Grinning widely Danny knocked on the door of Umbridge's office. "Come in," sounded from the other side. He walked inside.
"Sit down, Mr. Work," she said gesturing to the seat. All sweetness in her tone was gone.
"Ya know, I was wondering about something," Phantom said, sitting on the chair.
"And that will be?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Do you have any private life? All you do is sitting here half of the day on detentions..."
"You are NOT ditching it!"
"Wasn't planning to. But as for others..." Danny took out five photos, showing wounded wrists with writings on them.
"I will put it as bluntly as possible. STOP torturing children or..." He smirked.
"Or the whole British Wizarding World will know that Ministry official cuts kids open," Dolores paled, then she burned pictures with quick 'Incendio'. But smirk wasn't gone.
"I take it as no? Well, I still have copies" Danny said last sentence in singsong voice.
"Fine," Umbridge said through gritted teeth,"but you are staying here!"
"Again, wasn't planning to"
-Lllateeerr-
The morning of the Hogsmeade visit dawned bright but windy. Alter breakfast students queued up in front of Filch, who matched their names to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to visit the village. Again, Clockwork sent permission ahead. Danny came straight to his comrades, who were standing near the entrance.
"We have an hour before meeting," Phantom whispered,"where will we go until then?"
"Oh, we know one place..." said Fred.
"Zonko's joke shop," finished his brother.
Hogsmeade was a lovely place. Danny wondered if every wizards' settlement was like that. First Diagon Alley, now that. This village is very lively. It looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were standing in rows; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees. The UGH members went to the shop, painted in bright red colors.
Inside were all types of pranking stuff, such as Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets, Frog Spawn Soap, Sugar Quills, Nose-Biting Teacups and many other things Danny couldn't identify. He let the experts handle the choice, being just an observer. After some time, the group walked out with paper boxes in their hands, making way to Hog's head. A battered wooden sign hung from a rusty bracket over the door, with a picture on it of a wild boar's severed head, leaking blood on to the white cloth around it. The sign creaked in the wind as they approached. All four of them hesitated outside the door.
"Wow, scary," said Lee. Danny shrugged.
"I have seen more creepy places," he responded.
The Hog's Head bar comprised one small, dingy and very dirty room that smelled strongly of something that might have been goats. The bay windows were so encrusted with grime that very little daylight could permeate the room, which was lit instead with the stubs of candles sitting on rough wooden tables. The floor seemed at first glance to be compressed earth.
There was a lot of people inside. Twenty two students, excluding so called 'Golden Trio'. Between ones Danny recognized were Neville Longbottom, Ginny, Luna Lovegood, who looked like she walked here by accident with her look far away. Phantom sadly admitted to himself that he was the only Slytherin in the room. He then noticed barman.
"Hey, barman, whiskey to me and my horse, please!" Everyone raised eyebrows, including the man in front of him. Danny sighed.
"Twenty five Butterbeers and one Fire Whiskey. My treat," Phantom wanted to try this drink. Normal alhohol wouldn't do anything to his fast healing body.
The barman took out all the stuff, grudgingly. The bottles looked like they accumulated all filth in the both worlds. Everyone took Butterbeer as Danny made a gulp from red bottle of Fire Whiskey. It sure felt weird. The 'fire' part made up for the name. However, all the warm was instantly extinguished by his core.
"What in the bloody hell are you doing?!" Ron shouted.
"Eh, drinking"
"But you aren't of age!"
"So?" Said Danny and made another gulp.
"Er," said Hermione, her voice slightly higher than usual out of nerves," Well...er...hi."
The group focused its attention on her, though eyes continued to dart back regularly to Harry.
"Well ... erm ... well, you know why you're here. Erm ... well, Harry here had the idea...I mean", Harry had thrown her a sharp look, "I had the idea...that it might be good if people who wanted to study Defence Against the Dark Arts, and I mean, really study it, you know, not the rubbish that Umbridge is doing with us..." Hermione's voice became suddenly much stronger and more confident," because nobody could call that Defence Against the Dark Arts. Well, I thought it would be good if we, well, took matters into our own hands"
She paused, looked sideways at Harry and went on, "And by that I mean learning how to defend ourselves properly, not just in theory but doing the real spells"
"You want to pass your Defence Against the Dark Arts OWL too, though, I bet?" said Michael Corner, who was watching her closely.
"Of course I do," said Hermione at once, "But more than that, I want to be properly trained in defence because ... because ..." she took a great breath and finished, "because Lord Voldemort is back"
The reaction was immediate and predictable. Cho's friend shrieked and slopped Butterbeer down herself; Terry Boot gave a kind of involuntary twitch; Padma Patil shuddered, and Neville gave an odd yelp that he managed to turn into a cough. Danny however threw his hands in the air.
"Yohoo, another one calls him by name!" He shouted.
"Well ... that's the plan, anyway," said Hermione, "If you want to join us, we need to decide how we're going to..."
"Where's the proof You-Know-Who's back?" said the blond Hufflepuff player in a rather aggressive voice.
"Well, Dumbledore believes it..." Hermione began.
"You mean, Dumbledore believes him," said the blond boy, nodding at Harry.
"Who are you?" said Ron, rather rudely.
"Zacharias Smith," said the boy, "and I think we've got the right to know exactly what makes him say You-Know-Who's back"
"Well, firstly, this isn't what this meeting is about, Zacharias," Danny answered, "and secondly, this guy saw him," he pointed on Harry," I know, that this isn't enough to prove Voldemort's," another reaction, "return, but answer me, why would Harry lie? Seeking attention? This guy fought with Professor, who had Dark Lord sticking out of the back of his head, in the age of eleven, defeated giant snake with literal death glare, when he was twelve. Two years ago Harry stood against an army of soul sucking demons. And he won the Triwizard Tournament for crying out loud! Just simple logic will provide enough proofs. He is the last one, who will need to lie to call attention to himself"
There was a silence after that. Danny took another gulp of Whiskey to celebrate his little victory.
"So," said Hermione, her voice very high-pitched again, "So ... like I was saying ... if you want to learn some defence, then we need to work out how we're going to do it, how often we're going to meet and where we're going to..."
"Is it true," interrupted the girl with the long plait down her back, looking at Harry, "that you can produce a Patronus?"
There was a murmur of interest around the group at this.
"Yeah," said Harry slightly defensively.
"A corporeal Patronus?"
The phrase stirred something in Harry's memory.
"Er, you don't know Madam Bones, do you?" he asked.
The girl smiled.
"She's my auntie," she said, "I'm Susan Bones. She told me about your hearing. So, is it really true? You make a stag Patronus?"
"Yes," said Harry.
"Blimey, Harry!" said Lee, looking deeply impressed, "I never knew that!"
"Mom told Ron not to spread it around," said Fred, grinning at Harry, "She said you got enough attention as it was"
"She's not wrong," mumbled Harry, and a couple of people laughed.
"Wait a minute," said Ron, turning to Danny "How did YOU know about that?"
"My Dad knows everything," was his answer, "And I literally mean everything. I know it sounds stupid, but he really does. It's impossible to prank him, believe me I tried," it caused some people to laugh. Danny's plan to change the topic worked. People started to ask Harry questions, to confirm what they heard. He was modest, and a bit embarrassed. Phantom let out a chuckle. Back home people tended to react like that when they met THE Phantom.
"The point is, are we agreed we want to take lessons from Harry?" Asked Hermione.
There was a murmur of general agreement. Zacharias folded his arms and said nothing, though perhaps this was because he was too busy keeping an eye on the instrument in Fred's hand, which he offered to stick it in...nevermind.
"Right," said Hermione, looking relieved that something had at last been settled, "Well, then, the next question is how often we do it. I really don't think there's any point in meeting less than once a week..."
"Hang on," said Angelina, "we need to make sure this doesn't clash with our Quidditch practice"
"No," said Cho, "nor with ours"
"Nor ours," added Zacharias Smith.
"And I'm the only Slytherin here," said Danny.
"I'm sure we can find a night that suits everyone," said Hermione, slightly impatiently, "but you know, this is rather important, we're talking about learning to defend ourselves against V-Voldemort's Death Eaters"
"Well said!" barked Ernie Macmillan, who Harry had been expecting to speak long before this, "Personally, I think this is really important, possibly more important than anything else we'll do this year, even with our OWLs coming up!"
He looked around impressively, as though waiting for people to cry 'Surely not!' When nobody spoke, he went on, "I, personally, am at a loss to see why the Ministry has foisted such a useless teacher on us at this critical period. Obviously, they are in denial about the return of You-Know-Who, but to give us a teacher who is trying to actively prevent us from using defensive spells..."
"We think the reason Umbridge doesn't want us trained in Defence Against the Dark Arts," said Hermione, "is that she's got some ... some mad idea that Dumbledore could use the students in the school as a kind of private army. She thinks he'd mobilise us against the Ministry"
Nearly everybody looked stunned at this news; everybody except Danny and Luna Lovegood, who piped up, "Well, that makes sense. After all, Cornelius Fudge has got his own private army"
"What?" said Harry, completely thrown by this unexpected piece of information.
"Yes, he's got an army of Heliopaths," said Luna solemnly.
"No, he hasn't," snapped Hermione.
"Yes, he has," said Luna.
"What are Heliopaths? Something with fire?" Asked Danny curiosly.
"Yes, they're spirits of fire," said Luna, her protuberant eyes widening and smile appearing because someone finally showed interest in this topic, "great tall flaming creatures that gallop across the ground burning everything in front of..."
"They don't exist, Danny," said Hermione tartly.
"Oh, yes, they do!" said Luna angrily.
"I'm sorry, but where's the proof of that?" snapped Hermione.
"Ya know, muggles are sure that wizards don't exist either," Danny answered.
"Hem, hem," said Ginny, in such a good imitation of Professor Umbridge that several people looked around in alarm and then laughed. "Weren't we trying to decide how often we're going to meet and have defence lessons?"
"Yes," said Hermione at once, "yes, we were, you're right, Ginny"
"Well, once a week sounds cool," said Lee Jordan.
"As long as..." began Angelina.
"Yes, yes, we got it, Quiddich above else," said Danny, receiving a glare.
"Well, the other thing to decide is where we're going to meet..." said Hermione.
This was rather more difficult; the whole group fell silent.
"Library?" suggested Katie Bell after a few moments.
"I can't see Madam Pince being too chuffed with us doing jinxes in the library," said Harry.
There was a long discussion about place of meeting. Students couldn't find a solution, so it was decided, that everyone will be informed, when appropriate place will be found. When people signed up, Danny asked question.
"I couldn't help but notice that I'm the only one wearing this badge here," he gestured to his Slytherin emblem.
"Ehm, you are an exception, Danny," said Harry, uncertainly.
"Like we need another snakes here," spat Zacharias.
"As I already told Harry, not all of us are spoiled brats. I have some people in mind, who would like to join and can keep their mouths shut"
"Hm, if you are sure," said Hermione.
"Believe me, if someone will let it spill, I will be the one to turn their lives in hell," Danny responded with sweet smile, which sent shivers down people spines.
"Well, time's ticking on," said Fred briskly, getting to his feet, "Danny, George, Lee and I have got items of a sensitive nature to purchase for...we'll be seeing you all later," with that UGH members started to walk away.
"I'd like to listen more later," Danny said to Luna, causing her to smile.
-Laateerrr-
Phantom was currently sneaking in Hogwarts all the things UGH bought. Tomorrow they are going to start the operation 'Burn the inquisitor'. They hid the stuff on the usual spot in the Forbidden Forest. Danny was removing the fallen leaves, under which the stuff was lying. However, he heard coughing sound from behind. Phantom rapidly turned around and saw the person he wasn't expecting.
"Dad?" He asked shocked.
"Hello, Daniel, it's good to see you," Clockwork said with the smile, enveloping his son in a hug, "You are probably wondering why am I here, don't you?"
"Eh, yeah," in response the Time Master opened the portal, where they walked in. They appeared in the clocktower. Home sweet home.
"Daniel, do you remember your visit to Gringotts?" Danny nodded. The screen showed the familiar golden cup.
"That feeling you got is a part of your ghost sense. This cup is the Horcrux," Phantom's eyes widened in surprise.
"So, I should go there and destroy it?"
"Not exactly. It might prove to be hard to destroy the part of soul inside. For now you just need to get it, luckily goblins don't expect a ghost to break inside and out," Danny chuckled.
"But how will I destroy the Horcrux?"
"Your sixteenth birthday is coming up soon. By ghosts' standards you come of age," Clockwork smiled, but Phantom was just confused even more.
"You will get the needed power on Halloween. It's when your coronation will take place," the bomb was dropped.
"MY WHAT?!" Danny shouted.
"You have defeated Pariah Dark in fair fight. By the ancient laws you have full rights for the throne"
"B-but I c-can't, Dad! I'm not the type! I...what if..." Clockwork put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Daniel, remember how YOU were the one to lead the fight against him? Remember how YOU gave people the hope for the future? Even now you are leading your little group against the Ministry. You are more than capable for that job. But you still have some time to think about that. Goodbye, my son," in a blink of an eye Danny dissapeared from the clocktower. The Time Master felt bad for sending young Phantom away like that. He just hoped Danny wouldn't be angry at him.
-Laaterr-
Danny wasn't angry, no. He was too shocked to feel something else. He? The king? Taking a good look at his surroundings, Phantom noticed, that he was in Diagon Alley. Looks like he need to get the cup right now. It was night in London. Making sure no one saw him, Danny became invisible, flying inside the bank. For some time everything was forgotten. Phantom almost forgot, how wonderful flying is. How much joy he felt being in the air.
The hardest thing was to find the vault in the dark undergrounds of Gringotts. Ghosts can see in darkness. But again, being half ghost has ups and downs. Danny ignited his hand with green light of ghost ray. After some time he found Malfoys' vault. The dragon was snoring loudly. Phantom sneaked inside and saw the target of his travel. There was a strange feeling on the inside and it wasn't the one coming from the cup. Why not, Danny is making history here, he will be the first one to steal something from Gringotts. There should be guilt, but Phantom is doing that for the best of people around.
He grabbed the cup. It was golden, with two handles and badgers engraved by the sides. Suddenly, everything started to shake. All the treasures inside started to double, triple, filling the empty space inside. Danny accidentally touched one coin and yelped in pain. It burns! Not wasting time, he jumped through the door outside.
All this noise woke the half blind dragon. It started to sniff the air, detecting the intruder. But instead of attacking, it just moved it's head near halfa. Phantom smiled and petted the giant reptile. Looks like all magical creatures like him.
"Hey, pal. Do you want me to get you out?"
In response dragon growled softly, which Danny took as yes. He took the giant chains and made them intangible. The loud sound filled the giant space of underground as chains fell on the ground. The dragon roared in happiness, then grabbed Danny with it's tail and put him on it's back. Phantom laughed.
"Okay, okay, I will lead you out," he said, becoming invisible.
It was interesting that goblins worked 24/7. When Danny and the dragon flew out, the huge chaos started. The stacks of paper were flying everywhere, the torrents of fire engulfed the whole entrance hall. Workers were running away from raging beast, which clearly enjoyed it's revenge. The glass shuttering, the fire eating the wooden objects, the people's screams mixed in horrendous sound. Suddenly Danny understood something.
"We need to go away fast before wizards will arrive," he said to his companion. It immediately realized that he was right. Spreading it's wings, the dragon flew outside with a final roar, breaking the glass roof.
After that they were flying above night London. It was one of the most beautiful sights Danny has ever seen, feeling sad for his companion, who was blind. And with nothing, but sound of moving wings, Phantom was left to his thoughts. Maybe that's why Clockwork sent him here? To think? This creature trusted him and Danny led it to freedom. He IS capable of leadership, the question is does he want that?
He doesn't want the power, he is everything Pariah wasn't. Danny felt the pang in his core. He understood something. Who will protect the people better than their ruler?
-Later-
It was one in the morning, when Danny returned to Hogwarts. The dragon decided to sleep in the forest. Clutching the cup, Phantom was walking down to the Slytherin dungeons. He was feeling sleepy, ready to fall down every second. Phantom was too excausted to use his teleportation. Not looking where he was going, Danny hit something, or someone.
"I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going," he looked up and saw Bloody Baron, Slytherin house ghost, who was staring at Danny in shock.
"It's...quite alright, young man," the ghost managed to say,"you better go to your dorms before anyone will see you"
"Thanks, sir," said Danny, continuing his way.
Baron wanted to tell his fellow ghosts about the boy, who managed to touch him.
A.N. Well, you read my profile, I like King concept. And there is Danny x Luna moment. It's not like I ship them really much, Luna is just my favorite HP female character.
