Chapter Six: Requirements

"- Did you find it?"

Danny could hear voices, forcing his mind awake. He squeezed his eyes tight and tried to fall back to sleep. Not yet. He didn't want to face those teachers right now.

"I'm afraid not. Sir Nicholas said that she had vanished, not even he could chase after her. At least it can ease our minds to know she's left the school grounds."

"That does not ease my mind! Now we have no clue as to where this- this demon is!"

"Minerva, be calm please. I know that she is not within the grounds. And if she shows herself here again, she will know I will not show her no mercy."

There was a soft rustle, followed by what Danny thought was a draw closing. "Albus, she knew what we have hidden within school. How could she have known? Only a selected few should know about the stone."

" I do not know."

There was a tap of footsteps on stone and a familiar, cold voice sounded. "She's obviously a threat. I imagine a spectral would have no trouble getting to the stone if it wished. I suggest we strengthen the defences, incorporate some runes and wards within the passage."

"That won't be necessary Severus. By the threat she gave I doubt she is after it herself. Something far worst is after the stone."

"Worse than that thing? What could be worse?"

An unfriendly chuckle filled the air. "Are you afraid of a mere poltergeist Professor? I'm surprised."

The witch huffed. "I am more concerned about our student's lives! Are you suggesting we just ignore this?"

"-Come now you two, we can't start bickering among ourselves. I for one wish to finished that book I was interrupted from."

"This is serious Albus! Some of our students have just witnessed a boy being strangled by a demon! I dread to think how all this will affect them."

Severus snickered. "Ah yes, the 'boy'."

Danny stilled, his breath caught in his throat. He could feel the sweat building on his forehead. There was a short pause, till Albus sighed. "How is he?"

"He went to sleep almost at once, though he refused to eat any of the food I summoned."

Albus chuckled. "And why wouldn't he? After seeing what a wand could do to do him, it's understandable he would rebuff your magic. Isn't that right, young man?"

At first Danny didn't move, surprised to suddenly be addressed. Realizing he wasn't getting out of this he sat up, turning to the smiling wizard. "How'd you know I was awake?"

"Ah, I've known you've been with us for some time. I was quite curious to see what you would do." Danny watched the old man walked towards him, eyes smiling behind half-moon spectacles. When the wizard saw that he was still confused, he winked.

"I saw you move earlier."

"Oh…"

The man sat across from him, tapping the cold mug of coco with his wand. He watched amazed as steam rose from the cup. How did he do that?

"Firstly though, you should eat something."

Danny hesitated, looking down at the plate of sandwiches. He didn't want to look cowardly in front of all these adults; but he couldn't get the memory of that spell out of his mind. What if they were poisoned? Or at least make him feel sick? Albus sensed the teen's nervousness and smiling took one, taking a bite.

"Traditional Ham and Cheese at its finest, though I will say the bread is starting to go stale."

With a weak smile he took one. The wizard was right; they were starting to taste a little bland. Yet before he even knew it Danny was on his fifth sandwich. It didn't even cross his mind that the small plate seemed to replace the slices as he took them. Just as he reached for one more, he recalled he wasn't alone. Gazing up he found the three Professors watching him intently, almost like they expected him to vanish at any second.

Blushing up at them he grinned nervously. "Looks like I'm busted."

The wizard called Albus leant forward, linking his hands underneath his chin. "Now ,why would you say that?"

"Um… You're the Headmaster here right?" Danny took the beaming smile as a 'yes.' "Well, you caught me hiding out in your school and…saw me transform."

Silence followed as they waited for him to continue. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling uneasy under their gaze. "How many saw me?"

"Thankfully, only my dear professors here and I caught your transformation. Your audience arrived mere moments later. You were very lucky."

He sighed and leant back onto the sofa, eating his sixth slice. Who cares how many rumors his human half was going to get! As long as his Halfa identity was a secret, he was still in the clear. Well, that wasn't exactly true. He looked at the teachers and remembered those kids from before. So it wasn't a complete secret.

Albus leaned forward further, a curious look on his face. "What I am concerned is why you are at my school and by no means trying to be rude, what you are."

Danny shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. "I- What are you going to do with me?"

The wizard smiled softy, head shaking. "Nothing. The only thing I will do is tell you to drink your coco before it gets cold again. It will help."

He looked down at the steaming mug with a start, remembering it was there. He took it, drinking the sweet liquid. After a few mouthfuls he realized the wizard was right, it was helping calm his nerves. Using it like a shield against the questions he tried to drink it as slow as he could. But they waited for him. Danny finally sighed, realizing they'd wait all night for him if they had to. He spoke, staring into the mug.

"Alright…"

Dumbledore smiled, leaning back into his chair with a nod. "Now, you only need to begin simply. What are you?"

He took another sip, refusing to watch their reactions. "Okay here's the deal; I'm a half ghost."

"Half ghost?" the wizard's head tilted to the side curiously.

"Yep."

The witch jumped forward. "What on earth do you-"

But Dumbledore cut her off with a quick hand gesture, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. The witch blushed, composing herself as the wizard turned back to Danny. "I'm curious. How does one like yourself become a half ghost? I've never heard of such a spirit before."

Danny redden and swirled his mug round. "I wasn't born half-ghost; it was because of an accident. My…My parents are massive ghost fanatics, they've been researching ghosts and paranormal things for years. Because of that they started building a portal to the ghost zone, hoping it would prove to the world ghosts exist."

"I'm assuming since you're here that they succeeded?"

That made Danny snort with laughter, making the three blink in surprise.

"Hardly! Like most of their inventions back then it didn't work. They tried to make one for years! There were so many explosions form the lab."

A crooked smile edged on Dumbledore's lips. "So you made it work?"

Danny nodded. "Yes. My friends and I went down to the lab to check out the portal. So I …"

He took a sip to clear his voice. "…I accidentally turned it on from the inside. It ended up killing me, but only half-way. That's how I'm still alive. Ah, it's hard to explain."

"So, to put it simply you're only half connected to the world of the dead, unlike a common everyday ghost?"

"Yeah."

"Fascinating…" Albus stroked his beard. "I wonder how the process of such a thing worked."

Danny watched the bubbles form on the liquid, becoming lost in the memory. "I don't know all the facts about how, my parents would know more about it if they knew. But… it hurt. I don't think I'll ever forget it, it was like my whole body was being torn apart and re-joined. It seemed to go on for hours, days even. But Sam and Tucker said I was stuck in there less than a minute. Course, you can imagine the shock when my powers started kicking in, Geeze it was awkward…"

He chuckled, he was starting to ramble. But it did feel nice to talk about it.

"So yeah… anyway, you asked me why I'm here before?"

Albus nodded, the other two edged closer.

"A ghost friend of mine sent me here on a mission. There's an evil shade that I think has possessed one of your teachers and is trying to revive itself. So I have to stop it. Because if I don't, it's going to kill one of your students. So… that's really it."

He'd finished his drink, yet he still didn't look up.

"Well, that's certainly is an exciting task." Albus finally broke the quiet, making Danny finally had the nerve to look up.

The old wizard had a look which Danny could only describe as interest in his eyes. But there was nothing sinner within them, just a curiosity towards him and his circumstances. While the witch, much to Danny's irritation, looked at him with pity. The other man had such a neutral face that he couldn't tell if the wizard was curious or just plain bored. It wouldn't have surprised him if it was the latter.

"But now tell me," Albus stated. "Where does that enemy of yours fit in to all this? Was she this shade you're looking for?"

"No. She's not the shade. But she is the one helping it." He placed his mug down. "All I know is she's trying to stop me from reaching the shade.

"So, you do not know who this shade is, or was?"

"Well yeah, my friend said-"

Wait. He remembered something. Luna had giving him its name. "–she said its name. What was it again? Ah, damn… I think it was Volder-something. Volderboat? No- that's not it…"

Whatever Danny was expecting from the name, it wasn't this. The witch squeaked, her eyes widening in fear. The dark-haired wizard hissed, gripping the chair so hard his knuckles went white. Albus stilled, all humor gone.

"Was it Voldemort."

"Ah! That's it. I'm guessing… you know of him?"

"Oh yes. We know him."

Danny looked back at Albus, interest rising with ever second. It made him realize that other than what Clockwork had told him, he knew next to nothing about this Voldemort. "I know from my friend that he was a powerful wizard, like you guys. But that he went evil in the past, that's why I need to stop him. Before the shade revives itself and causes a war."

"Another war?" The witch leaned heavily against the armchair. "Oh my god Albus, we- must do something, close the school-"

"We will do no such thing."

Everyone in the room stared at the old wizard as he closed his eyes, lost in deep thought. "If the wizarding world learned that Voldemort is not only alive, but at Hogwarts, there will be a world-wide panic. We cannot afford such terror. Not now."

He looked back at Danny. "Have you told anyone else about your task?"

"No, though the ghosts know I'm after a shade."

"Good, then we still have a chance. "He turned to the two teachers and spoke with a sudden authority. "Minerva, please do not tell anyone else about this. Protecting our students is the most important thing right now. They cannot sense that something is wrong. Severus, you will be my eyes. Look for the traitor in our midst and watch them. But do not stop them! We cannot allow ourselves to destroy this chance. If you must, try to ally yourself with them."

"Yes, Headmaster." Reluctantly they replied together.

"Wonderful. Now you two off to bed. Both of you have classes tomorrow- no, today. I thank you both for your help, but you have done all you can."

"Headmaster-"Albus cut Severus off, a stern frown on his face. "I wish to speak with our friend here in private. We shall talk about our issue at a later time."

They left the office half-heartily, the cold man looking back, eyes now full of worry. But the man followed the witch, closing the door behind him.

With a soft click they were alone. Danny fidgeted, suddenly finding himself nervous again. Out of habit he summoned his powers up, ready to go ghost in a second. He almost did when the wizard stood, walking over to the window. With his hands behind his back he gazed out at the night sky.

"You've certainly brought me dreadful news… news I prayed foolishly to never hear."

"Err…Sorry?"

He turned back, a twinkle in his eye. "You never gave me your name."

"It's Danny…Phantom." It wasn't like he was lying to the wizard. It technically was his name, if only to one side of him. Right now he didn't think it would be good telling everyone he was a Fenton. Last thing he needed was more evidence that he time travelled.

"Danny Phantom." He smiled and gestured to himself. "I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. Though, I believe you already know that."

Danny nodded and grabbed another sandwich, stretching to feel how bruised his torso was. His side still hurt, but at least his cracked ribs had healed.

"How long have you been here, Danny?"

He thought for a moment. "Hm, this is my fourth day here now…man, it feels like forever."

Dumbledore laughed. "Indeed it would! Being in a strange place alone on a dangerous mission."

"Yeah," Danny paused, taking another bite. "- saying that, can you help me with the shade? I mean, you took on Luna like it was nothing. So I'm guessing the shade would be a cake-walk with your magic."

"I'm afraid not. If Voldemort learns of my sudden wariness or that I know he is within the school, he will either rush in his plans or flee."

"Damn." Danny scowled. "I really was hoping you could."

"But I can still help you in my own way." Dumbledore sat down again, refilling Danny's mug. "You're lucky that I am one of the few wizards who know so much about him. If what you say is right and he is trying to return to power, I can take a guess at what he is after."

"What?" Danny took the mug. "I hope it's not nothing to do with that school pet of yours."

"School pet?" Puzzled he thought for a moment, before suddenly erupting with laughter. "Ah! I see you met our dear Fluffy!"

"Fluffy? That's what you call that thing? More like Freaky…"

"Fluffy is indeed part of this. As he guarding the very thing Voldemort is after."

"The trapdoor it was standing on…"

"Correct." the wizard's eyes twinkled. "Below that trapdoor is a pathway to the item at hand. Though, I would advise you not to travel beneath there. There are a few nasty traps hidden within that might hurt even a half-ghost."

"Noted." Danny nodded. Not that he ever wanted to see that three-headed dog again. "So, what's this item that everybody wants?"

Dumbledore smiled. "An old friend and partner of mine created a powerful stone, a stone that is called by most as the "Philosopher's stone". As it's legend goes, this stone has the power to create a special potion called the Elixir of life and in turn make the drinker immortal."

Danny's jaw dropped. "No way, you mean the Philosopher's stone actually exists!? I thought it was just a folk tale. You know, up there with Pandora's box and Excalibur?"

"Most do, especially non-magic folk. However Nicolas Flamel, my friend, began to dread that the stone would be stolen from him and used in evil practices. I'm sure you can imagine how many would wish to become "Immortal"."

"Yeah, wouldn't that be like everyone."

Dumbledore agreed with the boy. "True, however the Elixir of life does not grant true immortality. Such a thing is impossible without costs. One who has drunken the potion must drink it forever to remain alive."

"So, they become depended on the potion?"

"Yes. If they stop drinking it, they will die."

Danny frowned. "Doesn't sound like a good trade-off. Besides, why is it that everyone wants to immortal in the first place? It's stupid."

"I believe it is because they fear death. All our ghosts that linger at Hogwarts died by tragic hands, not wishing to die. Which is why they remain as they are. But even ghosts are not immortal. Over time they too fade away."

"Hmm, I guess…" Danny took an another sip. "But ghosts can last for hundreds of years. And if they no longer exist within time, they no longer exist within the time itself. I guess that's kind of being immortal, since you exist but you don't at the same time…"

The wizard blinked in astonishment at the boy's argument. Danny himself seemed surprised at what he had just said. Where had that come from? He blushed, hiding his face by taking a long drink.

Dumbledore shook off his wonder and smiled. "Maybe we should move away from such deep matters and get back to the present?"

The teen merely nodded, happy that the man didn't want to push it.

"So, where was I? Ah yes with my friend. After he voiced his concerns to me I suggested that we hide the stone within the school. Not only would it be close to me, but be hidden in a place no one would dare try stealing it."

"But someone is."

"Yes…that's true."

Danny looked back at the mug. "My friend told me if he gets the stone, someone's going to die…"

"Harry Potter."

Danny frowned, so Luna had been right. "Why him?"

Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Harry is connected to Voldemort. He was the downfall of Voldemort's reign of terror. To Voldemort, Harry is his greatest menace, someone who has defeated him."

"The baby…"

"Oh? So you know."

"A little…" Danny suddenly felt sick now knowing that kid was the one who would die if he failed. "I know that Voldemort tried to kill him, but he survived."

"Yes. The fall of one of the Wizarding world's greatest Dark wizards. Harry's conquest over him certainly brought peace back to us." He chuckled slightly. "He's become quite the celebrity among our kind."

Danny was only half listening to the old wizard now, thinking about his mission. This wasn't just about fixing some error to save himself and his family, this was also about saving Harry. More than ever now he was going to make sure that Harry walked away alive from this.

He stood, confidence building in his voice. "So all I have to do is stop Harry getting killed by this Voldemort right? If I do that, everything will be back in order. Don't worry Albus- I mean Headmaster; I'm not letting anyone in your school get hurt by this shade. That's a promise."

Dumbledore looked at Danny in wonder. "Who are you?"

"I'm-" What was he? A Hero? The protector of Amity Park? After the Nasty bunger incident, he didn't really know anymore. "-I'm just doing what I feel is right."

The wizard beamed. "That's all I need to know."

With a wave of his wand and the food vanished from the table. He rose, walking towards the door of his office. "If you are planning to say here and protect my school, I believe you're going to need a proper base than that classroom on the ground floor. And I think I know just the place."

Danny rushed over. "Wait! -how did you know I was hiding in that classroom!?"

"I know a lot about the happenings of Hogwarts. Peeves was certainly most upset about a young ghost bossing him around the other night."

Danny's eyes flashed green. The little ghost had ratted him out!

But Dumbledore winked. "Don't worry. I only overheard him speaking to the Bloody Baron. Telling the students about you would only hurt his pride."

"Oh…"

Seeing that he settled down Dumbledore walked down the moonlit hallway, gesturing Danny to follow. Danny quickly fell in step with the wizard's stride as they made their way up the grand staircase. While they walked Danny used the time to study the old wizard. He reminded him a little of Clockwork. Wise, full of knowledge and powerful, but hiding big secrets. The fact that the man seemed happy Danny was here and that he didn't seem to care he had been running around his school seemed a bit too good to be true. He decided that for now it was best to trust this headmaster. After all he didn't want to end up getting blasted by that weird spell. No, definitely not a good idea to get in his bad books.

Soon they found themselves on the topmost floor. The man didn't even show that he had just climbed seven levels of stairs and strolled without pause to a strange tapestry. Peering closer in the dark Danny saw it was a tapestry show a bunch of strange, fat green men dancing in tutu's. Dumbledore looking at the wall hanging deep in thought making Danny still, starting to wonder if he'd been led into a trap. Without warning the wizard suddenly turned to him, beaming.

"My, I do love this hallway! Whenever I find myself lost or in great need, this place has wonderful ways of giving the answers."

"Huh?"

The man only beamed more. "I find pacing helps the most, three times no more, no less."

He twisted on his heels, looking at the wall across. "It's also best to really think hard about what you want. Like once, I was in great need of a lavatory when to my surprise Hogwarts delivered me a room full of chamber pots!"

He winked at Danny. "Well, with that I must leave you. Good luck on your task! And if theirs's anything you want to ask, don't hesitate to come to me."

Danny watched stunned as the man wandered back to the stairs. Just before he left he looked back. "Remember. Only three times!" and with a final wave he was gone.

Danny took back everything he had thought about the wizard. He was absolutely nuts!

What on earth was that about? He thought, looking back at the tapestry. What he had said made no sense! Pacing three times, thinking about things you need…

He blinked. They were instructions! Granted weird instructions, but hadn't he said he knew a place he could stay? Danny crossed his arms as he pondered the man's words. This was a magical school; he couldn't really write anything off as impossible. If there was some magical hiding place here, then it wouldn't hurt to at least try. Turning he headed to the end of the hallway.

Okay, what did he really need? Someplace with a bed would be perfect. Oh, and it had to be somewhere no one could find him, a place not the shade, ghosts or the students could get into. And having a fridge full of food wouldn't be bad either.

He sighed and walked forward, repeating the same words over in his head. I need a place to hide from everyone, somewhere I can stay and have food. He turned at the end and counted each pace. 1.2.3.

Nothing. He stopped at the tapestry and huffed, humiliated that he had believed that crazy man. That wizard had just made him look like a fool-

Crack!

He froze at the loud sound behind him. Rotating to the wall he gasped as a small wooden door seemed to appear out of nowhere. It was almost like it had always been there.

That crazy wizard was really telling the truth!

He gripped the metal handle. Solid. This door was a hundred precent real, not ghostly tricks or illusions. He couldn't help the giddy excitement build at the thought about what was on the other side. With a quick hallway check he opened the door, stepping through.

Danny immediately closed the door behind him and leaned back against the wood, eyes wide at the sight in front of him. The room was smaller than the classroom, but it definitely looked like some luxury looking apartment. His eyes immediately locked onto a large bed tucked away in the corner, a large fireplace in the centre lighting the room. He instantly went over it and dropped onto the soft, warm mattress. It was bliss.

"Oh man… this is perfect…" He muttered face-first into the quilt. He was tempted just to sleep like that, but his curiosity got the better of him and he pulled himself up. Across from the fireplace and a pair of armchairs was a desk along with a large blackboard. Danny walked over and curiosity open the draws, finding piles of papers, weird feathered quills and ink. It would be perfect for planning out his mission. There was also a bookcase filled with old, dusty looking volumes and Danny ran a finger along the spines, reading the titles as he went.

Hogwarts, a History...Quidditch for the Initiating Student….Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them…

He pulled out the last book and flipped through the pages. It was full of notes and images of creatures he'd never seen before. He stopped at a page were a snarled werewolf stood howling at the moon.

And instantly dropped it with a yelp when the image moved.

The book fell with a thud as Danny heart thumped madly. Was he seeing things or had that werewolf just looked back at him? Slowly he picked it up and flicked to another page. There, in front of him was a green dragon, snorting smoke rings out of its nose.

He checked the other pages. All the images were moving! Every single one! Putting the book back he grabbed another, opening to see a group of people whizzing around on what looked like broomsticks. Danny couldn't believe it, so books written by wizards and witches could move! That was so cool.

Grinning he put the book back. He'd have plenty of time to check them all out later, for now there was the rest of the room to explore. Ambling over to the other side, he found a long curtain covered the wall. He pulled it across, expecting to find something like a window, only instead to find a small bathroom. Good, he wouldn't have to sneak into the student's one and worry about getting seen.

There was one more thing about the room that caught Danny's interest. There, in the far corner, was a small wooden door no more than half his size. Kneeling down he frowned, wondering where this would take him. When opened he saw a long dark passageway leading down. Making sure the little door wouldn't close behind him he carefully went through, standing up straight in the passageway. However, after a short walk he soon became puzzled.

At the end was nothing but a blank dead end. Touching it confirmed it wasn't some sort of illusion. What was the point of little door even existing if it just took him to nowhere? Groaning he smacked his forehead. He was a ghost! Dead ends didn't mean anything to him!

Making sure he was invisible he phased his head. In the dying firelight he saw the massive room held four long wooden tables. Pots and pans lined the walls and a faint smell of food hovered in the air. By the fire huddled hundreds of tiny people, which Danny quickly remembered were the creatures he'd frightened the other day when he fell. So this must be the school's kitchen.

He pulled back, chuckling. The room hadn't giving him a fridge full of food, but it had given him a way to get food. This magical room was turned out to be a stroke of good luck.

Returning back, he winced when his t-shirt stuck to him. First things first, he needed to get clean. Pulling the curtain back he froze when he found himself in front of a mirror. His clothes were still caked in mud and blood; even bits of leaves had glued themselves on. His face was even worst, the bloody nose and dirt making his hair stick up in odd places. He blushed. What on earth had those teachers thought about him back in the office? No wonder that witch had looked at him with pity. He looked like a hobo.

Pushing his thoughts aside Danny saw that there was no shower, just a large stone bath cared into the floor. Turing the taps on he set to work kicking off his shoes. In next to no time the bath was filled, and Danny suspected some sort of magic was involved.

Dumping the muddy clothes in a pile on the floor he stepped in. The hot water felt like heaven to his bruised chest. With a mix of today's fight and everything that had happened Dany swiftly nodded off, slipping under the water as he did.

He had been underwater for about ten minutes when he suddenly woke up, his lungs finally complaining about the lack of air. He spluttered up, coughing the water that was sitting in his lungs. Hastily scrubbing out the last of the dirt in his hair he moved to the edge, glancing at his watch. Damn, it was three in the morning.

He glared at his dirty clothes, not looking forward to putting them back on. Maybe he could try soaking them in the bath? But then he'd just have wet clothes for hours. It was then that Danny noticed a cupboard that he swore hadn't been there before. Curious, he walked to it and saw it wasn't a cupboard, but a wardrobe filled with everyday clothes. Pulling a shirt out he saw that the clothes were plain, everyday outfits, not the wizard-like robes Danny thought the room would create.

Strange. Does this room create things from my mind? He looked at his old clothes and willed them to disappear. But they remained on the floor. So there were limits?

He shrugged, whatever. It didn't really matter to him how the room did this, as long as it continued to do so. He put on the shirt and a pair black sweat pants. Dumping his old clothes in the sink to soak he crawled into the bed, suddenly smiling at a thought.

I'll have to return that quilt to those kids…