"Then! Then Krum went for the snitch!" Ron exclaimed, swinging his arm through the air to mimic the action. "He wanted to end the match on his own terms, even if his team lost!"
"It was incredible!" Harry added, smiling at Danny sitting before them, enraptured by their retelling. "Krum's moves provided at least half of the maneuvers I can perform as a Seeker now!"
They had slowly made their way back into the stadium and into the stands, as both he and Ron explained, in great detail, everything Danny ever needed to know about quidditch.
Danny had been a brilliant audience. He asked questions that prompted Ron into explaining the minutiae and tactical advantages of the different positions, which he pitched in with his own experiences as a Seeker.
Eventually, they had deviated enough that Ron had begun describing his favorite teams, (specifically the Chudley Canons), and all the professional matches he had seen.
Harry had been able to participate in the retelling when they got to describing the Quidditch World Cup they had seen last year.
All in all, after the really good practice early this morning, Ron's developing confidence, Danny being sorted into Gryffindor, and now, in-depth discussions and retelling of quidditch matches that even Hermione seemed to be interested in…
It has been a good day.
Far better than the majority that he had had this school year. With everything going on with Umbridge and the Ministry, and Voldemort gaining ground under everyone's noses, and everything else that seems to be piling up this year… hanging out and being a teenager again is like a breath of fresh air to a drowning man.
After the retelling of the Quidditch World Cup, there was a lull in conversation that had them all in comfortable silence, just staring out at the empty quidditch pitch.
"Man. I'm not usually into sports or anything, but a sport played in the air…" Danny gazed wistfully towards the sky "That's something I could definitely get into. I haven't flown for fun in a long time."
"Why don't you?"
Danny looked at him incredulously, but he continued quickly.
"I mean, the pitch is empty, and you seem like you could do with a little fun."
Danny's eyebrow rose.
"Er, that came out wrong…"
Danny chuckled lightly. "I'm messing with you Harry." He said smiling slightly. Then he frowned, contemplative.
"Would it… would it really be alright if I flew for a bit?" Danny asked. Harry could hear the hint of longing in his voice.
"I'll fly with you, Danny." Ron replied from where he lay on the bench, throwing a spare quaffle and catching it above him. "I would like to fly a few more laps, and then maybe you can make some throws for me so I can practice Keeping a bit more."
"Mmm, that's a good idea, I'll fly with you, too. Actually…" Harry said, looking sideways at Danny's awestruck expression, "Danny... want to have a race?"
"What?" Danny looked slightly bewildered.
Could he still be surprised that they were alright with his personal brand of flying? Better fix that.
"A race! C'mon Danny, I'm still not sure I believe that claim you made yesterday about how fast you can fly!"
"Hah! Oh, sorry Danny you have no chance. The Firebolt is top of the line. That's International Standard, that is." Ron said, looking admiringly at the broom in question sitting next to his own on the stands beside them.
"Boys, honestly!" Hermione admonished, but with clear fondness in her tone.
Surprise faded into careful happiness as Danny put a hand on his chest, and in a mock offended tone said, "Me? Lie about my abilities to complete strangers? Well I never! I can totally beat you and your flying broomsticks!"
"Oh, you're on mate!" Ron jumped up.
"I'll officiate. Have fun you three." Hermione said, closing the book she had brought down with her.
Harry, grabbing his Firebolt and Ron grabbing his Cleansweep Eleven, both turn to Danny with wide grins.
After another moment of hesitancy, Danny stood straight, a look of determination on his face. Silver-white light flashed, and before them stood the ghost of their new friend.
He wore a black suit, with white accents; sturdy boots, utility belt, long gloves and collar, that was all connected by two stripes of white that traveled from the side of his collar down his shoulders, arms, sides and legs, ending at his boots.
On his chest was a symbol in white as well, a sort of wispy 'P'.
He looked a bit like a superhero from Dudley's comic books.
Danny's new wardrobe aside, his eyes were what caught and held Harry's attention.
Bright, toxic green. The exact same shade as the curse that frequented his nightmares. He had to shake himself, and force his mind away from that. Danny had nothing to do with any of that, and did not deserve to be affected by something he couldn't control. And once Harry began to take in Danny's other new features, he found that he could see past the color of his eyes, and see Danny himself, instead.
Danny's skin had taken on a slight purplish hue, his ears had tapered into sharper points, but they were almost hidden in the stark white of his hair, drifting around his head as if weightless.
There was a curious, branching mark running up the left side of his neck. It was mostly hidden by the collar of the jumpsuit he was wearing, but still noticeable to Harry. From what he could see of it, it looked very much like his own scar; thin and branching lines, but running upwards. Like lightning.
He could only guess what made a… mark like that.
All this taken together, he now understood how Danny's hometown hadn't recognized him for who he was when in his ghost form.
However, he looked closer and saw the freckles dusting his nose and cheeks, (easier to see now since they were glowing a faint green), the the quirk of his eyebrows as he looked back at them, the hunch of his shoulders as he rubbed his hand on the back of his neck in self consciousness.
Yeah, it was still Danny.
"Wicked" Ron breathed in astonishment.
"Oh Danny," Hermione said, "that was… brilliant!"
"Very cool!" Harry agreed, smiling. "So, race?"
Danny, blushing green and smiling, fangs on full display, rose into the air with a 'Woo!'
Craning his neck, Ron followed Danny's progress upwards with an awestruck expression, then scrambled to get onto his broom to follow. Harry hastened to do the same, and soon they were both beside Danny, who was swooping through the Keeper's hoops with laughter that echoed like it came from the other end of a long tunnel.
All three of them, grinning madly, lined up in front of the Keeper's hoops. Ron bellowed, "READY 'MIONE?"
She gave them a thumbs up, then raised her arm in the ready position. She brought her arm down sharply, cutting the air before her.
Laughter filled the nearly empty pitch as the race began.
He was grinning like and idiot. He could feel it in the sore muscles of his face, because he hasn't had a reason to smile like this in a long time.
The race had been a BLAST! Who knew a magic broom could be so fast! The race had started and Harry had shot off like an arrow. He and Ron weren't far behind though, and by the halfway point, he had passed Ron, and been level with Harry. He had finally overtaken Harry by the end to take the win! Harry and Ron zooming up to him with astonished looks, and Hermione cheering from the stands!
They had stayed in the Quidditch pitch for a while after that, just flying around, performing stunts and tricks for practice and for fun. Ron coaxed him into tossing the quaffle ball for him to block. Harry had proposed a game of tag after a while, which ended with Danny essentially pulling some amazing aerial acrobatics to keep the agile Seeker from catching him. Hermione watched it all in amazement, taking notes for some reason.
Soon enough, they decided to head out for a late lunch. Harry and Ron went to change out of their quidditch things, while Danny went and hung out with Hermione to wait for them.
Hovering slightly, still in his ghost form, he asked what the notes were for. She said that she had never seen Harry or Ron train as efficiently before, and had taken some notes for their team captain.
When Harry and Ron joined them again, they made their way onto the grounds, towards the castle, Danny having shifted back after leaving the Quidditch pitch.
Danny marveled at how comfortable he felt around the trio now. Well, he was comfortable before, but after flying and playing in his ghost form without them even flinching? Only Sam, Tucker and Jazz had ever made him feel this comfortable in his own skin before.
They finally made it to the castle entrance, which is where he was abruptly reminded that Harry, Ron and Hermione weren't the only students at this school, as quite a few turned to look at them approaching the front doors.
The trio seemed to notice his sudden quiet, as they turned to look at him, then at the front doors leading inside. Hermione turned to Ron and said, "Why don't you and I go get food for all of us Ron, and then Harry and Danny, you two go find us a spot near the lake to eat? It is such a nice day after all."
So it was. But Danny knew it was because they knew he was still a bit uncomfortable around that many people, but he appreciated it all the same. (He noticed though, that Harry seemed to be just as relieved. Huh.)
And so, Ron and Hermione headed inside to get their lunch, and Harry led Danny down towards the Black Lake. They eventually found a nice, sunny spot near a little, dilapidated cabin. When he asked Harry what the cabin was for, he was given a long anecdote on a friend named Hagrid, who was the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and the Care of Magical Creatures teacher.
Hermione and Ron joined them then, laden with sandwiches and drinks, just as he said, "Oh! I'm taking that class I think, the Care of Magical Creatures class? It was one of the electives I could choose from."
"Oooh! Danny! I almost forgot that you'll be joining us for classes too! What is your timetable? We can see what classes we all share!" Hermione asked excitedly, placing the drinks down next to them.
"Oh yeah, that's a good idea, I'll get lost in that castle on my way to classes for sure. Anyway, here." He said, pulling a piece of card out of his hoodie pocket and handing it to Hermione.
"Professor Cat-Lady gave it to me once I picked classes from the electives list. I had no idea what some of them…"
"Wait, wait, wait" Ron interrupted suddenly, "Who gave it to you?" He seemed to be trying his best not to bust out laughing, Harry sporting a similar expression.
"Uh, sorry, I can't remember her name, but she's the one that led me to the common room Hermione." He said, turning to look at her, as she hid a grin behind her hand.
"Professor McGonagall?" She asked, smiling.
"Yes! That's her name!"
"Why did you call her 'Professor Cat-Lady'?" Continued Hermione, electing to ignore Harry and Ron's laughter at the nickname.
"Oh, uh, she feels like a cat." He said absently. "I'm not sure how else to describe it."
"Feels like a cat?" Harry asked curiously, his laughter subsiding.
"Mmm. Yeah, she was the only one of the professors I met today that had a sort of extra energy that felt like… a cat?"
"Probably because her animagus form is a cat." Ron said.
That explained nothing to him, but by the looks on Harry and Hermione's faces, they understood. Until Hermione turned a shocked look towards him.
"You can sense that someone is an animagus!" She near shouted at him.
"What's an animagus?"
"A witch or wizard capable of transforming into an animal form." She explained quickly.
"Oh. She can transform into a cat? That is so cool!"
"Not as cool as being able to sense it!" Ron exclaimed. "How on earth? You would have been able to tell that Scabbers was actually Pettigrew right off! Saved us a whole lot of trouble, too."
"I have no idea what that means, but cool!"
"But how can you tell? I've never heard of something like that before." Harry asked.
"Well, it could have something to do with the fact that I'm slightly empathic." He explained thoughtfully.
"Empathic?" Hermione asked.
"Mmhm," he nodded, "Nothing extensive. I mostly just feel really strong emotions from someone who is really close by. Happiness, anger and especially fear are the main ones. Could that have something to do with sensing… animaguses? Animagi?"
"Animagi I think. And perhaps so… It's definitely a very interesting ability Danny." She smiled at him. "But back to what I asked! Give me your timetable!" She demanded, hand outstretched.
Harry and Ron both chuckled, and he smiled as he placed the thick paper into her hand. She definitely reminded him of Jazz.
They lapsed into comfortable silence, as they continued to eat their lunch and Hermione studied his lesson schedule.
"Hmm." She finally looked up at him. "Well, Danny, this is a good schedule. Potions, Herbology, History of Magic, and Astronomy for core classes; and Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Divination for electives. All of your classes coincide with at least one of ours, so that's good, although…"
"What?" He asked, when her paused dragged on a bit too long for him to handle.
"Well, it's just a bit odd to see a timetable without the core wand-based classes. You know, Charms and Transfiguration and Defense against the Dark Arts." She said the last part to Harry and Ron.
"It makes sense though, seeing that Danny is a Muggle. He can't use a wand." Ron commented.
"But with you being half-ghost, and able to see the castle and all, I would have thought that you may have some magical power. Maybe you can use a wand?" Harry looked at him curiously.
"Did the professors let you try?" Hermione asked him.
"Yeah, they did actually. Pretty sure that toad lady you guys told me about was about to explode when they handed it to me. I did everything they told me, but nothing but a few green sparks, that kind of looked like my ectoenergy, came out of the end. So, half-ghost doesn't mean half magical. Just, um, weirdly resistant to it I guess." He shrugged.
The trio looked at him thoughtfully a moment, before Ron looked at him funny.
"You're taking Divination?" He asked incredulously.
"Yeah? Why? Is it a bad class?"
"That's the class where we, uh, summoned you…" Harry trailed off.
"Ah." He shrugged again nonchalantly, "Well, then I'll try to use that as an opportunity to learn about this summoning you guys did and try to make sure no one can do it ever again. I could have been anywhere, in any position, you know? What would have happened if I was in the shower or in the middle of a group of people, huh?! What then?" He joked in mock outrage, the trio laughing at his antics.
They continued their conversation well into the afternoon. There was some excitement as Danny noticed the giant squid lounging in the shallows of the lake, and general silliness of making fun of how certain words sounded different in American vs British accents, (repeated requests for him to say 'watermelon', 'popcorn', 'garage', and 'water' of all things, and then all four of them falling into hopeless laughter as they tried to say each in the opposing accent and failing miserably.)
All too soon for Danny, it was time to head back to the castle to get changed into robes that were kindly donated to him, and then make for the Great Hall for his official introduction into the prestigious magical private school, hidden away from muggles: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
.
.
.
"It, uh, won't be that bad?" Hermione offered, clearly not believing a word of it.
Danny had been shown to his four poster bed in the Gryffindor boys dorm, and had found it covered in second-hand robes, books, and magical equipment, including a cauldron and telescope. (He was very excited to try out that telescope.)
After changing into the black flowing robes, and passing through the still empty Common Room, his anxiety mounted with every step closer to the Great Hall.
They made it back to the Entrance hall, and he was staring at the open doorway where the thunderous voices of hundreds of kids were chattering away.
It had been a long time since he had been noticed. Far longer since he had been actively paid attention to, in his human form at least.
But he couldn't just stand out here forever, making Harry, Ron and Hermione late as well. It was almost six o'clock.
Taking a quick breath to calm his nerves, he nodded to Hermione quickly in thanks, and then followed her as they quickly made their way into the Great Hall.
Conversation faded from the entrance and then spread throughout the hall as all the students realized who the new arrivals were. Danny's mind went numb, and he shrunk into himself. Ron and Harry pressed closer to his sides, and Hermione, head held high, led them over to the table flooded with crimson and gold.
Once they settled into their seats, Harry and Ron still flanking him, and Hermione sitting across from them, conversation began again in earnest. He would only need one guess as to what the topic of conversation was.
"So! You must be Danny!"
He jumped at the two simultaneous voices, and looked up to see two red-headed boys, obviously twins, who looked suspiciously similar to Ron. They took places on either side of Hermione. Hermione looked relieved that they had prevented others from taking those seats, and they didn't seem to mean any harm.
"We've heard a lot about you, but we think,"
"It would be better to ask you ourselves,"
"Whether or not the rumors were true!"
Easing up slightly at the genuine looks of interest and openness in the twins expressions, he gave them a tentative smile, "Yes, I'm Danny, it's nice to meet you." He replied.
"I'm Fred." Said the twin on the left.
"And I'm George, it is indeed a pleasure." Continued the twin on the right. They both stuck their hands out, and crossed them, and Danny chuckled quietly as he crossed his own arms to shake their hands at the same time.
"They're my older brothers." Ron added on, exasperated.
Danny smiled at the mock offense and further dramatics of the twins, when Dean, Neville and Seamus settled close by as well.
"Danny!" Dean greeted happily. "I see you made it to the dorm to change! Looking good in the red and gold, mate!"
"Did Harry and Ron explain quidditch to you Danny? There's a game coming up, you need to come and watch with us!" Neville said excitedly.
Fred and George looked suddenly affronted.
"Ron was the one to explain quidditch to you?"
"He just went on and on about the Chudley Canons didn't he?"
"At least Harry was there to help ease the boredom."
"Did you at least tell him about the World Cup game, Ron?"
Ron's offended look had him laughing with the rest of them. He eased into the conversation and told Neville what he had learned of quidditch, and answered questions from Fred and George on where he had lived in America, and so the conversation went.
Comfortable and happy to be surrounded by friendly faces, the rest of the people in the hall faded away. He finally took a look at the Great Hall itself, and marveled at the long tables filled with students. The teachers filing in and settling at the long table at the end of the hall. The colors designating each table, crimson red for Gryffindor, then canary yellow, sapphire blue and finally deep, emerald green. He'd have to ask which house belonged to each color later.
He then noticed the roof, and everything fell away as he marveled. It looked like there was no roof at all! Hermione must have noticed his open mouthed gawking, since she explained, "The ceiling is enchanted to look like the sky outside. It's explained more in 'Hogwarts: A History.' I can lend it to you if you want to read it." He could only nod in agreement. He wondered if he could ask them to do the same to the ceiling of the dorm room so he could see the night sky from the comfort of a bed.
He was snapped out of his musing when he noticed the ghosts. More like shades, really. Completely transparent, and looking just like the people they were when they died. He caught the eye of one such ghost in a fancy looking ruff, and gave an uncertain smile. He looked away as the hall suddenly quieted down as Dumbledore stood from his chair, failing to notice the look of awe that was now on the ghosts face.
With a sinking feeling in his stomach, he watched Dumbledore wave for quiet.
"Good evening everyone! I am so pleased to see all of you here! I have a very special announcement to make." He made a large sweeping motion towards the Gryffindor table, focusing the attention of the entire hall. "Please welcome a brand new Gryffindor, Danny Fenton!"
Dead silence.
He could feel the weight of their stares. The spectrum of curiosity and suspicion held in every face.
"Ah." Dumbledore's voice seemed too loud in the silence. "I am sure there have been many a rumor of how Mr. Fenton came to be in our splendid school, so I will take this opportunity to set those rumors to rest."
The headmaster paused as the attention of the students returned to him.
"Last week, on Thursday afternoon, the fifth year Divination class attempted a very rare ritualistic summoning. From this summoning, an unexpected successful summoning at that, Mr. Fenton appeared."
Dumbledore had to pause here as whispers erupted around the hall, low and incredulous.
"Due to some extenuating circumstances, It was decided that it would be better for Mr. Fenton to remain here at Hogwarts. So, students, extend a very warm welcome to Mr. Fenton as he stays here with us! And now! On with the feast!"
With a wide, sweep of his arm across the hall, food bloomed on the tabletops and the conversations around the hall picked up once again.
His astonishment at the magically appearing food was somewhat subdued by the uncomfortable feeling of being watched.
Watched by the students, teachers and ghosts alike.
Harry, however, was quick to gently draw him into a conversation about Hagrid, and what to expect for his classes when he got back, (he was on leave right now apparently.)
The rest of hall fell away again as he allowed himself to enjoy the delicious food and comfortable conversation with people who seemed to genuinely want to get to know him.
This wasn't so bad.
That is, until his ghost sense was weakly activated, frosting the glass of water he had just brought to his lips.
He froze.
He hadn't had to deal with a ghost in a long time, and while he knew that the ghosts in Hogwarts were different, harmless, he couldn't help but tense up and prepare for a fight.
He turned sharply to face the subtly chill space that had formed behind him. He could only stare at the sight that greeted him.
Ghosts. Six of them. They stood side by side silently, staring at him with disbelief.
He slowly rose from his chair, and stood before them in a loose defensive position. The hall was silent, watching the spectacle.
"It's you." The ghost of a young girl whispered.
Danny stayed quiet.
After a moment of somewhat tense staring, the ghost of a heavyset monk seemed to snap out of his daze.
"Ah. Our apologies for coming to you like this without any warning, but we just wished to make certain it was really you!" He said excitedly. "Please, call me Fat Friar, I am the ghost of Hufflepuff! And here with me are the other house ghosts, Sir Nicholas, Lady Ravenclaw and The Bloody Baron, of the houses Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively. And of course, our very own Miss Myrtle, and Professor Binns." The jolly ghost said happily.
Danny eased out of his stance slowly, and stood silently before the first ghosts he had seen in months.
"And you dear boy!" Sir Nicholas began, giddy with awe. "You are The Phantom!"
He closed his eyes and breathed a second, calming his nerves at being called that name… his name, once again.
When he looked back up at their eager faces, he noticed that the entire hall, Professors included, were waiting for his response. He took another shaky breath.
"Yeah, uh, nice to meet you, but, um, you can just call me Danny."
"Nonsense!" Sir Nicholas puffed, "You, Sir Phantom, are legendary! We couldn't believe it when we heard that the boy that had been summoned was Danny Fenton! We had to introduce ourselves properly, for it is not everyday that one gets to meet the savior of the Infinite Realms!"
The hall was dead silent for the space of a heartbeat, and then furious whispered conversations erupted across the hall. Danny wanted to just sink through the floor and disappear (and was highly tempted to do it), as the ghosts before him looked surprised at the fact that no one else knew who he was.
An suddenly, Dumbledore was there, followed by the house heads and Umbridge and the glittery Professor who was there when he was summoned. The headmaster placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and turned to the Hogwarts ghosts.
"Why don't we leave the students to finish the feast, while we go speak in the Entrance Hall, hmm?"
With that, he was being led away. When the doors closed, and he turned to face the Professors and the ghosts, he was surprised (and infinitely grateful) to see that Harry, Ron and Hermione were there as well, taking places beside him.
"Now…" began Dumbledore, "Mr. Fenton, when you said you'd fought ghosts to protect those you cared about, you never mentioned…"
"Wait!" Danny interrupted, but continued quickly at the looks of offense on a few of the Professors faces. "I'm sorry but I'm no one special! I only fought ghosts who threatened my friends and family, and that's it! I'm not some savior, or legendary, or any of that! I had no idea that I would be recognized here!" He finished desperately.
The ghosts present looked affronted, at his dismissal of his fame, or the others lack of knowledge, he couldn't say for sure.
"Dear boy! We have heard quite a lot about you!" The reedy voice of the ghost of Professor Binns arose. "We may not be denizens of the Infinite Realms, and we may not have heard much of you for the past few months, but all ghosts have heard of you! The Vanquisher of King Pariah Dark, Hero to ghosts and humans alike! Defeater of the Old Eldritch Gods of the natural world, and the King of Dreams themselves! Close friend and ally to many powerful and respected nobility within the Infinite Realms! Not to mention, the first half-ghost Heir Apparent to the Crown!"
"What!" Several voices rang out, Danny's included.
"You've done all that!"
"You've fought kings and gods?!"
"You're royalty?!"
Questions flew at him in a chaotic jumble. The ghosts seemed a little taken aback at the surprise.
"WAIT!" He shouted, the voices quieting at once. "Wait a second." He breathed heavily, as if he had just finished sprinting. "What was- What was that last one? I'm not the heir to the throne. Pariah is still the king, he's just stuck in his sarcophagus."
"Sir Phantom, did no one ever tell you?" Sir Nicholas said astonished.
"The High King of the Infinite Realms is not an inherited title. It is earned. You, alone, defeated King Dark, and now you hold the claim to the throne." The gravelly tone of the Bloody Baron surprised everyone present.
It took a moment before the words he said registered for Danny, but once they did, his brain stalled and his mouth fell open.
"Wai- No- That's not- I didn't- There's-" He couldn't finish a thought before another one began. He could barely marshal them enough to say a coherent word, let alone a sentence.
"Woah, woah, Danny! Breath! Take a deep breath, it'll be okay!" Hermione's worried voice filtered into the mess, and he followed her instructions, taking in a large gulp of air and holding it a moment before letting it out slowly. He had to do that a few more times before he was anywhere near ready to articulate how he felt about what he had just been told. Once he had calmed down enough, Professor Binns spoke up.
"Judging by your reaction, Sir Phantom, you in fact did not know about your status?"
At his raised eyebrow of concentrated 'well duh!' energy, the ghost of the Professor continued in his reedy voice. "In that case, if you would like to, during your free periods or after your classes altogether, us ghosts here at Hogwarts would be more than happy to educate you in the matters of the Infinite Realms; its customs, common knowledge, and what your status as Heir Apparent and Hero truly means to us ghosts."
The other Hogwarts ghosts nodded along to show their agreement to Professor Binns' proposal. He saw the ghost of the young girl, Myrtle, almost vibrating with what seemed to be excited happiness at the prospect.
Danny, in all honestly, thought that lessons about the ghost zone from ghosts would be a good idea for him. He never really had time before now, and since he apparently needed to argue the fact that he was absolutely NOT the High King of an entire interconnected dimension of infinite worlds, (he was sixteen and an idiot for goodness sake!) he would need to know more about the whole thing to know how to argue against it effectively.
But before he could say anything…
"Well, I think that is a wonderful idea!" Professor Dumbledore spoke up happily.
When all eyes, both living and dead, turned to the Headmaster, he continued.
"Mr. Fenton, I believe that everyone here is surprised at the knowledge of some of your past endeavors, and seeing how your only disagreement to Professor Binns' claims is that you are not royalty, I can only assume that the other claims he made are true."
At Danny's obvious look of dismay and impending dismissal of those claims, Dumbledore raised his hand to fend it off.
"Mr. Fenton, I believe it would be good for all of us to learn more about the 'Infinite Realms,' if only for the purpose of getting to know you and your past better. If the Hogwarts ghosts wish to teach you, then I believe it would be a fantastic opportunity. Besides, your schedule is on the lighter side due to you not participating in the wand oriented classes."
He nodded decisively, and then turned to the ghosts themselves, "Thank you for introducing yourselves to Mr. Fenton, my friends. I believe that I have some questions for you about what has been discussed this evening, so if you would be so kind as to allow Mr. Fenton and his fellow Gryffindors to turn in for the night, and wait for me in my office?"
The ghosts nodded at the headmaster, and he couldn't help but notice that the Professors present turned to make their way to the office as well.
"Well, Sir Phantom, it is truly and honor to have you stay with us here at Hogwarts. Why don't we meet tomorrow so that we can give you the grand tour of the castle before your classes begin?" Sir Nicholas said smiling, holding out a hand for Danny to shake.
Danny, shaking off his surprise and resigning himself to just… not understanding what was going on… he sighed slightly, pulling a tired smile onto his face. When he extended his hand to shake Nicholas', he was completely unprepared when he was bowled over, landing hard on the ground.
"Oh my…" was all he was able to hear above the wails of happiness coming from the girl that was pinning him to the ground.
He looked up and found the gleaming face of Myrtle, the ghost of the young girl he had seen before. It looked like she couldn't hold herself back any longer.
"You're really going to stay for a while?! I must show you my toilet tomorrow! I can't believe it's really you!" she was rapidly shouting in his ear. Before he could even try to respond, she had dragged him up until they were suspended in the air above everyone, both living and dead, that were looking up at them in open mouthed shock.
"Oh no!" Myrtle screeched suddenly, "What if Peeves does something that makes you want to go away! He was too afraid to come close to you tonight when he heard who you were, so he may try something drastic to make you go away! Oh no!" And with that she dropped him, and flew down the corridor, beside herself with tears and wailing loud enough to leave a ringing in his sensitive ears.
He caught himself in the air and hovered there staring after the echoing wails. He looked down in confusion for the bewildering experience he just had, but found that all of those watching were looking just as bewildered at him above them.
Blushing lightly, he touched back down, and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, which thankfully seemed to snap the trio out of their astonishment.
"Wow, Danny, I don't think Myrtle's shown such a range of emotion since Harry and I came back from the Chamber of Secrets." Ron said with a laugh in his voice.
"I don't know, I can think of a few other times where she's been that happy… and that distressed." Harry put in thoughtfully, earning another chuckle from Ron.
"Danny, I didn't know you were able to fly in human form! Oh, and for your lessons about this 'Infinite Realms,' you must tell me everything!" Hermione demanded, very excited about the prospect of learning something new.
"Yeah! Why didn't you tell us you were famous among ghosts? And why do they call you Phantom?" Harry asked.
"And you're royalty! Do you have your own army?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Army?" Umbridge sputtered suddenly, bringing the students attention back to the adults.
Professor Binns perked up, "Oh, the High King does maneuver all lower Kingdoms that swear fealty to the crown; and also has control of the Dread Army, which is made up of non-sentient drones that just follow orders and nothing more. But since the young Phantom is only the Prince of the Realm, he doesn't have the power to summon the Dread just yet."
Covering his face with his hands, Danny moans out, "But I'm not the King, or Prince or whatever…"
"I believe," Dumbledore interrupts, "that we have gotten a bit off track. Honored ghosts of Hogwarts, would you please meet in my office still so that we may get some questions answered. Students," he turned to us all, and pinned us with a light blue gaze. (Harry tensed beside him, but Dumbledore wasn't looking directly at him?), "It seems the feast is now over, why don't you head back up to your common room for the night?"
"Very good Headmaster." Sir Nicholas said seriously, and again held a hand out to Danny, smiling slightly. "Let's try once again then. It has been a pleasure meeting you Sir Phantom. We'll see you tomorrow morning, yes? I'll meet you just outside the Gryffindor Common room for the tour?"
Danny shook the ghosts hand, smiling tiredly. "Sounds like a plan Sir Nicholas. It was… interesting meeting all of you as well."
Sir Nicholas startled slightly as his hand met Danny's, and with awe he clasped his hand in both of his own chilled hands and just stood there for a moment.
"Sir Nick?" The Fat Friar spoke up, "Are you.. Are you alright?"
"Oh yes!" The posh knight said, with an emotion Danny couldn't place filling his voice. He reluctantly let go of his hand, and then turned to the other ghosts present with a distinctly wistful look. "It has just been a very long time since I have felt something solid and… warm. That's all."
They all left after that, but Danny wouldn't be forgetting the depth of emotion he saw in the ghosts faces after they realized that they could touch him and actually feel something real.
The silence was staggering as he entered the dark room within Malfoy Manor, and knelt before the man sitting in the high backed chair. Massive snake encircling his shoulders, a skeletal finger lovingly stroking her head. Voldemort looked down at him expectantly.
"Severus," the Dark Lord spoke softly, "Welcome. I hear that you have news."
The dark-robed figures lining the walls shifted, anticipating the report.
"Yes My Lord." He said, as he stood up calmly.
"There is an unexpected situation at Hogwarts, due to a successful ritualistic summoning. A hybrid of both human and ghost is now being protected while on school grounds."
Standing still amongst the incredulous and disbelieving scoffs that pervaded the silence, Snape continued to stare unflinchingly into the blood red eyes.
Voldemort then raised a finger and silence fell instantly.
"Lucius has said something similar from his Ministry sources. It seems this hybrid creature is creating quite a stir. What else do you know Severus."
"He is young, about Potter's age. His hybrid status is unique. As far as we can tell, he is one of a kind. He has already displayed the power of flight, true invisibility, intangibility, enhanced healing, and resistance to magic, all without the use of a wand. And…" Here he hesitated, the tension of the room rising with every second the pause lasted.
"Continue Severus." The quiet demand shattering the choking silence.
"It has come to light, My Lord, that this half-ghost boy is not only incredibly powerful, but a well known warrior. The ghosts of Hogwarts told us of only a few of the boy's known battles. He has defeated foes of untold power and experience, and is now the future King of the Veil; a place the the ghosts call the Infinite Realms, as it is the dimension between all other dimensions."
"Surely they exaggerate!" Bellatrix's sneering jibe called from the shadows. "A hybrid freak couldn't possibly be so important or powerful. And how is it resistant to magic if it is magical itself? It just makes no sense!"
Murmurs of agreement and disgust echoed lowly around the room.
"Severus" the Dark Lord hissed dangerously, "Explain."
"Yes My Lord," Snape said carefully, "The boy is not just a hybrid, he is also a Muggle."
Gags, and choked surprise at this revelation.
The dangerous look that overcame Voldemort's face then, sent tremors through the dark room, suffocating all sound.
"A Muggle." Voldemort said quietly. Dangerously.
"You mean to say, that a being of both life an death, known as a powerful warrior and future ruler of an entire dimension that was previously unknown to us, is not even a muggle born wizard, but a true Muggle?"
He had to suppress a shudder at the suppressed anger in his master's voice, but he answered nonetheless, "Yes, My Lord."
There was a shivering second of silence where he was prepared for the fallout of revealing something that he knew would anger the Dark Lord to no end. To his surprise, he laughed. A terrible thing that was humorless and crazed, giving Snape the powerful urge to cringe at the sound. Stopping abruptly, and leveling a furious red glare on Snape, Voldemort made his final demand.
"I will know more of this impossible creature, Severus. If a mere Muggle" his voice sharpened dangerously on the word, "can overcome death in such a way, I must know how. Find out everything there is to know. Do not disappoint me Severus." The demand fell on Snape's ears like the threat it was.
Nodding demurely, Snape answered "Yes My Lord." He then left to return to Hogwarts.
Wow, a my longest chapter yet! There was a lot going on, but I like how it turned out!
Hope this makes up for taking so long to get it posted (moving across the country is hard...)
I think I should be able to get to the real story now, so thank you for letting me take my time to get Danny situated within Hogwarts! I have many plans for how this story is going to progress and I can't wait for it to all be written out!
So! Thank you for reading! Until next time!