Danny watched Malfoy walk through the corridors. Hagrid's friend, Aragog had died a few weeks ago. Apparently Harry and Slughorn attended the funeral. Danny was overjoyed to see Katie Bell was back finally cured of the necklace's curse and Ron and Lavender finally broke up. Malfoy looked very overwhelmed though at the moment. He ducked into a bathroom.
"Myr-Myrtle? Are you here? I could really use someone to talk to," Malfoy called softly.
"I'm here Draco. What's wrong? Are people bullying you again?" Myrtle asked, appearing from a far cubicle. Danny floated into a quiet corner and allowed Myrtle to talk to the teenager. It didn't take long before Malfoy was crying. Myrtle desperately tried to get Malfoy to open up to her but of course the teen refused.
"Don't… don't… tell me what's wrong… I can help you," Myrtle begged sadly.
"No one can help me. I can't do it… I can't… it won't work… and unless I do it soon… he says he'll kill me," Malfoy sobbed. Danny sighed sadly. He felt his usual conflicting feelings of wanting to help Malfoy without actually helping Malfoy achieve his goal of killing Dumbledore. Suddenly Malfoy wheeled around and drew his wand and sent a hex towards Harry. Danny gasped in shock. When did Harry come into the bathroom?! Danny sped out of the bathroom and rushed off to find Snape, thankfully the wizard was nearby.
"Severus, hurry. Harry and Draco are duelling in the boys' bathroom ahead," Danny informed the teacher. Snape gasped and they rushed towards the bangs and crashes from the bathroom.
"Sectumsempra!" Harry bellowed. Danny didn't recognise the spell. But barely seconds later, Myrtle let out a terrified scream.
"Murder! Murder in the bathroom! Murder!" Myrtle shouted fearfully. Snape threw open the door and rushed to Malfoy's side. Harry watched in horrified shock as the blonde teen bled from numerous deep gashes in his chest. Danny watched with concern as Snape magically healed Malfoy and then helped the teen to his feet. Snape then quickly took Malfoy out of the bathroom instructing Harry to stay put. Myrtle was crying and Harry shook fearfully and stared at the growing water puddles, muddied with blood. Danny watched them both. He didn't know what to think. Harry had used an incredibly dangerous spell and nearly killed a fellow student. But it was obvious that Harry was just as shocked as Danny. The teen must have used a spell but he hadn't known what would happen when cast.
Ten minutes later, Snape returned and ordered that Myrtle leave. Danny promised himself to go and check on the ghost later. Silence fell.
"I didn't mean it to happen. I didn't know what that spell did," Harry blurted out. Danny bit his lip. That made Danny feel even angrier and disappointed in the teen. It was a stupid mistake and really Harry should have known better.
"Apparently I underestimated you, Potter. Who would have thought you knew such dark magic? Who taught you that spell?" Snape asked softly.
"I- read it somewhere," Harry answered.
"Where?" Snape demanded.
"It was-a library book. I can't remember what it was called-" Harry stuttered.
"Liar," Snape snapped. There was a moment of tense silence which Danny recognised from Harry's occlumency lessons the previous year.
"Bring me your schoolbag and all of your school books. All of them. Bring them to me here. Now!" Snape ordered. Harry turned and ran out of the bathroom.
Danny turned himself visible. Snape turned to the ghostly teen.
"You saw everything I assume," Snape muttered.
"I missed a lot of the duel getting you. But yeah. However I do think Harry was telling the truth. He didn't know what that spell did. How's Draco? Will he be okay?" Danny replied. Snape sighed.
"I know. Draco should be fine. But this needs to be punished. Nothing you say will change that," Snape answered.
"I know. I won't try to stop you. I agree. I'm not even going to watch. If you want me, I'll be in the hospital wing for the next hour or so and then I'm going to find Myrtle," Danny assured the teacher before leaving the bathroom, he turned invisible as he turned the corner and flew to the hospital wing.
A week later, Malfoy was released from hospital. The time in the hospital had done the teen well. Madam Pomfrey made sure to get Malfoy to eat and returned the teen to a healthier weight. The recovery had also allowed Malfoy a brief time to relax. He was released the morning of the final Quidditch match. Harry had detention and wouldn't be playing. Danny didn't even protest on the teen's behalf. Snape hadn't been overly harsh at all. Harry had nearly killed Malfoy. If Danny and Myrtle hadn't been watching and called for help, Malfoy might well have died from the wounds the spell inflicted on him. The moment Malfoy left the hospital wing he went to the Room of Requirement. The Gryffindors won the match and the next day Danny heard that Harry had kissed Ginny Weasley.
Danny decided to travel to Amity Park to visit Vlad again. Their visits had become a lot more natural and comfortable. Danny landed on Vlad's doorstep and after checking the coast was clear, changed into his human half. He knocked on the door and Vlad answered. He smiled kindly at Danny. After all this time, Vlad's smile didn't creep Danny out any more.
"Daniel. Come in, tea?" Vlad greeted the teen.
"Sure. What have you got planned for us today?" Danny asked, entering the mansion and following the mayor to the kitchen.
"I don't have anything planned today Daniel. In fact, I was considering whether or not to go through what I have decided," Vlad muttered. Danny frowned in confusion as he sat at the breakfast bar while Vlad poured water into the kettle. Vlad sighed. He turned around and pulled out a folded up piece of paper and handed it to Danny.
Danny raised an eyebrow and unfolded the page. He gasped. It was Vlad's promised contract. Danny glanced at the older halfa. The contract stated that, in return for the Crown of Fire, Danny and Vlad would agree to a truce where Vlad didn't approach Maddie without Danny's permission and he didn't attempt to harm Jack. Danny read the contact and re-read it again to ensure he understood the contract and there weren't any loopholes.
"Do you have a copy? So we can both refer back," Danny asked. Vlad nodded and pulled out another.
"Is it agreeable? I have discussed terms with Jasmine," Vlad inquired. Danny nodded.
"Sure. Got a pen?" Danny confirmed and held out a hand. Vlad smiled and handed one to the teen. Danny quickly signed his name on both copies and handed the pen back to Vlad.
The day has come. Vlad is going to hand over the crown.
It hasn't been mentioned but most weekends, Danny and Vlad have spent some time together, as a result, they have grown to become friends.
Let me know what you guys think so far.
I just wanted to mention something that doesn't really feature in the story. Vlad never actually met the Death Eaters. Vlad is a lot more subtle with his ghost half and so he wasn't seen by Voldemort's followers and so not approached. Therefore, he has no knowledge of wizards and such unless Danny has told him.
Until the next chapter.
