First of all, thank you for all the people who reviewed, and put this fic on your favorite and alert lists. The list of people who do these things grows every chapter, so I want you to know that I pay attention. My thanks are sincere, even if somewhat repetitive.

Part of this chapter was inspired by Bluemoonalto's "Nothing But Fireworks." Grogan Stump was a wizard found on the Wizard of the Month feature on J.K. Rowling's website, at www. jkrowling .com .

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

Chapter 16

When Danny left Vlad for the evening, he had quite a lot to think about. He finally was able to call restraints into existence in all specifications to his will. Both Vlad and Professor Snape were pleased at this development. The gag thing was taking more time; Danny was reluctant to learn this bit. Both adults explained the need. He understood their point, but it still made him uncomfortable to gag Professor Snape.

Just then, he thought that tomorrow night, he'd pretend that his victim wasn't his favorite professor but Technus. Shutting up Technus was definitely worth the effort. Danny shored up his determination. He could do this.

In English, he and Vlad finished talking about Act II, scene II in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Danny discovered that almost every cliché he ever heard of came from this play, and the latest one he thought of was "The play's the thing." One of the things Vlad wanted him to focus on was how Hamlet planned to manipulate Claudius into revealing his guilt. There were several lessons to be learned from this, and Danny would have to write a paper on it over the weekend, in addition to reading Act III.

Another thing he found insanely disturbing (though he wouldn't dare to mention it) is that Prince Hamlet was in the situation Danny might have found himself in if any of Vlad's schemes to kill his father might have worked. He found how much he related with this Shakespearean character creepy.

The Business math thing… You know, Vlad was good at teaching Danny things he thought were important. Over the course of the week, he built a small vocabulary of terms commonly used in business. One of the many things Vlad picked up on his errands in Muggle London was accounting paper. Vlad showed Danny how to plan a budget, using examples from the textbook. The man explained that it was less high school math, but more of Accounting 101 as a college course. When Danny got to college (eventually), he'd be ahead of the curve. Danny wasn't sure what accounting had to do with astronomy, but getting better at math was a worthy goal, either way.

But what concerned Danny most, at present, were the disturbing things he learned about Draco in Charms this morning. Draco was part of an "Inquisitorial Squad" who had it in for Harry. Danny wasn't sure when this thing between Draco and Harry started, but Danny had no intention of getting involved.

Draco's father was a Death Eater who helped Voldemort do something evil to Harry. What was that about?

If this thing happened in the Ministry, it would be public knowledge. Therefore, he couldn't just ask anyone; they would want to know why he didn't already know what would be international Wizarding news. Who could he ask?

In theory, he could ask Professor Snape about it. But while the good professor would have no problem telling him things he needed to know, he also understood that the details of Draco's father being a Death Eater might be one of Draco's secrets. Professor Snape promised to keep the secrets and safety of all Slytherins, and that included Draco.

He sighed. While he couldn't ask the professor about this Ministry incident, Danny figured he could ask the professor to teach him to defend against the type of Dark magic Death Eaters do, based on what Draco told him. Once they finished working on fighting that mind control spell.

He knew! Danny would ask Sir Nicholas! Sir Nicholas had to have heard something about this incident. He turned ghost and sought out the Gryffindor ghost.

Danny flew to a random picture and asked, "Excuse me, sir?"

The gentleman addressed looked surprised. "You seem to be a new ghost. Who are you?"

"I'm Danny Phantom, sir. Can you tell me where I can find Sir Nicholas?"

Still out of sorts with being addressed by a new ghost, a teenage ghost with an American accent, no less, the man in the picture said, "Wait here. Let me ask one of the people in the portraits where he spends the most time. Either he or I will get back to you."

"Thank you, sir." Danny blinked when the man walked out of his frame. He knew it would happen, but that didn't mean he was used to this by a long shot.

Standing by the picture, he felt something warm brush by his legs. "What the… Mrs. Norris?" The cat meowed at him and he thought of Morph, who was waiting for him. Mrs. Norris sniffed him and sneezed. She wasn't sure what to make of him. He picked her up to pet her, but she jumped out of his arms. Apparently, he was too cold for her. He sighed. She disappeared down the hall. Danny did notice that Mr. Filch came when Mrs. Norris returned.

"What is it, my sweet?" Mr. Filch looked at Danny. "Student out of bed? We are in trouble." Then he looked at the addressed 'student,' as Danny tried to figure out what to say, pulling his legs into a spectral tail. "Wait a minute – you're not a student. You're a ghost!"

Danny nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir."

Sir Nicholas popped out of the wall, accompanying the man in the portrait. "Mr. Filch, young Danny Phantom is with me." Turning to Danny, he said, "Mr. Grogan Stump, here, kindly informed me that you were looking for me."

Danny nodded. Mr. Filch scratched his head. Sir Nicholas clarified, "This young ghost is visiting us for a while. Everything is in order."

Mr. Filch shook his head. "As you were. Come, Mrs. Norris." They took off down a different corridor.

"Is this going to happen every time I visit a ghost after hours?" Danny asked, concerned.

Sir Nicholas shook his head. "Now that Mr. Filch knows you're here, he won't bother you. No one minds the ghosts here, except Peeves, of course. But Peeves worked hard to get on everyone's bad side." Danny smirked. "Now, what can I do for you, Danny?"

Danny asked, "Is there somewhere more private we can talk?"

Sir Nicholas raised his eyebrows. This looked like it would be serious. "Sure. We can visit the classroom you use with… your uncle, if you don't mind spending extra time there."

Danny sighed. "It's as good a place as any." They flew back to the classroom, and a torch on the wall lit up for them. It was a nifty spell that made Danny think of motion detecting light switches in Casper High.

Each of them sat on a desk. "So, Danny, what is on your mind?"

Danny thought for a moment. "Draco mentioned something about Voldemort waiting for Harry at the Ministry last year. It sounds like this would be important to know about. So what happened?"

Sir Nicholas blinked. Whatever he might have thought Danny would ask, this wasn't it. "Dear me. Many things happened that night. You-Know-Who made his first public appearance since his rebirth. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, was killed. But what they were doing there? I… Well, I wasn't there. The students who went were hurt – they are fine now – and most of the Aurors, or Dark Wizard catchers, made it. But Harry misses Sirius terribly." He frowned. "I wish I knew more. You might ask Professor Dumbledore."

Danny gave a half-smile. "Thanks."

The former knight hated to frustrate the young hero, so he found what he hoped would be a more fruitful topic. "You've had your first week of classes. What do you think?"

Danny said, "Like I told Hagrid after we finished our trip in Diagon Alley, Hogwarts is weird, and wonderful, and dangerous. Most of the classes I'm taking are interesting, putting a whole new spin on life."

He thought for a moment. "Taking classes with Vlad is just weird. He knows all kinds of things. Honestly, until recently, I thought his general brand of brilliance was in how much of a crazed-up Froot-Loop he could be, coming up with all kinds of schemes…" Danny wasn't in the mood to talk about the pervasive themes of killing his dad, marrying his mom, adopting him… Hamlet. He sighed.

"But the thing he's teaching us in Defense Against the Dark Arts is what made him so skilled a villain. What made him an effective villain is understanding how to push the enemy's buttons." He flushed. "Mainly, MY buttons. But he's been doing all kinds of things since long before I was born.

"He once said, 'That I used two fourteen-year-old pawns to turn a knight and topple a king? It's chess, Daniel. Of course you don't understand.' He was right – I didn't. But he is a LOT smarter than I ever thought.

"As a teacher in 'worldly' subjects, he's really good, and more interesting than Mr. Lancer and Mr. Faluca combined. His perspective is… different. And he somehow makes it all seem important." Danny shook his head.

"The other classes are interesting. The students are a bit of a puzzle. For the most part, they seem to be okay. Professor Snape was right when he said that most Gryffindors are a friendly bunch. Actually, most of the students seem to be friendly. It seems a lot easier to get along, in general, than it was in my other school."

"The fact that you are new and look shockingly similar to Harry Potter may have something to do with that."

Danny paused for a bit. "Maybe. But still, it is nice to be able to walk the halls without fear of being bullied by the bigger students." He thought of Dash and shivered.

"Professor Snape was also right about the Slytherin students, in general, being treated differently by other students. But at the same time, the Slytherin students almost ask for it. For the most part, they seem to be mean, arrogant, and condescending. In the letters Vlad told us to write, every Slytherin but me wrote hurtful things designed to cause emotional pain to the werewolf who might have received their letters. There was no call for that.

"Even Draco, who's trying to be my friend (kinda), is cruel. He took serious pleasure in hurting Harry."

Sir Nicholas smiled. "Danny, you might think of the Box Ghost."

Danny blushed. "Right." He grumbled to himself, "Misplaced aggression." Looking up, he continued, "Still, it's different. The Box Ghost – while an easy target and a pain, I'll admit – has no problem terrorizing humans, if I let him, or if he gets away from me." He winced. "Has he been bothering anyone?"

Sir Nicholas's smile broadened. "No, Danny. From what I've heard, Plasmius directed all ghosts to desist from menacing Amity Park, out of respect for the survivors. At least until you return to America." Danny sighed sadly. "And none intend to cross your uncle."

"That's good to know." Danny paused for a moment. "But still… The Box Ghost and other 'characters' menace the people. I'm not sure that Harry does anything to warrant Draco's cruelty."

The older ghost nodded. "Point taken."

Danny continued, "There are so many pitfalls. Some might be with students who are looking to sandbag anyone who gets in their way. Most of the things I'm learning are to prevent Death Eaters from hurting me. But the whole thing seems pointless. Not what I'm learning, but the objectives of Voldemort and his minions. It makes no sense."

Sir Nicholas shook his head sadly. "It doesn't have to make sense. We just need to defeat them. It seems to be Harry's (and now your) main objective." Danny yawned. "It's late, Danny. To bed with you. Perhaps, tomorrow after studies and other adventures, you'll visit Myrtle. It's been a while."

Danny nodded. "Yeah. Both are good ideas. Have a good night, Sir Nicholas. And thanks."

Sir Nicholas smiled. "Any time. Good night."

The next morning, Draco chatted merrily with Danny about some of the interesting things his mother sent him by owl. Whatever else went on in that family, the Malfoys loved their son, who had no trouble sharing his bounty with his friends. It seemed twisted, but it was good to know that Draco did have a genuinely nice side.

After breakfast, Harry showed up at their table to collect Danny. "Potter! What are you doing here?" Draco demanded.

Harry smirked. "Danny and I have a study related appointment. Sorry to deprive you of your friend's company, but we have things to do."

Draco glared, but Danny nodded. "It's true. We'll have to catch up later, Draco. See ya!" With that, both dark-haired boys exited the Great Hall.

Harry took Danny to the seventh floor. There was a blank stretch of wall opposite a tapestry of a number of trolls wearing pink tutus clubbing a wizard, working in concert. Harry looked at the blank wall. "See, Danny, the trick is to pass this way three times, thinking about what you need. It is the Room of Requirement. It provides everything you might need. The one who thinks up what they need in the room controls it until they are finished with that particular use."

Danny was intrigued, but it stretched his limit of credulity. "What was it like when you taught the DA?"

"Here, I'll show you." Harry thought of what would be most useful to teach Danny Defense Against the Dark Arts. He passed the stretch of wall three times, and then a door appeared. Harry said, "Go on. Open it."

Danny opened the door and stepped in. His jaw dropped in amazement. There were rings hanging from the ceiling, iron rectangular obstacles, a speed gun (apparently, this room could allow electronic things to function), and any number of toys, tools, and targets Sam and Tucker helped him use many months ago, back home in his parents' lab. Harry looked confused. He knew what a speed gun was – he saw one when Dudley used a batting cage. It was only because of the novelty, as baseball wasn't big, here. Most of the items in this room confused him.

"This looks nothing like it did when we held sessions of the DA last year. But I thought about what would be useful to you in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Does any of this make sense to you?"

Danny whispered, "It makes perfect sense. Wait until I show this to…" he trailed off. "Hey, Harry," Danny said in a full voice. "Can I try something?"

Curiously, Harry said, "Sure." Danny left the room and gestured for Harry to follow. When Harry exited, the door swung shut and vanished.

Danny thought, 'I want this room to be a place I can practice my Ghostly Wail without destroying the castle.' He walked back and forth three times, and then a door appeared. "Sweet!" He opened the door and saw that the room looked to be the size of several city blocks, piled high with items of all sorts. "What is this place?"

Harry looked around. "I don't know. It looks like stuff…that would be against the rules." Danny winced as Harry unwittingly repeated Walker's words. "I mean, I recognize a few Weasley inventions over here, and Mr. Filch declared practically everything invented by the twins contraband. Over there, it looks like potions or spells gone wrong. What were you looking for?"

Danny thought about how to answer that. "A place to practice a particularly destructive spell. This room has enough space, enough stuff, and enough protection that I could practice it without hurting anyone or anything of importance. Uncle Vlad would prefer I don't discuss it yet."

Harry nodded. Professor Masters was very private about what he taught Danny in their special sessions, and he knew from yesterday's lesson that Professor Masters did not take kindly to students ignoring his instructions. "I understand."

At breakfast, Vlad turned to Professor McGonagall. "Now that class is in session, what do professors usually do on the weekends?"

"There are always a few professors available here or on patrol to make sure the students don't get into too much trouble. Later in the year, there will be the inter-House games of Quidditch to watch. Quidditch is a Wizarding sport, played on broomsticks. If you like, I can explain the game to you at another time. Harry told me that during the summer, Danny became quite good at it, but fears he wouldn't have enough time to practice if he joined his House team."

"Interesting. Daniel never told me that. I may ask him about it this evening. But is there anything else?"

"Certainly. Besides patrolling, office hours, marking homework or tests, and lesson planning, sometimes we choose to go to Hogsmeade for supplies, or a drink at the Three Broomsticks, or for a bit of time without the students about.

"If the students have permission from their parents or guardians, the students have a few scheduled trips to Hogsmeade throughout the year. We gave one to Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger during Danny's demonstration this summer. On those occasions, it is always helpful – but not necessary – for an attending professor to keep a lookout. But it is as much a chance for us to unwind as it is for the students."

"If a professor desired to go elsewhere…"

"Professor Masters, you are an adult and could go anywhere you like. But I would remind you that – like Danny – you are also keeping out of public notice."

With a beleaguered sigh, Vlad said, "Of course. Thank you." He thought for a moment. "I will to go to London later today. May I pick up anything for you while I'm there?"

Starting in surprise, Professor McGonagall said, "Oh! Thank you. I can't think of anything…"

Vlad smiled. "Not to worry. I intend to go again soon. My offer will still stand." He bowed his head and smiled at the professor before leaving the Head table. He thought it would be useful to let Daniel know where he's going. It was odd, really. He never felt the need to tell Daniel of his movements before. But then again, it doesn't do to inform one's arch-nemesis of one's moves.

As a guardian, however, all that changed. This is the first time since that fateful day in July that he and Daniel would not be in moderate proximity to each other. What would a parent do? What would Maddie do? She would at least leave a note, letting Daniel know she was going out of town. If that was what she would do, Vlad would do at least as much.

Vlad headed to the Slytherin table. Daniel was listening to an animated recitation of Mr. Malfoy's about something or other. He could tell that Daniel was listening politely, rather than with interest. He could rescue his charge for a bit. "Daniel, I need to see you a moment." Vlad saw Danny sigh, almost gratefully, before getting up. In a space between the Head table and the House tables, Vlad told Danny, "After breakfast, I'm going to London. I expect to be back by dinnertime. If you need me before then, ask a student to show you how to send an owl, as cell phones won't work here."

Danny raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was the first time since their trip to London that Vlad told him anything about his intended wanderings. But why…wait. Vlad was his guardian. Either of his parents might have told him if they were going anywhere. And now Vlad acted in that capacity. Danny gulped. "Thanks, Vlad. Have a good time. I'll be fine." Of course he would. Wouldn't he?

"Right, then. Good bye, little badger." With that, Vlad left the Great Hall, and Danny returned to Draco's conversation until Harry came to show him the Room of Requirement.

After Danny and Harry tired of exploring the possibilities available with the Room of Requirement (for now – this was so much fun, they could do it again sometime), Danny sought out Professor Dumbledore. Danny found him in the faculty lounge and asked to speak to him privately. Professor Dumbledore invited Danny to discuss whatever troubled him in his office.

"Danny, take a seat and a lemon drop." Danny was surprised. "Lemon drops are a Muggle sweet that I've developed a taste for. And they often help to break the tension." Danny smiled and took one. "What is on your mind?"

"Well, sir, I learned a few things that confused me yesterday, and I hoped you could fill in the blanks and help me sort them out."

Professor Dumbledore smiled at this student who was as cryptic as he could be. "I'll do my best."

Danny organized his thoughts on this matter, as it was very important. "For one thing, I heard that Harry and other students went to the Ministry of Magic, but Voldemort waited for them there." Professor Dumbledore's eyes stopped twinkling. "Because it happened in the Ministry, and Harry and Voldemort were there, I have the feeling that this made it into international Wizarding news. But beyond that, and that a lot of Death Eaters were arrested, and Harry's godfather died, I don't know anything about it. Sir Nicholas suggested that I ask you."

Professor Dumbledore closed his eyes, remembering the pain of that evening, born of a terrible mistake he made. He opened his eyes to see a curious but concerned student. Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Some of what happened is private to Harry, and I can't break that confidence. But…" He chose his words carefully. "Most of what happened that night was due to a mistake I made. Voldemort used a mental trick to fool Harry to come to the Ministry. A few students from the DA," the wizard smiled at the mention, "accompanied Harry on what he presumed was a rescue mission of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. Sirius was the closest thing to a loving family that Harry's known since his parents were killed when he was a baby.

"Sirius wasn't there until the Order came to rescue Harry and his friends. Harry and his friends fought bravely, valiantly, and skillfully. He really is a good teacher in Defense Against the Dark Arts. But the six students there were outnumbered and overpowered.

"When the Order came, some of the students were hurt. Some of the members of the Order protected the students, and others worked to defeat the Death Eaters. Sirius was killed by his own cousin, who is known to be a particularly cruel and a particularly faithful follower of Voldemort.

"Voldemort himself attacked Harry. Again. I did my best to protect him, but it was Harry's own thoughts and emotions that saved him from Voldemort's clutches. Well, that and the presence of Ministry officials who saw that Voldemort had indeed returned encouraged Voldemort to take his remaining free Death Eater and flee."

Danny listened, almost spellbound. "But you said you made a mistake. How did you do that if you saved Harry?"

The professor sighed sadly. "If I had made better choices and better observations, I would have chosen a more appropriate teacher to teach Harry an important skill that would have been useful to avoid Voldemort's trickery. There were other mistakes I made regarding Harry's emotions. I prefer not to discuss them.

"However, I have since worked hard to correct such mistakes. Further, I hope to do what is useful not only for Harry but also for you. The level of trust involved when teaching someone various defenses against mind control is something I failed to take into account with Harry. I believe I have chosen correctly for you."

Danny's eyes widened. He just realized that his work with Professor Snape was not only known, but was directed by Professor Dumbledore. "But how did you know?"

Professor Dumbledore smiled. "There is very little that goes on in this school that I don't know about. For instance, I know that you are reading Hamlet and are learning budgeting with your uncle. But the only powers I know of that he's worked on with you is that impressive Wail and whatever you tell or demonstrate for Professor Flitwick, as your uncle keeps such information private."

Danny looked very disturbed. "Can you read my mind?"

Professor Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "In so many words, yes."

Danny shook with fear. Of all the powers he had or encountered, this scared him the most. Professor Snape showed him how he could be forced to act against his will, and Professor Dumbledore said he could read his mind.

Wait a minute. There was a power he had that does both of those things, but it was far more up close and personal: overshadowing. He stopped shaking. Looking at Professor Dumbledore, he asked, "Have you?"

Noticing the very intense reactions of his lone Muggle student, Professor Dumbledore answered honestly, "No, I haven't. And before you worry about it, you deserve to know that it is not a common gift, so there are only a few wizards capable of it. Of the few who are, I can, as can Professor Snape, and – unfortunately – Voldemort. The skill is called Legilimency, and the wizard capable of performing it is called a Legilimens."

Danny was quietly angry. "Is there a way to defend against this?"

Professor Dumbledore slumped his shoulders in defeat. "Yes, Danny, there is. But even if I told you how, it would not help. It is a magical skill called Occlumency." He looked sorrowfully at Danny. "We can teach you all kinds of defense against Dark magic. But the fact remains that despite our best efforts, you remain a Muggle. No amount of wishing can change that."

Danny looked away. "I know a ghost who could change that. She's good at granting wishes," he said bitterly. "Not that she would, though. And not that I would ask her, even if she would."

It was Professor Dumbledore's turn to widen his eyes in surprise. "Truly? A ghost you know has such a power?"

Danny smiled sardonically. "Yup. She gets more powerful with every wish she grants. The trouble she almost caused during a meteor shower last year was terrible." His expression changed to a grin at a happy memory. "But her biggest limitation is that she has to grant every wish she hears. One time, I wished her into my Fenton Thermos – a device my parents invented to capture and contain ghosts," Danny clarified at the professor's confused expression. Ruefully, he continued, "My sister caught me in one several times when she seriously needed to work on her aim."

This turn of topics intrigued the professor. This was the first time he got to learn about the type of ghosts with which Danny was familiar. But this was also the first time he thought to consider Danny as anything other than a human capable of a different kind of magic. "What was it like, to be caught in the Thermos?"

Danny shook his head. Well, he introduced the topic. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Well… when a ghost is sucked into a Thermos, it doesn't have space to hold a form of any sort, unless it's small enough. As such, the trapped ghost has no sensory perception, even of time passing. But the ghost is effectively trapped until someone hits the Release Button.

"After stopping and catching a rogue ghost – with the exception of one, and I don't want to talk about it – I would release it back into the Ghost Zone. There are only three humanoid ghosts I've fought outside the Ghost Zone that never got either sucked into the Thermos or hit by my parents' Fenton Bazooka – which opens a temporary portal to the Ghost Zone, open long enough to suck in the nearest ghost: the Ghost King Pariah Dark, the Fright Knight, and Vlad."

Interesting. Danny and Vlad were enemies? Dumbledore was sure Danny didn't mean to let this piece of information slip. The professor was heretofore unaware of such an adversarial relationship, but he might have surmised as much. Sir Nicholas and the other ghosts at Hogwarts regarded Danny as nothing short of a hero. Even while Sir Nicholas became the grieving Vlad's confidante, the ghosts were ever wary of him. If Danny was a hero and Vlad was a villain, nothing short of a complete catastrophe would bring them together. Indeed, a complete catastrophe HAD happened such that these otherwise enemies have bonded as uncle and nephew.

It occurred to him that he was the only living soul who knew of this secret of Danny and Vlad's. He would make sure to keep it that way. It would be best to distract Danny from his last statement, Dumbledore decided. "You said that you sent wayward ghosts back to the Ghost Zone. Since our trip from Wisconsin to Illinois via the Ghost Zone, I've been meaning to ask about that…"

Leaving Professor Dumbledore's office to go to lunch, Danny had a lot to think about. The Ministry incident he asked about had terrifying implications. He remembered when Hagrid told him that the Death Eaters were busy this summer. He didn't hear students talking about the deaths of their families and friends. Then again, he didn't talk much about his family and friends, either. Further, Professor Snape said that as a general rule, Slytherins didn't get attacked by Death Eaters. And from Professor Snape's "Welcome Back" speech, it sounded like the families of Slytherins often WERE Death Eaters. Danny shivered.

Draco's father was a Death Eater, and Harry's godfather Sirius was killed by Death Eaters in that attack. Harry himself was almost killed, and Draco's father got arrested. And Draco was angry with Harry for his father being in prison. Danny shook his head at this injustice.

But Voldemort used a mind trick on Harry to get him (and whoever went with him) to the Ministry. The concept of psychological warfare was something Danny heard of, but this was ridiculous. Actual mind control was illegal, was Unforgivable, but seemed to be an attack of choice by Voldemort. After practicing with Professor Snape, Danny was getting better, but he still couldn't throw it off completely yet.

This whole mental assault thing scared him. There were wizards who could read minds (or something – a note in Professor Dumbledore's description made it seem more complicated than that), and apparently, the only people who could block this magical attack were other wizards. He had no hope of even learning to mount a defense against this magic, unless it worked like fighting off the Imperius Curse. But Professor Dumbledore said it could only be fought off by a spell called Occlumency.

Danny reflected and thought about the ghost power which acts anything like that: overshadowing. It was only a passing thought before, but now that he was thinking about an assault on a person's will and thoughts, he thought about the morality of overshadowing someone.

Danny discovered the power when he overshadowed Dash after Dash humiliated him when he asked Paulina to the homecoming dance. Now that he thought about it, he overshadowed Dash quite a bit. That time, he did it almost by accident. However, when Danny did it and Sydney Poindexter caught him, Danny was "hoist by his own petard." (Vlad would be proud of him for thinking it – this was a cool expression used in Hamlet to say his own plan backfired against him.) He overshadowed Dash, and then Sydney overshadowed him, forcing Danny's consciousness out of his body, until he got it back. During the week of the fight with the Ghost King, he overshadowed Dash again, and Vlad reminded Danny of how much he behaved like Vlad, and not in a good way.

Danny overshadowed his father. At first, it was because his father scared him about "taking out his frustration on the next person to bring him bad news." But then, he did it again at the parent-teacher conference, and again at the dance, so that Mr. Lancer didn't tell his father about his tangibility control problem he had with his pants. When he overshadowed his father at the college reunion, it was a defensive move. It helped him defeat Vlad and made Vlad leave his family alone (for a while, anyway).

There were times he overshadowed Tucker. The first time was right before that homecoming dance. Danny was so taken with the idea that he had a date with Paulina (and realized that Paulina had the dragon amulet that was triggered by a volatile emotional shift), that he failed to realize that he missed the fact that Sam wanted to go. He felt bad. Tucker even told him "no," as he had a date with Valerie, but Sam… While he was glad that Sam had a chance to come to the dance, he only now realized that Tucker told him no. And Tucker was powerless to fight Danny's ghostly influence over him.

Then there was the time when Danny practiced overshadowing as one of the many things he did in the Power Training session with Sam and Tucker, before Vlad tricked him and his mom into going to his hunting chalet in Colorado. He remembered that Tucker said, "I hate when you do that." Tucker objected, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Maybe this overshadowing power was as terrifying to humans who knew about it as he was terrified by the idea of mind control and mind reading by wizards. Danny remembered when he overshadowed Sam's parents to give Sam permission to come on a cross-country trip with his family. He hid the details of that episode from Sam. It felt clever at the time, as it got him what he wanted but… Now he started to realize how out of line it was. If he was embarrassed to admit it to Sam, maybe it was wrong to do it in the first place.

He thought of Professor Snape's words: "Situations will arise that may present moral dilemmas. Following your natural inclinations to fulfill your ambitions, it may be difficult to piece together what is right, when what is easy may fill that niche more readily." Danny understood that overshadowing was a power that was easy, but he came to understand now that it wasn't right. He was ashamed.

He trudged down the stairs as he thought of one last piece of his conversation with Professor Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore is the first and only human here who showed any interest in the Ghost Zone. He doubted if any other living professors knew about it. He was almost positive that none of the other students had a clue about it.

He thought of how his parents worked tirelessly until they produced the Fenton Portal, which opens a portal between his parents' lab and the Ghost Zone. Sam and Tucker convinced him to go into the non-functioning Portal that gave him his powers, turning him half-ghost. Danny smiled, though tears rolled down his face.

His first trip into the Ghost Zone was to retrieve an anniversary present his father planned for his mother, and Danny carelessly knocked it into the open Portal after he used his powers to clean the lab. Sam and Tucker came to retrieve HIM when this adventure got him in trouble with Walker…

No. Danny was not going to lunch. He looked around, noticed that no one saw him, turned invisible and intangible, and sank through the floor. He spent the lunch period alone on his bed, with his thoughts, emotions, tears, and Morph.

14