A.N. I haven't read a book for a long time, so there will be some additions for now
Third person POV
It was a calm evening in Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry. But not for Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of this school and the leader of the Order of Phoenix. He was an old man in grey robes, with long beard and blue eyes, which had an unusual twinkle inside them. Currently Albus was walking through the huge stone corridors with two proffesors. One was a stern looking woman in green clothes and pointed hat you imagine every time, when someone says 'witch'. Another one was a man with greasy black hair, wearing black robes.
"Albus, is there really no better candidates?" The woman, Professor McGonagall asked.
"I'm afraid there is no choice, Minerva. Even if there were, Ministry would scare them away. Quite desperate, they are," answered headmaster as the twinkle in his eyes dimmed a little.
"Desperate? More like annoying," said Severus Snape, the one in black.
After saying the password, trio went into headmaster's office. It was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby, tainted wizard's hat — the Sorting Hat. It was a sight every of them got used to. However they did NOT expected someone to be here.
Near the desk was standing an old man in purple clothes. He hunched his shoulders and gripped his strange staff. All in all, he looked like he is going to fall on the floor at any moment. The elder had white beard, longer than Albus', and under mass of wrinkles you could see brown, reddish eyes, one of which was scarred. Still, he had some aura of power around him. Two professors took out their wands, but person just ignored them and started to talk in deep voice.
"Good evening, Albus. Long time no see," he smiled to the shocked headmaster.
"Charles? Is that really you?" Asked Dumbledore and gestured to his companions to low their 'weapons'.
"Yes, my friend, it's me. Quite homey place you have here"
"It's pleasure to meet you again, Charles. It has been a very long time. But, I believe it's not just a friendly visit"
"You are right, it isn't," he answered with a sigh. The conversation continued after everyone situated on their seats near the desk.
"I've heard about the whole Voldemort ordeal," said Charles, causing professors' eyes to widen at the calling Dark Lord by name, "and I wanted do discuss about it"
"Did you decide to join The Order?" Albus asked. He really hoped Charles would say yes. He is a very powerful wizard, Dumbledore learned that, when he met the man for the first time. Back then, Mr.Work defeated an army with a mere wave of a hand.
"I'm too old for another war, Albus," the man chuckled sadly, "but I have a request for you, and I need a little help"
"What is this request?" Dumbledore was very curious about it. Charles NEVER asked about something.
"I need you to accept my son to Hogwarts," answered Charles, causing Headmaster's eyes to widen in surprise.
"You...have a son?"
"Yes, I found Daniel nine years ago and raised him as my own. He has a big potential, maybe I will see the day, when his power will surpass my own," the guest smiled proudly, "I teached Daniel for some time myself, but I believe he will do better here"
"Of course, but how old is he?"
"The boy is fifteen. Now you see, what complications are"
"Yes, such things never happened in Hogwarts before, student starting the course in fifteen"
"Believe me, Albus, the ends will justify the means," with that Charles got up from his chair and stood in the middle of the room. With a twirl of his staff, he opened a blue portal. The old man then turned to the others.
"Just keep in mind that Daniel is very...peculiar child," and with that he went through the portal.
"Albus, who in the bloody hell was that man?" Asked Snape.
"This was Charles Work, an old friend of mine"
"Work? But...I thought there wasn't anyone left in their house?" Said Minerva confused.
"He is the last one, well, not now, when he has a son. I met Charles during Grindenvald ordeal and I completely trust him with my life"
"So we are going to accept some unknown boy during THIS?" Potions Master gestured to the window to emphasize his point.
"It's a hard time for all of us, Severus. Can't blame a father for teaching his child the defence"
"But what about the Ministry?"
"They will become suspicious about young Daniel. But Charles never advised me a bad thing, so it shouldn't be different now. Now about DADA professor...
-Next morning-
Danny woke up in a very good mood. He still remembered the conversation he had with Clockwork yesterday, and couldn't wait. After Phantom came out of the bathroom, he saw black and white clothes, hanging on the chair back. There was also a note. It said
'Dear Daniel
These are the clothes you will need to wear to blend in during your shopping trip. You better get used to them, since it will be your school uniform '
Danny took some time to look at his clothes. That were robes, pretty comfortable, he had to admit. As was said, they were mostly black, with white lines going between neck and wrists. And, of course, there was his silver emblem on the right side. Clockwork always knew what he needs - a little food for his ego.
Walking out of his room, Danny went straight to the kitchen. This room wasn't present before the boy came here for the first time. That's because Clockwork is one of the few ghosts who didn't need food AT ALL. Danny, however, wasn't. And since this tower is Time Master's realm, it wasn't too hard to add a new room. Kitchen wasn't big, it had fridge, oven, sink, table with a bunch of chairs. Deciding to test his telekinetic powers, Danny tried to make himself a bowl of cereal. It went very well, here is the bowl, the fruitloops are falling accurately, now only to add the milk...only to spoil it everywhere after hearing sudden bark.
"Cujo!" Danny shouted. From behind him came a small puppy with green fur and red eyes, who was currently having apologetic look on his face. Phantom found Cujo when he was eight, during one of his little journeys.
"Look what happened," Danny grumbled, letting the beverage fall through him.
"I'm sorry, Master, Clockwork said to get you," Cujo responded. While it may sound like a simple bark to the others, it's an understandable speech to Danny. He sighed.
"Fine, I'm coming"
Clockwork was already standing in his usual position in the main room.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your breakfast, Daniel, but you need to go now"
"So, where am I going?"
"You are going to Diagon Alley. I will make a portal, which will take you to London, near the place called 'Leaky Cauldron'. Don't be fooled by it's appearance. It may look like a building ready to crumble, but it's different on the inside. There you ask the barman named Tom, who will open you a door to the Alley. If he asks, why can't you open it yourself, say that your wand is in repair. By the way, no need to buy one, I already made it for you. Oh, here is the letter," Clockwork added and handed Danny a piece of paper.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Work,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Danny looked at the next page.
UNIFORM
You will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 by Miranda Goshawk
Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
You may also bring, if you desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
"I believe you have questions?" Clockwork asked.
"Yeah, why is there so little number of books?"
"They believe I have teached you magic, so they give you only books you require this year. And don't worry about Cujo, he isn't usual dog, so there shouldn't be any problems," Danny nodded.
"Now for the money. There is a bank named Gringgots. You will find it easily. You need to come to the central desk and say that you want to make a withdrawal. Show the ring and you will be guided to your vault. You will take money there"
"Wow, you thought about everything," said Phantom as Clockwork opened the portal.
"I did"
-London-
The blue circle appeared in abandoned alleyway with dead end. Danny and Cujo wrinkled noses in disgust. They appeared near trash can, and Danny could swear that something moved inside it. When the group came on the street, they saw a usual crowded street. Danny was excited, he hasn't seen Human World in a long while. He almost forgotten how the sky looks like. That's why Danny just stared on it for a long while, getting some weird looks.
After snapping from his thoughts, young halfa started to look for this 'Leaky Cauldron'. It didn't take long. It looked like rundown building, ready to collapse, with a cauldron sign. It should be a trick. Danny was right. Inside it looked like a pub, because it was. Delisious smell made his stomach to grumble. He narrowed his eyes at his dog, who was wearing a blue collar, making him look like a usual Sen Bernard. Cujo just grinned apologetically.
If it wasn't for absence of money, Danny would sit to eat immediately. People around looked at him strangely. It's not like you can see a boy with black and white hair, wearing an eyepatch, everyday. But Danny didn't pay attention to them. He came to the bald man, who was cleaning metal mugs.
"Excuse me, sir, can I talk with you for a moment?" Phantom asked. Tom was surprised, since the boy looked very noble, and they usually aren't so polite. He then smiled.
"Of course, what can I do for you?"
"You see, my wand is currently in repair, but I need to get to Diagon Alley"
"Follow me, lad"
And Danny followed the man to the chilly courtyard. There were broken crates, barrels, scattered everywhere. He wanted to ask what next, but quickly closed his mouth. Better not to ask about everything. Tom took out his wand and made a few taps on certain bricks. In a split second, the wall splitted in two sides, revealing the Alley.
It was...an Alley. The most amazing one, for that matter. There were shops selling robes, shops selling telescopes and strange silver instruments Danny had never seen before, windows stacked with barrels of bat spleens and eels' eyes, tottering piles of spell books, quills, and rolls of parchment, potion bottles, globes of the moon and many other interesting things. Young Phantom started his search for wizarding bank.
"What do you think about this place, Cujo?"
"It's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! Master, can we visit pet shop?"
"Why?"
"Maybe they have some magical treats for dogs," Danny laughed and promised to look there. AFTER breakfast.
It wasn't so hard to find Gringotts, as it stood in the middle of an alley. It was a snowy white building that towered over others. Little group went inside. There was a massive hall with high sets. What surprised Danny and Cujo were bankers. They were strange creatures with long ears. They seemed to be hard working, Phantom had to admit. Then he remembered, what his father said, and went to the central desk.
There were two people already. One was a woman in her midyears, another was a boy around Danny's age with slicked blond hair. He had this 'spoiled brat' air around him. Danny just stayed behind them, putting his hands behind his back and waiting for his turn. It was a surprise, when the creaure behind the desk started to talk with him.
"And who you might be?"
"Daniel Work, sir. I'd like to make a withdrawal", the hall became quiet. Everyone was too shocked about the fact, that there are still Work family members. He wasn't lying, goblins could sense even the most accurate lie.
"Do...do you have a key?" Asked goblin. Danny took off his ring and showed it to him. After some examining, he said.
"Follow me," and with that, the creature got down from his seat, revealing his small height. Danny started to follow, but was stopped by the woman's voice.
"Excuse me, young man. You don't mind if we go along?"
"Not at all, I could use some company, besides my dog. Say hello, Cujo," the puppy barked.
"Thank you, I'm Narcissa Malfoy, and this is my son Draco," at that the blond gave a hand for a handshake, which Danny took.
"I haven't seen you around before," said Draco as they all continued their way.
"Yes, I don't live around here. My father teached me the basical magic, but now he wants me to attend Hogwarts"
"Do you know which house you will be in?" In response Danny shrugged.
"No, I don't"
The group went to the strange transport. It was a cart on the rails with another goblin standing nearby.
"The dog must stay here," he squeaked. Danny raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"This thing is very fast," Draco answered. Danny looked at Cujo, who barked his agreement.
And blond was wrong. The cart was EXTREMELY fast. By the end of the ride Danny's already messy hair became even more shaggy. Now he understood, why Clockwork didn't let him eat. Danny would certainly throw up.
They were in a dark place. And very deep, judging by the length of the ride. Goblin took the lantern in his thin boney hands and led the group.
"Daniel, may I ask you a question?" Narcissa asked.
"As long as this isn't too personal," Danny answered.
"Your family dissapeared many years ago, why so?" Crap, think fast, think fast.
"My ancestor was searching for something, I don't know, what exactly"
"Mr.Work, come over here, please," goblin said.
"What is it?"
"It's very embarrassing, but we don't know, how to open this door, maybe you do?"
Danny looked at the giant metal door, trying to find any clue. Then his eyes fell on the hand shaped panel, hided in the hole. He put his hand inside and pressed the panel. Door opened immediately, maybe it was some kind of hand scanner. And...there is another smaller door with little circle hole. There wasn't any questions. Goblin put the ring into hole and turned it like a key. Everyone covered their eyes because of sudden light.
Danny has never seen so much money in his life. Huge mountains of gold, silver and bronze coins, ready to be taken. Judging from others' faces, they have never seen as well. Only goblin seemed unfazed. He coughed.
"Please, take what you need faster. We need to go"
Young Phantom grabbed a bunch of every kind of coins, when he noticed a small table with a note and small box. Danny read the note.
"Dear Daniel,
In this bag lies a special item, you were chosen to have. Bring it with you and don't reveal it to your current followers"
Danny wondered, what's inside the bag, but his father said not to open the package, so he wouldn't. A few minutes later, the group was already back in the cart. But they didn't go on the surface. Malfoys needed to go to their vault as well. It was higher, and light has returned. Phantom immediately felt the heat. Having ice core has pros and cons. You become immune to the extreme cold, but the heat becomes dangerous. Soon, he saw the reason of this temperature. A dragon. Danny should be afraid, but he only felt pity. The dragon had white scales, but most of them were missing. It's eyes were blind, if white eyes without pupils is any sign.
Inside the vault was huge amount of money, but not as big as in Danny's. However, it wasn't money, what got Phantom's attention. The moment he entered the vault, Danny got a feeling, similar to his ghost sence, only...hollow. The feeling was coming from golden cup, standing on pedestrial. He will need to ask Clockwork about that.
Some time later, they were coming out of Gringotts. It was nice to see the natural light again.
"Well, Daniel, it was nice to meet you," said Narcissa with smile.
"Likewise"
"Meet you in Hogwarts. Hope you will be in Slitherin," Draco said as they went in the opposite direction. Cujo then barked.
"Master, what do you think about them?"
"Narcissa seems very sincere, as for Draco...I don't know, I guess we will see. Alright, first stop - astronomy shop!"
-Sometime later-
Danny was carrying all the stuff in his cauldron. Besides school supplies, he bought a LOT of candies and some treats for Cujo. Everyone who looked at him were stunned by how easy Danny was carrying at least thirty kilos in one hand. After breakfast, pair went for the last things left - books. As on cue, Phantom saw 'Flourish and Blotts'. It was obviously the book shop.
Inside the building, the shelves were stacked to the ceiling with books as large as paving stones bound in leather; books the size of postage stamps in covers of silk; books full of peculiar symbols and a few books with nothing in them at all. An unmistakable smell of inks was in the air. After buying needed books, Danny looked around curiosly, stepping away from the CAGE with scary looking, growling BOOKS.
As he was studying some random book, Danny heard the shout.
"Look out!"
He immediately sidestepped and dodged falling books. There was a girl with brown hair and eyes, who was fussing maybe too much. Danny kneeled down and picked her books.
"I believe it's yours," he said with a chuckle.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just didn't look where I was going"
"No worries, Daniel Work," Danny responded and shook her hand.
"Hermione Granger," she said with smile.
"'Mione, where are you?" They heard someone shout.
"Mione, huh?" Danny chuckled again as Hermione reddened. From behind the shelves came two boys. One was redhead, and the other... Danny stopped his eyes from widening. He saw this boy before. Harry Potter.
"Who are you?" The redhead asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I'm Danny, and you are..."
"Ron Weasley"
"Oh, and you must be Harry Potter. Nice to meet you," Danny said with smile. Everyone was surprised about his reaction. Not only he didn't freak out about meeting THE Harry Potter, Danny didn't call him a liar as everyone did so far.
"Jeez, you looked at me like I was going to bite you"
"Sorry, It's just that, no one reacted like you," Harry said.
"Oh, then I'm special, am I not?" Danny laughed, "I can relate after all, I almost gave goblins in Gringotts a heart attack, when I said that my last name is Work"
"What?! How is this..." Ron stuttered, but was interrupted by common laugh.
"You just proved my point, pal," Danny said, "It was nice to meet you guys, but I need to go. See ya!"
-Later-
It was only lunchtime, so Phantom was just wandering around the place. He saw a dark building, which was Ollivander's wand shop. Clockwork said not to try to buy a wand, but he didn't mention looking at them. Danny went inside.
There were boxes everywhere, probably with wands inside. In the center of the room was desk.
"Uh, hello?" Danny shouted, trying to call attention. Immediately, the old man appeared on the ladder near one of the shelves. He was eyeing Danny curiously. Ollivander smiled.
"Hm, I haven't seen you before. Are you new around here?" He said coming to the desk.
"Kinda"
"So what brings you to my shop? You are a little old to be a first year"
"Well, I have never seen a wand shop before. My Dad made one for me"
"Is that the one in this box of yours?"
"W-what?!" Ollivander chuckled.
"You can't hide a wand from wand maker, even if I wasn't the one to make it. May I have a look?" Danny thought about showing the box. Well, Clockwork said not to show it to Malfoys. He took it out from cauldron and opened it. There was indeed a wand. It was pitch black with green handle. Ollivander took it carefully.
"I have never seen such materials before," there was a huge surprise in his voice, "but it's very powerful, I can sense it. Have you used it before?"
"No, I haven't"
"Give it a wave then," he said handing Danny the wand. As Danny waved a hand, the waves of green light erupted from the tip of the wand.
"Wonderful! Indeed a perfect match!"
"What would happen if it wasn't?"
"The results are unpredictable. You could accidentally break a vase, start a mess, sending objects around flying, etcetera, etcetera"
"Oh," was Danny's intelligent response, "anyways, thanks for showing me the process"
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr..."
"Work," please, not again. Ollivander must have noticed his discomfort, so he didn't say anything about that.
"Well, Mr. Work, may I ask about a favor?"
"What kind?"
"I'm really curious about your wand materials. If it isn't a secret, I would really like to know"
"Alright, I'll ask Dad about it. Have a good day, Mr. Ollivander!"
-Lateeer-
Danny would love to explore the city of London during night, but, sadly, he needed to return. Coming back to the dead end he came through, Phantom started to wait for portal to open. And it did. Seconds later, a blue circle appeared and the boy and his dog stepped inside.
In the main room of clocktower Danny saw his father and another ghost he had never seen before. This ghost had pale skin, bright golden eyes, with a long white beard. He was dressed in blue robes with half moons and was wearing the same blue pointed hat. Phantom could sense another ghosts power, and this guy was just a little weaker than Clockwork.
"Hey, Dad, who is this guy?" Danny asked. The new ghost smiled warmly.
"Hello, young man," he said with old british accent, "your father asked me to teach you the first four years of magic and that's why I'm here. My name is Merlin, you probably heard about my deeds when I was alive," Danny's eyes widened in shock. Merlin, THE Merlin is going to be his teacher!
"You will get the books for first four years from the Ghostwriter," said Clockwork," I will take care about other things. And you need to use your duplication ability to learn everything till the end of summer"
"Awesome!"
A.N. As I said, I haven't read OoTP in a long while, plus I don't remember anything interesting happening in Diagon Alley, so I made everything myself.