Chapter 1

Back Again

12 months. A whole year. Danny couldn't believe he'd been away at that camp for that long, couldn't believe that he'd been acting as a slave, while no-one, not even his best friends, knew where he had gone.

What will I say? He thought, ascending the steps of Casper High. Funny how much they had changed in the past year. Still tacky, cracks full of gum, dirt, and god knows what else, worn smooth by years of kids trampling up and down. But they had a strange air to them, something that made Danny think: they're not welcoming you anymore…

No. Stupid thought!

Fine. Be that way, Slave boy.

I'm not a slave boy.

It's what you've been for the past year.

It's not me anymore. I-It was never, I-

Well, I guess you're counting your blessings on this one, huh?

What do you mean?

I mean that they don't know where you've been. They don't know what that crazy ghost boy's done. They don't want to know, I'll bet-

Shut up! I haven't done anything wrong. And I'm not crazy!

Sure. Whatever. And talking to your own head isn't ANY indication of anything whatsoever-

SHUT UP! I mean it, stop.

Whatever.

Danny shook his head a few times to clear it, and then inhaled slowly, breathing out a small 'ffooo' sound as he exhaled.

He put his hand on the solid grey bar on the door. Rust was creeping around the base of it, making his grip firm and rough. He sighed. Why am I so uneasy?

The fifteen year old boy pushed at the door, wincing slightly as the loud and long 'creeeaak' sound echoed in the grimy halls, empty of students. But they were there. In class. Waiting? No, they probably had no idea. Wait- definitely was more like it.

Danny stepped onto the plain, speckled tiles, and walked along the corridor, tracing a familiar path to Homeroom. He delved into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, streaked with almost transparent lines.

Room 193- Ian Lancer- 9:05 a.m.

Briefly glancing at the sheet, he strode down the hall, this time feeling more at ease. It was as though the gloomy school was awakening to him, revitalising him.

Wow. Never thought I'd feel refreshed in school!

You'll never make it in there, you know.

What do you mean? I registered- this morning.

Jeez, dude, your parents don't even know about that. You came back YESTERDAY. Your parents, your sister and even your friends don't know it yet.

I-I'm making a mistake, aren't I?

You've just realised, huh?

Danny stopped short, his hand reaching out for the door handle of the door he had, subconsciously, reached. He gulped, sweat beads forming over his brows. Danny ran a hand through his hair. Then he willed himself to knock.

A familiar bark-voice reached Danny's ears.

"Manson! Get the door, you're the closest. And be sure to scan it, with the- er- Ecto-Reveal-O. We have to- ahem- abide by the rules, after all." He sighed grumpily.

Danny's heartbeat skipped- twice. The first time, it had jumped in shock because of the name- Manson- for it meant that Sam was in the class. The second time, it had jumped in fear. Scan? Ecto-Reveal-O? Why does that sound like a name my Dad would come up with? What is Lancer talking about?

Before he had time to think, he heard a scuffle, and a grunt as somebody- a girl- picked up something. Then a mutter, loud enough to be heard by the class. "Why do we need this, anyway? It's not there are any ghosts in the school."

"Yeah!" piped up a voice. "I mean, not since Danny Phantom disappeared."

"Not in the school, anyway, mumbled Sam quietly, this time only heard by Danny. Then something banged up against the door. It seemed to slide down, quickly, then Danny heard a flick, like a switch turned on- or off- then the object was slammed onto a desk. Danny had to smile. What a temper.

"Samantha, please take your seat."

"One moment, Mr. Lancer. I have to see the results."

"Hurry up. We're expecting a new student."

At the mention of those words, Danny gripped the door handle.

It was at that second that a shrill, successive beeping started from inside the room.

A red light flashed in the hall.