Chapter 5: A Grade Above

Danny stirred, slowly blinking as sunlight spilled across his face. The room was empty, the circle of beds lining the space were made, and the curtains were wide open. He stretched with a yawn, pulling the quilt high over his face.

The memory of the night before came back to him, bringing with it the real reason why he was here and not in the dusty classroom. He didn't want to get up, the warmth of the quilt and the spongy carpet underneath was heaven after sleeping on a hard floor. Not to mention the peace of being finally left alone. But...

He turned onto his stomach, frowning as he remembered his promise. What was he going to say to those kids? The truth? No, that would only end up putting them in danger. He pondered how much he should say, or to outright lie. But he couldn't risk damaging the timeline any more than he had. Best to vanish and let them wonder-

Abruptly the door opened and Danny prepared to turn invisible. But when the opened door brought the smell of hot food he paused. Damn. Of course, they had to bring food with them! He grumbled to himself, letting his powers ebb away. Maybe… after a few bites, he'll leave.

"Danny?"

He opened his eyes, turning his head to look at Ron. "Yeah?"

The redhead paused, plate in his hands. Behind him, peering out of his messy tangle of hair was Harry. Much to Danny's annoyance, the nosy witch from last night leaned against the doorframe. Ron edged forward with a nervous lick of his lips, holding out the plate. "We thought you might like some breakfast before we talked so… we smuggled some out for you. We didn't think after yesterday you'd want to go into the Great Hall…"

Danny sat up, finally parting from his quilt and gently took the plate of toast and scrambled eggs from him. "Thanks."

He settled against a bedframe, dragging out his actions to delay their inevitable questioning. While Danny ate, a heavy silence hung around the room. Harry moved back to his bed, sitting down cross-legged. Ron remained where he was, looking confused as to whether to join his friend or stay where he was. So he remained in front of Danny, squirming nervously with the sleeve of his robe.

Hermione however was looking down at Danny from the doorframe, a pouting stare on her face as she tried to hold back the questions she was dying to ask. Danny knew it, making a show to slow down his eating to a crawl, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips when he saw her pout deepen. As the minutes ticked by her squirming intensified. Suddenly she could take it no longer, marching forward with hands on her hips.

"Alright, now answers." she huffed, flicking her curls back. "You said you would tell us today what's going on. So then, what are you?"

Danny swallowed unhurriedly and gave her a bored look. "Do I have to?"

"Yes! You can't just leave a question that important unanswered!"

"Actually, I can. Just because I said I'll tell you doesn't mean I need to, you know. Now I'm fully awake and with it, I've decided I don't want to anymore." He took a bite from his toast, watching as Hermione's scowl deepened, her left eye twitching. "It's none of your business what I am."

Harry leaned forward, seeing the girl's rising fury. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to-"

"-Of course he does!" Hermione snapped back, turning her anger to Harry. "Last night he performed advanced levels of magic way beyond any seventh-year student! Beyond that of a senior professor! Did you two somehow forget Danny made himself invisible? Invisible! It's an insanely difficult charm to master. Only those highly skilled in witchcraft can perform it and even then, just use it. But last night he used the charm like it was as easy as a first-level spell- without a wand! It's not normal…"

She turned back to Danny, crossing her arms. "Unless you're some kind of wizard prodigy who's been training in secret since your magic emerged, there's no way you could know such high-level spells at your age. No, at all!"

Danny smirked, starting to enjoy her prodding. He raised his hands in the air in mock surrender. "Damn Hermione, you got me. Truth is I've been living like a hermit all my life, raised by a pack of magical wolves in Alaska. They taught me how to turn invisible when I was five and change my form when I was ten. It's an incredibly tragic, long tale."

Ron's jaw dropped. "S-Seriously? You-"

"Of course he's not being serious Ron!" Hermione snapped. "Don't be so stupid!"

Ron flushed, freckles disappearing as he scowled back at her. Yet Danny grinned. "Aw, it was a good try though. I thought it was howlarious…"

"Ugh!" Hermione suddenly regarded him coldly. "If you don't truly tell us what you are right now, I'm going straight to Professor Dumbledore."

"That doesn't sound good," he sighed, placing the plate in his lap. "Who's he, your teacher?"

"Our headmaster."

Crud. Danny pretended to casually brush it aside, even though his heart quickened. "So what? Think ratting me out to your Headmaster will get me sent to detention to write some lines for bad behavior? Get a first warning and a slap on the wrist? I hate to say it but if they catch me that won't happen. Because you honestly think your Headmaster's going to treat someone with my, ahem, "abilities" all carefree and understanding? Because from my experience, my powers don't exactly go down well with others"

She frowned. "What do you mean by your powers?"

"My special, none of your business powers."

Hermione chuffed before a small smile unexpectedly formed on her lips. "Really? Well then, why don't I go get the Headmaster and we'll test that?" She turned towards the door, a challenge glinting in her eyes.

Danny froze, reading her expression to see if she was joking, and becoming worried when he didn't find it. The other two boys kept looking between Danny and Hermione, bewilderment on their faces at their exchange. But most of all they couldn't believe how bold Hermione suddenly was. Where on earth was this coming from?

Danny leaned forward, a playful smirk crossing his face. "Are you… threatening me? Me. The guy you just said uses advanced-level magic in impossible ways. And you- a student just starting to learn magic assume I'd be threatened by you? Now that's funny."

"I'll have you know I'm quite capable at spell casting."

"Good for you." Danny returned to his breakfast, but this time he didn't take his eyes off her. It was pretty gutsy of her, and she didn't seem scared of him either. Not only was she nosy, but she was extremely stubborn. He was starting to like her.

"Hermione…" Harry whispered in warning, but the girl ignored him.

"I'm still going to Professor Dumbledore if you don't start talking. And if you're so worried about me telling the Headmaster, are you here at Hogwarts with bad intent?"

"Nope. Quite the opposite. Sadly my powers don't normally get a warm response from people. And usually gets me into a lot of trouble."

"Trouble?" Hermione looked down her nose at him. Now more curious than ever.

He laughed back at her, spooning the last of the scrambled eggs onto his fork. "Trust me kids; you have no idea how many people want to dissect me molecule by molecule back home. Some actually got close."

There was a collective gasp across the room. Even Hermione's scowl faltered, her face dropping into disbelief for a moment as he watched on amused. However, as much as Danny liked the shock factor his comment had left he now was starting to feel nervy under their stares. He bit his tongue. What a dumb thing to say.

The girl watched him, now more in fascination than anger. Suddenly she turned on her heels, marched to the door and took the handle in her hand. Looking back at him her face made it clear she seriously would go to this Headmaster and Danny sighed, realizing he'd backed himself into a corner.

"Fine, you win." That brought all the attention back, leaning forward hopeful. "But!" His voice made them flinch. "You mustn't tell anyone what I am! I'm serious. This isn't some joke you can spread rumors around the school to all your little friends. I prefer not being hunted down right now and I want it to stay that way. This; doesn't leave this room. You understand?"

He waited till they nodded in agreement, Hermione walking back to the center of the room. Picking up a piece of toast he took a deep breath.

"I'm Half Ghost."

He took a bite and waited for the questions, for the shock or laughter. Or for the small possibility for them to start shooting spells. Instead, the kids fell into silence. Curious he looked up, eyebrow raised and ready to confront. The two boys were frozen in shock, jaws slightly open as they gawked back at him. But Hermione hadn't changed, face still filled with annoyance. She might have been hiding her surprise extraordinarily well, for all he knew.

Danny snickered. "What? No questions? I'm amazed."

"So, you're…" Harry stammered, now starting to process what Danny had said. "A ghost-"

"Half ghost. The half part's important."

"Half ghost?" Hermione sneered finally, crossing her arms. "Be serious."

"I'm being dead serious."

She smiled teasingly back but only then realized from Danny's deadpan look that hadn't been a joke. Hermione didn't buy it though. "If that's true, how can you only be half a ghost?"

"Simple. I'm only half dead."

He transformed into Phantom, making the kids gasp as the white rings suddenly appeared around his waist. They parted with a crackle, turning his raven hair misty white and his eyes a dazzling neon green. Pointing to himself with a chuffed smirk, he let himself hover from the ground. Floating to show for him gravity no longer existed. "Like this."

He went to continue eating his toast, but gagged at the first bite, wrinkling his nose as the once buttery toast now tasted dry, breaking up into his mouth like dust. He always forgot the issue with food in his ghost form. Everything not made of ectoplasm tasted revolting. "Bleh. Tastes like chalk…" Wanting to make a show he held the piece of toast away, using his ectoplasm to burn it into ash.

"Wicked…" Ron whispered, eyes almost bugging out of his skull. "You… you've got spirit magic-"

"But you don't look like a ghost?" Harry said from the bed, frowning. "All the ghosts I've seen here at Hogwarts are see-through."

"That's because he's likely solid like Peeves," She cut in, studying Danny's ghost form. "He's not like Nick or the others. He's a poltergeist. It means he can affect the physical world because his ectoplasm is denser than a normal ghost."

"Sharp, aren't you? But you're a little wrong there. The ghosts at Hogwarts here aren't the normal ones. I am. This here's what a real ghost looks like."

Hermione walked right to him and Danny put the plate down, twisting in the air. As she got closer she shivered, his ghost form emitting a cold aura into the room, dripping away the warmth. It was funny to him, this little girl pouting up at him like she was scolding him, unfazed by the fact a ghost was right in front of her.

"Peeves did say you felt wrong. Said you were ghostly."

"So you did hear! Thought so. Correct. Ghosts can… sense each other. Peeves knew he could sense my ghost powers, and I sensed him before he flew through the door."

"The mist from your mouth?"

"The mist."

She tilted her head to the side, hundreds of questions probably forming in her mind. But Danny didn't want to spend all day chatting and revealing any more secrets. "Alright. I'll give you a few questions. Then I'm leaving. Besides; don't you kids have class or something?"

"We have time- "Hermione started, only to be cut off as Ron pushed past her. "Can you like, fly?"

Danny twisted upside-down. "Err, duh."

"How do you do it, use those ghost powers?" Harry chipped in from the bed. Danny shrugged in reply. Even he wasn't quite sure how he'd figured out how to do most of the stuff he used in ghost fighting. Mostly he learned the hard way from getting his butt kicked all the time, till it just came to him.

Ron asked another. "What about… are you immune to certain spells like Peeves and the other ghosts are? Or do they affect you because you're only half?"

"Don't know."

"Do- "

"What I'd like to know," Hermione snapped, earning a glare from the boys. "If you are half-dead, then how did you die and come back to life as a half ghost?"

Danny paused mid-turn, mouth slacking slightly at her personal question.

"Hermione!" Harry hissed. "Why on earth would you ask that!?"

Getting off the shock Danny brushed the question and let a mischievous grin across his face, drifting upright. "I would be careful asking the dead questions like that, Hermione. Most of us don't like talking about our deaths. Mine wasn't exactly pleasant."

She blushed but held strong onto her argument. "It just… Doesn't make sense! You can't be both dead and alive at the same time! It… breaks every law natural or magical."

"I don't know how it happened… I just randomly became half ghost one day in my boring life. It happens."

"It's impossible!"

"That's me, I'm full of impossible." He grinned and cupped his head in his hand.

"Oh forget it!" She finally stomped back off to the door, turning to face the boys. "You two do realize you will get in trouble hiding him here. I, however, no longer wish to have any part in this mess." And with that, she left, closing the door behind her.

Letting the white rings part again he transformed back, falling back to the floor with a soft thud. Giving the boys a sheepish shrug, he went to finish off the last piece of toast now he could taste it. Even though she'd threatened him, he doubted she would tell anyone. Hermione might be prying and bossy, but she didn't seem the type to rat him out. He licked the butter off his fingers and waited for the boys to speak, not wanting to say any more about himself.

Harry pulled his knees up and frowned towards the door. "Sorry. Hermione is sometimes-"

"-She's rude! That's what she is!" Ron spat, pointing at the door. "I mean can you believe her? She doesn't know when to keep her big mouth shut."

Danny stood, handing the plate to Ron. "Well, if she doesn't talk to anyone about me with that big mouth, it's fine," He smiled back at the two. "Frankly I'm amazed you took the news so well. Though, I guess you guys see all kinds of weird things in this place. Meeting a half ghost freak probably isn't the oddest thing you've seen."

"I think it's cool," Harry smiled back, pushing his glasses up. "Being able to fly and do all those amazing things would be incredibly fun."

"I guess…" His gaze drew to the quilt and pillow still lying in a pile on the floor. Suddenly he pictured the dusty classroom again, grasping the last thing he wanted to do was sleep on hard floorboards. Reddening at an idea he pointed to them. "Is it alright if I go ahead and take these? They would be nice where I'm hiding."

Both seemed to jump at the news. "You're leaving?"

He scooped them up, taking the lack of "no" as his answer. "Sounds like I shouldn't hang around. Don't want you two getting into trouble. Thanks, for letting me sleep here last night. But now I'd better get to work."

"Work?"

Danny mentally cursed his slip-up. "It's nothing you kids need to worry about. I'm not letting you two get involved in risky business."

"Kids!?" Ron jumped in front of the door, fuming back. "We're not kids, we're wizards! We could help you out-"

"No way." Danny refused to even think about dragging anyone, let alone a bunch of little kids into his quest. This shade business was going to end up becoming dangerous, he just had this hunch from the way Clockwork described it. Even if these guys had magic on their side there was no way they could hold their own in a fight. That monster was solid proof of that. "Are you going to move Ron?"

The redhead crossed his arms, refusing to budge from the door. "We could help! Harry and I can cast spells, and hands-on experience would be- "

Danny turned invisible, watching Ron and Harry yelp together in fright. "I'm not going to let you two get involved in something that'll get you killed. Sorry, but seriously. No."

He phased through Ron and the door, leaving them shivering and speechless.

###

After the morning talk, Danny returned to the locked classroom, deciding it was the best place to make a temporary base. But when he stood in the middle of the grimy room, he realized unless he wanted to be coughing up dust for the rest of the mission he needed to fix it.

So that was how he ended up spending his day. Once he had loosened the latch on the window enough to let some fresh air in the classroom he began exploring, from the cupboards lined the wall to the small storeroom which lay nestled in the corner. The storeroom was completely useless, filled only with a family of spiders Danny left alone.

It took the whole day to clear the room. Then he moved the piles of desks to one side, building a shield to hide the bedding just in case someone decided to enter. Finally, he stood, brushing the dust off his clothes. Even if it was a pathetic hideout, it was a start. Running a hand through his hair he grimaced at the greasy feel through his fingers, remembering he hadn't showered in a while. That was no problem, he'd just wait until midnight to sneak into one of the bathrooms and deal with the mess.

His stomach rumbled, reminding him breakfast had been a while. But the hall would be empty at this time, so he lay down on the quilt with arms folded behind his head and dozed.

He waited till the evening, then with a reluctant sigh took the route back to the Great Hall. This time he made sure to stay invisible. Dinner was well underway by now and the hall was full to the brim with chatting students. Danny was careful this time, sneaking in and dodging those walking down the aisles. Whenever someone got too close he let them pass through, leaving them shivering in confusion.

A loud, familiar laugh caught his attention and he spotted the three boys from before. They were sitting a little away from everyone, huddled together as they talked excitedly. Grinning he crept up behind the group, a plan forming.

"-Should be wicked!" Ron sputtered with his mouth full, not noticing the chilling presence behind him. "I mean a Nimbus two thousand Harry! The other teams won't have a-"

At that moment Danny leaned over to touch one of the many platters and made it disappear. He chuckled in amusement as Harry and the boys jumped in surprise. Neville paled, darting his eyes around warily to figure out what was happening.

Harry peered around, speaking in a low whisper. "Danny?"

Danny replied by ruffling Harry's messy hair. He picked up the plate, phasing through the wall next to them to reappear. Going ghost he flew up to the roof, relieved this time he'd been successful. Settling as comfortably as he could he transformed back, watching the sunset fall over the mountains. He leisurely ate, starting to feel a little guilty for scaring those boys. But what was the harm of a little fun?

Once finished he balanced the golden plate on the slanting roof and returned to his ghost form, leaning back with hands behind his head to watch the stars come out.

He'd been lying there for some time, lost in the night sky when unexpectedly his ghost sense went off. Though he didn't panic, the thin trail of mist weakly told him it wasn't Peeves. He smiled as he watched a familiar ghost float through the roof.

"Hey, Nicholas."

The Gryffindor ghost beamed down at Danny, his form standing out pastel in the dark navy sky. " A fine good evening to you Phantom! How's goes the night?"

"Umm… Quiet?"

" Marvellous … Just marvellous…" The ghost nodded, head lurking frantically to one side. Danny had already seen how Nicholas's head sickly hung by a thread, after asking about it on his tour. Never again did he want that mental picture in his mind. He shuddered, quickly looking back at the sky as the ghost began rearranging his head back in place.

"I do apologize for interrupting your night but… Well, I was speaking with Lady Grey earlier this day-"

"She told you, didn't she?"

Nicholas paused, the sound of his throat clearing more from habit than need. "Briefly. Not in detail, mind. But I connected some of her information to the... Ah, Breakfast event the students were talking about."

Danny sighed, he was tempted to find Clockwork and get him to restart this whole mission from the beginning. "Great, busted that secret quickly."

Silence fell. Both now watching as clouds covered the sky, casting shadows when it covered the moon.

"I find it very noble of you."

"Huh? Noble?"

"Lady Grey tells me you are on the hunt for a possessed human. I find it honorable of you to come all this way to Hogwarts solely for that. Even when you have no personal connections to this school. You never were a student, correct."

"Yeah."

Sir Nicholas beamed. "See? It is why I, as well as all the ghosts of Hogwarts find it very noble of you to risk your afterlife to protect our students. Oh… perhaps the term afterlife does not fit you?"

Propping himself up on his elbows Danny blushed. "No. But I wouldn't go so far as to say "noble", you know? I'm just…kind of helping out a friend who can't."

"This friend asked you to stop this possessed human?"

"Yeah, before it kills one of your students."

The ghost seemed to pounder his words when to Danny's complete surprise the old ghost bowed. " I, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, as well as the ghosts of Hogwarts, wish to assist you in any helpful way possible."

His words left Danny speechless. Ghosts normally declared war on him, not help him. After learning he was half ghost most challenged him to a fight- or at least tried to make his life a living nightmare. Being told a group of ghosts wanted to help was something Danny never dreamed of happening. He was about to question his proposal when Nicholas quickly cut him off with a wave of his hand.

"It was all discussed last night! Granted, we cannot do too much since we are…immaterial with the living unlike you. But we ghosts can be a tome of knowledge when it comes to this school. And we can be startlingly effective in numbers!"

Danny rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed at the offer. "Um… I ready don't know if that's such a good idea."

"Nonsense! It would be our pleasure. Certainly, I would not mind some excitement!"

Seeing nothing he would say was going to change the ghost's mind Danny sighed, resigning. "Say thanks to them for me."

Sir Nicholas nodded. How friendly the old ghost was made him recall something. "Are you sure all the ghosts here will help me?"

"Oh dear," he chuckled. "I see you have come across our resident trickster! Do not worry. I personally would not trust Peeves with anything. But he never would tell your secrets to the living. That, I do know."

It helped ease Danny's mind he didn't have to worry about Peeves shouting a half ghost was in the building. Still, he had his doubts about the little ghost. Pushing the subject aside for later, he remembered something. "Hey… Can I ask you something?"

"Of course,"

"…You never did show me the school grounds properly in your tour." Danny floated up, looking out at the dark forest. "I need to learn everything about this place so my target doesn't have anywhere to hide. I was wondering if it's not too much trouble…Could you show me around?"

Nicholas laughed gladly, hovering over him with his hands tucked neatly behind his back. "Well then, as my first task assisting in your quest; I shall continue!"

Together the two ghosts glided down to ground level, making their way down the slope to the still forest. Without pause, Nicholas began.

"Now this, dear Phantom, is our great forest which surrounds the entirety of the school. It borderlines the grounds and helps keep the school hidden from the prying eyes of Muggles. You will hear the students from time to time call it "The Forbidden Forest". Other than odd class or detention, no one truly goes within."

"So…it's forbidden? Why's that?"

"To the students, it is. I suppose at one point it was named that by one of the Headmasters as a quick way to tell new pupils the forest was off-limits. It's quite dangerous for the living. Filled with magical beasts and all things strange. Werewolves, centaurs, and other ungodly creatures of the dark use it as a sanctuary of sorts."

"Wait. You're kidding, right?"

"I'm afraid not. Though such creatures mostly stay away from the school grounds …Mostly. We had only a few cases of injury or death from pupils entering the woods at night."

"No way…" Danny looked out into the dense, closely-knit trees, now seeing the forest in a whole new light. They were creatures of fiction, things he had read about or watched on TV shows. But to learn they exist… blew his mind with the possibility of what else could be out there other than ghosts. It was like a whole new world was opening for him.

"Students are of course forbidden from entering. But classes are sometimes held during the day, like Care of Magical Creatures. Though such things are held under strict supervision."

They had skirted the forest, heading out towards the large, murky lake. While the ghost continued his talk Danny's thoughts drifted, thinking about the offer he had mentioned. Getting help from ghosts… Clockwork himself had mentioned he didn't need to do things on his own. Maybe this was what he meant. Either way, Danny knew as he looked up at the towering castle before them. It would be impossible to do things completely by himself.

"…Hey." He spoke, turning his attention back to the old ghost.

"Yes, Phantom?"

"Lady Grey told me a teacher might be the one possessed because they know so much about magic. I was wondering if you and the other ghosts could keep an eye on them for me. You guys know them better than I do. So you could pick up on anything different about them that I wouldn't."

"Hmm. That is true. We all have been staying at Hogwarts for hundreds of years… Even watched some of the professors as they grew from pupil to teacher. If anyone is to know the professors, it is us!" He beamed down at Danny, head lunching to the side with the movement. "I will tell the others."

Danny sighed, worry melting off his shoulders. "Thanks. If you or the others find out something, I'm hiding out in an unused classroom on the ground floor."

"Ah, so you've established yourself in Classroom Eleven? Quite a nice spot I must say. Quiet, and thankfully, forgotten."

" Yeah. If you find anything about the shade for me, you can wait there-"

"Shade!?" Nicholas hissed, stopping short. "You never mentioned it was a Shade! I believed you were only looking for a ghost!"

Danny frowned. "Is there a difference?"

"There is a massive difference Phantom! Shades are not like us ghosts. Their evil shadows of life, clinging to living things like a plague. They just don't overshadow someone, they merge with their host. Draining the life out of them like a leech. They're... They are-"

"Shades are nasty business."

Mist exploded out of Danny's mouth, a cold shudder running down his spine. Both of them turned towards the voice, towards the dark lake. There, sitting on the bank was another ghost calmly looking back at them.

Danny tensed. She was solid, her skin a palish blue almost the same as the moonlight. She regarded them peacefully with amber, pupil-less eyes, long dark hair swirling around her head like it was trapped underwater.

He quickly looked at Sir Nicholas, becoming nervous when it was clear he didn't know her either. "Shades," She continued, untangling her legs as she floated to her feet. "are more "living" than ghosts. But they can't support themselves on their own, you see. So like he said, they drain life to continue to exist."

"I don't think we've ever met, madam." Sir Nicholas said, smiling. "I am Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, a pleasure to meet you." He bowed politely, unaware of Danny's rising distress.

She walked over the ground to them. It was odd behavior for a ghost, even a solid one. Danny shifted his stance, not as trusting as Nicholas. "I'm Lucrezia," She grimaced at the name, turning to Danny and holding out her hand. "But please, call me Luna."

He hesitated, worried she would try something. But not wanting to look rude in front of the older ghost, he took the offered hand to shake, happy when nothing happened. "I'm Phantom."

"Phantom eh? Fitting." She returned his hand, stuffing her own into the pockets of the jacket she wore. There was something off about how she spoke. Her voice was sharp, harsh. It both made him curious and jumpy.

"Sorry to butt in unannounced, but you're talking caught my interest. You got a Shade problem here or something?"

Danny was about to reply, but Sir Nicholas was much faster. "As a matter of fact, we just might have. Phantom here was telling me one of our very own teachers might be possessed by one! Frightening matter to think of, it is."

Luna's eyes widened. "Seriously!? A Shade's hanging around?" She whistled, grinning down at Danny. He struggled to keep his face neutral when he saw she had fangs. "Now that is a problem, ain't it?"

"Yeah…"

Sir Nicholas nodded, eyes grave. "It is a terrible matter indeed. However, we at Hogwarts will not stand for such an intrusion!" He nodded passionately, head threatening to flop off. He turned back to Danny with a gesture of his arm. "Now Phantom let's continue with the tour. Ah, you are welcome to listen in on my talk, madam."

"Thank you."

He floated towards the lake, talking as he went. "Now this here is the Great Lake or Black Lake depending on your choice. This particular lake house's the only colony of Merpeople in…"

But Danny was no longer listening, all his focus on the ghost beside him. He kept giving her glances, trying to work her out as she looked off into the distance. Suddenly she burst into laughter, making him jump.

"Hey. I know I don't exactly look friendly and all, but there's no reason to be so edgy around me."

"Sorry. It's just… I haven't seen you here before. Old habits."

She gave him an odd smile and turned back to the lake. "Being defensive to the unknown's good. You never know when an enemy's going to show up. It pays to always be on your guard for the unexpected."

"…Right"

They watched Sir Nicholas for a time, Danny noting he was now talking about some giant squid that scared the students.

"So…Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself Phantom? I'm curious."

Danny blinked and looked up at her, confused as to why she was being all friendly. Were all ghosts here at Hogwarts nice by default? Sensing no hostility from her he frowned, thinking up something to say.

"Um... Well, I just got here."

"To Hogwarts?"

"Yeah."

She smirked, stuffing her hands deeper into her pockets. "You must have come from somewhere far, Danny. A bit like me. Truth be told I've come from a faraway place too."

"I guessed; from how Nicholas didn't know-" He froze. " Wait, you just used my name."

She raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"How'd you-"

"Really Danny, you're smart. Figure it out." She abruptly sat cross-legged on the ground again, an amused smile on her face. "It's not hard if you piece the puzzle together."

His mind raced. Who was she? He'd never met her before in either Ghost Zone or at Amity Park. Yet she knew his first name. Unless she was spying on him when he was talking to those kids, she shouldn't know his name was Danny. And he was in the past too! No one should know who he was-

He backed off, realization hitting him hard. "You're… the one who changed the timeline..."

Without looking at him Luna raised her hand in a mock gun and pretended to fire at him. "Bingo."

Ectoplasm exploded from Danny's hands as he shifted into his fighter's stance. "You!"

She flinched, rubbing her ear. "Geez. I heard you the first time. No need to shout!"

Sir Nicholas had stopped talking, staring in surprise at Danny's fury. His eyes glowed brightly as his energy oozed out of his palms, burning the grass as it fell.

"So you're the one mucking up the timeline for Clockwork!? You got some nerve coming here all chill to chat with me!"

"Oh? Is that old Time Master having trouble with his power now?" Luna chuckled darkly. "That's such a shame. He must be furious to be rendered so helpless."

Danny felt his rage rise. No way was he going to let her insult Clockwork!

"Y-You change the timeline, bring back an evil shade which will make my parents die. And cause the death of a kid!"

"Uh-huh. Your point?"

Danny's hands balled into fists. He glared down at her darkly. "I'm going to stop you."

"Stop me? Pfff." She crossed her arms. "Please. You ain't got no chance, kiddo. To me you're nothing but a weak pup, just opening his eyes for the first time."

"Weak huh? I'll show you weak!" He fired his blast point-blank at her. There was an almighty clang as a purple shield appeared out of thin air. She frowned, a glint of anger showing in her eyes.

"Now that's rude. I didn't even attack you yet! Keep this up kid and you're going to get hurt."

"The only one around here who's getting hurt is you!" He fired again, putting all his power into the blast. But her shield held strong. She sighed and stood, hair whipping around her like snakes.

"Oh? Do you want a play with me?" She raised her arm, a smirk emerging on her face. "Then let's play, Danny!"

Danny didn't even have time to raise his shield as a blast of purple ectoplasm smashed into his chest. He gasped in pain, his core rattled from the impact as he was hurled away, right into the lake. The water exploded from the force, breaking the silence of the night.

Sir Nicholas could only stare in horror at Luna, flinching when she looked at him. Her voice came out almost in a growl. "Stay out of this Nick. This doesn't concern you."

The old ghost looked back at the lake, watching the water still and no Phantom surface. Luna took a step forward to him and he bolted, soaring back to the castle as fast as he could, all aware of the eyes on his back.

Luna watched him retreat, then turned her attention back to the water. She bolted off, heading to the spot she saw Danny hit.

Meanwhile, Danny was clutching his chest, groaning as loudly as he could underwater. That had hurt! It felt like he had been hit by a train! And from the rising pressure in his chest, he knew he must have a rib cracked. He gritted his teeth and formed a ball of power in his hand. New plan; he'll surprise her, wait till she wasn't expecting him-

A muffled bang made him look up, just in time to see a pair of angry amber eyes as she tackled him in a vice-like grip. They were pulled down deeper into the lake, Danny hissing as she squeezed down on his sore chest. It seemed like minutes till he was slammed into the lake floor, Luna pinning him down. He lashed out, suddenly feeling his fist connect with her jaw. Her grip loosened and he phased through the earth.

He heard a loud thump as she punched the ground where he had just laid. Danny thought quickly, rushing away from the spot and soaring up to the surface. He needed to get out of the water! It was dark and murky, making his glowing form an easy target. He cringed as two purple blasts flew past him, missing him by a hair. He broke out of the water, twisting in the air-

He regretted twisting. The move pulled at his ribs and he grunted in pain, gripping his torso. A copper taste hit his tongue. Forget getting out of the water, he needed to get a battle plan in gear!

All he knew was they couldn't continue this battle so close to the school. It was only a matter of time before their attacks hit the castle. And endangering the students wasn't part of the mission. He needed to draw her away somehow, move her into the woods.

Luna rose from the water, hovering above the lake. She smirked up at Danny, pushing strands of hair out of her eyes. "Having fun yet kiddo?"

Danny floated to the bank, all but stumbling onto the sand. "Oh yes, this is so much fun. It's practically killing me…"

She laughed, raising her hands. "Good! Now, how about I raise the pressure!"

Danny tensed, protecting his chest as much as he could. But all his confidence faltered at the sight of the water floating around her, flowing in streams under her hands.

"You… can control water?"

"Oh? So you haven't figured out your element yet?" She grinned wickedly as the water condensed around her. "That's too bad- you might have had a chance!"

Danny just had time to throw his shield up as the water smashed into it. He yelped at the heaviness of the blow and dug his feet deep into the sand. He was about to move when he saw in horror the water was looping back behind him. Danny made his shield a dome just as the water encircled him, crushing him down.

He fell to his knees, struggling to hold his power strong through the pain. From the blur before him caught sight of Luna approaching, twirling a ball of purple flame in her fingers.

Crud. He had seriously, extremely underestimated her. He should have known to be careful with his foe after Clockwork's warning. And what had he done? Let his anger control him yet again and threaten her. Attacking her without thinking. Just like he always did! This time however he didn't have a thermos to seal her away.

"So stupid." He muttered, gritting his teeth.

"–I know you are!" Luna called out and Danny scowled in frustration.

Think. He needed to use that brain of his. He couldn't let his shield down; the water would crush him. And shooting out of it was out of the question since she'd just blast him. That left-

He grinned and phased through the ground as the water flattened where he was just standing. Luna watched the pools soak into the dirt and snorted.

"Eh, not bad," she called out towards the forest. There she spotted Danny fly from the ground towards the cover of the trees."…But you've got a lot to learn. Turning your back on your enemy." She flicked her attack, sending it towards him.

Danny didn't see it in time, the purple flame smashed into his back sending him skidding into the dirt. He was confused as to how she had hit him. There was no way she would be able to know exactly where he would come out, it was impossible, right? He slowly rose to his knees, about to jump up when he felt himself flipped over.

He yelled out as Luna pinned him down with her knee, pressing down on his broken ribs.

"You know, I'm a bit disappointed in how you performed tonight." She sighed and made sure Danny couldn't get up. "I thought you'd be smarter since Clockwork thinks so highly of you…Oh well."

She leaned down, almost whispering now. "Right now, as weak, as… isolated as you are. You're nothing against me. Right now, I'm your Pariah Dark…" She grinned, fangs flashing. "I'm like, Him."

Danny paled. He knew exactly what she meant when she said Him. But how could she know?! He reached up and pushed at her shoulders, trying to throw her off. But she was like stone and didn't sway.

"G-get, off-f me..." He took a deep breath, building his power into his throat. He was running out of options. Having to draw on his new wild card.

He gagged as she quickly grabbed his throat, ramming him into the dirt. He couldn't breathe, her grip stopping any chance of a Ghostly Wail.

"Honestly, I should really kill you now, you know. You're going to cause me more trouble than it's worth, and it's probably for the better for all of us. Sure, Harry's got months till he faces off against Voldemort. But you could do a hell of a lot of damage between then and now."

Harry? Danny vaguely thought. She couldn't mean the same Harry?

The pressure of her grip started to get to him. Sensed his rings return and begin to revert him. Stars and black dots danced across his vision. Air cut off in his normal body, and he felt himself beginning to lose consciousness.

"But..." He felt the fingers loosen a faction. "Killing you would be dull. And pointless…Ha. I would, as the term goes; "dig my own grave." I can't afford to screw up here..."

She bent to his ear, whispering words his brain could barely follow. "It's hard to see now, but I'm not your enemy! I'm so much more than that Danny, I'm trying-"

"SKURGE!"

Abruptly the ghost was thrown off him, hammering into a tree. There was a sickening crack and a bone-chilling shriek ran out through the night. Danny might have felt a hint of pity if he wasn't gasping for air. He turned on his side and hacked away, looking faintly up to the castle.

Sir Nicholas was floating behind a tall, long-bearded man, a man who wore a look he could only describe as composed rage. Further still, Danny could just make out shapes running towards them. Ah, Danny thought, watching one of the shapes run passed the man straight to him. It's the Cat Lady.

For once he didn't mind seeing her as she crouched down, placing a hand on his back.

"Albus-"

"I will not." said the man. "Permit such violence on my school grounds. No matter who, or what they are."

Danny struggled to look behind him, ignoring the protests from the witch. He looked in shock at Luna. She was leaning against a tree, clutching her chest as green ectoplasm gushed out of her mouth. But that wasn't what shocked him the most. It was the fact she now had a giant hole in her chest, her ectoplasm seemed to be melting around it.

Pushing herself away from the tree, her features changed. For a second her form seemed to shudder, flicker in a blur as she seemed to struggle with the damage to her core. Her hair seemed to grow wilder, her appearance becoming far more threatening.

"Y-you're…You're a fool!" She thundered, purple flames pouring off her hands, fingers dragging deep grooves into the wood. The witch pulled out her wand, wielding it like a sword.

"You have no idea what you're doing, getting in my way!"

The old wizard who had shot her didn't move.

"What's in that castle of yours right now, Headmaster!? Do you think I'm dangerous? Wait till you know what's after it!?"

Albus flicked his wand, sending a blue jet of light at Luna. She made a shield, snarling as it bounced harmlessly off. "By the time you all see how stupid you've been. You will regret crossing me!"

Her rage settled onto Danny, making the witch stiffen and raise her wand higher. For a horrid moment, he thought she was going to lash out at the Cat Lady. But she suddenly spat green, groaning.

"C-catch you later, Danny…"

She vanished, leaving only a puddle of ectoplasm in the dirt. Danny waited till he couldn't sense her anymore. Once safe slumping back onto the earth, savoring the feeling of air passing through his aching lungs. In a somewhat cruel thought, he hoped it would be the end for her from the wound. But seeing how powerful she was and how ghosts could take massive damage, he doubted it.

He closed his eyes, huffing. It was nice letting the cold leaves ease off his building headache. There was a rustling above him. "Albus, he's bleeding-"

"Minerva, take him up to my office. Get him comfortable and filled with hot cocoa. I think he needs it." Danny heard him move closer. "I'll join you both when I can…Severus,"

"Yes, Headmaster?"

"Could you please deal with our, ah, little spectators? They really all should be heading to bed."

"Of course."

There were the sounds of someone running up the hill, bellowing to the crowd that had formed. The wizard sighed. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, old friend, but could you please come with me? I might need your ghostly experience on this one."

"Of course Albus." Sir Nicholas floated to Danny, looking down at the witch. "Take good care of him, Minerva."

"I-I will- But Albus, what are you planning to do?"

"Not sure. Mostly acting in the heat of the moment!" Danny heard the amusement in the voice and the guy abruptly sped off into the forest, wand raised, Sir Nicholas trailing behind him.

He felt the hand of the witch return to his back. "Can you stand?"

Danny sighed, peering up into her worried face. It surprised him how concerned she looked. Huffing, he forced himself to his knees. Wincing as he saw a trail of blood dribbled from his face, a quick touch confirmed it; he had a blood nose. So that's what she meant when she said he was bleeding. He stood with her help, letting her gently tug him upright.

"We- it's not far from here, just lean onto me."

The trip back to the castle was a crawl for Danny and he began to debate just turning ghost. His wounds never hurt too badly in his ghost form and he could just float. But every time he tried, he felt incredibly dizzy. When they finally made it to the doors, Danny pushed away from her to lean heavily on the doorframe. All this movement was making his wounds worse! He just needed to rest. Wait a few hours till his healing did its job.

"Severus?"

There were light footsteps as someone approached them.

"Could you?"

There was no reply as they grasped underneath Danny's arm- only to pull sharply at his ribs. Danny gasped, knees buckling from the wave of agony as he crumbled groaning to the ground, wrapping his arms around him.

Severus hissed. "Broken bones, no doubt."

Danny wasn't quite sure what happened next. One minute he was crouching on the ground, the next he was draped over the man's shoulder, being carried swiftly down a hallway. He began to struggle but stopped at the cold voice.

"I am not attacking you. I am helping you."

Danny stopped, scowling at how childish he was being treated. The witch arrived at a large stone gargoyle and quickly whispered. "Sherbet Lemon"

The gargoyle came alive and hopped aside, revealing a small door. She quickly opened it and Severus pushed through, striding into the room. Danny was stunned when he was gently placed on a sofa. Without a backward glance, Severus walked off towards the door, talking as he went.

"Make sure he doesn't move until the headmaster arrives. He can decide what we do."

"Couldn't you do something in the meantime?"

He stopped at the doorframe, hesitating. "I doubt any of my concoctions would even work on him if what we saw…" There was a pause. " Make sure he doesn't injure himself further."

There was a gentle click as Danny was left alone with the Cat Lady. She moved towards him, taking out her wand as she went. He was embarrassed at how he panicked, trying to push himself further down the sofa. Now he knew what magic could really do to him, he wasn't going to let his guard down.

She stopped, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture. "It's alright. Look, watch."

With a flick towards the coffee table suddenly a plate of sandwiches and a mug of hot liquid appeared. Danny was dumbfounded as to how it got there and eyed it suspiciously.

"See? It's quite alright. Now, Let's see about getting the blood off your shirt-"

"I don't need any more of your Hocus-Pocus magic! I…I just need rest!"

He twisted away from the flinching witch and head-butted the back of the sofa. All he needed was sleep! To his dismay, he heard her sit down in the opposite seat and Danny huffed. Great, she wasn't going to leave.

Despite her being there, it didn't take long till Danny was fast asleep, the day's excitement catching up to him. The witch watched him curiously, and as the hour drifted by her eyelids drooped. Soon, just like Danny, she was sound asleep.

AN: A quick note, Skurge is a spell used in the Harry Potter games to clean ectoplasm from doors and chests. It's not "canon" per se, but if it cleans away what makes a ghost exist then I thought it might damage them too.