Welcome back, and thanks again! It has now been one year since I started publishing this fic, and as of this writing, this fic has had 479 reviews, 29,338 hits, was placed in 7 different communities, is on 101 favorite fic lists, and is on 128 alert lists. I'm not sure how much of it was due to this story, but as of this writing, I've been put on 25 favorite author lists, and 24 author alert lists.

I thank you all for your continued reading and continual support. I wish I could give you something more than fun suggestions, but that's all I have to give, besides another chapter. Today I'm handing out slices of cake (for the fic's publishing birthday) and sparklers.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom, Harry Potter, or Through the Looking Glass.

I DO own the name of Freakshow's book but feel free to use it. (Just let people know where you got it.)

Chapter 31

After the game, the crowd headed back to the Common Rooms for their various celebrations or wound-licking commiseration. Danny was indeed invited to the Gryffindor victory party. It was the first in a long while – a Slytherin student was invited to a party in Gryffindor Tower. Even Draco seemed to be gracious about it.

Danny asked, "Ginny, what's the deal about 'Weasley Is Our King?' I asked Professor Snape about it, but he told me to ask someone here."

She giggled. "Last year, Ron tried out for Keeper. He was okay at practice, but the Slytherins gave him a hard time, as usual." She rolled her eyes. Looking back at Danny, she said, "Present company excepted."

Danny sighed. "Yeah, I figured."

"So they made up a stupid song to insult him, and it shook his confidence. But at the end of the last game last season, Ron did such a fantastic job that the Gryffindors co-opted it, and changed the words so it's only in his praise."

"Nice." Danny spied Cormac McLaggen on the other side of the room. The Seventh Year looked perfectly content in his team's glory and the party in general.

Ginny noticed Danny's nervous gaze and distracted him. "You know, Harry got on the team in his First Year. He was the youngest Seeker in over a hundred years."

Danny looked over to Harry, who was surrounded by the crowd, ensconced by fans. "Very cool." He noticed her watching Harry with a proud smile. "You like him, don't you?"

Taken by surprise by such a frank question, Ginny answered, "Who doesn't?"

Danny fixed her with a stare. "I mean you like like him."

She shrugged. "Yes. Since Harry's First Year."

Her curt answers made Danny realize a topic change was in order. "I notice he doesn't mind this type of a crowd."

Ginny rounded on him. "What are you saying?" she demanded, hands on hips.

"Nothing," he said quickly. He managed to push her defense button. Well, Slytherins usually gave Gryffindors (Harry and his friends more than others) grief, so he knew he had to show that his comments were not in that vein. "It was just an observation. He usually doesn't like crowds and fuss, and I thought it was interesting that this was different."

She narrowed her eyes. 'Great,' thought Danny, 'she's either being a protective girlfriend, or she views me as a threat.' Then he remembered that Sam was just like that. When Danny's secret was exposed at the Dumpty Humpty concert during the 'Reality Gauntlet' incident, Danny panicked. Sam and Tucker grabbed chairs to fend off the crowd. The fact that the 'A-list' bunch decided to help him was a nice, unlooked-for bonus, but Sam and Tucker weren't taking any chances. Between Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, Harry was one lucky guy.

Danny locked earnest eyes with Ginny's mistrustful glare. "Harry is truly fortunate to have you as a girlfriend."

Ginny's eyebrows shot up. Was she Harry's girlfriend? She wanted to be, and he seemed interested in her attention. However, she wasn't certain about this yet, and she thought she was less transparent than Ron was. Ah, well. She was a Weasley and proud of it.

Danny continued, "I also know what it's like to finally get attention for something you feel you deserve. It's totally cool. I was just surprised at how much he reminds me… of me." Danny muttered, "Now I think I get it when Uncle Vlad says I remind him… Arg!"

Ginny giggled again. She didn't really know the other dark-haired teen. From what she could tell, his attitude was very different from his Housemates. He was sweet, and might make a girl happy when they found each other. "Come on. Let's see if we can get Harry away from his adoring fans long enough to let him eat something."

When the game was over, the faculty headed to the Great Hall for a late lunch. Sitting next to Professor McGonagall, Vlad asked, "Game day seems to have disrupted the schedule. Are the students coming back for dinner?"

Until the meal, Professor McGonagall was busy trying to rein in Zacharias Smith (he wouldn't do for commentator – he was every bit as biased as Lee Jordan, but at least Jordan did a creditable job announcing the game. However many prompts he needed, he did actually get the job done, unlike Smith), so she had to hear from Albus and Filius about Vlad's overarching possessiveness of his 'nephew.' She may have a word with the elder half-ghost before the next game. But about his question…

"No. The students are likely to carry on for quite some time. I've had to put an end to the festivities at two in the morning on a few occasions."

"Hmm." Vlad frowned in thought. He still had to collect Daniel for their Powers Training session. "Professor, I still need to head to London today – to pick up mail, make some calls, that kind of thing. Is there anything I can get for you when I go?"

Minerva studied him a moment as she came up with an answer. 'He's charming, when he has a mind to be. Severus doesn't trust him, but respects him. There are few characters Severus willingly respects. There's no harm in answering him positively,' she decided.

"Yes, actually. There is a book in Flourish and Blotts that I've been meaning to buy. After we finish here, I'll get you the money, along with all the particulars."

Vlad shook his head. "No, Professor. I'll not have it. I'll take the information, but really. I meant to…"

"We'll see."

He sighed heavily and shrugged his shoulders. "Very well, Madam." It wasn't as if he was unused to being rejected by a lady he fancied.

Once the plates disappeared, Professor McGonagall conjured a piece of parchment and a quill, listing the book, the author, and the edition she was interested in.

Vlad perked up. "I will have it for you before I collect Daniel from the Gryffindor party at seven."

She said, "That is a perfect time for me to put in an appearance at that party."

"Very good. Then I'll see you there."

She watched him leave the Hall. Shaking her head in amusement, she thought, 'He is very charming, indeed. Even if I were interested, he seems to have no inkling of the fact that I'm old enough to be his grandmother.'

After Danny's evening with Vlad, Draco greeted him. It wasn't cold, but it wasn't warm, either. Danny sighed. "Look, Draco – I knew this was going to happen. There's a reason I didn't want to choose where to go. I figured that wherever I went, someone else would be unhappy. And you proved my point – I went to the party, and now you're unhappy." Maybe it would be worth it to make a habit to sit with Vlad at every game.

"No – Danny, it's not like that," Draco lied. "It's… You do know that you're probably the first Slytherin to enter Gryffindor Tower since the first war with You-Know-Who, right?"

"Okay." Danny gestured with a hand for Draco to continue.

Draco thought for a bit. Was there a reason to be upset with Danny other than the fact that Danny chose to celebrate with Gryffindor rather than to commiserate with the Slytherins? And to be perfectly honest, it wasn't so much celebrating with the Gryffindors as much as it was hanging out with Harry, one of Danny's close friends.

An amusing thought just hit him. Urquhart remarked that Danny would play next game; his eagle eye would be necessary for the definitive win. What would it be like to have Potter rooting for Slytherin? The thought tickled him so much, a broad smile took over his face. "Nothing's wrong. All is well."

Danny threw him a disbelieving glance. "If you say so." Disconcerted, Danny made his way to the bedroom. Vlad brought back a letter from Valerie. Closing the curtains around his bed, he lit a ball of ectoplasm to read by.

October 24, 1996

Dear Danny,

It was good to hear from you. They think of electronics as a distraction, huh? That is kind of weird, so close to the year 2000. But you mentioned Tucker – thinking about him, I see your school's point.

The terrorist attack took out almost everybody. The few you knew who made it are a weird bunch. Kwan, Mikey, Nathan (ugh! He's like the proverbial cockroach after nuclear holocaust.), and a few band nerds and chess geeks. It is so weird – the school is only a shell of itself. Mr. Faluca is here, as well as Principal Ishiyama. Mrs. Tetslaff is never going away – ever. As disturbing as that is, it is also kind of comforting.

It makes no sense – no group or organization has taken credit for the terrorist attack. You hear what goes on in Ireland and Israel, and even Timothy McVeigh, but no one knows who attacked Amity Park or why. That kind of creates more panic, because without knowing who did it or what their motives were, it could just as easily happen again. We just hope and pray that it won't.

There is something else that is really odd. Even with your parents gone, there have been no ghost attacks. Even that ghost boy, Phantom, who made a nuisance of himself, is gone. I was going to say that he terrorized the town, but having been the victim of real terrorists… it just doesn't seem as bad anymore.

Principal Ishiyama set up a few grief counselors to talk to any student whenever we need to. They are infinitely better than Ms. Spectra was. They actually help. You aren't the only one dealing with 'survivor's guilt.' Part of me feels like if I was there, I could have done something to help. But they keep telling me that no matter how talented I am, there was no way I could have done anything.

Defense is always something useful to know. I'm glad you are learning it. Your friend Harry could give me a run for my money, huh? What is he like? Where did he learn it? I'm curious.

How is Mr. Masters? He is an interesting man. It must be cool to have a world renown billionaire as an uncle! I'm glad to hear that you're getting along. I remember that he seemed to like you.

Halloween is interesting. Mrs. Tetslaff is still running the Haunted Mansion. She says that the return to normal activities will help us adjust and return to normal (or what passes for normal around here).

I miss you a lot. You know, the reason we broke up had nothing to do with you – I just have other obligations. You are really cute, and I hope you find someone worthy of you.

I hope you also have a Happy Halloween, and I look forward to the next time you write.

Sincerely,

Valerie

It was good to hear from Valerie. It was interesting. Apparently, the Death Eaters had little rhyme and no reason in their target selection. Kwan, Mikey, Nathan… maybe they were better at hiding. Kwan was a surprise. He usually wasn't far from either Dash or Star, but he managed to survive, and the others didn't.

Valerie's assessment of Nathan amused him. Valerie is a pretty girl, and Nathan doesn't seem to be able to take 'no' for an answer. However, he's not aggressive enough to do more than pine. Valerie is worth having if she decided to reciprocate, though.

The students who seemed to have more staying power (or, alternatively, were ignored) were the band nerds and chess geeks. Interesting. The meek shall inherit? Danny shrugged. They must feel almost as lousy as he does. Worse, maybe, because they have to wander the same halls with the other students missing.

Mr. Faluca, Mrs. Tetslaff, and Principal Ishiyama made it. Good for them.

No one seemed to know who committed this horror. With a rueful grimace, Danny remembered that the IRA, Hamas, Hizbolla, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups were never shy about taking credit for their work. Part of the terror was understanding why they did what they did.

But as Professor Snape said, the Death Eaters will never be known to the Muggle World. Interestingly enough, that creates even more panic, as Valerie said. Danny's eyes hardened as he studied the letter. He would do his darnedest to take Voldemort and his Death Eaters down.

Danny smiled – apparently, the ghosts were taking Vlad's orders seriously, and seemed to leave Amity Park alone. He sighed in annoyance. Valerie still viewed him as the enemy. Maybe it was just as well that she broke up with him. He really liked her. She was still smart, pretty, funny, strong, and a deadly shot (good thing he was faster than she was). But for the first time in his life, Danny was getting positive reinforcement from adults on his ghost half. He liked being accepted for who he was – in both forms. As much as he liked Valerie, he was beginning to appreciate that when he found someone, she needed to appreciate all of him. Like Sam did.

Danny sighed again. He wondered what Sam did with that ring. Not that he could have given it to anyone else, really. Dad had Sam's name engraved in it. That didn't stop him from trying to give it to Valerie… He shrugged. Maybe Vlad would help him out.

Danny would have to tell Vlad that Valerie asked about him. She was right – whatever else there was to say about the man, he was interesting. Vlad gave Valerie her first set of ghost hunting gear. He also encouraged her to hunt Danny. Danny bristled for a bit. Drat that man!

Interesting… he didn't think of Vlad as a Froot-Loop anymore. Often.

Tuesday evening, before they started their Powers Training session, Danny asked, "So how did it go?"

Vlad was impressed. Considering Danny's attitude the last time he left for America, Vlad was pleasantly surprised that Danny's inquiry held no negative undertones.

"It went well, with all things considered. Bob Dole would not have been my first choice, but besides the moron Clinton and the raving lunatic Perot, he was the only real option. No one knew what time I intended to show up, so I didn't have to worry about the media or exit polls. Thank heavens for small favors."

Danny smiled. Politics was a topic that never dawned on him to bring up with Vlad. For someone who had such disregard for law and order, it amused Danny to see how civic-minded Vlad was. But then again, Vlad kept a squeaky-clean profile, so attention to legal detail would be important. Vlad did say, 'You need to know what the rules are before you break them.'

Wait. Vlad was drawn to power. Voting might be one in the tide of several million, but it was a bid for power every American citizen over the age of 18 had the opportunity to take advantage of. Of course Vlad would take it. What was more, it was perfectly legal and legitimate. Maybe it wasn't as surprising as it might have been.

Danny said, "I'm glad you had an easy time of it."

Vlad closed his eyes in pleasure. Danny had no idea how long Vlad wanted to hear that sentence from Danny's lips. "Indeed. Speaking about an easier time, I will start organizing a press conference this Saturday, so that when we get back to America, you will have an easier time. The conference will target your two main problem areas, as I see them: the Guys in White, and the media at large. After I make the initial rounds of phone calls, we can discuss the details of how they've been harassing you, and see if we can get them to stop." Vlad furrowed his brows. "The situation with Miss Grey will require special finesse, and I'll try to deal with that a different day."

All thoughts of telling Vlad about Valerie's letter left him for the moment. Danny stared at Vlad. He was sure he couldn't have heard the man correctly. "What? Why would you do that?"

Vlad raised an incredulous eyebrow. He imagined that Daniel would be surprised at his magnanimity, but the boy could have at least attempted to appear to be thankful. "If you haven't deduced that on your own, I'll leave it up to your imagination to figure it out."

Honestly – he wanted to be Daniel's adoptive father. What father would allow his son to have a villainous reputation when firstly, such a reputation was falsely earned, and second, one has enough power and influence to make such a stain go away, even if it was rightfully earned? Well… if it was possible to make it go away, he would do it.

However, Vlad realized that Danny had seriously valid reasons for doubting his motives on this. Now was not the time to convince the child of this. They had classes to get on with.

Wednesday morning, Draco's owl made its morning delivery, and after giving it a strip of bacon, he took the missive from its leg. He looked it over and he beamed. Danny couldn't remember the last time he had seen the expression of simple but radiant joy on this friend's face.

"What is it?" Danny asked.

Draco smiled at him before he schooled his features into a slightly more neutral expression. "Danny, I'd like to invite you and your uncle to my house for the first week of Christmas break. I asked my mother for permission, and she says that she would be as glad to have you as I'll be."

Danny smiled back. It would be nice to spend Christmas with friends, now that he didn't really hate the holiday anymore. With a pang, he remembered he wouldn't have Sam and Tucker.

Then he remembered his general situation.

He also remembered that Draco's father was a Death Eater, one of the people he and Vlad were studiously trying to avoid. He also remembered that Mr. Malfoy was in prison, but what was the rest of Draco's family like? He sighed. Why was life so complicated?

Danny's smile broke, but it was still there. Kind of. "Thanks for offering, Draco. However…" How was he going to explain this? It was one thing to say that his strict uncle wouldn't let him go to Hogsmeade. It would be quite another to explain that he didn't expect to leave Hogwarts in the foreseeable future. "I think Uncle Vlad has plans." There. That should do it.

"What kinds of plans?" Draco didn't try to hide the fact that he was hurt. He knew his friend lost his whole family and his closest friends. Where else would he be going?

Danny saw the pain in Draco's eyes. He answered honestly. "Look – Uncle Vlad only became my guardian in July. We weren't particularly close until then. I really don't know what his plans are. I'll ask, but I'm not too hopeful. Either way, I do totally appreciate the offer."

Draco stopped frowning, as he was slightly mollified. It wasn't him Danny was rejecting, but an invitation he might not be able to take him up on. And despite the little information he squeezed out of Danny about said dark-haired friend, Draco had nothing at all on his professor, other than the facts that he was strict, strong, fair, and seriously cared for his nephew. And he was extremely well off. The wand Professor Masters got Danny that was only attuned to them spoke of great wealth.

"Try and ask him anyway. You never know about these things."

Draco tried to get him to do something Danny said he probably couldn't, like his getting Danny to try out for Quidditch. With an attempt to manipulate the situation to attain his goal, it was positively Slytherin of Draco. Danny smiled at Draco's unintended transparency. "Will do."

Professor Snape shook his head and rolled his eyes as he contemplated the last two detentions he issued this late night patrol shift. Those two Seventh Year Hufflepuffs were in an otherwise unused classroom expressing the fact that they were hormonally challenged. Sweet Merlin, if they would choose to be that expressive, they should at least have the wit to use a Silencing Charm! Not that such a thing would have prevented him from finding them, but really… He had plans for them to spend next evening together under his watchful eye in detention. The ingredients they would prepare would be at least as disgusting as their little display. It might not teach them dignity or decorum, but at the least it would teach them to be more discreet.

And they protested that it was all in the name of love. They wouldn't know love if it smacked them in the nose. No, their… performance was nothing more than unadulterated lust. Real love involved respect. Real love involved trust. Real love looked a lot like that which he and his beloved Lily had for each other. Until he lost that trust and respect. The professor sighed.

But Lily's son Harry required a different sort of love (at this age, at any rate). This brought Severus to think of Vlad and Daniel. They knew each other for a little more than a year and a half, or perhaps closer to two years now, and they seemed to know each other fairly well. After five and a half years, Severus realized he didn't know Harry at all. Sure, he was brave, and reckless, but no one ever taught him to value his own life. The boy put himself in untold danger year after year: to protect the Philosopher's Stone, to rescue Ginevra Weasley, to rescue Ron from Black, Fourth Year wasn't his fault, and last year to protect Harry's beloved mutt.

Besides Harry's obvious hero complex and various reports from other professors that he seems to be likable (and the fact that Harry is fast friends with his current favorite student), the professor didn't know anything useful about the boy. How would he get to know Harry better?

He thought for a bit as he finished his rounds. What would Albus say? Besides the Hecate forsaken twinkle in his eyes to show his pleasure at the two of them getting along, Dumbledore's tone would hold no amusement, as he realized the seriousness of his inquiry. 'Take time to get to know him,' he said, many times. But how does one go about such a thing?

Snape stopped where he stood and covered his eyes. "Merlin help me! I'm going to have to ask Vlad himself!" There was nothing for it. In one month, Vlad and Daniel's relationship changed from abusive (as it was when Daniel reported it) to something not far from the actual parent/child relationship Vlad sought.

He sneered at himself. He thought of Masters as Vlad now? Well, that wasn't so surprising. The information Severus now sought was not as a professional, nor even as a guardian on his ward's behalf, but as a man trying to be worthy enough to earn the title 'father.'

The next day, the fretful wizard met Vlad in the staff room. Vlad read a book and took notes on Dementors, although they seemed to be on a lesson plan slated for next term. He asked, "Professor, might I have a word?"

Looking up, Vlad noticed the pensive look on the Potions Master's face. Such an expression caught his attention immediately. "Of course. How can I help you?"

Snape looked down for a moment, pressed his lips together in concentration, and said, "I would like an appointment to speak with you. It might take some time."

"What is this about?"

"It concerns a private matter." Vlad's mind went into hyper drive – the intensely private man before him wanted an occasion to express something personal, and he was the one chosen for this event. He was intrigued beyond measure.

"Certainly. Would you like to meet in your office or mine?"

"The Room of Requirement, actually. Remembering how you set it for the parent/teacher conference, I thought that might be the type of setting I'm looking for. There is no need for the grandiose opulence, but a private, warm place of comfort would be useful."

Vlad raised an elegant eyebrow. "Indeed." By this point, they were the only ones left in the staff room. "Tonight, after Daniel's classes are through, I'll have him teleport to his Common Room door to protect your privacy," he said, putting a finger to his chin.

Severus was surprised at the man's consideration. "I thank you for your discretion."

Vlad carelessly waved a hand. "Not at all. I'll see you at dinner, Professor."

It was Thursday evening, and Vlad told Danny that they would work on his Ghostly Wail until Monday, when Vlad would teach him how to catch another ghost's ecto-energy, add to it, and redirect it elsewhere. They started Much Ado About Nothing, and Danny was amused by the teasing between Beatrice and Benedick. Danny understood the concepts Vlad taught in math, but he doubted it would ever be his favorite subject.

After Danny shouldered his backpack, Vlad asked, "Daniel, when was the last time you teleported?"

Putting a hand on the back of his neck, Danny admitted, "I don't remember. It's been a while. Maybe when I overshadowed Goyle?"

Giving a knowing nod, Vlad said, "Then it's been long enough. I want you to teleport to the door of your Common Room. This skill requires practice to maintain accuracy."

"Okay. G'night, Uncle Vlad."

Vlad hugged Danny. "Good night, little badger." With that, Danny evaporated in a green mist. "Now, it's time to see what Snape wants." He exited the room and leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

The good professor was prompt. With furrowed brows, Snape said, "I thank you again for your time." Professor Snape walked back and forth three times, and when they entered, there were two comfortable chintz armchairs near a crackling fireplace, and a table of cherry wood with a tea set between them. Vlad looked taken aback at the tea service. "The elves sent it up." Vlad nodded.

Once both were seated and poured themselves cups, the Slytherin began. "Vlad, how have you gotten to know Daniel so well in such a short time?"

Raising an eyebrow, he answered, "I sent minions to test him and spy on him regularly, and had a particularly vengeful pawn record their battles, in addition to my own encounters with him. I also have the money and wherewithal to get just about anything I want, both legitimately and illicitly, including access to school records, and anything else that seems pertinent at the moment. I have known of his strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and fears for a long time."

A silent fury boiled Snape's blood at the mention of the man's treachery against a teenager. Vlad watched his expression of rage in amusement. "But somehow, I get the feeling that wasn't the answer you were looking for. Were you looking to ask a personal question about you or me, Severus?"

A tight-lipped Severus glared balefully at the half-ghost for a few seconds before recalling his purpose. "I have recently acquired a ward of my own. We've had… an antagonistic relationship thus far. Considering the fact that I've taught him for five and a half years, and have access to all of his records," He refused to add, 'And press releases.' "I know quite a bit about him. But that doesn't mean that I actually know him."

Vlad abandoned his smirk. "Ah. That's what you're after." He sighed. "When Daniel showed up on my doorstep in July, I had the same problem. But you see, since I met him, it was my plan to teach him something close to my heart: the usage of a half-ghost's powers. This requires time and effort, and careful planning.

"Since we got here, with very few exceptions, we've spent three hours a day every day in each other's company. From July until August 31, we spent time on Powers Training, and then we spent time talking of all kinds of things: what I did growing up, what he did growing up, the rules of chess, some of his experiences with ghosts, various perspectives of our less dramatic encounters, how I dealt with my earlier experiences of coming into my powers, shoes and ships, of sealing wax, of cabbages and kings." He quirked his lips. "Although we never really spoke of politics until two days ago, and even then, it wasn't the lengthiest conversation – we had other things to cover."

Professor Snape murmured, "Three hours a day…"

Vlad continued, "Indeed. While learning about magic is probably fascinating for him, that says nothing for what he'll need to know once this problem with Voldemort is solved. So, I teach him math and English, Muggle subjects that will be of the utmost importance once we leave here, but also providing him with critical thinking skills, which are useful in any situation. Since the start of the school year, it also doesn't hurt to sequester him from the other students during what might otherwise be free time. You know what they say about 'loose lips…' And I get him to myself for those three hours."

Severus started thinking out loud. "Three hours… Well, my ward has no secrets to hide. He's also built a social life for himself, so three hours a night would be excessive. That much time would never work. Perhaps I could restart Occlumency lessons, and find some time over the weekend…"

"It sounds like you've planned a nice start. Good luck with that." Finishing his cup of tea, Vlad said, "Oh, and Professor? Would you be able to come to one of our Power Training sessions next week? Perhaps Wednesday or Thursday?"

Perking up with curiosity, Snape said, "Certainly. What for?"

"It's for a new experiment. I want to get Daniel familiar with the skill, and your assistance would help to round it out immeasurably… if it works. If it doesn't, then we will know better, hmm?"

Severus smiled. "Indeed." He had the feeling he would pay for some of the spells he had Daniel perform during their overshadowing experiment. Of course, it would all be done in the name of helping Daniel. But whatever would happen would be interesting. That much was certain.

Saturday evening, after Danny and Vlad finished their Powers Training session, Vlad praised the boy, but his eyes weren't in it. Noticing his guardian's agitation, Danny asked, "Uncle Vlad? What's wrong?"

With the same targeted yet primal fury that filled him when he considered that the city of Green Bay refused to sell him the Packers, Vlad spat, "That idiot Clinton was reelected! If it weren't for the Republican majority in the House and the Senate, my taxes would be raised astronomically!"

Danny looked thoughtful. "I didn't pay too much attention to these things at home, but I heard that he only wanted to raise taxes on the top…" He stopped himself. "Right. I got you."

Vlad rolled his eyes. As important as politics were to him, he could see why Danny might not care. Being a teenager was no excuse. Having quite enough distractions such as saving the town on a regular basis was a valid excuse. He sighed inwardly. Further, it wasn't the boy's fault the moron won.

"Yes. Well… While I was in London, I made a few calls. I'm putting together that press conference I told you about on Tuesday."

Danny raised his eyebrows. "You're serious, aren't you?"

"What do you think? Of course I'm serious!" Honestly – would it hurt the boy to show a little gratitude? "I have a few media outlets 'in my pocket,' as it were, but you are going to have to share with me some of the more recent specifics so I can pull together the most effective selection of television and radio stations and newspapers to start with."

Danny blinked. This couldn't be real! Vlad stopped at nothing to make him look bad in the press at home, but now… This was a bit beyond him.

Sighing in exasperation, Vlad said, "Daniel, after my first trip to the States from here, you mentioned the Guys in White, and how they won't leave you alone. Tell me about that."

Danny wasn't sure how to respond. In general, Vlad was doing a much better job of being decent to him. The man might hug him a lot more frequently now, but it still rankled the teenager to have to admit anything that smacked of being a weakness to him. But then again, he already told Vlad about his worst fear. This couldn't be worse than that. More to the point, Vlad was offering to ameliorate the situation. Danny nodded to himself and took a breath.

"Towards the end of the last school year, they decided to go after me with more of a will than they have since you put them on my trail, but not quite as much as… different reality – you won't have remembered it. Never mind."

Vlad raised an eyebrow in question, but Danny ignored him and continued. "They now have technology that can make them invisible and intangible, as well as jetpacks to make them fly." Almost to himself, he said, "Their aim still stinks, but they're getting better."

Danny thought about telling Vlad about the fact that they got Skulker's battle suit right before they went after Danny, but he changed his mind. Skulker gave him a hard way to go, but Danny beat him almost every time. (Except for that time when Jazz tried to be too helpful and ran away to Vlad…)

"Last time, they got close. They noticed a picture of me in ghost form on Tucker's PDA, and they interrogated everyone close to me. They threatened Mr. Lancer, and they tried to interrogate me. However, it slowly dawned on them that Fenton has black hair, while Phantom has white hair. Then, they attacked a kid, Gregor – well, that's what Elliot called himself – because he had white hair, and Sam told me he had eyes the same shade of green I have in my ghost form."

Vlad sat back to contemplate what he just heard. The first bit that caught his attention was the mention of an alternate reality. What on earth has Daniel been through? His worst fear was based on an alternate time line. The boy actually met Clockwork! And now, he just casually mentioned having participated in an alternate reality.

Who or what could cause such a thing? The Ghostwriter was careful with his manipulation of the world. Or, he did if he knew what was good for him. But more to the point, he was an author. He would want his work visible, even if the fact that he was behind it was hidden. Desiree could do something like that, but why would she, unless someone wished it? The way Daniel described it, it would have been a seriously carefully thought out wish. Then there was the theoretical 'Reality Gauntlet' in Frederich Isak Showenhower's book Ghostly Possession and Possession of Ghosts: Facts and Artifacts that Give Control to Either Ghosts or Humans Over the Other. There was no proof that such a thing as the 'Reality Gauntlet' existed, but it might explain a few things if it did. Maybe.

That was all well and good, and something Vlad might think about when there were less pressing issues to deal with. Or if such things became pressing issues. But the matter at hand involved the Guys in White, who were more competent than when he first hired them. Honey covered dough balls! And the federal government was footing the bill (he would ignore that for now) to get increasingly more invasive into Daniel's life. He clenched his fists, but left his arms on the armrests of his chair. There was no need to upset the boy.

"That complicates matters, but I'll see what I can do." What could he do? Besides issuing a release to the press, he could call the GiW headquarters to inform them the bounty is cancelled. Butter biscuits, he should have thought of that months ago! Ah, well… And there was no guarantee that would call off the attack dogs, particularly Operatives O and K. He would follow their progress via phone calls and Internet cafés (or quick jaunts back to one of his labs at home, where he would use his infinitely superior technology).

If this failed to get results, he could always invade their headquarters and destroy all the information on Daniel. That might be difficult and dangerous, but doable; these were merely bureaucratic morons he had to fool.

It felt good to have a devious, highly illegal, and completely untraceable plot afoot! He did so love a challenge.

"From what I've seen thus far, Daniel, the local media in Amity Park is still largely in your favor. You have been given credit for the lack of ghost molestation." Of course, there are also voices that say he was the cause of the ghost infestation, but they were the minority opinion.

Danny perked up. "Really?"

Vlad rolled his eyes again. "Yes, Daniel, really. In our former habit patterns (and by rights), I would make a hurtful, sarcastic remark about your taking credit for my work." Danny was about to object indignantly, but Vlad raised a hand. "However. Considering your complete media blackout since July 22, the media's opinion is obviously not your fault. Regardless, it is a fiction that I have every intention of encouraging, once I pull the press conference I've been talking about together."

Danny blinked. In a very low tone, he asked, "You would do that? For me?"

Vlad saw the gratitude he was looking for before in Daniel's eyes. Gently, he answered, "Yes, Daniel. For you."

Looking down, Danny said, "I… can't thank you enough. I…"

"Don't worry about it." Ah, so that is what it feels like to do the right thing. "You are worth it." It was completely sincere, but he couldn't let show how profoundly touched he was by Daniel's expression.

"The difficult nut to crack in this will be Miss Grey. It's true that I threw gasoline on the proverbial flames of hatred, but she started her fire of personal animus against you on her own. I'll see if I can put in a good word, but I think it may be a lost cause."

Danny sighed. "I figured as much. At least she didn't blame me for the Death Eater attack." He ran a hand through his hair before continuing. "She sent you regards in her letter and asked about you."

Vlad smiled in surprise. "Did she? How sweet of her. How is she doing?"

"Well, she seems to have survivor's guilt, too."

"It's a common malady in decent folk, but none so much as heroic folk."

Not knowing how to respond to that, Danny just ignored it. "Professor Snape was right. As far as the people of Amity Park are concerned, an unidentified terrorist organization pulled off the attack, and more people are worried 'cause they don't know who did it and why."

Vlad nodded. "Given what we know, that much wasn't unexpected."

It was Danny's turn to sit back and think. Vlad was really working to fix his situation with the Guys in White and the media. True, it was mostly Vlad's fault that he had these problems to start with, but changing the situation sounded like an awful lot of work. And the man was willing to do it. All for him. It showed that he really did care. Danny would need time to digest this.

He still wasn't sure if he could share his feelings about Valerie with him, though. Seriously – he wasn't ready to share that information with his father. Of course, that didn't stop his father from having that totally embarrassing conversation, but at least they had it over ice cream. That kind of softened the blow, sweetened the situation. He wouldn't exactly say that it made the conversation easier, but it was a deliciously pleasant, if ineffective, distraction.

However, he and Vlad were getting much closer. It wasn't that Vlad was being manipulative. (Well, maybe he was. But Danny couldn't see how this was bad. Much. Anymore.) It was about Vlad demonstrating how much he really cared for him. He still wasn't sure they were ready for the father/son thing, but they were getting closer. He smiled shyly at the older half-ghost. Vlad raised his eyebrows and smiled back.

Danny announced, "You know, Draco invited us to come to his house for the first week of Christmas break."

"And?" It looked like Daniel was not finished expressing his thoughts. Vlad decided he was getting better at this, and waited.

"I told him that I didn't think it was doable, as I didn't know your plans. It was mostly the truth." He slumped morosely in his chair.

"Daniel?"

Danny shrugged. "I don't know your plans, but it looks like I'm stuck here until further notice. I'll ask Harry what Christmas here is like. I imagine he spent a few of them here." He looked up. "I hope you enjoy it, wherever you go." He cast his gaze back down.

Vlad wasn't prepared for the profound sadness Danny exuded. And the boy seemed to think… well, that was a situation that needed to be cleared up posthaste. He got up and crouched before Danny, lifted his chin with a finger, and said, "Daniel, I do indeed have plans. But you are an integral part of those plans." He hugged the glum teen, and held him for a few minutes. "This will be our first Christmas together, and I have every intention to make it as happy as I can. For both of us." Holding Danny's shoulders at arm's length, he said, "I have a few surprises in mind for the Christmas season. I hope you'll enjoy them."

Tears came to Danny's eyes. "Thanks, Vlad," he whispered. They hugged again.