed them with a shorter black-haired woman and a large black-haired man. Another showed them standing in front of a house with a tiny elderly woman and a young blonde girl. The third featured Harry again as well as a couple of Asian looking teenagers.
Then the next set of photos showed a dark-haired girl and another baby, along with two white haired children. Then in the next photo, a very thin Alphonse as well as Edward and Harry appeared, as well as Roy and a different Asian girl. There was another featuring the addition of the blonde girl from the other picture as well as Hawkeye. The final photo showed Harry holding a newborn baby, which was not in any of the other photographs as far as he could tell.
He turned to leave and saw even more photographs on the shelves featuring different people, but Hawkeye was also glaring at it from the doorway. To save himself, he said the first thing he could think of "It's fascinating that muggle photographs are stationary. My father's old phots always were but my mothers were animated when you were close enough. I always wondered about Alchemist photos."
"I see. The General is waiting for you in the kitchen." Hawkeye said, seemingly at least somewhat believing him. She led him back to the kitchen before announcing. "I found him in the living room apparently trying to get family portraits to move."
"I see. Were you able to retrieve the truth stuff?" Roy said frowning unhappily at the uninvited intrusion.
"Of course." Snape said as he pulled out a vial full of clear liquid. "Three drops in any drink or food and the person in question will be compelled to answer any question honestly with in a few minutes. Use it sparingly, it takes a full month to brew."
"We should test it to see if it works before using it on anyone else Sir." Hawkeye said simply.
"How long does the effect last?" Roy said to Snape.
"About an hour." Snape replied.
"We'll test it on Snape first, then on one of us." Roy decided. Debating between the two choices. On one hand it would prefer to use it on himself, on the other he held more state secrets than her.
Snape agreed, and watched as they dropped three drops into a glass of water before handing it to him. They watched carefully as he drank. The most dangerous secrets he carried were bound by vows after all. He could reveal he knew who Harry was before arriving, and any number of embarrassing tidbits of his life, but overall, he wasn't worried.
He felt the warm sensation that meant the potion was taking affect. Roy was watching the time on a silver pocket watch, after a full five minutes he snapped it closed and began. "What is your name?"
"Severus Prince Snape." Snape said.
"Where are you from?" Roy asked, this was one thing he knew the man had lied about, even if it had been by omission.
"I was born in Spinner's End, England. Grew up mostly there but spent my teenage years in Scotland." Snape said, seemingly unaware of how Roy stiffened.
"Why are you here?" Riza demanded, Roy still thinking.
"I came to make sure Harry was cared for and not mistreated. When I learned about his new family through the papers and that the girl had been kidnapped, I felt I needed to help. I had no intention of approaching any of you had he been cared for, and in fact had already left twice without contact."
"How do you know the baby?" Roy demanded, refusing to give the man the child's real name. His name was Yuery. Harry was the name of a child who legally no longer existed.
"I have never met him. His mother went into hiding a week before he was born, and I never saw her again alive. She was my best friend."
"Were you going to try to take him?" Roy growled ready to leap across the table at the man.
"No."
"These vows you made; do they actually prevent you from betraying information?" Riza asked, while Roy glowered and started to pace.
"Yes. Even under truth serum."
"Have you been protected by these vows from our questions tonight?" Riza asked.
"No. None of the questions violated a vow."
"Why were you looking at the photos when I came in?"
"I wanted to see him. He looks just like James. Except his eyes. He has Lily's eyes. I hope being raised by Edward will take James out of him." Snape said and sounded near tears.
"Do you know Albus Dumbledore personally?" Roy asked, remembering Ed's story about England.
"Unfortunately." Snape growled. "I made the terrible mistake of asking for his help, and he failed to help me. "
Roy and Riza looked at each other, they couldn't think of any other questions, but were unwilling to test the drug with Snape in the room or send him out while he was still under the affect. Roy then turned to Snape with one final question. "Do you know who Killed Rose?"
"No. I wish I did so that I could drag them to the top tower of Azkaban and leave them to the Dementors for months before returning them to their fates."
"What's a Dementor?" Riza asked.
"A foul creature, they feed off of your worst fears and memories. They leave you with nothing. Happiness will not return to you in their presence. They are used as punishment and guards for the wizard prison. Snape said, and both soldiers shuddered at the idea of it.
Snape laid his head on the table, and with in moments was snoring. Roy was pretty sure lying about sleeping feel under things the truth potion did not allow. With a sigh he lifted the mug of coffee the potion had been added to earlier and gulped it down before Hawkeye could stop him.
"I never want to hear you ask why Edward is so reckless again Roy. I mean it." Riza said in exasperation.
"I am a terrible example. Probably shouldn't be allowed to raise children but can't imagine my life without them." Roy said with a sigh. "We can't keep our promise Riza, I have to help my kids, and that means I can't allow myself to be punished for Ishbal."
"I know Roy, we've talked about this before."
"I am a coward."
"No, you are a parent." Riza said.
"I want to marry you, since I was like sixteen. I want to have more children with you, raise them in a better world than my boys got." Roy said. "But I want my boys to have that world too. I know Ed's getting married, probably before us since I haven't even properly asked you yet, but he's still a kid."
"I already said yes Roy." Riza said with a smile. "Now let's test this stuff."
"Okay."
"When we met… why did you try to pretend I wasn't even there the first month." Riza had asked him this before but he had never answered. She had always wondered.
"Before I arrived, Master Hawkeye had said that the main reason he kept refusing students was because he didn't want his daughter involved with alchemy. I had to promise to leave you completely alone or be expelled. About three months after I arrived, he said I was 'a good kid' and we could play together in my free time, as long as I didn't try to teach you anything from my lessons… I never told him I already had."
"You risked all of it to be friends with me?"
"Of course. You were the first person I knew outside of my family who ever tried to be nice to me. How could I repay that with rudeness? I just wanted a friend." Roy said.
"Oh Roy." Riza said, before pulling him to his feet. "No more questions go sleep this stuff off, we know it works now."