Chapter 27 - 4058 Part 3 - 185 - Early meetings
A nudge.
"Danny."
A grumbled response.
A sharp jab.
"Danny."
"Why bother, Jazz? I'm already halfway through the veil. You might as well throw the rest in and call it quits."
Jazz raised an unimpressed brow, not that Danny saw it. He was currently trying to shut the world out with a thick layer of blankets.
She rolled her eyes. "If you stay in here, you'll waste the day away. The sun's already up, you lazy bum!"
"I'm not lazy, I'm just on energy saving mode," came a muffled response.
Jazz would have none of it and walked over to the window to throw up the curtains. Danny embraced his inner Sam and hissed at unwelcomed light.
"I can really use your help today," Jazz admitted suddenly. The seriousness in her voice stopped Danny's mind from going back to the peaceful abyss of sleep where he didn't have to think about Clockwork's rejection, fake Harry's hurtful words, the real Harry's hurtful words, or the crown's unnerving presence.
"With what?" he grumbled beneath his pillows.
"You know that letter I sent with Hedwig?"
"...Unfortunately."
"Well, he agreed to meet up. Today."
Danny bolted upright. "Seriously?"
"In less than an hour," Jazz replied. She shifted nervously. "I could really use some backup in case things go south."
"Give me five minutes."
Part 1 - 2683 - Coffee shop
"Do wizards even like coffee?" Danny muttered. He shook his wet head, spraying the barista with water.
While Danny gave the employee an apologetic look, Jazz tapped her chin in thought. "I don't see why not. They're people just like us," she mused looking at the coffee options. "Though, I suppose, since he's from England he might prefer tea."
As Jazz placed their order, Danny looked around the small coffee shop. He had been here once before after a particularly nasty motorcycle chase with Johnny. The chase had lasted hours, and by the time he had finally caught the ghost and his unlucky companion, it was almost time for school. Flying quickly home to change out of his pajamas, he had spotted the once-a-house-now-a-coffee-shop and decided to make a quick caffeine stop. In his sleep deprived state, he hadn't realized he had walked in as Phantom. The terrified look of the barista then was the complete opposite of the cheerful smile she gave today.
Danny had to give Jazz credit. The place was perfect for today's conversation. It was just public enough to hinder any magic use, but also contained areas where a private conversation would not be overheard. His eyes roved over the few patrons who had braved the rain to come here, looking for anyone dressed peculiarly.
"Think he'll be wearing a bathrobe with a business tie and cowboy boots?" Danny joked.
"No, he'll blend in better than most wizards. He's used to dealing with muggleborn…." she paused as a glance behind revealed how wrong she was. "...parents," she finished lamely.
Danny turned around and found a familiar man wearing electric blue wizarding robes and a hat to match. His beard was tucked into his belt and half-moon spectacles rested on his nose. A twinkle in his eyes gave away his cheerful disposition.
A frown formed on Danny's face. Why hadn't his wizard sense gone off? Did it only work for some wizards? Now that he was thinking about it, Danny couldn't remember if he had sensed it with the Weasleys or the 'FBI' witch. Fudge was an exception since emotions were high during his visit, but the others? He furrowed his brow in thought.
"You must be Mr. Dumbledore," Jazz greeted, sticking out a hand.
"That I am," Dumbledore greeted back. "And you must be Ms. Jasmine Fenton."
"Please, call me, Jazz." Dumbledore nodded with a smile before turning to Danny. "Ah, young Daniel. I trust you have been keeping things interesting with your ecto-contaminated food?"
"Yes," Danny mumbled, still in thought before realizing what he had just admitted. His ears turned red. "I-I mean no!"
"One coffee, tea, and triple shot espresso for Jazz," the barista yelled, thankfully saving Danny from further embarrassment.
"Over there looks like a good spot," Jazz pointed, and together they made their way to a small corner. "I have to admit," she began, "I didn't expect you to show up in, well, that." She gestured at his clothing.
Dumbledore was not offended by the comment. "It is my belief that the truth is generally preferable to lies, however that lie may take form," he answered simply.
A fire stirred in Danny. "But what about the muggles?" he pointed out disdainfully. "You're heedlessly putting everyone in danger of that memory curse, er, charm."
"Finding something peculiar is not a reason to cast the memory charm," Dumbledore replied. If he was surprised by Danny's surly attitude he didn't show it. "Though, I must say the people we've encountered thus far have been quite uninterested." While it had garnered a few glances, the people in the store didn't linger on Dumbledore's unusual outfit. They had seen stranger things before.
Danny rolled his eyes. "That's Amity Park for you."
"I suppose it might have something to do with the ghosts you experience."
Danny and Jazz froze at the headmaster's words and time stood still. The air was palpable with tension.
"W-What are you talking about? Ghosts aren't real!" Danny finally stammered.
"Ah, such fleeting integrity," Dumbledore replied in whimsical disappointment. "The ghosts at Hogwarts were quite specific when it came to the location of their battle with the Ghost King." Danny stiffened at his penetrating gaze.
Suspicion spread across the Jazz's face. "So you know that Amity Park was attacked. What are you going to do about it?" she asked.
"Simple," Dumbledore stated, sitting back, "nothing!"
"Nothing?" Danny parroted.
Jazz frowned. "But why? Thousands of muggles were there that day. They saw what happened."
"And yet, life went on," Dumbledore explained. "Panic did not ensue, no one died, and everyone returned to their normal lives."
Jazz mulled this over in her head before looking hesitantly at the headmaster. She chose her next words carefully. "The MACUSA sent a representative to check if any magic-related things were happening here. I think they've dropped the investigation, but if they catch wind of any ghosts…"
"I will not tell the authorities," Dumbledore answered pleasantly. Jazz looked for any hint of deception. After a moment, she sat back, satisfied.
A smile grew on her face. "Then Danny was right. You can be trusted." Danny's face soured and he sent her a glare.
Dumbledore gave Jazz a curious look before moving to Danny, who avoided eye contact. "Don't take it personally. You're just the only wizard who hasn't threatened us with magic," he muttered as an excuse.
"Professor McGonagall was very nice," Jazz argued. Danny shuddered at the memory of the professor's stern gaze. "and Kingsley seemed alright."
"Yeah, the two sentences he said to us were just fine," Danny replied sarcastically.
"I take it you two have not had good experiences with wizards?" Dumbledore interjected, looking at the pair. Danny snorted derisively.
Jazz returned his gaze. "No," she answered. "Which is what I want to talk to you today about." She fidgeted in her seat a moment before gathering her strength. "I want to express my concerns with the way things are in regards to muggle relations. I'm not really sure where to start… so I'll start where it began for me. We were all excited for Harry to be going to Hogwarts." A side glance at Danny told her a correction was needed. "Well, most of us were excited," she restated. "Magic was real? Harry was going to learn it? Who wouldn't be excited? Harry had promised to write to us often and he did… at first. He loved sharing his studies and adventures with us. But as the years went on, we noticed he was writing less frequently and didn't care to talk to us as much.
"At first, I was thinking that Harry was just less tied down to Amity Park. He wanted to spread his wings and learn to cope with issues on his own. It is a natural part of growing up.
"But then he told us about the Chamber of Secrets and a monster that only attacked muggleborns. I was worried for him. Harry came from a muggle household, so it was possible for him to be targeted. But Harry was insistent he wasn't in any danger since both his parents were wizards. He told me that people were cruel to muggleborns in particular, some even wanting them to get hurt by the monster. They wanted it to 'clean the gene pool' as Harry put it.
"That was a red flag for me. What kind of school would let that kind of mentality flow freely through its walls? I didn't understand until I met the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge." Her gaze darkened.
"Fudge was dismissive and rude, and when I brought him to Vlad, he ripped apart his memories right before me." She closed her eyes and paused as the harrowing memories flooded through her mind. Once the moment passed, she looked back at Dumbledore. Her expression was angry.
"When I confronted Fudge about this, it only riled him up further. He went so far as to threaten the same treatment on myself and Danny if we continued to fight back.
"I'm sure his threats were to quell our protests using fear, but it did the opposite. Danny and I have done plenty of research in the past year," she stated defiantly.
She pulled out a stack of papers and handed it to Dumbledore. "In there, you will find both muggle and magical research. On the top is a study on the effects of long-term and short-term memory loss. Under that, you will find statistical evidence on muggle mistreatment from the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department in the Ministry of Magic." Thank you, Mr. Weasley. "You'll find that offenses against muggles have been steadily rising in the past twenty years. I tried to contact the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Patrol, who are assigned the responsibility of catching those who practice muggle baiting, but they were, heh, unwilling to provide any data."
Dumbledore looked through the papers impressed at the amount of detail in each report. Jazz continued to ramble on about the different studies done, pointing out different significant numbers. The evidence was staggering.
"Simply put, muggle mistreatment has been normalized to the point where there isn't a second thought whether it could be harmful or have lasting effects. I'm concerned for our future if action isn't taken."
"This is an impressive amount of research you've done, Ms. Fenton," Dumbledore said, furrowing his brow in thought.
Jazz smiled. She had done a lot to prepare for this talk, and was happy to see it working.
"In order to make change, the first thing we need to do is educate the public," she said, recounting her conversation with Sam a few days prior. She had given her tips and options for a successful campaign. "With your help, I'd like to use Hogwarts as our starting point. If you send me the addresses of your families, I can send pamphlets and infographics to keep people informed."
Dumbledore looked up at her. "I cannot give out private information regarding my students." Jazz's face fell. "However, if you send me a flyer, I can make sure it reaches the appropriate audience."
Her face lit back up. "Then let's start with the muggleborn families since they are most commonly the victims." She knew exactly what she wanted to put in it. Plans were forming as she thought about the next steps before faltering suddenly. "But I already sent Hedwig back to Harry…"
"You can use Fawkes," Dumbledore suggested with a twinkle in his eyes. "my phoenix."
Danny straightened in his seat at the mention of the mythical creature. His excited eyes shone through his guarded expression.
"Thanks, Mr. Dumbledore. I didn't expect you to be so helpful," Jazz said truthfully.
"It is no trouble. I suppose it is a good time to send something, especially after the fiasco at the World Cup."
"The World Cup?" Danny asked. He didn't think the World Cup was for another year.
"My apologies. The Quidditch World Cup."
"Harry went there," Jazz commented, concern growing on her face.
"What happened?" Danny more demanded than asked.
Dumbledore pulled out a newspaper and handed it to the children. The pictures were moving just like Harry had told them in his first letter home years ago. Danny quickly snatched the paper before Jazz and began reading. He was fascinated by the photos and was glad that a wizard was finally being open with magical information. Jazz frowned irritably as she tried to peer over his shoulder. A quick elbow jab had her sitting back down with a huff. Danny stuck out his tongue at her and continued reading.
Dumbledore smiled at the predictable sibling actions. He took pity on Jazz and explained. "There were Voldemort supporters at the World Cup," Danny looked up from the paper and scrunched his face in confusion. He knew that Voldemort was the man that killed Harry's parents, but didn't see how it was relevant. Jazz, however, had read about his tirade in Modern Magical History. She gasped with horror. "They demonstrated their powers on a poor muggle family. Luckily, there were no substantial physical injuries."
Jazz read between the lines. "But they will never be alright mentally," she concluded. Dumbledore's silence confirmed it.
A question came forth before Danny had a chance to stop it. "Is Harry alright?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Besides a sore ankle from a rogue tree root, Harry was unharmed."
Danny avoided eye contact with Jazz until she turned back to Dumbledore. "This is more serious than we thought. I can have the flyer ready by today," she said.
"We'll still need to make copies," Danny interjected, thinking about how long he and Sam had to wait for Fedex to print out their 'Save the Frogs' signs.
"If you send me one, I can make them for you," Dumbledore suggested, subtly pointing to his wand tucked in his belt.
Danny's core resonated when his gaze fell on the knobby stick. He released a shiver and continued to stare at the curious object long after it was socially acceptable.
Jazz's face broke into a smile. "Then this is truly a wizard-muggle collaboration," she beamed. "How long will it take for Fawkes to arrive?"
"He is waiting for your return home as we speak."
With that, Jazz stood and stuck out her hand. "Until the next time. It has been a pleasure."
Dumbledore stood and took her hand. "The pleasure is all mine." He turned to Danny. "I'll give Harry your regards when he arrives at the feast tonight."
That's right. Hogwarts was supposed to start today. Danny shifted uneasily. "That's okay, Mr. Dumbledore. You, uh, don't have to do that."
Dumbledore gave him a pensive look. "You did not leave on good terms, I take it?"
"Let's just say, there's a reason we are so passionate," Jazz explained with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Danny refused to meet the sympathetic gaze looking at the both of them. "I see," he heard Dumbledore say instead. "If I may bother you once more with an old man's jargon. It is my belief that wizards, as well as muggles are capable of harnessing an inexhaustible source of magic. A magic that can inflict injury, but also remedy it. Do you know what this magic is called?"
Danny looked up to see Dumbledores' eyes twinkling. He shook his head.
"Words," Dumbledore answered simply. "It can twist a truth into a lie, poison the mind of the unassuming, stab a brother in the back," he glanced at Danny knowingly. "But it can also convey emotions and give solace to a broken heart, communication where understanding is lacking, inspire change where change is needed." Danny let the words sink in as Dumbledore bid the two farewell.
"That went better than I expected," Jazz said, sitting back down. "But what he said about the World Cup…"
They both looked down at the newspaper on the table. "Jazz, the pictures move," Danny whispered, unable to hide his awe any longer.
"Just like Harry said," she replied. Her voice matched Danny's tone. She gave herself a brief moment to take in the magic before getting back to business. "This newspaper is five days old. We need to know more about what happened," she said and they both began to read the front page. Danny had a lead since he had already started, but Jazz quickly caught up.
"This is very biased," she stated. "Should've expected as much in a newspaper."
"This Skeeter woman could be Spectra in disguise," Danny mused. "There's enough fear mongering tactics in it."
"Regardless, things are happening much faster than we thought. We need to be ready. These flyers will give us a head start, but we need to know more. I wish-" she cut herself off just as Danny gave her a sharp look. They didn't want to give Desiree any fuel. "-er, it would have been nice if Harry had gotten his year four books before he left."
Jazz went back to the article as guilt in Danny' stomach. He hadn't realized how much effort she had been putting into this until she had given Dumbledore her research. She was determined, and Danny knew she wouldn't stop until there was change. He heaved a sigh. "I can check with Ghostwriter. He's calmed down a bit since I helped with the Battle of Amity."
"You did more than help, Danny," Jazz stated in a flat voice.
"I bet he has some wizard books," Danny interjected before she could go on a tangent about pride and owning one's actions. "Anyways, I was thinking lately about how you said that Harry mentioned werewolves. I think we know one." He gave Jazz a pointed look until he saw the gears working in her head.
"Wulf!" she finally exclaimed.
Danny smiled. "I can try to find where he's hiding out. I heard Walker's been on a rampage lately and I bet he is laying low until the warden cools off a bit."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll make the flyer and you see if Ghostwriter will lend you some books. On the way, you can look for Wulf." She stood and took her last gulp of coffee.
"If you think for a second I'm not playing with that Phoenix first, you're in for something else," Danny remarked. He grabbed the newspaper, intending to cut out a picture or two for his wall, and went back to the coffee line. He needed another drink if he was travelling through the realms today.
Jazz surprisingly didn't argue with his actions and stood next to him. "Danny, that bird will not let you get near him. You reek of death, remember?"
Danny shrugged. "It's a magic bird that lives near ghosts, I'll be fine," he replied nonchalantly.
"If it pecks you to death I won't help you."
Danny grinned. "Can't kill what's already dead."
Jazz shoved him. "Don't even joke about that, Danny!"
Part 1 - Harry receives a letter - 352
Harry had begun to fall back into the swing of things. With so many events happening at Hogwarts, it was easy to forget about the tribulations of the summer. Harry had welcomed the distractions with open arms. Here it was easy. Everyone loved magic. For the most part everyone was on the same page. Save for the Slytherins, but no one liked them anyway. There were no conflicting ideas, but most importantly, Harry did not feel as though he had to war with himself. Peace was settling in on him. Not to mention he had some entertainment to look forward to in the form of healthy school rivalry.
For the first time in two hundred years, Hogwarts was hosting the Triwizard Tournament. Harry didn't want to admit it in front of Ron, but he was happy that the event had an age restriction. He had had enough adventures lately, and he just wanted to sit back and watch someone else be the mouse in the maze for once. This was turning into his best year yet.
To top it all off, his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor actually knew what he was talking about. Harry still laughed at the mental image of ferret Malfoy.
A tapping on his knuckle drew Harry out of his musings.
"Hedwig," Harry greeted. He had half expected Danny and Jazz to refuse to send her. He was surprised to find a parcel neatly tied on the base of her foot.
Harry untied the mail and recognized the handwriting as Jazz's. A frown began to form on his face. Just when he started to feel normal and content, his muggle world had to remind him that his conflictions were still there waiting for him. He debated whether he should open the note or throw it away. Jazz wouldn't be too happy, but Harry had no intention of sending a reply. The food on his plate disappeared signaling the end of breakfast. If he didn't leave now he would be late for class.
"I'll deal with this later," he grumbled, stuffing the envelope in his bag. 'Or never' was not said, but it was certainly thought.
Part 2 - Vlad FBI - 458
"I don't see how this is City Hall's problem," Vlad stated irritably. He pinched his nose as he listened to the pathetic response on the other line. "It was on private property. Your artifacts should've been insured."
Another response. "Well, you should've thought of that before bringing it to a ghost-infested town!" he shouted before slamming the phone on the receiver. "Imbeciles," he grumbled while rubbing his temples to prevent a forming headache.
That was the last straw. He had dealt with enough monotonous bookkeeping for one day. The rest of the town's demands could wait until tomorrow. Vlad collected his things and stormed out of his office.
It was days like these that made him wonder why he moved to this garbage wasteland people called a town. His nefarious schemes were consistently pushed aside to serve the needy people who would be lost without their precious mayor. Oh how he loathed them.
Not like his evil mastermind plans were getting him anywhere. As much as he hated to admit it, his recent villainous ideas had been lackluster at best. In fact, ever since his altercation with Daniel in the alley he felt as though his plans had a lack of passion in them. And why shouldn't they? During their fight, Vlad came to the cold hard truth that he could never achieve ultimate power over a dimension and the family he'd always wanted.
In a cruel way, Daniel had finally won.
Vlad barged into the foyer with clear intent to leave quickly before anyone could start a conversation.
"Mayor Masters, there's a-"
"Tell them I'm busy!" Vlad snapped. His secretary was supposed to stick to the schedule, and he had no further meetings. Useless ingrates.
"But it's the FBI, sir!" his secretary insisted a bit uncertainly.
A short lady took a step forward and held a hand out.
"Agent Jennifer Carlston, sir, and what I have to discuss with you requires the utmost urgency," she greeted importantly.
Vlad raised an unimpressed brow. "Pardon me if I don't share the same sentiments." He continued his quick pace.
"Excuse me?" Jenny stated with shock. She ran to catch up.
Vlad released a bored sigh, hand returning to pinch his nose. "This has got to be the worst attempt at an investigation from a snivelling tabloid leech. I mean really! What are you supposed to be?"
"T-The FBI!" Jenny stammered, a bit flustered.
"And I'm the Easter bunny!" Vlad called back before exiting the building.
Jenny stared disbelieving at the swinging doors. "Such a rude man! Why would he say such things?"
The security guard gave the lady a flat look. "Ma'am, you're wearing a bathrobe."
Jenny looked back down at her robe in disappointment. Foiled by her fashion again!
.
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A/N - Decided to end it on a fun note this time ;) Enjoy!