Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day
Parade Grounds Central Command
Inauguration of Lieutenant Fuhrer Roy Mustang
10:00 am
Edward found himself once again standing on the stage as someone was sworn in, this time, however, as the family. He still had to wear his dress uniform, but he was joined by Alphonse and his sons. After a brief debate, Mei and Winry as well Al and the boys were all wearing matching black suits, Mei in a yellow silk dress with Pink and red ribbons in her braids, also served as a representative in her brother's place. Winry was wearing a black dress and her hair back in a low twist. Both Al and Ed wore their own hair in neat braids.
It took more consideration and the agreement to officially announce the engagement before Riza was also allowed to join them. Roy considered it worth the hassle of arguing with Grumman (who had wanted the engagement announcement and dug in his heels until he got it) to have his family on the stage with him. He really wanted his mother there too, but he couldn't keep her spy network safe with her up here…perhaps when he became Fuhrer.
Alphonse had arrived late last night to be sure to be there for the events. Whatever had happened in Resembool Al looked tired and stressed but wouldn't talk about it yet, he said to wait until the celebrations were over and that it would keep. Ed and Roy were both concerned, more so after Mei suggested it would bring negative vibrations to the ceremony, and it would be best to avoid it.
William, who was just a few days shy of his first birthday, was surprisingly well behaved, simply looking out at the crowd in awe while sucking on his pacifier and occasionally smiling. Two year old Yuery was slightly more fidgety, having noticed the way the sun twinkled off of the stars on his grandfather's jacket, he was upset when Roy had stepped away without him. Winry was quick to offer the boy a smile and whispered to him to be quiet and watch the birds overhead. It didn't help that it was December and starting to grow cold in Central.
Roy was sworn in, and his stars adjusted. Edward smiling in the background for the first time in weeks. For no other reason it was all worth it for his eldest to smile again. Roy turned first to his family, and offered a brief nod when both Edward and Riza saluted him, then to his personal team, before turning to the crowd of soldiers and civilians.
He stepped forward to the podium after Grumman gave his speech, ready to deliver his own. "I would like to thank the people of Amestris for giving me the opportunity to serve them, and my beautiful fiancée for standing by me, and my wonderful sons without whom I would be lost. My grandsons, who bring joy to my life. I will do my best to repay your trust with my loyalty and service to the betterment of our people."
Roy stepped back, and the press moved forward as close to the stage as was allowed to get the best angles for their pictures. It was strange in Ed's opinion, that they cared so much for the role. The 520 cens burned a hole in his pocket, reminding him that hopefully one day soon he would have to pass it back to his Dad. He had overheard enough conversations in the last few weeks, that he knew Dad had abandoned his plan to use a firing squad as a form of suicide. Now though, he kept saying that his boys needed him too much to go through with it. He had other ways to ensure they were repaying their acts in the war.
As soon as the press had their fill of photographs, Grumman turned to Roy to say, "So, when will you be moving then?"
"Why in the world would we move? We just bought the house a few months ago." Roy asked. He knew, once he became Fuhrer he would be required to move to the estate but no one said anything about moving before that. Of course he was only the second Lt. Fuhrer in their history, so he didn't really have a point of reference.
"Of course, of course. It can wait until you return from Ishbal." Grumman said in response. "Colonel Elric's promotion is waiting for your return as well."
"My what?" Ed asked, not intending to interrupt until then. He had been told by his Dad before it would happen eventually but he wasn't expecting it this soon.
"Your promotion my boy. I need all the Generals I can trust, but I feel it would be in bad taste to make a minor an general, therefore when you return from Ishbal you will be promoted." Grumman said.
"…Did you know about this?" Ed asked his Dad but Roy looked as confused as he was.
"No. I did not know about any of this." Roy said calmly. "This is not the location. The press is still watching, come. It's time to get out of this crowd."
Edward nodded and Roy led his family through the crowd of well-wishers, making note of the wizards he recognized. He saw Snape, and near by the one who was a cat. He was pretty sure there were more in the crowd, but he didn't know for certain. Ed stiffened as he looked in the direction of an old man and scooped up Yuery who had been walking beside him with a scowl.
"What is it?" Roy asked under his breath.
"Dumbledore." Ed whispered back but said nothing more. He made a point of looking elsewhere as they made their way toward the car.
As soon as the door closed, Ed breathed a sigh of relief. "What the hell are they doing here?"
"Edward, if you keep saying things like that the boys are going to pick it up." Winry said, having not noticed what had happened because she and Mei had been in the back of the line.
"At this point, I don't give a damn Win. I have more important things to worry about than Yuery's language. That old man planning on killing him was out there in the crowd." Ed said in response.
"I-What?!" Winry demanded.
Instead of responding, Ed turned to the bodyguard sitting next to the driver, Havoc. "Old man. Long grey hair, all the way to his waist. Ridiculous purple suit. Glasses. Go find him, alert the soldiers. I want him arrested."
"Yes sir." The bodyguard said and climbed back out of the car. Once the car was empty of strangers, and Breda had taken the guard's place, Havoc began driving.
"What. Happened?" Havoc asked. Ed jumped slightly. He had forgotten, in his worry, that Havoc was not in the inner circle of those who knew the truth. Neither was Breda.
Ed turned to Roy for advice. Roy shrugged. "They have never spilled one of my secrets. Havoc here stayed quiet even when death was the punishment. I think they can keep quiet, and I don't think it would change their opinion of you."
"I…Okay. Havoc. Breda, come inside." Ed said as they pulled up in front of the house. This had become necessary if they were going to keep his sons safe.
11:45
Mustang-Elric Residence
Ed had insisted on changing himself and the boys into more comfortable clothing before they talked. Mei and Winry agreed, and so Roy and Riza waited with Havoc and Breda as the others disappeared. Ed came back alone a few minutes later, dressed in a pair of tan pans and a grey sweater, thick socks on his feet to muffle the sound of his metal heel.
He hesitated in the doorway for a moment, this could change a lot though he hoped the others were as open minded as Roy thought they were. His sons were his, no matter who created them. Ed sat between Roy, who knew everything, and Riza, who knew part of it. "Okay. I need you both to promise you won't repeat this to anyone. Ever. Not even your spouse or lover. Swear."
Both men agreed and Ed took a deep breath. "Two years ago, a little more, I was asked to help out on a case out in the continent, a place called England."
"I remember that." Breda nodded. "You ended up coming home early after you got word you needed to pick up your son."
"Well, that was part of the truth." Ed said with a sigh. "Have you ever noticed Yuery doesn't look like me? Like at all?"
"Well, he's small for his age…but he looks like his mom. We've all seen the photos." Breda said, ignoring Ed's growl at being called small.
"The woman in those photos is an actress hired to take those photos. She was never told why." Roy stated calmly.
"When I was in England, I met that old man. According to their spiritual leaders or something, they had this prophesy that said the only way they could beat the other cult leader was to kill a child. I couldn't let that happen so I got to him first and kept him. "Ed said all at once. "I kept him, gave him a name and a home. A family. He is MY son no matter what, just like Will."
"…You know, that makes a lot more sense. I wondered repeatedly how did Ed conveniently need to be out West when he already was out there . I had just assumed that Ed had a bit of a preplanned detour or something." Breda said.
"Ah man, poor Winry. She don't even know if you make cute kids after all. I assumed that's why she agreed to marry you." Havoc teased.
" What are you on, Havoc? William's a cute kid." Breda argued.
"William is adopted just like Yuery. Before you ask, we are telling Yuery. Eventually." Ed said quietly. "I can't let it get out though, because he's safe because legally he is mine. As far as anyone outside of this house knows he's mine…and Ling. Ling knows."
"I didn't-wait you mean that asshole who interviewed with Armstrong was telling the truth?" Havoc said.
"Again. No one needs to know. Ever. Especially not him. Yuery either right now. Too much else is happening." Roy said firmly.
"Does Winry know?" Breda asked.
"Yes." Ed said. "Hell, she knew about William before I did. Like she met him when he was less than a week old."
"Okay. So then are these England people here to hurt him? They sent for you, so they aren't alchemists so they should be no match for us right? I mean Yuery is protected by being the Lt. Fuhrer's grandson if nothing else, plus Alchemy in a fight." Havoc said.
"Havoc. Breda. Magic is real." Roy said calmly. He knew this was going to be hard to take, but if they were really going to help protect the boys they needed to know everything. "Until three weeks ago, it was illegal in Amestris. And even now it is secret, but It. Is. Real. These people are wizards."
"Shit." Havoc said, and unthinkingly lit a cigarette. Ed casually tapped the tips of his fingers together, not bothering with a full clap. With in half a second the humidity in the room compressed into a ball above Havoc, dumping on his cigarette.
"So no one outside of us knows about this?" Breda confirmed as if Havoc wasn't sputtering next to him.
"No one, and we need to make it stay that way." Ed said. "I know what people say about me behind my back over this. It's a small price to pay to have my sons safe. Because nothing I have told you changes a damned thing. These are MY sons and no one is taking them from me. Win and I could have a dozen kids, and they will be my sons."
Both men nodded, completely agreeing with what he had said about the boys. It changed nothing. Ed had known all along after all, as had Mustang, and those boys had been Ed's all along. Nothing changed, but the danger level. "Again. What do we do about these people?" Breda asked.
"For now, keep them away from the boys and try to find out what they wanted. Snape we know will not move against us. He made some magic bond that will kill him if he betrays us." Mustang said. "We need a plan."
"I'm going to go find them, and find out what they want. I can handle them on my own," Ed said, interrupting before his Dad could saying anything. "I'm taking Havoc with me, but I need you and Al and Mei to stay here in case they are trying to trick us into leaving Yuery vulnerable."
"I don't like it. Perhaps I should go instead." Roy suggested, already standing to move toward the door.
"I'm the one who's dealt with them before Dad. I can handle them." Ed said, also standing and gesturing toward Havoc. "I'm not going in uniform either, it makes the meeting seem less of a threat so maybe I can get some information out of them."
"How are you going to find them?" Breda asked. "I mean, they could have gone anywhere, no one has called in that they caught him."
"I don't have to go looking. They're across the street." Ed said grimly. "I felt them arrive a few minutes ago."
"…I'm not going to even pretend to understand what that means." Havoc said. "I assume its an alchemist thing and leave it at that."
"Why don't we invite them in, and find out what they ant once and for all?" Roy said casually. "That way I can both keep the boys safe and keep you safe."
"I don't want them in this house." Ed said before running a hand through his hair with a sigh. "I'll go get them. Havoc?"
Without another word, Ed shoved his feet into his boots and Havoc followed him out of the house, still hoping into his own boots. Ed sighed again as they walked toward the front gate. Across the street stood the three wizards. Dumbledore was frowning, as he watched Ed's approach. Ed held up a hand to halt Havoc of few feet back, then made his way across the street, stopping just out of arm's reach of the trio.
"What are you doing in front of my house?" Ed said. He intended to invite them in , but he wasn't going to make it easy on them either.
"We have a matter of grave importance to discuss, it is unwise to speak out in the open however. Perhaps we could arrange a secure meeting location?" Dumbledore suggested.
"You will not seek out my son. You will not ask to see my son. You will make no move to remove my son from my home." Edward said with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Agreed. For now." Dumbledore said, and Ed rolled his eyes.
"Come on in then. Just remember, this is a one time invitation." Edward said before leading them to the house. He hated every minute of this. They entered the house and he instructed them to remove their shoes, before leading them to the living room. He had a strong urge to cover up the photos all around the room ,but resisted. He was proud of his family, these people weren't going to change that for him.
Riza had disappeared while Ed was outside, but Roy was still sitting on the couch and Breda on the loveseat. Ed and Havoc joined Roy, Snape sat next to Breda and McGonagall and Dumbledore took the chairs. Everyone was silent for a moment, waiting for the other side to start, before Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Forgive me. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. These are two of my professors. Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape."
" Lieutenant Fuhrer Roy Mustang, and this is my son Colonel Edward Mustang-Elric, then there is Major Jean Havoc, and Major Heymans Breda." Roy said as he nodded to each person. "Now why are you watching my house and my family?"
"Straight to the point then." Dumbledore said with a sigh. "It was brought to my attention yesterday, by a member of the Ministry that the Death Eaters are now aware that Harry is alive."
"…Who?" Breda asked. "What?"
"Weird cult people's cult name." Ed shot at him. "Plus what these guys know my son by, because I'm not giving them any information at all about him. He's alive and well, no thanks to the old man there."
"It appears." Dumbledore continued as if Ed hadn't spoken, though he was frowning again. " A Takeshi Zhao somehow caught wind of the child, and brought the information to one of You Know Who's loyal subjects, Lucius Malfoy. Word has since spread throughout their ranks."
"Dammit. That makes sense. He would want something as leverage to get himself somewhere stable. I wonder if Ling knows his brother escaped yet." Ed grumbled. "We should at least warn Mei."
"We, in turn, were forced to inform the Minister that the child lived. He is announcing it later today to raise morale. Takeshi Zhao has joined the ranks of Death Eaters, though no one is officially part of the group at all." Dumbledore said, again ignoring the interruption.
"Okay, so what do you want? You aren't taking my son." Edward said.
"We would like to offer wards to help keep the boy safe, but we also wanted to inform you that the child was in danger." McGonagall said.
"Well that's all well and good, but we are about to move." Ed said with a smirk, before frowning. "And my son has been in danger since this bastard found out he was still alive."
"I simply want young Harry to be safe and happy." Dumbledore replied.
"Bullshit. You told me yourself you needed to let him die to win your war." Ed said calmer than he felt. "So, consider him dead, and stay the hell away from my kids. You aren't welcome here."
"What do you mean?" Snape asked sharply, it was the first time he had spoken, McGonagall looked just as confused.
"I told young Edward here the prophesy. He clearly misunderstood part of it. He acted to protect the boy, and since the child is happy, healthy, and safe, I see no reason to interfere in his upbringing at this time. At some point in the future the boy will need magical training of course, but right now he is perfectly safe right where he is." Dumbledore said, and Ed was once again was strongly reminded of far too many corrupt politicians for his liking.
"Okay. You gave us your warning, and made your threats. You can go now." Ed said, standing to show them out.
"Can we ask what you have been calling him?" McGonagall asked as they stood to leave. They had already uncovered this information but clearly Dumbledore did not want the family to realize that they knew anything.
"No." Ed said. "He is my son. He has been my son, and will continue to be my son. The boy you're looking for was lost the night his parents died. That is all I will say about it."
"One day, he will need to be trained." Dumbledore said again.
"One day he will be trained. At the Xerxes Academy." Roy replied. "There is no need to worry yourselves about his education."
"…We will revisit the subject at a later time." Dumbledore replied, as they swept out of the house. Ed shut the door behind them.
"See what I mean?" Ed said, turning back to Roy. "I did not overreact at the time, and I'm not now. They are dangerous and a threat to my child."
"I agree." Roy said. "We are not going to let anything happen to Yuery, Ed. It's going to be alright."
Breda and Havoc continued to just sit there. It had been a lot to take in, but what it boiled down to was magic was real and threatening their Boss's son. That's all they really needed to understand as far as they were concerned. Yuery and William were both adored by the members of their office, no one was going to let anything happen to the boy without a fight.
Ed found himself not surprised that Takeshi Zhao had managed to find out about Yuery, and that he managed to warn people the boy was still alive. Ling had told him all about Takeshi's attempts on Ling's own children, so it was hardly a shock the man was willing to threaten a child to buy his way into some random group.
Ed would feel much better about the whole thing once they moved again, because perhaps they could find ways to place anti magic traps that would help keep them safe. He was going to have to do some research. Ed was already muttering to himself about looking into it, even as Roy led the others out, and assured them that they were already aware of the possible danger. He noticed a small box on the way back in, and opened it.
Snape had doubled back long enough to place the box of books on advanced spells in their garden where they would find it without Dumbledore's knowledge. He had already given them all of the books used in Hogwarts training, which Ed was most of the way through at this point, along with the limited information available at the library.
He wondered briefly if his father's journals may be of any help in the matter, or if the Flamel name dropping Dante had done was to undermine their research and their family. It wasn't going to work however, they were loyal to each other.
From Journal One by Hohenhiem
1560
01/03/60
I made my way slowly to Xing.
It is all gone, everything.
Destroyed by my blood
And foolishness. I didn't
See what the creature was
Until it was too late.
I cannot die. I tried. I laid
For weeks out in the desert
But I kept waking up. My
Body does not show any
Wear from the ordeal, so
I cannot die. I will dedicate
My life to finding a way.
_T.B.V.H. 23
04/04/60
My mind is clearer now. I need to form a plan
However, I am still very muddled. These
Voices in my head are very loud. I try to
Ignore them the best I can.
I have gone insane, I know. I think
Often that I am hearing my old friend
Aaron. He is gone, but he keeps
Whispering to me.
I suppose this is a fair punishment
For my foolishness, to be subjected
To the voices of those I failed to
Protect. For now, I need a plan.
The voices quiet while I am planning,
So they clearly approve of the idea,
Even if it is insane.
_T.B.V.H. 23