Thank you to all who reviewed. This time, everyone had reviews which made me stop and think. I appreciate them all.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or Harry Potter.

Chapter 14

At breakfast, Professor Snape handed the Slytherins their class schedules. Professor Snape handed Danny his schedule, as it was already discussed, arranged, and approved of by Professor Dumbledore, Vlad, Professor McGonagall, and himself. The schedules for the other Sixth Year students took longer, as the process was more complicated – Professor Snape needed to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary OWL grades to continue with their chosen NEWTs. Because the sifting process shifted students towards their natural strengths, the classes of Sixth and Seventh Years were not separated by House, but were combined with students from all four Houses.

Danny already knew that he was in Harry and his friends' classes for Potions, Herbology, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Draco, who assumed a place near Danny and peeked at his schedule, was thrilled to know that Danny was at least in those four classes. It was a pity that the student who was his new project was not also in Transfigurations or his other classes.

Comparing schedules, Draco incredulously asked Danny, "You're taking Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic?"

Danny answered, "Yes. My girlfriend used to like all kinds of plants and animals, and I thought of her when I signed up for Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid has an interesting taste in animals, and I'm fascinated by them."

"Really. What did that oaf show you?"

Danny decided that he could learn to dislike Draco if he tried. Vlad also called Hagrid an oaf, which annoyed Danny at the time. But to hear a student be that rude about a teacher… He didn't have a problem with making fun of teachers, per se (especially considering that his favorite series of horror movies was "Dead Teacher"), but for a student to insult the expertise of a teacher was just… wrong.

Draco was still waiting for an answer. "He showed me a Hippogriff called Witherwings."

Draco laughed a cruel laugh. "You mean he got another one? I remember in Third Year, he showed us a Hippogriff called Buckbeak. After Potter flew on him, I decided all the fuss about pride was just puff and nonsense. I called it ugly. It reared and scratched me. But Hagrid liked the stupid thing so much. I made such a fuss, Potter cut every vile potions ingredient for me for a week. And when I complained to my father, he arranged for it to be killed. That oaf cried for months."

Danny closed his eyes. He almost found himself wishing to have Dash back. Did he even live? Regardless – once Dash finished whatever cruel act of bullying he came up with, it was over. But this type of cruelty was evil. And he was stuck dealing with this jerk for a year. There had to be some topic of conversation they could have to further their 'friendship' without Danny wanting to strangle this kid.

Last night's meeting with Professor Snape came to mind. And then it dawned on him: Professor Snape was beloved by all Slytherins. He offered these students, who Jazz might call 'at risk,' a safe place. Danny smiled as he remembered Jazz's almost breakthrough with the Goth punk Spike during his first encounter with the Lunch Lady. If students in this House were drawn to the Dark side, someone had to be there to offer them love, trust, respect, a safe haven to help them stay on the side of law and order and Light.

Then he shuddered. What about himself? Danny saw his evil future self. Clockwork showed him how he, personally, was 'at risk' but for his promise. While he might despise some of his Housemates for their attitudes and what they stood for, were they really much different than he was? Life's all about choices. Clockwork showed him that. His evil future self came from one set of choices. His mom being married to Vlad (eww…) was caused by a different potential choice. And, apparently, his fellow Slytherins had some other interesting, if difficult, choices. And Professor Snape promised to be there regardless of the choices we make. Danny felt oddly better.

After the speech, he could see clearly why students who weren't in Slytherin were not enamored of this professor. Professor Snape made it obvious that he would indeed favor Slytherins, cheerfully to the detriment of students from other Houses. Danny wasn't sure how he felt about that. Still, that chilling glare between Professor Snape and Harry yesterday seemed to go above and beyond a casual dislike that wasn't hard to envision between Professor Snape and other students. Professor Snape said his thing with Harry was personal.

Draco also didn't like Harry. (Apparently, Draco only had a small circle of people he liked, and Hagrid didn't fall within that circle.) Draco's reasoning was far less esoteric than Professor Snape's, but Danny was sure that he didn't want to continue the discussion against Harry. But Professor Snape was an appealing topic.

"Draco, what was your favorite potion that Professor Snape had you make?"

Vlad sat at his desk as his Sixth Year Defense Against the Dark Arts class filed in. When the last of the twenty five students on his roster took a seat, Vlad briskly moved from his seat to a place in front of the desk. Some of the students found his crisp movements oddly reminiscent of Professor Snape. In a voice loud, clear, and demanding, Vlad began. "Who, here, can tell me about werewolves?"

Hermione's hand was up in an instant. Vlad nodded at her. "In their wolf form, the shape of the snout is different…"

Vlad rolled his eyes and cut her off. "Thank you, Miss Granger. Anyone else?"

Draco raised his hand, and Vlad called on him. "The best way to kill a werewolf…"

"I didn't ask about ways to kill a werewolf. I asked about the werewolves themselves, Mr. …"

"Malfoy."

"Thank you. Anyone else?"

Danny raised his hand. "Werewolves are mostly human for the entire month, except for the night of the full moon."

Vlad beamed. "Exactly right. That was the answer I was looking for. Now, werewolves are considered Dark creatures. Why?"

Harry took a turn. "Because on that one night, if he doesn't take his Wolfsbane Potion, a werewolf can turn feral, and potentially be able to kill or turn other people into werewolves."

"Very good, Mr. Potter. Let's think of this. Werewolves are mostly human at all times except one, or maybe two nights a month, and they can still maintain their human consciousness if they take their Wolfsbane Potion, and thanks to the Ministry's Werewolf Registry, they all do. If that is the case, then why does the Ministry still despise them?" The class was silent, but Hermione's eyes lit up. She decided she liked Professor Masters' perspective.

"I've had the opportunity to speak to your former teacher, Professor Lupin. He is widely acknowledged by most of the staff to have been one of the best professors of Defense Against the Dark Arts this school has seen in many years, a good man, and a very capable wizard. But because it was discovered that he is a werewolf, he resigned out of fear of what your parents or guardians would say or do.

"Since his time as a teacher here, there has been a good deal of anti-werewolf legislation, making it nearly impossible for werewolves to get honest jobs, forget about jobs they would and could do if allowed to live up to their potential. It is a testament to your Professor Lupin's good will and inherent decency that he has put up with all the humiliation of being rejected from his calling and training as a skilled and effective teacher to deal with the impossible burden the Ministry has given him for having a condition he had no control over initially contracting. And, for reasons I'm not sure I understand, he still wishes to uphold Wizarding Law, living with the knowledge that society refuses to acknowledge his humanity, doing his best to protect the greater good of the Wizarding World, that rejects him for his very existence.

"Right now, we live in dangerous times. For all intents and purposes, if a werewolf would choose to forego the Wolfsbane Potion, he or she could wreak havoc against the human world. In a world where Voldemort" Many in the class winced, but Harry was seriously impressed with Professor Masters' lack of problem saying the name, "is gaining power, he also has no problem destroying many in the human world.

"Should he offer a bid of power to werewolves to get them to join his cause, one of the first things he would do is appeal to their human sense of indignity over how badly they've been treated under current Wizarding law and order." The class was spellbound, as Vlad offered a perspective that few of them actually considered.

"This is Defense Against the Dark Arts. Of all the tactics and lessons you have learned, one thing you have NOT spent time on is the psychology of the enemy, or even learning who or what is the enemy. One of the best ways to defend against evil is to understand how the opposition thinks.

"We are going to spend time discussing Dark creatures that may or may not have a sentience comparable to that of humans. We will discuss their motivations, talking about whether or not they can be reasoned with, and possible ways to defend against them, if necessary. We will discuss Dark creatures and their impact on our psychology as well. What we'll learn may surprise you, as I hope to offer you new perspectives on ideas you may have taken for granted.

"Your first assignment is to write a persuasive letter to a werewolf you don't know, trying to convince him or her why he or she should continue to protect humanity and not work to destroy it, despite how horribly the Ministry and society at large has treated them. The letter should be a minimum of a foot and a half long, but it can be longer. Feel free to use the book Hairy Snout, Human Heart as a reference, perhaps to give you ideas on the perspective of one werewolf. Other werewolves may share the author's perspective. If you do use the book, be sure to cite your source, including the page numbers used. Be sure to finish reading the book by next Monday.

"In this letter, you will appeal to the humanity of said werewolf. Under no circumstances will any point in this letter address a threat of retribution from the Ministry's Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. For any such mention, I will not only deduct points from your grade, but I will also deduct points from your House. How many would be determined by how egregious an affront I perceive the offense would cause an actual werewolf if he or she was the recipient of this letter. The letter will be addressed, 'Dear Sir or Madam.' The letter is due on Wednesday. Class dismissed."

During a morning break, Professor Snape read and corrected essays he had assigned for summer work, in the staff lounge. Vlad approached him. "Excuse me, Professor Snape, but I wonder if I could have a word with you."

Snape put down the essay he held and indicated to Vlad to pull up a chair. "Of course. What would you like to discuss?"

Vlad sat opposite the Potions master. "I would like to request your presence at my private tutoring session with Daniel. I will be teaching him a new skill that would be vital for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and the presence of a person besides the two of us would be necessary. It would start this evening, and I expect him to take a week to perfect the skill. The time would be longer or shorter, depending on how long he actually takes to master the skill."

Professor Snape thought for a moment. Besides the demonstration of Danny's Ghostly Wail, no one ever saw what Vlad taught Danny during their Power Training sessions. Vlad was an intensely private person, and he held his private time with Daniel sacred. The fact that Snape was being invited to join this private lesson made him feel both honored and suspicious. He studied Vlad carefully, but Vlad's face gave away nothing. "Alright. As it is for Daniel, I shall be there."

A sober look crossed Vlad's face. "I hope I need not remind you that what you will see may not be shared with anyone besides myself and Daniel."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

Vlad smiled. "Excellent. After dinner, then. At your earliest convenience." With that, the bell rang to signal the end of the break.

In Charms, Draco assigned himself to be Danny's partner. Danny forced himself not to roll his eyes at this development. Professor Flitwick announced that this term, they were going to practice casting spells non-verbally. He winked at Danny, who blinked in return. After assigning the class different spells to work on, he approached Danny. "Mr. Fenton, may I see you a minute? Mr. Malfoy, I'll return your partner shortly."

Pulling Danny aside, he said, "Your uncle tells me that Ghostly Possession does more than simple levitation but can work like Summoning Charms as well. He told me to remind you of 'Technus' and 'the Lunch Lady.' Do these terms or names mean anything to you?"

Danny grimaced. "Yes. They are two of my regular ghostly adversaries who regularly possess items, bending them to their every whim." Danny smiled as he realized that Vlad left the Box Ghost off of his list. Apparently, the annoying blue ghost was beneath Vlad's attention.

Professor Flitwick nodded. "Your uncle is of the mind that unlike those ghosts' specialized talents, you would be able to possess any number or type of items." And people, Danny mentally added. "I would like to see you work on that today. Also, tomorrow, I want you to come to me during your free period in the morning so we can review the new skills you've been working on with your uncle." Joy. "Very good. You may return to your partner and practice. Just so that you know, the Summoning Charm is Accio, with a general wand wave. Whether you say it or not, wave your wand when you do it. Go on."

Danny and Draco practiced until lunch. Sitting next to Draco at lunch, Danny asked, "So, what do you think of your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?"

Draco thought for a moment. "Your uncle certainly is interesting. I'll give him that. But I think he spends far too much time and effort on the feelings of creatures who aren't even human."

"Fully human," Danny corrected.

"Whatever," Draco shrugged. Danny bristled, realizing that he fit into the category of 'creatures whose feelings didn't count' according to his new 'friend'. He did remember that Professor Dumbledore said there were wizards who believed as much, the day Danny and Vlad met him. Danny sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Correct me if I'm wrong," Danny said with a raised eyebrow, "but you wouldn't care for feelings of some people who are fully human, but aren't 'wizard' enough for you."

"True," Draco smiled. He was puzzled when his new friend didn't share his expression or his sentiment. "Why do you care so much?"

If he wasn't in the middle of eating, Danny would have crossed his arms. Instead, he looked askance and announced, "Probably because I'm from America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. You know, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness'."

Draco stared blankly. "What nonsense is this?"

Danny glared at him. "It's from the United States' Declaration of Independence."

Draco shook his head. "What's that?"

"The fact that you are British and have never heard of it might have offended me, but it occurs to me that you are so removed from Muggle history that the American Revolution has entirely escaped your notice."

Draco blinked. "Is it that important to you?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Right, then. The Declaration of Independence. I'll try to remember that." Apparently, this monumental document in Muggle history was seriously important to Danny. He couldn't fathom why such a thing would be useful to know, but it offended Danny to know that he didn't know of it. Draco would make it his business to learn about it - his whole plan might depend on it. Maybe he'd find a moment and ask Professor Burbage about it. SOMEONE had to know about this, if it was that important. Muggles still didn't matter, but he could stand to learn about this thing. It was a small enough sacrifice on Draco's part.

Care of Magical Creatures was relatively uneventful. Only two other students decided to take this class NEWT level, Terry Boot and Ernie Macmillan. They were from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, respectively. It was a very friendly, intimate class. Hagrid was rather subdued, though; he was hurt that Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't continue his class. The three guys in the class tried to cheer up Hagrid, who introduced them to a Crup.

It closely resembled a Jack Russel terrier, except for its forked tail. Hagrid couldn't bring himself to cut off its tail, as per Ministry regulations. The Crup was perfectly friendly to Terry and Ernie, but it wasn't sure about Danny. It looked like it wanted to attack, but it didn't seem sure about it. Hagrid said that Crups were loyal to wizards and ferocious to Muggles. But it honestly didn't know what to make of Danny. Instead, it backed away from him, whimpering in fear. Terry and Ernie were confused, and Hagrid apologized to Danny for not thinking. Danny shook his head in bemusement. He made a mental note to review Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Monster Book of Monsters and remind Hagrid if any animals he would read about had any weird interactions with Muggles or ghosts.

Potions was a class Danny looked forward to. He enjoyed working with Professor Snape in the summer. Danny tried not to think of the experiments the professor performed on Vlad, until he asked Professor Snape about it during his afternoon free period. Professor Snape soberly told him that everything he and Vlad did by way of experimentation was only to learn how to better protect Danny himself. Vlad was an experienced adult and a skilled half-ghost, and both of them wanted what was best for him. He did not admit that he might have enjoyed the painful sessions a little too much, but in truth, even these were to learn about how certain Dark spells would affect a half-ghost. And it gave Snape a good deal of satisfaction to keep young Daniel out of harm's way by putting Vlad directly in it.

There were thirteen students in Potions. Besides Danny, there were Draco, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and Millicent Bulstrode from Slytherin, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Lisa Turpin, and Mandy Brocklehurst from Ravenclaw, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ernie Macmillan. Everyone knew each other, and Danny was afraid that he would be the odd man out. Harry and Ron started setting up next to each other, and Draco was about to settle next to him (he was kind of flattered that Draco didn't want him to be alone, but he wasn't sure this 'friendship' with Draco was a good idea), but Professor Snape had other plans.

"I don't think so, Potter." With an oily smile Danny hadn't seen before, Professor Snape continued, "I'm glad you finally earned your place in my class this year, but I think it would be best to break up the 'Dream Team'."

Danny noticed Harry flushed with embarrassment, and Danny did the same. But Danny also noticed that while Professor Snape didn't mind embarrassing Harry, Professor Snape never mentioned Harry's grade or how he earned his way into this class. With a pang, he realized that it wasn't so much to spare Harry as it was to spare him from letting the class know he needed tutoring.

"You will work with our newest Slytherin, Mr. Fenton. You work so well together, I wouldn't dream of separating you." Danny sighed.

Harry's eyes flashed with anger at Snape for humiliating him, and the other Slytherins around him enjoyed Harry's pain. As Harry moved his cauldron closer to Danny, Danny said, "I'm so sorry." It was clear to Harry that, unlike his Housemates, Danny didn't enjoy Harry's misery.

Something clicked in Harry's head. He looked at Danny seriously, stuck out his hand to shake, and said, "It will be a pleasure to work with you this year."

Danny smiled and nodded. "Same here." They shook hands.

Ron and Hermione looked at each other. It was finally clear to Ron that while Danny might be in Slytherin, he was different. Ron finally got the message that he was just Danny, and should be treated like the individual he was.

Draco shook his head. He suspected that Danny was friends with Potter, but now it was undeniable. He huffed. Draco determined more firmly that he was going to torment Potter. It was going to be a challenge to do so in a way that Danny didn't notice, but he would punish Potter for taking the spot he coveted: working so closely to the new, mysterious, well-connected student in Double Potions.

Professor Snape began the class. "The first potion you will make is the Draught of Living Death. This time, Potter, I'm sure you remember the main ingredients?"

Harry looked down in an effort to control his temper. "Yes, I do, sir. Asphodel and Wormwood."

Snape raised his eyebrows. "Impressive. You remembered." Harry blinked. He was sure that was the last time he would receive praise from this professor. "The instructions are on the board. Begin."

The room was tension-filled. With Danny's sense of urgency, he nudged Harry any time he seemed distracted to put him back on track. Every time Professor Snape passed their cauldrons, he praised Danny's perfect potion but said nothing about Harry's, though Harry's was exactly the same. Danny shook his head at the injustice, but Harry muttered, "Don't worry about it. I'm almost used to this."

At dinner, Danny managed to get away from Draco, reminding him that Crabbe and Goyle hadn't spent any time with him today, and that Pansy also missed him. Draco considered this a mark of true friendship, Danny thinking about his friend and his other relationships. Satisfied, he let Danny alone, and told others to give Danny some space.

Danny quietly reflected over his first day of classes. The politics between students here were just as marked as they were in Casper High. The difference was in how the groups distinguished themselves. There didn't seem to be jocks and band nerds, and the groups he was used to. (Admittedly, they might exist, but he hadn't seen this aspect pop up yet.) For the most part, the consistent rivalry was between Houses, most particularly Slytherin and Gryffindor, but Professor Snape said that if it came down to it, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs would side with Gryffindor rather than Slytherin.

Danny sighed. He did not have the time or emotional energy to spend on this petty nonsense. He missed Sam and Tucker. He missed his family. He missed Amity Park. He missed America. He wanted to go home, but there was no home to go to. Later that night, he might speak to Sir Nicholas. Or he might go flying. Or he might do both.

But right now, he didn't see Vlad at the Head table, so when he finished dinner, he went to the classroom he and Vlad had been using.

"Good evening, Daniel." Danny turned ghost and smiled uncomfortably at Vlad. He knew what they were going to work on, and while he recognized that there were purposes for it that were constructive, he still had Skulker and his evil future self in mind when it came to creating…

Then he noticed they had company. "Professor Snape!"

"Good evening, Daniel. Your uncle invited me to the rare treat of watching and possibly helping with your Powers Training."

Distrustfully, Danny looked at Vlad, who smiled dangerously. "Remember that skill we discussed yesterday? Today we are going to practice using it on Professor Snape."

Upon hearing this, the professor paled, but his expression did not change. Danny took one look at his pallid professor and then turned back to Vlad, defiantly crossing his arms. "No."

Vlad balked. "No, what?"

Frowning, Danny spat, as he would at any villain, "I won't use my powers against a human."

Three thoughts came to Professor Snape in rapid succession. First of all, if the word 'human' was changed for 'Muggle,' he could have imagined his beloved Lily saying the same sentence, with the same recrimination and implied rebuke, 'And neither should you.'

Second, humans, particularly wizards, were at the top of the power pyramid. It was acknowledged in the ridiculous 'Fountain of Magical Brethren' in the lobby of the Ministry. Of all creatures and beings that had magic, human wizards had the most powerful, versatile magic. Therefore, stating that powers would not be used against humans implied that humans were not the most powerful of beings, and were in need of being protected.

Third of all, he realized that his student excluded himself and his uncle from the category of human. Wait a minute…

Vlad, also in ghost form, said, "Does that include the humans who killed your family and friends?" Danny looked down, furrowing his brows, clearly struggling over this moral dilemma. "Don't be ridiculous, Daniel. You won't actually hurt the professor." Although I may teach him how to do that with the bonds later, he thought. But first things first…

Still not looking at either man, Danny still struggled with this, mentally. Professor Snape sighed. He promised he would help his students with any moral dilemma. "Daniel, what does your uncle want you to do to me?"

Danny looked up into Professor Snape's eyes, and cast his gaze back at the floor. "Uncle Vlad wants me to learn how to create ectoplasmic restraints, capable of binding limbs and gagging mouths." Professor Snape's eyes widened, but Danny didn't notice as his eyes were still focused on the floor. "He says that such things can be useful in Defense Against the Dark Arts because it can prevent an evil wizard from waving a wand or casting a verbal spell."

Professor Snape thought for a moment. What Daniel described in his proposed course of study was not unlike the conjured bonds Potter described that Pettigrew used against him during the rebirth of the Dark Lord. But Masters was correct – besides being used for Dark purposes, using such bonds for defense was definitely possible.

"Daniel, your uncle is absolutely correct. Such bonds would be similar to seriously advanced magic, but more to the point, such bonds could render any wizard practically powerless. In your defense against Dark wizards, particularly against the Dark Lord, the production of such bonds would be a truly useful tool."

Danny looked back up into Professor Snape's eyes. "But…"

"Daniel, you have my permission to use me as a target to develop this skill." Danny was still worried, but smiled gratefully. He opened his mouth to say something, but Vlad got there first.

"I'm sure he'll thank you for that, Professor Snape, but I didn't need your permission." Both Danny and the professor glared at Vlad, who ignored these expressions of outrage. "And now we'll begin."

"I thank you for your cooperation, Professor Snape. But enough of this for the evening. Tonight, Daniel and I still have to discuss Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and then cover some terms frequently used in Business math. We'll see you here again tomorrow night, same time, hmm?"

Professor Snape looked at Daniel, who was tired and still vaguely embarrassed, but prepared to do whatever Masters had planned for him. This was for Daniel. "Of course. Good evening, Professor Masters. Good night, Daniel." With that, he turned and exited the classroom.

Whatever else he might say about Professor Masters, he was a very good, patient teacher. He explained the theory, gave a demonstration, and patiently directed Daniel in the technique. It was fascinating to see what ghosts of Daniel and Vlad's caliber were capable. Calling a ball of bright green ectoplasm into existence, Daniel was capable of generating and manipulating the material of his existence as a ghost.

In demonstration, he could tell that Professor Masters took great pleasure in hog-tying and gagging him over and over, that illegitimate, half-human cur! But being honest with himself, turnabout was fair play. And his own experimentation on the older half-ghost gave him more pleasure than might have been reasonable. But he also noticed that not one stroke, gesture, or ectoplasmic emanation was without purpose in the instruction of young Daniel. Part of the evening replayed in his mind.

Daniel looked at the bound and gagged professor sympathetically, but looked back up at his uncle. "So what are these?"

Vlad waved a hand carelessly, releasing the gag, which fell into Daniel's hand. "It is just ectoplasm. You make it and use it. You can manipulate it, shift it, and master it. The only limits on what you can do with it are only your imagination."

Danny handled the gag. "This is sticky and like elastic."

"Right."

Danny shuddered, looking at his bound professor. "And are those?" he asked, crouching and touching the restraints around Snape's ankles.

"Yes. When done right, the bonds can stick to human, ghost, or other flesh, and nothing else, and are as elastic as you desire them to be. But that is only one option of what you can do with them." Dispelling all bonds, making them disappear in a pink mist, Vlad said, "Now you will make these bonds."

Relieved that Professor Snape was free for the moment, Danny stood up and looked at Vlad. "How do I do that?"

Vlad frowned in thought. "Start by making a benign ball of ectoplasm. Make it big so that we can practice manipulating it, and the bigger it is, the easier it will be to see." Interesting. Professor Masters intended to give his guest an education in ghost powers as well. Snape watched Danny's hand glow green, and in his hand grew a ball that resembled a slightly oversized green glowing Quaffle.

"You know you can make such a ball fiery hot or let it be cool and smooth, at your will." Danny nodded. "Good. First, we'll work on shape." He directed Danny to elongate the ball until it was a tube. Snape watched with fascination as the ball slowly became a pile of rope. The rope naturally (if such an adverb could be applied to anything spectral) defied gravity, unless Danny directed it to do otherwise.

"Very good. Very good indeed, Daniel! Clear it away, and we'll work on texture." The rope disappeared, and a new green ball appeared. "Make it sticky."

Danny shook his head. "How do I do that?"

Vlad put a finger to his mouth in thought. "Perhaps that texture will come later. Your ball is smooth and benign, right?" Danny nodded. "Good. Now concentrate and see about giving it a rough texture." Danny closed his eyes, and the ball developed small bumps and grooves. "Very well done! Now…"

The lesson continued, and Vlad encouraged and gently directed Daniel until he was capable of creating something similar to the specifications Vlad set. Part of the lesson was having Danny direct his rope to wind around Snape's wrists. Danny balked, but even Professor Snape encouraged him. Danny was reluctant and apologetic, but the bonds wound around Snape's wrists as Danny directed them, as Vlad commanded him.

Professor Snape couldn't help but compare Vlad's lesson with Danny to his own lessons in Occlumency with Potter. The lessons were just as if not more necessary for Potter than this particular skill was for Daniel. As a professor, Snape analyzed this lesson, and compared it to his own individual lessons with a different dark-haired boy.

At the start, Daniel and his uncle seemed almost adversarial. This aspect of the relationship surprised Snape, but for that brief moment, it was similar to his own relationship to Potter. But the similarity ended there.

Snape remembered that Potter was also reluctant to learn Occlumency. However, it gave Snape too much pleasure to intimidate Potter, putting down his skill and his ability to control his emotions to actually focus on giving Potter the tender care Vlad gave Daniel. If Snape was brutally honest with himself, he could have been far more encouraging. He could have explained the technique of how to clear his mind. He could have been far more patient. Maybe, if Snape would have explained things, Potter might never have looked into the Pensieve… that arrogant Potter! Someone had to put that boy in his place! However, that Umbridge toad overdid it. Even he knew that. But back to Occlumency… Perhaps he could have been far more successful with Potter if he put his personal feelings on hold to teach Potter properly.

As a result of Snape's failure with Potter, Sirius Black was killed. That was no great loss, as far as he was concerned, but Potter, Lily's only son, was almost killed. He heard the report from both Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. Perhaps he could have been gentler with the boy. Perhaps… But it doesn't matter now.

One shining moment of success for today was forcing Potter to work with Daniel in Potions. Besides annoying Potter, which was almost always worth it, he put Potter in a position to actually help Daniel. But almost more importantly, because of Daniel's urgent understanding of the importance of Potions, Potter will actually focus and learn something in this class. If Potter puts one half of the energy Daniel does into Potions, Potter may actually succeed. He may actually become an Auror. He may actually defeat the Dark Lord. And that would be worth everything.