First of all, I want to thank everyone who read and reviewed, and put this fic and me on your assorted lists. There are new readers all the time, and I truly appreciate the fact that you enjoy this story as much as I enjoy writing it. In thanks, I give you all Nestlé's Turtles and Hamentashen of your favorite variety.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom, Harry Potter, or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Chapter 42

Monday night, Draco was bemused. At dinner, Danny told him that Harry was looking forward to talking to him. He had to figure out what to say. Then there was Professor Dumbledore. Would the Headmaster even listen to him after last year's debacle? It was one thing to lord power over the students, especially Potter and his gang… Now he had to not only get along with but also actively seek support from Harry. Professor Snape suggested it, and Danny made it sound so easy. Maybe he could snag the attention of the Gryffindor in the break between Herbology and Transfigurations.

Pansy still wasn't talking to him. After Draco talked to Danny about Harry at dinner, Pansy refused to talk to him. She couldn't possibly understand what he was going through. After all, Voldemort stayed in 'his rooms' during the party, and no one but the individual Death Eaters, his mother, or himself even knew the Dark Lord was there. Would she understand?

Draco shook his head. He just didn't understand her. She wanted Draco's attention, but when he gave it to her, she didn't want it. Girls!

That still left him Crabbe and Goyle to talk to. Both Professor Snape and Danny suggested getting Crabbe and Goyle on board with an anti-Voldemort Slytherin movement. Danny seemed pretty sure of himself. Now was the moment of truth: was Danny right?

Draco straightened the front of his robes looking a lot more self-assured than he felt, and called over Crabbe and Goyle, who finished discussing possible Beater strategies in their next Quidditch match. "Crabbe, Goyle, I need to talk to you."

Vince and Greg looked at each other. If Draco had something to say, he usually just said it. Goyle cleared his throat. "What do you need, Malfoy?"

"To talk to both of you. Privately." Crabbe raised his eyebrows.

Goyle shrugged. "Okay. Our usual spot, or in a classroom?"

Draco widened his eyes. Goyle was more perceptive than he was often given credit for. "A classroom sounds great." Draco led them to the dungeon classroom he used earlier for Danny's conversation, and he once again Silenced the door.

Crabbe and Goyle both took seats as Draco stood, ready to pace. Crabbe asked, "So, what's this about?"

Draco thought for a moment. "I don't know if you know it, but the Dark Lord's decided to take over my household."

Crabbe tilted his head, and Goyle said, "Okay."

Draco took a breath and paced a bit. "Right. You know my father is in Azkaban." He turned to the large students who nodded in acknowledgement. "Well, last summer, the Dark Lord told me that he would come up with a way for me to redeem my family – apparently, he was supremely displeased with my father's failure and capture." He glanced back at them, and they nodded again.

Draco walked up to the table, put his hands on it, and leaned towards them. "When I first got home on December 21, he summoned me to the sitting room and started asking questions about Danny. I don't know why, but it sounds like he's got something against Danny the same way he's got something against Harry."

He looked hard at both of them. "I don't know what's going on, but everyone knows that the Dark Lord means to kill Harry. If that's what he wants to do to Danny, that's too high a price." Draco gulped. "If the Dark Lord made me choose to be true to him by betraying either of you, I wouldn't do it."

Both Crabbe and Goyle raised their eyebrows. Goyle said, "I would make that same choice for both of you." Crabbe nodded. He would, too.

Draco closed his eyes a minute, and then reopened them. "I feel the same about Danny." They stared back at him. He took a breath. "I don't know what he wants with Danny, but it's obvious to me that it isn't good. I would rather abandon the Dark Lord forever than let him hurt Danny. Are you with me?"

Draco sincerely hoped Danny was right about this. Crabbe and Goyle's fathers were as much a part of Voldemort's inner circle as his own father was. Vince and Greg would either stand with him, or they would turn him over. He gulped again and waited.

The seconds ticked away as the large Slytherins sat in silence. They had their own choices to make. They could follow their fathers' footsteps, or they could strike out into foreign territory. Greg looked at both Draco and Vince. "I'm with you. Da's not gonna like this, but between Professor Snape, the Headmaster, Fenton, and you, I think we can make this work."

Vince looked at both of them. He promised his father he would take the Mark this summer, when he turned 17. This choice between his promise to his father and his relationship to his friends had him question where his loyalty belonged. Fenton was a good kid, but was he worth going against his father? Vince wasn't sure.

Malfoy… Vince's own father followed Draco's father, right or wrong, as far as he knew. That should help to inform his decision, but then again, they both served the Dark Lord unquestioningly. This Malfoy was questioning service to the Dark Lord.

But Goyle… Vince and Greg were inseparable. They did everything together. They did their first accidental magic together. They played Quidditch together. They stole food from the Hogwarts' kitchens together… They turned their backs on the Dark Lord together.

"I'm with you. No, my Da's not gonna like this, either. But if it's gonna be you, me, Malfoy, and Fenton… we can do this. We got anyone else?"

Draco sighed with relief. Danny was right! Draco could work with this. "Yeah. We've got others to work with us. I've got to talk to a couple of people this week, and we'll see what we can do."

Tuesday morning, after Herbology, Draco nodded once at Danny, who nodded back before he left for his meeting with Professor Snape. Before they left the greenhouse environs, Draco called out, "Harry!"

The dark-haired Gryffindor searched for who called his name. That voice in that tone was a new combination. He found Draco, who had urged Crabbe and Goyle to go on into the castle. Danny told Harry of Draco's choice to turn away from Voldemort, and of Draco's fear, and need to talk. To be honest, this was the last conversation he expected to have, but he was privately thrilled to be having it with the one Slytherin student who caused him more trouble over the past five and a half years than all others, combined.

Harry pulled up to Draco, flanked by Ron and Hermione. "What's on your mind, Draco?"

Draco felt at a loss, or at the very least, at a disadvantage – Harry had his friends, but Crabbe and Goyle left. He took a breath, and realized that whatever else happened, this conversation had to have a safer outcome than what he was afraid of last night. "I understand that you and Danny talked last night."

Ron eyed Draco mistrustfully. "And what if he did?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "Look. Voldemort," Both Ron and Hermione's eyes flew wide open, "Has something against Danny. I don't know what, but I don't want to know. What I do know is that I don't want anything to do with said Dark Lord. Right now, this was probably the one thing that will guarantee a break between what my father did and what I want to do."

Harry blinked. "Glad to hear it."

"Don't think we'll be best mates because of this," Draco snapped.

Harry smirked. "Perish the thought, though stranger things have happened."

Ron crossed his arms. "But what do you want, Malfoy?"

"Before this gets heated or complicated," Hermione suggested reasonably, "why don't we find somewhere to sit? Lack of becoming best mates duly noted, but there's no rule that says we have to make this more uncomfortable for you than it already probably is."

Draco wanted to say something unpleasant, but the Know-it-all was right. "Fine." No one commented that this single syllable was the most civilly Draco spoke to Hermione in their entire acquaintance. Harry led them to a spot by the lake where the snow had melted and the grass had dried.

The four of them sat, and Draco considered how to proceed. "Professor Snape and Danny suggest that you would be a receptive audience, and they've never steered me wrong." Harry nodded. Draco sighed. "My life has gotten infinitely more complicated. I can't go home, as Voldemort has taken up residence there and decided 'I'm useful enough to live, for now.' I don't want to help him, or be useful, or whatever. He was asking about Danny and Professor Masters. When I told him about it, Danny turned as pale as a ghost."

All three Gryffindors succeeded in fighting down snickers, but Draco realized that something was going on. "Anyway… the Dark Lord already figured out that you and I have ceased hostilities, Harry. I realize this… whatever you call this, what we have, is mutually beneficial, but I'm also going to need to find some like-minded people – besides Danny – in my own House. But I can't very well ask people. Those choosing to ally themselves to… him would have no problem sending me to my death." He was thoughtful. "You probably know all about that, don't you?" He asked quietly.

Harry laughed mirthlessly. "Third Year is the only year he hasn't tried to have me killed since I got back to the Wizarding World. So yeah, you could say I know exactly what you mean."

Ron's mistrustful gaze lessened, but not by much. "You're saying you're not interested in You-Know-Who, and that Professor Snape and Danny know of your choice. Got that. And now you've told us, which is a useful thing on your part. But you still haven't said what you want."

Draco hardened his eyes. Did he have to spell it out for these people? Apparently, he did. "I spoke to Crabbe and Goyle, and they're with me on this."

"Of course they are," scoffed Ron.

"There is nothing 'of course' about it, Weasley." Draco was losing his patience. He hadn't lost it yet, but he was getting there. "In choosing to follow me on this, it means choosing to ignore their own fathers, and what they want. They may also need to make different summer arrangements, until this is over. So don't think you know everything." Ron was taken aback by Draco's quiet fury.

Draco looked away from the trio for a few moments to collect his anger. When he was able to speak calmly again, he said, "Look – as leaders of the DA, you know who the repeat Slytherins are. More likely than not, they can be a source of anti-Voldemort sentiment. I know a few, but mostly I've been focusing on practicing, not who is there. All I know for sure is that Crabbe and Goyle and I'm in, Pansy isn't anymore, and… even though Danny's not in the Club, he is anti-Voldemort."

He paused, realizing that this request was going to forever change his relationship to these three, for better or for worse. "I'd like a list of anti-Voldemort Slytherins, if the DA leadership has one. It occurs to me that… while the Dark Lord is living in my house, there are others who might need protection from classmates' reporting, or even," he closed his eyes, "from our own parents."

Hermione said, "I don't have a list, but there are people. I've heard some talk while working with different groups. I could canvasse the student leaders and see what they come up with. But what do you want with this list?"

Draco cringed in emotional pain. "Professor Snape told me to speak to Professor Dumbledore about my personal situation and safety options. As long as I'm doing this for me, Crabbe and Goyle can benefit from this. While not every Death Eater comes from Slytherin (I heard about Pettigrew), the majority of Death Eaters I do know about are."

He looked over the three Gryffindors in front of him. "If you decided to have general anti-Voldemort talk in your Common Room, most people are in agreement. I wouldn't know, but I would guess you have the freedom to have as much ra-ra as you want. In Slytherin, a general anti-Voldemort conversation with the wrong people can get you turned over for 'punishment'." Ron and Hermione paled, and Draco nodded. Harry seemed to understand what he was saying. Draco decided to explore this fact at another time.

"So… I want this list for two reasons. One, of course, is to find out who I can talk to about Voldemort and plans against him safely. Secondly, if anyone needs protection, Dumbledore is the man to talk to, in order to get it. It would be nice to have a list of names of people to give him, so we can be taken care of at the same time."

Harry stared at Draco. "You are good at this. You helped Danny, and now… I'm impressed."

Draco shrugged. "Good to know."

Harry sighed. Draco was an enigma. This choice raised this Slytherin in his estimation, but he was still… Draco. "We'll get back to you, but this is a worthy endeavor. I'm looking forward to working with you on this. And, of course, we'll keep your secret."

Ron shook his head. "This is getting weird."

Draco crossed his arms. "You're telling me? Now we should probably get to Transfigurations." He grabbed his bag and ended up leading the four of them to class.

During Tuesday's afternoon office hours, Vlad looked up when he heard a knock at his door. "Come in." He glowed with pleasure when he saw who it was who entered his office. "Daniel! What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the honor of this early meeting?" He waved Danny over to a seat.

"There's a lot on my mind, and we didn't really have time to talk about it last night." Danny stared at the edge of Vlad's desk. "Harry, Ron, and Hermione have figured out every one of my secrets, with the possible exceptions of our ability to overcome the Killing Curse, my Ghostly Wail, and overshadowing."

Vlad came out from behind his desk and sat in the seat nearest Danny. "They are very clever, and observant, and…"

"And they figured out that you're a half-ghost, too."

"Shoo-fly pie and apple pandoughty! Well… As I said, they are observant and clever. And they seem to understand and appreciate our need for secrecy."

"I just… I don't know. I just… you know, no one in Amity Park figured out anything. I mean, Sam and Tucker were there during my accident. Jazz… well, she's my sister, and was brilliant, and happened to catch me during a transformation. For all my in-school transformations, and ghost fighting all over town, no one figured out anything. If anything, Paulina realized my ghost form showed up wherever my human form did, without realizing they were both me. Here, Harry, Ron, and Hermione figured out everything. Luna merely looked at my ghost form and knew. And my history class, and Ernie, and Melissa… well, I already told you about them."

Danny ran a hand through his hair. "I don't get it. No one's seen me operate as Danny Phantom, except for Harry. No one at all has seen me transform. Four students even saw me as Phantom. But ten students here know more about me in a few months than anyone did in Amity Park in two years. And I've done less here to help anyone discover anything."

Vlad sat back for a moment. Daniel was right. "My dear boy, you are correct. However, the two situations are nothing alike, besides the school settings. In Casper High, you were – forgive me – unremarkable as a student. You were in class, much like anyone else, but the classes were larger. Nothing, really, made you stand out in any way, personally. Here, you are new, you are from a different country, your background is a mystery, you are very close friends with the resident celebrity, and you shun honor while you're in a House practically defined by ambition. You stand out in every way.

"As such, people are more apt to pay attention to almost everything about you. In Casper High, when your ghost sense went off, no one knew or cared. Here, you have four Ravenclaw students, noted for being observant and hungry for knowledge, all in place to observe you in the one class you have a ghost as a teacher who would set off your ghost sense. Melissa's unfortunate intrusion into the classroom where we held our… altercation tipped our hand in a way neither of us anticipated. I'm not sure how Ernest got involved."

Danny sighed. "I guess you're right."

"And Harry is practically your cousin. You have so much in common that it is truly remarkable. And unlike the folks in Casper High, Harry got to see your ghost half as a student. Your personality is exactly the same. I wasn't expecting it, but when he told me he figured out you were both human and ghost, it made a lot of sense. Further, he probably came to the conclusion with the help of Hermione and Ron.

"Luna… She is an enigma. She is a Ravenclaw, so she has a predisposition to be brilliant. But she is unlike any other person I've ever met."

"Yeah." Danny's eyes twinkled. "She is smart, pretty, her eyes shine like the moon, she has a great sense of humor, and we kind of have a date after the DA meeting this Sunday."

"Really! I do believe you are taken with her. I suppose I should wish you luck."

Danny was startled back to the present. "You know, Pápa, I haven't ever… really… Well, the one time I ever told Dad I liked a girl, he… well…"

Vlad smirked. "I imagine you've never had a heart to heart with a parent to discuss feelings you barely understand." He sighed sadly. "While you loved your father very much, the fact is that he didn't understand many things about you, certainly not the way I do." He looked thoughtful. "Technus told me he was 'rooting' for you and Valerie."

Danny blushed. "Yeah, well… she is smart, pretty, amazingly talented. And even though she no longer hates my ghost half (thank you again for that), I just… I like her. I even sent her a necklace like the one I gave Luna, except it had an emerald in a silver setting. It matches her eyes, and the note I sent said, 'A pretty gift for a pretty girl.' But I don't think she'll trust me if she discovers that Fenton is really Phantom."

Vlad smirked again. "You gave her jewelry with your House colors."

Danny rolled his eyes. "Yes, Vlad, but the jewelry shop specialized in Hogwarts paraphernalia. I couldn't get a ruby without a gold setting, or a yellow stone without a jet setting. When I got the thing for Valerie, it wasn't like a class ring or something. It was because it matched her eyes."

Vlad raised his eyebrows. Too much teasing took away the title he's come to love to hear from his son. "Very well, very well. While I'm honored to have the glimpse you've given me into your love life, I'm quite sure that wasn't your aim for coming to me. The exposure of your ghost nature (and mine, for that matter) is disconcerting. I hope you are comforted enough for now." He took one of Danny's hands. "Was there anything else?"

"Yeah." Danny slumped his shoulders. "Draco told me that Voldemort has been asking questions about us."

"WHAT?"

"Right. Voldemort has no reason to know who I am, but Draco told me it wasn't his fault. He already knew something, and Voldemort threatened him because Draco couldn't tell him what he wanted to know. Draco wants to start a Slytherin anti-Voldemort movement, once we know who is agreeable."

"Hmm…" How could Voldemort have known? "Perhaps the Animagus wasn't the only Death Eater to observe us in Hogsmeade. Pity. We could have built so many memories as the only two Muggles in the one and only pure Wizarding village in all of Britain. Now, we'll have to wait until this foolishness is over."

"Um, Pápa?" Vlad smiled. The title returned. "He was asking questions about you, too. Are you sure it's still safe for you to go to London?"

Vlad thought for a moment. Was it still safe for him to go to London? "It probably is still fine. I only go to the normal parts of London: to the post office, the bank, an Internet café, and a newspaper stand. There are other places I go when necessary. But as far as these people know, I'm a wizard, and would most likely be in Diagon Alley when I visit London, if they figured out that London is a regular destination of mine." He frowned. No one knew where he went, unless he told them himself…

Vlad cleared his throat. "Not to worry, my son. You get ready for your next class."

On Wednesday morning, Professor Snape and Vlad found each other in the faculty lounge. "Vlad, we need to talk."

"I gathered that."

Severus nodded. "I would prefer if you met me in my office after you finish with Daniel's lessons this evening. It's alright if… my favorite nephew knows where you're going. This must happen."

With no further fanfare, Vlad accompanied Danny to the dungeon after they finished their lessons at 10:00pm. "What's this meeting for, Pápa?"

"I believe your professor and I will discuss some of what we talked about yesterday. I'll let you know if I find out anything relevant for you. We'll know better after this conversation."

Danny felt weird, but it was oddly comforting to have Vlad with him. Over the course of the year, he and Vlad have been getting closer, but… It wasn't just words. This whole adoption thing felt right. Vlad was never going to be Dad, but whatever it was, well, he was glad it was there.

Vlad hugged Danny. "You have a good night, Daniel." He dismissed Danny and knocked on Snape's door.

"Come in." Severus smiled and waved Vlad into a seat. "It looks like someone's had a good day."

Vlad returned the smile. "Besides the fact that every one of my students Fourth Year and higher had a decent amount of speculation on why Dementors bothered to ally themselves to the humans they'd rather prey upon, Daniel's made significant inroads to increase his power, and he was able to compare and contrast Narnia's 'first Christmas in centuries' to a scenario we came across in the Ghost Zone. It is days like today that almost make me question why teaching was not my first career choice. But only almost."

This whole 'first Christmas in centuries' in the Ghost Zone was something Professor Snape decided he needed to speak with Daniel about at another time. "Speaking of Christmas, various faculty and staff were very much amused by Daniel's gifts. We'll thank him personally, but really… I knew he was clever, but a wit with words I didn't know he was."

"I've had years to get used to his snappy banter, but please tell me what has you so amused."

"He gave me this gold watch, and it came with a note, saying, 'Thank you for watching over me.' Filius received a set of twelve ice mugs, and his note said, 'Thank you for helping me find the Charm in my powers.' Hagrid and Filch's notes weren't so clever as much as the gifts were sentimental. Daniel gave Hagrid a rather large box filled with a fittingly large variety of teas, with a note thanking him for being a friend. Argus Filch was floored to have received a gift from a student."

"Oh?"

"Daniel gave him a simple plush bear with a note that said, 'Thank you for caring.' It was wonderfully thoughtful."

Vlad smiled. "That's my boy. I'm not sure why he's taken with care for the caretaker, but there you go."

Professor Snape furrowed his brows. "The most eclectic, to me anyway, was his gift to Firenze. Daniel gave the centaur an ectoplasmic ball of light encasing a Galleon, a Sickle, a Knut, and the leaf of a rowan tree. The note that came with this said, 'You showed me the beauty of putting cultures together, keeping them separate, and respecting them all, regardless.' The gift demonstrated the concept perfectly."

"Indeed. Daniel has an uncanny ability to find new perspectives. I am proud of him, and as entertained as we both are by my son's gift selection, that isn't really the purpose of tonight's meeting."

Severus sighed. "Voldemort has become aware of Daniel's identity. Further, he was asking about you."

Vlad nodded somberly. "So Daniel said. Draco told him. I've already cancelled further plans for him to visit anywhere until further notice. With the exception of visiting America to complete the adoption."

The Potions Master stared at Vlad. "And how do you propose to take him there? Voldemort is looking for you."

Vlad raised an eyebrow. "The Headmaster brought us here with a Portkey. I do realize that security is of the utmost importance."

"Then you realize the ridiculousness of the notion of removing Daniel from heavily warded areas that keep him safe."

Vlad snarled, "And you fail to realize that there are modes of transportation with which you are entirely unfamiliar, or you would not be so swift to ridicule that which you don't understand."

Severus cocked his head. "What did you have in mind?"

Vlad sniffed haughtily. "I intend to take Daniel through the Ghost Zone, and have my lawyer meet me in my Wisconsin home. Otherwise, the public would want to know why everything would not have been done in my home country, state, and city."

"I appreciate the concept of appeasing the public, as the government and media have a way of meddling with celebrated personas. However, I don't see the need to do all of this maneuvering now."

Vlad answered simply, "I want the adoption to go through as quickly as possible. I don't have an appointment yet, but I intend to change that over the next couple of weeks."

Severus drummed his fingers on his desk and frowned. "Vlad, I don't think you understand the danger you face with Daniel outside of protective magical wards."

"No, Severus, I understand perfectly. Traveling through the Ghost Zone is something that can't be detected or traced without some of the Fentons' technology, which doesn't work here."

"Vlad, the problem isn't the transportation, but what happens when you get there."

"Severus, it's my own home. Everything should be fine."

Severus narrowed his eyes. "And the last time Daniel was in America, whole hosts of Muggles were decimated. You aren't taking him. It would be an irresponsible security breach."

Vlad's eyes glowed red. "How dare you tell me this?"

Severus sneered. "So much for your Sorting into Ravenclaw. You are far too emotional, and not logical enough. Unless you intend to have your solicitor enter the Ghost Zone, you are taking Daniel into as much of a dangerous situation as he escaped in July. Unless… Of course!"

Vlad growled, "What are you babbling about?"

The wizard laughed. "I can't believe it just came to me. Vlad, it would be irresponsible for you to take Daniel with you somewhere that isn't as heavily warded as Hogwarts or the Burrow. Unless, of course, you have a fully trained wizard with you."

The half-ghost raised his eyebrows. "You mean to come with us when we go."

"I do indeed."

Vlad shook his head. That was an unexpected development. "Was there anything else?"

Severus tapped his chin. "I believe Draco is trying to organize something anti-Voldemort, but I'll get back to you when I have more details."

Vlad sighed. "Right, then. Oh, you may enjoy this." Vlad turned the book in his hand visible. "This is a description of how Daniel and I spent Christmas Eve. I thought you might find it entertaining. Have a good night, Severus." He disappeared in a pink mist.

On Friday evening, Draco was rather proud of himself. During the morning break, he spoke to Harry and Hermione, who gave him a comprehensive list of the Slytherins who were repeat DA members. The student teachers listened to conversations around the room, and between the 23 of them (Zacharias would have made 24, but Draco personally kept him busy last meeting), they formed a composite list of which Slytherins would be safe for him to talk to about Voldemort. There might be more, but this was a good place to start. He made himself two copies, one of which he intended to share with Danny. He had plans for the original list.

Professor Snape brought Draco to the Headmaster's office. "Seriously? Butterscotch toffee?"

The professor smiled wryly. "The Headmaster has an interesting sense of humor. How do you feel?"

"I'm nervous, but this is the right thing to do."

"Focus on the fact that you are a student leader, here to help your fellow students and Housemates."

"Okay."

"Look at me." The professor turned Draco to face him, holding the boy's shoulders. "Are you ready?"

Draco gulped, wiped his hands on his robes, and then straightened his robes, allowing his face to become an aristocratic mask of confidence. "Ready."

"Then knock."

Professor Dumbledore called, "Come in. Professor. Mr. Malfoy! To what do I owe this honor?"

Draco nodded to steady himself. "Professor, Lord Voldemort has taken up residence in my house. I didn't know that until I got home for Christmas break."

Raising his eyebrows, Professor Dumbledore said, "I see. Please, both of you take seats." Professor Snape put a hand on Draco's shoulder before both of them took seats. Fawkes flew over and landed on the back of Draco's chair, and started to sing.

Draco spun to look, and asked, "Sir?"

Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Not to worry, Draco. Fawkes has decided you need comfort in a way that only a phoenix can offer. Truly, don't worry." Draco closed his eyes, and let the phoenix song help to calm him down.

Taking a cleansing breath, Draco said, "Voldemort asked lots of questions about Danny and Professor Masters. I'm not sure what he wants, but that can't possibly be good."

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "You're right."

"I already told Danny, and…"

The old wizard was concerned. "What is it, Draco?"

The blond looked up at his Head of House, who nodded in encouragement. "Professor, I reject what Voldemort has to offer." Dumbledore relaxed visibly as he listened. "You do realize this presents a serious problem – he's living in my home. I…" Draco's aristocratic cool flew out the window as panic set in. "What am I going to do?"

Professor Snape grabbed Draco's closest hand and looked at Dumbledore. "Professor, I, myself, would like to know what type of solution you have in mind."

The Headmaster covered his mouth with a hand and stroked his beard with a downward stroke. "This is serious. I'm not sure what to tell you at first glance. I will need to consider and make arrangements."

Draco sighed. "Professor… I'm not the only one who is going to need this kind of help. I have a list of names of various Slytherins, some of whom are children of Death Eaters, who also reject Voldemort's message, service, or anything else. We are going to need help and protection."

"I acknowledge the difficulty. I will need to come back to you after speaking to people to make arrangements. Please give me your list." Draco handed him a scroll, and Albus read it.

"This isn't a complete list, but it's a start."

The Headmaster nodded sincerely. "Thank you very much. It took great initiative and courage on your part to get this started. I will make it my business to do what is necessary to solve this problem." He rolled the scroll and tapped it on his desk a few times. "Draco, may I ask you a personal question?"

Draco looked up quizzically. "Uh, sure."

"Has your father or any of your relatives made mention of the honor of holding an heirloom for Voldemort?"

Professor Snape stared. He had no idea what the Headmaster was on about, and was about to snap at his employer for bothering his student with ridiculous questions until Severus studied the boy. The teen furrowed his brows in thought. "Yes, I think so. Aunt Bella crowed about being entrusted with 'her lord's greatest treasure.' She rather went on about how much of an honor it was, and didn't even share it with Uncle Rodolphus. She went on and on about being chosen 'as a part of the Noble and Ancient House of Black,' and how anyone would be hard-pressed to find an older, more pure Wizarding bloodline. So she put this 'greatest of treasures' in the ancestral Black family vault."

A happy twinkle came to Dumbledore's eyes. "Excellent! My dear boy, with this fantastic news, your problems will soon be over! I will, of course, check on all the other things I mentioned. Your safety, and the safety of your fellow students, is paramount. But the information you have provided me will bring us one step closer to defeating Voldemort for once and for all."

The two Slytherins shared a glance, neither having a clue about what the elder wizard meant.

The Headmaster smiled kindly. "My dear Draco, do you have anything else you care to discuss?"

Draco clasped his hands in his lap and looked at them for a moment. "No, sir. Not right now."

"Then I thank you for coming. Please take a lemon drop – surely, your throat must be dry after discussing such nerve-wracking topics."

Draco looked up with wide eyes, and accepted one. "Thank you, sir."

Saturday evening, Vlad visited Professor Dumbledore after his evening with Danny. "Welcome, Professor. Have a seat. Would you care for some tea?" The Headmaster was curious about how his half-ghost professor would surprise him this time.

"Thank you kindly. We have much to discuss, and some refreshments would not go amiss."

Professor Dumbledore poured them both cups. "Where would you like to begin?"

Vlad smiled. "First of all, you should know that Daniel and I spent the first part of our Christmas vacation in the Ghost Zone. It was wonderfully satisfying to meet many of Daniel's friends and allies. We discussed one of them last August – the Ghostwriter."

The wizard thought for a moment. "He is the one who can change reality with his Keyboard, right?"

"Correct. But he truly is a fine author. As you know, six of the regular Hogwarts ghosts came to the Ghost Zone to attend the annual Christmas party the ghosts hold. Daniel and I attended it this year. I commissioned the Ghostwriter to describe it in poem form (after the fact. No one was forced to do anything), and I thought you would appreciate a copy." Vlad handed Albus the wrapped book.

"Astounding! Of all the books I receive as gifts, I can't remember one I looked forward to reading as much as this. Thank you very kindly, Vlad."

Vlad took a sip of his tea. "It was a great pleasure. But nothing has given me greater pleasure than what Daniel surprised me with as a Christmas present. He asked me to formally adopt him."

"How wonderful for both of you!" Professor Snape, Professor Sprout, and Molly Weasley informed him of this, but there was no need to diminish his excitement on the half-ghosts' behalf.

Vlad nodded. "Indeed. And before you remind me of the warnings I received in October, Severus already did so. Also…" How would the Headmaster deal with this little fact? "I spoke with Clockwork, the Ghost Master of Time. He also reminded me of my commitments to Daniel that I made and renewed in October."

"A ghost who is Master of Time? What a fascinating concept. I wonder what he would think of the Wizarding invention of Time-turners." At Vlad's puzzled look, he explained, "They are devices that can bring a person back into the past. Of course, I understand that they've all been destroyed…"

Vlad smirked. "I imagine he would say that everything is as it should be."

Albus tried, but he couldn't restrain himself. "Did he… say anything about the situation concerning Voldemort?"

"As a matter of fact, he did. He was cryptic, and Daniel said that was par for the course, but he sounded rather optimistic. It all comes down to choices, but the likelihood that the anti-Voldemort crowd will make useful choices seems rather high."

The Headmaster nodded. "That is comforting to hear. Danny is familiar with this ghost?"

Vlad grimaced. "Apparently. Clockwork is Daniel's Guardian in ways I can't begin to fathom. It seems more authoritative than my own relationship to the boy. He did congratulate us, though, and told Daniel that his decision to allow me to adopt him was a fine choice."

"And so it was. Congratulations on your adoption. Has Danny decided which name he'll choose as a last name?"

Vlad took another sip of tea. "We haven't discussed it yet. We have time." Albus chuckled, and Vlad rolled his eyes. After the discussion concerning Clockwork, Vlad should have anticipated a pun on time.

Albus took a sip of his own tea, and Vlad cleared his throat. "That is another thing I intend to discuss with you this evening. Earlier today, I sent a communiqué to my secretary to arrange an appointment with my lawyer to arrange the legal details to make Daniel my son. By next Saturday, I'll have a date and time, Central Standard Time. Because of the time differences, it will require me leaving the castle after hours. I will try to arrange it for a weekend."

"Alright. But something tells me this will be more complicated than your disappearing for a few hours one evening."

Vlad closed his eyes. "It will require taking Daniel to America for the appointment."

Professor Dumbledore frowned. "I'm not sure I can allow you to do that."

"There is one more aspect I hadn't mentioned yet." Albus raised his eyebrows. "Severus suggested that he would come with us."

Albus covered his mouth with a hand. "That is an interesting suggestion. And how do you intend to take my student and professor to America?"

"The same way I got there last time – through the Ghost Zone."

"Oh, my." Professor Dumbledore smiled. "I do believe my Potions Master is in for a surprise. With the protection Severus can offer you once you get back to… the Real World, I think you call it? With Severus present, I can allow you to take Danny. I mean to give no offense, but I take the safety of my students and staff very seriously."

"I appreciate that." Vlad frowned. "But that brings me back to a real topic of concern. I hear that Voldemort has been asking questions about me and Daniel. This is a problem."

Professor Dumbledore sighed. "Indeed, it is."

"How could this happen? We are supposed to be safe here."

"I couldn't say for certain. I would imagine it is a combination of things. One that stands out most in my mind is that Voldemort very rarely operates by using one lone Death Eater in the field. On the day you killed Peter Pettigrew, there was almost certainly another Death Eater with him."

Vlad narrowed his eyes. "I seriously hope you aren't telling me that our breach in security is my fault."

"No, Vlad, I'm not saying this is your fault."

"What are you doing to stop Voldemort? You always say that something is going on, but I don't know what any of these results are. Considering the breakdown of my son's safety, I deserve to know."

Professor Dumbledore drummed his fingers on his desk. Vlad was rightfully angry, and… he proved to be trustworthy enough for this. "We know the location of Voldemort's hideout. But before you ask, let me explain. Using some of the Darkest, vilest magic known to man, he has arranged to create a few tokens to help him cheat death. These tokens are the reason that, when Voldemort's Killing Curse backfired on him when he tried to kill Harry as a baby, the evil man didn't die."

"Interesting."

"I've been systematically hunting down and destroying these tokens as I find them. As of now, three of them exist. One is an inanimate object, and I only discovered its location yesterday. One is Voldemort's pet snake Nagini. The third… has to be dealt with more delicately. The token is an innocent human being who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"After the object and the snake have been destroyed… Let's just say that this is not a simple thing to do. Dealing with Death Eaters is far simpler and much more straight-forward."

Vlad furrowed his brows. "I see. Is there anything I can do?"

Professor Dumbledore poured himself a new cup and drank deeply. "Not at present, with the sole exception of keeping all of what I've said about the tokens to yourself. Don't even tell Danny. The fewer people who know about it, the better. I wouldn't have told you, but considering the fact that your security was breached, you deserved something in return."

"I thank you for your trust and your candor."

Albus picked up the note of mollification in Vlad's tone. Refilling Vlad's teacup, he said, "I hear that you've suggested the Patronus for tomorrow's DA meeting…"

Saturday evening, Danny had an early night. Sometimes, he used early nights as excuses for ghostly adventures, but this time, he just needed the rest. Both Ida and Valerie sent him things that Vlad picked up in London earlier on Saturday. Valerie was always an interesting pen pal. But he was truly curious to see what Ida had to say. Danny sent Ida a plush unicorn that could ride in her scooter basket. The note he wrote to her was heartfelt: 'Sam helped me discover the magic of life. You always supported her, and you were always there for me. Thank you. Happy holidays.'

He was as curious to read her response to him as he was to know her reaction to Vlad's gift. Vlad gave Ida a diamond encrusted wire basket for her scooter. It was useful, obnoxiously opulent, and a horrifically blatant snub to the rest of the Mansons. It was utilitarian enough to be used every day, and it was sparkly enough that there was no way Sam's parents could miss it when she entered a room. Even in his kindness, Vlad was a bit of a Froot-Loop.

Regardless, Danny would wait to read any and all responses until Sunday, after breakfast.

All of this filled Danny's head Sunday morning. He cheerfully greeted Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, and Pansy. Pansy studied the unusually buoyant boy. "Good morning, Danny."

"Good morning. It's been a while… How was your vacation? I wanted to ask you earlier, but you were always busy."

Pansy was dangerously pleasant. "I had a lovely time. I went to Draco's house for a few days before Christmas until the day after Boxing Day."

Danny frowned as he remembered Draco said that Voldemort had taken up residence there, but he remembered that Voldemort's presence wasn't public knowledge. He smiled. "That's great, Pansy. Draco told me he was having a few friends over. I'm glad you had a good time."

It frustrated the girl that she couldn't spark any jealousy in him. When he frowned, she thought she had him, but no. "Only the best people are invited to Malfoy Manor during Christmas."

"Okay. I'm glad you feel that way." Danny scratched his head. He also got an invitation, and it was nice to know she thought he was one of 'the best people' after she spent more than a month ignoring him.

Pansy observed him. It was a shame he looked so cute when he was confused. "Danny, what are you doing after breakfast?"

Danny shrugged. "I'm going back to the dorm to write some more Thank You notes. I did not expect to receive as many gifts as I got for Christmas. By the way, thank you for the…"

"Don't worry. It was nothing." She nodded at Zacharias, who peaked his eyebrows and left his table.

Danny furrowed his brows. "I'm sorry I didn't get anything for you. I didn't think…"

"Oh, don't worry about that. Come, Tracey, let's help Danny find his way."

Danny looked up. "Draco, is everything okay?" Pansy was acting too weird.

Draco shrugged. "I don't know. Two pretty girls offered to accompany you anywhere you want to go. Maybe today is your lucky day."

Danny smiled. "Okay. I'll catch you later." He followed Pansy, and Tracey shook her head. "Um, ladies, what's going on?"

Pansy turned back to him. "Professor Masters likes giving you surprises. Today I'm giving you a surprise."

"But I thought you didn't like me?"

Pansy paused for a moment. "You worry too much."

Tracey muttered, "Or not enough."

Through gritted teeth, Pansy growled, "Shut it."

Danny's skin started to crawl. As soon as they got outside of the Great Hall, he said, "Listen. I'm flattered by the attention, but I think I should go."

"Not to worry. You will."

Zacharias cast Stupefy! Danny fell unconscious. Pansy clapped. "Well done, Smith, well done. I'll Disillusion him." She suited word to deed. "And now, Tracey can use a Levitation Charm to take him… Where are we taking him?"

Zacharias was distinctly unhappy. In the past week, especially when the other Slytherins gave him a hard time (they STILL didn't forgive him for Astoria), Danny stuck up for him. He wasn't sure if hurting Harry was worth all of this. But unless he cast Ennervate on Danny right now, he was stuck for this. "We're taking him to the seventh floor."

Tracey looked askance. "You couldn't find somewhere closer?"

The Hufflepuff shrugged. "If it's important to you that Danny's not found, then no. The room is Unplottable, and no one goes there unless they know about the room."

Tracey grimaced, but Pansy said, "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

The three of them took the unconscious Danny to the seventh floor, and Zacharias said, "Let me set the room for you."

Pansy wasn't sure what he meant, but whatever it was, it could wait. "Soon." She brought Danny back to visible. "First, Zach, do your lovely Binding Spell. It won't hurt him, but it will keep him still once the Stunning Spell wears off."

He looked at her. "I don't think I should. Isn't it enough that he'll be missing for hours? No one knows what we've done, or where we're putting him. He'll be missing, and he'll wake up terrified and disoriented. That's enough."

Pansy glowered. "No, it's not enough. I want him gone."

The Hufflepuff stood up to his full height, which was close to six feet. "I've done what I've told you I'm doing. I'll open the room, and even put him deep within it, so it will take even a few more hours for him to find his way out. But I signed on to help pull a prank. I never signed up to give the kid a death sentence."

Pansy looked to Tracey, who shook her head. "Pansy, you're going too far."

The vindictive Slytherin rolled her eyes. "Fine. Open the room." Zacharias walked back and forth three times, wishing for the Room of Requirement to open to be the Room of Hidden Things. As promised, he led them deep into the heart of what appeared to be the city of stuff. Just as they were about to leave, Pansy shot a Stunning Spell at Tracey.

Zach cried, "What do you think you're doing?"

Pansy sneered, "Nothing you need to worry about. Imperio!" She commanded him to put a Binding Spell on Danny, putting the ropes around him tightly, but not tight enough to cut off circulation. Pansy conjured a gag and tied it so Danny wouldn't be able to call out. Just to make sure he stayed out, Pansy recast a Stunning Spell on the already unconscious Danny. "There. He should be out for no fewer than twelve hours. But no one will find him." She Disillusioned him again, and commanded Zacharias to levitate Tracey out of the Room.

Once they were out, Pansy released Zacharias. He shouted, "Pansy! You used an Unforgivable on me!"

"I did? Obliviate!"

While Zach was muddled and struggled to figure out what just happened, Pansy revived Tracey, who remembered that Pansy Stunned her. Tracey cried, "What have you done?"

"All we've done is put someone inconvenient out of the way. It's guaranteed to hurt Harry and Danny." She purred, "Now Zach, what did I do?"

He thought for a moment, trying to remember. "You… asked me to help you pull a prank. Did it work?"

Pansy grinned. "Far better than I would have imagined."