Thank you once again to everyone who read, reviewed, and put this story and me on your assorted lists.
At the time of this update, Chapter 43 has more reviews than any other chapter. The entire story currently has 783 reviews, over 60,000 hits, it belongs to 9 communities, and it is on more than 175 favorite and alert lists each. Thank you all very kindly. The only thing I can do is update as soon as I can and offer you cookies and chocolate milk.
Many good questions were asked in the bountiful reviews. I hope they will be answered over the course of the chapter.
But one question deserves a public answer. MiaMoore889 asked: If Danny were duplicated, what would the Marauders' Map show? Would it show 2 Dannys or would it show 1 or would it give the duplicates a different name?
The answer: Assuming they weren't hanging out somewhere Unplottable, however many duplicates exist would all show up as Daniel Fenton, as that is his real name, and the Map doesn't recognize nicknames or aliases.
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or Harry Potter.
Chapter 44
Danny sat in Vlad's rooms on the couch by the fire. Vlad held him in a fierce hug that he was reluctant to release. "You're here, you're fine. I was so worried about you."
"Thanks, Pápa."
"Parkinson is no longer our problem, as I don't believe the Wizarding World understands the concept of parole." Vlad sat back with smug satisfaction.
Danny fidgeted, shrugging one shoulder and then the other. "I know. But… I don't know. I think it's kinda harsh. I mean, she didn't really hurt me. To be honest, I don't think she really could if she wanted to."
Vlad clucked his tongue in irritation. "Daniel, that isn't the point. You said it yourself. If you didn't have the ability to get out of those bonds, you could have died a slow and painful death. She might not have actually done much damage, but she intended to kill you. Attempted murder is a serious offense." Vlad ignored the fact that he was guilty of that very thing countless times over and studied the boy for a few seconds. "Showenhower didn't actually kill your family. Are you telling me his sentence deserves to be commuted?"
"No," Danny said quickly. Never mind that the Guys in White will never know about that incident – Freakshow's grand larceny would keep him out of circulation for a long time. And his ghost envy would keep the Guys in White busy for a while.
Vlad raised an eyebrow. "And an Unforgivable Curse is just that – unforgivable. While I thank every power that is that no lasting damage was done to you, that whole unforgivable thing would have… Hmm."
Danny turned to face Vlad fully. "What?"
Vlad narrowed his eyes. "There should have been a trial. But then again, the Headmaster is also… a Supreme Court Justice of the Wizarding World. Maybe the evidence from the wand, the confession, and the Aurors as witnesses were enough. After all, an irrefutably signed confession is enough to convict a felon in the Real World."
Danny shrugged. "I guess." He was quiet, and Vlad put an arm around him again. After a few moments of thought, Danny sighed. "I guess no one will ever leave Zach alone now, huh?"
Vlad looked askance at the teenager. "Your hero complex knows no bounds. You were missing for hours, an attempt was made on your life, and you are worried about the Smith boy?" He sneered, "You're probably also worried about the Davis girl, too. As I recall, Mr. Baxter never generated this compassion."
Danny was indignant. "Yeah. And Dash would regularly beat me up, stuff me in lockers, and all kinds of things. But even then, when he really needed help, I still helped him."
The man shook his head at the boy. Danny shrugged again. Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Zacharias might be serving his detention with Mr. Filch, but I can assure you he won't have escaped my wrath." Danny covered his eyes. Vlad smirked.
The man thought for a moment. This was the second time Daniel actively sought his company for comfort. The first was right after the House meeting following the first DA meeting. He put his other arm around the teen for a complete embrace. "I love you, Daniel. And I truly was worried about you. I am truly glad that you are safe, and here with me."
Danny sighed. "Thanks, Pápa."
Professor Snape and Tracey Davis entered the Slytherin Common Room, where the gathered students eagerly awaited whatever information their Head of House would impart. Snape nodded at an empty chair near the door, and Tracey took it. She looked at her fellow Slytherins and then let her eyes settle somewhere over their heads. She wouldn't show any more weakness than was absolutely necessary.
The good professor began. "Tomorrow morning at breakfast, Professor Dumbledore will make an announcement regarding this night's events, but you need to know about them now. A student here in Hogwarts has actively and maliciously attempted to murder another student."
There was silence. Students threatened as much all the time in a colloquial expression of exasperation, but no one actually tried to do this – that they knew of. A mutter came from the shadow in the corner of the Common Room, "I hope whoever it was tried to get a Gryffindor." A murmured "Hope it was Potter," resounded from a different part of the room, along with a few "Yeah"s that came from the massed crowd.
Draco blanched, and he noticed a few others did as well. Tracey trembled, and a traitorous tear escaped from her eye.
Professor Snape cleared his throat. "Truly? While the sentiment isn't completely unexpected, I would have thought better of you. I have never accepted or condoned the general sentiment against our House, but it pains me to believe that the anti-Slytherin stereotype that we are evil has actually been vindicated within full earshot of a House meeting."
The murmuring was silenced. "No matter what you believe, or who you choose to follow once you leave these hallowed halls, you must know that you need to live to accomplish your goals. If you choose to hold life cheap here, others may choose to retaliate. I can't believe that as intelligent as you are, you need me to tell you that the attempt on another's life is completely unacceptable behavior."
Different voices were heard murmuring. This tide of emotion wasn't as strong as the professor would have preferred, but it was something. "As it happens, the targeted student was a Slytherin." Ah. There was the firestorm of whispers he was waiting for. "The guilty party was caught and confessed, and has been sentenced to life in Azkaban."
It was interesting to watch some students think and rethink the concept of justice. Some students were just glad that justice was served. Others looked thoughtful, trying to determine whether they did or should feel the same, regardless of what House the victim was from.
Millicent spat, "I bet it was a Gryffindor. They have it in for us worse than most."
Professor Snape put a finger to his lips in consideration. "I see why you might think so, Miss Bulstrode, as the inter-House rivalry is particularly bitter. But no. Gryffindors' hands are completely clean in this."
Astoria Greengrass, who enjoyed a bit of notoriety as a known target of other malevolence, narrowed her eyes. "It was a Hufflepuff, wasn't it?"
The professor watched her and the other seven students who Mr. Smith purposefully neglected during that first DA meeting and their friends furrow brows, cross arms, and/or nod heads in righteous indignation. "No, Miss Greengrass. While a Hufflepuff was involved, he in no way intended such violence against a fellow student."
Terence Higgs furrowed his brows. "But that only leaves Ravenclaws and Slytherins. That just doesn't make sense. You'd think a Slytherin would have House pride, and a Ravenclaw would be too smart to get involved."
Severus nodded. "You are right, Mr. Higgs. It was a senseless crime. If the perpetrator would have paid attention, she could have accomplished her goal by the simple and non-violent expedient of communicating her will to a separate party, unrelated to her plot. But I'm sure you'll be surprised that the would-be murderer was a fellow Slytherin."
The silence following this statement was deafening. Students with pro-Death Eater tendencies might have reported blood traitor Slytherins to parents, but actually killing a fellow Slytherin themselves was beyond the pale.
Draco narrowed his eyes, folded his arms, and did a quick, silent headcount. Neither Danny nor Pansy was present. Since Tracey was sitting in the Room and looking miserable, and Danny was the target, that left Pansy as the criminal. Draco had nothing to say, and decided to wait for Professor Snape to say it his way.
Goyle frowned. "Professor, who was the target?"
Professor Snape nodded to him, briefly met the eyes of everyone in the room, and announced, "Daniel Fenton."
Gone were the polite murmurings – the entire room was in an uproar. The members of the Quidditch team were particularly vocal. Anyone who was in class with Danny, particularly where he earned points regularly, became quite indignant, and any number of the people who gave Danny Christmas gifts were annoyed. Draco said nothing, but glared at Tracey, who met his gaze and closed her eyes. She knew that he knew she was involved, and she knew she'd feel his severe displeasure before long.
Professor Snape let them carry on for three minutes before raising a hand to silence the angry crowd. "And the would-be murderer is our own Pansy Parkinson." At this, there were a few gasps and angry mutterings, but the general reaction was quiet shock.
Draco thinned his lips and shook his head. They might have been promised to each other, but neither really had to work for their relationship. While Draco usually liked her company, the fact is that they took each other for granted.
Danny was a mystery Draco started to unravel from the first day they met. Trying to puzzle out his moody, withdrawn friend took a lot of work. Draco treasured his hard-earned friendship with Danny. He already risked a great deal to protect Danny from Voldemort, and even though he didn't understand it, it meant a great deal to Draco to save Danny from his worst fear.
Further, Danny was a good friend. The dark-haired Slytherin made sure Draco spent time with his other friends. He helped Draco understand Professor Masters' interesting values, and he was considerate of Draco's feelings, even though Danny was closer to Harry. While Crabbe and Goyle were emotionally close with Draco, and Blaise and Theodore were interesting to talk to, Danny was special.
Girls were easy enough to come by, especially now that a whole new vista was open for him with the anti-Voldemort group. He had all kinds of avenues to explore on many different levels. But there was only one Danny.
He shook himself out of his reverie when Professor Snape started to speak again. "I'll remind you that Miss Parkinson is currently in the hands of the Aurors, and after her parents have been notified, she is headed for a life sentence in Azkaban." There were quite a few satisfied murmurs at this pronouncement.
Professor Snape let it continue for a few seconds. "Now, Miss Parkinson is the only one who had this violence in mind. However, she duped two other students into becoming accomplices. The two accomplices were only guilty of the stupidity required to join a conspiracy neither understood, and the desire to play a prank on Mr. Fenton.
"Please be aware that not a day goes by wherein we don't make choices. As Slytherins, we pride ourselves on weighing the consequences of our actions. Are the possible gains worth the probable risks taken?
"This is one of the reasons I've continuously stressed weighing the pros and cons of following the Dark Lord. Among other things, joining the Dark Lord involves committing crimes of escalating seriousness, and it involves a lifetime commitment to serve Lord Voldemort. Is the gain of the promise of power, of hurting, torturing, or killing people whose blood may not be as pure as yours worth getting branded with a mark that will always flare with pain when the Dark Lord summons you? Is the honor of his favor worth joining a band of outlaws on the chance that the Dark Lord will rise to power? Is the honor worth the pain of being tortured when the Dark Lord capriciously shifts his moods? He does reward those for services he considers well done, but he thinks nothing of killing those he no longer feels are useful; he is not a sentimental man.
"Is service to the Dark Lord worth the effort? Many people believe it is. Many people joined without considering all the positives and negatives. Many who joined but changed their minds were killed or hunted (past and present) as traitors. Many people joined, and in the service of the Dark Lord, earned themselves life sentences in Azkaban, Dementors' Kisses, or death. For some, it was worth the price. But the consequences of the risks involved are known, and people have made choices.
"The attempt on Mr. Fenton's life was not made at the behest of the Dark Lord, but it was made out of a sense of petty jealousy. Not knowing the terms, the goals, or the consequences, the accomplices joined with Miss Parkinson to play a prank."
Tracey blushed deeply. That was another level she didn't bother to think this through.
Crabbe asked, "I get pranks. But why Fenton?"
Professor Snape stood back. "Perhaps Miss Davis could enlighten us."
Tracey gulped as every eye focused on her with varying degrees of anger. She was thoroughly ashamed, but she wasn't going down alone. "Actually, neither Zacharias Smith nor I have anything at all against Danny." She held up a hand. "To be perfectly honest, Zach never had anything against the Slytherins. All of his anti-Slytherin efforts and my participation in the plot against Danny was all…" She closed her eyes as she knew how stupid what she was about to say was going to sound. "It was all in the name of hurting Harry Potter."
At this, Draco raised and spread his arms. "What are you on about?"
Tracey took a breath and squared her shoulders. She was going to pay later, but she decided to be as proud as she could be for now. "Everyone knows that Harry and Danny are close. Everyone also knows that Harry is the best student in DADA, and he's even more powerful than some adults twice his age. Therefore, a prank against Harry himself would be useless. Also, a prank against his closest friends wouldn't work, 'cause even though Ron and Hermione aren't as good as Harry, they are close to it.
"But anyone who's been in Charms with Danny, or attended the first DA meeting, or the House meeting that night knows that Danny isn't good at Charms or casting Defensive spells. As I understood the prank (though – admittedly – I didn't know Pansy's full intentions), we were going to Stun and hide Danny for a few hours. Harry would panic, Danny would wake up and be unhurt, and he'd come back, no real harm done but the temporary panic caused by Danny missing for a few hours.
"Some of you can stop glaring now – Danny is fine, and while I've apologized to him and I realize what I've done wrong (and still have to deal with my punishment), the thing is that most of you might have done something equally stupid just to hurt Harry. Danny explained why the idea of hurting Harry is useless to the extreme."
Professor Snape raised his eyebrows. This was an interesting and unexpected tack. Tracey plowed onward. "Everyone knows that Harry Potter defeated You-Know-Who, several times. Everyone here knows that Slytherins have given Harry a hard time since his First Year. Why is that?
"No one mentions Harry without calling him the Boy Who Lived, or the Golden Boy, or whatever. But you know… It's not Harry's fault that he's famous. No one here might admit it to him, but everyone knows he's awesome at Quidditch. He's famous for defeating You-Know-Who, and – as Danny observed – Harry is fantastic as a DADA tutor. Unless anyone here is seriously connected to You-Know-Who, does anyone have a logical reason to give this student, who is an obvious asset as a student teacher, a hard time?" She looked around, noticing all the sheepish and guilty faces. No one made a move to respond.
"No one's got a good reason, huh? I'll take what's coming to me for pranking Danny, but remember that the reason I did is something most of the rest of you have either done or thought of doing since Harry's First Year."
Even Professor Snape blushed at this declaration. It was true that he loved Harry and wanted to adopt him and call him his son, but this did not erase the five or so years Snape took deep pleasure in tormenting the boy, and his reasoning for it was no better than Tracey's. "Very well stated, Miss Davis. You have given all of us something to reflect on when it comes to Harry Potter. Each of us will have to deal with our own thought, speech, and behavior patterns towards Mr. Potter as each conscience dictates. And this will be taken under advisement.
"However, while such reflection may create a mitigation of Mr. Smith and your chastisement, it cannot be denied that the reason you are being punished is the danger you put Mr. Fenton in, a fellow student, and a fellow Slytherin." Tracey took a breath and lowered her eyes to her hands, clasped in her lap. It was too much to hope for that this would be completely avoided.
"Both non-criminal miscreants have been given a month of detention, with whatever additions their Head of House sees fit. We'll come back to Tracey in a moment." The named Slytherin lifted her head. If Professor Snape called her by name, then she had hope that she would not be in permanent disgrace.
"As Daniel has made it clear that he feels the extra care given to those you chastise in the halls is excessive, it would be prudent that any such thing happen without his knowledge, especially considering that it is him you are avenging.
"Hmm… As far as Mr. Smith is concerned, whatever you choose to do… You are not to do any permanent damage. And take special care not to get caught, particularly by anyone who might report back to Daniel. Certainly, don't do anything in any class Daniel is a part of, or anywhere around Professor Masters. I may very well give extra points for creativity, and for success if you're not caught.
"As far as Miss Davis is concerned…" Tracey gulped. "It goes without saying that you may not do any permanent damage. However… As a fellow Slytherin, her intra-House chastisement will be far more circumspect. It will last only from tomorrow until this Friday, and only during the three hours Daniel spends with Professor Masters – from 7 to 10pm. Then, it will only be in the Common Room, where you will report, Miss Davis. As your detention with me will be during your afternoon break, you will be available to be here during the hours of 7 to 10. But whatever will happen here will be only under Draco's direction and supervision. (If he should be otherwise occupied or elsewhere, Miss Davis will have a respite.) Further, it can be nothing immediately visible, and must be healed or cured before breakfast, where Daniel would see it." Tracey sighed with relief. Whatever would happen to her… well, the limits were reasonable.
"If any of you value Daniel's friendship, neither Tracey nor Zacharias's student-administered punishment will be made known to Mr. Fenton. He already knows about the month of detention our miscreants will serve. Is this clear?" A sea of heads nodded, some simply, some resentfully.
"Oh, and one more thing – fifty points have been taken from each of the pranksters' Houses." Fear leapt to Tracey's face as eyes narrowed and plans against her were formed.
"I have to go, as I have numerous fire calls to make. However, nothing besides taunts and possible unkind words – no spells attached – is to happen this evening," he looked at all students present, "Or I will be most displeased. Have a very good night."
Severus sat back in his chair by the fire. The Parkinsons were devastated, of course. Purebloods full of pride, they railed in fury at the idea that their own daughter was under arrest. They weren't Death Eaters, and were horrified to hear of their daughter's use of an Unforgivable Curse, coupled with the murder attempt.
Since Voldemort's rebirth, Severus feared the day that would come when he would have to bring similar bad tidings to the parents of junior Death Eaters. This sheer stupidity and viciousness over petty jealousy caught him by surprise.
Thinking it over, the last time he could remember such callous student behavior towards the life of a fellow student happened when Sirius lured him to face a full-grown werewolf. One major difference is that the would-be killer was punished.
Severus closed his eyes. As angry as he was with Sirius, James did save him, blast him. But Remus was innocent. And if Sirius was expelled or arrested, Remus would have been killed by the same department that sought to destroy Buckbeak. Remus, whose worst crime was befriending the brilliant but still idiotic Gryffindor bullies, would have been put down like an animal. Severus teased the werewolf endlessly, but even he didn't deserve that. Until now, Severus clung to this grudge like a drowning man clutching a life preserver. Taking charge of two continually life-threatened teens helped Snape put things into perspective.
Pinching the bridge of his nose to ward off the migraine he felt building, the professor threw Floo powder into the fireplace. "Lupin," he called.
After a few seconds, he was answered. "Severus. Is Danny okay?"
The Potions Master sighed. "Yes, Remus. Danny has been found, and he's safe. Step through. We have much to discuss."
Remus didn't blink or otherwise display his shock; Severus was almost civil. This was a gift unlooked for. "Sure thing." Stepping into the Potions Master's office, Remus looked at him. Once directed to a chair in front of the desk, the werewolf cleared his throat. "Severus, what did you have in mind?"
Seating himself behind his desk, he answered, "May I ask what, in Merlin's name, were you thinking when you gave Harry…" Severus wrinkled his nose in disgust at the name. "The Marauders' Map?"
With a half-smile, Remus stated, "I had in mind safety from unexpected people going missing or turning up. I wouldn't have known about Peter in 1994 but for the Map."
Shaking his head, he continued. "Severus, I'm sure you've figured out that Harry never had James' penchant for mischief." Remus had the grace to look sheepish. "It's true that when the… four of us made the Map, hiding and finding the best locations for… whatever is what we had in mind. Harry's never been that carefree in his life. I had the feeling it would come in useful, on occasions such as these."
Severus absorbed this. These were not the words of the self-absorbed twit he spoke to on December 21. The ideas were carefully thought out. Thinking of Remus Lupin as a reasonable, rational individual was a serious paradigm shift, but Snape would do it. Now that said twit came to his senses about Harry, he could be a valuable asset in all sorts of capacities. Snape nodded curtly – he accepted Lupin's reasoning.
Remus breathed a sigh of not-quite relief. "Please tell me what happened to Danny. I'm glad he was found, and is now safe. But apparently he wasn't before."
The Slytherin closed his eyes. This was not an easy topic, and it would be the third time he discussed it this evening. "Pansy Parkinson decided that Daniel was inconvenient, and arranged – with the assistance of two dupes – to kidnap and attempt to kill the half-ghost."
"No!"
"It wouldn't have worked, as his most basic powers overcame the difficulties she set for him, once he woke from being Stunned, but intent counts. Further, once her accomplices realized the plot she intended was far more nefarious than the prank they intended, she Imperiused at least one of them into compliance."
"Poor Danny!"
Severus nodded. "Indeed. So Daniel will stay with Vlad until they've decided to send him back to the dorm. For all I know, he might stay in Vlad's quarters over night.
"Miss Parkinson is on her way to Azkaban as we speak. The accomplices, who had nothing quite so violent in mind, have their assorted punishments to look forward to. They both have a month's detention and 50 points deducted from their Houses. It goes downhill from there."
Remus whistled in appreciation. Severus chuckled. "Further, the Slytherin miscreant – don't ask – simplified my job of normalizing my House's relations with my ward by explaining how pointless the eternal grudge against Harry Potter truly is."
Putting a finger to his chin thoughtfully, Remus asked, "Was that part of the punishment?"
Severus smirked. "No. It was almost incidental, or it would have been had she not intended to use this fact to help to mitigate her Housemates' ire."
Remus raised his eyebrows. "Interesting. Anything to make Harry's life a little simpler is a good thing."
"Agreed." Severus blinked as he startled himself. The idea that he admitted that he agreed with Lupin on anything wasn't as wondrous a novelty as he thought it would be. Now that he decided to allow himself to recognize the man for who he was now and not the childhood tormentor he never forgot he was, Severus discovered that he might have far more in common with the werewolf than he initially suspected.
"Remus," Snape began, opening up further than he ever did to this man who he discovered was more than just a Marauder. Lupin started, as he registered Severus's mention of his given name. "I… Harry and I have been getting closer, and… I'm thinking of adopting him properly."
Remus peaked his eyebrows, at once glad for Severus and Harry and also desperately jealous. He closed his eyes, straightened his shoulders, and gave a sad smile. "I suppose I should be very glad for you. Considering that you have patterned your relationship after Vlad and Danny, I can't really say that I'm surprised." He sighed. "You might even be perfect for each other." Remus tried not to let the disappointment of his missed opportunity show as painfully and obviously as he felt it.
Severus swallowed silently. "Thank you for saying so. While I'm sure he returns my love and affection, I'm not sure if he's ready for this. I'm pretty sure I am." Remus nodded. "I'm just not sure of how to proceed," Severus admitted awkwardly. "What should I do?"
Remus's cast-iron control slipped. "If I knew the answer to that, don't you think I'd have done it years ago?" he spat bitterly.
Severus had the grace to blush sheepishly. "Yes, of course. Forgive me."
It was only December 21 when Severus had harshly criticized the man for his own cowardice for not making any real overtures. The crushing weight of Remus's sense of insecurity came down on Snape with the force of the weight he remembered seeing Daniel lifting effortlessly.
Remus had liked Harry since the boy was an infant. Snape hated the boy until… well, until Vlad made him jealous. And now that he allowed himself to see what a treasure his ward truly was, Severus had no intention of letting go. While he now saw Remus as a valuable ally (just when did that happen?) and a supremely useful resource, he recognized that the Gryffindor was perhaps unable (if not necessarily unwilling) to help Snape move forward with this.
Even though it went against his grain, Severus realized that he might have to ask Vlad for help again. This time, however, he didn't find the concept at all distasteful, especially considering how wildly successful the half-ghost was; he only needed to find the time. And now he had a depressed werewolf to entertain.
At about 11:30pm, Severus was still up in his office, drinking tea and contemplating the many events of the day, when a knock interrupted his reverie. "Who is it?"
A quiet "It's Vlad, Severus," came to him.
Realizing that the discussion with the elder half-ghost was the other shoe he was waiting to be dropped, Severus invited, "Come in, Vlad. Take a seat and have some tea."
"Thank you." Since his son had gone missing, and was in such potential danger, Vlad's exhaustion was neither unreasonable nor unearned. "I convinced Daniel to sleep on the couch in front of the fire in my rooms. I didn't leave until I was sure he dropped off. Considering that two of his assailants were from his own House, I felt he was safer spending the night with me. However, he'll probably return to his dorm tomorrow."
"I suspected that might be the case."
Vlad nodded. Daniel's Head of House (and uncle) now knew where the boy was. "Apparently, the double Stunning and the awful implications of what was intended for him took a serious toll, albeit subconsciously. He's used to his ghostly persona being hunted down. Such serious designs against his human half are truly beyond him."
Severus frowned. "Indeed."
Vlad sighed. "I've been meaning to ask. That interrogation was the oddest experience I've ever had, and being a half-ghost in the Wizarding World, I'd say I've witnessed my share of unusual events." Severus inclined his head. "In all of my days, I've never seen any accused individual be as forthcoming as Zacharias or Tracey were. Pansy was at least normal, withholding damning information until the evidence was so stacked against her that attempting to hide would have been useless. I don't get the feeling that wizards have less of a compulsion for self-preservation than other people, but neither Zacharias nor Tracey even tried to hide. Why not?"
It was a good and logical question. "Both the Headmaster and I are accomplished Legilimens – unless a wizard successfully Occludes his mind, we have the ability to look into his mind and see all kinds of things. Regardless of whether the students actually know this, they tend to believe that both Professor Dumbledore and I are omniscient." He chuckled. "Not that many of the students have figured it out, but the fact that all of the professors, portraits, ghosts, elves, and staff report to the Headmaster makes him quite knowledgeable of practically everything that goes on here. I've been a spy for years and am an expert at reading body language (when I'm not being stupid and willfully blind)." Severus rolled his eyes at himself. "Standing before two apparently omniscient individuals, none of the students believed any attempt at subterfuge or obfuscation would have been useful, so they held nothing back."
Vlad raised his eyebrows, impressed.
"Further, between the Headmaster and the two Aurors, they were well within their rights to administer Veritaserum, or Truth Serum, should the students have been less than forthcoming. Telling the absolute truth as they saw it was inexorably the only option. It's not a matter of self-preservation. Once they were caught, hiding information would have been an exercise in futility."
Vlad nodded again. "Thank you for that explanation. You have thus restored my faith in the humanity of the Wizarding World."
"You're welcome, I think."
Vlad smirked. "Indeed." The Wizarding World had far more reliable methods of extracting the truth from alleged perpetrators than anything he'd ever seen, heard of, or experienced thus far in the Muggle World.
Raising his eyebrows briefly, Vlad hardened his face into a mask of vengeance. "I heard what Pomona said regarding Mr. Smith. What have you decided regarding Miss Davis?"
A cruel smile graced the Slytherin's face. "While Pomona's sentence for Mr. Smith is longer lasting, I don't think it will be as painful as what Miss Davis will go through. From tomorrow until Friday, Miss Davis will be required to submit to whatever interesting torments Mr. Malfoy will have devised to avenge his friend while Daniel is with you for his evening lessons. I set parameters, but never underestimate the deviousness of the Slytherin mind. Besides informing my House of what was done to the most popular student therein, I also told them that Miss Davis was responsible for a 50-point loss for Slytherin. I don't envy the girl's position this week."
"Impressive."
"I thought you would appreciate knowing that."
When Draco came up to breakfast Monday morning, he strode up to Danny where he, Crabbe, and Goyle were particularly protective and possessive of Danny. Other Slytherin students were also far more solicitous than usual, and Danny felt something between grateful and bemusement.
Towards the middle of the meal, Professor McGonagall tapped a fork against a goblet to get the attention of everyone in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore stood up, and everyone grew quiet to hear his announcement.
"My dear students, it is my deepest misfortune to have to announce the expulsion, among other things, of one of our students. Yesterday, a student attempted the heinous act of committing murder against a fellow student. Rest assured, the perpetrator has been convicted and sentenced for her crimes. Miss Pansy Parkinson is no longer among us, as she is serving a life sentence in Azkaban for her crimes." The room broke out into both angry and speculative whispers. "The intended victim is fine, and no lasting damage has been done." Relieved murmurs made their rounds. Danny sighed in relief – he didn't need or want any further recognition because of this.
Harry met his eyes from across the Hall, and he mouthed, 'Are you okay?' Danny nodded. Harry sighed in relief.
"Miss Parkinson had two unwitting accomplices. They never intended such violence, but they did participate in a crime. Therefore, the prank they intended to pull has resulted in the loss of fifty points from each of their Houses." Many Hufflepuff students were annoyed, as they noticed the significant loss of House points, and they now knew the reason. The Slytherin students glared daggers at Zacharias and Tracey, both of whom noticed and closed their eyes – they didn't want to have to deal with what was coming to them any sooner than necessary.
Professor Dumbledore shook his head. "I hope this will be the last time such a horrible announcement will be necessary. The safety of each and every one of you is paramount." He sat down and continued to finish breakfast.
Professor McGonagall turned to Vlad and asked, "How is Danny doing? From here, he seems to be fine but… really, is all as it seems?"
Vlad sighed. "He was shaken, but it appears to me that once the danger was over – not that Daniel was in real danger – and the shock of a human trying to kill him dissipated…"
"I beg your pardon?" Professor McGonagall was ill at ease.
Vlad tilted his head in pride at Danny. "Yes. Well, where we are from, any number of malevolent ghosts have similarly attacked Daniel, although never for something as petty as the boy 'taking too much of a friend's time.' No – it might have been to collect him as a unique specimen, or revenge for foiling some nefarious plot of theirs. But now that I think of it… No, no one has truly been out for his blood." There was Valerie, but neither Vlad nor Technus gave her anything that would hurt Daniel too badly.
"To put him out of commission, well, anyone whose schemes had been foiled like that might want Daniel to have stopped, or powerless enough that he would no longer pose a threat to them." Vlad rubbed his chin. "No – not even Daniel's worst enemy wanted the boy dead, but besides Pariah Dark, a tyrant among ghosts, Daniel never came across anyone who actually had the power and ability to permanently harm him, ironically, but his parents and me. But for someone to actively seek the life of Daniel Fenton, simply as a human child, is entirely new to his experience."
Putting a hand over her heart, Professor McGonagall cried, "Merlin!"
Vlad continued, "I'm not sure that he internalized the matter at all, as last we discussed it, he was more worried about the fates of his assailants than himself."
Professor Burbage sat, both aghast and confused. "What do you mean, that a malevolent ghost wanted to collect Danny as a unique specimen? As what, a wizard amongst the Muggles of his hometown?"
Vlad turned to her and raised an eyebrow sardonically. "What do you think?"
Professors Snape and Flitwick covered their mouths to hide smirks. Vlad didn't actually lie, but he misdirected Charity such that she would never know how wrong she was. However, Filius sobered quickly. "Vlad, if Danny doesn't seem to understand the seriousness of what happened to him, perhaps we should sit him down and explain it to him. He's not a stupid child, but intellectual honesty would not go awry."
Severus tapped his chin. "No, I don't think so. While being as informed as possible has obvious merits, we must remember with whom we are dealing. Daniel, while a bit more generous of spirit than is good for him, is not the most emotionally stable individual at present. We are doing what we can to correct the situation. However… If the seriousness of this attempt on his life has not thrown the boy into a panic or a depression, let's just count our blessings and move on."
Professor Dumbledore and Vlad listened closely, each furrowing his brows. Albus asked, "What do you think, Vlad?"
Vlad ran a hand over the top of his head. "At present, I'm inclined to agree with Severus. No matter how evil Miss Parkinson's intentions may have been, the fact is that no harm was done. Further, as far as Daniel is concerned, the encounter was unavoidable. Unless you are truly going to tell Daniel that he must hide in fear from his Housemates, which is patently ridiculous, there is nothing to be done. If he reflects on the matter and comes to an emotionally dark place, I'll handle it. And if I can't, I can get help."
This seemed to satisfy the professors, who turned their attention to the students. Almost as a unit, the Hufflepuffs frowned in consternation. Who would help to pull such a nasty prank? Zacharias shook his head, not showing his guilt. The Gryffindors (well… most of them) cast worried looks at Danny. The Ravenclaws were curious, but had nothing to go on. The Slytherins hissed angrily, but anyone talking to Danny was perfectly congenial.
The professors decided that whatever happened, today would be an interesting day.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, the Gryffindors and the Slytherins greeted Danny solicitously, while the Slytherins besides Danny glared venomously at Zacharias. Zach smiled apologetically at Danny, and looked ashamed and embarrassed when Professor Masters also eyed him viciously. However, other than the initial glare, Vlad ignored Zach throughout the class. As he lectured, Vlad glanced surreptitiously at the Smith boy, and enjoyed the boy's exquisite discomfort, born from not knowing what would happen.
When the class let out, Vlad called, "Mr. Smith."
His nerves a bit frazzled, Zacharias approached his furious teacher and gulped. There was a reason he chose detention with Mr. Filch. "Yes, sir."
"Come see me in my office during your break after Transfigurations."
Zach nodded, staring at the floor. "Yes, sir." This was one meeting he was not looking forward to.
He looked forward to Charms. Professor Flitwick was the one professor who managed to keep the predations of vengeful Slytherins down before, and he hoped he could count on the relative protection once again.
Unfortunately, Zacharias soon discovered that Charms class was not the sanctuary he hoped it would be. As the students waited for Professor Flitwick to enter the classroom, Draco cleared his throat. "No doubt, everyone wants to know the identity of Pansy's accomplices."
Danny covered his eyes. "No, Draco. Please don't." However, the students in the class gazed intently at Draco.
Harry watched Danny, who was uncomfortable, and decided that he didn't need to sate his curiosity. Ron had no such compunctions. "Who were the others who tried to hurt Danny?"
"Ron!" Danny cried.
Draco crossed his arms. "Tracey Davis and Zacharias Smith."
Danny looked between the two pranksters apologetically. They met his eyes and saw he wanted no part of this, and Tracey recognized one more difference between Danny and the other Slytherins. Zach shook his head. Whatever was going to happen might not be Danny's wish, but it would be on Danny's behalf.
Both Tracey and Zach became the recipients of baleful glares from members of all four Houses. They were intensely grateful when Professor Flitwick entered the classroom. Danny desperately tried to ignore the furious whispers around him and focus on the wand movements he was supposed to imitate.
Notes were passed, and Danny, Tracey, and Zach were whispered about. But no one other than Harry would meet Danny's eyes. When class was over, the two co-conspirators bolted from the room to what might be the relative safety of the Transfigurations classroom. While Professor Snape put a leash on the Slytherin hostilities, Tracey realized there was no such guarantee that Danny's friends from the other Houses would exercise such restraint.
Danny stared after the two escapees from Charms class. "Draco, what is going on?" he asked accusingly.
Draco thought for a moment as he stowed his notes in his book bag. "Well… The whispers and notes you saw passed involved a discussion of a project taking place in Transfigurations." Danny raised an eyebrow, and Draco became more comfortable with his line of thought. "No, really. Don't worry about it. Further, it's all about House unity – all four Houses will be working together for a common goal."
Danny cocked his head. "Draco, I'm not deaf, and I'm not stupid. I heard everyone talking about me, Zach, and Tracey."
"Well, yeah. Everyone is concerned. You have a lot of friends who are angry on your behalf." Draco smirked. "But honestly – we were discussing something that we have to accomplish before Transfigurations begins." Danny furrowed his brows. The blond patted his shoulder. "Gotta go – I'll see you at lunch."
Danny shook his head. He didn't know what was going on. This whole 'House unity' thing would be great, if it was real, but the situation seemed suspicious to him. In any event, he had an appointment with Uncle Severus to discuss Patronuses. The very name 'Uncle Severus' made Danny smile.
Vlad sat behind his desk, steepling his fingers. He would find some reason to call Miss Davis to his office, but for now, Mr. Smith would provide an interesting diversion. A hesitant knock came, and Vlad purred, "Come in."
Zacharias took a breath and entered the office, eyes on the floor. 'Good. This is a good place to start,' Vlad thought. "Please have a seat, Mr. Smith."
"Yes, sir."
Vlad raised his eyebrows briefly. "Now then, Mr. Smith. What do you think I should do with you?"
Zacharias closed his eyes in resignation. "Whatever you want, sir."
Vlad dropped his hands and stared at the boy. This was not the reaction he was expecting. There was no apprehension; there was no fear. This boy was hopeless and utterly defeated. "Come again?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Zach sighed, and Vlad decided if he ever heard a child in that much despair again, it would be too soon. "Even if I'm a model student and a paragon of student behavior from now until I leave Hogwarts, it won't matter. No one will leave me alone. I apologized to Danny, and he forgave me, right before your class. He even said there were no hard feelings. At all. I really didn't mean to hurt him." He sighed again, and looked up into Professor Masters' eyes.
"Danny forgave me, but it seems no one else will. Between Astoria, Danny, and those other Slytherins…" Zach shook his head. "It's a good thing I play Chaser in Quidditch, or as a Beater, I'd never be able to play again, for fear of hurting someone. Ever. Especially in Slytherin. You want to punish me for hurting Danny, too? Go ahead."
Vlad frowned, becoming upset. The goal of this meeting was to come up with a suitable punishment for the boy's untoward behavior towards his son, not to crush the spirit of life from him in learned hopelessness. "I see." Zach closed his eyes again.
"Zacharias." The boy lifted his head and opened his eyes, shocked by the almost tender tone from this most fearsome professor. "Come and have a seat by the fire." Vlad led a slightly dazed student to a couch near a coffee table and fireplace, away from his desk. Thinking about what he wanted, Vlad snapped his fingers, and a tea set and scones appeared on the coffee table. "Please help yourself. Give me a moment, and I'll be back."
Vlad left his office, turned invisible, and made a duplicate of himself, sending one of himself to Professor Snape and the other to Professor Sprout. Becoming visible in front of the doors, he knocked, asked about the professors' availability, and requested an emergency meeting in his office, ASAP. Concerned, both Heads of House agreed to come with Vlad immediately, who turned them invisible and teleported them to the door of his office. When no one was in the hall, he turned all four of them visible.
Professor Sprout exclaimed, "Oh!" Professor Snape started at seeing two of Vlad, but the witch and wizard relaxed when Vlad reabsorbed his duplicate.
Inviting both professors in, Vlad gestured them to seats in front of his desk while he took his own behind it. "Can you cast the Privacy Spell?" Vlad asked. Severus noticed Zacharias staring at the fire, sipping tea, but toying with a scone. He noticed the boy didn't eat it, as he seemed to have no appetite. Severus cast Muffliato, and Vlad sat back. "Thank you."
Professor Sprout asked, "So Vlad, what is this about?"
Vlad looked over at the boy drinking tea and turned to face his colleagues. "What is the point of the elaborate punishment given last night?"
Both Severus and Pomona stared. That was the last question they expected this man to ask, especially considering his quiet fury of last night. Professor Sprout answered, "The point is to punish him for hurting Danny, your… son."
Vlad nodded. "Yes, I appreciate that. But what does Zacharias get out of it?"
Professor Snape cast a sidelong glance at Vlad. "He is supposed to learn that what he did was wrong, and to convince him not to do it again."
Opening his eyes wide, Vlad gestured with a hand. "Oh, is that all? Then the goal has been accomplished. It's done, and there's an end."
Severus and Pomona blinked, stunned. Sprout said, "Excuse me… I'm a bit confused."
Casting his gaze back on the child, Vlad explained, "Zacharias isn't really that bad. Truly. Since the day after the first DA meeting, he learned that what he did was wrong, and he should not do anything like that again. But since last night, the poor boy has not learned that what he did was wrong – he figured that out as he confessed his part in the prank. At present, Zacharias has no hope. He has learned not to expect clemency from any party. Actually, he only expects further punishment, whether it is deserved or not."
Professor Sprout covered her mouth, aghast. Even Professor Snape was taken aback.
Vlad turned back to the other professors. "Daniel was right. Enough is enough."
Pomona and Severus stared at Vlad, and then looked at Mr. Smith. Considering that the parent of the aggrieved party just told them the guilty boy no longer needed to be punished, they both realized that they needed to rethink a few things.
After sitting with her chin in her hand for a few moments, Pomona furrowed her brows. "Things have gone a bit too far. But Zacharias did abuse his position of power. He was a student teacher, and he took advantage of a student who is acknowledged not to be very good with his magic." Gesturing to the three of them, she continued, "We all know that Danny is a Muggle, and for a wizard to use magic against a Muggle is a serious crime. While Zacharias has no need to know all of that, ambushing a fellow student, especially one known not to be anywhere as skilled… This is a gross misuse of power. He should not be rewarded by being put in a position of authority over other students. He should not be a student teacher of the DA, a prefect, or a team captain."
Vlad nodded. "Fair enough. At least…" Pomona jerked her head to focus on him more directly. "For this semester. See if his attitude improves at the end of the year."
She began to protest. "But…"
"Pomona, give the boy something real to hope for. To look forward to. Something."
Professor Sprout looked at the edge of Vlad's desk for a moment. Raising her eyes to look at the boy, she said, "I suppose you're right. I'll… let him know. He does look like he needs some comforting." She wandered over to her student and sat next to him, putting her arm around his shoulder, comforting him, and telling him of his modified punishment.
Severus studied Vlad for a bit. "You didn't need to do that."
Vlad raised an eyebrow. "I most certainly did. It was the right thing to do. The point was to punish him for what he did wrong, not to completely demoralize the boy. It might have taken Mr. Smith sitting in front of me in utter despair for me to realize it – you're not the only slow learner here…" Snape sat up and glared. "But Daniel was right. No one ever let up on him from December 9 until now."
Severus tapped his chin. "I suppose you're right."
"Oh, and one more thing. Call off your Slytherin attack dogs."
Severus raised both his eyebrows. "I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me. Make the Slytherins leave him alone."
Professor Snape furrowed his brows. "How do you know they have instructions to do anything?"
Vlad raised an eyebrow again. "You're not very subtle, Severus. It has not been 24 hours since Daniel was found, and Zacharias changed from ashamed and contrite to completely defeated with no sense of fight. The official punishment isn't supposed to start until tonight. Therefore, it is obvious that Smith has been the victim of student torment, and the total despair tells me that the viciousness of the emotional assault built for many hours before breakfast.
"No one but the Slytherins knew who the accomplices were, as the Headmaster didn't mention them, and if looks could kill, at breakfast, the student roster would be short two, from the Slytherins' glares alone." Vlad ignored the fact that his and Daniel's looks really COULD kill, as that was not important at this juncture.
"All of the Heads of House knew who they were, but none of you had the need to be explicit with who did what besides you, who had two of the offending souls AND the victim in your House. I don't know what you told them, but I'm telling you: end it. Now." Severus was amazed at Vlad's powers of deduction.
Filled with sudden inspiration, Vlad asked, "Severus… You haven't told Argus the reason for Mr. Smith's detention yet, have you?"
Severus shook his head, as if to clear it. "No, not yet."
Vlad nodded. "Good. Keep it that way."
"But…"
"But nothing. I know Argus favors Daniel. If you tell him the reason Mr. Smith is being punished, he will be particularly vicious. If you at all care for the welfare of your students in general, you should know that I'm right."
Severus sat back. "Indeed." He passed a hand over his mouth. "Vlad Masters, you are not the same man I chastised on October 1." Neither am I. Maybe this whole guardianship thing has changed us. Well, mostly. "You are right. I will make this happen."
At lunch, most of the Slytherins looked rather satisfied with themselves. Tracey was tired and harried, but she had no problem holding a conversation with Millicent. Danny looked across the Hall and noticed Zacharias shivering, his pale face pink, as if he finished scrubbing it hard.
Danny asked Draco, "How was your project in Transfigurations?"
Draco smirked. "Even better than expected." Crabbe and Goyle snickered.
Danny was about to ask further, but Professor Snape came to their table. "Tonight, there will be a House meeting at 7:00pm." Most students nodded curiously.
"But Professor, I have lessons with Pápa at seven," Danny protested.
Snape nodded gravely. "And you will go to your lessons, Daniel. This meeting is in regards to…" He frowned and paused for a moment.
Draco noticed the problem. "Danny, you know that… if you aren't included, it probably has to do with… a class you're not involved in. Like Ancient Runes or Transfigurations."
Severus raised his eyebrows. 'Nicely done, Draco. I may award points later,' he thought. "Indeed. Something came up in the Sixth Year Transfigurations class, and this meeting involves an inter-year project that was started and undertaken therein." The professor eyed the students knowingly, and everyone but Daniel knew what he was referring to – as it should be.
"The project was an experiment that had unintended results. The project has been cancelled, and any work done to further progress on the project will cease and desist. It will be best for everyone this way, and I will explain the details at 7:00. Further – it was a collaborative effort, involving all four Houses. Considering the fact that Slytherins initiated the project, it is up to you to tell your inter-House collaborators that the experiment has been aborted."
Students furrowed their brows, expressing their reluctance to let it go. "I will award extra points for expediency, and you may earn up to (but not more than) 50 points if the recall is known and respected by all participants in all four Houses by our meeting tonight at 7:00." Those who were unhappy before looked at the other tables speculatively.
Danny frowned. "But Professor… I thought the goal was inter-House unity." He was particularly unsettled because of this excitement he was excluded from.
Severus smiled. "Five points for your perspicacity, Daniel. That was indeed one of the goals, and that goal has been reached. As for the rest of it… the project had dangerous implications that were unforeseeable at the time the project was set. Transfigurations have a way of having… interesting results. I will see you later this evening. Enjoy the rest of lunch." With that, he swept away from the table.
Danny peaked his eyebrows, and turned to Draco. "Did that make any sense to you?"
Draco sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. But good going for earning us an extra five points."
During the afternoon break, Danny sought refuge from the general weirdness by going to the library to do some homework. He could always count on Professor Snape to tell him the truth, but… Something about this Transfigurations project was not on the level.
As he looked for an unoccupied table, he found Luna. He missed their not-quite date! Taking a breath, he walked up to her. "Hi, Luna."
She smiled warmly. "Danny! How nice to see you. Please have a seat."
The last time Danny felt this nervous, he lost control of his tangibility and his pants fell down. "Uh, thanks." If he was sitting, his pants couldn't fall off. That didn't mean something else unpredictable wouldn't happen…
Danny shook his head to get it clear. "Luna, I'm sorry I missed our thing yesterday." He almost got lost in the serenity of her eyes.
"Danny, you seem to have forgotten that you were missing. When you didn't come, I knew something was wrong. You would never purposefully break a promise."
Staring, Danny said, "You're right, but how do you know?"
She regarded him seriously. "It's only logical. Everyone you've studied with says that you avoid cheating like most people avoid Dementors. But it is important to you that certain things about you are not known. So, it makes sense that you would be deadly honest about anything that doesn't have to do with your secrets. It is both in keeping with your honesty in studies, and people don't suspect honest people of lying."
Danny's eyes widened. Luna was right. Come to think of it, he didn't even couch his secrets in lies, as far as he could remember.
"But lying to a girl about an appointment smacks of cheating, and you would never do a thing like that."
The enraptured ghost nodded. He prayed fervently that he was as worthy of Luna's praise as she believed he was, and he resolved that if he wasn't, he would make it his business to be.
Danny closed his eyes for a moment to collect himself. "Okay. Um… I've got homework to finish just now. Can we try again this Sunday?"
Luna laughed lightly and quietly. "Of course. Assuming no one else plots against us, I'll see you outside the Great Hall on Sunday. But, just so you know, I like this table in the afternoons during the week." She patted one of his hands.
"I'll remember that. Thanks."