Chapter 15: Growing Pains.
Perched high on his windowsill seat Danny had a perfect view of the surrounding grounds. From the fourth floor he could easily peer down to the courtyard below, watching a small crowd of students playing around in the falling snow. Even up here Danny could feel their excitement for a brief pause in their schoolwork. They chatted happily, their voices echoing through the thick frosted glass that shielded Danny from view.
Their giddy excitement was sadly something that Danny didn't share. He watched on glumly as the group slowly began to move back inside the nearly-empty Hogwarts. He wished that he could be among the students that left, but not for the reason of going home for Christmas like they were.
No, Danny had hoped that Harry would've gone back to wherever he lived. It would have been a chance to completely get away from the gloomy school. And protect Harry, of course. But naturally, the kid had to be the tiny few who decided to stay. So just like that, Danny found he was still trapped here; waiting for something to happen.
As he traced random shapes with his finger through the frost, Danny knew that just because the school was empty didn't mean he could take a vacation himself. The fear the shade might make his move was still keeping him on edge. The longer Voldemort didn't attempt anything, the more jittery it made him feel. But with days now starting to blur together, the fact that he'd been here for months was starting to test his patience.
Even his hair was starting to get in his way, his fringe dropping lower over his eyes and tickling his nose constantly. Huffing with a flick of his head, Danny grumbled at his hair. Yet he didn't have the guts to try and fix it himself. He was clumsy enough with science beakers to know it wasn't a good idea to start trying to cut it himself.
"Enjoying the peace?"
The unexpected voice caused Danny to panic, so startled that he head-butted the glass with a hard thump. Beside him the Headmaster stood, hands resting behind his back as he watched Danny rub his numb forehead.
"My apologies," Albus chuckled, rolling back and forth on his heels." I do sometimes forget how quiet I can be."
Danny gazed up at him with puzzlement. He hadn't even heard him approach. It was like he had just teleported beside him, or materialised out of thin air. Repositioning himself on the ledge, he tried to laugh back to hide his unease. "I always knew I'd get a taste of my own medicine one day."
Albus laughed warmly as he moved closer to the window. "The end of the term. Ah, an exciting time for any young pupil. And with Christmas arriving for us tomorrow, why it's quite a thrilling time, wouldn't you say?"
"Yeah," Danny sighed back, returning his gaze to the window. The students were gone, and the Winterland was once again empty.
"However, you don't seem to share my opinion, do you?"
Raising an eyebrow, Danny continued to watch the snowfall. "What's the point of celebrating Christmas when so much is at stake?" He turned to look up at Albus. "You think the shade's just going to sit back and stop because everyone's out having fun? That's he's going to join in with everyone else in the jolly season and brush off his plans? As if! I can't as well."
"Hmm, possibly. Voldemort was never one for festive holidays, at least from what I was aware of. But I believe you are going about this all wrong."
Frowning Danny tried to figure out what he meant by that. When he was given a smile through his bushy beard, it only left him feeling even more confused.
"Why do I say that you wonder? Well- it's no secret amongst the staff and students that I know everything that happens within these walls. And that includes outside them." His smile faded, giving Danny a stern look. " Dear Minerva filled me in on your trip to Hogsmeade. And from what I heard, I must say I'm concerned."
"What?" Danny blinked, taken back. " She what- what's Hogsmeade got to do with anything?"
"I think you know what I'm talking about Danny."
He scowled, turning away from the old wizard when he realised what he was referring to.
"You weren't there."
"No, I wasn't. But I can imagine what did. What you did regarding Professor Quirrell is my main concern. I don't mind you going out to explore. Though I understand that when it comes to Voldemort you would take the opportunity if it arose. It is why you are here and truthfully; I cannot force you to stop in whatever you decide to do. But after your confrontation with the professor, I believe it's time that I intervene."
"What's there to talk about!" Danny snapped back. "That shade was out of his host, I chased after it and that jerk teacher got in my way. I didn't do anything wrong. If anyone's done wrong it's that guy! He provoked me! If he had started shooting spells, then I would have defended myself. Or are you saying Albus I should have been all nice and friendly to him? Have a nice chat about the weather or something?"
Albus stared at him for a moment, taking in everything he'd heard from Danny. He must have come to a conclusion as he quickly he turned on his heels, strolling down the hallway. "Come with me," he stated bluntly, his voice suddenly commanding. Danny stood, nervously following behind the man. Now he'd done it.
The Headmaster walked long purposeful strides, Danny having to match his pace. Down they went from the main marble staircase, the wizard saying hello to the paintings as they passed them. At the very bottom floor, he turned to their left, Danny quickly recalling that they were heading down the small corridor he'd arrived in. Entering the familiar hall, he was even more surprised when the wizard stopped at the classroom Clockwork had teleported him in, leaving the door wide open for Danny to follow.
The moment he stepped into the classroom he spotted it. It was resting against the far wall, a giant mirror that looked weird in the dusty space. It was an awesome thing, it's surfaces seemed to shine from the window's dim morning light. It sat on golden clawed feet, and craved frame damage from old age. There was something about it that drew Danny to it, almost like it was calling him to look closer.
However, as he took a step to peer at the ancient thing, the wizard blocked his path with an outstretched arm.
"A word of caution; that is no ordinary mirror, no matter how ordinary it may look to you. Please listen to me when I say that you must not look directly into it."
"Why?" Danny queried in a serious tone, what could be so bad about a magical mirror?
"If you do, you'll join the countless others who have lost their lives gazing into it."
"Seriously!?"
Albus nodded, " This object is called the Mirror of Erised. Quite a…troubling thing." He stepped towards the mirror, gesturing to it. "Those that look within to gaze at their reflection will see their greatest, deepest desires. So real that you could reach out and touch it. However, what the Mirror of Erised holds is nothing but illusions. Things that you can never reach. Many have wasted away before it, losing their lives to the madness of what could, or should have been."
" I… see what you mean about dangerous," Danny muttered, eying the mirror with newfound respect. "So… why have you got such a dangerous thing in the school?"
"That Danny is what I am getting too." Albus grinned before stepping before the mirror, gazing dead-on at his reflection. Danny froze, slightly in awe after being told what it could do and then for him to just… stepped in front of it. He couldn't see anything happening, all he could see from his angle was the old man staring blankly at the mirror, obviously seeing something Danny could not.
For a moment Danny feared he was lost within, yet Albus turned back to him with a soft laugh. Though his eyes were somewhat duller. "It takes great willpower and strength to resist the trap of the mirror. Willpower I fear you do not yet possess."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yes. Muggles are partially affected by such enchantments."
"What about ghosts then?"
Chuckling Albus strolled to where he stood. " As curious as I am to let you, let's not test that theory today."
"Huh," Danny scoffed at that, moving over to sit on top of one of the desks. "This is interesting and all, but what's this mirror got to do with what happened at Hogsmeade?"
Albus sighed. "It took me great lengths to move this wonderful mirror. However, after the holidays this mirror shall have a new home, the final test that will protect the stone from all that manages to pass the other tests. And a test, Danny, that will guarantee that Voldemort shall never, never get his hands onto that stone."
It took a moment for what the wizard had said to process with Danny. 'What do you mean it's becoming the final test? I don't get it."
"Right now a complex barrier of protection wards surrounds the stone deep below the school. Before you came and told me that it was indeed being sort after, we believed that the wards would be enough. But now I know better. This here will double the defences."
"But how?"
"Just a simple charm; nothing special. But simple in that only allowing those that want to find the stone, but never to use it, to get it. Only they will be rewarded with the prize. Anyone else will never be able to find it, let alone hold the stone. Do you understand?"
"So... anyone that tries to steal it won't get it. But… if I went down there only to protect it, I would?"
"That's right."
"That's... a clever plan." Danny was quite impressed with the Headmaster's scheme and Albus grinned, happy to show it.
"Magic doesn't always need to be complex to win, just being smart about how to use it is the true trick!"
Softly he sat next to Danny on the desk. "In saying that," the humour faded from him as he locked him with a hard stare. " This charm means that you have nothing to worry about, at least when it concerns the stone. Even if Voldemort gets passed the other challenges -I have no doubt he will- This final defence will guarantee that he will never get his hands on it."
"But how do you know that!" Danny countered. " You people keep telling me not to underestimate him, so how could you know this will work-"
"-Because unlike you, I knew him personally. Such a trick is beyond his understanding. I know this Danny, so I'd advise you to stop worrying about Voldemort. Let me deal with him."
"But-" Danny started to argue back, but Albus cut him off.
"-And with that, this also applies to Professor Quirrell as well. I understand how someone like you would want to end his battle as quickly as possible. Trust me I do know! I used to be the same as your age. It would seem easy just to fight Quirinus and be done with it. But, attacking him without provable reason would be exactly what he wants. This is how Voldemort has always played the game and from experience, you must not fall for it."
Judging from the scowl Danny wore Albus sighed in frustration, taking off his half-moon spectacles to rub them clean with his sleeve. "Danny, can you try to guess how Voldemort became so feared in the first place? How even the mentioning of his very name is tabooed to even those that never met him?"
"Err…because he was extremely powerful and killed a lot of people," Danny grumbled back.
"Cunning," Albus replied bluntly. "What made him so feared was his cunning, his wit. He knew that brut power and "talent" would only get him so far on the road to greatness. He used that cunning to take advantage of those that might defeat him and broke them from the inside out. But not only was he highly cunning but he was smart, strategic, and one could argue quite charismatic and charming in his prime."
Danny snorted, "Your kidding!"
"Oh no, Voldemort knew that alluring his victim's good graces was easier and much more beneficial in the long run. Threatening can only get you so far." Albus paused, staring deep in thought at the mirror before continuing. " He prided himself on how he gained information, offer playing the kind caring gentleman before striking. That was why he rose to power so quickly and so young. He went for the underdogs, those with little self-worth or power, and who craved it. He promised them all the power they longed for. Have you wished that Danny? To be stronger than the ones who pushed you around. To show that you were important, that you were stronger than them?"
Danny remained silent, that was enough for Albus.
" From those underdogs he grew his army, those who held traditional views. And it is frightening to think that most joined him of their own free will and want. Wanting to help him take over the world. That...is why he was so feared."
Albus paused again, putting his glasses back on. " If Voldemort knows about your powers, whether from Quirinus or your ghost enemy; he would have figured out the risk of exposure is to your safety. Even if you can't see it yourself, he's wielding it like a shield in front of you, holding that risk against you. And with slow, careful planning he will test those limits, testing how far you are willing to go in protecting that stone. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike you down."
"But that just means I need to be concerned about the shade-"
"-No. It means you must show him that you're not. If he sees that you are worried about him, fearful of him, he will use that. Enhance that fear. You must show him Danny that you don't care about him. Brush him aside to show that you are confident that you are stronger, powerful enough that his weakened form is nothing to you. Show him that your ghost powers are more terrifying than his own, that he has no hold over you. That is why you must forget about Voldemort!"
Still, Danny frowned back, not liking what Albus was telling him. Of course, he had to worry about the shade! He couldn't explain to the wizard that the very timeline was at risk if he failed.
"Danny," the wizard's tone changed, more desperate. Trying to break through to him. " I understand that you normally don't resolve your problems like this, correct?"
"Yeah," Danny said bitterly. " Back home… my enemies are a little more to the point than you wizards. They're all pretty clear that they only want to waste me. All this...waiting around doing nothing...it's going to completely kill me of boredom in the end."
"It must be hard."
He flicked a glance at Albus, just to check if he was being honest. Slumping forward on his knees, Danny's expression soften. "You have...no idea. I just want to go home, you know? But... I can't. Not until I know that Harry's safe."
At that Albus hummed, looking about the empty classroom as if trying to find an answer. "While you might think I do nothing, that is far from the truth. I have pondered for days about the perfect time for Voldemort to carry out his plans. As far as I can see, there is truly only one time that would be perfect in stealing the stone under all our noses."
"When's that?" Even as he said that he knew he wouldn't like the answer.
"It's a time when the entire school is focused on one thing. The professors are busy buried in their marking, students are filling their heads with as much as they can. And even I become busy with paperwork. And that is our end-of-year exams."
"School exams…and... that's when?"
"June." The Headmaster replied, checking his pocket watch like he was confirming it. "Second week of June to be precise."
"June…" Danny echoed back. That... was a long time away. More months of waiting doing nothing but tear his hair out. How much longer could he take babysitting Harry? How was he even going to stay sane till June-
"Forget about Harry."
Danny jolted, finding his eyes burning as he turned to the wizard. Albus was looking down at him soberly. " Knowing when he will attack means that you don't have to concern yourself with him. I think… after all your hard work you deserve a well-needed break to reorganize before that time. I wanted you to know that I will be watching Harry closely for these final months. As will Severus. In that time, you can pull your attention away to more important things… like your own enemy. And trust me; your mind will thank you for it later."
"No way!" Danny jumped up in a panic. This guy didn't understand! " You…can't be serious, right? I need to be focused all the time. If I relax for just one second, that would spell disaster. If I slack off, that's when they're all going to strike. Don't you get it? I just can't...just forget about it! There's no way I can just stop!"
"Yes, you can. Why worry about something that is completely beyond your control? Potter will be safe, you can be sure that I will not let any harm befall him. Instead of watching him, why don't you figure out a good plan to defeat your enemies before that time arrives?"
Danny's mind raced with doubt. Yes, he saw the reason behind the man's idea. It was nice to think that others were looking out for the kid beside him. But the idea of just forgetting was unnerving to him. What if that was a huge mistake? What if the shade found out that he'd stopped spying and went to kill him before the time event? What if Luna went to kill him herself? There were so many things that could go wrong. He couldn't take such a risk. " I can't-"
" -Didn't you have other things to be worried about? Before you were telling me that another half ghost was here, that he was going to cause you trouble. So bad you wanted me to break the law to get him out of here. That sounds to me more concerning than a mere shade."
"Yeah, but-"
"-And I remember you also telling me that this emery of yours -this Luna- that she was also a great problem. You told me that you didn't know why she was working with Voldemort, but you knew that whatever it was it be couldn't good."
"Yes, but I did go looking for her-"
"And look what that ended up causing you? Almost getting yourself into huge trouble!"
Danny struggled to think of a proper comeback to that, yet he couldn't think of anything. He was...right. That trip to Hogsmeade had only ended up in with him chasing dead ends. Nothing he would say could challenge him. And he knew it.
"Then it's settled!" Albus beamed, patting his knees, " That there is the reason why you must stop worrying! You can focus on those pressing issues closer to home, while I can worry about the safety of my students. After all, it's Christmas tomorrow, so why not have some fun!"
Danny shot him a sceptical look. It was easy for him to say that. However, it wasn't "easy" to have fun in a school filled with danger. The only fun thing Danny could see out of this was that it would be his first Christmas that he might have some peace. No burnt, ecto-tainted food, loud repetitive carols. And most importantly, no cringy family time that he was forced into by his parents. Yes, to him this would be the only highlight of this mission, minus the small fact that he was trapped here.
However, Danny knew fighting with the Headmaster was a bad idea. It was best for him to just nod and agree though he personally thought it wasn't a good idea. Danny's nod seemed to be enough for him and Albus stood, leading them back into the hall. Shutting the door behind them Danny heard a soft click, the mirror now locked away.
"Don't worry. In the end, everything shall turn out fine. You'll see."
"Man I hope your right..." He muttered, not sure how he could be so happy with all that was happening. Saying farewell the Headmaster left him, not before a quick warning not to go seeking the mirror. After he was gone Danny was left feeling more drained than he realised. He did want to take Albus up on his offer, Truly he did. But he still couldn't shake off the feeling that it was wrong. But one thing he'd said was right; he needed to learn the truth about his enemies.
Without any real direction Danny continued down the hallway, away from the Great hall and to a smaller, less fancy door at the end. Phasing through he found a small courtyard, breathing in the beautifully cold air. Through the gaps in the roof lite dots of snow drifted in, adding small patches that dusted the cobblestone. Padding lightly through he walked to the other side, where a low-lying archway opened up to the white field of the school grounds. There he slumped down on the top step, leaning against the frame to think.
Albus was right. He didn't know much about Luna. From all his run-ins with her, he still didn't quite understand her goal. All he knew was that she was crazy, could control water and somehow could time travel. Everything else, her motive, her reason, Danny didn't know. And that suddenly puzzled him. What could she want that would mean destroying all of time itself?
He started with that, closing his eyes and trying as hard as he could to remember every detail of their fights. Luna had said she wanted to fix things. But to him that seemed like the opposite of what she was doing. She had travelled back in time to this moment to kill Harry. But why on earth would she want to do that?
What else did she say? She knew about him, about his alternate timeline as she'd mentioned that ghost in their first encounter. And well, as someone who could time travel he guessed it would be easy for her to know all about it. Maybe Luna wanted a world of chaos as his evil self had, and "fixing" meant restoring the world to that. That...kind of made sense, he guessed.
Danny recalled that she knew about his Ghostly wail but then was shocked that he could duplicate. So she didn't know everything about him then. But the fact that she knew about one of his most powerful moves... just didn't add up. He thought harder, recalling everything they'd talked about, everything she'd done. He remembered that joke he'd made about Skulker and Plasmius. She'd known Skulker was a hunter, calling the older half ghost by his first name when Danny only used his ghost one.
Opening his eyes suspicions grew, only to jump to a sudden conclusion. What if...Luna and Plasmius were in this together! That Plasmius was lying to him while Luna acted on his behalf, so that while he kept an eye on him she plotted ahead, luring him into a trap together!
But as he thought about it more, he shook his head. No, that couldn't be it. Clockwork would have warned him if that was the case. He'd told himself that Plasmius had nothing to do with the time meddling. He was just using old experiences as the reason behind why he might be involved with Luna.
Although… that still didn't explain why Plasmius was here in the first place. Sure, it was clear this half ghost had no idea how to use his powers and hadn't turned fully evil at this point. Danny couldn't deny that fact, no matter how much he wanted to. But… why didn't Clockwork tell him that Plasmius was going to be here!? It was just too strange for Vlad to turn up when Danny happened to be here at Hogwarts too. It was… weird.
He was missing something. Danny closed his eyes again, blotting out the world as he ran through everything in order. This was all like some giant jigsaw puzzle, one that Danny knew if he figured out everything would click together. But the problem was he didn't have all the pieces, the puzzle was bare and dotted with holes in front of him. If only he had all those pieces then this stupid mission could be over! He could get back to his normal, hectic life in Amity Park.
Sighing he opened his eyes and caught sight of the Black Lake, its surface now encased in thick ice. His old idea of finding Luna there returned to him. Maybe it was in that water she was hiding? He had planned to search the Lake before he got distracted by the shade.
Quickly he made up his mind, jumping up to stomp through the snow. It would be pointless swimming through the frozen lake without a plan. But though he wanted to just dive in and take a chance, one problem was holding him back. One thing that right now was his greatest threat in his opinion. And that was his newly-formed ice powers.
He had no idea where they had come from, or why for that matter. Why now were these freak attacks happening? As far as Danny could see there was nothing here that could have caused these powers to grow. Besides his fight with Luna that night. Maybe that was it? Maybe meeting with Luna had caused these new abilities to surface. That…could be it… But whether that had caused them didn't matter. What mattered now was that he needed to learn how to control them. If he could control them, then he could enter that lake without fear of freezing himself solid.
With purpose now Danny marched into the woods, determined to head as deep as he could from the school or village. The snow had made its way within the closely-knitted trees, casting the world in an eerie silence. Only when Danny was sure he was hidden did he stop, taking a deep breath to think.
What started these attacks? They couldn't be random. If he could figure out what set them off, then he had a chance. But Danny was worried to try, the fear of freezing himself in ice forever stopping him short. The risk was high if he mucked up. He didn't have any friends to help him, no one to stop him if he went too far. But taking a deep breath he steadied himself. No, such fear would ruin him. All he needed to do was take… baby steps.
Remaining calm Danny turned inward, allowing his rings to pass slowly over him. He waited to feel if an ice attack hit him. Yet it seemed to stay dormant at this time. Gently he flexed his fingers, breathing in the sweet air. So, cold weather wasn't the reason he was having these attacks as he had first thought. Mentally he ticked that off the list. Letting a ball of energy form in his hand he tested it, before shooting it out towards the trees. Besides the joyous burst of power that coursed through his body, no icy blasts overtook his attack.
But letting loose felt good. How long had it been since he used his powers like this? It had been a while since he'd got into a fight, seeming forever since he'd let loose. Grinning he breathed in deep, letting his powers surge. Now that he thought about it, he was probably rusty with his skills from sitting around doing nothing. He dashed forward, smashing out another ghost ray at a passing tree. The rush felt incredible, all his energy bursting out at once. He sped through the trees, zigzagging in and out of the woods. Taking another deep breath Danny sent off another blast. However, something changed.
The blast wasn't his normal green. Instead blue ice shot out, speeding across the ground and growing in the snow. He panicked immediately, quickly dragging his feet to a stop which only caused the ice to surge upwards. Danny twisted sharply, tripping on his feet as he tumbled to the ground. He fell hard, yelping as he felt the ice wall cruise past, the solid-mass groaning to a halt when he did. He froze in fear, waiting for the creaking sound to stop and only then did he have the courage to look.
He came face to face with a giant gleaming wall of jagged ice, wedged within the trees. Breathing sharply Danny gulped, his mouth suddenly dry. Gently he pulled the ice away from his shoes. Not only were his feet covered in ice, but his hands and chest. Like before the ice had spread, encased the trees and spearing further away. Danny shivered at how close he'd come to losing control. This power was different from his wail. This was on a whole new level. It was evolving, growing like it wanted to take over everything in its path.
He shuddered, turning back to normal quickly. It helped with the icy feeling, returning to nothing but a dull ache in his chest. Yet the power still was there, if faint, threatening to return at any moment. Glancing around Danny stood, self-conscious of prying eyes. Yet he was alone, nothing but snowflakes drifting around him.
That was enough for today, Danny walking around the mess he'd made. As fun as it was going wild with his powers, it was clear to him now that this wasn't a joke; these ice powers were becoming a serious problem. The thought of blasting the shade while Harry was there, yet for him to suddenly send a wave of ice at him freaked him out to no end. The whole mission would crumble apart without any help from Luna. At that moment Danny knew that Albus was right, he had more important things to worry about than Harry. He wouldn't be able to save anyone if he couldn't control his powers.
But how? Nothing before had ever been this bad. His power problems in the first weeks after his accident were a cakewalk compared to blasting ice uncontrollably. However, Danny knew that if he was going to stop the time shift, then somehow these powers were going to have to be dealt with. But as he stumbled back to the room he knew that if this kept getting worse things were going to be bad, for everyone…
###
He'd been waiting a long time for this moment.
Vlad sat on the very edge of the armchair, staring at the opposite curtain in the darkened room. He had been there for hours now, though to him it had felt like an eternity. The lack of any good sleep and the sheer stress of everything had left him a jittery mess. It was incredible that some crazy, bad-tempered kid was making him feel this way. And yet as he continued to twitch his fingers together, Vlad kept remembering that thing wasn't exactly a "normal" kid, no matter how much it looked like one.
That was right, he thought, breathing out noiselessly through his nose. This place, that kid, all of it couldn't be real. It wasn't…possible for it to be. This had to be all in his mind, some sort of subconscious dream that he was having. Granted; it was a highly realistic dream, even he could admit to that. But all of that was going to end. Tonight, he was going to leave this room and get some answers. He had to do it, as it was the only plan that was keeping him sane.
The plan calmed him. Checking the time once more he stood gradually, not making a sound. It was well past midnight, well into the early morning of the next day. The perfect time to start with his scheme. After all, he knew that the teen wouldn't stop him if he was asleep.
Vlad had been working towards this night for weeks, hoping to spot the right time to act. And then, this week he noticed something odd with his behaviour. He had no idea what he was doing outside this room, but whatever it was it was making the teen even moodier. If that was possible.
Thankfully that grumpiness hadn't been directed towards him. But ignoring the green-eyed glares the worse of it was the chill that seemed to flow from the kid, growing worst with his declining mood. It had gotten so bad one morning that he'd frozen both their drinks solid. In another one of his tantrums, he had sent his mug flying across the room and storming out through the wall. It had been…an experience. But when he'd looked down at his mug on the table he noted that he hadn't just frozen the liquid; he'd frozen the entire thing. Vlad couldn't even pick it up, it was so cold it stung his fingers, threatening to pull the skin off. That event had been a clear sign for him that it was becoming too dangerous to stay. He didn't want to end up the same as that mug.
But it was last night when things changed drastically. He had returned late, yet was oddly silent. For most of the night, he'd moped around at a distance, reading one of those strange translucent books in that ghostly form. He'd seemed calmer, but Vlad knew it had to be a calm before the storm. He wasn't an idiot. And whether this was all just a dream or not; he had no intentions of being here when that kid snapped. Vlad hadn't even bothered testing him, all he knew is when the ghost boy had retreated to his side that he knew this was his best chance.
Glancing back to the curtain to check if it hadn't moved, he skirted around to the door. For a moment, Vlad contemplated checking if the kid was sleeping. But he pushed that away with a shake of his head. No, best to move quickly and not take chances.
Taking the cold brass handle in his hand, Vlad inhaled deeply. He had already tested the doorknob multiple times throughout the week, testing whether it would squeak when opened. He'd done this when the kid was out, almost at a compulsive level. He knew it would open without a sound. And yet for some reason, his heart wouldn't stop pounding. The kid had told him over and over again not to leave this room; but what if there was truth in that? Maybe this place was filled with even worse things than him.
No. Vlad huffed, hand gripping the handle tighter. That had to be nothing more than a lie to keep him here. That kid, this "Phantom", was insane. Even though Vlad couldn't deny that he had supernatural powers, he wasn't real. Ghosts weren't real! Ectoplasm was just a mass of energy, nothing more. He was in complete control here.
So gradually, smoothly he opened the door like he'd done many times before, quickly dashing out when the gap was big enough. At the same speed, he closed it, holding his breath the entire time.
Click.
Vlad cringed at the noise of the lock shutting, it sounded deafening in the silence. Frozen he stood waiting, ear straining to hear the slightest of sounds within. It seemed like hours passed for Vlad, waiting for the tell-tale signs he'd been found out.
But nothing happened.
The relief rushed through him as he let out the breath he'd been holding. So far the plan was working, part one was done. But it wasn't time to celebrate just yet. He still was facing the next hurdle, the unknown of this place.
Turning slowly Vlad peered down the dark hallway, taking in his surroundings. He was alone, the hall cold and empty. It had been a good choice to wait so late. If anyone else was in this place they wouldn't be awake now.
It took a while to remember which way he'd gone that night so long ago. Vlad knew that if he when that way there was a staircase leading down, that was his ticket out of here. Heading left, he found the large stairwell. Pausing at the top of the stairs he looked back to the door- only to stop short in horror. The door was gone. Where it had just been was nothing but smooth stone. Its disappearance hammered home the truth; there was no turning back now.
The way out had to be down, it was just the most logical way for him to go. Not waiting any longer he headed down, keeping far to one side in the hope of being out of view of any below. As he walked he swore that he saw movement in the corner of his eyes, like the painting themselves were moving, the subjects breathing in sleep. But he ignored that as a trick from his tired mind. He just kept heading down, eyes locked onto the darkness below.
Level after level passed by, Vlad frowning. Just how many floors did this building have!? When he finally spotted the ground floor beneath him he had counted seven flights of steps. How on earth could this castle have seven floors? He'd seen the outside, but even then it hadn't seemed that tall.
Vlad shook his head with frustration, now wasn't the time to debate the physics of this place. For all he knew he didn't have much time until he was found out.
There were three doors to choose from. Two were open. The other, the largest and grandest stood across from him. It had to be the way out. But from the sheer size of it, it wasn't going to budge without effort. That left him to search for another way. Stepping into the middle of the hall he studied both. The one on the right seemed to lead to another giant hall. The left led to a corridor like the one was the room was. That seemed like the best option.
Just as he was about to move towards the left door footsteps sounded, faint, but coming closer. It was a sound that puzzled Vlad. On one end the thought that there was someone else here was good, that meant he might get a real conversation. But there was the concern that whoever they were, they also might be another freak.
Deciding that it would be wise to obverse the person first he looked around for a hiding spot. There weren't many places, the hall almost bare and with little furniture. But as the footsteps rang out from above him Vlad knew he had to hide, and quick. Seeing that the only place to hide was the staircase itself, he dashed behind the railing, crouching down behind the sloping wall. It was perfect timing too, as just then blue light glowed from above. Whomever it was had to torch, and if Vlad had waited any longer he would have been in clear view.
He heard a rustling of clothes, the figure stepping off the staircase and strolling softly out into the hall. Vlad got his first sight of the figure and for a second, he did a double-take. It looked like a child. Yet as they turned around he quickly saw it was far from a kid, his face old and bearded, large round glasses perched on a crooked nose. He was wearing odd clothes that were like a dress, which as he turned billowed out, his sharp eyes surveying the room.
Vlad weighed his options. He may be small, but he was still an adult. Someone that might tell him what on earth was going on. But as the man turned around Vlad spotted the source of the light, and it wasn't a torch. It was a stick, somehow it was glowing from the tip. His breath caught in his throat; like the kid in the room, he too wasn't normal.
He slunk back further into the shadow of the stairway, mouth going dry. He was too exposed here, that guy just had to turn that light over and he'd been in clear view. And then anything could happen, especially if he was the same as the ghost boy. The guy continued moving through the hall, heading the way that Vlad hadn't wanted him to come. It was clear he was going towards him, and he was blocking any chance of escape.
It was then that an odd burning feeling coursed through his chest, a feeling that he'd had randomly over these weeks. It hurt, a burnt-toast taste rising in the back of his throat. Vlad gripped his chest, gulping down the odd pain. Glancing down at his hand he was shocked to find it half-missing, his arm shifting in and out of visibility.
In one clear moment, for the first time since coming to this nightmarish place, Vlad wanted to be invisible. He had to become invisible. He tried, trying to will himself to disappear. But nothing happened. Seeing the man come closer, he squeezed his eyes shut, ignoring the burning feeling that was growing. He suddenly felt icy cold, like a bucket of ice had been dumped on him. A light burned under his eyelids, and he opened them again to look up at the face of the strange man, ready to confront him, to tell him that he wasn't a threat.
Their eyes locked. Vlad's heart stopped, staring into the man's searing gaze. He was waiting to see his surprise at finding him or for something worse to happen.
The man paused, then quickly turned away, taking the light with him as he headed to the right door.
Vlad let out the shaky breath he'd been holding and looked down. His body was gone. Somehow he'd done it, yet he didn't know how. A lite breeze drifted over him, Vlad shivering as the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He had a freaky feeling that just now something had walked passed him. No, he thought, standing on shaky legs. He was being paranoid. It was just his fear playing tricks on him, a place this old would have drafts.
Not wanting to try his luck a second time, he stalked out from the stairwell, heading in the only direction that was left. The corridor on the far left had to be the way out, it was the only hope he had. If not, he'd have to backtrack back up the stairs, and that was the last thing he wanted to do. Dashing over he stepped through the archway, into the long passageway beyond.
It was similar to the corridor on the top floor. However, large windows lined it, carved out from the walls. As he made his way he paused in his run, unable to stop himself from looking through the frosty glass window. It was his first look at the outside world in a long time and he was surprised to find it bedded in snow. The chill of the winter night seeping through the glass, much colder than it had been upstairs. Vlad shuddered, searching around him. That cold was uncomfortably like the kid.
Rational thinking kicked in. He couldn't travel through the snow in the middle of winter. He didn't have the right gear, not to mention he had no idea where he was going. If he headed out there blindly he'd die of hypothermia within hours. But then, what choice did he have?
Nervous now, yet knowing he had to push onwards, Vlad began trying doors. The ones that weren't locked all seemed to lead to classrooms, most looking like they weren't in use. He moved faster, fearing any moment that guy would appear behind him. Halfway down he opened another door, but a flash of silver made him pause, jarring his ankles to a halt. Something was tucked away in the corner of the room, shining in the moonlight from the door. Curious Vlad peered closer, leaning into the room. It seemed to be a mirror, old and oriental, golden framed with beautifully detailed cravings.
Something…felt off about it. Something he didn't like. And with all the bizarre things living here he wasn't messing with it. Vlad stepped out, starting to close the door when a clang sounded out in the hall followed by a bright flash of blue light. He immediately thought of that man, seeing the light casing on the archway he'd come. Without another thought Vlad ducked back into the room, shutting the door gently behind him. From the hall, he heard lite footsteps of someone hurrying down the hall. Steading his breath he waited, hoping above all else he wouldn't open the door.
Minutes passed, eyes resting on the mirror now and again. The more he looked at it, looked at that smooth surface, the more uneasy he felt. It was like it was calling him, beckoning over to look at his reflection in it. He wanted to get away from it as soon as possible. But he exhaled, waiting for when it was safe.
Soon Vlad couldn't hear anything beyond the door, thinking that enough time had passed. Silently Vlad got himself ready, ready to run if he was spotted. Gripping the handle he went to open the door- only to find that it didn't budge.
He had locked himself inside.
He inhaled deeply in the hope to remain calm. There… was no need to panic. He tried the handle again, but it refused to budge. Still trying to remain calm he turned around to observe the room, trying his hardest to ignore the large mirror in the shadows. The room was nothing more than a dusty, unused classroom. Desks and chairs piled up in orderly stacks were the only real objects in the room. There was another door though, tucked in the corner near the strange mirror.
Vlad moved through the space towards the door, trying not to stare at the thing. Yet the door yielded nothing more than a spider-filled storage cupboard. Dismissing the useless way, he began to return to the door to try again.
As he closed the cupboard door the burning ache returned in his centre, that burnt taste in the back of his throat making him swallow. It was enough for him to rub his chest in confusion. Was there… something wrong with him? Shaking that thought away Vlad strolled back to the entrance door, but as he made his way past the mirror moment in the corner of his eye froze him in his tracks. There was a person, standing by the mirror. It wasn't a play on his mind, he wasn't alone in here.
Taking a deep breath Vlad summoned his nerves and started to confront the figure in front of the mirror-
"I wouldn't."
Vlad snapped out of his surprise in a second, whipping around to the voice. Sitting calmly on one of the upturned desks was a woman, or what vaguely looked like a woman. She was translucent for one thing, chalky-blue skin glowing faintly in the dim light. Even from where Vlad stood he could see the glowing green patches underneath that pale skin, eerie in the way it shimmered. It was like she had just come out of the water, midnight hair wet and draped around her face, long enough to brush against the desk. And through those strains of wiry hair, two purple eyes burned through pools of black.
"That mirror," she breathed, deadly still. " You will lose yourself within if you're not too careful."
All that panic he'd been trying to keep down burst out, Vlad trying his hardest not to freak out. This wasn't human, just like that Phantom kid upstairs. Nothing was normal about the thing sitting across from him. A ghost… that thought hit his world hard. This was a real ghost, a ghost that he remembered reading about in all those sketchy notes.
"Your-"
"-Lucrezia." She cut in sharply, eying him from across the room. As she spoke her hair drifted like a sudden breeze had entered the room. She just couldn't be real; Vlad thought. In the moonlight, she looked surreal.
With a deep sigh, the ghost swung her legs over the side of the desk, shoes brushing the stone with a tap. She was watching him closely as he stood there transfixed by her. Vlad knew from the kid that these creatures weren't to be taken lightly. He did not doubt if she wanted to she could inflict great harm onto him. And at the thought, it dawned on him that he was locked in a room with her. However, he found that his voice was refusing to work.
She gazed on, face expressionless. Abruptly she broke the silence. "Are you afraid of me?"
He could feel the sweat building on his brow, deciding that a shake of the head was better than betraying the truth in his voice. At that the ghost crook her head to one side, eyes closing.
"I can hear it; your heartbeat. It's quickening. You are afraid of me."
"W-What?" He whispered, without thinking gripping his chest in surprise. How- no way could she be able to hear his heartbeat from across the room!
Opening her eyes, his reaction made her smile softly; the first sign of anything remotely human. "Do not fear. Out of all the days you choose, it seems luck is on your side." Gently she slid off the desk, Vlad backing away until he could feel the cool touch of the mirror on his back.
Still unfazed by him the ghost slowly approached, drifting but a hair's width from the ground. His mind raced with plans that fell short. She was almost between him and the door, and other than the windows Vlad was madly trying to figure something out before he got himself killed. Yet he noticed something, even in this insane moment, his mind cleared enough to spot it. The ghost was keeping her distance from him, hanging back with a nervous shift of her body. That nervousness gave him a crazy idea. But then, he was probably completely mad now.
He licked his dry lips, taking a deep breath to steady his voice. "What… do you mean by that? How am I…lucky?"
"The Christmas Truce," She spoke of it like what she said was common knowledge. Almost like she was annoyed that he didn't seem to know. " On the day of Christmas, ghosts cannot harm one another. On this day of celebration, whether friend or foe, it is forbidden to fight on this day. So relax, I cannot hurt you."
Vlad had no doubt that wasn't the least bit true, not by the way she smiled at him. There was nothing friendly in that smile, especially when he caught a glimpse of fangs behind it. She moved a fraction closer, still hanging back.
"It's absolute. In saying that…being half ghost makes the truce fall onto you too. I would advise you to follow the law also. Unless you want the wrath of the entire ghost community upon you."
At that he found himself frowning, the fear fading away a little. That made this the second person to claim that he had some sort of powers. It couldn't be a fluke.
Drifting to the side, she landed on the floorboards, a cloud of dust puffing into the air. Noiselessly she gestured to the mirror behind him. " You are lucky that I came when I did. You probably didn't realize the danger that you were in. A moment longer and you could have been lost forever."
She was closer to him now, close enough for Vlad to see the pulsing green veins underneath her skin. Her eyes kept darting to his waist and back to his face, tensely holding her hands to her sides. It was this movement that made him grasp that she was anxious about him. It was just like the kid acted sometimes when he snapped, treating him like he was a ticking time bomb about to explode. He didn't know what possessed him to do it, but abruptly he wanted to test that. Maybe the stress of it all was making him go loopy, or maybe it was his frustration of being left in the dark. He stepped forward towards the ghost, a move that surprised even himself. The sudden step made the ghost go rigid, freezing in shock.
"You...know who I am, don't you?" He spoke as commanding as he could, knowing if she was the same as that kid, she would.
There was a long pause, the ghost watching him with wide eyes. It took time for Vlad to get his answer.
"…Yes."
"How!" He couldn't help the sharpness of his voice, somehow hearing that confirmed that he was being constantly lied to. She broke eye contact with him for the first time. He didn't think she would ever answer him, just like that darn teen did. Yet he was surprised when she spoke.
"We have…we have met. Once before."
"We have?"
"Yes. Though you wouldn't remember it." She laughed softly, it echoing around the room like a chime. "How could you remember it!"
A sense of dread surfaced in his mind at that revolution. That kid also knew him, acted like he'd known him for a long time, or at least he thought he did. And then now this ghost was claiming that she knew of him too? Had…. had the accident made him lose parts of his memory? Was that why he didn't know who they were or how he ended up in this place? And the way that they acted around him… did something bad happen?
He pushed that worrisome thought away from his mind. This was nothing more than a dream, he had to keep telling himself that. He was still safe in the hospital and this was all in his mind. That was the only reason they knew him was that they were part of his subconscious; that was all.
"So…you're in on this with the kid, right?"
She paused, suddenly mystified. "The kid?"
"Phantom."
"Phantom…" The ghost echoed, looking behind him now to the mirror at his back. She stared at it for the longest time, Vlad growing in unease the longer he spent in this room. He needed to get out, away from the crazy place before that other lunatic came looking for him. After a while, she broke her gaze from its glassy surface back to his face.
"You're correct. This does involve Phantom. How could it not? Everything that is happening right now that shouldn't is all due to him. It's always been like that with him. Change seems to follow him everywhere he goes. Like a curse, I suppose. I still can't predict what he does. No matter how hard I try he still surprises me, even now."
"So he's not," Vlad hesitated, not quite following along with her. "Your friend?"
"No. In his eyes, I am his enemy. Two forces moving towards different goals, each with plans that go against the other. He's…Phantom's always been like that. He holds a black-and-white view of the world, never allowing anyone to sit in the middle. And that, Vlad, means he gathers enemies fast."
"That means you know him?" He edged closer, his curiosity getting the better of him. Though she drifted back at his approach, the ghost still nodded.
"I've known him for some time, yes."
He laughed dryly. " Then tell me; is he normally this stubborn?"
To Vlad's surprise, the ghost laughed, a light giggle as the expressionless face melted away. " Oh yes, Danny is notoriously stubborn when he wants to be. I would say he's even more stubborn than usual lately; with good reason to be!"
"Danny?"
"Ah…" the ghost froze with a sharp inhale, realizing her mistake at once. " I suppose…he wouldn't have told you his real name. Danny's extremely secretive; I guess it "comes with the half-ghost territory", as he would put it."
Danny. Suddenly the crazy teen had a normal name. Vlad thought about it, pictured that name with him and tried to think of anything that might kindle a memory, something that would call for the reason he would hide it from him. But the name didn't mean anything to Vlad, not understanding what was the point of keeping that from him. Maybe that kid was just bonkers like he thought.
"That still doesn't give him an excuse to be so cold though." Vlad scowled out, after all that trouble of him to ask, it was for no reason whatsoever.
" It's with reason. Danny has many foes, all wishing to cause him great harm. Most want him dead, others wish to cause him pain. And a few wish for him to join their cause by force. It is only natural that Phantom has very little trust in people after being hurt so much. If you were constantly being attacked by those around you, wouldn't you be untrusting?"
Vlad frowned at learning that. He was still just a kid, that didn't give him the right to act so aggressive toward someone who didn't know him. Even if he was forgetting something, that teen had no justification to do what he was doing to him.
"You're saying that he doesn't trust me because somehow I've made him think I'm his enemy. Even though I don't remember doing anything like that?"
She didn't respond to him, and the anger he'd been keeping down snapped. "That's ridiculous! Why didn't he explain that in the first place instead of lying if that was the case? I get he's still just a dumb kid but that's how a normal human being acts when they're talking to somebody!" The burning anger that came from within him without warning frightened him. It wasn't like him to lose his cool in front of others, especially to someone he didn't know.
The ghost didn't react, curious at the reaction that he blurted out. But still, she looked on at him like she was studying every move he made. It creeped him out the way she looked down at him, becoming more worried that she too was insane like the ghost kid.
"What?" He snapped back, now just wanting to leave this place more than ever. " Am I wrong to think that? Or are you still here just to insult me further?"
"No," the ghost drifted closer, closer than she'd ever been so far. " In truth; I wanted to meet you."
The rage faded. " You… did? Why?"
"You're not…what I expected."
"What did you expect then?" Now worry started to feel Vlad. He had a bad feeling about this.
"Not this. When we met before you were…different. Not the same as you are now. I was expecting you to be quite similar to when we met for the first time, yet you're not the same man that I spoke to."
She tilted back her head, matching his concerned frown. " How interesting…maybe we made a mistake after all."
The air shifted, cold and calculated that for a second Vlad thought the kid had entered the room. The ghost before him changed, the emotionless face back in place as she stared at him. Without any warning she grabbed his collar, pinning him suddenly against the mirror. He felt it shudder underneath his back, shocked at the abrupt change in the ghost. It wasn't a strong grip; Vlad didn't feel any pain from her hand. But he was still stunned at where the hell that had come from.
"A warning." She murmured close, her hair moving through the air like damp strings, purple eyes almost burning to black. "I am lenient, yet I will not stand for my plans to fail, not anymore. Heed this warning Plasmius; that if I find you meddling, if I found you close to destroying my goals. I swear Plasmius," She leaned ever closer, now inches from his face. "Even if it takes all my strength to do so, I will kill you."
He panicked then, a strong fear pumped through his veins. But before any of them could move, a burning shiver coursed within the centre of his chest. In a flash black rings appeared out of nowhere, humming bright with energy. In seconds that parted and disappeared leaving him with a sudden chilly ache through every fibre of his being.
The effect on the ghost was instant. She jumped back in terror, quickly letting go of his shirt. Vlad only had time to process the horrified look on her face before he felt his body slip through the mirror. For a moment there was nothing but blackness with a sudden suffocating feeling. Then the next minute he was in cold, fresh air and light, tumbling down a snowy slope.
There was no way for him to stop, the hill outside was too steep and slick with wet snow. In a feeble attempt to halt the tumble Vlad gripped the ground underneath his hands. Finally, he was able to slow his descent to a stop, Vlad himself freezing in terror with his eyes closed shut. Any moment he expected to hear that spook come after him, or sounds of anything weird happening to him again. But nothing stirred, only the sounds of his shallow breathing booming around into the snow. But even then, Vlad refused to open his eyes. Something was wrong, dreadfully wrong with him. He could feel a lightness throughout his body, a weird sensation coursing through the blood that he knew shouldn't be there.
Building up the courage he opened his eyes, seeing nothing but dazzling white. He could faintly see the bright grey stone wall that he'd fallen through, but there was no sign of the she-ghost; she must have not felt it worth the trouble following him. Slowly, expecting the worse he raised himself onto his knees. As he did Vlad caught sight of the glowing arms supporting him, with dread realising that the worst was true. He was that…that thing again.
Breathing deeply, he checked his surroundings to make sure he was alone. Seeing nothing but the cloud-filled sky and distance trees he returned his attention to himself. Lifting his right hand to his face he started shakily at the black-gloved hand before him. That glove hadn't been there a second ago. Furious at the sight of the bizarre thing he tugged it off, throwing the glowing glove as far as he could. It seemed to float to the ground, landing lightly on the snow without noise. At once it lost its form and turned into a glowing green blob. It made Vlad feel ill that something like that was just touching his skin and he quickly went to tugging the other off, but the sight of his now gloveless hand froze him in his tracks.
His hand was blue, an icy, deathly blue. It shone in the moonlight, translucent and letting off its own light. As he peered closer he spotted his veins underneath, thin paths that showed up more clearly than on his normal skin. Glowing neon green. Just like her.
Vlad wanted out, out of this nightmare as quickly as he could. If this was someone's idea of a sick joke, he wasn't laughing. Rapidly he jumped to his feet in the hope to get away from this cursed castle and all its weirdoes; only instead of standing up, he seemed to leap up, hovering a foot in the air. For a second he hung there confused, before crashing to the ground as whatever had caused it to let go. It jarred everything, a searing pain running from his lips as he bit it when his jaw hit the snow.
"Wh-at, ow!" He gasped, yet that only sent him more pain. He gripped his mouth tightly, but as he did he felt something under his fingers. It was something sharp that had pierced the sides of his lips and carefully he explored with his tongue, immediately feeling the problem with dread. To confirm it he tested with his fingers, feeling where his normal front canine teeth should be there were two long, sharp fangs instead.
The terror of the situation punched him in the gut, breathing hitching as he forgot how to. If his teeth and hands were like this then the rest of him must be in the same condition. That meant that those black rings had somehow transformed him into the same thing as the kid. That meant right he was…he was a ghost.
No! Vlad gripped his head tightly, fighting back that idea. He wasn't a ghost! Why was he starting to think like that!? Ghost didn't exist. Ectoplasm wasn't sentient or physical in density, he knew that. That was why they made that portal to begin with, to show that ectoplasm was an element of energy. It wasn't possible that his accident could turn him into…something. This was a dream, a nightmare of his fears reflecting onto himself. And that when he woke up he'd laugh about it with Jack and Maddie at how silly this all was. That had to be it! It must be it!
He tried to calm down, taking in deep breaths. Vlad remembered that this wasn't permanent, he'd turned back that night and that kid could do it with ease. It should be easy to stop this, right? Trying with all his might he began willing himself to transform back like he did when his arms turned invisible. The black rings appeared, Vlad watching as they crackled around his waist before vanishing. Gritting his teeth, he tried again, and again, the rings almost seeming to part before snapping shut and flashing away.
"Come on, come on…Fiddlesticks!"
The effect left him panting, draining his energy shockingly fast. Why couldn't he change back!? He knew it was possible, yet now it was refusing to work. It took all his remaining willpower right then not to just lose it, remembering that he was out in the open. Seeing the trees at the base of the slope Vlad began to make his way to cover. This was not an easy task as each step threatened to lunge him into the air, making his stomach lurch each time. In what seemed like forever he made it to the forest, grabbing onto one of the trunks like he was about to leave the ground altogether. He gripped the bark tightly, resting his forehead against it as he tried to figure out what to do.
He needed to get out of here, it would be insane to stay after being threatened like that! Yet he paused, opening his eyes to gaze around the dark woods. Would out here be any better? What if out there in this wintery world there were even worst creatures lurking in the shadows? He had no clue where to go, halfway around the world with nothing but the clothes on his back. What hope did he have to survive the dead of winter with these uncontrollable…things happening to him? He wouldn't last long at all!
But he didn't dare stay either, what with one bonkers teenager who hated his guts and another that had threatened his life. It would be madness to even think about staying at this castle. And yet… at least he knew he was somewhat safe in that room, sheltered from the elements. But he couldn't stay here; how could he stay here!?
Vlad squeezed his eyes shut, fighting the twisting feeling in his stomach that made him feel like he was going to be sick. What was he going to do?