Ghost Hour at Hogwarts

When Harry woke up the next morning (or rather, afternoon, as it was already past one), it wasn't to the screeching voice of Aunt Petunia or the thunderous yelling of Uncle Vernon, instead it was a loving nuzzling from his owl, who pecked his earlobe in a show of affection. He smiled warmly at her while yesterdays (or was it todays?) memories came back to him. He turned to the right only to see Danny's bed empty and he panicked for a second, did he just imagine having a twin? He was brought out of his panicked musings when a calm warmth spread over his core. He chuckled while patting Hedwig's head and send his own warmth back. He has never been so glad to have a magical connection to someone.

While he had one with Voldemort, he only received pain and the ability to talk to snakes, thank you for that (note the sarcasm). It was also a way for Voldemort to inflict pain on him, sadistic bastard. He subconsciously rubbed his scar, noting how the pain has dimmed quite significantly since he entered Grimmauld Place. Maybe it was the wards? He sighed, mildly annoyed that he had no knowledge of wards and protections and stuff. Some rustling to his left made him turn around, only to be met with the sleeping form of Ron, who was about to fall out of his bed. The blanket was nowhere to be seen. Still, even hanging upside down Ron managed to continue to snore.

Snickering, Harry went over and pulled the pillow from underneath Ron while yelling a joyful "Good Morning!". Ron startled awake, lost his balance in the process and landed face first on the ground. Groaning he looked up and glared halfheartedly at Harry, who just smiled innocently at him "You could've just said 'good morning', ya know mate?" Harry grinned "Yeah, but that wouldn't have been any fun ya know? Besides, it's already past noon and I'm hungry, so get up."

He wasn't exactly hungry, maybe a bit more than usual but he knew mentioning food would get Ron to move. He was right as Ron jumped up and left to the bathroom to get ready. Harry waited a bit until his best mate came back so that he could take a much needed shower. After taking his shower and putting on the rags of his dear cousin, he made his way downstairs where he was met with an overenthusiastic Molly who seemed to be in high spirits.

Taking a seat close to Sirius and next to Hermione, he looked at the food. Delicious looking fish and cooked potato were spread over the table, knowing that Mrs Weasley usually skipped lunch, he looked up and met Ginny's eyes questioningly, who sat across from him. The red head smiled and whispered loudly so that everyone could hear "Since almost everyone slept in today, mom decided she would make lunch rather than breakfast. So dig in Harry, you look like you need it." Even though it was meant as a joke with maybe underlying worry, the comment somewhat hurt him. He hated his skinny figure and the fact that it would take a while before he could eat properly again.

Sighing he started to eat as much as he could, which was more than last night, so that was good. Everyone was either eating or conversing with each other. Only after a while did he realize that someone was missing "Where is Danny?" he asked curiously and a little bit worried. Sirius danced up from his half eaten fish and looked towards the door before answering "Danny barely eats lunch. He ate breakfast this morning though, so it should be fine. He has Transfiguration right now, if I'm not completely wrong."

"He has transfiguration? Why?" Before Sirius could answer Hermione chimed in, she looked a bit sick because she had watched Ron eating for a bit too long- never a good idea. "He has to study and practice, of course. Everyday from after breakfast to lunch he studies the theory of our curriculum and afterwards he has practical private lessons. That way he shouldn't be completely lost when he joins us in fifth year." Harry sputtered a bit "Isn't that too much? How can he learn what we've learned in four years in just four weeks?" Hermione just shrugged but he could see that it irked her as well "Honestly, he isn't doing too bad. I think he is already in second year material, I quizzed him yesterday because I couldn't believe it. He answered everything correctly and was even very insightful. I will find out how he does it but I guess we should be glad he is that fast."

Raising an eyebrow, Harry mentally questioned if the secret to Danny's success was his ghost half. He'd have to ask him later "Where exactly does he have his private lessons?" Sirius answered him this time "In the study, pretty much right above us. I don't think you should watch him. He would probably feel too watched." Harry wasn't so sure. He was nearly certain Danny wouldn't mind if it was him watching his progress. Where the certainty came from, he didn't know. Still, he would refrain from doing so today.

After lunch Molly allowed the children to do what they wanted, however, tomorrow they would clean some more. Apparently there was a wall infested with doxies they had to get rid of. Ron shuddered when he heard that, trying to somehow get out of cleaning duty with begging eyes but Hermione was already dragging him and Harry to the Dining Room, that was across from the study and one of the few rooms not covered in grime and dirt anymore. The room was repurposed into a comfortable sitting and living room. Books were strewn around and a table with several chairs, as well as a sofa were put in the room. Hermione looked right at home when she sat down between the many books.

Harry watched amused as the twins were tinkering on something in the corner of the room, Ginny watching them warily while having an opened book on her lap. Ron stood next to him, obviously bored before he turned to the raven haired "Fancy a game of chess?" Harry made a face. He didn't want to be beaten by Ron again. So he shook his head and watched how Ron made his way grumbly to the table, where a chess set was already prepared and started playing against an invisible opponent. Almost like playing against a computer, Harry mused.

He himself was content with just watching everyone, doing what they liked. The atmosphere made him sleepy but in a good way. However, he looked out the door where he could see the door leading to the study. He wanted to be with his twin. Sighing he sat down on the couch next to Hermione, picking up a random book. It was one about advanced Defence Against The Dark Arts. That picked his interest. Defence was definitely his best subject and he enjoyed it immensely. Most of the time, that is. He shuddered when he thought back to Lockhart, ugh.

After about two chapters he felt Hermione's eyes on him and he looked back, seeing her questioning eyes he closed his book "What is it?" She bit her lip before asking "Why are you here?" after seeing the angry expression on his face she hastily continued "Not that I'm not happy! I really am! But we were told that it could still take a while before you would be brought here, so I was wondering if something happened? Are you okay? No-one wanted to tell us anything yesterday and today..."

Blinking, Harry noticed how everyone was staring at him curiously now, stopping with whatever they had been doing "So you don't know yet?" five people shook their head in the negative. Harry almost smiled, so there were things he knew better than them, he could tell them something new! Maybe that was a childish thought but he still liked the feeling of glee that shortly spread through his body. He took a deep breath before he told them what has transpired the last 24 hours. Not all but the most important things. Why should he bother them with what his uncle did to him? His throat was healed after all, he was once again thankful for his magic that kept protecting and healing him.

Hermione was ready to burst into an angry rant, Fred and George were fuming as well and Ron and Ginny just couldn't believe what they've just heard. Harry felt warm when he saw how his friends were angry on his behalf. After mumbling quietly, Hermione was the first to speak up "That is just... Inexcusable! You did nothing wrong, they can not expel you, or take your wand! That's against the law. There shouldn't even be a hearing, really. I will research how exactly it's worded but I'm sure everything will be fine, Harry."

Leave it to Hermione to find loopholes and to not take everything the Ministry says as the gospel truth. Ron nodded his support and squeezed his shoulder comfortingly "Mate, I'm glad you're here already. Imagine the Order not letting you come for a few more days!" The Boy-Who-Lived shivered, thinking of how they probably would have had to transport a body, since Vernon would have a lot of pent up anger. It made him anxious just thinking about having to go back. What if he was expelled?? Oh no, what if they took his wand and he was send back to the Dursley's? They would make his life a living hell, not to mention that Voldemort still was after him and he wouldn't even be able to defend himself!

TW: Mild Panic Attack

He noticed how he was about to have a panic attack but managed to excuse himself before that and left his friends discussing ways to destroy the Ministry. He ended up in his shared room and fell face first into the mattress, curling in on himself and trying to breathe. He couldn't breathe, tears streamed down his face and he tried to calm down, use meditation, anything. It didn't work and he couldn't breathe, why him? Whywhywhywhy? Anger that wasn't his- or was it?- rushed through him, consuming him and he barely stopped himself from screaming in pain and hatred. Hyperventilating and panicking was not on his to do list today. Everything was fine. Fine! He wasn't at the Dursley's, he was safe. Voldemort wouldn't find him here, he. was. save.

Why couldn't he believe his own words then? The tears continued to flow and he kept gasping for air, it wasn't helping, nothing did. He was back at Privet Drive and the Graveyard, memories he wanted to bury crushing into him, taunting him and he couldn't. stop. it.

Sorry for that bit but it's over now

Suddenly someone was holding him, a relaxing cold to his overheated body and a soothing voice talking nonsense washed over him, calming him. Slowly, he started to relax and to breathe properly again. After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes he opened his eyes and noticed how he was held by Danny. His brother must have felt his distress and rushed up here to help him.

He patted his twins' back, thankful to have him here, even though he felt utterly embarrassed. He lost himself- again. He thought he was over everything. Why was he so weak? He voiced his thoughts, not even realizing that he did it. His brother froze, suddenly Danny stared at his still teary face with an intensity and understanding that surprised the young wizard.

Danny just looked at him before saying "Panic attacks are not a sign of weakness. Don't ever think that! From what I've heard you've been through a lot. More than anyone I know and I'm half dead, so don't think that you are weak because you've been put through hell. How your subconscious deals with trauma is completely out of your hand. Though, it can help to talk about it, I've learned... Maybe you should try that? It works for me."

Harry's eyes widened a bit "You have panic attacks, too?" Danny shrugged "Yes, not as frequently as before but sometimes. It helped that my parents were so accepting of my secret and that Jazz is like a therapist sometimes." He looked back to Harry "It's nothing to be ashamed of but Harry, you aren't just afraid or panicked, you are outright angry. The anger I felt from you was not natural, I'm surprised the house is still standing." It was supposed to be a light joke but Harry still felt extremely bad. His magic was still raw and sometimes hard to control. He wasn't sure why "The anger started only recently. I- I don't know where it's coming from but I can barely control it. Sometimes I think it's Voldemort's doing but my scar doesn't hurt."

He didn't want to talk about it but he saw the confusion in Danny's eyes. Right, he didn't know about their weird connection. He would have to tell him at some point. Not now though. Right now he was fine with the silence, shortly he wondered if Danny had a break or a good excuse for just leaving. Danny apparently realized his unwillingness to elaborate and asked something else instead "Do you... know what triggered your attack?" Harry thought for a bit "I'm not sure but the thought that I could get expelled and then send back to the Dursley's was probably it." He felt a jolt of anger from Danny and looked at him questionably, he waved it off "First of all, I'll make sure you won't ever have to go back there. I don't know how they treated you but from what I've seen it wasn't good at all, so yeah. No going back for you, brother. Jack and Maddie would love to look after you as well, I'm sure. Secondly, you won't be expelled. Dumbledore will make sure of that. I listened in on a conversation between him and Professor Snape, he will make sure the hearing is over in a blink.

"Don't worry Harry, I may not completely trust the headmaster, but I know that he can't afford to have you expelled. Voldemort would probably kill you within ten minutes and nobody wants that." Harry smiled a little. Leave it to his ghostbrother to learn of every plan and calm him down.

"You will really let me stay with you in the US?" "Duh, obviously. If it's about protection and stuff Amity is the place to hide. Voldemort won't even find you. I definitely won't let you go back to them. That reminds me, if you want, you can wear some of my clothes for the time being, until we go shopping for clothes that fit you." "You sound like a mom, Danny" "Eh? No way! I'm just concerned about you! Also, these rags aren't any good if you want to convince the British wizards that you are sane and telling the truth. You don't have to wear my stuff but I honestly don't mind." "As if I care about what they say."

"Yeah, but you are a public figure, so it's important to uphold some sort of image. I know what I'm talking about, so think about it if you want... I should head back. Remus may be lenient but even his patience is bound to run out sooner or later." "Wait, Remus is your Transfiguration professor?" "What? No, I have Defence right now, technically. Good thing too, that way I just had to tell Moony that you need me and he let me go. Are you okay?"

"Yes, much better now. Thank you, also, you are lucky Remus is your teacher, he is really good." Danny grinned at that "I know. He keeps praising you, by the way. He is supposed to be my godfather but he absolutely loves you too." Harry spluttered when Danny's words registered and he was about to say something but his twin was already gone. Smiling to himself he leaned back and closed his eyes, exhaustion taking him down to Morpheus realm.

..............

When he awoke barely an hour later he felt much better, he looked over at Danny's bed and stared for a second, then two, not exactly understanding what he saw there. He sat up and looked at the beautiful owl that was sitting on his brother's bed and stared at him with orange brown and intelligent eyes. Letters and two parcels were neatly put next to Danny's pillow. Harry realized that the owl must be the one Danny had been talking about. So the letters were from his family and friends, he idly wondered if his friends should even know about his magical side but maybe they didn't. Remembering Danny's permission to wear his clothes, he went to his brother's trunk and pulled out a plain black t-shirt and dark blue jeans which he quickly put on, eyeing the owl warily while doing so. To his positive surprise, the clothes fit him really well and he felt much better. Glancing once more at the owl and throwing the rags into the bin, he left the room to find his friends.

They were still in the dining room but were playing Exploding Snap, though Hermione was still reading, living in her own world. When he entered, he was enthusiastically welcomed by the Weasley's and invited to play with them. Fortunately, no one questioned where he's been for one and a half hours or what he was wearing, though he could see Hermione smiling at him supportingly. She knew a bit more about his living conditions than the rest, since she was easy to confide into, so she knew how much he hated the hand me downs from Dudley.

They played for hours and had a lot of fun, way too soon was it time for dinner and they made their way down to the spacious kitchen, where Molly was already waiting for them with goulash soup. Since they could fill their own bowls, Harry was able to mostly put soup and only a bit goulash in it. That way he could finish his plate, he hoped.

Sirius was lost in a conversation with Remus who laughed here and there, was it just Harry or did the two look awfully close to each other? Not that he knew either of them well, though. Made him wonder where Remus had been at lunch. Whatever, they were half way through when a tired looking Danny entered and all but fell into the nearest empty chair. He grumbled something while filling his own bowl, ignoring everyone else. He conveniently sat across from Harry, so he decided to give Danny a little nudge through their connection that had him look up a little startled.

When Danny noticed Harry in his clothes he smiled and then just asked "What?" Harry grinned amusedly "Hungry?" Danny nodded and absentmindedly ate some bread "Professor Snape likes to keep me longer than necessary, so when I have practical potions lessons I already know I'll be late." Harry winced sympathetically, Ron groaned from next to him "Snape's an absolute git. School hasn't even started and already he acts as if you have detention!" "Ron! Language. Also, it's Professor Snape, not just Snape."

"C'mon 'Mione, he is a git. We all know that. He hates everything Gryffindor and Harry."

"And Weasley-

"Although-

"Sometimes-

"He is-

"Really helpful-

"When we try to-

"Create a new Potion" The Weasley twins proclaimed proudly. Molly Weasley just sighed and stopped herself from reprimanding Ron, seeing as Hermione has already done so.

Danny watched the other twin pair bemusedly, they were so in tune with each other they could finish each other's sentences. Though, to be fair, since he could feel what Harry was feeling, he wasn't jealous as he thought he would be. Speaking of Harry, he was also amused and was probably thinking the same thing as Danny, if the side glance from him was anything to go by.

"Oh that reminds me Danny, your owl is sitting on your bed upstairs. She brought letters and parcels." Danny's eyes lit up "That's great! I thought Arianrhod got lost or something..." "Arianr... what?" "Arianrhod, or just Ari, she is a cute owl, isn't she." Danny's brother grinned "Yeah, not as cute as my Hedwig but close." Danny looked at him with mock annoyance "Not really, sure, your owl is sweet but nothing compared to mine." They could have continued that conversation for forever if Mrs Weasley hadn't coughed pointedly, halting the raven haired twins in their mock argument "It might be in your best interest to stop your bickering for a while. Daniel, Albus thought it is about time for you to be sorted."

Seven children stared at her in bewilderment and excitement. Danny was about to be sorted, Harry thought happily. Suddenly he was thrown back to his own sorting and how close the Sorting Hat had been to putting him into Slytherin, what if it planned to do the same with Danny and Danny had no idea what it means to end up in the House of Snakes? They would eat him! He looked panicked to his brother who seemed quite fidgety himself. Harry didn't care much in which house his twin would end up in, preferably Gryffindor of course but any other house would be just as nice. Only... if he were to be put in Slytherin, he could get manipulated. Now that Voldemort was officially back, a lot of Slytherins- whose parents are Voldemort supporters- would make his life a living hell, since he was his twin. They would manipulate him, bully him. It just couldn't happen! He waited anxiously with the others until finally Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick and Sprout arrived.

The headmaster was holding the Sorting Hat and Danny stared at it in wide amusement and curiosity. Dumbledore spoke first, looking straight into Danny's eyes "Usually, Daniel, our students are sorted in an official setting at Hogwarts. However, due to your circumstances we thought it might be considerate to not show you off to the student body, since you are already 15 instead of the usual 11. The attention would be on you during the whole sorting, taking a bit of the new students' experience. So, without further ado I present to you: The Sorting Hat.

Fortunately, the hat didn't sing after his introduction, Harry loved Hogwarts but barely anyone could sing at the school. So he watched as the hat was placed on Danny's head and waited. And waited a bit more. The others were growing a bit restless too, until the hat finally announced "GRYFFINDOR!" Harry jumped up in relief, not Slytherin! Also, Danny was with him! They would share a dorm. They would live together, the first time in over 14 years. Danny looked a bit annoyed though, so whatever the hat and he had talked about must have been quite interesting.

He clasped his brothers' back assuringly and Danny smiled weakly back at him before turning his attention towards the Heads of Houses. Snape was sneering and rolling his eyes, quietly whispering something inaudible, though, if Danny's amusement was anything to go by the halfa heard it. McGonagall smiled warmly at Danny "I would like to welcome you to the House of Lions, Mister Fenton." Danny nodded happily along but Dumbledore looked up after hearing McGonagall's short speech (not really a speech but better than nothing) "Ah yes, your name. If you don't mind too much, my boy, calling you 'Potter' might be a good idea, seeing as you are one."

"Huh? Why do I have to change my last name? Sure, I was born a Potter and I'm Harry's twin but the Fentons took me in. I'm proud to wear their name." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and blue twinkling eyes met icy blue and determined ones. They stared at each other for a while, until Dumbledore counter argued "That is indeed true, however, you are registered in Hogwarts as Daniel Fleamont Potter. Your parents made sure you would go to Hogwarts at some point, so they already registered you and Harry when you were but a few months old. It's better this way."

Danny felt his left eye twitch, what was wrong with that old man? He seemed so nice and grandfatherly when they first met. Not like Clockwork but still... nice. Obviously there is no one truly nice, hasn't he learned his lesson yet? He didn't mind being called Potter but not when it goes against his explicit wishes, with Snape he couldn't really do anything. The man did what he wanted and he obviously hated him and Harry. Just a few minutes ago he said how it wasn't a surprise at all that he was sorted into Gryffindor, jokes on him, it was almost Hufflepuff.

A few minutes earlier

Danny waited expectantly for some magic while the hat was put on his head. For a second he couldn't see or hear anything until a voice sounded in his head "Ah, another Potter. You are a bit late, aren't you? And such an interesting one at that. Powerful, very much so." Danny got over his surprise about a talking hat pretty fast (weirder things have happened) and responded "Well, I guess? How can you talk to me?" "It has something to do with Legilimency. Not quite the same but the Founders wanted to make sure I would be able to see the strongest traits of every student so that I could sort them accordingly when they enrolled."

"That doesn't make much sense, you are only sorted once, right? But people change, especially during their teens. So... I'm sure most students would fit into another house better at some point." "Right? That's what I believe, too. Alas, no one listens to a millennium old sentient hat. So it's a nice change for me to have a fifteen year old I can sort. And one with so many secrets at that." Danny startled and panicked for a second but the hat only chuckled "Relax, I only know that you have secrets because of your strong Occlumency shields. You know what that is?" "Yes the art of protecting ones mind from Legilimens. Also helps keeping ones thoughts organized" Danny recited what he's read in one of the mildly darker Black books Sirius had given him.

The hat seemed satisfied and went back to business "From what I can see however, you are fiercely loyal to who you consider friends and family. Most houses are loyal to their friends. So that isn't much of an indicator... Hufflepuff might be a good choice for you, they are known for their patience and dedication. You would fit there quite nicely, indeed. However, you lack the want to work hard and don't mind not acting according to the rules, which is something Hufflepuffs pride themselves in doing.

"Yet, you are brave, so so brave. You don't mind putting yourself in danger if it means you can help others. Having a hero complex isn't always good, most die because of that at some point." Here Danny chuckled darkly and the hat went still. Searching for something , anything that would tell him which house would be the best for the Chosen Ones twin. Finally he found it "Well, aren't you reckless? Quite a bit like your brother, as well as extremely daring. I still belief Hufflepuff wouldn't be wrong but you are definitely a GRYFFINDOR!"

The last word was said out loud. Danny was a bit miffed that the hat called him reckless, he wasn't that reckless. Maybe a little... Okay, maybe a lot but he had good reasons! He had to be reckless to win ghost fights.

So yeah, interesting conversation and life experience over and done with, Danny stared at the headmaster. He knew they would just call him Daniel Potter anyways, always with the 'Daniel', so he could just as well get used to it. Also, it would confuse their professors. Danny laughed to himself when he thought about how he and Harry would answer at the same time when a teacher called upon them, that would be an upside. So he inclined his head and grumbled a "fine" while walking around Dumbledore and the Heads to get to his room. He still had parcels to open.

The moment he entered, Ari flew up to his shoulder and he stroked her feathers lovingly "You really are much cuter than Hedwig, you know." Ari just ruffled her feathers and looked at him as if to say "Duh, you actually thought differently?" and nibbled at his ear affectionately. He smiled and sat down on his bed, opening the letter from his parents first:

Danno!

Your owl gave your mom quite the shock. Maybe next time she shouldn't fly through the window in our room at three in the morning. Also, we made your phone! It was actually quite easy, try it out as soon as you can. Our numbers as well as your friends' and your sister's is already saved on it. It should charge with a bit of ectoenergy and function for a whole day. What else... right: how is it in Britain? Any ghosts yet? How is your brother? Oh and Happy Birthday! Hope you are able to celebrate it.

See you soon,

Dad

Danny,

Your dad already wrote the first part before the phone was even finished. It should be able to take pictures, text us from wherever you are and call us as well. Tell us what you think about it, Jack and I might be able to improve it yet. If you happen to find any new ghosts, you could open a new file and send us all your findings, solely for scientific reasons, of course. So far, your friends and Ellie have done a splendid job protecting Amity (there haven't been that many ghost sightings anyways), so you may relax. I also want to wish you a happy birthday, my lovely son, already 15. Give Harry our kindest regards, will you?

We miss and love you,

Mom

Danny put the letter down, wiping a tear away. He hoped his parents won't ever change, he loved their chaotic behaviour. Sighing slightly because he almost forgot his birthday last week (He only remembered because Fred and George congratulated him, wasn't so hard for people who barely knew him to know his birthday better than him, later he realized that Harry's birthday was on the same day, so that's how they knew) he smiled at the parcel that felt like a phone.

When he opened it, he was greeted with a normal portable phone, thinner than the ones on the market at this time and age (AN: It's the middle 90s, basically everything happens about ten years later than in Harry Potter canon because I can and it's much better that way.), the back was black with a green P in the center, looking almost like the one on his Phantom suit. When he turned it on he was amazed when he found out how to make pictures. With a phone. Awesome. The numbers his dad talked about were there as promised and he promised himself to call everyone later, maybe when he went on a midnight stroll or something.

He opened the next letter. It was from Sam and Tucker

Danny!

How are you? Hopefully everything is fine over there. I miss you so much already... so does Tuck. He just yelled that indignantly while I'm writing this to you. Your parents said they would send the letter along with the phone. That way your owl has less work to do. She is beautiful by the way- I'm glad you found an animal that doesn't run/fly/swim away when you get too close. Anyways, it hasn't been that long and already I wish it were December. I also want to meet your brother! I hope everything is as I imagined a real magic world to be like. So far there haven't been many ghosts. Boxy showed up twice, as well as Vlad's vultures. I think he is up to something but since he is always up to something, it's nothing new. How was your first birthday away from us? Text us as soon as you can, okay? Your parents made us two as well. "Your parents are really awesome, dude!" Tucker just yelled. I better stop or I become too emotional. I also added some music to your phone, I'm sure you'll like it. I also designed it, hope it's to your tastes.

I love you Danny, take care

Sam (and Tucker)

Grinning and slightly longing for his girlfriend, Danny opened the last letter, the one from Jazz

Little Brother (I think I might have to differentiate from now on, seeing as you are a twin and I have a second little brother now),

I hope you are faring well. I know it can be hard to adapt to new surroundings, especially when someone is still as young as you are and you are without our parents or your friends. Just remember: We are but a phone call away. Call me at any time you wish to, even if it is at midnight our time. I'm always there for you, little brother.

I can tell you that mom and dad are already excited to meet Harry, I think they already adopted him in their minds, since you both are technically orphaned. Mom said that your twin is always welcome here, of course, if he'd rather stay with his aunt (was it?), we don't mind at all. Maybe you can visit us during Christmas. It is solely up to you and Harry. Since I'm sure mom, dad and your friends already talked about the ghosts and how they dealt with them, I would like to tell you about the fact that 'dear uncle' Vlad seems to be watching us even more closely than usually. I don't know why but I think he wants to find where you went. I wouldn't worry too much, he doesn't seem to have any malicious intentions at the moment. I will keep you updated.

Greet our little brother from me and happy belated birthday,

Jazz, your wise older sister

Danny couldn't stop grinning, if Harry was still unsure about being welcomed by the Fentons, he could just show him Jazz' letter. He now only had to tell him that he was already pseudo adopted. He was also glad that Harry would be allowed to come with him. He definitely had to introduce him to his parents and sister soon. Now that the letters were read, he reached for the second parcel, feeling the mild ectocontamination and immediately felt on guard.

Not feeling an evil aura, he slowly opened it and was met with two books. A small note fell down and he picked it up, it read: I believe these might help you. I also took the liberty to add an Endless Book, as you know, they are quite rare and I wish for you to return it to me when you come back next summer. -GW

Frowning, Danny looked at the book covers, what could Ghost Writer have send him? Apparently a book about Rare Runes and Spells, as well as an Endless Book. A book that let him read anything he wanted to know about and that was found in Ghost Writers library. It was pretty cool. He was sure he could make use of that sooner or later (mostly because he knew Writer wanted him to continue his ghost studies).

He was abut to head out when Harry entered. He smiled at his brother and was delighted when Harry smiled back "Hi, just... wanted to make sure you're ok. I noticed your anger earlier. Professor Dumbledore has changed a lot, so, I dot know what to make of him either. I guess I just wanted to say that I can understand you being mad at him for having to call yourself Danny Potter at school." Danny just shook his head "I don't mind so much. I just hate when I'm not given a choice. Jack and Maddie Fenton will always be my parents but in the wizarding world I am a Potter, so it's only right to be known as one here." He surprised himself with that, mostly because it was the truth. He knew what it feels like to be the only one of the family left, an orphan. Even though it never actually happened to him, he knew it could have thanks to Dan.

He was Harry's brother as well as Jazz', he was James' and Lily's son, as much as he was Jack's and Maddie's. He was himself and he was surprised to only now come to that realization.

The halfa playfully shoved Harry's shoulder "You know, Jazz already calls you 'little brother' as well, mom and dad want to meet you and don't mind you staying with us at all." The joy he felt radiating from his brother's magic core was enormous. Harry chuckled embarrassed "They don't even know me yet and I don't know them. What if they don't like me after all?" Danny couldn't help but laugh at that "Why-ever wouldn't they like you? You are my brother for one, are a wizard and incredibly nice and polite, also, you are not 'normal'." Harry just raised an unimpressed eyebrow and Danny waved him off "Guess you'll see sooner or later. I just want to add that the Fentons are also everything but normal. Normalcy doesn't exist in our household. Heck, we are lucky when our food doesn't try to take over the world at least once a week."

Harry smiled delightedly. That sounded like the complete opposite of the Dursley's, which meant he already liked the Fentons.

Together they made their way downstairs to the dining room where everyone was hanging out. On the way there Harry told him how Mrs Weasley as well as Remus and Sirius had reprimanded the headmaster after he left the kitchen. Since Dumbledore got what he wanted, they couldn't do much about the decision, especially since the old man was right and Danny was enrolled as Daniel Potter. It still gave Danny an odd sense of satisfaction, hearing how his godfather and uncle had his back and even supported his wishes.

He was also told that Sirius and Molly had apparently argued quite strongly with each other, after Harry innocently asked what exactly was going on and just what the hell the Order was doing. He obviously already knew a bit more than the other teens thanks to Danny but he still couldn't help but ask, curious how they would react. Molly had been adamant not to say anything since he was "just a boy" and Sirius harshly reminded her that he wasn't, in fact, "just a boy anymore". Harry had to agree, growing up with the Dursley's and then fighting for his life for four school years (so far!) wasn't exactly something that would allow him to enjoy childhood. He had to grow up fast. What four year old had to cook for their relatives, after all? What twelve year old had to save a student after being ridiculed the whole year and then fought a basilisk? See. He wasn't a child anymore and had every right to know about the Order, especially since the "something that Voldemort didn't have last time" was the prophecy about him and Harry.

Shaking his head, Harry continued to tell his brother how Sirius and Molly even yelled at each other. The whole debacle ended with Molly stomping away and Sirius huffing annoyed but keeping silent about any other things related to the Order. That was when the teenagers decided to head to the dining room and Harry to come fetch Danny.

When they entered (having talked about what happened outside the door for a while), the Weasley twins greeted them cheekily and pulled the Potter twins into their Corner of Horror. Danny and Harry stood before them curiously while Fred and George seemed to have a discussion of their own, finally Fred began "So. We have competition."

"Of course, you are not identical twins, such as Gred and I.", George continued while Fred added "But we believe you have a... connection, no? So what we want to know is-

"Have you two noticed-

"Anything special-

"At all-

"That might not be explainable-

"Unless of course you talk to other twins?"

The raven haired brothers looked at each other, Danny sending questioning feelings through their bond. After all, Harry knew Fred and George better than him. He would be able to discern if they were trustworthy. Harry nodded slightly and Danny took the lead "Indeed, we have noticed... something. What's it to you?"

George grinned "Oh, he knows how to play!" Fred also grinned "Shall we indulge them, brother dearest?" "We shall, dearest brother." They each grabbed one twin by the arm and apparated to their room, leaving a baffled Ronald Weasley and two amused girls behind who were about to wish them a good night.

When Danny felt the ground underneath his feet once more, he was proud to say that he didn't stagger on his feet and felt mostly fine. Harry not so much. He looked a little green but was able to keep it together. Fred and George sat down on one bed and Harry and Danny on the other, it wasn't long until Fred finally began to talk "What we are about to say is absolutely secret and you mustn't tell anyone, understood?" After getting affirmative nods, his brother continued "We are only telling you because we noticed how you seem to be really close already and understand each other rather well. Thus we have decided to tell you a little about magical twins.

"In the magical community are three kinds of twinsets: identical, fraternal and core-like. Fred and I are identical but we are also core-like. That means our magical cores emerged from one magical core. Basically, our cores are twins, like us. Some even refer to them as clones. That means, that we have a special connection, one that not even identical twins have. In our case it allows to know each others thoughts, as long as we are relatively close to each other." Fred took over

"So, like we already said. We think the two of you might be core-like as well, even though you are fraternal. Which is actually a pretty rare occurrence, core-like twins are already rare as it is but being fraternal as well? Not bad, Potters! Want to tell us what your special connection is?"

Harry nodded, looking slightly bewildered "We can feel each others emotions and can send the other positive or negative feelings on purpose... kinda like influencing the other, I guess?" Danny nodded along, it was exactly like that. Of course he would never want to influence his brother negatively, he only now realized how much power they held over the other. Seeing Harry's look he knew his twin came to the same conclusion.

George noticed the stillness and cleared his throat "The thing is, as core-like twins, you are extremely close to each other but also know the other better than they themselves do, if you ever were to have falling out it could be disastrous for both of you. Which is why I'd advice you to not keep any secrets from each other. Also, practice Occlumency, that keeps your thoughts organized and stops strangers from seeing the secrets."

Fred once again continued "While your cores stem from the same core, they have probably changed quite a bit now, especially since you've been separated for so long and made different experiences. That means the more time you spend together now, the stronger your cores will grow. If you were to separate again for a long time, it would hurt both of you. Think of it of having a wound crust right now, if one of you left, the crust would disappear and the wound bleed again, which is exhausting for the own core. If you stay together, the crust will eventually heal and you are good to prank each other and others!"

Gaping at him, Danny voiced the biggest question he had right now "How do you know so much?" Harry nodded, also gaping, not quite believing that the always-prank-happy-Weasley-twins were giving them such good and sound advice and knowledge.

Fred huffed annoyed, but the gleam in his eyes told the black haired twins that he found the question amusing "We are not idiots, also, of course we researched why we are able to read each other's thoughts, it took a while but we managed to acquire the knowledge we just kindly gave away for free. You should thank us, not question us." He winked at the last sentence, showing his good will and the younger twin pair smiled.

Suddenly George clasped his hands together "Alright, go to bed you two, you can repay us tomorrow when we decontaminate the doxies. We already have some nifty ideas for certain experiments..." he trailed off and Fred waved them good night before shoving them outside.

Harry and Danny looked at each other before grinning wildly. At least now they knew what happened yesterday and didn't have to worry about it too much. Only Harry was a bit confused. He knew that the connection with his twin was a bit different than the one with Voldemort but he couldn't help but see the parallels. If Harry had a core connection with the Dark Lord, did that mean they were core-like, too? Was that even possible for non-twins? And had Danny also a connection with the madman, now that their cores have found each other again? Would that endanger Danny?? He didn't deserve that. He was already half dead and fought ghosts on a daily basis. No, Voldemort was his own problem, he would keep Danny as far away from the snake-face as possible.

Danny had different thoughts, he was thinking about how he now had a perfectly fine reason for Harry to stay with him over next year's summer, should his parents somehow change their minds. He doubted it, also, it was still so far away, no need to think about it now. Yet, the halfa worried a little, could his ghost core somehow influence his magic core and thus also Harry's? Like he did with Snape's wand. Could Harry create ice? That was an interesting thought, he had to test it someday.

They got ready for bed, seeing as it was already quite late and when they entered their room, Ron was already snoring away. Danny chuckled and Harry smiled affectionately at his best mate. How anyone could sleep with one leg on the ground and the other under the pillow while the head was somehow somewhere in between, he will never understand.

He saw Danny discretely taking a picture and made a mental note to ask him about his new phone at some point. He patted Hedwig a bit who was cuddling with Ari on her perch in between the twins' beds. They were cute together. Anyways he laid down in bed and was excited for the next morning.

Danny was also excited for the next day, his Ancient Rune professor would show him how to create a mild blood ward. It wasn't exactly a light practice but Danny didn't mind darker territory at all. He was half dead for Pandora's sake! As if he cared about the colour or shade of certain spells. That didn't mean he would use dark magic, of course. He could ever harm people intentionally and if Sirius was saying the truth, then you had to mean it when you wanted to use, for example, an unforgivable. He could and would never kill or hurt anyone. It was the complete opposite of his core's obsession- his ghost one, not the magical one. That one was wild and raw, much like Harry's, he realized. Harry would make a good grey caster.

He looked over to Harry, who was reading something in a book about advanced defence and smiled lightly. He would not fly out tonight, he felt way too content just laying here. It was nice for a change and with that he closed his eyes. Falling into a dreamless sleep.

...............

After waking up the next morning with half a panic attack after once again dreaming about Cedric's death, Harry rubbed his forehead tiredly. He would do almost anything to just get five hours of sleep without a nightmare thrown into the mix. Was that too much to ask? Looking to his right he saw that Danny was like yesterday nowhere to be found, but their owls seemed comfortable on Danny's pillow.

He grabbed a dark green shirt from Danny's trunk and changed into the clothes. After waking Ron up in the process he made his way downstairs, it was about eight in the morning, so breakfast should already be ready.

True to his thoughts, Sirius, Hermione, Mrs Weasley and surprisingly Danny, were already sated at the table. He took a seat next to Danny and curiously read the cover of the book his brother was immersed in. To his astonishment, it was the third year Transfiguration book and he was already half way through with it "Are you focussing on one subject at a time or how are you so fast, Danny?" He inquired amusedly. Danny looked up to him and smiled. He whispered into his ear so that no one else would hear "I use my ghost powers. Right now, six other Danny's are reading other books. Since I additionally have kind of like a photographic memory, I don't have troubles memorizing anything. Being half dead can be quite handy."

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise, who would have thought. At least now he knew how Danny was able to get through all the material in such a short time. Danny once again came closer "Though I have to admit, I'm only this far in transfiguration. It's just so much fun. Closely followed by charms." Harry huffed surprised, he also quite enjoyed those classes but Care of Magical Creatures and Defence were his absolute favourites. When he told Danny so, his brother scrunched his nose "Yeah, I mostly only learn the theory of CMC and defence is okay but I'm not a prodigy like you." Harry flushed slightly, he wasn't used to praise at all "I'm not that good." Danny gave him a are-you-bullshitting-me-right-now?-Seriously?- look and continued munching on his apple. Harry followed his example, delighted that today was a lot of light food and fruit on the table.

Of course, as soon as Ron and the older twins came down, as well as Ginny who wished them a groggy "g'mornin'", Molly dished them all bacon and toast with beans, all the while pointedly ignoring Sirius, who seemed fine with that. He looked a bit sad though and Harry remembered that Remus left yesterday night again to go on some mission. According to Danny, it was to get werewolf pacs on the Order's side or to at least have them stay neutral in the inevitable war.

Apparently it was Sirius who would teach Danny defence today. He was a bit jealous that he had to clean while his brother could have fun with his godfather but Danny deserved it. He was working extremely hard to not look like an idiot in front of wizards and witches. Harry didn't have to be his twin to see that.

Finally, when everyone came to an end at breakfast, Molly cleared her throat "Well, today we'll clean. I have already put the necessary decontamination spray, as well as gloves and face masks and anti-doxy buckets into the drawing room. Now shoo, I will join you children shortly and no funny business." She said while staring at Fred and George in particular. They saluted her and popped away. The Weasley mother just sighed and rolled her eyes while shooing Harry and his friends out of the room. Danny wished them a lot of fun cleaning while he entered the library. Harry was the only one who caught a glimpse of several other Danny's concentrating on books and taking notes dutifully. Why his brother didn't end up in Ravenclaw he didn't know.

Sighing he followed a grumbling Ron and an even more annoyed Hermione, who was grumbling about Ron's grumbling.

The room they entered was dirty. Dirty and dusty. Harry itched to clean it, something ingrained to him by Petunia. He went over to the buckets and put on the gloves and mask, seeing the others follow his example. He looked around some more, there were cabinets and shelfs with several drawers and an old writing desk, covered in webs. He went over to the darkest shelf and felt something inside him thrumming with something. It felt wrong but also so, so exciting and right. He couldn't explain it, before he could open the showcase from where the feeling was the strongest, he was interrupted by Molly and Sirius entering.

They were awfully polite to each other and Molly explained them ho two get rid of the doxies. Before they could start however, Sirius noticed something inside the writing desk and inspected it carefully. The others looked at him curiously before the fugitive straightened and said in a low voice "I think inside this one is a Boggart, I'll have to ask Moody to be completely certain, so until then: no one is to go near this desk. I have to take care of something else, see you later and have fun!" With that he left, leaving a mildly horrified Molly Weasley behind. She got over the initial shock well enough and ushered them onwards to begin.

That's how Harry spend the next four hours. At half past noon Mrs Weasley brought them self-made sandwiches and left once again, probably to greet yet another order member who showed up for some reason or another. The Weasley twins strolled over to Harry and took them to the side of a wall that was still infested

"Okay, you know how we-

"Want to-

"Open up a jokes shop?

"And we are actually able to-

"Because of you?" Harry nodded, he gave them his price money from the Triwizard Tournament after all.

Fred and George continued "We need a doxy-

"For an experiment-

"It is called "Skiving Snackboxes" and will-

"Give the buyer a great excuse to skip classes-

"or work! So we need you to help us get one-

"Without mom finding out! We promise-

"Not to try our products on either you or your brother."

Harry thought about it, it was true they still owed the twins for the information yesterday. They told them their most guarded secret, it was only right to help them out. Also, he and Danny would be safe from any sort of experiment conducted by Fred and George, so an absolute win! He nodded slightly and the twins told him to distract Molly as soon as she gave them the okay to continue with the last wall. Before, she always watched the twins with argus eyes, making sure they didn't do anything 'bad'.

So Harry asked her causally about Percy Weasleys whereabouts and was surprised to hear that he went against his family to hold some minor position at the Ministry. He felt extremely bad because no one had told him and he could see it weighed heavily on the matriarch. However, it did distract her and he saw Fred giving him a thumbs up.

They continued for a little while more until a house elf entered. Harry was shocked, he didn't think Sirius would want one, the house elf looked ancient and was mumbling to himself, yet was loud enough to be heard by the other occupants of the room. He was a delightful creature and Harry instantly disliked him. Hermione however was polite and nice to him, even though the elf kept cursing her and everyone else. They warily continued their work (since they finished decontaminating they were now throwing away things Sirius didn't want anymore, which was basically everything) and tried to ignore Kreature. And wasn't that a fitting name?

Kreature was about to leave in a hurry when the door swung open and Sirius and Danny strolled in. When Sirius noticed the house elf he got furious "Kreature! I order you to put everything you've just taken back down!" To everyones surprise, the elf put several trinkets down in front of Sirius, Danny eyed a certain locket warily. Harry's godfather however ordered the house elf to leave the room and not to take anything of the stuff they wanted to throw out.

Harry went over to them and felt the weird sensation again, he now saw it came from the locket and he tried really hard not to pick it up. Instead he looked at his dogfather "What was that?" Sirius rubbed his face tiredly "That was Kreature, he has served the Black family for a long time now, unfortunately he knows too much, else I would kick him out already. I mean, his one job should be to take care of the house, instead he steals useless artifacts and trinkets and hides them in his room. Most of the things here are cursed and extremely dangerous. So I want them gone."

Harry nodded distractedly and reached out for the locket, while Sirius was looking at the desk with the potential boggart again. Before his fingers could touch it, Danny stopped him "Don't. Can't you feel its wrongness?" Harry shook himself and looked up to Danny "I can, but it also feels right. I don't know what it is but I want to pick it up." His twin looked worriedly from the locket to Harry's green eyes and back to the locket. He knelt down and his fingertip started to glow in an eery green. He pointed it at the locket and some sort of beam shot out, creating a rune. The locket rattled irritatedly for a second before calming down.

Danny was now certain that the locket was at least curse free. He spend the last week learning all about curse breaking, he even created an extra doppelgänger whose sole purpose was learning warding and curse breaking. He wasn't excellent, not by far, but he quickly realized that using ectoenergy to create runes would break any curse on any object. Probably because of the resilience ectoenergy had to magic. He didn't want Harry to have something that made his ghost core thrum with energy and a feeling of wrongness and death but he knew Harry well enough now that a simple 'no' wouldn't stop him.

His bespectacled brother picked it up carefully and sighed unconsciously. Whatever the locket was, it was similar- no- identical to what Harry's scar emitted. Danny just hoped he made the right decision in giving his brother a way to hold onto an object that almost begged him to be destroyed. It shouldn't exist. Of that he was certain.

He walked over to Sirius after giving Harry a last long look, even though his brother was absorbed in his own thoughts, looking pensively at the locket. He was here because Sirius wanted him to run diagnostic spells to see if there was a creature in the desk drawer or not. He began to work, Sirius watching carefully from behind, and he pushed his worries aside for the time being.

Harry on the other hand wondered how a locket could cry. It wasn't a human or even an animalistic crying, seeing as it was just an object but Harry still felt it. It was crying and Harry didn't like it. He knew of course that the locket was dangerous and he shouldn't hold onto it but he also couldn't just ignore it. It basically begged him to be destroyed and in the very next second warned him against even thinking about it, it was weird and Harry knew, since he wasn't an idiot, that it has something to do with Voldemort. He just didn't know what.

He would keep it for now, maybe he could destroy it or even calm it down at some point but it would be wasted here in the house. Kreacher would probably just take it to his room. So Harry decided to put it around his wrist for now, not around the neck. The object could try and strangle him or something, so instead he opted to wait until he could safely stow it away somewhere. Danny would probably help him with that.

He watched his brother finishing whatever task Sirius had given him and was surprised when his godfather beckoned the two to follow him. He lead them down the hall to bigger Drawing Room in which Harry was met by a big tapestry with names and faces on it. Some places showed burn marks instead of faces and he wondered why.

Danny and Harry looked at him questioningly and Sirius explained "This is the Black ancestry. As you can see, we are one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, they are ancient pureblood families with ties back to the founders or even further. You can see who I'm related to. This is me, by the way. The burned space over here. This is my brother Regulus, I think he is dead. He was one of Voldemort's followers, so he was our parents "golden boy" and I was the disgrace. A Black who was a Gryffindor? Horrendous. Your father, he took me in. Well, his parents, so your grandparents, took me in when I couldn't take it anymore. They treated me like their own son. I will always be thankful to them."

The Potter twins looked at the ancestry tree, it truly was amazing, there even was a line connecting the Blacks to the Potters, only four generations ago! Harry gasped "You are related to the Malfoys?!" Sirius grinned wolfishly "Yes, almost every pureblood family is related with another. That's what happens when you inbreed. The Potters are also related to them, as you can see here." Harry looked mortified and mumbled to himself "I'm related to Draco bloody Malfoy, oh Merlin, the horror." Danny just chuckled, he didn't know who Draco Malfoy was but Harry didn't seem to like him very much.

He looked over the tree once more, trying to memorize all the names, so that he would know when he was interacting with a pureblood and when not. He just wanted to be prepared. He would be prepared. Before they knew any better, Hermione knocked politely and told them that they were done with the worst and Mrs Weasley let them pause for today. They would continue tomorrow, however.

They followed her out and Harry felt weird, he never gave much thought to wizarding politics and pureblood families, maybe he should rectify that. He swallowed when he remembered that his Hearing was in five days and he hoped they would be very busy so hat he wouldn't be able to think about it too much. He motioned Danny to follow him to their room and inside he placed the locket on his bed.

Danny looked at him curiously and Harry whispered quietly "I can't destroy it yet but I also don't want to wear it. Any ideas?" the halfa was thoughtful for a moment before grabbing the locket and turning to Harry's Hogwarts trunk. In front of it he made his hand and locket intangible and placed the locket in the lid of the trunk. It was stuck there now and since he surrounded it with light ectoplasm no one would be able to extract it. If Harry asked he could take it easily out again, until then it was safely stowed away.

The twins stood next to each other for awhile, neither one saying anything. They both knew that this, the quiet and peacefulness wouldn't last for much longer. They were both too much of trouble magnets and important in their respective worlds. However, every hero could allow themselves a small break from time to time.