Danny Potter and the Halfa Prince chapter 12

Chapter 12: The False Memory of Skroob

"Just be lucky you aren't killed." Betty scolds Danny. The two and their friends have returned to Toonwarts to continue their sixth year. The red haired girl was looking through a couple of the Daily Bugle which has the gloomy headline 'More disappearances'. "You gotta realize who you are, Danny."
"Hey, I know who I am, Betty, got it?!" Danny snaps to Betty in annoyance. Of course, he calms down somewhat. "Sorry about that. Just upset."
"Yeah, we know. We know." Shadow said to Danny, knowing what his friend is going through right now. "That monster Vicky and her pal Mephiles has got away..."
"And almost destroyed the Longs' home," Cream cries out a bit in worry. "We're lucky that they didn't burn the place to the ground."
"So Danny, what did Jonathan have to say?" Betty asks Danny, wanting to know what Jake's father has told him the other day before the attacked happened.
"Well, if Obi-Wan is travelling, it's news to the Council of Narnia." Danny explains to his friends. "And here's something interesting: you know that cabinet that Paul was looking at that night at Creeper's? He was looking at a Teleportation Chamber."
"A Teleportation Chamber," Mara, who joined the others, spoke up, "As in those things that the good guys to dodge the Black Dragons during the first war with Vader?"
"Same thing, Mara."
"What is Paul wanting with a Teleportation Chamber?" Misty asks Danny puzzled.
"You tell me." Danny said with a frown. There must be a reason why Paul was looking at it...but if he or his family never brought one, why was the boy interested in it?
Betty frowns as she thinks this over then spoke up, "Paul has been looking different, lately, don't you think; As if almost ill."
"Who could tell the difference; Mara?"
"Don't look at me. We may be in the same house but I don't keep track of what Paul does." Mara grunts a bit while waving a hand in the air. "But he has been acting a bit odd, even the other Bane students notice...or has your adopted big brother too arrogant to notice?"
"Come on, Trix, of course I will wear it." A familiar voice of Jake said, making some of the group, especially Betty frown a bit.
"Looks like the hogger and her boy are back." Misty comments dryly. The others turn to see Jake with a pouting Trixie; the former is wearing a gold chain which is labeled 'My Sweetheart', "Pathetic, eh?"
"That's my Rake-Rake." Trixie giggles while hugging Jake, much to Betty's dismay and disgust.
"Excuse me while I go throw up." Betty remarks in disgust as she heads off.
"Poor Betty; Sooner or later, she gotta tell Jake how she feels." Luke sighs a bit. "Danny, what do you think?"
Danny wasn't paying attention to Luke. He was looking at June who is sitting in alcove with Redge who is laughing with Loud. The girl spots Danny and gave a feeble wave, making him wave right back.
Love can be a pain, ain't it?

Flashback

Soon, Danny and Luke are once again attending lessons with Obi-Wan and Eli once more. They are now looking at a memory of someone who is speaking to Vader, concerning Padme.
"My wife Padme...what happened to her?" Vader ask someone in concern.
That someone, who sounded like Nuada, spoke up in a sincere kinda voice, "I'm sorry, my lord, but I'm afraid in your anger...you have killed her."
Suddenly Vader in horror and outrage loses it, using his Force to destroy almost anyone or anything in sight. Nuada and those who were lucky were able to hide in time or use magic to keep themselves safe.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Anakin AKA Vader roars out in fury. He has lost his wife, the last thing connected to his happiness. The villain may never know love again...

End Flashback

As the two students pull their faces out of the Myst Image Device, Luke spoke up in concern, "My father was cringe worthy, wasn't he?"
"Sadly yes. When your mother died on that night, the last shed of innocence that was Anakin Skywalker was gone forever." Obi-Wan explain seriously to Luke. "Of course, what he didn't know is that on that same night, Padme gave birth to you and you were given to your aunt and uncle for safe keeping."
"I see. So I was safe from our enemies."
"Now there is one more memory I must show you that takes place during Anakin's school years here." Eli said as he put in a new memory into the device. "Danny, Luke, watch carefully for this is very important."
Danny and Luke nods as they put their heads into the image to see what to witness next.

Flashback

In another memory, Danny and Luke find themselves in Skroob's office, years when he was younger and when Anakin was having a party with a young Anakin Skywalker and several other boys. The crystal hourglass sits on a side table as the entertainment continues.
Anakin spoke up in curiosity, "Professor; is it true that Professor Blaine is going to retire soon?"
Skroob just chuckles, waving a finger at Anakin while saying, "Well, I couldn't tell you even if I do know, right? I gotta say, I want to know where you get your information. More knowledgeable then than half of the staff, that's what you are." The other boys laugh at this. "Oh, thanks for the pineapple, Annie. You're quite right, it is my favorite. How is it that you knew?"
"Intuition." Anakin answers with a smile. Skroob smiles back but the way he did that suggest that intuition got nothing to do with it. The professor chuckles uneasily.
"Yes, yes. Whoa! Look at the time! Off you go or Professor Gandalf will put us all in detention! Doom, Boom-Boom, don't forget your essays!"
The students leave the room, preparing to head to their dooms for the night. Skroob chuckles as he busies himself with some papers, preparing to get some work done; when the professor turn around, he saw, to his surprise, Anakin still in the room, looking at the crystal hourglass. Odd!
"Better not dawdle, Anakin. You don't want to be caught out of bed after hours." Skroob said, concerned for Anakin for the possibility of him getting into trouble should he get caught out of bed after hours.
"Yes, I know a secret shortcut or two." Anakin assures Skroob with a secret smile. Apparently the future wicked Sith has no worries in getting to bed without getting caught.
"Oh, well I guess you do. So do you have something on your mind if you have any reason for staying here?"
"Yes, sir. I couldn't think of anyone else to talk to about this. In fact, the other professors...they aren't like you at all. I am worried if I asked them, they might...misunderstand."
"Well, go on." Skroob said as he took off a ring on his left hand and roll it between his fingers, being set with a black stone. Whatever Anakin want to ask him, it can't be bad, right?
"Well, the thing is, I was in the library the other night, in the Restricted Section." Anakin begins to say as if pondering about a question that he wants to ask Skroob. "I notice something rather odd, a bit of rare magic that was forgotten since long ago. Perhaps you could tell me about it..."
Danny and Luke continue watching but then something odd happen: a dense fog covers the room and suddenly Skroob begins to get angry at Anakin, his voice was twisted into an angry shriek all of the sudden.
"Look, I don't know anything about such thing and even if I did, I would never tell you!" Skroob yells at Anakin in anger. "Now leave right now and don't let me catch you mentioning it ever again!"
Anakin didn't say anything as he turns to leave. Danny and Luke yelps as the fog grows thicker.

End Flashback

The two came out of the swirling Myst Image Device, both of them are bewildered at what they seen. The two turn to see Obi-Wan, Eli and Ryan watching as if asking 'what the heck did we just saw?'
"Are you two confused? I would be surprised if you weren't." Obi-Wan said to Danny and Luke seriously.
"I don't get it, what happened?" Danny asks in bewilderment. "I mean, one moment Anakin was going to ask Skroob something and the next, a fog appears and Skroob went crazy. What does it mean?"
"It means that it's the most important memory that Obi-Wan has ever collected. It is also a lie." Eli explains seriously to Danny and Luke. "The memory has been tampered with which explains the fog."
"And I'm guessing that the owner of the memory, our pal Professor Lemmy Skroob is behind it, right dad?" Ryan asks Eli in concern.
"That is correct."
"But why would he tamper with his own memory?" Luke asks Obi-Wan and Eli in concern. Skroob has tampered with the memory of that day but why?
"I suspect that he is ashamed of it." Obi-Wan said with a serious nod while eating some candy.
"Why?" Danny asks Obi-Wan. What truly happened in the real memory that Skroob would tampered with it?
"Why indeed."
Ryan pauses a bit, then realizes something, making him say, "Of course, you asked Danny to get to know Professor Skroob...which Danny has indeed done so. The memory is the real reason why."
"Correct. Danny, I want you and Luke to get him to divulge his true memory in any way you can." Obi-Wan said seriously to Danny and Luke. "This is your real assignment for that memory is the only way we can find out Vader's secret."
"But I don't know him that well, sir. And he doesn't like Luke because of his connection to his father." Danny points out, making Luke looks down at the last part.
"Right; I doubt he would give us the memory by just asking him." Luke said in agreement; Whatever the reason Skroob wanted to keep anyone from finding out his true memory, he want give it up so easily.
"Danny, you are the Chosen One. Luke, you are a boy who has a father who is Vader." Eli reminds the two boys of whom they are, "And Lemmy? He is a decent man at heart. Give him the proper circumstances and he will confess his sons."
Obi-Wan came over to the Myst Image Device and put his fingers on the dry hand into the image before lifting them, they are iridescent and whole right now. The Jedi comments, "This memory of Skroob's is everything, Danny. Why without it, we are blind and we can only leave the fate of our world to chance. You two have no choice. You mustn't fail."
Danny and Luke saw the damp sheen enveloping Obi-Wan's hand evaporating before the fingers decay once more. The halfa knew that his headmaster is right. He must get Skroob to talk no matter what. His memory is the only thing to help save the world now.
As Danny and Luke prepare to leave, the halfa stops as he spoke up to the Jedi, "Obi-Wan...we're sorry...about what happened to Gandalf."
Obi-Wan pauses as he hears that then sighs while looking to Ryan, "I suppose Ryan told you, didn't he?"
"I feel like they have the right to know, Obi." Ryan said to Obi-Wan seriously. "Danny knows what happened to Gandalf on that day in the Mines of Moria."
"I should have saved him and let the Balrog take me instead."
"But then you wouldn't be here, Obi-Wan, and neither...in a sense, would Danny be here if you did. Besides, Gandalf told you to leave him...he died fighting, Obi-Wan. As was his way."
Danny nods as he said, "Yeah, Obi-Wan. Gandalf saved your life, by sacrificing himself."
Obi-Wan sighs a bit while looking down. Yes, Gandalf has indeed saved his life...but the nightmares? They will never leave him be...

As the class bell rings, a group of First Years are preparing to leave Skroob's classroom. The professor calls after them, "Now everyone, let's not forget to look over the chapter on antidotes because I will be poisoning you all when meet again! Ha ha ha! Just joking, off you go! Miss Dawn, don't forget your Pokémon."
Skroob smiles as every student leaves the room. As he turns the professor fails to see Danny and Luke waiting outside the door before coming in. Skroob was humming over his briefcase, not noticing their presence until he turns around and spots them both.
"Ah! Hey, it's the Prince of Potions himself...and Skywalker!" Skroob exclaims, getting uneasy at Luke on the last part. "So boys, what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Sir, Danny and I came here to ask you something if you don't mind." Luke said to Skroob in concern. Looks like he and Danny will have to do their best to talk the professor into giving up the true memory of his.
"Well, while I may not be a fan of your father, I will just my best to answer. You two go ahead and ask away!":
Danny breathes in and out, well, time to see if this will work. The halfa spoke up, "Well, you see the other day I was in the library in the Restricted Section. And while I was there, I stumbled upon something...odd while reading; something that concerns a bit of rare magic that was forgotten since long ago."
Skroob begins to get uneasy as the question sounds familiar to him. The professor asks slowly, "Yes? Tell me, what is this...rare forgotten magic that you speak of?"
"Well to be honest, I am not sure. I don't recall the name to be honest. I asked Luke and he doesn't know either. But maybe...it got us to come to you. Are the kinds of magic that you aren't supposed to be teaching?"
"Uh, Danny, Luke; I'm only a Potions Professor. Perhaps you should ask that question to Professor Masters. He is into that subject than I am."
"I don't know, sir. Both Danny and Professor Masters don't see eye to eye on...well, everything." Luke admits with a shrug. "Well, what I meant to say is...he isn't like you. He might...misunderstand."
Skroob begins to get more uncomfortable as these lines of questions sound familiar to him. In hopes to change the subject and move away from this fear, the professor said, "There is no light without the dark and the same goes with magic. Myself, I always do myself to strived to live within the light. Why don't you boys do the same, eh?"
Skroob picks up his briefcase. He was about to leave when Danny spoke up, "Did you say the same to Anakin Skywalker, Luke's father, when he came asking questions?" This question made the Potions Professor stops, slowly turning to the boys in worry, extreme worry. "Sir, I..."
"Did Obi-Wan and Eli put you up to this? Did they?! Did they?!"
"Sir, I..." Luke was beginning to say but Skroob held up an unraised hand to keep him quiet.
"Look, I know what you're up to but you two aren't going to get it, do you hear me?!" Skroob snaps to Danny and Luke angrily. "You can go to my classes and my parties all you want but I will never let you have it! Good day to you boys!"
With that, Danny and Luke watch Skroob leaves the room, not saying another word; Looks like their first attempt has failed.

A while later, Danny, holding Twilight, knocks on the door to Skroob's office. The professor opens the door's peephole, glancing at the halfa. Danny smiles while saying, "Hey; All right if Twilight and I come in?"
Skroob frowns and closes the peephole, making Danny sighs a bit. Twilight ask, "Skroob isn't going to give you the memory, is he?"
"Not when he's now aware. There must be something I can do..."
Lightning flashes as thunder rumbles outside the castle. A storm is happening outside right now. As Danny and Twilight are heading off, ignoring the rain lashing at the windows, they approach a bird cage...but look at it puzzled. There were two birds in this case, but now only the black one remains. The other one, a white bird, is missing. How odd!
The bird ruffles its feather as thunder booms. Danny and Twilight turns and glances down the corridor adjacent, both of them spot a figure heading up the far stairwell. Out of suspicion, the halfa held the unicorn, turns ghost and begins following the figure.
The figure heads on as Danny and Twilight follows. The figure turns a corner and stops halfway down. Paul, the figure himself, turns around to see Danny and Twilight's shadows scaling up the wall. Those two are following him, just as he fears. Paul watches calmly and turns, closing his eyes.
As Danny and Twilight arrives at the hallway, they saw to their surprise that...Paul is gone! He disappeared! Very odd!

Paul was able to escape into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. That was a close one. He goes over to a familiar object and removes the tapestry. If Danny and Twilight were to catch up to him, they would know what Paul is up and everything would be ruined!
Paul reaches into his coat and took out the white bird that he stole from the cage. Now to demonstrate this; the boy held the creature in one hand and strokes it feather with the others. For a moment, it appears that he is lost in the activity and in the bird's coal black eyes.
The Mask of Masquerade that Paul is wearing hiss, making him cringes a bit. No time for this foolishness! The boy then put the bird into the cabinet and closes the door, before waiting. Paul opens the cabinet and saw that the bird is now gone.
Paul nods as he closes the cabinet once more and waits, a white feather clings to the cuff of his jacket. The boy notices and removes it, holding the feather itself to the light. So fragile...so translucent; Paul looks lost briefly once more.
Paul turns back to the cabinet, slowly reaching out to the door and opening it. The bird is back...
Dead.

Author's note
Hoo boy, the attempt to get Skroob's memory was a bust. And what is Paul up to now? In the next chapter, things begin to get wrong...only this time with Jake as for some reason, he is falling in love...with the wrong girl via a love poison meant for Danny! And then the half Dragon ended up being poisoned! Read, review and suggest.