Hey there, and thank you once again. Readers, reviewers, and list placement make my day, and I really thank you all. I offer you all cookies and milk.

For the record, there was an interesting moment when I wanted to include a reference to "Men in Black," but the movie didn't come out until 1997, and this story is in 1996. It happens. There will be extra doughnuts for anyone who figures out where that might have gone.

Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom, Harry Potter, or Salvador Dali's painting "Melted Clocks."

Chapter 32

Sunday evening, Ginny sidled over to the fireplace. Ron had beaten Hermione twice at chess, and now they were relaxing – Hermione read something, and Ron had an arm slung over her shoulder.

Ginny met Harry's gaze, glanced at her brother's goofy expression, and rolled her eyes. Harry grinned. Ginny sighed. "What's the deal with your friend Danny?"

Cocking his head to the side, he asked, "What do you mean?"

She said, "He told me that you remind him of himself."

"Yeah, well… We have a lot of things in common. It's not that surprising."

Ginny sat up straight. "Like what? Besides the fact that you look like each other."

Harry sighed. He discussed Danny quite a bit with Ron, Hermione, and oddly enough, Draco. He knew that Terry Boot and Ernie Macmillan seemed to know something about Danny. But he's never discussed him with Ginny.

"Well… before we get there, you have to promise to keep this quiet. He's a very private fellow, and it wouldn't do to…"

Ginny touched his shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry. I promise not to tell. He just… Notices things about you. Like you don't usually like crowds, but Quidditch fans are different. Like that."

A weird smile quirked Harry's lips. "I would imagine so. Maybe he had a similar experience at home. I can't think how, but the similarities have almost ceased to surprise me. For one thing, he was orphaned by Death Eaters."

"No!" Ginny covered her mouth.

"Yeah. And his uncle – well, his guardian didn't always get along with his father. The relationship between Danny and Professor Masters inspired Professor Snape to be my guardian."

Ginny started in surprise. "I knew Professor Snape was treating you differently – everyone knows – but your guardian?"

"Yeah. He said something about finishing paperwork. And…" He rested his chin in his hands, getting back on topic. "Danny likes Hagrid. He's good to Buckbeak, and he can see Thestrals. There's more to it than that." He grinned. "Oh – and he's brilliant on a broom. We played Quidditch in our spare time over the summer. It's almost like he lives in the air."

Ginny giggled. Everything always came back to Quidditch. Maybe it was genetically hardwired into wizard teens. She noticed Harry's smile as his mind drifted to other thoughts, perhaps about Danny.

She looked at him squarely. "Do you trust him?"

Harry frowned. "Yeah. Why?"

"You only met him this year. And… You don't easily trust people."

Harry picked up a paperweight from the table and fingered it idly. "This summer, when we met him and tutored him, he just… I don't know. He tries so hard. It's almost like he has to prove himself. Not to us – he blew us away with his knowledge in Astronomy, and he's really well versed in Muggle Studies, especially for a Slytherin. It's something else." He looked down at the paperweight.

Ginny stared at him. "He's into Muggle Studies? But…"

"He's from America. Maybe wizards are different there." For all Harry knew, they really could be.

There was something else on Ginny's mind, but putting it into words eluded her. She didn't see Harry and Danny together often, but she did notice that they exchanged glances across the Great Hall, and Ron often looked unhappy afterwards. She was about to ask him about it, but Harry said, "He has a 'saving people' thing. He has a good heart. But like I said before, he seems to have a need to keep things private. Over the summer, he lost a good number of people he loves, and stuff seems to be too hard to talk about. There's just something about him… He's honest and open about his feelings."

"Like you, Harry."

"I guess." Harry was open about his feelings? That was news to him. But if Ginny said so, who was he to argue?

Ginny touched his arm. "He seems to be sweet. But there's something… I don't know. I get the feeling that he isn't what he seems to be."

Harry thought about that. Danny was genuine when it came to matters of the heart. He was afraid of turning Dark, but that didn't make much sense. Danny's Defense skills and Charms skills didn't seem to add up to the pressure Danny worried about when Harry and Draco overheard him. Danny expressed pure terror about becoming Dark, and Professor Masters, who was brutally honest, didn't tell him not to worry about it because Danny lacked the skill. The good professor acknowledged that Danny had the power, but that the professor could overpower him if necessary.

Then there was the Defense Room that looked like… it looked like a lab of some sort. It was part gymnasium, part shooting gallery, and part obstacle course. Then, there were things that honestly made no sense. What would Danny need with a Muggle speed gun?

"Maybe Danny is hiding something. But you know? Regardless of that, he is a decent fellow. He doesn't want anyone to be hurt. I'm not sure why he is so worried, but whatever is bothering him, it's a big deal to him." He lowered his voice. "You know, I understand that. I know what it feels like to feel responsible…" Harry wasn't ready to explain how he felt responsible for Cedric and Sirius's deaths. He didn't know what Danny could have done to stop the Death Eaters, but Harry knew Danny felt responsible.

Ginny gripped his arm. "You know you weren't to blame for Sirius's death."

Harry ran his fingers over the smooth stone of the paperweight. "If it weren't for my lack of judgment, none of us would have been in the Ministry that night."

"Harry…"

"I don't know. I just…" How could he explain the odd feeling he had that if he explained his views on the matter to Danny, the other dark-haired boy would understand? It wasn't logical, but it was a feeling.

At that point, Ron looked over and saw Ginny holding Harry's arm and Harry staring disconsolately at the dragon's egg paperweight. "Why so glum, mate?"

Ginny said, "Harry was just getting to that!"

The siblings bickering saved Harry from trying to explain feelings he didn't understand.

Monday evening, Danny walked back from his evening lessons with Vlad when the Grey Lady sought him out. "Danny! I must speak with you."

Looking around, Danny noticed that they were alone as he descended the stairs. "What's going on, Lady Helena?"

"Professor Dumbledore has made it official – my mother's diadem is ready to be worn! You must see Professor Flitwick tomorrow. I will tell him shortly, but I wanted you to be the first to know." She hugged Danny. "The other House Ghosts await my message. The Headmaster called us all into his office to hear the news, but as I expressed at the Council, I wanted you to be the first student to know. And now, you know even before the Heads of House. Now that you know, I shall tell the others. Then, I'll be off to tell Professor Flitwick."

Danny smiled at the Grey Lady. She never seemed to get this excited, but this was important to her. "Thanks, Lady. Should I…"

"Oh, no. You need to see the good professor tomorrow. The Heads of House will tell the other students when they are ready. But you are free to encourage anyone you wish next week or any time thereafter."

Danny wasn't sure what the big deal was about telling his friends about this sooner, but this formality and propriety meant a lot to Lady Helena. "Okay. Can I tell Uncle Vlad?"

She stopped to think for a moment. No one paused to give Plasmius any consideration on this, or many ghostly matters. He was a powerful ghost, and a cruel, wicked man. She knew of many of his exploits over the past twenty years. But since July, he more or less did an admirable job as Danny's guardian. While she didn't trust Plasmius, she respected him. It also didn't hurt that he was a very good teacher. She sighed.

"Yes, it would be fine for you to tell your uncle." She held Danny's shoulders at arm's length. "Thank you again, Danny. It means so much to me that you found it."

Danny grinned. "I'm glad I was able to help."

"Now off with you! Don't be late for curfew. I'm off to see Professor Flitwick – after I stop into the Great Hall to inform the others that I've delivered the message to you."

"Good night, Lady Helena."

Harry was a little confused. Professor Snape told him to stay after Potions and then told Harry to meet him in his office after dinner. Professor Snape did not give a hint to what this would be about. Harry looked across the Great Hall to catch Danny's eye, but besides a smile to say 'Hi,' Danny gave no hint that he knew what was coming.

When Harry got to Snape's office, the professor offered him a seat. They sat in silence for a few moments. Professor Snape steepled his hands in front of his mouth in thought. Snape nodded to himself and said, "Harry, it occurs to me that I don't know you well at all, and to be honest, I haven't showed you enough of my personality, so it goes without saying that you don't really know me." Harry nodded. "It has come to my attention that one way to rectify this is to spend more time together. I think… one hour a night during the week, and three hours a day on the weekends would work."

Harry shook his head in surprise. "Uh, Professor? What is this about?"

This didn't seem to go the way Severus planned. He murmured, "Close to my heart. Close to my heart…" Taking a breath, he said, "I'm going to teach you Occlumency. You need to learn it, and I… need to do it right this time."

"Sir? Why Occlumency?"

"Because it is something important that only I can teach you." This didn't seem to be working. What was he doing wrong?

"Professor, I get that I could use Occlumency, and if you actually teach and don't put me down, we could even make this work. But what is this about?"

Severus tensed in frustration. "I don't get it! It works for him. Why won't it work for me?"

"What works for who?"

"I don't… Professor Masters spends three hours a night with Daniel, and they've gotten so close. Why…"

Understanding dawned on Harry. "Oh! That's what you're trying to do." He shook his head slowly. "Look – Professor, if that's all you wanted… we can learn Occlumency. But that's not really the point. You told me that Professor Masters and Danny had a really bad relationship, but then a major tragedy threw them together. They needed to figure out how to get along in a hurry, and spending tons of time together is a good way to do it.

"We didn't meet because of a major upheaval in my life. Well, besides the sudden discovery that I'm actually a wizard, and even further, discovering I have mythical hero status in a world I didn't know existed, instead of being treated worse than yesterday's garbage."

The professor winced. His first words to the boy were about his celebrity status, when the boy in question did not yet know or care about it. "You really detest being reminded of that fame, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do. 'The Boy Who Lived.' Ugh. A title I got for failing to die when I can't tell you how many times I've wished I didn't. At least I've honestly earned all the excitement over playing Quidditch."

Severus was pained at the bitterness of Harry's tone.

"But like I said, we didn't meet because of a special, new tragedy. We met because you are my professor. Our relationship didn't change because circumstances forced us to. We just kind of decided to. Or, rather, you decided to change, and I'm going along with it.

"If you want to spend time together, we'll just find some time. We don't need to interrupt our routine. Well, not too much, besides finding a time to learn Occlumency." Harry thought for a minute. "What do you do on the weekends?"

Severus stared. He should not have been so surprised by such a personal question. He was prepared to ask Harry for an abundance of free time. Weekends counted as free time. "I… mark papers, attend Quidditch matches, patrol the halls, occasionally go to Hogsmeade. What did you have in mind?"

Harry shrugged and surprised himself with how bold he was about to be. He might be a Gryffindor, but this had to push some kind of limit. "Well, why don't we schedule a weekend to go to Hogsmeade?"

Snape refused to splutter. It was undignified. He decided to take another tack. "But you do things with your friends. And there's Quidditch games and practices…"

Harry stared. Professor Snape was struggling to come to grips with Harry's social schedule. He decided this went beyond surreal. A half-melted clock hanging off a tree branch was a far more likely occurrence than the situation he found himself in. It wasn't that Harry was ungrateful, but this was Professor Snape, and he genuinely seemed to care.

If Harry woke to find this was a dream, it would be natural, but he would be sorely disappointed. "You know, sir, when Ron was in recovery from his broken leg at the end of Third Year, his parents visited him in the hospital wing. But once he got released, it was the weekend, and his parents took him to Hogsmeade. There's no reason we can't take a weekend and do something similar. We can walk, talk, shop, and just spend alone, non-school time."

Professor Snape tried to organize things and figure them out, but the simplest route would have been to ask Harry's thoughts in the first place. "Harry, how did you get to be so insightful?"

Harry shrugged again. "It's not insightful. It's just observant. Since primary school, I've seen all kinds of parent/child interaction (beyond the Dursleys). I've seen what parents sometimes do with their kids. If I had a pound," he took a breath, "or a Galleon for every time I've wished for someone to just spend time like that with me, I'd…" Well, that analogy didn't work. Between the Potter and Black inheritances, he was unspeakably rich. He thought for a moment. "Well, I'd never have to have worn Dudley's old cast-offs, now would I?" He looked down and sighed.

Severus recognized that now was a time he should hug Harry – it was what he might have done to a Slytherin student who revealed to him something at least as emotional. Their fledgling relationship was taking off, but that seemed to be too much for now. Instead, he reached across his desk to touch Harry's hand, which was gripping the edge of the desk. Harry looked up and their eyes met. "You knew what you wanted, you thought about it carefully, and you planned a way to get it."

"Well, only if you want to, sir."

Severus smiled. "I do." Cocking his head to the side, he said, "You've wanted something like this for a long time, haven't you?"

"You have no idea, sir."

Professor Snape's sense of justice was offended, though he couldn't say why. "I've never heard of this until today. You never said anything."

Harry looked askance. "Who would I tell? And forgive me, sir, but until very recently, you would have been the last person I would want to come to about emotional issues."

Professor Snape had the grace to look sheepish. "Understood. But… even as an orphan, you are still adored by the Wizarding World."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Fame clearly isn't everything."

Severus smirked. "Indeed. Such logic is positively Slytherin of you."

"Thank you, sir. I think."

On Tuesday at breakfast, Draco asked Danny, "So did you ask your uncle?"

Danny offered a small smile. "I did. I'm sorry to say that he made other plans, and he has said that we won't be coming to Malfoy Manor for Christmas. However, he didn't tell me what those plans are, yet."

Draco sighed. "I'm sorry to hear it. But I hope you end up enjoying those plans, whatever they are." They continued to talk about nothing of consequence.

During the break after Transfigurations, Draco wrote home to tell his mother of Professor Masters' decision. He also answered his mother's other questions. Usually, if she asked about a friend, she spoke about family, although she hadn't done that in years. But then again, Draco hadn't had a new friend in years, either. Still, she didn't ask the usual questions. She only asked what town he was from and what he looked like. Danny didn't tell anyone where he was from. However, describing what Danny looked like was simple enough.

Thursday afternoon, Narcissa received Draco's owl. Bellatrix crossed her arms and demanded, "So what does it say?"

Narcissa replied simply, "The good professor has alternate plans for himself and his nephew."

Bellatrix scowled. "Our Lord will not be pleased."

"What won't please me, Bella?" Voldemort asked as he entered the study. He adopted the Malfoys' sitting room as his current throne room. He allowed Narcissa the privacy of the study for her own affairs. Sometimes.

Bella snapped to attention. "My Lord! Draco was unable to convince his newly orphaned friend and his uncle to come here for Christmas."

The Dark Lord narrowed his red eyes. "Newly orphaned, is he? What is the name of this child?"

"Danny Fenton, my Lord," Bella crowed with pride. "Draco wanted to invite him, but the child's uncle made other arrangements." She told him of the friend and the extended invitation. She was sure she told her lord the names of both the uncle and nephew before.

"Daniel Fenton," Voldemort said, getting himself familiar with the name of his possible target. "And what does young Daniel look like?" He looked to Bella, who in turn looked to Narcissa.

Narcissa paled, and reread her son's letter. "My son says he looks like the Potter boy, but with uncorrected blue eyes, and – of course – no scar." Voldemort hissed – he wasn't sure if he was pleased or dismayed at the scar the Potter brat bore. Narcissa trembled.

Ignoring his hostess's discomfort, Voldemort put a skeletal finger to his lips. "Hmm… I wonder… No Death Eaters have seen this boy, as they have been searching for a boy who looks uncannily like Potter. This is curious. If Daniel was in Amity Park, then he cannot have been a wizard, as there were no wizards in Amity Park. But a Muggle would not be a student at Hogwarts. What town is this boy from?"

Narcissa answered shakily, "Draco didn't say, Lord."

"I'll have to think on it. This Daniel presents a puzzle. But your son, Narcissa… he makes me curious. Children of my other servants have strange reports of your son's budding friendship with Harry Potter. I had such hopes for him, as I promised him a means of redemption where your husband so clearly failed."

Narcissa stopped shaking. Love for her son gave her strength. She might not know anything about Draco's new friend Danny, but if Draco changed his mind about the Potter boy, he would have let her know. "Draco's told me nothing of such a friendship, my Lord."

The Dark Lord sighed. "Apparently, the Potter boy's charms have affected not only your son, but my favorite spy and Potions Master. He no longer torments my greatest enemy and primary target, as has been reported to me. Giving comfort to the enemy is an act of treason. It's a pity, as he was useful. Now he must be killed."

"But my son!"

"Ah, your son, Narcissa. He's but a boy. And children can be infinitely useful, if unwittingly helpful. He will continue to provide information about Daniel, and perhaps Harry. You better hope that, unlike Severus, he doesn't outlive his usefulness."

Thursday, during office hours, Professor Snape was visited by Professor Dumbledore's phoenix. "Fawkes! Forgive me, Miles, I have to attend to this."

Miles Bletchly recovered from the shock of seeing the phoenix materialize out of nowhere. It wasn't the idea of things appearing or disappearing that rattled him. It was just… Apparating and Disapparating in Hogwarts was impossible. Except, maybe, for house-elves. And Fawkes… well, he didn't seem to fly the way owls do.

Professor Snape took the missive from Fawkes's talons, while Fawkes sang to Miles apologetically, to calm him further.

Severus,

I need to see you for an appointment this evening. Please tell me when you will be available.

The professor sighed. "Is everything alright, Professor?" Miles asked, concerned.

Severus smiled. "Everything is fine, Miles. I just need to respond, and we can get back to our topic of discussion."

Professor,

I have a previous engagement immediately after dinner. I shall be available shortly after 8:00 this evening.

"Here, Fawkes." Professor Snape extended the note to the bird, and he took it, vanishing in a flame. Miles jerked his head as he was startled. "Not to worry, Miles. He does that. Back to the matter at hand…"

Professor Snape came to the Room of Requirement to see it in the 'laboratory' mode, with targets galore, and both Danny and Vlad were in ghost form.

"Professor!" Danny exclaimed. Apparently, Vlad had another surprise in store for them.

Vlad smiled, showing his fangs. "Ah, Professor Snape. So good of you to come."

Under his breath, Snape muttered, " 'Come into my parlour,' said the spider to the fly." To Vlad, he said, "It is an honor to visit your Powers Training session once again. Is this particular talent confidential, or may I discuss it with Professor Dumbledore? It's been a while since you've made mention of any powers you have worked on with Professor Flitwick or the Headmaster."

Vlad considered, putting a finger to his chin. "Hmm… I think you can share this talent. However, you may only share it with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall."

Snape nodded. "Fair enough. May I ask why?"

Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. The talent you are about to see, and the experiment in which you are about to participate, is only defensive, and I'd prefer the smallest number of wizards to be cognizant of it. And since the Headmaster trusts you and McGonagall above all others, I'll use that as my yardstick. Therefore, you three may know, but none else."

"Understood."

A predatory grin spread across Vlad's lips. "Very good. Daniel and I will show you what we've been up to. Daniel, I'll go first." Danny nodded.

Vlad shot a pink beam of ectoplasmic energy at Danny, who caught it and turned it into a pink ball, infused the ball with his own green ectoplasm, and threw it at one of the targets. The wooden target was demolished, and nothing but ash remained.

Vlad explained. "You see, Professor, it is possible for a ghost, who is attentive enough, to catch the energy of an ectoblast of another ghost and redirect it elsewhere. However, by infusing one's own ecto-energy into it further intensifies the blast, making it all the more painful when the blast hits the intended target." Turning to Danny, he said, "Come, Daniel. It is your turn."

Danny shot his blast at Vlad, who caught it, infused it, and destroyed a target and the two on either side of it. A look of pure terror flashed on Snape's face.

Danny called, "Professor?" Professor Snape was motionless in a mild state of shock. Danny put a hand on his shoulder and repeated more urgently, "Professor?"

Shaking himself out of his shock, Severus said, "Forgive me."

Concerned, Danny asked, "Professor, what happened?"

Clearing his throat to collect more control of himself, Snape answered, "Daniel, your ecto-energy is the same color as the Killing Curse. I've seen the color before, in your bonds and in your ball. But this is the first time I've seen you use it in blast form. The last time I've seen a similar tableau, the Dark Lord killed someone with Avada Kedavra. I, myself, used the curse when I experimented with your uncle, but to see such a color emanating from one as young as yourself was a sight I wasn't prepared to see."

"I'm sorry, sir." Danny patted his shoulder.

Vlad's predatory grin turned into a truly evil smirk as he considered the possibilities. Severus felt his blood run cold, but he refused to give Vlad the satisfaction of knowing his feelings further. Schooling his features into a far more professional expression, Vlad said, "And now, the first part of today's experiment: we are going to see if an attentive ghost can catch the magical energy of a spell in a similar fashion to the way Daniel and I caught each other's ectoblasts."

Professor Snape thought, 'Surely, this is the calm before the storm.' Out loud, he said, "Alright. What would you have me do?"

Vlad answered, "I would like you to fire a spell at me that has a colored beam. I'll try to catch it."

Danny asked, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Vlad rested a hand on Danny's shoulder. "Absolutely. If this works, the possibilities of what we can do against those who would direct harmful spells against us are endless."

"And if it doesn't work?"

"Not to worry, Daniel. Are you ready, Professor?"

"I am."

Vlad moved away from Danny and stepped into the center of the room. "Fire when ready."

Snape nodded. "Stupefy!" Vlad saw the red beam headed for him and put his hand out to catch it. The spell hit him that much faster, and he collapsed, unconscious. Two black rings started around his middle and passed down his legs and up his torso and head, turning him human.

Severus sighed. "Personally, I think I'm glad it didn't work. While I would do nothing to take away from your power, Daniel, if either you or your uncle could simply catch and redirect any spell, you would be far more powerful than I can imagine. You already are very powerful, more so than any wizard, with your Ghostly Wail and your overshadowing ability. The ability to take a wizard's magic and redirect it at will in addition to all the rest of your power would practically make you gods."

Danny shuddered. Professor Snape was right, and that much power… it scared him to think about it. "I got you. Can you revive Uncle Vlad now?"

"Of course." With an Ennervate, Vlad sat up and rubbed his eyes.

Looking at his hands, he recognized that he must have lost consciousness. Otherwise his skin would be blue. "Tiramisu! Ah, well. That concludes part one of the experiment."

Professor Snape asked, "That's it?"

Raising an eyebrow, Vlad said, "How rather prosaic of you, Severus. No, that's not 'it,' anymore than it would have been 'it' if Daniel was unable to perform magic while overshadowing a wizard." Transforming back into a ghost, Vlad's evil grin came back. "Now, we are ready to begin part two of the experiment."

Danny and Professor Snape exchanged a glance. Neither had a clue about what Vlad had in store.

Danny saw that grin before, and he was worried. "Um, Uncle Vlad? How many parts are there to this experiment?"

Vlad's red eyes gleamed with pleasure. "Three. Perhaps, on a different day, I'll think up something else, but today's experiment is testing something specific. It is to see how the most common ghost powered weapon interfaces with magic. I've thought about this since you asked me to teach you this skill, Daniel. That, and a combination of thinking over the spells you learned a month ago, and how they might affect a ghost (besides seeing what you were capable of while overshadowing a wizard).

"This is the next level of defense. How do ectoblasts do against various forms of magic? From last month's experiment, we learned how various spells operated against a ghost shield. The next part of this experiment is to see how an ectoblast fares in the face of a wizard's Shield Spell."

Professor Snape said, "That is perfectly logical."

Vlad grinned. "I hoped you would say that. Now… How would you like to be on the receiving end of what appears to be the Killing Curse, but without the impending death sentence? Or more to the point, wouldn't you like to see what it would look like if you could, in fact, shield yourself from the Killing Curse?"

Put that way… Severus swallowed inaudibly, and then whispered, "I might."

Rubbing his hands together, Vlad said, "Ah, very good, very good."

Danny felt the discomfort coming from his professor in waves. "Uncle Vlad, I really don't think this is a good idea." His ectoblasts looked like the Killing Curse? Good heavens – he didn't know who would come out more emotionally scarred from this, him or his professor.

With a reproving glance, Vlad said, "Oh, posh and nonsense, Daniel. You won't actually hurt the professor… much, if it doesn't work. If it does, you won't hurt him at all. You know that, and he knows that."

Snape sighed in resignation. "He's right, Daniel. There is only one way to know if your primary weapon will work against hostile wizards. You know how to modulate your power; I've seen you do it as you created your bonds. I'm not sure if a simple Protego will work against a more forceful blast, as shields can be shattered if enough power is applied against them."

Danny asked, "Are you sure about this, Professor?"

The wizard smiled. "I am. Fire when ready." Despite what the visual of this power would be, Severus was pleased that it would be Daniel to fire against him. Vlad was a loose cannon who might enjoy it too much if he was in a position to cause him pain. He knew, because that is exactly what he felt when the tides were turned.

This contest of wills between himself and Vlad was pointless, but it was fascinating and vastly entertaining, even if it was humiliating or painful at times. And, of course, its main use was to benefit Daniel. He wouldn't give it up for the world, even though he dreaded moments like this next one.

Danny threw a medium sized blast, and Professor Snape cast a Protego. The Shield worked, and the blast was deflected. Both Severus and Danny sighed in obvious relief. But now, Snape's curiosity got the better of him. "Daniel, intensify your blast." Danny did as he was told. "Again. Again. Ag-Ahh!" The last intensification burst through Snape's shield.

Vlad applauded, and both Vlad and Severus cheered, "Very good, Daniel!" Professor Snape produced a jar of burn salve from one of his cloak's many deep pockets, and liberally applied it to his right arm, which was burned when his shield broke.

Danny, at once, looked guilty. "I'm very…"

"Don't you dare apologize to me. I do recall a day more than two months ago when I distinctly told you to do whatever your uncle instructs."

"But I…"

"Not another word." Danny sighed helplessly. He was sure it could not be healthy for the universe when both Vlad and Professor Snape agreed on anything involving pain.

Vlad smiled. "Now we know that a Charm Shield was able to deflect an ectoblast, but was able to be broken with a blast of enough strength. And this marks the end of part two."

Danny hung in the air disconsolately, flailing his tail while Professor Snape nursed his arm as he put the jar on a small table on the side of the room. Vlad nodded to himself. "So what is part three?" Danny asked.

"It is the reverse of part one. We shall see if it is possible for a wizard to catch the ecto-energy of a ghost."

Danny protested, "But I've already burned…"

Wagging a finger, Vlad said, "Ah, ah, ah, Daniel. You've done enough damage for one day (quite admirably, if I say so, myself). No – this time, it is my turn."

Snape paled. "This is what you had in mind all along," he accused.

Vlad smirked. "In part."

Leaning close to Vlad, Severus snarled in a whisper, "I am going to get you for this."

Vlad whispered back smugly, "Of course." Aloud, he announced, "I shall start by firing a blast not directly at you, but to your right. See if you can use your wand to catch the energy."

Severus frowned. "But that won't…"

"It won't what, Professor?"

"Never mind." When the pain from the burn subsided enough to use his hand normally, Professor Snape held his wand defensively. "Fire when ready."

Vlad's pink beam streamed a foot away from Snape's shoulder. The wizard tried to think of a spell that would accomplish this. What was the spell that linked Harry and Voldemort's wands? Ah, he had it. "Priori Incantatem." Nothing happened. He realized there was only one way for this to work, and if Vlad's own 'first stage' of the experiment was any indication, he realized that this part might be just as successful. He swallowed and cleared his throat. "Professor, there appears to be nothing for it. We will have to cast at each other in concert."

Vlad appeared to be disappointed. "So it would seem. So shall we?"

"On three." They counted and cast, and as Severus predicted, there was no effect in the stream of ectoplasmic energy. Snape's hand was burned, and he gave a painful yelp.

"Professor!" Danny flew to Snape's side and grabbed his wrist. The hand was an angry red. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Snape sighed. "Yes. If you can fetch the burn salve, I…"

"Yes, sir." He flew off to get it. Danny hated to see his professor in pain, but at least he didn't do it this time. It was a small consolation, because it was all for his benefit.

Vlad studied Severus as he attended his hand. "And this concludes part three of the experiment." Noticing Danny's very unhappy expression, Vlad said, "Daniel, why don't you conjure some ice for the good professor?" Danny was thrilled to help, but he was confused, and it showed.

Vlad sighed. "Daniel, your professor and I exchange random forms of pain and humiliation as the opportunity presents itself, but none of it is meant to be permanently damaging or disfiguring."

Danny shrugged. Professor Snape patted Danny's back with his left arm. "Perhaps we should teach you some guile, as your expressions are exceptionally easy to read. Your complete openness is not generally the Slytherin way, though it helps to maintain your innocent charm. While this," he raised his right arm, "is currently painful, I have potions to relieve the pain and repair the skin. Between your ice, the salve, and the potions I mentioned, I shall be completely healed by tomorrow morning."

"But that's impossible!" Danny exclaimed.

"In the Muggle World, perhaps. But this is magic."

Vlad cleared his throat. "And might I remind you, little badger, of our own rapid healing abilities? If magic helps the healing process for those without our gifts, it should take the sting from your conscience, misplaced though I think it is."

Danny realized that Vlad was trying to console him and that both Vlad and Professor Snape were of one accord here. "Okay, I guess." He wasn't sure about this, but it was as good as he was going to get, for now. "So what did you get out of this experiment?"

Vlad smiled. "Ah. Today, we discovered that ectoblasts and magic cannot contain each other, that a magical shield works almost as well as an ectoplasmic shield, and that simple blasts or spell casting cannot be simply redirected the way we can redirect ectoplasmic blasts – if we are wary enough to catch them in time."

Professor Snape clarified, "In other words, the experiment was successful, and we now know more about the nature of how magic and your ghost powers interact." He lifted Danny's chin with a finger. "This information is invaluable, considering the war with Voldemort and the Death Eaters."

"Well…"

Vlad turned human. "Daniel, it is easier and far safer to learn these things in a controlled environment, with minimal damage." Danny was about to object, but Vlad raised a hand. "Minimal damage. Professor Snape's burns will take longer to heal than my magically induced Conjunctivitis, but as he said, it will be completely healed by morning." He walked over and gave Danny a reassuring hug. "However, we have to continue our discussion of Don John's plot to entrap Hero, now don't we?"

Severus entered Professor Dumbledore's office and was slightly surprised to see Professor McGonagall there. The Headmaster's eyes twinkled. "Thank you for coming as soon as you did, Severus." Professor Snape nodded. Albus directed him to sit in a chair in front of his desk. "Now, on to business. It has been more than a month since you reported Professor Masters' inappropriate behavior towards Danny. What have you observed since?"

A firm smile came to Severus's lips. "As Sir Nicholas predicted, Vlad and Daniel have gotten much closer since their… altercation on October 1. I just came from participating in today's Power Training session."

Professor Dumbledore interjected, "Really! And what are they working on? Or, have they permitted you to discuss it?"

Severus's smile grew. "For the first time in a long time, they have permitted me to share what they are working on. However, Professor Masters is ever jealous of his privacy and security, and has only allowed me to tell the two of you what they are up to."

Albus murmured, "Curious. Did he say why?"

"It has to do with the possibility of a ghost's weakness against wizards. Masters is particularly sensitive to that. I would imagine that if he uncovered a significant weakness of wizards against ghosts, it would help our campaign against Voldemort significantly."

Professor McGonagall raised both eyebrows. "Severus! You said You-Know-Who's real name!"

"Indeed, I did. I'll explain that shortly." Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes, while Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly with delight.

Nodding knowingly at Severus, Professor Dumbledore asked, "Please, Severus. What are they working on?"

Severus furrowed his brows. "One of the many weapons of their particular brand of ghost is the ability to shoot concentrated ectoplasm into an energy beam. Such a beam gives off heat." He hid his right hand in his lap. "When aimed at another ghost, it can cause the targeted ghost pain. Aimed at a human, it can cause a significant amount of injury in a burn."

"Human, Severus?"

"They aren't precisely dead, Minerva. They have living biology that reacts to stimuli. Some of it works the same as ours, such as their need to eat and sleep, and some of it works differently, and I have yet to begin to imagine how differently that works. It even seems to be very different than the functioning of the ghosts we are much more familiar with. Therefore, the difference between us and the half-ghosts is not of the living and the dead, but of humans and ghosts."

Taking a breath, he continued. "This ability to produce ectoblasts is standard biology, as far as they are concerned. Today, they let me observe an interesting talent, if they are aware enough to use it: they can catch the weaponized ecto-energy and redirect it at a new target of choice. Intensifying said energy is optional."

Severus nodded at the wide eyes of his colleagues. "One experiment we performed today yielded the fact that a Shield Charm can protect against an ectoblast, but not if the blast is sufficiently powerful. The other half of the experiment was to see if spells can be caught and redirected, and if magic can redirect an ectoblast. Neither is possible."

Professor Dumbledore drummed his fingers thoughtfully. "Now I see why Professor Masters wanted to keep this relatively confidential. If we had the ability to redirect their blasts, or if they had the ability to redirect our spells, that would grant a significant amount of control over the other's power."

"It would indeed," Severus agreed. "Testing the limits of control was the purpose of today's experiments."

The Headmaster nodded. "Which brings us back to my initial question. How are my American professor and student getting along?"

Severus answered. "Vlad has become far more sensitive to Daniel's sensibilities and motives. Since our parent/teacher conference following Daniel's mental breakdown, I would say that Vlad's solicitousness of Daniel resembles that of a man seeking to earn the adoptive title of 'father.' From Daniel's comments, I gather they haven't gotten that far yet, but it isn't for Vlad's lack of trying. They have a lot of healing to do before they get there. But they are getting closer."

Professor McGonagall said, "I'm very glad to hear this. At your suggestion, I spoke to the Weasleys, and if circumstances required, they would have taken Danny in as easily as they might take in Harry. They had considered it, but…" She looked to Dumbledore. "You rejected their offer because of the blood wards." She huffed. "The Dursleys are the very worst sort of Muggles."

Professor Snape raised an elegant eyebrow. "Indeed. And that brings me to my next point. I am officially Harry's guardian now."

Professor McGonagall pressed her lips together before replying, "No, you are not."

Both Albus and Severus jumped a bit in surprise. "Of course I am. And I have the papers to prove it."

"Do not toy with me, and do not toy with him. I will not have it."

'He kept this secret far better than I had realized. I'll have to think up some reward for him,' Severus mused. "There is nothing disingenuous about this. Since October 1, I've had to think and rethink a few things. The similarities in the situation between the two half-ghosts and my own situation with Harry are remarkable.

"While the chastisement Vlad received for the misuse of a student from my House was well deserved, I continued to fume over how ill Daniel was treated for something out of his control."

He cleared his throat. "And I realized that I had done the same. But in a way, what I had done was worse." The severe matron's eyes narrowed. "I had despised Harry for being James Potter's child, and assumed that if the boy looked so much like his father, he was his father's incarnate. Professor Masters has desired to adopt Daniel from the first moment he discovered his ward was a half-ghost like him. Not even my most severe usage of Harry was as vile as some of the more interesting forms of abuse Vlad served Daniel. But his desire to have him as a son (no matter how twisted it might have seemed at the time) was always present, and never abated, and continues even now.

"I stopped being cruel to Harry after Vlad's incident on October 1. When Daniel told me that Harry's reaction was gratitude, of all things, I began to realize how badly I misjudged him."

Professor McGonagall crossed her arms and spat, "And?"

Professor Dumbledore wisely stayed out of the contest of wills of his most trusted companions. Personally, he was over the moon with happiness that two of his lost boys had finally found recognizable love, or an avenue to build it. But Minerva was correct – one month hardly balanced out a behavior pattern of five years. Silently, he rooted for Severus. Nothing gave away his true emotion but the twinkle in his eye.

"And I realized that I never actually let Harry air his thoughts or opinions before. So I called him to my office and gave him the floor. It was most… educational."

"And?" While Harry might have forgiven him, it was clear that Minerva had not.

Severus sighed. "And I discovered that the Boy Who Lived was not the spoiled and pampered prince I believed him to be. He…" Snape colored. Minerva was not only his colleague, she was once his own Transfigurations professor, who learned of his home life while he visited Madam Pomfrey near the start of Third Year. Something James and Sirius did landed him in the hospital wing, but whatever they did to him did not account for all the damage Poppy healed that day. "He was treated far worse by 'the worst sort of Muggles' than my father ever treated me."

He looked away from both of his elders. "And when he told me that his aunt and uncle never wanted him, I decided that I did."

Minerva's expression softened. "And how did Harry respond?"

It would have greatly unnerved him to have to explain himself like this in front of anyone besides the other two people in this room. As it was, it was only Dumbledore and McGonagall. And regardless of all else, Severus was guilty of targeting and emotionally abusing a student in Minerva's House quite cruelly, constantly, and consistently for five years. He owed her an explanation.

With a half-smile, Severus said, "The first thing he did was ask me a security question, to make sure I was not someone else who had taken Polyjuice Potion. I believe I even gave him points for exercising 'constant vigilance.' And I apologized to him. He asked if he could think about it and discuss it with his friends. Considering the fact that I requested that this discussion not become public knowledge, and until very recently, the only people who knew of this besides Harry and myself were Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, and Daniel, I am not completely surprised that this is the first you are hearing of it.

"After his various conversations, and a little time to get used to the idea, Harry came to me to ask why I've changed so dramatically towards him. I answered him, and apologized again. By the end of that discussion, Harry agreed that, though it will take me time to repair much of the damage I wrought, he would become my ward."

Professor McGonagall raised both eyebrows. "But why, Severus? And why now?"

He looked to Professor Dumbledore who looked back curiously. Severus's face became its standard unreadable mask. "That isn't important for you to know, Minerva. What is important is that I've changed my behavior, I've apologized for my wrongful actions, and I've been forgiven by the one I've wronged. And to be perfectly honest, out of all the people who supposedly love him and care for him, I'm the only one who has made any effort to remove him from his untenable home life, or even to make arrangements for him after he turns seventeen. Sure, he will have reached his majority, but there must be 'life after the Dursleys' for him." He sat back and crossed his arms.

Professor McGonagall's jaw dropped. He was right, of course. How horribly have the Hogwarts staff failed Harry Potter? But more importantly, how horribly had she failed him? She was his Head of House. "But…"

"But what?" He raised an eyebrow, challenging her to question him. She deflated.

The Headmaster peaked his eyebrows as he sadly absorbed Severus's words. The fact that Harry might indeed be a Horcrux was no reason to deny the boy love. If it wasn't for that blessed blood ward which kept Harry safe from Voldemort at his aunt's house, perhaps Albus would have made more of an effort to find someone who loved Harry to take him in. Perhaps he could have made more of a fuss with Remus Lupin. Perhaps… there were many interesting ways Harry's childhood could have been made happier and more pleasant.

But no. His acerbic Potions Master was spot on. Besides Sirius, who gave his life to protect Harry (well… it was a Death Eater attack and Sirius was a casualty, but the purpose of the attack was to get Harry and the prophecy), Severus was the only wizard who made any attempt to remove Harry from the Dursleys. Severus was the only wizard to not just think of Harry's career choice, but his day-to-day living experience. Harry inherited 12 Grimmauld Place, but it was just a house. Harry deserved a home, and Severus was going to give him one. It may be 15 years late in coming, but it was better late than never.

Friday afternoon, when Vlad normally sat in the staff room marking papers, found Vlad in Professor Dumbledore's office. "Professor Masters! What can I do for you this fine afternoon?"

Vlad decided he could use the Headmaster's chipper attitude to his advantage. "I need to take all of next weekend off. I would leave Friday, sometime after Daniel's lessons, and I expect to return on Sunday, in time for Daniel's lesson."

Professor Dumbledore had almost gotten used to Vlad's unusual requests. Usually, they involved a fascinating new method to get his material across, and he had to admit that his half-ghost teacher was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor since and perhaps even better than Remus Lupin. As far as requests went, this was a new one, and Albus couldn't help but be curious. "What for, Professor?"

Vlad sighed. "I need to do something I should have done a long time ago. A year ago, in order to get a few things I wanted, I used the simple expedient of besmirching Daniel's ghostly persona's reputation in the media. (For the record, I didn't end up getting what I wanted.) So many things have happened since then, I had forgotten about a few details, until a few weeks ago. Now, I intend to go back to America to start to correct a few of the difficulties I created for the boy."

The wizard shook his head. Sir Nicholas hinted that Vlad was a bit of a villain and Severus mentioned Vlad's former abuse of Danny. Considering how private Professor Masters was, his conscience had to bother him significantly to admit his wrongdoing in order to get permission for such a leave of absence. "Go ahead, Vlad. I will need to rearrange the patrol rotation for the weekend, but it will be doable. Good luck in your endeavors." He smiled warmly at Vlad. "Please check in with me before you leave and when you come back. I would like to know my DADA professor has returned in the same condition he left."

Friday night after their lessons, Vlad asked, "Daniel, do you have plans for tomorrow?"

This question took Danny by surprise. Vlad hadn't asked such a thing since before the Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs on September 14. "Just homework and studying. Nothing special. Why?"

Vlad furrowed his brows. "I'd like to spend a bit more time with you this weekend. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we can discuss media outlets and other things. I intend to go to London after lunch tomorrow to email my press secretary the results of the conversation. I expect to get back in time for dinner. Spending time together is particularly important because next Friday after our lessons, I intend to go back to America for that press conference I've been talking about, and see what I can do about the Guys in White. I'm not sure what time I'm getting back next Sunday, so… That's why tomorrow is so important."

Danny's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. That's… really thoughtful, Vlad." Not only was Vlad working to fix the problems he caused, he actually cared about lost time. Like a father might.

Vlad wasn't sure if he should be hurt by Daniel's lack of faith in him or smug because Daniel was so grateful. Self-satisfaction won out. "I'm glad you like it. I'll see you after breakfast. Have a good night, little badger."

Saturday morning, Vlad and Danny came to the classroom they used in the beginning of the year. "So, Daniel, I have a few stations, papers, and anchors in mind. Are there any you would prefer to be there?"

Danny rolled his eyes in concentration, and ticked names off on his fingers when he came up with them. "Well, there's Harriet Chin, Tiffany Snow, Lance Thunder…" He focused back on Vlad. "The poor guy just wants to be a weatherman, but he seems to have been drafted to cover the ghost activity in Amity Park."

Vlad smiled nastily. "I'll be sure to include him. Anyone else?"

Danny shrugged. "I don't know, Uncle Vlad. I mean, outside of the local Amity Park stations and papers (and the jerky Guys in White), I don't know who else takes reports about ghosts seriously." Danny blushed. "I mean, Ms. Chin lost her job at the Milwaukee Journal because she reported about…" He realized what he was about to say, and did a double take. With an angry glare, Danny shouted, "Your attack on the party, especially what you did to Dad!"

"Oh, you mean the reunion? Yes, well… no, I have nothing useful to say about it." He frowned and hung his head for a moment or two. Then he looked up. With a helpless, hopeful smile, Vlad asked, "Would it be too late to ask you to forgive me, dear boy?"

Danny deflated. He shrugged. "I guess not. Anyway, when I asked Jazz about it on the way home, she said it like it was obvious. Like, of course she would be fired. She wrote for the 'Milwaukee Journal,' not the 'National Enquirer.' Unless people take the 'National Enquirer' and stuff seriously, I'm really not sure what you can get that will reach the Guys in White besides the Amity Park locals."

Vlad patted Danny's back. "Not to worry, Daniel. Leave that to me. Your suggestions were helpful." He couldn't help but smirk. "Especially Lance Thunder."

Danny shook his head. Vlad would be Vlad.

"Do you have any other suggestions?"

"Not really." Danny blinked. "Wait a minute. I just remembered another one."

Vlad raised both eyebrows. "Who?"

"That lady who reported Walker's massive ghost invasion. I don't remember her name, though." Danny sighed. "Since I wore Lady Helena's diadem, I've been a lot better at remembering obscure memories. Even if I don't get all the details, I do remember some things. Like… she had a Japanese-sounding last name, and that she surprised herself with actually reporting ghosts. But I can't remember her name."

"Interesting. I'll track down her name before I email my press secretary. I like the fact that you are more comfortable with your own insights since you wore this diadem."

Danny thought for a moment. "It sounds like the type of thing you used to steal."

Vlad chuckled. "It does, at that. I may try it on at some point, although I'm told that wearing it longer than an hour has no real benefit. Well… more than one hour once a year. If it was an instantly renewable constant resource, I might very well have taken steps…"

"Vlad!"

The older half-ghost laughed. "It's not that important anymore. I used to seek things of power to increase my influence. But… Now I have you, and you are far more important and impressive than ruling the world. Simply having you, learning to love you, and perhaps you learning to love me in return is a treasure beyond price and measure."

Danny stared blankly. Vlad reached over and ruffled his hair. "Alright then. Daniel, are you up for a game of chess?"