Hogsmeade was a lovely place. A simple description, yet fully enrapturing the nature of the place. It was, as far as Danny could remember, the only village in Britain where not a single muggle could be found. Thus, the masters of magic could simply do as they pleased, without any fears of being discovered. This lead to said wizards throwing spells left and right, they made things levitate, glow and sparkle to entertain visitors and their own neighbours. Danny and Flitwick, of course, were of the former category. Although, the cheerful Charms professor was known around those parts, and so he received many greetings along the way. And at the same time, as they walked the paved paths between wooden cottages, Flitwick was happy to engage in conversation with his newest colleague.

"Say, what is Ilvermony like?" He asked. "I've heard much about it, but never met someone from there."

Danny hummed, "Well, for starters, your place is much more spacious. There many more wizards back home, but our castle is not even half as big."

The short professor chuckled. "Right you are. Imagine what it was like for little me. It was twice as big!"

Danny glanced at his companion with an unreadable expression, and Flitwick noticed this. "Something on your mind, Daniel?"

"Oh, ehm... I'm sorry, I just thought about something. I liked it back in my school," he quickly changed the topic, "Warm and cozy, not too strict but serious. And even then I managed to get in trouble. Once I got assigned cleaning duty for messing with the contents of my classmate's coffee."

"You were a rowdy student, weren't you?" Flitwick asked with a smile.

"You have no idea... This won't be a bother now, I swear!" Danny rambled upon realising the implications. All he got was a laugh.

"I am sure it won't. I've seen many youngsters in my life. Some mischief in those years is nothing to ashamed about. Oh, speaking of which, take a look."

Flitwick pointed at the bright red shop with the sign that read 'Zonko's Joke Shop'. And the name was fitting, because the purpose of some objects was very unclear.

"Is there some reason you are showing this to me?"

"Oh, well, you see, Mr. Fenton," Flitwick fixed his glasses. "Your responsibilities as a teacher will also include being the supervisor for our students. Each weekend they are allowed to go on trips here. My humble request is that you keep tabs on who buys what here. Basically, that applies to any purchase made here. We don't ask that you search them or forbid going anywhere. But we have to be prepared, rascals can be quite resourceful. Especially watch out for the Weasley twins. Those redheads love causing chaos."

"Roger that," Danny said and blinked.

"Although some of their tricks were quite imaginative and amusing, there is discipline to uphold."

"I see. Hey, is this actually another purpose for us being here?"

Flitwick smiled. "Well, you have to know the surroundings to keep watch on the children. I don't mind giving an excursion while we are at it. We may assign you to the older courses, they are much less troublesome."

"No, Severus was right in that regard," Danny shook his head, "The lesser the age gap between us, the less they might listen to me."

"Oh, you will be surprised. Well, our excursion will begin soon after we have our treat. I doubt the kids will interested in buying new cauldrons," he pointed at another shop. "Then we will see the most popular student destinations."

The two made their way towards what looked like an inn, and the sign above the door read 'The Three Broomsticks'. On the inside, all of Danny's doubts were instantly erased. It was a nice place, the one that took all the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the Leaky Cauldron while having only the fraction of its dinginess, if any at all. And it was twice as crowded, for a second Danny was worried that his smaller companion would get walked over. Luckily, Flitwick was nimble enough to go through the crowd and get them a nice corner that nobody else occupied.

"You will like it here, lad. The landlady is very nice," the Charms professor said. "Oh, there she is. Hello, Rosmerta!"

The older blonde lady noticed them. She had a smile on her face as she approached the guests.

"Hello, Filius. You look as sharp as ever," she complemented, and Danny choked a laugh at seeing the man blush a little at the straightforward praise. "Should I ask to bring you the usual?"

"Oh no, no alcohol tonight, Rosmerta. I still have things to do," Flitwick pointed at his companion with his eyes.

The lady only now paid attention to another guest. She gave Danny a once-over before humming in thought.

"Never seen you before. And I'm good at remembering faces. Are you a newbie at Hogwarts or something? It's a bit early."

"Why does everyone think this way?" Danny dropped his head on the table.

"You look younger than you are, Daniel," said Flitwick, pretending that it wasn't a rhetorical question, "No, I was actually showing him around."

"And what would make you of all people do this?"

"I am actually the newest professor," Danny raised his hand proudly. While his face still was kissing the table. Only then did he got into a proper sitting position. "Daniel James Fenton. A freelancer, a researcher of spectral matters, and the teacher of Defence Against Dark Arts."

The lady, as well as some people sitting close, stared at the young man in surprise.

"Oh," the blonde lady was not sure how to respond. "That's certainly new. What made you impress everyone so much?"

Flitwick beamed, "Danny here can perform excellent wandless and nonverbal magic."

"That's...not really that of a big deal," It was Danny's turn to blush. It was one thing to boast himself, it was another to receive a praise from someone obviously specialising in the field.

And it was also shameful that it wasn't the usual complicated magic he mastered, but its ersatz.

"I'll be back with your drinks. What would you have?"

"Butterbeer all around, please. I promised to treat my newest colleague, didn't I?" Flitwick winked.

Danny only smiled. Rosmerta nodded and walked away, briefly chatting with other guests around as she went.

"Since we began talking about wandless spells you do..." a small excited twinkle appeared in the man's eyes. "Do you mind telling me what you can?"

Fenton showed all the signs of being apprehensive about the idea.

"I was impressed not only because there was no wand involved, young man. You didn't even utter a spell, which is twice as amazing. And it is also incredibly hard. Maybe there is something even I can learn."

"I... don't think so. Remember what I told?"

"Ah, yes, that ritual. Well, nonetheless," Flitwick shrugged off the disappointment.

"I could show you some," Danny offered.

Danny figured that he owed something to the man for his welcoming and kind behaviour. The newest professor leaned forward, "Watch me."

"Here are your butterbeers," Rosmerta returned with small bottles in one hand and two cups in another. Masterfully setting everything down, she began pouring the liquid in the cups. "Go ahead with what you were talking about, don't mind me."

"For instance, I may need something to sit on," Danny began. "Then I do this."

He snapped his fingers. Then Rosmerta yelped as, out of nowhere, a chair, glowing, green and semi-transparent appeared right beneath her. The owner flopped on the chair at an instant, bottle of beverage in her hand.

"Hm...this chair seems flawed," Flitwick pointed out.

"It was never the intention to summon a normal chair. This is less consuming. There are certain energies in the air, ones that this magic allows to bring together and solidify in the shape I desire."

"I never heard of anything like that," Rosmerta whispered, "Filius, what say you?"

The professor chuckled, "That's why we hired this lad. In any case," he raised the cup reminiscent of that for latte, "Let's drink to my newest colleague."

Danny smiled and the glasses soon clanked. Rosmerta smiled and just left them alone, the chair vanishing in a mist soon afterwards.

It was... a pleasant experience, Danny had to say. His pleased expression did not go unnoticed.

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Oh, it's just..." Danny made a nervous laughter. "It's been a while since I relaxed like this."

"Why so?"

The young man looked out of the window. "I am not the most sociable guy around."

"Surely back at school you had your share of friends."

"Well... I had a couple. But we aren't exactly on speaking terms now, ever since... nevermind. The rest never really wanted to do anything with 'that Fenton freak'."

Even among wizards he did not belong. Even by their outlandish standards he was an anomaly.

"That's sad to hear. Well, I am always here if you need something," the professor smiled, "I may be old enough to be your father, but you can speak freely to me."

"Students must really like you," Danny chuckled sourly.

"I won't go so far as to say this outright. I don't mean to brag, and every other head of house is an example for their charges."

"Even the vampire guy?"

"Vam...oh, you mean Severus!" Flitwick realised, "I know where you are coming from. His first impression is never a good one. However, I assure you, our methods differ, and he is definitely sterner than I am, but he cares about the students' well-being as much as I do. But, I must say, that he still will lower your grade if you are anything short of perfect."

"Well... that does make sense," Danny said slowly, "Better they get taught this now. Potions are a very dangerous subject, and one mistake can kill."

"Wise words. The fact that you understand this speaks volumes of what kind of teacher you will be, young man."

"I just have my share of lab accidents. BUT it is also not an excuse for being a frootloop about it," Danny pointed out and made a sip.

"Frootloop?"

"Those muggle treats you mix with milk and eat for breakfast. Vlad Masters was the first to earn such title. Cheesehead works too," Danny cackled at the inside joke. "Oh, another thing. Speaking of students. Are there any other duties I have other than Hogsmeade and teaching?"

"Hm... I guess there are also nightly shifts."

"Pardon?"

"We assist our caretaker Filch in catching the kids that are out in the castle well past their curfews. He is only one man, resourceful he may be. He knows the castle's every nook and cranny better than even the Headmaster, but Hogwarts is huge. Don't worry, though. We each keep watch only until the midnight and only a couple of days per week."

"Catching someone snooping around? That I can do," Danny smirked.

The conversation went for well over an hour, during which two professors spoke about a variety of topics. Flitwick partially explained what teachers had to do, and even shared what his own duties as the head of the house meant. Apparently, he was also a part-time counsellor for the students of Ravenclaw. Danny recalled how his own counsellor turned out to be a very nasty witch who wallowed in others' misery. He also omitted the true, otherworldly nature of Penelope Spectra. All in all, the sense of camaraderie between two colleagues was quickly growing, and it wasn't the end of it. For, as Flitwick had promised, there was a sightseeing tour in their plans.

Once outside, the short teacher lead Danny through the curvy streets of the village, pointing out the most popular spots. Zonko's Danny had already seen. There were also the Honeydukes, a place where there was a treat for any sweet tooth. That shop's popularity was justified.

'Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop' read the sign of an establishment painted in tear-inducing pink colours. One look inside made the inner part of Danny's mouth feel all sweet. As Flitwick explained, that's where the amorous couples frequented. The younger professor couldn't help but wonder what his old spark would think about it. Probably Sam would hurl all over the floor with vomit the colours of the rainbow. Now Danny had to live with that image in mind.

They passed the shop of someone whose last name had established future vocation at the start. Dominic Maestro was the guy's name and he sold musical instruments. It wasn't a particularly popular destination, but Flitwick was fond of the place, as his hobby was being the conductor of the school choir. Danny marvelled at how he managed to do so many things without splitting apart. Maybe the older people were just better organised than he was, he concluded. The memories of that mess he had left in his room came back, carrying shame along with it.

By the time they were done with sightseeing, the sun was already setting. And as Danny didn't have anything to carry around other than his suitcase with documents, he could go straight to the station. He was actually stunned by Dumbledore not asking for those. And he was glad that it didn't come to this. He sure was an odd fellow, but Danny could surely live with it. Flitwick chose to accompany the young man there, as the evening train was the latter's last opportunity to return that day. Hogwarts had charms in place that didn't allow for conventional wizarding means of transportation. Not that Danny could apparate without the wand. He was certainly trying, though. In fact, he could already do that in a distance of a couple of meters. But this, once again, had little to do with magic.

"Well, my ride is here," Danny said as he heard the train wheeze. "Thank you for today, Mr. Flitwick."

"Call me Filius, Danny," the tiny man smiled and waved. "Good luck on your way. We will be waiting for ya."

Now that's a phrase Danny hadn't heard in a while. Perhaps his decision to work here was not the worst one he had made.

A couple of days from that moments, Danny was already done with all his preparations, fuelled by the newfound enthusiasm. Tom the innkeeper was a bit grumpy about giving that bottle of firewhiskey, but the man could see the lifted mood of his regular and was glad that the boy finally got something going his way. However, he was still shocked to see how much luggage the boy had. There were, at the very least, five suitcases. Danny didn't have the money at the moment to buy a charmed one. Those were pretty costly. The young man stashed his belongings in the pub, going up and down the stairs. Tom couldn't help but notice how surprisingly athletic the boy was. All this legwork and yet Danny didn't even break a sweat. Once he was done, the young man approached the innkeeper and put a key on the table.

"Well, I guess this is a goodbye," Danny smiled.

"Sure is. Make sure to visit, boyo. We'll be glad to have ya here anytime you like."

"Thank you, Tom. Is my ticket here?"

"Indeed, here you go," Tom handed him a purple ticket, "That would be eleven sickles."

"Here goes my piggybank," Danny sighed dramatically and dropped the coins on the table. "Thanks for going through all the trouble."

"Don't mention it, that's just a standard room service. And good luck with those rascals. I may have not believed that you would get the job, but I'm sure you will do well."

Danny nodded and then set off towards his destination. There were two ways of getting there, the ones that the young man hadn't chosen before due to the lack of serious luggage. Now, however, he needed a transport, be it a muggle or wizarding one. He wasn't picky, but his only currency was the magical one. That left waiting until one particular bus showed up. This time he had booked the tickets in advance, having had Tom buy those. Once near the road in front of the Leaky Cauldron, on the muggle side, that is, Danny raised his hand in a way one would utilise to call a bus in this part of the world. And then, soon enough, with an atrocious amount of cracking noise, from the corner emerged a monstrosity of a vehicle. Nobody around seemed to notice. Not that the street was too crowded in the first place.

Right before Danny's eyes stopped a huge purple bus. Unlike those red muggle ones that were associated with the Foggy Albion, it had not two, but three stories. On the ledge in the back stood a person. He looked to be around Danny's age, but unlike the young professor, his appearance was far more slovenly and unkempt. He had protruding ears and a fair amount of yellowish pimples. The man was dressed in a purple uniform the colour of the bus itself.

"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this eve. Where are we going?"

"To Hogsmeade," Danny handed him the ticket. "The trip is already paid for."

"Hm...seems legit. Luggage?"

"Five suitcases. I'm kinda moving there for the time being."

"Oke, just settle in, I'll pick 'em up."

"Careful with those. There are some fragile things inside."

Stan nodded absentmindedly and jumped from the bus and on the ground. In the meantime, Danny went inside of the transport.

The ride to Hogwarts was... quick. That much was obvious. The bus was not just a transport the wizards had stolen from the nearest depot. It was a complicated piece of magic, the same magic that allowed it to traverse enormous distances at an enormous speeds. All obstacles seemed to bypass the vehicle, its reckless bald driver and passengers. The driver, named Ernie, appeared to have little to no driving skills, since he would have taken down half of the lampposts and mailboxes of London had it not been for charms. He seldom talked with passengers, but Stan seemed to be curious about a nostalgic smile Danny wore. When asked about why he was taking it like this, his response was simple.

"Reminds me of when my Dad was driving me home."

It was true that Jack Fenton's driving was subpar. Hence him not having a license for driving. The man's solution was simple — he was not allowed to drive normal vehicles, so he rode around in what amounted to a tank. Needless to say that nobody among the authorities appreciated his ingenuity. Especially because it was thanks to some miracle he hadn't run anyone over, only causing property damage. Lost to his memories, Danny didn't notice how the bus left the boundaries of the megapolis and entered the countryside. The cracking noise became louder and now happened more often. It was the sound of apparition magic, Danny realised. That would explain the speed, which had only increased after Ernie realised he wouldn't run into a building. What really perplexed the young man was how his luggage was doing. He himself was barely holding it together, with his chair not even being a part of the bus, but simply a wooden chair standing in the interior.

Soon enough, the torturous journey was over. And by the end of it Danny swore to himself that never again was he employing the services of that speeding coffin. His twisting stomach agreed with his mind. The car stopped near one of the entrances to the village. Danny shook his head of all the dizziness and got up. Upon exiting, he saw his suitcases already properly placed on the ground. As soon as he stepped down, Stan spoke up again.

"Thank you for choosing the Knight Bus. We hope that we meet again."

And with that, the bus was gone with another crack, so fast that Danny didn't even have time to blink. One thing he had to give to it, he was in time for lunch. Perhaps he would have one in Hogwarts. He was now permitted to the school grounds himself, so no chaperone was needed. However, there was still someone who was supposed to show him to the room he would be staying in. Perhaps they waited for him in the castle itself, after all, they had no way of knowing where the Knight Bus would drop him.

Danny fixed the sleeves of his white shirt and rolled them to the level of his elbows. He remembered how to get to the castle. Waving his hand just a bit, he lifted all five suitcases in the air, as they floated right after the young professor. If one was to look closer, they would have seen the faint green light surrounding them. Why didn't he use it before? Perhaps because Leaky Cauldron had little space for floating suitcases with reagents. He barely fit into the corridor himself. Danny made a beeline through the village, and after passing the previously seen gates, he went up the road towards the courtyard. There, waiting for him, was the person Danny had least expected to see.

"Finally, I was starting to think that you won't show up," Snape sneered.

"And I was starting to think you heeded my advice," a response followed.

"A joke repeated ad nauseam won't get any better."

"Who says I'm joking? I'm being genuine. I care for your hygiene, dearest colleague."

Snape chose not to respond, "Follow me."

It was impressive how his clothes matched the overall mood of the man. It made the professor look like an oversized bat that chose to walk as twitchy as a hungry spider. And with both of the less than pleasant creatures combined to make one Potions master, it was evident how Snape chose to keep in line those beneath him. Flitwick couldn't look half as threatening and imposing if he tried. Not just because he was so short. Danny himself could not pull anything of the sort, unless he was majorly pissed. He doubted the students would see the side of him that terrified MACUSA back in the day. He derived certain pleasure from that, like a poltergeist would. The difference was, he was not a poltergeist. He was more than a scarecrow and a troublemaker.

His thoughts really took a nasty turn. Danny shook his head and warded them off, jokingly pointing out to himself that Snape's presence in the close vicinity was attracting all sorts of nasty ideas like sweets attracted flies.

"Your classroom is there," Severus pointed at one of the doors. "Remember well, because your reputation will be abysmal as it is. A teacher getting lost is unacceptable."

"Classroom 3C, huh."

"Third floor, off of the serpentine corridor. Drill it into your head and memorise."

Danny decided to ignore the teaching tone, even if he wasn't one of Snape's fearful students. Although he made a point to take a look at it after he was done with other things. Snape continued their journey and stopped near another door, about fifty meters away from the classroom.

"You will be staying here. This is your key," Snape said and handed it. "Food is served for the staff in the Great Hall at the same time as for the students."

Danny glanced at his mechanic watch. He probably still had time if the schedule was the same in summer. As if foreseeing the question, Snape spoke up again.

"Tell the elves your schedule for now. That is all."

And like that, without giving him any extra information, the Potions professor left. Rolling his eyes, Danny opened the door and entered what would be his bedroom for the nearest year. It was quite spacious, which was perfect for his plans. One of the walls had large windows overlooking the vast expanse of the forest. And to the right, in the furthest corner of the room, was a one-person bed made out of wood. Generally, the room really lacked in the decoration department, but not that Danny needed a chocolate fountain. There was a wardrobe for his clothes, several cabinets, big and small that just begged for him to put beakers in. There was also a desk with a single candle in a cup. Danny would need to pick a new one. And get himself a carpet, just to put something not made out of wood or stone. Setting the suitcases in the middle of the room, the young man walked out and locked the door behind him.

He should probably head to the Great Hall Snape had mentioned. There was an obvious obstacle — he still was to get accustomed to the layout. Danny decided to go exploring for a bit, conventionally for now. Perhaps this way he would meet someone who could give him the pointers.

And the task was herculean. It didn't make sense for something called 'The Great Hall' to be located at the top of some tower, so Danny opted to look from bottom to the top. He found the tricky, shifting staircases, and once again found himself mesmerised by the tall walls, all filled with pleiades of portraits of all kinds. All of them were alive, they chatted with each other, walked from one canvass to another, they lived their own lives with the bounds of two dimensions. Actually...

"Hey, excuse me," he asked the nearest portrait of a burly wizard. "Could you tell me where the Great Hall is?"

"Go to the ground floor, lad. Won't miss it."

So the initial assumption was correct. Danny grinned and thanked the portrait, before descending the first flight. However, once he reached the second floor he came upon the realisation. The staircase only reached the first floor. Once getting there, Danny strolled through another corridor, and, luckily, he soon found a marble staircase that led him even further down. There were huge, oak doors that were only slightly open. Danny had a heightened sense of smell, and the one gracing his nostrils at the moment was delicious. It appeared that he found the place. Sliding inside, barely moving the doors, he got inside. This place, too, left the impressionable young man awestruck.

It was an enormous place, as the name had suggested. The ceiling that was so far away, seemed not to exist at all, but Danny realised that it was probably just an enchantment. There were four long and empty tables, presumably occupied by the students. In the far end Danny saw a long table that faced the entrance. And in the middle there was an elaborate, throne-like chair. Putting two and two together, the young man realised that that's where the professors sat. And speaking of which, Danny noticed that he was not alone in this place of warmth. From behind the magnifying glasses two stunned eyes stared at the newcomer.

The lady reminded Danny of his dead grandma. All dressed in gauzy shawls and cheap pieces of jewellery some charlatan presented as genuine. Danny smiled and waved.

"Heyo."

"I-It's you!" The lady said in a misty, yet fearful tone that caught Danny off-guard.

"Ehm... have we met?" Danny rubbed the back of his neck, trying to remember. And he sure would have after the first meeting with such individual.

"No, but I have foreseen this," the lady got up and leaned over the table.

"Oh, you are a seer?"

Suddenly a lot of things became clear.

"Indeed I am. My inner eye told me a lot."

Danny shifted on his spot. The last person he met who had insight into the future was an awfully nosy ghost. "And that will be..."

"It will be rude of me to be so imposing," her mystified tone did not go anywhere.

Or she actually could not see. Danny's concerns evaporated for the most part, but better keep on guard.

"Don't worry, I won't get offended."

The lady shifted uncomfortably, and Danny couldn't help but sigh on the inside. Seers who could actually see a lot were a very rare thing. Still, she probably got the job for a reason. And he was in such ambiguous position himself, so there was no need to be rude.

"Well then," he smiled, "It's Daniel. Call me Danny if you like. I'm the newest DADA professor. Nice to meet you."

"So I was right in my assumption," the lady brightened just a bit. "My name Is Sybil Trelawney. I teach Divination at this school."

Danny looked around, "You eating alone?"

"I... enjoy some solitude."

"Oh, I see. Do I get the meal here, or..."

"You are now a teacher," she explained, not breaking her mystical act once. "Clap your hands here or in your room. You could also go to the lower floor, where the kitchens are."

"No, thanks. I'll eat here if you don't mind."

Trelawney didn't say anything. However, so as not to intrude too much, Danny sat at a considerable distance, hoping that he wouldn't be misunderstood. Curious, the young man actually clapped his hands a couple of times. At an instant, the table before him was filled with all sorts of delicious cuisine, fried, boiled or mashed together. Silently praying to whoever blessed him with lunch, Danny got down to eating. Saying that the food here was delicious was to say nothing. The Leaky Cauldron couldn't compare, no offence to the good innkeeper. He felt Trelawney's intense gaze all this time. That lady was an oddball, luckily he had a high tolerance threshold for weird people. Still, did she have to push it?

"If you have something to ask, shoot. I'm not going to bite, but staring is rude."

Trelawney just turned to her own food. And the rest of the lunch went quietly. Danny wiped his mouth and got up from the seat, throwing a glance at the fellow teacher and then leaving. His schedule for the day was simple. He would see his classroom, take a bath and then unpack his things before dinner where he hopefully would meet everyone else. Danny was somewhat excited to see the rest of the staff. The way back took much less time now that he knew where to go, and the staircases were aligned just perfectly.

Now, standing in front of the door, Danny quickly opened it and entered.

His first impression — the place radiated the air of dealings with dark arts. Maybe it had something to do with the skeleton of a dragon hanging from the ceiling. No, that wasn't it. Something about the atmosphere here was enticing to the young man. He surely felt at home here. First, he examined a projector standing near the door. Ilvermony didn't have those. Passing the many rows of chairs and desks, Danny got to another end of the classroom. Then he sat at the teacher's desk, feeling... perplexed. He had never thought he would see everything from that particular position. He had never thought he would be a teacher. Well, everything had a first time. Jumping from the chair, Danny began doing what basically amounted to fooling around. He scribbled on the blackboard, he poked the skull on his desk and decided to leave it there for entourage.

He then got to the mostly windows and opened its sills, basking the half-dark room in light. Despite being disused during the summer, the place was actually stark clean, he now noticed. Danny then moved his palm and all other sills opened, not without whining. Then, like an excitable child he ran up the staircase located behind the teacher's desk and entered another room. That was an empty, undecorated room. Danny's excitement died down at this quite a bit, but it was obviously his office. Nothing a little decorating couldn't do. Satisfied with his own little excursion, Danny got back to the classroom and flopped back at his chair, absorbed in a myriad of thoughts on how to add his personal touch to the place.

And then, amidst his contemplations, he was interrupted by a small gust of air escaping his mouth.

Ah, yes. He was bound to encounter them eventually. Now that was going to be interesting.

From the wall floated a person, silvery and semi-transparent. He dressed in clothing from the age of Tudors, sported long curly hair, and a small moustache and goatee. Just as Danny had expected. The ghosts he was used to were quite dissimilar to the locals. Which in turn meant that they weren't likely to know who he was. The spectre noticed the professor and beamed.

"Greetings, young man! Are you the newest professor we all heard about?"

"Yes, that would be me. And you are..."

"Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington. On behalf of the ghosts of Hogwarts I have come to give you our greetings."

Danny blinked and didn't respond at first. Sir Nicholas didn't know the reason for such surprise, and was about to ask, but Danny beat him to it.

"Sorry. I'm just not really used to ghosts being polite to me. Very few are."

"Oh, is this the case? I deeply apologise on behalf of my kin, I know not what the reasons are..."

"Name is Fenton. Danny Fenton. Ring any bells?"

The ghost's face contorted in an expression of shock, of realisation and slight fear.

"You... I never thought Lord Phantom will ever come to Hogwarts."

"Neither did I. But here I am. I'm glad we put this out of the way from the start. Better you learned the name from me than anybody else. And please, don't call me that in front of everyone. You have to understand that this is my cherished secret only ghosts are aware of."

"I... I don't know if all the rumours are true about you."

"Depends on the rumours," Danny got up.

"They say that you are a creature that is both dead and alive."

"Guilty," Danny shrugged, "My heart doesn't beat anymore. But I am clearly not a corpse. I'm not decaying."

"That's... not every one of us can accept such thing, you have to understand."

"And you, Nicholas?"

The ghost shifted in his spot in the air. He knew what the man could do. Even him being an immaterial being was not going to help.

"You have to understand that we all had our reasons to stay behind, yet were not given the ability to interact with the world. This existence is... painful sometimes. You, however, have not only stayed alive, you became something unique and powerful. This is some dark magic, young man."

"Not exactly magic, but dark nonetheless, I admit. I did have to die, after all."

Danny knew that there was no reason to withhold anything from the ghosts. They already could spill everything going by the name alone. Being open, however, could predispose the locals.

"But it was not intentional, Sir Nicholas," Danny explained, "It happened by accident. I am not some twisted dark wizard like Voldemort. Even if I am what every twisted warlock dreamed to be."

"I am not accusing you, of course," Nicholas bowed his head, "Your exploits too are well known. If not for you, terrible horror would have befallen on us all."

"You mean Pariah?"

The ghost nodded. "Yes. But there are also rumours that you did some... questionable things."

"Those people were monsters. They only posed as aurors, as people of MACUSA. But in reality they cut unusual people and even poltergeists apart for the sake of progress. I..." Danny's hand instinctively reached for his chest, "I didn't want the same to happen to me. I killed them, yes. I won't shy away from the fact that I made the world cleaner. I never asked for it. I just wanted to finish the school and be a normal person. All of this, Nick. Is my chance at normalcy. So I beg you and all other ghosts of Hogwarts not to tell anyone."

"Phantom," Nick spoke with newfound confidence, "We all swore to protect Hogwarts and report everything to the Headmaster."

"Please. Tell him just about the rumours then. I'll justify it all before him, but please. Don't tell him of what I am. I don't want those labels again."

"I... I will do what I can. If I am asked, I will answer. But I won't go to tell everything myself. I always believed that you are a good man, I've been told a lot of stories even from the people who hated you. Speaking of which, some of the ghosts here don't like you at all."

"Of course," Danny muttered.

"Grey Lady in particular seems to abhor what you are."

"I am a mistake of nature. I know. Being a half-ghost kind of incites to making that conclusion. Let me talk to them, I don't want to use you as a delivery owl. Could you arrange a meeting?"

"Of course. Are you staying in the usual professor bedroom?"

"Yes, I think so."

"We will be there in an hour. I will go find them. I am sure Friar will support you, he is a gentle soul. He even forgives Peeves... ah, yes, him. He will be a problem. The poltergeist never is quiet."

"Think I should give him a scare?"

Nicholas hummed. "We could always use an extra person to keep that scoundrel in line. And you are someone capable of that."

"And who are the others?"

"Bloody Baron, the house ghost of Slytherin. And, of course, Dumbledore. But I ask you not to antagonise him until we solve your issue between ourselves. He will most probably find you first, however."

"Nothing I can do about that. I have a knack of getting in trouble. Thank you for listening, Nick. You don't mind that I call you that?"

"Not from you, milord, but I still would like to be called Sir Nicholas."

Danny winced. "Can you omit the title, please? I'm not comfortable with that."

"You ARE one, are you not?"

"Well, yes. Came with slaying the king, but the locals may not appreciate a guy who is called that by the undead."

"Ah, yes, I understand. I guess I judged by my own habits. I will return at the arranged time, young man."

"That's all I ask. See ya!"

As the ghost floated out of the room, Danny sighed and dropped on the chair again. Ironic how he interacted with the undead more than with the living, and yet the conversations weren't the most substantive either way. Danny rubbed his temples and rose to his feet. Better sort out that matter before anything else. Then he could focus on actually getting into his role. However, it also gave him the anxiety that did not allow him to unpack his things yet. What was the point if the undead alone could kick him out by ratting everything to the Headmaster? Danny paced in his room impatiently, chewing on a sugar quill — the only thing he dared to take from the luggage. The action was ill-advised, as it was essentially a lollipop — a thing that could break one's teeth.

Soon, however, the minty taste became even chillier when his ghost sense flared up. Putting the cracked quill on the desk, Danny turned in direction of the entrance. Soon enough the guests came in. Sir Nicholas was among them, but there were also three others. The first was an unsettling ghost — dressed curly powdered wig, fashions closer to the 17th century, and carried his sword. His gaunt face and wide eyes were directed straight at the young man. The specks of blood and rattling silver chains around him gave away his name — Bloody Baron. There was also a woman, beautiful, yet holding certain pride that stood in the way of seeing it, her semi-transparency having nothing to do with it. She had waist-long hair, was dressed in floor-length cloak. Grey Lady, obviously, as she was the only woman in the group. The last one was a plump, small man in monk clothes, with short brown hair, which he wore with a small tonsure. Friar.

"So," Nicholas coughed awkwardly. "I suppose we should start with...introductions?"

He really was unsure about how to proceed. Thankfully for him, Danny took the lead.

"I think there really is no need," he said. "We know who we are."

"Why did you ask us to come, child?" Baron rasped.

"Because this matter is important. Not to sound conceited. It's important for me for reasons Sir Nicholas has probably mentioned."

"I'm not sure he did," Friar rubbed his temples.

"Then I will tell it. I want to make it clear that I am, y'know... not a threat to everyone around."

"Certainly you are not," the Hufflepuff ghost smiled, "Look at ya! You don't look like you can hurt a fly."

"That boy took down the Ghost King, Friar. He is far from harmless," Baron grumbled.

Danny chuckled nervously. Grey Lady chose to remain silent for a while.

"So, like..." the young man rubbed the back of his neck. "If you..."

God, that was awkward. Usually ghosts in the human world tried to kill him.

"...have some questions or suspicions I will be glad to answer."

"I have none," Baron huffed. "Do what ya want."

Fenton blinked. "You mean it?"

"Yes."

Not the chattiest person around, it seemed.

"Not that I don't appreciate it, but why?"

"I know you are not going to attack the children. Let's just say that we get only some information about you. Information that came from the people I personally have a dislike of. Besides, there also comes Pariah issue. You can parade around with this heroic deed to protect yourself from judgement. You have my approval because of that."

"Thanks."

"I also heard stories about you!" Friar beamed, "Like that time you broke many ghosts free from that tyrannic warden. Or when Undergrowth almost ravaged the world! Are those true?"

Danny blushed and looked away. "Yeah. They are."

He wondered why Flitwick was not in Hufflepuff if that's what the badgers were like.

"That should settle it, really! The boy protects the dead from the living as much as he protects the mortals from the dead. I am certain that he is of no danger to the school. What say you, Sir Nicholas?"

"I already gave the boy my word I was not intent on breaking. I shall not speak to anyone about this unless the Headmaster insists. This should be a compromise decision for everyone."

Friar nodded. "Sounds good to me if young Phantom agrees."

"I see no problems," Baron added.

"And you, Lady?"

Now that the question was asked directly to her, the female ghost gave the young man a once-over with an apathetic, even diminishing look. Even Snape hadn't looked at him this way.

"I won't go against everyone if that's what you decided unanimously," she declared. "However, your experiments and nature I find foul and unnatural even more so than ours. That much you should know so you don't have any wrong ideas. Be it my will alone, you would have been far away from here, abomination."

Friar and Nick gasped quietly. Never before had she been so rude and spiteful towards someone who was not Baron.

Danny shrugged, "If that's what it takes for you to keep this secret. I swear I will make you see that I am more than just half-dead kid."

"Better stay the way you are, lest you create more troubles than you are worth."

For some reason Danny got reminded of his meeting with the Heads of houses. Alignments and reasons were different, but still. Ironic how Ravenclaw gave him the warmest and coldest treatment so far. Grey Lady said nothing more and floated out of the room. Coughing, Nick attracted attention to himself.

"Well, I believe that sorts this matter out. We shall speak with all ghosts at Hogwarts. They listen to what our little council decides."

"I am glad. Thank you, guys. I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it, milord," Friar chuckled. "The pleasure is all ours. Oh, and don't take Lady's words close to heart. She means well and is actually very kind. I know not why she has it against you in particular, but I'm certain she will come around if you teach her ravens well. Well, we'll be off now, then."

Other ghosts nodded, but Danny could see that Baron looked...thoughtful. And left the young man wondering — was there actually some other reason he chose to keep quiet?