Chapter 33: Up and At 'Em

Danny abruptly woke when his ghost sense went off. For a moment he was dazed, watching the mist evaporate from sleepy eyes. Faintly the sound of a door clicked shut, announcing someone had entered. The chill of his chest faded quickly in the warmth of the bed, and sighing he buried deeper into the sheets. For the first time, he didn't care much about the warning. It could have been the ghost king Pariah Dark himself coming to waste him and still, he wouldn't have bothered.

Closing his eyes, Danny drifted back off to sleep. His hopes were dashed when a loud scraping made him look. It had been the curtain blocking his side, the entire length drawn back swiftly to the end. And there, hovering in its place was the haunting form of Lady Grey.

She peered down her nose at him, expressionless as usual. Danny stared at her, debating whether to say anything. Yet with a tired sigh he rolled over, giving her an answer.

There was a long pause of silence. Then- "… It is time to rise."

Danny grumbled at her words, throwing the pillow over his head. Time. He honestly was sick of time lately. In fact- Time could throw itself into the frozen Black Lake for all he cared.

There was another long pause until suddenly the covers were thrown off, the pillow ripped from his hand. Lady Grey used her telekinesis powers, sending all fabric not attached to the mattress tumbling to the floor. "Up!"

Groaning Danny scowled at her, but the ghost ignored his emerald stare to drift away. Pulling his sluggish limps he sat up, running a hand through sticky hair. " Nice to see you too…" Wincing his throat felt corse, strained from lack of use. " I'm… not here on a mission this time."

"Albus informed us you had returned. Yet you have not been seen. Not by any."

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes Danny blinked, searching the dim inner chamber. Lady Grey glided through the space, hand sweeping to tidy up the mess littered on the floor. It was then that he noticed that she hadn't come alone. Moving carefully around her cleaning were two house elves, both carrying a covered silver tray between them. They had brought a faint smell of food, stirring his stomach to life. But Danny ignored it.

"I'm fine. Tired from… travelling."

Lady peered over her shoulder, a dark eyebrow curling. " You have been in this room for seven days."

Danny stared at the wall, grumbling at her revelation. He hadn't realised it had been that long. But he'd slept through most of it, rising only to drink from the old copper tap or pace around the room. The events at the mall plagued his mind, the dread he was trapped in the past. Worse was realising Dan had likely gone through the same thing he was going through now. The fact that there might be more than one time loop terrified him. How many dead ends had there been before him? Would he be able to even break the loop? Or was it all pointless, inevitable.

His silence made Lady Grey sigh mournfully. With a wave of her hand she slid the armchairs away from the middle, closer to the fireplace. A deep mahogany table thudded down from the ceiling, followed closely by a matching chair. As the elves reached up to place the tray on top, Lady Grey raised her hand to the hearth.

Furrowing her brow in concentration she focused on the wall. When suddenly the stone shifted, two arched windows carving themselves next to the roaring fireplace. For a moment their glass was a pitch-black void, until slowly an image of the snowy grounds materialised on their surface, morning sunlight streaming in. With a finishing touch, a set of velvet blue curtains unfurled at their sides, branded golden cords pulling them to the wall.

Lady Grey gestured to him. "Come, eat."

Danny watched the whole thing with a mix of amazement and irritation she was messing with his room. The sunlight hurt his eyes, and he had a desire to stomp over to cover them. But not wanting to be rude he stumbled up, padding over to join her. As he did the house elves uncovered the tray, a mass collection of probably every breakfast meal they'd ever made him on it. Despite the hollowness, he smiled at them. "You guys have once again outdone yourselves. Thanks, it looks incredible."

They beamed, bowing so low at his praise their noses dragged across the floor. With a low bow to Lady Grey- who bowed her head back, they trotted over to the smaller door and retreated to the kitchen.

" You worried us." Danny looked up at her, cringing at the faint scowl on her face.

" Sorry… I didn't exactly plan on leaving without goodbyes. It just… happened."

Lady Grey searched his face, then nodded once whatever she found satisfied her. "We are worried now. You are half-living. Locking yourself in this room is not sensible."

"I don't know how much Albus told you… but I don't care about being sensible at the moment." He looked out of the newly-formed windows, wondering whether the view was coming from another window in Hogwarts. " I've just learned that my entire life is basically destroyed… So yeah, being sensible isn't on my agenda now."

She hummed next to him. " Then you must take action to repair it."

Danny snorted, still trying to ignore the mouth-watering tray. " Fat chance of that happening. If you somehow can reverse time, let me know."

For a moment she merely floated next to him, staring out of the windows as well. " Best you join the living all the same. Eat," suddenly she gave him a displeased look, her nose creasing. "And bathe."

" I thought you couldn't smell?"

"I cannot. But I can tell."

He scowled, muttering under his breath as the ghost drifted away. Just as she was about to move through the wall, she paused, surveying the room again. There was something on her face that made Danny still. Lady Grey almost looked… upset.

"It is…" Her voice came out in a whisper, holding something in it he couldn't read. " It is good to see this room has a new owner… Instead of the rubbish and bric-à-brac pile it became."

Before he could ask, she turned and disappeared. Danny looked around the room, and wondered not for the first time whether this place had its own sentients. Annoyed with the change he glared at the bright sunlit windows, thinking hard. But they didn't vanish. " You want me to get off my butt too, don't you?" The room didn't speak back, but the chair pulled out as if to answer. Sighing Danny slumped into it, pulling the tray closer.

He hadn't realised how hungry he was until he started. Soon the entire tray was empty, feeling a bit better with his stomach full. As he ran his hand through his hair again, he started to agree that Lady Grey was right. Licking the last of the crumbs away Danny rose, moving to correct his greasy hair.

Once clean, and dressed in a new set of clothes, Danny finally left the room. The hallway was empty, late morning. Hogwarts remaining students would either be in their cozy common rooms or hanging around the Great Hall. Which gave Danny some time to explore any changes. Stretching his arms he walked down the staircase, making his way to ground level.

However, reaching the third floor Danny paused, curious. Entering the floor he made his way down, surprised when the door in question was wide open. The third-floor corridor no longer held Fluffy, though Danny guessed it made sense to remove him once the stone was destroyed. What surprised him was the trapdoor was missing, smooth stone replacing it. Danny was about to check if the passageway was still underneath, when his ghost sense went off.

There was a rattle of iron torches until Peeves exploded into the hallway. Zipping around the space like a rocket he cackled at the sight of him, grinning ear to ear. "Bless me heart! It is, it is! Why Halfy's back! That old wizened Headmaster was right!"

"Hi, Peeves…" Of all the ghosts of Hogwarts, Peeves was the one he least wanted to see. Giggling the ghost drifted upside down to him, red hair flopping wildly around.

" Old Peeves couldn't believe it! It's true! Told him so- Halfy can't be back. Thought you'd have conked it fully by now! I did's. But here you are, half-conked self and all!"

Danny scowled, knowing his eyes flashed green as he did. Instead of taking the bait he turned back the way he'd come. His mood was on a razor's edge, and taking it out on Peeves would probably change Albus's mind about helping him. As he returned to the staircase Peeves followed, bobbing behind.

"Aww, is little Halfy mad at me? Don't be mad! I've been a good ghost, proper gentleman-like since you'd gone missing."

"I seriously doubt that." He looked over his shoulder at Peeves. "Mayhem has to be your middle name by now. How many trash cans have you thrown over students' heads this year? Five?"

"Twelve!" Peeves puffed up proudly, completely ignoring his sarcasm. " And sixteen chalk dusters, a record, that is!"

Sighing Danny started down to the next level. " Awesome. Now get lost Peeves."

Still, the trickster ignored his warning, or most likely didn't care for it. " Don't be mean to old weak Peeves, Halfy! I know you missed me, I knows it!" Suddenly Peeves swooped down, wrapping an arm tight around his shoulders. " Phantom and Peeves are old buddies now! Partners! I know what're Halfy needs for cheerin' up."

Despite the chill and closeness of the ghost Danny rolled his eyes. " What?"

Peeves grinned, it taking on a mischievous tone. " A messin' up of the halls! Come on! With your snowy powers and my wits, we'll turn this castle into a blizzard! Flinchy will be cleaning it for weeks!"

Sighing again, Danny was stunned. Great, now Peeves wanted him to use his out-of-control powers to get kicked out of Hogwarts for good. As if he could do such a thing after Albus's kindness. He was about to shake the ghost off when abruptly a shrill gasp sounded behind them.

"Danny!?"

At the sudden call, they both turned to peer up the steps. Danny didn't recognise her for a moment; she'd grown since the last time. But that wild mass of curls was the same. Hermione stared at them for a moment, as if checking she was correct. Then she broke into a beaming smile.

"Hermione?" Danny was taken aback, a mix of feelings rushing through that he wasn't sure of. Happiness to see her alive and well. But also… sadness that he was seeing her again. On his shoulder Peeves burst into laughter, rocking Danny's shoulder in excitement.

"It's the bookworm Hermy! What are you stickin' your long nose into this time?"

Annoyed now he phased out of the ghost's grip, eyes glowing bright. " Beat it Peeves. Go and play somewhere else."

Peeves froze, watching to see Hermione's reaction when he used his ghost powers. Seeing that she was obviously in on the secret, he blew a long raspberry in response. " Aw, Phantom's mad again. Gotten extra grumpy these days, Halfy! Fine! I get it. Old Peeves won't get in your way if you don't with me."

"Deal."

"Good-O! Smell you later Snowy!" With a cackling he zoomed up the stairway, rattling the painting as he did.

Sighing Danny ran a hand through his hair. He was starting to debate who was more annoying; Peeves or the Box Ghost. Gazing back at Hermione, he let a forced smile cross his face. " Hey, long time no see, huh? Didn't recognise you for a moment, you've grown."

She still was beaming, then before he could react she hopped down the stairs and pulled him into a tight hug. " Oh, it's wonderful to see you again Danny! I couldn't believe it at first! But there's no one else who would talk to Peeves like that!"

Embarrassed he patted her lightly on the back. He wasn't sure if that was supposed to be praise or not. Pulling away Hermione's smile mellowed. " It is good to see you again. We wondered if we would ever see you again after… that mess with the stone."

Now he was really embarrassed, rubbing his neck. "I had things… to do back at home. Sorry for not saying goodbye properly to you guys."

She waved her hand to dismiss his apology. As she tucked her curls behind her ears Danny noticed while she was happy, the witch looked the most sleep-deprived he'd ever seen her. Deep shadow rings lined her eyes, a weary gleam in her normally bright, alert stare.

Danny frowned. " Are you… are you okay, Hermione? You look a little… exhausted."

"Oh! No, I'm fine! Lots to do this year, that's all. All the homework, tests and exams- and all the classes I'm taking for extra credit… Means some long nights, but I'm keeping up with it all." Quickly she tugged at her sleeve, Danny noticing she didn't want to discuss it more. " I'm happy to see you again. But I hope it's not for… You-Know-Who reasons."

"Voldy? No… it's thankfully not that. I'm…" Danny paused when she peered at him curiously. " I'm here for a more personal issue. Albus is helping me fix it. But I'm crashing back here for a while until things… look better."

Danny hoped that Hermione understood not to press it further. But like he suspected she was far sharper, sensing there was more. " Are you okay? You're not in trouble, are you Danny?"

He snorted. " When am I not?" He cringed when she looked concerned. "It's nothing major Hermione. At least not something you guys can do much about. Worry about those stressful classes instead of me- And I'm not just saying that because of last time; you literally can't do anything."

Hermione bit her lip, wanting to argue. But suddenly she gasped. "Oh! The others! Harry and Ron will be so excited to know that you're back! Enough for them to forget all this mess about-" She blushed, weirdly stopping herself. "… forget about things. And I bet they'll be dying to brag about the mess they got themselves into last year."

"What happened last year!?" Immediately Danny suspected it was a life-threatening, horrible danger. Especially for Harry. But Hermione shook her head and pulled his arm up with her.

"Come on! Last I saw those two were lounging around in the common room. We have the place completely to ourselves this year, so it's safe for you to enter." Tugging him up Danny relented, falling into step with her. Moving through the empty hallways they came across no one else, and he found himself curious.

"Why were you out alone then?"

"I… I was heading to Hagrid's. We've all been helping him build up a strong case with the hearing for Buckbeak. He's so worried that he'll never understand all the laws in time."

"Buckbeak?"

" Oh, that's right… he's a Hippogriff, Danny. Hagrid ended up becoming our teacher for Care of Magical Creatures this year, so he wanted to make his classes memorable. He showed us a herd of Hippogriff- they're half-eagle half-horse creatures." Catching his confusion she quickly filled him in. " But Malfoy… he ended up ruining it. Egged on Buckbeak to attack him. Buckbeak's being put on trial for being a so-called dangerous creature. But it's all that horrible Malfoy's fault. But with his father on the board, it's… going to be hard to convince the others. Hagrid's worried if he can't win the case… t-they'll… put him down."

Hermione's voice quivered at the end, upset with the thought. Danny himself didn't like the sounds of it going their way either.

" We've been spending our free time helping him… which sadly isn't a lot. What with all the school work and Harry's Quidditch practice. But I'm sure we can write up a perfect argument in time. The hearing's in April, so we've got a few months left."

Danny nodded, spotting the looming frame of the portrait that hide the Gryffindor common room. Yet he was surprised that instead of the mountainous lady, there was a knight in gleaming armour in her place. He appeared to be dozing on her throne, helmet fallen low over his face.

Hermione paused, looking worried. " Danny… could you turn invisible, please?"

"Oh, sure?" He disappeared at once, grasping onto her shoulder so she knew he was still nearby. Sighing Hermione stepped up to the painting, clearing her throat. " Sir Cadogan?"

Inside the knight jerked up, sword waving crazily in his hand. " Bah! Who goes there to challenge the great Sir Cadogan to a dual!? Step up and face thy's end, coward! and I'll - oh, it is Lady Granger!" Blinking he straightened himself. " So soon have you returned? Ah! I see! Does the young maiden need assistance in some grand quest?"

"No, Sir Cadogan. I want to enter the common room again." Hermione appeared weary at the knight. Clearly, these grand requests were a common thing. " The password is Flibbertigibbe."

"Then thee will need the password!- Oh, yes… you're correct." Sir Cadogan looked deflated that she'd answered so quickly. Bowing low the painting swung open, Danny quickly following her inside as she stepped into the passageway. Once the door closed he returned into view, smirking at her.

"What happened to the old portrait?"

Sighing loudly Hermione shook her head, looking pained. " Sir Cadogan's only filling in for the time, until the Fat Lady comes back. We hope." Her glum mood dropped as she smiled up in the dim space. "Thank you, Danny. I was so worried if he saw you he'd start yelling about an intruder. Though… I doubt he'd even realise you're not a student here."

He shrugged, peering down the narrow tunnel. On the other side, he could see the beginnings of Gryffindor's common room. Warmth was already filling in the space, the scarlet rugs soft underfoot. As he went to move Hermione stopped him, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. Catching on to her plan Danny chuckled, turning invisible again.

Hermione stomped into the round tower room, Danny trailing unseen behind her. There, sitting on the best armchairs by the fire, were Harry and Ron. For a moment he was stunned as he had been with the witch. They had grown, and Ron was quickly on his way to being taller than was. Danny supposed a year gap was a lot for these kids. Though their focused frowns as they played some kind of card game were the same as Danny remembered.

" What are you two doing, playing Exploding Snap when you both should be studying?" Hermione had put on a disproving tone, hands on hips. The boy's gaze flickered over to scowl at her, and Danny wondered from their glares if something else had happened.

"Seriously Hermione?" Ron looked extra grumpy at the sight of her, returning to deal out the cards. "First- you ruin any chance of Gryffindor ever winning the Quidditch cup and now you want us to work in the holidays?"

The witch huffed, though her cheeks reddened a bit. " We've only got a few months left until exams! Instead of playing cards, you should be finishing that history paper you've been putting off. It won't write itself!"

Harry scoffed, scooping up his dealt hand. " Hermione; it's six months until exams. It's the Holidays! Who cares about homework? The last thing I want to do is study when I could have been flying around on a Firebolt! Go away if you're going to annoy us."

Danny took that moment to chuckle loudly, causing the boys to almost tumble out of their armchairs. " Don't let any of your teachers hear that. I'm sure they will be so disappointed in your lack of studious study."

Harry and Ron froze in their chairs, staring dumbly at Hermione. Instead, she beamed, turning around just as Danny appeared again. Raising a nervous hand in greeting he gave them a faint smile. "Hey."

They blinked slowly at him, taking in the sudden appearance. Then- "DANNY!?"

Harry bolted up, sending his cards fluttering to the floor. In moments he had rushed over to him, Ron trailing behind. The glum, grumpy mood vanished as Harry grinned in delight.

"You're back!?" Now standing next to him, Danny realised that Ron was as tall as him. His limps had shot up like he'd been stretched, not entirely fitting him yet.

"It's so good to see you again!" Harry had also grown taller, though still catching up to his friend. There was tiredness behind his round glasses, black hair still a messy, chaotic pile.

Danny nodded, smile growing a bit seeing them happy. It almost lifted his spirits. Almost. " Yeah… was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd drop by… Well, that's not exactly true." Searching about the common room he checked if they were truly alone. The cozy space hadn't changed one bit, the light, cloudy sun spilling in from the long tower windows.

After a time he returned his attention to the three, but he noticed their happiness had dropped. The boys were staring at him with growing worry, and Danny cursed silently to himself, thinking he'd done something wrong.

"But if you're here…" Harry paused as if dreading to continue. "Then… is Voldemort back?"

The others flinched, but Danny sighed. "No, I'm not here because of that loser. Wherever the shade went after the stone I've got no clue, but he's not here. That I do know." Putting on a smile again, he quickly thought of an answer. "I… ran into a bit of trouble back home. Ghostly stuff, with a little magic thrown into it. Albus has agreed to help me. So I'm crashing here until he figures something out."

The boys shared a look, Harry suddenly looking serious. "Anything we can help with?"

Danny shook his head quickly, " No. Nothing. And like I said to Hermione I seriously mean that. My problems… aren't something you or even I can handle right now." Seeing that he wasn't helping with their dropping mood Danny straighten, sending his own serious glare. "Now; what's this about last year?"

Harry and Ron winced, but he noticed a flash of pride too. "Hermione!… Why did you mention that to him?"

"I thought he'd like to know. Considering you both could have died. And it involved You-Know-Who." At her words Danny seriously freaked, knowing his eyes changed hue briefly. Ron sighed, walking back to the armchairs to clear away the game. Harry went to grab another chair, dragging it to the others. " I think this will take some time to explain..."

Now really nervous he joined the others in front of the fireplace- and after a shaky start, there Danny was filled in with all the mess that had happened with the Chamber of Secrets below.

"A Basilisk!?" Danny almost caused the fire to go out when Harry told him of his fight with Voldemort. "Tell me you're joking!? What-How the hell did you even win against something like that!?"

Underneath his messy hair, Harry cringed, tugging with his sweater's sleeve. "It… was a fluke, really… Fawkes came to me with the Sorting Hat and was able to blind the Basilisk. The… Sorting Hat ended up giving me a sword that I used to kill it. I stabbed it through its jaws. Honestly… I still wonder how we all survived it too."

"A sword-" But Danny froze, words halting on his tongue. In his mind the gleaming ruby sword appeared, and Dan's words echoed in his memory. " This thing is imbued with Basilisk's venom. Highly lethal." So that's how the sword got its deadly poison. Harry had stabbed it through his head, the sword taking the poison as its own. It was all starting to fall together, pieces of the future revealing itself.

"Danny?" Ron's voice broke his thought. " You alright? You suddenly went pale as a-" He stopped, blushing when he realised what he was about to say. But Danny ignored it with a shake of his head.

"Fine. It's…nothing. Just trying to get over that you fought a giant snake that could kill you in seconds." Glaring he looked at them in turn. "What is with you guys and deadly, dangerous events? You have danger follow you just as much as I do!"

They blushed, Hermione smiling gently to try and make light of the situation. But what made Danny freak out more was that Harry looked uncomfortable as if holding back something. He groaned, flopping back into the armchair. "Don't tell me there are more deadly event's now? Other than Voldy wanting to kill you?"

"Well… there's… Do you know about the Dementors being at the school?"

"Yeah. Albus mentioned something about it. Something about a fugitive escaping from one of your wizarding jails…" Danny's jaw slacked, staring at Harry. " Are you kidding me!? Please don't tell me that you are involved in that?"

Wincing, Harry shrugged. " His… his name is Sirius Black, one of Voldemort's most loyal followers… and I think he's escaped Azkaban to come and kill me."

Danny stared at each of them, hoping they would suddenly laugh, admitting they were joking. But as the silence continued Danny slapped his hand into his forehead, groaning. " You're unbelievable… You know that?"

"Sorry…"

"Don't apologise about it, Harry," It was Ron that spoke, turning serious. " Black was one of You-Know-Who's biggest supporters when he was in full power. Rumour is he murdered a whole bunch of Muggles in plain sight. Nut job, he is." He suddenly was nervous, shifting in his seat. "What has terrified everyone was that he's the first wizard in history to break out of Azkaban. You don't break out of Azkaban. Never. But… he's utterly bonkers, crazy to try and break into Hogwarts. Not with Dumbledore and the Dementors about. That's… when I saw you, Danny, I thought you were here because of the breakout. To hunt down Black."

Removing his hand Danny stared numbly at the floor. Once again, Harry's life was in danger. " No. Albus told me not to bother with that guy. That's he'd got the whole thing under control."

Hermione chipped in. " See Harry? If Dumbledore's confident that he has everything under control, then you're safe. He's not breaking into the school again."

Danny sent her a quick glare, but was too scared to ask about the again part. This wasn't what he thought he'd be doing in the past. Having to protect Harry all over again, and so soon. Was this it? The time that he needed to save Harry's life. To stop his future from becoming more destroyed than it already was? Yet… he suspected this wasn't it. From the age of Dan, that time was probably far in his future. When, he dreaded to know.

It took him a while to notice the three had been watching him, silent. Danny had been staring at the fireplace, lost in his conflicting thoughts. In their gaze he saw that they were troubled by his silence, seeing something in his expression that he didn't want them to see.

Hermione leaned forward, clearing her throat. " I know I've said this already, but… are you sure you're okay, Danny?"

He stared at them, wondering what lie to tell them next. Instead he sighed deeply, gaze falling to the rugged floor. Harry's cards were still littered there "No. I'm not. I don't want to talk about it."

They all shared a look, trying to work out if there was something they could do. Harry hummed for a moment, then stood. "They probably have started serving lunch by now. Come on, let's… go down. Danny, you should join us! Then we can fill in all the stuff we've missed."

Danny cringed at the idea. He'd hidden himself in Hogwarts all the time he was here last. Walking out in the open, where others could see him…It would bring too many questions about his reason for being in the school. "I don't think that's a good idea-"

"Rubbish! Most of the school's gone for the holidays anyways! No one will care. And if they do… we'll just say you're visiting or came back sooner." It seemed they had all made up their mind, wishing for him to join them. Sighing Danny followed, knowing it would be rude to reject the offer.

Back in the hallway, they returned to the winding staircase. As they did Danny noticed that most of the paintings were empty- "They're all on holiday." Hermione had explained, as if it made sense. Soon they were back in front of the huge arching doors, the Great hall looming before them.

Danny was hesitant when arriving at the threshold. It was one thing to travel around Hogwarts invisible. But now… it was strange to be walking alongside these three without disappearing. Inside the long hall was now only one grand table, five students sitting there. The teacher's table was mostly empty besides the charms teacher, who thankfully was too busy reading a newspaper to notice.

Both Harry and Hermione tried to pull him into the room. " Come on Danny, no one is going to care that you're here." She tugged at his arm lightly, smiling. "As Harry said, we can lie about you coming back early or something."

At old memories, Danny cringed. " You say that, but the last time I was visible here I fell through the floor in front of everyone-"

"- And a most shocking event it was, if I recall." Jumping he and the others whipped around. There, standing behind them in familiar emerald robes was the Cat lady. Like before she was soundless in her approach, Danny once again amazed he never heard her. Behind thin spectacles, she locked him with a stern glare, before it softened into a faint smile. " It's wonderful to see you with us again, Danny. Albus informed me you were haunting our halls again."

Danny rolled his eyes at the terrible joke but smiled at her. " It's good to see you too… Hopefully this time I'm staying solid."

The witch chuckled. "Yes- well, your worries about being called out aren't a problem. Albus has already informed the other professors you're here… and used parts of the same lie we used before with Angus and Rose. So there is no need to hide."

Thinking back he recalled the pub in Hogsmeade. " Ah right, it was… it was Ilv-…Ilvertomy, right?"

"Ilvermorny. I suggest if you have time, study it in the library. In case someone questions you."

"Right. Ilvermorny. Got it."

He burned that school name into his mind, knowing it was key to his lie. Minerva's smile vanished when she looked at her students, eyebrow curling. "While I'm happy to see you're all getting on, you three better not drag Danny into any trouble while he's here. He has enough on his plate without you three adding to it."

"Albus told you?" For a moment he was upset his secret might be out, that Albus might have shared it.

But she shook her head, yet there were traces of sadness there. "I believe not all of it, but…enough to know that the last thing you need is trouble. As I have told my students before-" She paused to fix the others with a scowl. " We are currently dealing with a fugitive. No silly, foolish dreams of catching him, please. And you three- especially you Potter, don't ask Danny here to assist in that. I'm fully aware of his unique skills, and I know that such skills would be tempting to sneak about the school." Peering back at him, Minerva's look softened again. "Don't let them pressure you into something dangerous."

Danny chuckled. " Don't worry Minerva, I'm not here to hunt down prisoners. And I'm sure neither are these guys."

"Good. Oh, and if you need my help, don't hesitate to ask me after my classes. You're more than welcome, Danny." With a final nod, the witch moved into the hall, returning to her stern form. As Danny returned to the others, he was surprised to see them utterly gobsmacked.

"What?"

" Since when have you been so friendly with McGonagall!?" Ron gawked at him, struggling to close his jaw.

"Since Minerva helped me with the shade?" Laughing at their faces Danny shrugged. " Both she and Severus helped me with the shade business. They also know about… you know, my half side. She helped me one time searching the forest for Luna, and we ended up chasing Voldy."

Hermione had recovered the quickest, huffing at the boys. " See? Even McGonagall knows we shouldn't get involved with this nasty business with Black! I'm sure that broom came from him, it can't be a fluke that it was sent to you-"

"- Oh knock it off, Hermione." Ron's jaw had returned to normal, his old grumpy mood returning in a flash. " There's no way that broom was cursed! Think about it; how would a fugitive on the run even buy something that expensive!? He'd be sprung the moment he stepped through the door!"

She when to answer back but stopped when she spotted Danny's concerned frown. "… Fine then."

Still suspicious that there was something more going on, he joined them at the end of the table. They had sat a little off from the others and loaded their plates with food that had come from the house elves. Even though he'd eaten a mountain this morning, Danny still found enough room for a few sandwiches. Harry and Ron were locked in discussing the Quidditch season so far, which other than danger was their second passion. Hermione had fallen silent, nodding along. But even so, Danny noticed the glare they sent her way sometimes, hinting a disagreement had happened somewhere.

As they talked, Danny suddenly froze as a thin mist trail escaped his lips. The others paused talking as he hid it with a hand. Just as they were about to ask, a ghost drifted up through the floor next to them.

It was the transparent form of Sir Nicholas, twisting slowly to face Danny, beaming down. " Ah! Our dear Lady was correct! You're back Phan- Err! You've returned to Hogwarts!" The old ghost sputtered at the sight of the others, likely worried to reveal hidden secrets.

Danny smiled at him. "Hey, Nicholas. You can call me Danny, you know."

"Right! Danny, certainly! It is wonderful to see you are well and… alive! Us ghosts were deeply troubled at your sudden disappearance, searched the entire castle stone by stone, we did! Even searched the- ah, that place too. But it is marvellous news that you have returned!"

Wincing he rubbed his neck. " Sorry… something came up that couldn't wait." Not wanting to talk about his great mistake anymore, he turned the talk to something he knew Nick couldn't help discuss. "How's it going with the Headless Hunt?"

The name caused Sir Nicholas to slump, his head lurching sickly to the side. " Dreadful. Utterly dreadful Phan- Danny. As usual, my letters have all been denied. Albus had informed us you had returned before Christmas, so I hoped for you to place another word in good faith like last time. But, alas."

"Geez, sorry Nicholas. I was… tired from the trip. Sleeping. Was… the Christmas party at Patrick's again?"

"Oh yes." Frustration tugged his brow, and Danny could only imagine the attempts he tried this time. " Bigger, grander, and gloomier too. Likely trying to up-show my Death day again, that show off…" Straightening he adjusted his head back into place, his scowl immediately disappearing. " Ah! I won't keep you longer. I imagine you have far more important quests than my own. However, I am relieved that your presence is back in these halls again."

Danny smirked. " Peeves is already up to his tricks. I don't think I'm going to stop that."

"You say that Danny, but your strong aura has already tamed his antics. It is enough." Finally, he turned to the other three watching in silent fascination and beamed. " And a warm season's greetings to you three, farewell!"

They waved to Sir Nicholas and drifted through the opposite wall. Afterwards, Danny noticed them staring curiously at him again, questions probably burning to be asked.

Hermione leaned in closer. " What was Nick going to call you? I remember Peeves called you something sounding the same earlier."

"Oh… Phantom. That's my ghost name."

"Ghost name?" Ron had dropped his voice to a whisper, worried about the few students overhearing.

"Yeah. Danny Phantom fully. Most of the ghosts here call me Phantom, it's… well maybe it's because I introduced myself as that first. Since my powers are supposed to be a secret identity, it would be weird to call myself my real name."

"Danny's not your real name?" Harry seemed stunned at the news, but Danny laughed with a shake of his head.

"My first name is actually Danny. Daniel, formally. But Phantom isn't my last name. It's…" Thinking back to the future, his mood dropped. "My last name doesn't matter. But I am Danny, though."

At his reveal, they paused to think. Ron shoved the last of his sandwich in his mouth. " So why Phantom? Do ghost names have meaning or something?"

"Meaning?… No, not really. I guess I thought of Phantom randomly. Wasn't thinking of a meaning behind it. It fit." That wasn't quite true, Danny thought glumly. It had been Tucker's idea since it sounded so close to Fenton. A little inside joke they had when Amity Park tried to work out who Phantom was. But he didn't want to share that with them.

Hermione leaned in close, also worried about the remaining students overhearing. " And what was this about a Christmas party? Were you talking about the same Sir Patrick from the Headless Hunt?"

" Yeah. He always hosts a Christmas party for ghosts on the day." Finishing his fourth sandwich Danny shrugged. "Nick's been trying to get into the club for ages, apparently. Last time he wanted me to put a good word in. But Patrick saw right through it. Thankfully because of the truce, no fight broke out. Though… it would have been interesting to see ghosts like them fighting."

"Truce?" Across the table, Ron was staring at him oddly now.

"The Christmas truce. It's a ghost law thing. Apparently, on Christmas Day no ghost can attack another. They're strict on it too."

"Weird. I've never heard that. Or ghosts having laws for that matter. I thought ghosts were just… well, ghosts that haunted old places."

Danny snorted, smirking at Ron. " You wizards barely know anything about ghosts. Mostly due to the fact they don't share info out. Suppose it's the same with me not knowing about magic either… But, coming from me- the guy that has been to the realm where ghosts come from- there's a lot you don't know."

"There's a realm?" Hermione was excited now, even though Ron wasn't at the news.

"The Ghost Zone. It's a… well, I don't know what it is. But I guess it's a dimension of ectoplasmic matter, the closest thing I can call it is it's like being in a green space."

"Space…Oh, you mean like outer space?"

"Yeah. Mainly due to the lack of gravity in the place. See- there are no real continents in the Ghost Zone like Earth, it's just empty space in the void with odd floating masses. And doorways into ghost lairs, they float around in that void too."

Hermione's tired eyes seemed to brighten. " How do you move through it without land? Do you fly?"

"Well… yeah. But even normal people- living people don't exactly fall into the void of the Zone either. It's… it's like an oxygen-filled outer space. You can breathe and move through it, but ghosts can move through its density easier than you would. I guess it's like how we swim in water compared to a dolphin or shark. People can swim in it okay, but the ones that are native to the environment do it better."

Harry had been listening in as Danny got more open on the subject. " So this Ghost Zone is where ghosts live?"

"Most of the time. Sometimes though natural ghost portals will form around the world. They're rare, but ghosts can slip through them into our world… Ah," Danny stopped, suddenly feeling a flash of cold in his core. " I shouldn't be telling you guys this stuff."

Hermione straightened. "Why not? It's fascinating information. And likely has never been discovered or documented before either."

"Well…" Peering at them in turn, he sighed. " From what I know, ghosts… don't want to share knowledge of them to… you guys. Wizards and witches."

"Why?" As Ron spoke Danny noticed that he seemed abruptly annoyed.

"It's a power thing. Nick and… another ghost mentioned you magic folk are always trying to get power. Always greedy for it. And ghosts… we have a lot of power."

"So do us wizards!" Ron countered, frowning. " Look at wizards like Dumbledore, he's a Merlin first class, a warlock! Magic is one of the strongest things that exists in the world. Ghosts might be strong, but our magic is also incredible in what it can do."

"Yeah. But Ron- think about it for a sec." Pointing to himself Danny frowned. " Wizards are strong, I'll admit that. But in close combat- at least from my current experience, you wizards suck. And… not to brag, but I can do things wizards and witches can't. I've fought ghosts that were far stronger than Voldy's shade form. And I didn't need a stick to do it."

"It's a wand!" Ron snapped loudly, causing everyone to peer their way. The attention made Danny freeze, stunned at Ron's flushed embarrassment. Even Hermione and Harry looked shocked at his outburst. Slowly the others around them returned to their lunch, and the redhead slumped his arms against the table.

Harry bent over to Ron, worried. " What's gotten into you?"

"Sorry… It's… It's just… Your powers are amazing Danny. Truly. But… they're also abnormal to… understand as well. It's not right how you- You-Know-Who isn't a joke. Our magic isn't a joke. And… it doesn't matter." Sighing Ron poked at his food with a fork, ear tips burning red.

Danny stared down at his plate, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. The desire to disappear was strong, and he regretted coming down with them. Ron was right. Ghosts, even half ghosts were far stronger than wizards were. Danny knew that from what he'd seen of their magic so far. Maybe people like Albus and Voldemort in his prime were stronger than some of his foes. But he knew some of the things Phantom could do were impossible for their magic. It reminded him of his first thoughts of arriving in the magical world. Even surrounded by all these wonders and supernatural things, he was- and always would be- a freak.

Next to him, Hermione hissed, glaring fiercely across the bench. " That was smart, Ron! Real clever!"

Ron glared back at her, but it dropped spotting Danny's face. " I… I didn't mean for that to come off rude. I really do think your powers are amazing. Really! Turning invisible and flying is wicked useful. But you have to understand… I also - it's… I'm sorry."

"No, don't be." Putting on a smirk Danny shrugged. " What can I say- you're completely right!"

His acceptance seemed to make Ron even more uncomfortable. Suddenly Hermione stood, furious glare still locked onto Ron. " You're such a dunderhead! Come on Danny!" She reached down to tug at his arm, and Danny jumped in his seat.

"What?"

"If they're going to be idiots, then they can be idiots together!"

"Um… it's not a big deal. I don't care Hermione, honest."

When she saw he wasn't following her, Hermione threw her hands into the air and stomped away. "You're all idiots!"

Rubbing his neck Danny was confused as to why she was suddenly so angry. Turning back to the others Harry looked equally confused at her action. But Ron had sunk deep into his seat, now refusing to look his way.

"Danny, I-"

"Seriously Ron, I don't care." He tried to make his smile look real, trying to catch his eye under his slouch. "I mean that. Even before I knew about magic, I knew that my powers were freaky. It's fine."

Harry frowned through his glasses, wanting to say something but holding it back. Sighing Danny relaxed. He needed to keep things calm, feeling the cool tinge of those uncontrollable ice powers wishing to escape. They had been dormant in the room, but Danny knew they were awakening again. It was only a matter of time. But seeing Harry also sent a flicker of fear through him. His death was still on the table, and there was the question of how that death happened. But shaking his head he pushed those thoughts away, grabbed his fifth sandwich, and restarted the conversation again.

"Whatever. It's nothing. Now… what were you guys saying before? Right, it was something about a Quidditch match, Dementors and that guy Malfoy, right?…"

AN: ... I really fell behind on posting updates. Ouch. In all seriousness, Dannymay this year has eaten a lot of my nightly free time to edit this story. Mainly because... my "short" story for this month's challenge has ended up turning into 12 chapters... [ I don't even know if I'm going to post something that dark yet... It needs a lot of cuts so I can even post it here...] The next update will likely be in a fortnight, but after that, I'll be back to weekly updates again!

Also, re-reading the third book again, I remembered that Ron was from a big wizarding family, vs Hermione and Harry, who grew up with Muggles. [ and I forgot how mean he was to Professor Lupin at the end!] I realized that Ron would have a lot of pride in magic, while Danny so far has been dissing it a bit! I keep forgetting how powerful the Halfas would really be in Harry's world!

Thank you for reading, and your patience. See you in the next update!