Happy October! This round of Jewish holidays round about the New Year is almost over, and I want to wish everyone health, happiness, and offer caramel apples, pumpkin tea, and a seat at the table in the temporary shelter I've built in my mind for this wonderful holiday. I want to thank all the readers, reviewers, and people who placed this story (and me) on your favorite and/or alert lists.

Spartan Commander deserves the credit for giving me a very serious insight… Our three favorite Gryffindors should not be allowed free rein with any and all information about Danny Phantom. I have dealt with it. Thank you for your very insightful review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom, Harry Potter, or Shakespeare's 'As You Like It.'

Chapter 35

When Harry got back to the Gryffindor Common Room after dinner, Ron and Hermione noticed that Harry was happy and relaxed.

Hermione asked, "Harry? What happened? Where did you go?"

Harry smiled. "Danny and Professor Masters invited Professor Snape and me to a private family dinner. They said it was an American holiday, Thanksgiving. I guess I was thankful for Professor Snape giving me the family I never had. But I was also thankful that Danny decided to include me, or us, really."

Ron was hurt. "Harry, we're your best mates. What about…"

"We are best mates, Ron. That hasn't changed. Danny's the one who mentioned family."

Hermione gazed at both boys. "I think I get it." Harry smiled. Ron gave her a sidelong glance. "Look – I'm not sure how it started. But let's think about this. Danny is brave, and one of the nicest fellows we know. Maybe it's because he's from America, or something, but he doesn't react at all to the fact that Harry's famous, or any of the insanity that comes with it."

She cocked her head to the side. "Ron, sometimes you get lost in the attention Harry gets, or the money he has, or things like that."

"Hermione!" Ron knew she was right, but she didn't need to put it so baldly.

"When Danny came, he didn't look to compare himself to anybody. He didn't know what the rivalries of House affiliations were about. He was just looking to be normal, or find a new normal. All Harry's ever really wanted was to be normal. The Dursleys never gave him a chance. Hogwarts never gave him a chance. We try, but… we have a different sense of normal. I think Danny and Harry have more in common simply by just trying to figure out what normal is."

Harry nodded slowly. "I don't think I'd ever put it quite like that, but I think you got it in one. Not to mention that… His relationship to Professor Masters is kind of similar to my relationship to Professor Snape. You know, the whole guardian/ward thing."

Ron frowned. Hermione might be right, but he didn't think it sounded fair. Hermione put her hand on Ron's and said, "And you might stop to consider that Danny decided he felt closer to Harry than Draco."

That was different. Danny chose Harry over Malfoy. Ron decided he had a whole new respect for Danny. With a half-smile, Ron admitted, "At least he's got good taste in friends." He looked at Harry, who smiled broadly.

While Harry was specifically happy with the evening's events, he remembered something important. "You know, on our way out of Professor Masters' quarters, Professor Snape pulled me aside. He told me that…" He peered around and lowered his voice. "We should keep our findings about Danny Phantom private."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Why?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. But Professor Snape said that both Phantom and his mentor would prefer to keep information on him private."

Hermione said, "Okay. Danny Phantom likes to keep his secrets. I don't get it, but we can do that." That doesn't mean I won't think about him and his mysteries, though.

Ron was preoccupied by an earlier thought. "Danny has Professor Masters as a guardian, who is a really scary teacher. And you have Professor Snape as a guardian. I still think you're a little barmy because you can't deny how scary Professor Snape is, but there you have it. That does make you a bit more similar. It's weird. Are you sure about all this?"

Harry countered, "All what? Professor Snape?"

Ron furrowed his brows. It was more complicated than that, but he wasn't sure how to articulate it. He mulled it over, but not coming to any real conclusion, Ron just nodded.

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure about… well, something good will come of that." At that moment, Harry thought of something else that connected him and Danny. "Speaking of, Professor Snape said something after we came back from Hogsmeade last Saturday. About Christmas…"

Ron sat up, horrified. "He didn't…"

Harry forged ahead. "Well, after our run-in with the Death Eaters, Professor Snape said I can't leave Hogwarts without him." Harry felt a warm flash of emotion.

Ron gulped. "He said you can't come to the Burrow?"

Harry tensed. "He said I can come to the Burrow if he can come, too."

Ron's eyes flew wide open. "You're kidding!"

Harry slumped his shoulders. "Not really. Christmas is supposed to be about family, right?"

"But this is Snape you're talking about!"

Harry cast his gaze downward. This was hard, but what could he do about it? He looked up sadly and reminded Ron, "That's why Danny's more like family than you, Ron. I'll always love you and Hermione, but Danny understands why Professor Snape has become so important to me."

Ron recoiled as if Harry smacked him. He blushed guiltily. "I… I never thought of it quite that way. Of – of course I'll ask. I'll send a letter with Pig tomorrow."

Ron looked away. Some kind of best mate he turned out to be. Professor Snape might be a snarky git, but now he was Harry's snarky git. This will take some time to assimilate, but if Danny was able to figure this out about Harry… Maybe Harry's right. Ron may be his best mate, but Danny was something else.

Harry patted Ron's shoulder. "That would be great, Ron. You and your family's still the best."

Ron wasn't sure what to do with this emotion. Danny wasn't taking Harry away from him. His eyes glistened. "Except for Percy. He's still a right git."

Both Harry and Hermione laughed.

Vlad decided to cancel all lessons for Thursday night, but hugged Danny tightly before he left. "I love you, Daniel. Good night."

"I love you, too, Uncle Vlad."

Professor Snape pulled Harry aside, but sent Danny on his way down to the Slytherin Common Room. Danny thought this evening was a complete success. Professor Snape and Vlad got along far better than he thought they would. Harry… Danny was really glad that Harry had a good time. Danny worked out a few things in his mind, and he decided what he would give Vlad as a Christmas present.

When he got to the Slytherin Common Room, Draco waved him over. "Danny! You are back later than usual."

Danny smiled. "I know."

"What kept you?"

"Well… Tonight is the American holiday, Thanksgiving. Uncle Vlad planned something special for a family celebration."

Draco thought Danny's answer was interesting, but he wasn't sure how to proceed. His mysterious friend was never the most forthcoming on anything that had to do with family. So he tried another tack. "What was with your appointment? The last time Professor Snape and Professor Masters worked together, it earned Slytherin 120 points." Danny smiled. No one knew that he earned that extra 100 points. "What did they want with you and Harry?"

Danny thought about this. There was no way he could answer this question honestly that would not hurt Draco. "It's complicated to explain. I couldn't tell you." Danny didn't lie, but he was perfectly aware of how unhelpful he was being. As a friend, Draco deserved better. But there was no way to explain this.

Draco deduced, "But Harry knows."

Danny felt helplessly trapped. "Yes he does."

Draco noticed something was wrong. When Danny first entered the Common Room, he was elated. Now, he looked troubled. Wait a minute.

"Danny, you said this was a family thing."

"Yes, I did."

"I… I'm sorry your family isn't here."

Danny froze. Draco wasn't angry. He just didn't put the clues together to get the right answer. He closed his eyes. Danny may have to tell Draco the truth at some point. This week wasn't it, however. Unless Draco figured it out on his own, Danny didn't intend to try to explain things he wasn't sure he had words for.

Danny opened his eyes. "Thanks, Draco. It means a lot to me that you said that."

Draco released a breath he wasn't aware he was holding. Danny was happy again.

Danny cocked his head. "What was that project you were talking about for Professor Snape?"

The blond boy smiled. He had Danny back.

At lunch on Friday, Professors Snape and Masters decided to meet in front of the gargoyle leading to the Headmaster's office during afternoon office hours. When they ascended the spiral staircase, Professor Dumbledore welcomed them warmly. "Professors!"

Both looked happy and eager. Apparently, last night went well. Further, both Severus and Vlad happy concurrently would mean something impressively fascinating was about to occur. "Please have a seat. And take a lemon drop." It seriously amused Albus that Severus rolled his eyes, and Vlad took one and politely thanked him.

"So what is going on, gentlemen?"

Vlad answered. "Yesterday at dinner, Harry suggested restarting a club on the practical application of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

The old wizard raised his eyebrows. "Did he?"

Severus smiled at Professor Dumbledore's reaction. "Indeed. It was a call for a revitalization of the DA, but this time, he intends to open it to all four Houses."

Albus's heart melted, and a tear or two came to his eyes. He murmured, "Dumbledore's Army." The younger men gave him a moment to collect himself. "It is a wonderful idea. I believe that last year, it is the only way that most Fifth Years passed their Defense OWLs. And considering that this year no one is making a concerted effort to attack either myself or the single most experienced student in Defense Against the Dark Arts, it makes the project all the more worthwhile. Whose idea was it to open the club to all four Houses?"

Severus smirked. "Harry decided this."

Dumbledore smiled. "I'm not surprised."

Vlad studied both wizards for a moment. Harry Potter meant a good deal to both of these men. And now, he meant a lot to Daniel. He might need to discuss a few things with the Headmaster later. As for now… "As the professor of Defense, it makes sense that I would be the one to logically sponsor the club. However, there is no way for me to demonstrate the spells."

Professor Dumbledore sobered immediately. "Yes, of course."

"It sounds like a worthy club, deserving of faculty sponsorship. I am unsure of how to proceed."

Albus nodded in acknowledgement. "Severus, what are your thoughts?"

Professor Snape furrowed his brows. "At first, I thought of a joint sponsorship between myself, Vlad, and Filius." Looking at Vlad, he clarified, "Filius is a championship duelist and his input in such a thing would be invaluable." Vlad nodded.

"But why do things half-way? A sponsorship from all four Heads of House as well as Vlad would encourage maximum student participation. However, on a general basis, no fewer than two professors would be on hand at any occasion." He rolled his eyes. "And no one would be able to claim favoritism or bias. This is supposed to be student run. With student leadership, the idea is that the professors would monitor progress, perhaps making suggestions or acting as a sounding board, and perhaps to help with demonstrations if such things are warranted."

Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "You've put a great deal of thought into this."

Severus tilted his head. "It is a worthy activity. Further, it is an opportunity to see Harry's leadership skills in action."

"Indeed. Later, I will call the four Heads of House to discuss this. Vlad, perhaps you can join us here after your classes with Danny."

"Of course, Professor."

Saturday morning after breakfast, Danny decided to visit Myrtle. He knocked on her bathroom door. She poked her head through the door. "Danny!" She tackled him in a hug.

Danny pulled himself into a sitting position, though not yet extricated from Myrtle's embrace. In a slight daze, Danny said, "It's good to see you, too, Myrtle. What brought this on?"

Myrtle giggled. "Only the best thing that's happened to me since I died. Besides meeting you."

Danny blushed. That much high praise… it was nice, but he wasn't sure he deserved it. "Care to share?"

"Of course, Danny. On Tuesday, the Grey Lady brought me to the third floor, not far from where Hagrid kept Fluffy in Harry's First Year." Danny decided that might have more meaning to Harry. Considering what animals Hagrid liked, Danny couldn't imagine…wait. That was the Cerberus. Fluffy?

"And all four House Ghosts looked very sad, but Sir Nicholas asked me if I would like a mentor. I kinda had an idea of what he meant, but not really. So I asked him. And he told me that a mentor was kind of like a teacher, and kind of like a parent. Kind of like Pla… I mean, Professor Masters is to you now." She looked around. No one was in the corridor besides them, but Myrtle realized that could change at any moment. Also, Plasmius is how she thought of him when he was doing something mean. Mentoring Danny was a nice thing.

She sat up a bit more soberly. "I miss my parents, Danny. I haven't seen them since I died. They were Muggles, and couldn't come visit me. At first, I was busy with Olive Hornby. Oh, did she regret teasing me! But then… that was it." She sighed sadly. "Professor Dumbledore told me when my parents died. He made the Ministry let me go to their funerals. He came with me. He said I had to stay invisible, but I was glad I could pay respects. I found out we were all in the cemetery together, in the Duncan family plot. I was sad when they died, but they didn't become ghosts."

Danny hugged her. She needed comforting. "I'm sure your parents loved you very much. But they finished their jobs here. My parents aren't ghosts, either. But I don't think I'd want them to be. I miss them a lot, too."

Danny and Myrtle shared a moment of commiseration, but then Myrtle perked up. "So they asked if I wanted a mentor, and I said yes. The Grey Lady is going to be my mentor! But the other House Ghosts said they would look in on me."

Danny smiled. "That's great, Myrtle! Are you going to learn anything special?"

Myrtle shrugged. "I don't know. The Grey Lady and I are gonna spend more time together. We're gonna talk to different portraits, and visit the Forbidden Forest, and all kinds of things." Her eyes shone with excitement.

"It sounds like you'll be busy."

"Yeah. And Sir Nicholas said that giving me a mentor was your idea!" She hugged him again.

Danny blushed. "Well… I came up with the idea that if you had a mentor, you might be happier. Harry's the one who asked why you didn't have one." After all the praise she heaped on him, Danny needed to give credit where it was due.

Myrtle thought for a moment. "Then I'll have to thank him later. But no matter what happens, I'll never forget that you're the one who made Sir Nicholas think about it."

"I do what I can."

"Danny, you're my hero!" Danny sighed happily. This was an easy victory, and everyone came out ahead. He savored the moment.

Monday at dinner, Professor McGonagall sat next to Vlad. "Professor, I need to make an appointment with you."

Vlad was floored by the invitation. "Yes, of course. After Daniel's lessons this evening will be fine. We use the Room of Requirement as a classroom. Unless there's somewhere else you prefer…?"

Professor McGonagall smiled. "That will be fine. It is more of a parent/teacher conference."

Vlad furrowed his brows. "But you're not…"

"I'm not one of his professors, true. But… As the deputy headmistress, I serve as a dean of students, of sorts. And you are serving as a guardian or parent."

Worried, Vlad asked, "Is anything wrong?" He looked out at the Slytherin table. Daniel chatted merrily with Draco and Blaise, and Crabbe and Goyle listened attentively.

"Nothing is wrong. We just need to talk."

"As you wish."

Danny and Vlad spent time discussing the theory of opening a portal of their own creation. Neither of them could do it yet, but they thought they were getting closer. Danny had a question about Rosalind pretending to be a boy pretending to be a girl in 'As You Like It.' The complicated ruse didn't make as much sense to Danny as simply acting like herself. This spurred on an interesting discussion on deception, hiding motives, and possible reasons and means for subterfuge. Danny was sure this conversation was far more in depth than anything Mr. Lancer might have discussed, and Mr. Lancer was the head of the drama department. Their math lessons progressed. Vlad decided that a review on weight, volume, and multiplication was in order. When trying to calculate how much weight Daniel carried when he rescued those people from Ember and Youngblood, Daniel came up with 'more than a ton.' The students themselves weighed more than a ton! Really… but that was why they needed to work on it.

Danny opened the door to leave for the evening to find a surprise. "Professor McGonagall!"

"Good evening, Mr. Fenton. I'm here to speak with your uncle."

Vlad smiled. "Ah, good evening, my dear!" He invited her in. "Give me a moment."

He stepped outside and hugged Danny. "I'm not sure what this is about yet, but if it is pertinent, I'll be sure to tell you tomorrow."

"But…"

"She assured me you aren't in trouble. That's what is important for now. But you have a good night, little badger."

Danny was curious, but he did have homework to do. Still, it couldn't hurt to listen…

"And before you get any ideas, I've ghost-proofed the room. It's amazing what one can make this room do with a little imagination."

Danny huffed indignantly. Vlad was getting to know him too well. "Good night, Uncle Vlad."

Shutting the door, Vlad chuckled. While he did love Daniel, frustrating him was still fun. Professor McGonagall conjured two chairs and a table, and was already seated. Vlad took the other seat and asked, "So, Professor, what is this about?"

"I'm sure you are aware that this Saturday is the Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff Quidditch match."

Vlad's smile broadened. "Of course." He looked forward to having Daniel accompany him again.

"I heard that at the last game, you invited Danny into the Teachers' Box."

Waving a hand, Vlad said, "It was the first sporting event we've attended together. It was only fitting to have him with me. Further, the social pressure the students put on him for spending time with friends from Gryffindor or Slytherin was enough to try the patience of a saint."

Minerva raised her eyebrows. Both were valid points. "I appreciate your protectiveness, your possessiveness, and your desire to bond with your ward. Relieving that pressure was very thoughtful of you." Vlad glowed at this praise. "However, it is also true that no game shares the same tension of the Gryffindor/Slytherin match. Even though Danny has friends in both Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, I can't envision there being quite so much pressure for a student from Slytherin."

"Okay…" Vlad wasn't sure where this was headed.

"There are many benefits to keeping Danny away from other students in your general habit. However, part of the reason you are both here is to become lost in the crowd. There are enough ways Danny stands out – and all of them are good. However, I think it is in Danny's best interest to allow him to sit with the students, come game time."

Vlad frowned. "Perhaps. But I enjoy his presence."

"And I'm sure the feelings are mutual. At least, allow him the option of sitting with the other students. That way, he won't be alienated by too great a detachment from his peers. At least, try it for one game."

Vlad drummed his fingers on the table in consideration. He did want Daniel's company. However, the good professor made a valid point. After all, the goal was doing what was in Daniel's best interests. "Very well, Madam. I'll speak to Daniel about this tomorrow." He wasn't happy about this, but he could mention it. This still might work in his favor. But he would not willingly endanger Daniel. Not any more.

"Thank you for taking my suggestion into account. Do you have other questions or concerns?"

Vlad was at a loss. "I can't think of any, off-hand."

"Then I want to remind you to call me if you need anything, and to wish you a good night."

Tuesday morning, Vlad had mixed emotions. He knew what he wanted, and it merely took him to do nothing to get it. Still, Professor McGonagall said that such a choice for Daniel would be for his benefit. At breakfast, he grimaced with indecision. This was distasteful, and he had no desire to do it. But he promised he would. "Fine," Vlad murmured to himself. He sent an invisible duplicate in human form to the Slytherin table.

Danny explained the concept of 'school closing on snow days' to Draco when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Danny jerked his head, but Vlad said, "Daniel, it's me. Please come to my office during your afternoon break, and we will discuss what Professor McGonagall told me last night."

Danny gave a quick nod. "Okay."

Having accomplished his mission, Vlad dispelled the duplicate. Danny looked at the Head table, and Vlad met his eyes and nodded grimly. He was curious, but Danny would find out what this was about in due time.

By the afternoon office hours, Danny's curiosity was piqued. He knocked on Vlad's door. "Come in, Daniel."

Danny came in and took a seat. "What's this about, Uncle Vlad?"

Vlad pressed his lips together. He was going to do this, but he didn't have to like it. He sighed, realizing that petulance was undignified. "You know that this Saturday is the next Quidditch game."

"Yeah. No one's made a big deal, although both Terry and Ernie are getting excited about it. They asked me to come, and they were perfectly friendly about it."

"Were they?" Darn – with no tension, this was not an easy fix.

"Yeah. I'm still going to wear neutral colors again. House rivalries do tend to make people nuts, even when they aren't Slytherin or Gryffindor."

"That is strategically sound, Daniel." Vlad was stuck for it. He sighed again. "Considering the lack of pressure… you may choose to sit with your classmates, if you wish. But your seat with me is still open."

Danny smiled. "Thanks, Uncle Vlad." The way Vlad worded the option, it was obvious which choice Vlad wanted him to make. Still… Danny didn't want to hurt Vlad. "Um, if you don't mind, I'd like to sit with Harry and Draco this time. Watching the game with obsessed fans is supposed to be an interesting experience." Vlad closed his eyes. "But this is only one game. We can switch it up for other games, you know."

Vlad tried to hide the hurt in his eyes. "Alright, Daniel." He did the right thing. Why did the right thing have to hurt so much?

"Thanks, Uncle Vlad. And I meant it – we'll see about other games. And you know… I'm kinda looking forward to going to games not connected with school with you." A flash of inspiration hit Danny. "You know, I've never gone to a Packers game."

Vlad's eyes glistened with happy tears. "Then we're going to correct this situation when we get back to the States, now won't we?"

Danny smiled. He struck gold. "I was kinda counting on it."

On Wednesday at lunchtime, a sign in the Main Hall caused a general stir.

Introducing…

The Defense Association

A Student-Run Club in the Practical Application of Defense Against the Dark Arts

Faculty sponsors: Professor Vlad Masters, and all four Heads of House

First meeting: 4-5:30pm Sunday, December 8, Great Hall

Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood to the right of the sign and observed the reactions of the other students. Students belonging to the DA last year were exultant. Most chattered happily, discussing fond memories. Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe were pensive.

Every Gryffindor from the DA smiled at the trio; some punched fists of victory and excitement in the air. The Ravenclaw students beamed; the DA was the reason those old enough to take them passed their DADA OWLs. Four of the Hufflepuff students smiled and assured Harry and crew they were coming. Zacharias Smith glared. He might have done better on his OWL than he would have otherwise, but he still didn't trust Harry. Ron glared back at him.

Most Slytherin students were confused at this exuberant display of emotion. Draco studied the sign. "All four Heads of House are faculty sponsors. Interesting."

Terence Higgs, a Seventh Year Slytherin, scoffed. "A club for this? The stuff we're learning is useless. If this club is more of the same, who needs it?"

Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other. Goyle asked, "What is making all those Gryffindors so excited?" Crabbe shrugged.

Danny found the sign and smiled. "Good going, Harry. It looks like it's coming together."

Harry smiled back. "It's gotten a great reception."

Draco pointedly ignored Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "If Professor Snape is among the sponsors, it has to be a worthy club."

Pansy sneered. "I'm sure people from all four Houses are making similar observations, deciding that their Heads of House make it worthwhile." Turning to Danny, she said, "I wonder what's gotten into the Golden Trio? It's almost like they're taking possession of it."

Harry rolled his eyes, Hermione glared, and Ron spat indignant imprecations at the epithet 'Golden Trio.'

Draco stood up to his full height. "I'm in. This looks like it can use some useful student leadership." Ron glared at him. Draco smirked.

Crabbe and Goyle agreed to follow Draco's lead. Draco looked at Danny. "So, are you coming?"

Danny jumped. It was a logical question. "I don't know." Vlad might like him to join, but what use was there in his joining this club when he wouldn't be any more successful than he was this summer when Harry tutored him?

Draco nudged him. "You'll like this, Danny. It's Defense Against the Dark Arts. There's nothing to worry about."

Danny jerked his head. "What are you talking about?"

Harry elbowed Draco in the ribs. Crabbe and Goyle narrowed their eyes, but Draco waved them off. He flushed pink at Harry's glare. "What I mean is, you spend so much time on it with your special lessons with Professor Masters. You'll be a natural."

Danny fidgeted. "I…"

Goyle looked away from Harry to Danny. "Look. We're going. They," he pointed his thumb at Harry and friends, "are going. Your uncle and Professor Snape will be there. Come on."

Danny still looked lost. Crabbe folded his arms. "Students will be there from all four Houses. Why wouldn't you want to be there? You earn us 20 points any time you do something in your uncle's class. Here's a chance to really shine."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "That was really observant of you, Crabbe." Vincent rolled his eyes.

Danny said, "It sounds like fun, but I don't know about this."

Harry grabbed Danny's shoulder. "Danny, please come. It will mean a lot to me if you do."

Danny looked at Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and back to Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. All of them nodded encouragingly. Danny sighed, blowing his bangs off his forehead. "Fine. I'll come. But I'm not making any promises besides that."

All six of Danny's immediate friends were puzzled by his reluctance, but were glad that their attempts to encourage their mysterious friend worked.

Draco knocked Harry's hand away and threw his own arm around Danny's shoulders. "Come on. Let's get something to eat." Danny remained distracted as Draco steered him into the Great Hall. Draco turned his head, smirking at Harry in silent victory, and disappeared into the Hall.

Ron glowered after them. "What a git. At least Danny's coming to the new DA."

Saturday morning at breakfast, Draco asked Danny, "So, are you coming to today's game of Quidditch?"

Danny smiled. "Yeah. I…"

"Are you going to sit with the students, or with your uncle, like last time?"

Danny shrugged. Sometimes Draco seemed interested in what he had to say, and sometimes Draco only wanted what Draco wanted. It reminded him of Vlad in one of Vlad's less than pleasant moments. "This time, I'm sitting with the students. Which team's colors will you be wearing?"

"Ravenclaw. While I favored Cedric Diggory over Harry as Hogwarts' Tri-Wizard champion in Fourth Year, I mostly have no use for Hufflepuff. Duffers, the lot of them."

Danny figured that 'duffer' was part of British slang he didn't recognize, but he understood that it wasn't especially flattering.

When the team captains collected their teams, Draco said, "Come on. If we hurry, we'll get the best student seats available."

Danny frowned. "Draco, let it go." The imperious Slytherin sighed as they headed back to their room to bundle up.

By the stairs of the stands, Vlad stood resplendent in his red robes, and waited for Danny to surface. Draco had an arm around his shoulder, and was joined by Harry. Different students wore blue and bronze or yellow and black, and the split was about even. As Danny said earlier, he wore his thick black, woolen cloak with his black and gray scarf. This did not cease to amuse Vlad.

Before the Slytherin blond and the raven-haired Gryffindor could manhandle his ward into a place they could feel possessive of him, Vlad stepped forward. "Daniel." From fifteen yards away, Blaise and Dean sighed. Vlad raised an eyebrow and grinned at them. Draco relinquished his hold and Harry stood back. Vlad patted Danny's back. "Enjoy the game."

Danny smiled at him. "Thanks, Uncle Vlad." Both Harry and Draco released breaths they didn't realize they were holding. Climbing the stairs but turning to look at the students surrounding Daniel, Vlad chuckled.

Draco found what he decided were 'the best seats,' and Danny sat on his right. Danny peaked his eyebrows. Harry rolled his eyes and sat on Danny's other side. The girls who felt most proprietary about them claimed the seats on their other sides, Ginny next to Harry and Pansy next to Draco. Ron glared at Crabbe and Goyle, who sat behind Draco. Hermione said, "Let it alone, Ron," and placed herself between Crabbe and her boyfriend.

The tension around them was palpable. Danny asked, "Does the insanity usually run this high?"

Hermione answered, "No – usually your seatmates are either in the air or on opposite sections of the stands."

Danny closed his eyes. Great – he was an inter-House political football. Just what he needed.

Terry and Ernie found their way in front of the motley crew. Hannah took a seat near Ernie. Michael, Terry's buddy, found him. "Hey, Justin!" Ernie called. Justin and Susan sat right below Ernie and Hannah, and Lisa and Mandy smiled back at Terry and Michael.

Harry's heart was warmed by the closeness of the former and soon to again be DA members. Danny knew everyone around them at least from Charms and Herbology, if not elsewhere. Beyond that, there were too many people to keep track of.

Harry pointed out, "Cho Chang is Ravenclaw's Seeker."

Draco nodded. "Mark her well. You might notice her moves and take action in January."

Terry looked back at Danny. "That's right. You're the Reserve Seeker for Slytherin, aren't you?"

Danny said, "Yeah." Draco beamed. Besides Crabbe and Goyle, no one around them had seen Danny's record-breaking catch of the Snitch. The Gryffindor Golden Trio might know of Danny's flying abilities, but none of them knew about Danny's eagle eye when it came to the Snitch.

The audience filled in around them. Cormac McLaggen tried out for commentator. The sound of his voice made Danny recoil for a moment. Then he rolled his eyes at himself. After Cormac introduced the members of Ravenclaw's team, an eagle shrieked, the sound filling the stadium.

Draco sneered, "Loony Lovegood and her loud hats. I don't know what's more annoying – her eagle hat or her lion thing."

"Hey – leave her alone!" Danny defended.

A few eyes turned on Danny. Lisa said, "But it's only Luna. She's just…"

"She's just enthusiastic in her patriotism for her own House team. I think the hats are kinda cool." Danny didn't understand what these people had against Luna.

Hermione whispered, "That tone and timbre of voice… it's familiar."

Ron said, "Of course it's familiar. It's Danny."

"No…" Hermione tried to remember. She had it! But for the echoing quality of Phantom's voice, Danny sounded just like him. He defended the dignity of… no, Phantom defended whoever needs defending. Danny knew Phantom. This gave her something to think about.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Danny, you like Luna?"

Danny shrugged. "I don't know. But she doesn't deserve your scorn."

If anyone had any doubt about what made Danny different than the other Slytherins, this conversation marked and highlighted the difference.

As close as Terry and Ernie seemed to be with Danny, they didn't talk about Quidditch very often. Danny had to work with the names he heard Cormac mention most frequently, which were Bradley and Chambers, two of the Ravenclaw Chasers, Cho Chang, Ravenclaw's Seeker, Zacharias Smith and Cadwallader, two Hufflepuff Chasers, and Summerby, Hufflepuff's Seeker.

Danny had to hand it to McLaggen: while commentating for these two teams, he seemed fair and balanced. He found it odd, though, that he didn't mention the Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff Keepers. That was the position he sought for himself on Gryffindor's team. Danny wondered whether Cormac tried out for Gryffindor's Keeper because he really wanted the position, or if he just wanted to take the position from Ron.

Harry observed how much Danny seemed to love the game. After every successful save, Danny made some comment, like "Nice save!" and cheered for every goal. Now that there was no pressure, he just enjoyed himself. Terry and Ernie focused on Danny's open frankness. Danny didn't know the players, but he liked the game, even when one missed save made Justin say a word that made Susan gasp, "Justin!"

Draco told Danny to notice how Cho looked for the Snitch, but sometimes focused on Summerby's movement. For once, Harry found himself agreeing with his long-time rival. Draco said, "She's got keen eyes, but one thing she takes in more than anything is the movement of who she deems as a worthy Seeker. Summerby couldn't find the Snitch if it danced in front of his nose. Cho knows that, so when Summerby feints, Cho looks but is rarely impressed. However, when she's up against me or Harry, she takes much more interest in where we are headed."

Danny commented, "It helps to be practically undefeated." Both Harry and Draco snickered.

The assembled students were boisterous in their own way. Danny started murmuring, "Come on, come on…"

Harry asked, "What's wrong, Danny?"

"Come on, Cho, it's right over your head. Just reach for it."

At once, seven students were put on high alert. Harry and Draco stared at Cho, trying to follow Danny's gaze. The four Ravenclaw students and Ernie stared from Danny to Danny's line of sight. Most vaguely remembered that Danny said he had heightened senses, and this was the first time they saw this in action.

Michael looked at Terry. "I hear they're putting Danny in as Seeker next game."

Draco smirked. "We are."

Terry looked at Danny, who kept urging Cho to reach for something no one else could see. At last, the Snitch slowed down enough that the other players could see it, too. Cho caught it, and the Ravenclaw team and fans were ecstatic.

"It's about time," huffed Danny.

Draco smiled. "The score is 190-60, Ravenclaw. That means, in order to tie Ravenclaw, you're going to need to wait until we're up by six goals. If we are scoring well, you should wait 'til we're up by ten. Mislead Miss Chang, and then take the Snitch at your leisure."

Danny nodded. "That should work."

Terry bent closer to Michael. "He's going to demolish us in January, you realize."

Michael grimaced. "I do, indeed."

17