Ghost Hour at Hogwarts

Previously:

When Arthur returned, Harry was relaxed, Danny floating protectively beside him.

They were back punctually for lunch and Harry managed to eat a lot more than usual. Everyone was excited and congratulated him, Hermione yelling every few sentences that she "Knew it! They couldn't have expelled you or taken your wand, Harry!"

The bespectacled boy was quite content and decided to watch Sirius teach Danny for awhile. They didn't have to clean today, hooray!
When Danny and Harry entered, Sirius waved the door closed and stared tiredly at Danny, who looked back, looking a little pale. Finally, Sirius broke the silence

"Danny, cub, please explain to me, why there were three of you earlier in this very room."

Harry bit his lip 'Uh-oh', he thought, glancing at his twin.

...........

Sirius had been having a blast. Ever since Dumbledore has told them about Danny's survival, he has been almost ecstatic. Then he met his wonderful nephew and suddenly he couldn't help himself but start becoming nostalgic. He started telling Danny everything about James and Lily, Hogwarts and his mate Remus.

Not that he specified the bond he and Remus shared. He was honestly glad that Remus never broke the mate bond even while he was forced to spent 12 years in Azkaban. Sirius liked to think that deep down, his life mate knew he was innocent all along. He had just been stupid. Went after the little rat instead of utilizing rational thought.

He blamed the Black genes- everyone knew that through generation long inbreeding the Blacks were always leaning toward the manic side, just look at his awful cousin Bellatrix. As much as he prided himself in turning his back to the dark side, his magic core was still dark and he sometimes found himself acting irrationally and, yes, almost insanely.

If he had just stopped that night, he could have taken care of Harry, could have found the letter. He could have been there for his godson and nephew but no, he had to be an utter idiot. Even though Remus has tried his best the past year to reassure him that Harry didn't hate him for that, he was still grabbing a bottle of whiskey at night more often than not, to drown and still his inner demons.

Now he was stuck in the house he hated with a passion, mostly because he had no good memories here. He had always been the outsider of the family, the only reason they didn't kill him was to make sure that people wouldn't gossip. His home-life had been less than stellar and while Regulus had been some help it just wasn't enough.

Then he met James and then Remus, his mate, and everything turned for the better, until they graduated and war met them full force. He lost his brother, then his best friend and Lily, then his freedom and eventually his rationality and the opportunity to at least watch the twins grow up. And it was all his fault.

So yes, having gotten a second chance was a blessing from Mother Magic herself and he swore to himself, both the night he saw Harry standing at the sidewalk and when Albus told them about Danny's survival, that he would do his best to be there for them. To be their family. To have his cubs and his mate with him and after the war travel with them and see the world. He would protect them with everything he had and if it meant to stay in this house a little longer, then so be it.

Thanks to Remus and Albus he was able to talk to a mind healer once a week, he had never been so thankful for the secrecy clause every healer had to uphold. Trudy's shocked face when she met her patient the first time would have been hilarious if not for the circumstances. She had been a blessing and he came to, started washing and combing his hair, slowly returning to his former self from 13 years ago.

Except that he still had problems sleeping and sometimes was plagued by the phantom sensations of Dementors feeding on him, or the other inmates screaming and the guards having their 'fun' with them.

That means that sometimes he saw things that he was sure weren't there, like this morning.

He had breakfast with Harry and Danny, missing Remus but enjoying every second he could spend with his pups. He tried to keep his inner rage contained, the mere thought that his godson, a mere fifteen year old, had to go to the ministry because he protected himself, smelled extremely foul. He had long since lost any respect he used to have for the ministry so he wasn't much surprised, just very angry.

Still, he had to be there for Harry and when he saw Danny's determination to stand by his brother's side, his chest filled with pride and love.

He still felt bad about not writing Harry in the summer, unfortunately, Albus and especially the greasy git Snape had made extremely sure that he couldn't sneak a letter out. He wasn't deaf to the quiet conversations the Weasley children and young Granger held, he heard how they were worried for Harry and he was, too.

They all knew by now that the Boy-Who-Lived had the worst luck, as seen this summer- actually his whole life.

So yeah, he saw his godson off with a worried expression and after he lost sight of him and Arthur, he returned to the kitchen. Danny stood there, wringing his hands nervously "Do you need any help with anything, Sirius?" The man just smiled and shook his head, saying with false authority "Off with you to the library, young wizard!"

His nephew grinned at him and ran off to study theory in the room that was now dubbed his by everyone in the house. The teachers, except Snape, started teaching him there as well. It was quite cozy. Why he wasn't a Ravenclaw he'd never know but his ambition to manage the whole school curriculum of four years was almost awe-inspiring. Since it was apparently important to be undisturbed, they usually left him alone to study until lunch.

Sirius was a bit lost in thought and drank his coffee, missing Remus who was off to meet with a werewolf pack in Ireland of all places, he probably wouldn't be back for another two weeks, if at all. After all, he was a pack-less wolf and looked weak, which meant he was considered easy game for others but so far he had prevailed and Sirius was very proud of him. If only it wouldn't take so much out of his mate. He stared angrily at his now empty cup, he felt so useless.

The only thing he could do apparently was annoy Molly Weasley and yell at Kreacher. It wasn't even as though he wanted to throw all the heirlooms away, some were historically simply too invaluable, even if he despised the Black Family. Yet, Kreacher was grating on his nerves and the children were all Gryffindors and too curious for their own health, especially around mostly cursed objects.

Instead of moping around further, he greeted the newly arrived children and left the kitchen. Ignoring their tired und mumbled "Good Morning's", well, except for Hermione who was reading a book on Magical Law Enforcement and only nodded distractedly in greeting. It was nice to see the silent support they gave Harry.

Speaking of Harry, Sirius suddenly felt bad for leaving Danny alone. His nephew had just met his twin and already he had to learn about the dangers that seemed to follow Harry. Danny probably couldn't even concentrate right now out of worry. He probably should talk to him. That's what families do, right?

That's how he entered the room without knocking and froze in place, gaping at the scene in front of him, wondering if what he saw was real or not.

Three Danny's were sitting around the room, reading different books and taking notes dutifully while also seemingly stuck in an argument that he had interrupted. The three Danny's looked up in shock and their eyes widened comically before two suddenly disappeared.

Sirius had rubbed his eyes, trying to make sense of what he had just seen and looked questioningly over to the last remaining Danny who had gotten really pale.

"What's going on? What was that? Are you able to duplicate yourself? I don't understand..." The Danny in front of him just paled further and bit his lip, shaking his head and disappearing as well.

The Black Lord stayed at the doorway, trying to make sense of what's just happened before he turned around, running around the house, trying to find his nephew. He couldn't find him anywhere.

He told himself not to worry, his mind might have been playing tricks on him again but then it wasn't a trick that Danny was nowhere around. So where could he be? Was he in danger? Did he get lost, touched a cursed object? Accidentally apparated away? No, there must be a reason to everything. He was a Potter by blood and Harry's twin and also a Gryffindor, if he were in his stead, he would have tried to find a way to stay at Harry's side. Maybe that's what he did and somehow he left images of himself behind, in case someone came to check up on him but then why three and how?

That was difficult magic, especially to make the apparitions look so real and three of them? No matter how powerful, that was too much- even for a particularly strong wizard or witch.

He returned to the room and sat down on one of the sofas, looking at the books that laid around, open for the world to see. Abruptly, he made a decision: he wouldn't tell anyone that Danny was missing, if he didn't return when Harry was back, then it was a cause for alarm. It was probably irresponsible but his gut (and his inner dog) told him to trust Danny.

So he had waited and waited, then, after several hours of staring into space he heard the commotion at the front door. He could smell the relieved atmosphere and he heard both Harry and later Danny, talking happily in the kitchen. He calmed down immediately, Danny had somehow managed to stay with Harry and from what he could hear, Harry had been cleared of all charges. Relief washed through him and he was suddenly glad that after dinner, Danny had Defense with him anyways, so he could simply stay here.

Since it wasn't the first time he didn't show up for lunch, no one came looking for him.

Finally, after what felt like another few hours, his nephew, followed by his wonderfully brave godson entered. Danny seemed a little dazed and then stared at him with worry, looking pale. He waved the door closed, feeling very tired suddenly and asking what has been bothering him all morning "Danny, cub, please explain to me why there were three of you earlier in this very room."

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

Danny swallowed heavily, after lunch he had called his doppelgängers back secretly to receive their memories and store them in his mind. For some reason they had stayed invisible near him and almost begged to be called back. Since he was the main 'host', he called the shots when he took his duplicates and their memories back- unless they were destroyed of course.

What he learned was almost too much and he stared at his uncle in mild horror. He knew. He saw. What even was his life? And all because his duplicates had to have an argument, so they didn't even hear Sirius approach or open the door. He usually knew better, he had had over a year of experience in how to keep his secret and yet he messed up somehow.

He felt Harry taking his hand and squeezing it in reassurance, sending him a wave of calming emotions and Danny breathed out thankfully. His twin walked them to the sofa opposite Sirius and Harry gently pushed him down, keeping a hold of his hand- to make sure he knew he had support or to ensure he wouldn't flee he didn't know, either way he appreciated it.

Danny knew instinctively that Harry was aware of how much Danny hated others to know his secret. His friends had been witnesses, his sister found out on her own, Vlad was a prime example as to why a double life should be kept secret and he only told his parents because he had been very sure that they wouldn't think that he was possessed by Phantom and dissect him after they had helped his alter ego.

Then of course he told Harry, the only person he ever really told out of his own free will so far and he had planned to keep it that way. The question now was: could he trust Sirius enough or should he try to find a way around this? Probably making him all the more suspicious in the long run.

Before he could say anything, Harry started "Three Danny's? Whatever do you mean?" Sirius just raised an eyebrow and replied wearily "I came in to make sure Danny wouldn't worry too much about your trial- you must tell me about it later by the way prongslet, but when I entered, there were three of you, Danny. They all stared at me and I stared back and then two just vanished without a sound and the third one did as well and now I'm very confused. How did you do it? Do you even realize how worried I was about not finding you anywhere?"

Both Harry and Danny tried to interrupt but Sirius held a hand up, stopping them "I know you are new to our world, cub, but the problem is that right now there are people out there with very bad intentions toward Harry. I'm not only talking about Voldemort and his Death Eaters, I also mean the press. They would jump at a chance to get at Harry and you two look too similar, which means you are also in danger.

"The moment it becomes official that you are still alive, you will become a danger to Harry, a vulnerability so to speak. Death Eaters could try to get you and torture you simply because you are Harry's brother and we all know that Harry would do anything for those he loves."

Danny shook his head, mildly hurt at the words "I would also do anything for people in danger, Sirius. I'm sorry you couldn't find me, that doesn't mean I wasn't here or in danger. I don't look it but I can look after myself and I will not become Harry's weakness or whatever if that's what you're concerned about. If that's all?"

Harry kept silent but he also wasn't happy with Sirius and the way he had talked to Danny. The animagus must have realized that because he backtracked immediately "That's not- I didn't mean it like that! I was just trying to say that you are in as much danger as Harry, if not more because of your relation to him. If you suddenly disappear, we will all think of the worst case scenario because we are meant to protect you," he looked at them imploringly "both of you."

Harry snorted "Really? What kind of 'protection' leaves me on my own for weeks after I witnessed Voldemort's resurrection? What kind of 'protection' is nowhere to be seen when I have to fight for my life? Every. single. year. so far. I'm sorry but I don't trust you with it. Danny is right, he can look after himself, as can I apparently and it's grating on my nerves that people keep me in the corner, only shoving me out when I'm needed or something! So you don't get to say anything to Danny, he didn't do anything wrong! Unlike you lot, he actually supports me and cares about me.

"Not about who my parents were, or what I supposedly did for the wixen world but about me. And he has the power to back it up since he was with me at the trial and made sure to let me know that I wasn't alone for once!" Harry went dead silent, realizing what he had just said and quickly looked at Danny, horrified. He basically just admitted that Danny was with him at the trial which meant that his duplicates had actually been in this room.

Harry cursed his anger and loose tongue. He wanted to tell Sirius that they weren't weak and now he had betrayed his brother's trust because he just couldn't shut up! This hadn't even been about him but what Sirius had said hit too close to home and evaporated Harry's metaphorical box that held all his pent up anger. They had even joked about all the danger Harry found himself in every year, he had laughed because it was laughable. Yet, after the trial today he was just too tired and his nerves raw, especially considering how Dumbledore had acted.

He swallowed anxiously and rubbed the bridge of his nose, pushing his glasses off in annoyance. He felt his brother's distress and anger which made him feel even guiltier, yet Danny still didn't let go of his hand. They just had a heartfelt moment and everything seemed fine, now he went and ruined it, all by himself.

When he dared to look again, both Danny and Sirius were still silent, though his godfather looked extremely pale and Danny was shaking mildly. He wasn't sure if it was because of anger or fear. He hoped it was neither but would prefer anger, Danny didn't deserve to be afraid, not after what's already happened today.

Danny spoke up, surprising the other two occupants of the room "Yeah, Harry is right, you were right, too. I was at the trial and I don't regret it. No one was supposed to see three of me but you managed to catch them in a moment where they focussed on something else."

Sirius was unusually quiet when he questioned further "What exactly were they? It takes incredible skill to even create three such perfect looking apparitions, let alone maintain them. So I know that that's out of the question, so what was it? How were you able to stay at Harry's side?" He looked so hurt when he said it, Harry felt even worse. He was being unfair to his godfather, he was the only one besides Danny who really cared for him, who mattered, since they were family. Not counting his friends, of course. Yet he went and told him that he didn't want his protection... well, that wasn't quite right.

He knew he hurt Sirius because he would love to protect him and stay by his side but simply couldn't- he knew about Harry's life, at least some of it and Harry knew that Sirius was not happy with how things were, yet here he was, blaming Sirius who was stuck in a home he despised and a fugitive who had a kill-on-sight order on his head.

And Danny, who seemed so done with himself, as if everything bad that's happened in his life was currently going through his head, Harry wanted nothing more than console them both.

Danny himself was worrying a lot, he didn't blame Harry much, he was grateful that his brother cared so deeply for him and he knew Harry would never betray his secret like that again, he simply wasn't the type who wouldn't learn from his mistakes. So now here he was, should he pretend he was an insanely powerful wizard or tell the truth?

He thought about what he knew about Sirius, the man who welcomed him without question and taught him so much in just a few weeks. Who had a horrible and traumatizing past and obviously cared deeply for him and Harry. Who wasn't perfect- but really, who is? And who needed to get out of this house, which would be possible if he took him out in his ghost form.

He took a deep breath and looked straight into Sirius' eyes "Those weren't apparitions, they were duplicates. They were actually me. It does take some of my energy to maintain them but it doesn't need magic." He saw the awed and confused expression on his uncle's face and continued, squeezing his brother's hand to calm him down a little

"I told you that I was in an accident a bit over a year ago and that I nearly died- well, I actually did. I just wasn't dead long and the shock both killed me and brought me back. What I am about to tell you must be kept secret, okay? You cannot tell anyone, unless I allow it."

Sirius blinked twice before nodding "I swear upon my magic to not disclose anything Daniel Fenton-Potter is about to tell me to anyone outside of this room in any way, unless he gives me permission. So mote it be." They felt his magic thrumming through the air and the twins gasped at the feeling of a magically binding oath settling around them, connecting with both their cores.

Danny smiled "Thanks, I wish this would work with no-majs as well!" His comment seemed to lighten the mood a little "So yeah, deadly accident and so on. When I came to, I wasn't just a boy anymore, like, I still am me but also I'm much more- or much less, however you want to look at it!" The halfa took another breath to ground himself and stood up, letting go of Harry's hand "I'm what is most commonly referred to as a 'Halfa', which means that I'm both human and ghost."

With that he let his ghost core take over and transformed into Phantom, immediately taking off to hover a little above the ground. He was just so weightless. Sirius was now gaping at him, his expression incredibly funny and he chuckled, his voice echoing on the edges.

He silently prayed to the Ancients that he didn't just make a mistake. Harry watched wearily as Sirius slowly approached the young ghost and reached out to him, looking completely bewildered. Danny took his outstretched hand and smiled when his uncle gasped with incredulity "But, I thought... ghosts? They are not... tangible?"

Danny shook his head "The ones you know aren't, my kind is very tangible- and sometimes even destructive. Don't worry though, I like to say that I'm a pretty decent guy, my friends will agree."

Suddenly, to both children's surprise, Sirius started crying. It was softly but there were indeed tears rolling down his cheek. Harry jumped up to join them in the middle of the room. Sirius was still holding Danny's arm and it didn't look like he'd let go soon. Their uncle looked at Danny with sorrow "We let you die. I let you die. It's my fault you are dead!" He turned to Harry "It's my fault you didn't know about Danny or your parents. I have failed you both so much and now you both are hurting! I'm so sorry."

The twins blinked at each other, pleased and warm feelings jumping back and forth in their connection and they both hugged Sirius tightly. The man was so reckless and loud, yet also so sensitive.

As one they embraced the animagus and stood there (hovered in Danny's case) for what seemed like hours but really was just a few minutes. When they parted, Sirius looked a bit better and Harry seemed relieved, probably thought Danny would be mad at him for his slip up. He wasn't. He wasn't much better and he was sure that he would've told Sirius sooner or later anyways.

Though now he had some explaining to do, he changed back- you never knew if someone would barge in, and sat back down. The other two followed his example and he began "As I said, I'm a halfa, not a ghost- not a full one anyways. So I am still alive sometimes and I'm actually glad in retrospect. The accident changed my life- I'm a hero, I can help people and ghosts alike and while it does come with some dangers and problems, right now I'm really content with everything.

"Thanks to my powers I have an incredible memory and can speak any human language out there, I can fly on my own and so much more. I used to think it's a curse but by now it's more of a blessing and I wouldn't want to change a thing. So please, stop blaming yourself. I didn't even know about you up until July."

Their uncle barked out a broken laugh "That's the thing, if I hadn't been stupid you would have known me. Both of you would've grown up in the wizarding world, Harry, you might have been better prepared and Danny, you wouldn't have become a- a half ghost."

A solemn silence filled the room. No one really knew what to say and no one wanted to disturb the quiet. They just sat there, thinking their own thoughts, though Danny and Harry sent each other their emotions, all of them positive and calming.

Harry was glad about that, realizing that Danny truly wasn't that mad about him and he felt content. Being with his godfather and brother. Alas, all good things come to an end, especially when you are a Potter, so when Danny looked over to an ancient clock and realized the time he groaned "Oh man, it's almost time for Runes... and I didn't finish the chapter necessary for today. Great."

The BWL grinned "Not as studious as you make yourself out to be, huh?" Danny swatted his head playfully "Oh please, you don't get to nag at me, you don't even take Ancient Runes. Also, do you have to catch up on 4 years worth of school material? Didn't think so. Besides, I am almost caught up completely with Charms and Transfiguration."

With an eye-roll Harry turned around to face the door and not his insufferable twin, he could literally feel Danny's glee through their connection and pointedly ignored him. Danny continued, though Harry knew his brother didn't mean it in an accusing way "Need I remind you that I came with you to your trial this fine morning? Because of the distance I couldn't possibly maintain more than three doppelgängers. Also, I think I have to have a word with myself, there is no way I can argue with myself, only to get caught.

"Ah well, if there's anyone who would complain to themself, it would be me." Harry chortled a little, imagining several Danny's standing in a circle and pointing fingers at each other, arguing over who had better hair or was the better person "Thanks, I needed that image and since we look rather similar it would only add to the confusion."

Danny eyed Harry carefully but didn't say anything more.

Sirius, who had been happy to just listen to his pups and think about today's revelation cast a quick Tempus. He stood up, stretching his limbs and catching the twins' attention "Danny is right, the next professor will be here shortly. If anyone asks, we talked about animagi, alright?"

His nephew raised an unimpressed eyebrow "You realize that if I say that, someone will surely stop allowing you to be my teacher?" Sirius just shrugged and went to the door, he turned around before leaving "I am still sorry. Both of you are right of course but it doesn't change that I am supposed to be the responsible adult and not you two," he sighed "I don't know much about either of you and I know I behave childish more often than not. You are not your parents, you are wonderful just the way you are. I will try to be here for you now."

He looked at Harry "You are incredible and you've been through so much already, I want to let you have a childhood. I love you both." With that he left, neither of the two boys acknowledged the unspoken truth: Neither of them was a child anymore.

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

The following few days passed once more in a blur, it was now the second half of August and Harry was extremely bored. So much so, that he's started to read. Hermione had been ecstatic and Ron horrified. Yet, Harry found that it was actually relaxing and informative. Though to be honest, he was embarrassed that Danny seemed to know more already than he did, so he wanted to at least be on par with his twin. So yes, books.

He even started joining Danny during his 'theory hours', as his twin dubbed it and was always amazed to see up to seven Danny's floating or laying about. The best was the Danny that kept reading upside down, like a bat. He was the one who caught up on Care of Magical Creatures. Sometimes they quizzed Harry or asked him questions, especially when they were related to DADA, which allowed the green-eyed boy to deepen his own understanding on the several subjects.

When the professors arrived, Harry joined his friends and they talked or planned or tried to get some more information on the Order and Voldemort. If it weren't for that, Harry could almost forget what role he was supposed to play and that his parents' murderer was after him like a creep.

That evening, Professor Dumbledore would come by and Harry and Danny planned to talk to the headmaster. They had decided that they wanted to go to Diagon Alley together, before they got their letters with the needed school material for fifth year.

The idea came the night before, when Danny finally took Harry with him on a flight. Was it dangerous? Kinda. Was it stupid? Definitely. Did they care? Ancients, no.

Danny had wanted to do that for two weeks now, they had invited Sirius who was surprisingly okay with a halfa as a nephew but he had declined. He just told them to stay invisible, which meant that Harry would bring his invisibility cloak, since Danny doubted he could remember keeping them invisible the whole time.

All in all, Danny, Sirius and Harry had had a long conversation the day of the trial. They had met in Sirius' room at night and answered all of their uncle's questions. When he had been satisfied, he had ruffled their hair affectionately and then shooed them out, so they would get some sleep.

Not that either of them slept much.

So yes, they had been outside last night and Harry had been enraptured. The cool night air and the many lights of the capital gave muggle London a magical vibe and the twins went to Kensington Gardens. After a short walk in the dark, they sat down on a bench but stayed invisible.

They talked.

"You mentioned that you could speak any language, Danny." "Yeah. It's called Ghost Tongue, Glossa Fantasma, Tafod Ysbryd... you name it. It weirded me out so much at the beginning. It's mandatory at my school to take either a year Greek or Latin and I chose Greek. One day I woke up- totally forgot about the test we had that day, 'cause I was extremely busy that week with ghost stuff, so I was already sure it'd be a fail but...

"When I was handed the test, everything just made sense. I knew it was in greek but I could read and understand it, I was suddenly fluid in it. So I finished within fifteen minutes, knowing it would be an A+ and waited for my friends. At first Tucker joked that I might be a demigod on top of being a ghost but Sam wanted to see if my weird language affinity was for other languages as well.

"So we spent the whole day on the internet and I was able to translate everything, understand and speak any language they threw at me. Imagine my surprise when we found an ancient Egyptian text and the translation underneath was wrong."

Harry had gaped at him, how many more powers would Danny awaken, he wondered silently and felt a small sting of jealousy in his chest, he pushed it away "So it just... popped up?" Danny had nodded "Yep. Same as with my portal powers, my eidetic memory and so on. My friend Pandora once told me that I was a ghost child on top of being a halfa, so my core is still growing. Halfas are usually more powerful than full ghosts, seeing as there's only been about four since the emergence of humankind, there is not much known about us. Someday it'll hopefully stop but until then, any power is very welcome."

He had looked at his brother and Harry couldn't help but focus on the most relatable part of the explanation "Isn't Pandora a mythological figure?" He knew about mythologies because they've always interested him, so he was surprised that there seemed to be a ghost that was called Pandora. His brother had nodded and then explained, that apparently ghosts have influenced humankind quite a lot. The Infinite Realms have existed long before the first human and so some ghosts were hailed as gods and death bringers.

Though since the GZ and the Earth are thoroughly interconnected, sometimes a ghost would come into existence because of humans. Spiegel was one example. They were born out of the Bloody Mary myth and even confided that people were actually able to summon them because of it. One day, Spiegel was too annoyed and changed. Something ghosts could do. They could change their cores if they had a good reason for it, it was a painful process but in the end Bloody Mary disappeared and Spiegel was able to create their own personality. Forging it to their liking.

Danny even told Harry that there used to be a ghost called Hades, who had been the servant of the Ghost King Ouranos but after Ouranos was defeated by the subsequent Ghost Queen Yggdrasil, Hades decided to fade. How the mortals came up with the rest of the mythology known today, Danny hadn't been so sure.

Harry did notice that his brother knew a lot about Ghost History and politics, when asked, Danny blushed a little. Harry had to suppress a grin, his twin usually felt like someone who wasn't so easily embarrassed or put out. So getting around his calm and mostly collected demeanour was quite rewarding "Ah, well, there is kind of some talk about me getting a rather high position when I turn 21. So, my guardian/supervisor/mentor has started to educate me. Along with Frostbite and Ghostwriter. It's both fun as well as taxing..." He bit his lip, lost in thought

"I'm honestly surprised Grandfather let me go for a year." His brother had shot him a bewildered look "Why 'Grandfather'? Is he really your guardian or what?"

"Urgh, it's complicated, ghost children always get a guardian, until their cores settle after a few months or years, it depends. I didn't have one for almost five months, then something happened and Grandfather Clockwork and I... connected. Our ghost cores have accepted the other, Grandfather's took on the position of mentor and mine the one of pupil. Also, we were kinda forced into it. I just don't wanna talk about the circumstances yet."

"That's okay. Talk whenever you're ready. That sounds so much more interesting than wixen culture." "You'd be surprised. I read a bit about politics and the whole government is intriguing. I just hate the blood supremacy belief. It sounds so dumb. If pureblood wixen would take a look at the no-maj world I'm sure they would see what happened the last time someone believed in 'better blood'."

Both teens involuntarily shuddered.

The following calm silence was broken by Danny, who had now started creating green ectoplasm lights that swirled around them, fortunately, no one was around to see such a strange display seemingly coming out of nowhere "You know, I've only been to Diagon Alley once so far. I also only briefly entered Gringotts..." "Sooo?" Harry couldn't help but ask and Danny smiled sheepishly

"So I thought that we should go together." "Well, we will be when we get the letter with the school material for this year." Danny had nodded but still said "True but I want to go at a leisure pace. Without any pressure and hectic, you know? Also, just go with you and not with the whole Weasley family. Aaand I want to do an inheritance test."

"A what now?" "An inheritance test, you can get them at the bank and well, I'm just curious you know. Who knows what we'll learn."

Harry had to think about that and soon got excited as well. He's only ever been to Diagon Alley for school related things, going for the sake of going? That sounded amazing, so... witchy. He nodded happily "Yeah, we should definitely do that, though I think you're forgetting one crucial thing: A madman is after me, the Order would never let me out without several people tailing us, oh! and the rest of wizarding Britain apparently hates me right now- again."

They had stared at each other and then chuckled, Danny conceding his point "Then we'll just change your outwards appearance, it'll work. I heard Molly talking to Tonks this afternoon, she said Dumbledore will come by tomorrow, so we will ask him then." "Sounds good but you talk."

"Oh? Where went all that rumoured Gryffindor Bravery every lion prides themself in?" "See it as an initiation, Danny dear." "Well, I s'pose I shall, brother mine." They started laughing again and both were happy about how nice and normal this felt. Even though they had such difficult lives to deal with.

When they laid down on the cool grass and stared up at the surprisingly clear sky (though it was one of the hottest summers recorded in a century) and stargazed, Harry pointed at the star constellations he forgot the names of or simply didn't know and Danny told him fun facts that would make Hermione jealous.

"Has anyone ever looked after you, after you were sent to the Dursley's?" Harry had to blink in surprise at the sudden change of topic but humoured Danny, besides, he knew that he could tell him anything "No. The first real contact I had with this world was when Hagrid broke down a door and gave me my Hogwarts letter."

"Excuse me, what?" "Yeah, it was on my... I guess our 11th birthday, too! It was the best birthday I ever had." The bespectacled boy looked lovingly at a fountain to his left, not noticing Danny's shocked and alarmed face "So, what were your birthdays usually like?" "Oh, nothing special. I was glad when I didn't get a full list of chores for once, sometimes they gave me almost new socks. But it was mostly ignored."

"You are kidding, right?" "No. I know, most people probably get more but after second year, Molly has started sending me food on my birthdays, so it got more bearable." the wizard had gasped when he had felt the utter fury in his chest, coming from his twin "People shouldn't be happy about receiving food on their birthdays!" "Hey, some people have it even worse than me, it's okay anyways, you and Sirius both said I wouldn't have to go back, so it's fine."

Danny had jumped up "No, nothing is fine! Those people who don't even get dirty fucking socks on their birthday usually have families who can't afford anything special. I saw the house, the Dursley's have more than enough money, they could have afforded buying you clothes- even secondhand shop clothes but not those disgusting rags you wore when we first met! How does no one notice when you are at Hogwarts? Did you buy wixen clothes?"

Too shocked to really think, Harry had replied "No, I borrow some from my friends or wear the uniform on weekends. I- I know I could afford new clothes, probably even great quality ones but, I never had money and I'm uncomfortable spending it when I could be killed the next day anyways- or the Dursley's throw them away. I once got a relatively new pair of sneakers in my elementary school. When I brought them home, I had to watch as Uncle Vernon burnt them in the backyard, telling me how undeserving I was. I was thrown into my cupboard for three days straight and missed two days of school.

"I couldn't even tell them why I had missed the classes because I didn't get an excuse, so Petunia was called and she pretended to be shocked and that I apparently already thought I could skip school- I was suspended for a week and Miss Chase, the one who gave me the sneakers, believed their words. She started treating me like a lost cause as well.

"So yeah, I learned my lesson that week: Clothes had to be given by Petunia or I couldn't wear them and adults trust other adults over children all the time..." He was suddenly engulfed in a strong hug and tears he never thought he had, spilled from his eyes, though he wasn't crying. He hasn't cried over something like this for years. He heard Danny's silent promise that the Dursley's would learn their own lesson soon.

When Danny freed him he had said with certainty in his voice "We will go to Diagon Alley this week, we'll go shopping and make an inheritance test, then we'll get ice cream and maybe look around just for the fun of it. Is there anything you've always wanted?" "Despite the obvious answer 'parents'? No, well, I would like to not be this thin and maybe have better glasses- or eyesight."

Danny had clapped his hands, ignoring the small pang of loss he felt in his chest when Harry had mentioned their parents "Great! Then we'll get you new glasses as well! And we'll go to an apothecary, maybe they have some potions for your weight issue. Are you feeling okay? Do you maybe want to talk more?" Harry had shook his head, a thankful smile on his lips "No, thank you. I will tell you more when I feel emotionally up for it, okay?" "Okay."

They had been home by one in the morning.

Now, they were impatiently waiting for the Order to finish their meeting, so that they could talk to Dumbledore. They've already told Hermione and Ron about their plans and even though Hermione had at first forbidden them from doing something "so obviously dangerous and dumb", she saw the point the twins made. Obviously she wanted Harry to be fitted better, it was also for is health, so after she got the promise that they'd bring her a book from a book shop, she gave them her blessing.

Ron had asked for sweets and small joke articles to prank his brothers with, those troublemakers apparently held true to their word not to prank the other twin-set. They were too afraid of Ginny and Hermione, so Ron was the only vict- erm, test subject they had. George and Fred did promise Ron 20 percent off on any articles in their shop for a year as a thank you (or apology).

As soon as the door opened and the headmaster stepped through, looking lost in thoughts, Harry and Danny stepped into his path. The old man immediately looked at Danny, ignoring Harry completely 'Just like at the trial. What's going on?' Harry's inner voice demanded to know and the wizard felt his anger bubble to the surface, until Danny's subconscious automatically sent him calming emotions.

Danny didn't even notice he did that since he was concentrated on Albus Too-Many-Names Dump The Ore "Good evening Headmaster." Twinkling his blue eyes, the old man replied "Good evening to you too, Danny my boy. And Harry." He almost added as an afterthought, not even looking at him. The halfa felt a bit irritated and so came straight to the point "Harry and I would like to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow. Clothes shopping and so on. Just for fun."

Instead of the headmaster answering it was a waspish voice that almost activated Danny's Ghost Breath (since there wasn't actually a ghost, just a dungeon bat) "Absolutely not." "Why?"

Apparently the question was too dumb or something for the man and he was silent for a second, just staring at his second, well, third least favourite person on this planet "Why. Not. You ask? Because there is a Dark Lord outside and he would have a field trip if he found out about the Golden Boy and his twin brother without security."

Danny just rolled his eyes and felt elated when he saw Harry almost snickering, morphing it into a well timed cough "Weeeeell, sir, we would go with security, of course. We would also change some of Harry's and mine features. It's as easy as that." "Easy as that?" the man hissed "You only have to meet one person who has the wrong loyalties and recognizes you and we would have one Boy-Who-Lived less in this world."

Finally his brother joined in "Why though? It's obvious Voldemort is biding his time, he probably thinks that we will be at Diagon when the actual Hogwarts letters are distributed and not expect us to be there now. Danny wasn't in much danger when he went." If the two looked very closely, they could almost see a slight twitch on the potions master's left eye. He was also breathing rather heavily and Danny could imagine that Snape was probably thinking of ways to strangle them.

Surprisingly, Dumb-Me-Once-More spoke up "If Danny and Harry do change their features a little and have, say, you going with them, I'm sure it would be fine, Severus." "Me." "Yes, you." The dungeon professor sighed, wondering how he could convince Dumbledore how stupid that idea was- that he was even indulging the Potter brats!

"That would be utterly moronic, Albus. You know that. No one currently living in this house- especially those two- should leave at the moment. I will certainly not endanger my own position by babysitting the Boy-Who-Didn't-Die and his brother. No thank you." When he saw the pleading look the headmaster gave him, Severus just shook his head "No. Way. I am needed elsewhere, do what you must. Leave me out of it."

And the professor was gone. Danny and Harry quietly sighed in relief, they had been mildly panicking when Dumbledora suggested Severus Snape to accompany them. Fortunately, Tonks had heard part of their conversation, Danny had noticed her standing behind the corner, trying to hide (she wasn't very good, probably wasn't really trying) and now she happily volunteered "I'll watch them, Albus! Hestia can come along, too!"

After thinking it over, Albus I-Want-No-More surprisingly nodded "Very well. You may go. Harry, bring the cloak with and take an emergency portkey with you. In case of an emergency, you will be brought somewhere safe. I shall see you at school, my boys." And off the man went as well.

Harry wasn't exactly angry at his professor, but it still stung to see him ignoring him like that. Before anything unwanted happen, he took some calming breaths, noticing how his anger/fury/whatever was stuffed back into the vault. He was getting rather good at this.

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

The next day they left a sad looking Sirius behind, since he wasn't allowed to leave even in his animagus form. It was unlikely but possible that someone could recognize him or throw him out of the Alley, since Padfoot was rather dirty and unkempt.

So Danny and Harry, along with Hestia Jones and an excited looking Tonks, traveled to the Alley by foot (okay, and a little apparition) and Danny set foot into Diagon Alley for the second time in a little over four weeks. The street was bustling with people and the twins quickly made sure that their hair was still dirty blond and their eyes brown. Harry had a plaster on his forehead (Tonks' idea) and simply hoped that no one was interested enough to question it. Unfortunately, glamours didn't work on curse scars.

Danny demanded to first go to Gringotts to get money and the inheritance test. Tonks raised her eyebrow "You've never made one?" and both denied. Hestia then said smiling "I suppose it is about time then. Usually, orphans with at least one magical parent make an inheritance test at the age of 11. Mostly when they get the Hogwarts letter. If they grow up without knowing, they are told to get a test, in case one is descended of an old bloodline and thus will inherit the name."

"Can muggleborns be descended as well?" "Not that I know of, Harry. The paper by those tested always stays white. Now let's go. We actually do not have all day." She ushered the teenagers to that bank and they politely greeted the goblins, who raised suspicious eyebrows but kept silent or even returned the greeting.

When they met the Potter's account manager Nagnok, they were initially surprised. Who knew they would have one? The goblin was grumbling under his breath and led them to an office, Hestia and Tonks had to wait in the entrance hall.

When they sat down in front of him, Nagnok folded his hands together, scrutinizing the fifteen-year-olds in front of him "I must say," he started in a raspy yet deep voice "I was rather surprised when Griphook told me about your reappearance, Heir Potter." He looked at Danny who was gnawing on his bottom lip "Yeah, I didn't know about all this. So, it's nice to meet you?"

"Is that a question?" The goblin snarled and the twins winced "No, it is nice to meet you. We just don't know much about goblin culture and wixen culture, actually." Nagnok bared his teeth and it took them a second to realize that he was grinning "Yes, I heard the rumours. Harry Potter grew up without knowledge of this world, not to mention Daniel Potter."

"How do you know that? Everyone seems to assume that I grew up knowing about all this." Their manager snorted "Oh, how very naive you are. We knew the moment the half giant handed Griphook your vault key. Everyone who has an account has a right to their key. The actual owner or their guardian, if they are still too young. If your magical guardian had done his job correctly, you would have had the key. Do you have it now?"

Harry blushed "Erm, no, I don't really know who has it. Dumbledore maybe?" Looking over his half-moon glasses the goblin took the boy in "And he hasn't handed it to either of you even after your fifteenth birthday?" "No." they answered in unison, now a little confused. Nagnok sighed "At age fifteen, a witch, wizard or wixen is eligible to have the key to their trust vault, if they have one. They also receive their heir rings, if a title is to be inherited. I know that Heir Potter has one but we have to confirm it with an inheritance test."

Danny perked up "We are actually here for one. About the key thing though, is there a way to maybe make new ones? I don't completely trust someone who doesn't tell us about stuff like this with the key to our money." The goblin smiled approvingly and it was one of the scariest things they've seen that summer (and that included Dementors on Harry's part and a clown-spidery ghost on Danny's) "Now you are thinking. You shall each get a new unique key after the tests." While talking, he brought out two sheets of paper and laid them on the table.

"Just so you know, an inheritance test costs 5 galleons each." Harry nodded but Danny bristled "5 galleons each? That's too much and you know it! Two and a half each!" The scary smile grew wider "Yes, yes. 5 galleons total."

With that they were given a knife with which they had to drop seven drops of blood on the paper "Why seven?" Harry asked and watched as the blood disappeared and black ink appeared, slowly forming words.

"Seven is a very magically potent number. Three works fine as well but it is more enjoyable to watch people count seven drops." Danny and Harry just shared a look. Five minutes later, the results were readable enough.

Danny skimmed over his

Name: Daniel Fleamont Potter, also Phantom (deceased)

Paternal Grandfather: Fleamont Charlus Potter (deceased)

Paternal Grandmother: Euphemia Potter (deceased)

Father: James Henry Potter (deceased)

Mother: Lily Potter nee Evans (deceased)

Sibling: Harry James Potter

Godfather: Remus Lupin

Godmother: Arianne Bones (deceased)

Guardian: Master Clockwork (Ancient, Master of Time)

Titles (To claim or claimed):

-Heir Potter (Lord Potter to be)

-Sir Phantom

-Prince Phantom (King to be)

He stared wide-eyed at the titles, he didn't know inheritance tests would see through his ghost side as well! He was slightly panicking and noticed Nagnok looking at him funnily. No one should know about his claim to the throne, he was still looking for a way around it. So far, only very few ghosts knew about this and now it was black on white.

"All of this is confidential, right? No one must see this." he waved his test and Nagnok, who got out of his stupor, inclined his head respectfully "Of course, Heir Potter." He looked over at Harry who was also staring at his test, he wordlessly showed it to Danny, it was the same, except for their names, of course.

Harry's godparents were Lord Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom, who was unfortunately not stable enough. Harry felt a little bad because he never really questioned what even happened to Neville's family.

Danny noticed that Harry was eligible to the heir ring of the House of Black and the title of 'prince' because of Danny. He also could lay claim on the Slytherin lordship if he so wished but Harry immediately chose against it.

Danny locked eyes with his brother who silently pointed at the prince title and Danny just shook his head and mouthed "Later" and that was that for the moment. Nagnok took the tests and nodded to himself, before they suddenly vanished, seeing their faces he said "They are safe and no one but me can get them back and only if you ask personally, after proving it is actually you. Now, would you like your heir rings? They are always fitted with mild healing runes, as well as protection against poisons and confounding charms. Some even have special heir magic."

After receiving two nods, a sleek black box and a posh golden box materialized in front of them. Harry took the Black ring out of the sleek one and put the silvery metal ring with the small black stone in the middle on his ring finger. Around it were the words 'Toujours Pure' engraved. It felt chilly and fitted itself to the right size, so it wouldn't fall off. Harry briefly felt his magic connecting with the magic from the ring, it was dark and cold but the cold reminded him of Danny and calmed him.

He also knew that there was some special magic in the ring. He touched it in wonder and a small shadow suddenly danced across his palm. Weird.

Danny was fairing similarly, his magic connected immediately with the golden and white ring and hummed a little, while the ring shrunk a bit. In its center was the family-crest, depicting a majestic looking deer. He didn't feel any special new power and sighed a sigh of relief. He really didn't need more.

When all was settled, they were given their new keys (goblins were highly efficient) and endless pouches, that allowed them to take the money immediately from the vault, since they were fifteen there wasn't any restriction on the budget. Nagnok bowed before them after he brought them back to the entrance hall "May your gold overflow, Heir Potter and Heir Black." They bowed back and Harry quickly said "May your enemies' heads lay to your feet, Manager Nagnok."

The goblin looked positively surprised and bowed once more, before he left them.

Tonks and Hestia were immediately by their sides, the metamorphagus looked shortly at their heir rings "Haha, a Potter who is also a Black, we haven't had that for three- four generations." Harry nodded, remembering that a Dorea Black had married a Potter a while ago.

As they stepped outside, Harry felt the shadows around him and felt comforted by them. He wondered if this is what death feels like, would it be insensible to ask his twin? Probably. So instead, he followed after Danny who was debating with Tonks to which clothes shop they should go "And I'm telling you, Twilfitt and Tattings is for snobs and purebloods, Malkin's is very much fine. You should get that, Tonks." Tonks shook her head "True, but they also have the best clothes! You can get anything there! It's never scratchy or uncomfortable, they even grow with you and have inbuilt heating and cooling charms. Come on, Danny!"

Hestia also looked dreamy at the prospect of entering that shop, Harry stepped up "So it's okay to like a shop we know is prejudiced but hate on the people who mostly buy there?" Tonks and Hestia faltered a little and acquiesced the point "Okay, Malkin's it is, I guess..."

Harry got himself a whole new wardrobe, as well as a new Hogwarts uniform, they now knew their disguise worked because Madam Malkin was tutting over how she had never seen them before and 'have you heard about the Ministry Hearing? Harry Potter was falsely accused, they say. Now I don't know if he is a liar or not.'

Harry got robes and shirts, pants and undergarments, shoes. Malkin was a little confused at that but let it be. When they left, Harry (and Danny, who also bought a few more 'wizarding clothes') had a new wardrobe and more than acceptable wixen clothes, he was glad for shrinking charms when Danny dragged him over to an apothecary, where they quickly bought several potions that helped for people with malnutrition and stumped growth.

Then, Danny shoved them toward another shop, one he had questioned Hermione about

"I asked Hermione where one would go if they wanted new glasses. Surprisingly, they are sold at the shop 'Wizarding Supplies' near Knockturn Alley." Harry paused "Wait, Knockturn Alley? Are you sure we should go there?" His brother tilted his head "Sure, why not?"

Tonks answered for Harry "Knockturn Alley is known for its magically darker aspects, the further you venture in the more it is like a muggle red light district, too. It's not a place two young boys should go." The halfa just waved the concern off "We won't be alone, so it's fine, besides: the shop is basically still in Diagon Alley. So let's go!" Without much choice, the others followed him, though Hestia had to take the lead when Danny walked into the wrong direction.

After a bit of searching they found the shop. The shop windows displayed supplies of all kinds. There was a broom and a cauldron but also books on wizarding subjects, that the twins found intriguing, there were also pointy hats and even bags and pouches that promised to have mokeskin properties.

Tonks whistled at that "Mokeskin pouches are rather expensive and not commonly seen. I would definitely get one, if I were you. You can store several large and small items inside and only the owner can open it. You can even compartmentalize some!" With that she went inside, Hestia following after her, hissing at her that she should take this security job more seriously.

Harry and Danny went in shortly after them, to look for the owner. They found her in the back where she was putting glass jars filled with eyes? eggs? onto shelves. When she noticed them, she seemed a little surprised but smiled nonetheless. She seemed very kind, with short dark hair and dark brown eyes. She was also as tall as the twins, so that was a bonus "Hello, welcome to my humble shop. Well, technically my father's, who got it from his father, who got it from his mother... you know how it is.

"I am Felicity Monroe, nice to meet you. Is there anything I could do for you?" Harry answered, with a small smile on his face. He almost thought that all the shop owners near Knockturn would look murderous or were ancient, it was actually a rather prejudiced thought, now that he thought about it "I am here to get new glasses, we were told that this shop is the best for it."

Felicity looked at him appraisingly and nodded "What is your eyesight, young man?" "Err, I don't know. Bad? Like, when I take them off I can only see things that are really really close." The owner blinked at him, ignoring the loud crash coming from the front's shop and Tonk's mortified "I'm sorry!" "You never got your eyesight checked?" Harry rubbed his neck nervously "Er, no? I was handed the glasses I have now without ever seeing a professional. To be honest, they aren't really fitting either."

Felicity sighed "Okay, I understand. I won't ask why no one took you to an ophthalmologist but getting you new glasses that fit your prescription? I can't do that, make you some when you know your eyesight is no problem. You should first go to a physician and then come back." When she saw the twins' disappointed look she added "Or, if you have enough money, I can give you a potion that will give you a 20/20 vision. If not, then I'll gladly recommend Healer Joanne, she is known for her wide array of knowledge in different areas."

The BWL spluttered "You mean, there is a potion that can cure bad eyesight? Forever? Why is no one using it more often?" Monroe smiled "Not everyone can afford it. It costs 200 galleons and there is a reason why most purebloods don't wear glasses. It's mostly hush hush in the higher circles, since needing glasses is considered a weakness. Of course, some don't do it even if they have the money, I can't tell you why they want to keep having to wear glasses." She shrugged and the twins shared a look

Harry bit his lip "Would it be okay for you if we pay the money?" his brother blinked and then nodded slowly "If you don't want to wear glasses anymore, of course. Or we can get you contact lenses, though with time they get expensive too. I really don't mind. It's for a good cause after all." The unsaid words that losing his glasses when fighting could end in disaster hung in the air and Harry swallowed uneasily.

The glasses were a very Potter-y thing, or so he has been told. They connected him to his dad and yet. He remembered the times when Dudley and his gang stole his glasses- as bad as the prescription may be they still helped him see- and forced him to run obstacle courses and he had to dodge several items that were thrown at him. The only reason why he got his glasses back afterwards was because Petunia didn't want to go out of her way to get him new ones.

So yes, it would definitely be helpful to never have to worry about his eyes and glasses. He nodded at Felicity, who clapped her hands and motioned for them to wait. They stood there in silence, only hearing Hestia berating Tonks and the young auror laughing and apologizing.

Five minutes late, Felicity came back and led them to a waiting room adjoint to the main room. There were several comfortable looking couches and a coffee table as well as a full book case in the back of the room "It is best to take the potion while lying down, since it can be a rather painful and unpleasant experience. After taking it, you'll have to leave your eyes closed for thirty minutes and you should wear sunglasses for the rest of the day. Tomorrow you'll have perfect vision for the rest of your live. Would you still like to take it? If you are too busy..."

Harry hastily interrupted "No no, it's fine. Rick, can you tell Tonks and Hestia to wait?" the young wizard was glad that he remembered to use Danny's fake name and grinned when he heard the answer "Sure thing, Mort."

While Harry positioned himself on the couch and took the potion, he listened to Felicity talking about the shop and how difficult it was to get customers, mostly it was just purebloods who wanted the eyesight potion. She mentioned that barely any 'light orientated' people visited because the shop was almost considered a Knockturn shop.

Harry felt bad for a second as he lay there with closed eyes, if it weren't for Danny, he probably wouldn't even be here either. He felt rather than heard Danny re-enter, since Felicity hadn't been kidding when she said that the potion was painful. It was no cruciatus or even the pain his scar emitted at times but it was still a pressure in his eyesockets that felt as though someone was hammering nails into them. It was rather uncomfortable.

After 35 minutes he opened his eyes and immediately shut them again. Monroe hadn't been kidding when she said his eyes would be a sensitive to light. The room they were currently in was already held in dark tones and it was still too much on Harry. He felt somebody putting sunglasses in his hand and he put them on, reopening his eyes. This time it was bearable and he noticed that everything looked extremely sharp. He could even make out Danny's face, who was at the door. He hadn't been able to see this sharply even with his former glasses and stared in wonder at the details he had missed before.

He couldn't wait to see how everything would look without sunglasses.

They went back to the front shop and Felicity charged them 213 galleons, ten were for a mokeskin pouch Danny purchased and the extra three were for the specially crafted sunglasses, as she took the presented money she added "After a good night's rest, you should be able to walk around without them. They look pretty nice though so you can just keep them for summers and so on." Harry smiled at her "Thank you, really. I'll try to convince my friends to come by here sometime, it's really nice here."

Felicity smiled and waved them off, wishing them a good day. Harry led with Danny following close behind. Tonks and Hestia were already at the door, both looking very impatient, the auror noticed them first "Oh good, you are still alive and not used for weird experiments, let's go, I'm hungry!"

Danny held the door open for them and jovially said "Hello Hungry, I'm Danny." And even though the two witches looked a little confused, Harry snickered behind him. At least someone knew about dad jokes.

The group actually didn't go to eat ice cream, seeing as it was lunchtime and instead decided to enter a restaurant called 'Glitter and Salt, the Restaurant that has it all', Hestia confided that it was most commonly known as 'The Restaurant'. You could actually order anything you wanted and it would be made edible- or at least taste like the desired meal.

Danny looked at the menu and decided to go with a safe choice and ordered tortellini with a cheese-and-ham-sauce. Harry went with a club sandwich without chips, Hestia wanted a salad with escargot dressing and Tonks wanted the exploding pizza. She assured them that the pizza wouldn't actually explode but the twins still scooted a little further away when their food arrived.

The pizza was actually a calzone and when opened it made a loud exploding noise, also- according to Tonks, the flavours exploded on the tongue.

They ate in silence and Danny watched the other visitors, it was like a no-maj family restaurant, he quickly decided. Tables in separate booths, almost like a diner and a bar as well as doors to the kitchen. Several families were placed around the restaurant, even some workers who obviously had lunch break right now. The waiters and waitresses were also 'normal', they didn't fly around on brooms to take their orders, the only real magical thing he had noticed was that their food just appeared and wasn't personally brought to them.

They also had privacy charms in their booths which is why they couldn't hear the little child opposite to their table cry when their chocolate frog jumped to the ground. Danny shortly wondered if this was the normal life for the magical folk. Living like no-majs but with magic thrown into the mix... and of course the rather old fashioned style one could find everywhere. He really had to send Tucker some pictures.

With a small smile, he took out his phone and- ignoring Tonks' and Hestia's curious glances and Harry's knowing face, he took a video, showing the restaurant and zooming in to Diagon Alley from the window that was conveniently placed next to him. When he was satisfied with the result he send the video to his friends and continued to finish his meal.

Of course, it was still rather early in Amity and he didn't expect his friends to already be awake, during summer break no less. Instead, he finished with his meal and while they waited for their guards to finish up as well, Harry and Danny decided to play rock, paper, scissors. A content feeling spread through the twins while doing so and they both thought that this is what life would be like if they were just normal teens who grew up together. Without fame or ghost powers.

After they were done, Hestia paid for the meal and they left.

"So, what's next? Or are you ready to go home?" The twins immediately shook their heads "No, I want to go to a book shop/the quidditch shop!" They blinked for a second before laughing and Danny relented "Okay, first Quidditch then books?" Harry nodded, still trying to contain his smile "Yeah and then we go to a shop that sells pranks and stuff- for Ron." They agreed and proceeded to 'Quality Quidditch Supplies' where Harry bought a care set for his broom as well some new gloves for winter.

He told Danny that it could be freezing during the winter/autumn matches and as seeker his hands couldn't freeze or he couldn't grab the snitch properly. Danny never had any issues with the cold- he even welcomed it and even if it would trouble him, he automatically wore gloves in his Phantom persona. So yeah.

"We should definitely fly together when we are at Hogwarts." "I would love to, but others would notice when you'd fly next to me, you know." Danny made a face "You mean you are one allowed to fly during practice and actual games?" "I- well, I think so? Actually, I don't know. It would be stupid, now that you mention it. I am a player, everyone knows I can fly. If I were to go with friends or you as supervision, then why shouldn't I be allowed to fly on my own? I wouldn't need the Quidditch field, we could just fly around Hogwarts.

"When there is no dragon after you I am sure it's actually quite the nice view." "A dragon? Of course." Harry grinned while he put the bought items into Danny's new pouch "Yeah, last year. It was the first task during the Triwizard Tournament and we had to steal a fake egg from a dragon mother. I outflew my dragon with my broom though she got hurt in the process. Even though she was trying to grill me, she just followed instincts. I still feel a bit bad about it."

Danny shook his head, his brother was fourteen and had to escape a dragon mother. They were absolutely crazy and possessive, he should know "Ah yeah, I know what you mean. I had to fight a dragon once, too. He is now in prison and his sister Dora is now the rightful ruler of the Mattingly Kingdom." "Excuse me, what? How do you imprison a dragon? How does a dragon become a king anyways?" "Oh, right. They are ghosts who live in the Ghost Zone and are considered nobility in the overall hierarchy that exists in the GZ.

"Their family heirloom is a medallion that allows them to transform into dragons, especially when they get angry and boy, was Aragon- Dora's brother, angry. All. The. Time. He even almost married my girlfriend!" "What!? What even is your life?" Harry asked while cracking up. Danny just rolled his eyes "It's pretty much just revolving around ghosts and non-ghosts. Your life doesn't sound much cozier, actually."

Harry conceded to that and they entered 'Whizz Hard Books', a book shop that had more interesting books than 'Flourish and Blotts'. Tonks and Hestia were still talking to each other and motioned the twins to go ahead, there was only one entrance and by now they were certain that no one would recognize Harry, so they were all pretty relaxed.

While Harry decided to follow Danny's (and Hermione's) example to finally learn more about wixen culture and thus looked at books that would introduce people to wizarding politics and culture, as well as the things pureblood wixen grew up with, Danny decided to buy some more books about runes and found an interesting sounding one about arithmancy which he bought for Hermione as promised.

He also found some children's books that were probably read to young witches and wizards. His curiosity piqued, he grabbed two at random and decided to learn a bit more about how magical children in magical families grew up, not realizing that he had similar thoughts to Harry.

The halfa had to admit that he actually started to enjoy reading books. There were only two weeks left until the school year started and he was in the final sprint, so to speak. He would finish up with Charms, Transfiguration and Care for Magical Creatures tomorrow- if he passed the tests. The rest was going smoothly as well. He was even decent at Potions. Harry once confided to him that he couldn't really concentrate on potions while Slytherins kept tampering with his work and Snape simultaneously degraded him.

He also couldn't read the instructions very clearly but Danny hoped that at least that wouldn't be a problem anymore from now on. Seriously, he huffed, the Dursley's would definitely suffer, he would make sure of that.

Contend with the books he got, he met with Harry at the register and his brother proudly showed him the books on wizarding culture and so on. Danny decided to introduce Harry to the Black Library before they left to Hogwarts.

After paying for their items, Danny stowed them in his pouch (best personal investment today) and they met the two witches outside. They quickly got some sweets for the Weasley's and prank equipment for Ron. Lastly, they decided to eat some ice cream before returning. By now, it was already past 3 pm and Danny decided to take some more pictures with his phone, sending them to his family and friends. His sister might be awake by now.

She had been preparing for university the whole summer and had been up at sunrise the entire time. She truly was smart and Danny was glad she got into Harvard- on a scholarship at that. He was a bit amused about the fact that until he left, it was always Jazz who would move the furthest away and now here he was, standing in a magical shopping alley in the heart of London. It was kind of funny.

Both he and Harry got the Treacle Tart flavour and eventually they began their trip back to Grimmauld Place.

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

The moment they arrived, Tonks left to the Ministry and Hestia decided to go back to her wife. The twins got pestered with questions and greedy eyes, that turned into glee when they presented their friends with their souvenirs. Hermione hugged Danny happily and Ron immediately hid the prank articles from Fred and George's eyes. Ginny had a gleam in her eyes when Harry gave her her favourite sweets and the twins cheered when they got theirs.

As they settled down in the sitting room- although Harry was taking a shower to finally wear his new clothes, Hermione (already with the new book opened on her lap) asked Danny "Why was Harry wearing sunglasses? Is he sober?" Ron and Danny (who was also reading in one of his books) snorted and the half ghost shook his head "No, we actually went to the shop you told me about, for new glasses.."

"Yes, new glasses- not sunglasses, I thought." "I am just telling you that we took your recommendation to heart, the shop was quite nice. So anyways, the owner, Felicity Monroe told us about an eyesight fixing potion and you might be happy to hear that Harry now has a 20/20 vision and won't be needing glasses anymore!"

Hermione looked surprised but pleased, however, the twins looked shocked and Ginny spoke up "Those potions are filthy expensive, which is why dad still wears glasses and you just decided on a whim to pay for it?" Danny shrugged "Well, yes. It's for Harry, he deserves it if he wants it- don't you agree? Also, 200 galleons is a lot but it was only once. Contact lenses for example would be for life but they are also very expensive and win the end would cost more than the potion."

Ron nodded "I get that, but 200 galleons? They cost at least 600!" "600? We only paid 200, I don't understand? Did she set us up? Is Harry going to be almost blind again by tomorrow?" The red-haired twins shook their heads "What did the potion look like? If it was a mixture of purple and clear, then you are all good. The eyesight potion is one of the few that has two colours." Danny was already smiling, confused but glad that Harry got the real deal "Then it's fine. The potion looked like you described. I just don't understand why Felicity would only charge us 200 galleons?"

The others shrugged and even Hermione looked lost "Normally I would say she did it for Harry, because he is still famous, no matter what the news letter says, however, you were in disguise so I really don't know."

Danny shrugged as well but secretly wondered if Felicity may have felt for his twin when he so nonchalantly told her that his 'guardians' never took him to a doctor. Maybe she realized that Harry might be a victim of neglect and she wanted to do something nice for him. What a selfless woman, Danny thought, if that is truly the case. He made a mental note to donor some money to her shop, as a thank you. He absently fiddled with his new ring and Ginny noticed "Woah, you got an Heir ring? Bill has one, the Prewett one, but I guess it's weird to see you with the Potter heir ring. I always thought Harry would get that one."

"Well, he has the Black heir ring, so he still is an heir, if that's what you're worried about?" He was only joking but Ginny turned bright red "No! I don't care if Harry is an heir or not! How could you even insinuate that?" Danny held his hands up "Wow, calm down, please. I was just joking." The youngest Weasley harrumphed, crossing her arms and Danny rolled his eyes "I don't get any reading done here, see you guys later. I'll be in our room, Ron." Ron waved him absentmindedly while Ginny pierced him with an icy stare.

Geez, if he had known Ginny could be so fierce, he would have kept his mouth shut. When he entered his room, it was to Harry stroking Hedwig's and Ari's feathers, murmuring sweet nothings to them. He was dressed in a dark green button up and black trousers, as well as fitting shoes that didn't have any holes in them. When he met Danny's gaze, he looked almost like a different person. Still like himself but more like Danny as well? Argh, it was complicated.

Danny sat down crosslegged on his bed and watched Harry, who smiled up at him, lost in his own thoughts. The halfa decided to check his phone and surprisingly both Jazz and his friends hd already responded. Jazz asked several questions mostly concerning the logistics while Sam and Tucker were arguing in the group chat about whether or not wizarding hats were 'fashionable or not', surprisingly it was Tucker who thought they were and Sam was decidedly against it.

The young wizard smiled and decided to send them a picture of him and Harry, that he hadn't thought of this yet...

"Harry, mind taking a picture with me? I want to send it to my friends and family." After an agreeing nod, Danny moved to sit next to Harry and Hedwig flew onto her owner's left shoulder while Ari made herself comfortable on Danny's right shoulder. They took several pictures, some were serious and some extremely silly. They laughed while looking through them and deciding on which to send Danny's family.

It didn't take long and while the twins were still laughing at a particular funny video of Hedwig who got scared by a small spider that suddenly crawled over Harry's pillow and then screeched indignantly, while trying to pack at the poor spider, the Fentons sent some pictures themselves, same as Sam and Tucker. They all sent Harry their regards and the Fentons greeted Harry lovingly.

Harry felt warm in his heart when he looked at the pictures and how accepting and loving Danny's adopted family seemed to be- the mere thought that Danny willingly wanted to share them with him. It was still mind-blowing and made Harry decidedly happy.

After a while, they sat down together on Harry's bed and just stayed there in silence, Harry looked at his heir ring and the weird feelings it gave him, as well as the apparently new powers and finally decided to question Danny "Today, at the bank... what is the mean of the 'prince' title?"

He watched his brother stiffen and thought that Danny wouldn't tell him after all but his brother surprised him "Ah, well... remember when I told you two nights ago how there is talk about me in the Infinite Realms that I get some high position? Turns out that I have a right to the throne. I am, currently, the only eligible heir to the throne, actually. To become ruler of the GZ one has to have fulfilled three conditions: Admitted Defeat or Acknowledgement from the former ruler, a successful Test of Strength and the support from at least three Ancients.

"The Ancients are like the Ruler's personal advisors and the royal court. I have unknowingly fulfilled them all and now I'm probably going to be crowned at 21. I currently hold the title 'Crown Prince Phantom', though fortunately only a few really know about it. Princess Dora- the dragon, still calls me 'Sir Phantom' which I prefer compared to 'your highness' or 'my prince'."

They were silent while Harry ingested the news. Just when he thought nothing could surprise him in regards to his brother, he proofs him wrong: A prince! His brother was a bloody prince and sometimes dead and saving the world. What did Harry have? Unloving relatives, a fugitive for a godfather and fame he never wanted. Though, Danny didn't seem too happy about his title either "Who are the Ancients that approved?" he asked, without really thinking about it and Danny promptly answered "Grandfather, Pandora and Nocturne. I also defeated Undergrowth, which actually counts as well."

"And the current ruler acknowledged you?" "...No. I defeated him. With help! Not on my own but King Pariah was absolutely crazy- a tyrant. The only way to deal with him was to capture him in a sarcophagus and force him to sleep for all eternity. Of course, Vlad thought it would be funny to awaken him and Pariah decided to take over the world. He only managed Amity Park before we stoped him but it was an exhausting fight.

He is asleep again now and Nocturne- the Master of Sleep and Dreams, reinforced the hearses powers, so we should be rid of him for good. I even destroyed the key to his prison." "That really does sound intense, I'm sorry you had to go through that." "It's okay, now, I've grown since then and my friends have been a great help. Unfortunately, now I have to prepare to take over the throne as soon as I am 'of age'.

"Since you are my brother- my blood related brother, you have the title 'prince' as well. I know that Ellie is a princess, so it makes sense." "Ellie?" "My clone."

Harry blinked a couple of times, wondering if maybe Danny had a different definition of 'clone' than Harry but it didn't seem probable.

"You have a clone? And her name is Ellie?" Danny smiled "It's actually Danielle, but that's too confusing and she is very independent- like me, so she goes by Ellie or Elle now. She was created by Vlad, who is kind of my archenemy, I guess, and she is the closest creation to me he got. He is obsessed with me, which, like I said, is never good. He wants me to be his son and heir but his 'progress' was too slow for him so he though "Why not make my own son, a perfect clone from Daniel" and voila, Ellie."

"That is seriously messed up." Danny rubbed his neck sheepishly "Yeah, Ellie realized that Vlad only saw her as a failure and helped me defeat him, she has since been traveling the world. You should have seen her when I was told my new duties, she laughed for almost fifteen minutes straight at my misery until she was told that she would have to fulfill duties as well." "Does that mean I have some as well?" "I don't know yet, you are not a ghost, after all. Maybe? I'll ask at some point. We still have time though. Let's concentrate on keeping you alive for now."

Harry grinned darkly at that. Right. Stay alive for whatever is going to happen in his near future. Still, he glanced at his brother, he had Danny on his side. A powerful being that just so happened to be his twin, someone who accepted him for all his flaws and thought it natural to stay with him through all this.