Talking, Planning, Explaining
After arriving at the Farfrozen, Danny was immediately welcomed with a feast he took a part in. When he told the Farfrozen that he would be leaving Amity Park for about a year, they were all shocked. Frostbite then lead Danny to his own personal chamber to talk privately.
Danny had felt honoured when he once came to visit and was given his own chamber. It was obviously made out of ice but it had an ice bed with the softest mattress Danny had ever slept on. There was an ice wardrobe with coats for his friends and cloaks for him for when he had to attend official meetings. He still didn't exactly know why he had to show up for them but Frostbite once told him that he would learn about the reason soon enough.
His room also had an ice table, with four chairs and soft pillows placed on them and a door that lead to his own bathroom. He absolutely adored it and was thrilled to learn that he could come here whenever he wanted. It was his.
In the middle of the ceiling hung a giant ice chandelier that spread the incoming light throughout the room in different colours, varying from purple to light blue.
He sat down on a chair and watched his friend do the same. The Chief hummed for a while before a servant entered and gave both Danny and Frostbite a cup of Cocoa. They thanked the yeti and Danny tried a bit, it tasted great.
Finally he disrupted the silence in the room "I was at Dora's before I came here and she told me about her conversations with you about my wizarding and ghostly status. I guess I should tell you that you were right. Yesterday I was told that I'm the son of a witch and a wizard and that I have a twin brother who apparently is the saviour of wizarding Britain. At least he vanquished this Dark Lord and people adore him for that."
Frostbite nodded and emptied his cup "Ah yes, Harry Potter, also known as 'The Boy Who Lived' others refer to him as 'The Chosen One'. I think both titles suit him well. So he is your twin? Interesting. Very interesting. You see, Great One, wizards use wands and spells to get what they want. They are a lot like humans but the purebloods do not want to accept that. Anyways, the man who killed your biological parents, was and still is known for his killing curse. 'Avada Cedavra' is the incantation and it kills immediately, it's quite the horrible spell, though it doesn't hurt ghosts. I believe that if you were to be hit with that spell you would survive, just like your brother did as a baby."
"Wait, Harry survived the spell? How?"
"I do not know, Sire, but if I find out how, I shall inform you immediately. I only know that Tom Riddle went to the Potters to kill the infant Harry because of a prophecy and that his parents fought for their son's life. In the end, Voldemort destroyed himself after hitting the baby with the spell. It only left a lightning shaped scar on the boy's forehead and the wizarding community was at peace for the following thirteen years. "
"Yes but now he somehow got resurrected and Harry had to watch. At least that's what the Headmaster of my future school told me, Albus Dumbledore."
"Ah, Dumbledore, he is a smart man and the only person Voldemort fears, I imagine that you will be safe at Hogwarts. Don't look so surprised, I know the name of every single magical school in the human world and the name of their headmasters. Hogwarts has a very positive reputation, though in recent years, said reputation took some blows. I don't know the details but your brother had quite the interesting years at Hogwarts and had to fight remnants of Tom's soul several times. Magic is weird like that, haha. You know of the Ministry?" After Danny shook his head no, Frostbite elaborated "Every magical community is lead by a ministry. In America it is called MACUSA and in Britain 'Ministry of Magic', it's lead by the minister of magic and this minister appears to be a coward because he does not believe in the return of Voldemort.
"Instead, the Ministry lets your brother and Dumbledore look like maniacs and liars, I can tell you though, that Tom really is back and the Ministry is too cowardly and scared to accept a simple truth like that."
"You know an awful lot about all this, Frostbite. "
The icegiant chuckled "Of course, I am over a millennia old and to not be bored I always try to be up to date with what is currently happening in the Ghost Zone, the human and the wizarding world. Being a ghost does have its perks, Great One. So be prepared to face people who show nothing but hatred towards your brother when you go there. Are there any other questions you would like to ask? I'll answer them to the best of my abilities, don't be shy."
"Well, I have only heard about this magic stuff yesterday and didn't even know there was a ministry or something like that, so maybe you can tell me what I need to know to not be completely at a loss there?"
And so Frostbite used the next three hours to explain Danny how the wizarding world functioned, the importance of the ministries, the International Confederation of Wizards, the Wizengamot, the importance of the lordship for British purebloods and how the laws differentiated throughout the world, however the one law that was enforced everywhere was the International Statue Of Secrecy and Danny knew that he would break it sooner rather than later when he talked to Sam and Tucker.
Frostbite ended his presentation with an explanation of the most important British sport: Quidditch.
After all this, Danny felt like he wasn't clueless anymore, he had a good understanding of how the magical community worked and he thought that Quidditch sounded really stupid, he didn't need a broom to fly but apparently Harry was a talented flier and seeker. Maybe he could support him later on when they knew each other a little more.
He was excited to go to Diagon Alley and to see the wizarding culture with his own eyes. Because apparently it was tradition to wear cloaks and make no use of modern technology. Danny just knew that the wizarding world would be a nightmare for Tuck.
The halfa stood up and stretched a little "Thank you for your time Frostbite, I really appreciate it. You helped me a lot. I'm afraid I have to leave soon since I still have to meet with a few others and don't have much time."
The Chief bowed slightly "Of course, it was an honour, Great One, if anything comes up just reach out to me with this." He gave Danny a light green coin that showed a single flame in dark green on both sides "If you need to see me just throw this coin into a green fire and it will force open a natural portal. I cannot predict where you will end up but it will be the right time, I hope you can make good use of it, it only works twice, though. Oh and also here," suddenly a yeti entered with a dark covered book in his claws and gave it to Danny, he took it and saw that the book consisted of spells and the exact explanations on how to make them work. It seemed really easy.
He smiled up at his friend "Again, thank you, I can't thank you enough, this will really help, I think." Frostbite winked and leaned in "You know, studying should be easier if you were to duplicate yourself."
Danny made big eyes, he was right. That way he would be able to learn a lot faster and more efficiently! The ring from Dora would help keep his power stabilized. Great!
He hugged the icegiant and waved the other ghosts he met on his way goodbye and then made his way to his friend Spiegel.
Spiegel was a very interesting ghost, they were about two metres tall and had dark purple skin and snow white eyes. They wore a blue beanie and a blue coat, a white plain shirt and black trousers. Their feet actually looked like Dragon claws and they also had a brown belt that held several mirrors in different shapes and colours. They had six fingers on each hand and loved to put nail polish on them. They also sometimes wore make-up that made them look even more amazing.
When they first met, he and Sam were startled, the ghost had an interesting sense of style but they made it work. One reason why they managed to free Spiegel's prisoners was because of their lengthy discussion of what make-up mark is the best.
Spiegel lived close to the Far Frozen in their own lair. The lair consisted of a mirror labyrinth and in the centre was a giant mansion in Greek style. The weather was always relaxing and Spiegel even had a few residents living in the maze, like friendly unicorns and even some squirrels.
Danny flew straight to the mansion and knocked politely, after a few seconds the entrance doors opened and he let himself in. Before he could say something, he found himself being crushed in a hug and Spiegel held him close for at least three minutes before they let go of him. Danny rubbed his neck "Hey there, my friend. Long time no see, eh?"
Spiegel nodded excitedly "True true but you are here now, my friend, and that is all that matters, I wanted to thank you for my other new friend. Cujo is great and we hang out everyday and play fetch. It's great!"
The ghost boy laughed with his friend and quietly congratulated himself for his brilliant idea to introduce Cujo and Spiegel to each other. They quickly became friends and were able to live (?) out their obsessions. Cujo with having fun and Spiegel with having a friend and being the centre of attention for Cujo.
"I'm glad to hear that Spiegel, though I'm afraid I can't stay for long. I just came to tell you that I'll be out of touch for a few months. I'm going to a wizarding school in Britain to learn how to use magic."
Spiegel shook their head "Wow, so you're a wizard then, eh? Can't say I like the magic folk, they are nosy and arrogant. Promise me you won't end up as arrogant as them, yes?"
"Of course, I promise. Thank you for your understanding."
The ghost just waved that aside "Of course, of course. So I'll be alone for several months?" "Nono, Sam and Tucker will stay here and if you want to talk to a friend just go and visit them- but not when they are in school or asleep, got that?"
They gave a mock salute "Of course and if something happens, you can rely on me! I can help keeping your city safe if you want."
"I'd like that, see you soon."
Danny hugged his friend once more and flew to his next planned location. Clockwork.
The timeghost was probably already expecting him anyways and maybe he could tell Danny a little bit more about the situation he was in right now, though he doubted it. Clockwork wasn't much of a talker, at least not when it was about logical sentences.
When Danny arrived at Clockwork's tower, he was already expected, the doors were open and Danny flew inside, trying to ignore the hundred of thousands of clocks. It always made him dizzy to look at them. When he finally entered the main room of Clockwork, he was met with the adult version of the timeghost floating next to a table that had tea already prepared on it. When he saw Danny he smiled and motioned him to come closer. Danny chose to sit opposite the master of time and they just drank their tea in peaceful silence for a while.
"A lot has changed for you in the past day, my boy." It was a statement and Danny acknowledged it with a curt nod, the ghost shifted into his elderly form and sighed "I will only tell you that you being a part of Harry's life is going to change a lot of things, mostly for him but also a bit for you."
Danny couldn't help but laugh at this "Only a bit? I'm going to live thousands of miles away from my family and I am thrust into a world full of magic and am going to have to study harder than anyone ever had to before because I think it's safe to say that my situation is unique. I am part of three different worlds and I don't know if I can handle this."
Clockwork, who had shifted into his child form, put a hand on Danny's shoulder soothingly "Don't worry, Daniel, you are strong and you won't be alone. Let me just tell you that you mustn't cloud your mind with worries and you'll be able to see clearly. You. Will. Be. Fine."
Danny looked at his saviour (because it's safe to say that without Clockwork he would be fully dead now) and mentor (yes, he was his student, though he mostly only read books about time and so far was only able to slow down time a little) and smiled "That is the best and most understandable prediction I ever heard you say, thank you."
Clockwork hummed "Of course. Now, I don't want to keep you for too long since you still have to talk to a few people today but let me warn you, because of what is going on in Britain right now, a lot of ghosts are feeling restless and some are pulled to the very frontlines, so be careful. Not all are malevolent but it could become dangerous for a halfa. Do stay vigilant."
"Is that why there aren't so many ghosts around?"
Clockwork seemed very satisfied with that question and squeezed his student's shoulder "Yes, exactly. Some are in the human world while others are hiding and waiting to see how the current events turn out. You wouldn't believe me how many ghosts are trying to get some answers through me."
"But why are they so scared? Magic can't harm ghosts, right?"
The elder ghost closed his eyes for a second before making a grimace "While that is true, magic is able to take control of ghosts. If a wizard or witch uses the right spell, a ghost could be bound to this person until they are freed or their binder dies. Ghosts need to follow their obsessions to have a healthy afterlife, as you know, if the criteria for their obsession isn't met for a longer amount of time they lose their mind and could go on a rampage.
"Wizards and Witches do not understand that and by binding a ghost they obviously take their freedom and about 98% of all ghosts need o be free to follow their obsessions healthily. If they really are bonded and lose control, they are easier to manipulate and they'll become a hollow being, it's a fate worse than fading. So I ask of you, if you meet a bound ghost, free them."
The young halfa was so shocked he couldn't help but nod, he could feel his core throbbing, the mere thought that ghosts are used like that made his obsession act up and he wanted nothing more than to save them. He was also strongly reminded of Freakshow, he did not want any other ghost to be controlled and he swore to himself that he would help every ghost that needed it.
As if Clockwork knew what was going on inside of him, he just squeezed his shoulder once more and refilled his cup with some calming tea.
Fifteen minutes later bid Danny his mentor goodbye and went to see the next person on his list. He shuddered when he just thought about him. Vlad Masters. Ugh.
However, he needed to talk to him, Danny would feel much better when he knew that Vlad wouldn't try something funny or devastating while he was gone.
So he flew to Vlad's portal and was relieved to see it opened, he entered carefully and was immediately on high alert. If something went wrong he would have to fight and Danny was so not up for this today. He nervously played with his ring and went through the ceiling of the secret lab, the private lab and into the main hall of the castle. It was as posh as always, it reeked of money and ego and Danny despised this attitude. He remembered the satisfaction he felt when the Guys In White destroyed this place once before, the consequences hadn't been so satisfying but he couldn't change any of it now.
Suddenly he felt the air vibrating and instantly ducked and then went intangible, he then filled his hands with ectoplasm and fired into the direction of the attack, before he could see if he hit anything he was kicked from behind and crashed into the marbled floor. He tried to get up but something heavy stomped on his back and he heard the drizzling of active ectoplasm close to his face. He groaned and tried to push himself up but an oily and annoyingly calm voice stopped him "Now now, Daniel, why don't you lie down like this for a little while longer. It is rare to see you here, alone at that. Have you had a change of heart suddenly or is this one of your silly little games?"
Danny hated himself already for the brilliant idea to come here. However, it was too late to turn back now "Neither, Vlad, I just came to talk, honest."
For a couple of agonizing seconds was Danny sure that Vlad would knock him out with an attack and do God knows what to him, like cloning him again or worse! Whatever could be worse than that. However, the pressure on his back was released and he was able to float up to look his arch nemesis into the eyes.
Vlad looked exactly like always, arrogant, with a sneer on his face and an attitude that screamed 'I am better than you!'
The younger halfa took a deep breath "Look, I just came to tell you in person, but I am going to a school in Britain and won't be back for a couple of months. I'm telling you this because I don't want to find any of your creepy stalking bugs anywhere near me and I was hoping to make a truce. You leave my friends and family alone as long as I am gone and therefore do I promise to never play any pranks on you ever again. Okay? "
He bit his lip, he knew that he asked for a lot and that the older Halfords would probably turn the truce offer to his benefits but if it promised a few months of peace it was worth it. And truly enough, the man started to grin "Why, a school abroad, in Britain nonetheless. How interesting, I didn't know Madeleine and Jack had the money for that, but how about we talk about this offer of yours like adults, seeing how you are obviously trying to behave like one. "
He flew down and transformed back into Vlad Masters and Danny followed his example. He was lead to the dining hall and they sat opposite each other on the heavy oak table. Danny fiddled nervously with a strand of his hair and tried to ignore Vlad's intense staring. The man was being a fruitloop again. "So, since you don't want to elaborate on the exact reasons as to why you are suddenly going to Britain, I take it that it is something you have to keep a secret especially from me, how very... Interesting."
Vlad showed his best wolfish grin and Danny felt more and more uncomfortable. However, he nodded yes. Vlad continued "Furthermore, you wish for me to leave your loved ones alone for the time you are gone. I guess that makes sense or else your obsession would probably drive you crazy. And all this in to return for the promise of no more pranking? Now I think I can wish for a bit more as a consideration. How about I accept your deal but next to your promise of stopping with your pranks you will come and live with me for a whole week. Seven days, six nights. I also maintain the privilege on trying to figure out the reason for all of this. Deal?"
Danny swallowed hard, he expected something like this but the mere thought of staying with Vlad for a whole week on his own made him dizzy. He pinched his arm and spoke up "Only if you also promise me to not act on anything you may find since, and I can't believe I'm telling you this right now, it could be very dangerous for someone like you. I will however answer any kind of questions you have if you really do find out what's going on. I'm also allowed to bring one person with me when I stay with you."
He shuddered and hoped that the conditions were in no favour for either side.
The older halfa looked thoughtful for a moment before he straightened his back even more and grinned again "I'm pleasantly surprised, little badger, this whole ordeal seems to be really important to you and I accept you conditions. When are you leaving? "
Danny had to massage his temples, he couldn't believe that actually worked and he was a little bit proud that he managed to talk about it like an adult.
"I'm leaving around tomorrow afternoon and no, you are not welcome to invite yourself to my home and say 'goodbye', also, I'll probably be back around next year in June. The school has seven years and I'll join fifth year, so I'll be done by the age of seventeen something, I think. I won't tell you anymore, you'd have to figure out the rest on your own."
"Fair enough, I'll be seeing you in June then, little badger." He grinned his fruitloop smile and they raised from their seats. They shook hands and Danny immediately transformed and flew through the portal into the Ghost Zone and from there to his own portal. He hid his face in his hands and screamed. That had been horrible, no matter how good the outcome was, he wished he didn't have the need to do this but now he at least felt at ease with leaving his family and friends with the Fruitloop alone.
The handshake may not have seen like a lot but they had used some of their ghost energy to make the deal permanent. If someone broke it then that person would be in absolute pain until the contract partner released them.
Danny and Vlad had learned about this new ghost power separately around the same time. The younger one by scamming through some of Ghost Writer's books and Vlad, well, no one knew where Vlad learned about it. At least Danny didn't.
When he finally got home he was done. He was way too tired, flying through the GZ all day was harder than it sounded. He looked around the kitchen and heard his parents talking in the living room, it was past seven, he had been up since six in the morning, earlier than he used to get up. Today was important though.
Danny also knew that he couldn't go to sleep just yet, he still had to talk to his best friends where one of them just so happened to be his girlfriend, this was going to be hard, he thought.
He was so not ready yet.