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Chapter Text

 No one expected the four houses to each have a student that would befriend someone from the other three houses. Certainly, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw were always on good terms, but including Slytherin? That was unexpected. The four houses have not gotten along since Salazar Slytherin wanted only those of pure-blood to be allowed to be at Hogwarts. Now, there were several students, all from each house, close friends. 
                       ————
 It started on the train to Hogwarts, the first years sticking close to each other while those returning wandered to find their friends to sit with. Astrid Hofferson found herself in the same compartment as Mary Katherine Wood, and the sisters Elsa and Anna Arendelle. Kristoff Troll found Gogo Speed, Guy Clever, and a pair of rambunctious twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston. Honey Lemon Sweet sat quietly with Wasabi Blade and Rapunzel Corona while Hans Isle stared out of the window with boredom. Frank Dingwall Junior, Charlie MacGuffin Junior, Thomas Macintosh Junior, and Snotlout Jorgenson all started to chat the moment they sat down together, making room for two others Eugène Fitzherbert and Fishlegs Ingerman later on the train. 

 In Hogsmead, the village next to the castle, families of students and staff were preparing to go up to the castle as well. Merida Dunbroch arrived early with her parents, Fergus and Elinor. North Frost and his son Jack arrived with Tala, Sina, Chief and their daughter Moana Tui. Ronin Green and his nephew Nod had spent the night in the castle, helping the headmistress prepare for the arrivals. Grug, Ugga and Eep Crood all lived on the castle grounds, their family the gamekeepers. Cass Hamada and her nephew Tadashi were walking up to Hogwarts just as Valka and Hiccup Horrendous were. The staff were already there, unpacking and sorting, while the students, upon request of the headmistress, went down to the water were the other first years were to arrive, then be escorted across the lake by Grug and Ugga.

 Merida, Jack, Moana, Nod, Tadashi, Hiccup, and Eep all walked down together, each one equally nervous and excited about finally attending Hogwarts. Certainly, their parents and guardians worked at the school, but they were unable to attend until they were eleven years of age.

 “I want to be in Gryffindor,” Merida said proudly, her fiery curls shining against the sunlight, “Where bravery is, I belong there!”

 “The red would match your hair perfectly,” Jack teased, his own silvery white spikes hard to look at in the bright light. 

 Merida responded by sticking out her tongue, then Nod spoke up, “If you’re in Gryffindor, that means you’ll have Ronin as your Head of the House.”

 “Is that bad,” Eep asked Nod, turning away Moana. Moana looked at Nod to, waiting for his response.

 “He’s strict,” Nod complained. 

 “You came with him,” Tadashi said, looking up from his book, “If he your dad?”

 “Uncle,” Nod corrected, “And the woman you came with?” 

 “Aunt.” 

 “What do your parents do,” Hiccup asked to no one in particular, “My mom is the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. I can’t wait until our third year, that way I can sign up for her class!” 

 “Ronin is the flying instructor for the first years,” Nod said, “And he’s the referee for Quidditch games.” 

 “Me dad teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts,” Merida said, her cheeks full from the apple she was chewing, “And my mom teaches the study of Ancient Runes.” 

 “Both of my parents are the gamekeepers,” Eep said quietly, embarrassed that her parents were not professors. 

 Moana put her arm around Eep and smiled kindly, “Well, my Granma is a Ghost at Hogwarts. She teaches the History of Magic. My mom teaches Herbology, and my dad teaches Art. Our Art and Muggle Art.” 

 Eep smiled a bit at Moana, feeling better. 

 “Aunt Cass teaches Divination,” Tadashi told everyone, then made a face, “Wow, I’m gonna have to call her Professor Hamada in school, aren’t I?” 

 “That’s what North said to me,” Jack shrugged, swallowing the last bit of his lunch, “He’s the Astronomy Professor, and he said that it would be better for us to refer to them as Professor’s while in school.” 

 “Hope I can remember that,” Tadashi sighed, opening his book again. 

 They stayed down their, having changed into their school robes before walking to the station, chatting, until the sky began to darken, and two others joined them, Grug and Ugga. 

 “Who’s with Thunk,” Eep asked her parents.

 “He’s with Valka,” Grug answered his daughter. She smiled, then went to wait for the Hogwarts Express. It didn’t take long, the sound of the train approaching just as the the sky became fully dark. The students swarmed out of the train, Ugga and Grug calling out for the first year students to group around them. Soon, every first year had found themselves around the Crood’s. They made their way to the edge of the lake, telling everyone that there would be no more than four in each boat, Grug and Ugga riding across by themselves.

 The boats glided across the ink black water, and touched the shore across.

Chapter Text

 The first years watched as Ugga knocked on the large oak door, and almost at once, the door opened. Behind the door stood a man with salt and pepper hair, and wore leaf green robes. Nod gave the man a small grin, to which the man responded with a secret thumbs up. 

 “First years, Professor Green,” Grug said, stepping aside. 

 “Thank you for seeing them across the lake,” Professor Green said, giving Ugga and Grug a kind look, “I will see to them from here. First years, please follow me.”

 Professor Green turned and began walking through the entrance of the castle, the students walking quickly behind him. The entrance was as beautiful as it was mesmerizing, graceful marble arches, bright warm torches that lined the halls, and a ceiling so high that one had to bend over backwards just to try and see the top. 

 Professor Green led them to a grand staircase, where a set of oak doors, just as large as the ones at the entrance of the castle stood. At the doors, he stopped and turned around again to face the first years.

 “Welcome to Hogwarts,” he spoke clearly, “The start-of-term feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. This is important, because while you are at Hogwarts, your house is your family. You will attend classes with other students in your year, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your common room. There are four houses at Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. While at Hogwarts, successes will earn your house points, and failures will have points taken away. The house with the most points at the end of the year will be awarded the house cup. The sorting ceremony will begin in a few minutes. Please wait quietly here until I return.” 

 Ronin left, and almost at once, the first years began to buzz excitedly. 

 “I wanna be in Ravenclaw,” someone said, “My parents were both in Ravenclaw.” 

 Ronin returned and all chatter ceased. “Form a line,” he told them, “And follow me. Stop at the end of the tables.” 

 Everyone quickly made a single line, though the twins kept poking each other. Ronin pushes the large doors opened and lead the first years through the Great Hall. The four tables that held the students stopped their chatter and watched as the newcomers walked past. The table that sat behind the many glass paned windows held the teachers of Hogwarts. In front of the teachers, there was a ratty brown pointed hat, a simple four legged stool, and a roll of parchment that floated in midair. 

 As instructed, the first years stopped at the end of the tables, leaving seven feet of space from them to the stool with the hat. Ronin walked forward without break, then turned to face the first years once more. He pulled out a wand and tapped the parchment, the roll opening itself. “When I cal your name, come up and sit on the stool,” Ronin said, though his voice could be heard by everyone. He picked up the hat by the tip, then opened his mouth again. 

 “Anna Arendelle!” 

 A girl with ginger braid walked out of the line and sat on the stool. Ronin placed the hat on her head, and the fabric of the hat molded to resemble a mouth and eyes. The hat twitched, then bellowed, “Hufflepuff!” 

 Ronin removed the hat and Anna made her way to the clapping table. 

 It was like that for the rest of the first years. 

 Elsa Arendelle, Slytherin. 

 Wasabi Blade, Ravenclaw.

 Fred Casacomik, Hufflepuff.
 
 Guy Clever, Ravenclaw.

 Rapunzel Corona, Hufflepuff.

 Eep Crood, Gryffindor.

 Frank Dingwall Junior, Gryffindor.

 Merida Dunbroch, Gryffindor.

 Eugène Fitzherbert, Slytherin.

 Jack Frost, Slytherin.

 Nod Green, Hufflepuff.

 Hiccup Haddock the Third, Ravenclaw.

 Tadashi Hamada, Ravenclaw.

 Astrid Hofferson, Gryffindor.

 Fishlegs Ingerman, Hufflepuff.

 Hans Isle, Slytherin.

 Snotlout Jorgensen, Slytherin.

 Charlie MacGuffin Junior, Hufflepuff.

 Thomas Macintosh Junior, Slytherin.

 Gogo Speed, Ravenclaw.

 Honey Lemon Sweet, Ravenclaw.

 Ruffnut Thorston, Slytherin.

 Tuffnut Thorston, Slytherin.

 Kristoff Troll, Hufflepuff.

 Moana Tui, Gryffindor.

 Mary Katherine Wood, Gryffindor.

Chapter Text

 The years passed, and the friends grew closer than ever.  They were in their sixth year, and out by the lake. Not all of them were close though, Hans Isle being manipulative to both students and staff to get his way. Out of the students that came, there were a handful in a close inner circle, and they were all practicing their patronus’s. 

 Elsa and Jack became gifted in ice magic, able to create flurries with ease, so it wasn’t a surprise when Elsa’s patronus was a white owl, and Jack’s was an Arctic fox. Anna was always eager to make new friends, her patronus becoming a swarm of butterflies. There were also several students whose patronus’s became dragons. Hiccup had a Night Fury, Astrid a Deadly Nadder, Fishlegs a Gronkle, Snotlout a Monstrous Nightmare, and the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut both created Hideous Zippleback dragons. 

 Merida was currently taking a break from her spell casting and began to shoot arrows, which made Rapunzel look away from Eugène and ask, “Why do you use that? It’s a Muggle weapon.” 

 “In case if I lose my wand,” Merida responded, hitting her target once more, “Or something similar, I want to be prepared. Besides, it’s a bit fun.” 

 “You also think it’s fun to be on a broom,” Moana put in. She was terrified of heights, not even wanting attend their flying class first year. 

 “It is,” Merida argued, “You feel free, like nothing can touch you.” 

 Moana made a face, but didn’t respond. 

 “Expecto Patronum,” Kristoff chanted, the silvery white wisps dancing out of the end of his wand, but not taking shape yet. He rubbed the back of his neck, slightly irritated at himself for not being able to produce a solid patronus yet. 

 Jack was about to reach out a offer Kristoff help when a familiar voice called out clearly, “Expecto Patronum!” A large silvery snake made its way across the grass and barreled into Jack, making him fall down. The caster laughed and the snake vanished, Hans walking over and smirking at the friends. 

 “You okay,” Elsa asked, helping Jack to his feet. He nodded at her, but glared at Hans. 

 “You are so pathetic, Troll,” Hans scoffed, always calling Kristoff by his last name, “Unable to create a proper patronus when everyone else in their sixth year has a solid one? Even fifth years are making better ones that you.” 

 “Go choke on rock,” Anna snapped, standing next to her boyfriend and giving his hand a squeeze. She held even more resentment for Hans after he personally manipulated her, making her mess with advanced potions and nearly freezing her hands off. 

 Jack, Elsa, Eugene, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Snotlout all gave Hans looks of great loathing. Even though they were all in the same house, Hans was the only one who went out of his way to purposely hurt or humiliated others. Sure, Jack was immature and likes to pull pranks with the twins, but they knew when to draw the line. Snotlout thought very highly of himself and tried to appear better than he was, but he has a kind heart, even when teasing his friends. Hans though, he was rotten to the core. 

 Merida tightened her grip on her bow, which made Hans direct his attention at her, “And you, messing around with that thing as though you were a Muggle? You may as well snap your own wand for the disgrace that brings to the Magical World.” 

 “There’s nothing wrong with liking things from the Muggle’s,” Fishlegs argued, though his voice was timid, “After all, the Hogwarts Express was made possible in 1827 by the Minister for Magic at the time, Ottaline Gambol.” 

 Merida gave Fishlegs a grateful look, always happy to have the bookworm jump to her defense with his knowledge of Muggle ways that have helped the Wizarding World. 

 Hans however, rolled his eyes at the statement, “Which is the only thing that is useful from the Muggle’s. Everything else deserves to burn.”

 Jack raised his wand, but Elsa stopped him, knowing how much trouble that would get into for jinxing each other. The gesture did not go unnoticed by Hans, but he didn’t say anything, only sauntering away with a smug look.  

Chapter Text

 Days passed sense Hans had mocked Kristoff about his being unable to cast a solid patronus and some the stocky blonde forgot about it, Anna being a major help in helping him forget. Now, she and he were meeting up with Jack and Elsa, the two sisters wanting to catch up, Kristoff wanting to go with his girlfriend, and Jack because he enjoyed the company of the other three. 

 The four friends met outside of the greenhouses, the air starting to grow colder as November was halfway through. Pumpkins the size of Fishlegs still decorated the house belonging to the Crood’s. Though Grug and Ugga lived there, Eep and Thunk both slept in their common rooms. Today though, the family was rolling away the last of the pumpkins around, the smallest, Sandy, being watched by Guy as he playing with her. 

 “I managed some solidification,” Kristoff told Jack as Anna and Elsa were off talking together, “I think my patronus is either a reindeer, a caribou, or a stag. Something with antlers.” 

 “Have you told anyone else yet,” Jack asked, his hands in his coat pockets. 

 Kristoff nodded, “Anna, yeah, but no one else yet.” 

 “Well, don’t wait to long, and tell me when you figure out what your patronus is. Ten knuts it’s a moose.” 

 “Fine. Ten knuts it’s a reindeer.”

 The two friends shook hands to settle their deal, while Anna and Elsa spoke of other things. 

 “Are you sure you can’t do something to him,” Anna pestered her older sister, “Put slugs in his sheets or replace his cup with a nose-biting teacup? I’m sure the twins have something you can use.” 

 Elsa shook her head, mentally rolling her eyes, “No, I’m not going to do anything to him. And I don’t want you to ask the twins to do anything either. Doing so could have serious consequences.” 

 Anna pouted, knowing that Elsa was right, but still wanting to give Hans a good scare. At the very least, embarrass him publicly. Hans had ambition and pride as high as Jack could fly a broom. 

 “Is there anything else I should know about,” Elsa asked. 

 “More of a question,” Anna’s face broke into a grin, “Why haven’t you asked Jack out yet?” 

 Elsa’s cheeks erupted into rosy blush and she started to fidget, “What? Anna...that’s...”

 Anna nudged Elsa with her elbow, “Oh come on, I’ve seen the way you look at him. All the girls have.” 

 “All the girls,” Elsa whispered, horrified. 

 “Well, me, Punzie, Mary Katherine and Honey Lemon,” Anna responded, waving her hand dismissively. 

 Elsa couldn’t help but glance at Jack, who was laughing as he and Kristoff were  in the middle of tasting Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Jack had apparently gotten lucky with a peppermint one, while Kristoff was coughing from eating a habanero flavored bean.

 “I thought it would be orange soda,” Kristoff said, rubbing his tongue against his sleeve as though to wipe away the flavor.  

 Jack’s eyes grew watery from laughter, and pat Kristoff’s back as a form of comforting him. 

 Elsa and Anna smiled at the two, then Anna nudged Elsa again, “Come on, it can’t hurt to try.”

 “What if things change though,” Elsa asked, Turing to face Anna again, “What if he acts differently around me? He might not feel the same way, and if I tell him....it will mess our friendship.” 

 Anna’s hand rested on Elsa’s shoulder, “You never know. He may like you back, and if he even thinks about acting strange around you, I’ll give him something to be really worried about.” 

 Elsa smiled at Anna, feeling better. 

Chapter Text

 Jack loved to fly, loved to be up in the air where no one could touch him. So, during his free time, if his friends were busy, and with permission from the staff, he would get his broom and go down to the Quidditch field. 

 In his first year, Jack couldn’t have the freedom to fly as much as he wanted, the staff concerned about what the mischievous boy could do if left with a broom unsupervised. However, with relatively good grades, and dozens of conversations with the Headmistress, Jack was allowed supervised flights in his second year. 

 Third year, he went to the village with his friends, but still found time to fly. Fourth year, Jack almost made the Quidditch team, but Eugene proved to be a better Seeker. Jack joked that if Eugene ever lost a match, the silver-haired student would tell the entire castle that Eugene once went by the name Flynn Rider. 

 Slytherin lost several games, but Jack never spilled the secret.  

 Now, sixth year, over Christmas Holiday, Jack was lazing about in the sky. The castle looked like a cake decoration, covered in white frosting. The letter that his sister sent was still tucked into his pocket, and her gift was unopened in the dorms. 

 “Hot chocolate?!” 

 Jack snapped out of his thoughts, a familiar voice pulling his attention to the Quidditch stands. One of his favorite people stood in the snow, bundled in a shimmering blue winter coat, and holding a large thermos in her gloved hands. 

 Jack felt his face break into a smile, and his broom flew carefully towards Elsa. Though gifted in the magic of winter, the two students still enjoyed a hot drink in the cold weather. Elsa’s hot chocolate was especially tasty, as she always mixed in peppermint flavor to the drink. 

 “How do you always know when I’m flying,” Jack smiled as the friends went into the changing rooms. Hot chocolate wasn’t as enjoyable when snowflakes kept falling into their mugs. 

 “Because the twins are alone in the common room without you,” Elsa answered, pouring the drink into their mugs, “Usually that gives me a good idea about where you are.”

 Jack snickered, the warm drink making its way down his throat. The twins and himself often plotted together, earning a reputation over the years. 

 “Also, I saw the delivery during breakfast,” Elsa’s voice was cautious now. 

 Jack grew very still, even holding his breath for a moment. Then his shoulders hunched and his grip tightened around his mug. 

 Elsa was quiet as well. Out of their entire friend group, she was the only one that Jack trusted with his secret. Their friendship was special, and it created a unique bond between the two. At times though, Elsa wanted to confide in Anna, as the two sisters kept very little from each other. However, it wasn’t Elsa’s decision who to share the secret with. That was all on Jack. 

 “I…I sent her some more Chocolate Frog cards,” Jack said, “She said that her collection could wallpaper the entire house now.”

 Both of them chuckled, though Jack’s was dry. 

 “She also said that she wants to use my cauldron to make a massive amount of melted caramel for a sleepover that she’s planning next month,” Jack scratched the back of his head, “For the caramel popcorn ball snacks. Emma’s still annoyed that she isn’t allowed to use it though.” 

“Why isn’t Emma allowed to use your old cauldron,” Elsa asked, curious.

 “According to Emma, Mom doesn’t want to have caramel popcorn balls throughout the next ten years,” Jack shrugged, “But Mom wrote a different letter. She said that she doesn’t want caramel fingerprints all over the house.” 

 “Caramel is sticky,” Elsa agreed. 

 Jack smile turned a little warmer at Elsa’s comment, and swallowed some more hot chocolate. 

 “I miss her when I’m here,” Jack admitted, “Is that weird? She bugs me in the middle of the night because the Boogeyman is hiding under her bed, and Emma is always poking around my school supplies. Last year she almost got scorpion dust on herself. When I’m home though, the neighborhood treats her differently. I’m be the ideal son, but Emma’s the problem? She’s just a kid. An irritating, goofball that doesn’t have magic in her blood.” 

 “Jack, it’s not your fault,” Elsa told him, “It’s no one’s fault. Somehow, it just happens.” 

 “But why? Why did Emma have to be the one shunned? Some screwy genetic issues that decided I should be the kid to have magic only?” 

 Elsa shrugged lightly. In truth, no one understood how magic behaved when it came to blood. The fanatics who kept their bloodline pure, marrying only to keep their line untainted and strong, sometimes, there was a baby who didn’t have magic. 

 Emma was one of the rare babies, born from purebred magic, but possessing no magic herself. That didn’t stop Emma from being loved at home though, their mother and father giving the girl all the warmth and affection she needed. The family even spent time in the Muggle World, learning about schools, jobs, clothing, and transportation. Emma, in turn, learned about the Wizarding World, and how important it was for the secret to remain secret. 

 Elsa adored Emma, the little girl full of energy and brightness, reminding Elsa of her own younger sister. Last summer, Jack wrote to Elsa, sent a photo of himself and Emma playing hopscotch, and taught Elsa the rules. 

 “Anna asked me how I knew what hopscotch was,” Elsa wrote back, “I told her that I saw a group of kids playing when I was going to the store. She now thinks it’s the best thing invented since s’mores.” 

 When Jack was at Hogwarts though, Emma was frowned at by the other families in their neighborhood. They saw her as a stain on the Frost family. Jack only found out on accident. He had gotten out of bed to get a tissue for his running nose, and heard his parents whispering to each other. 

 “I’m keeping track,” his mother had said, “Who says what, where and when it happened. The letters that come in the mail, even the woman who gives out candied lemons. Last week there was a spider in Emma’s candy bag.” 

 “The Ministry won’t take this seriously,” his father replied, “Or…not as seriously as we need them to be. The law prevents wizards and witches from causing direct harm to Emma, but there’s nothing that prevents this.” 

 “Emma doesn’t need this. She’s done nothing wrong.” 

 “I know that, you know that, and Jack knows that. Emma doesn’t complain, she doesn’t care how many people look down at her. At least…she doesn’t care now. What about when she’s grown up?” 

 “What else can we do? Should we tell Jack?”

 “No. This isn’t something for him to be worried about.”

 “Jack adores Emma. He has the right to know what people are calling his sister.”

 Jack couldn’t take it anymore, so he walked into his parents room and looked at them straight in the eye. “What are people calling Emma?”

 After the surprise that Jack had been listening, after another minute of quiet looks, his father had told Jack the truth. 

 Behind his back, in hushes and dark corners, Emma was being called a Squib.

 Back in the changing room, there was a delicate silence between Elsa and Jack. Elsa didn’t want to overstep on Jack’s thoughts, and Jack was lost in his own anger. A delicate feathered pattern of frost started to branch out from Jack’s gloved fingers, the hot chocolate cooling down. 

 It was only when his mug was covered in a layer of frost, and ice started to crisp the rim of the hot chocolate that Jack noticed. He relaxed his grip, and the ice quickly melted.

 “Sometimes I think about cursing the ones who say those things about Emma,” Jack exhaled, “Give them cursed acne, or an itch that won’t stop.”

 “What would that accomplish,” Elsa asked, already guessing the answer. 

 “Nothing,” Jack rubbed his eye, “I’d be in trouble with the Ministry, and with my luck, they would blame Emma. Say that she was trying to damage the household. Still…it’s something I think about.”

 Elsa could understand that. When Hans tricked Anna, it took everything to keep Elsa from marching into the boys room when Hans was asleep and pour the same potion that had nearly cost Anna’s hands all over Hans. Sometimes Elsa had those thoughts again. They were comforting when Hans was being cruel, which was often. 

 “She wants to meet everyone though,” Jack’s shoulders relaxed just a touch, “I even sent her a picture of everyone. She said that we have similar hair.”

 Elsa giggled. True, her own hair was pale, but it was more platinum blonde to Jack’s silver white hair. 

 “Emma also said that you’re prettier than me,” Jack said, without thinking, then sat wand-straight a moment later. His face became flushed, replaying the words in his head. 

 “I…don’t know why I said that,” Jack tried not to stutter, “But she did…say that. And you are. Then me. Not that I…crud.”

 Elsa’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by what Jack had told her, if that’s actually what Emma had said, or if it was just something that slipped out. Instead, she chose to play with the words.

 “Did she also discover that I’m better than you in Charms,” Elsa joked, trying to get the mood to lighten. 

 Jack glanced over at Elsa’s smug expression, and relaxed again, “No. I’m better than you at Charms. No question.” 

 “It’s a big question.”

 “Is not.”

 “Yes it is.”

 The two steered away from the hard conversations, and joked with each other, sipping their hot chocolate. Jack had to take a moment to warm his drink back up after he froze the mug, but it wasn’t a big issue. 

 Eventually, the time for hot chocolate was finished, and Elsa went to join Jack in the air. She wasn’t as crazy about flying as he was, but it was still fun to see the world from the air. 

 “It looks like everything is covered in marshmallows,” Elsa commented, her eyes on the castle in the distance. 

 “Marshmallows,” Jack repeated, “That’s what comes to mind?”

 “What comes to your mind when you see everything covered in snow?”

 Jack was silent for a minute, circling the air around Elsa and looking around, then shrugged, “Maybe clouds. Like the clouds came down and covered everything.”

 “Wouldn’t that just be fog? Or mist?”

 “Fog is more gray. I’m thinking of the puffy white clouds.”

 “I suppose that’s fair.” 

 Elsa pulled out her wand and collected several of the falling snowflakes, creating a pattern in the air. Jack watched as she made a castle of snowflakes in the sky. She was much more of an artist when it came to the magic of snow and ice, creating beautiful arches and curves. Now, a two foot tall castle made of collected snowflakes, beautiful towers and a decorative pattern of crocus along the walls. 

 Jack smiled at Elsa’s creation, admiring both the art as well as the artist. He trusted Elsa almost more than anyone, both as someone who will keep his secret, as well as someone who would tell him if he was going too far. Again, Jack had earned a reputation for pulling pranks with the twins, so it helped that there were friends to help keep them away from causing too much trouble. 

 Eventually, they finished with their time in the air, so the two Slytherin students landed on the powdery ground, locked up the brooms, and made their way back to the castle. 

Chapter Text

 “You ride dragons, and you’re afraid of asking Astrid out,” Jack asked, walking in the snow. Hiccup, on the other hand, walked under the cover of the castle, his false leg making it more difficult with ice. 

 “It’s not that simple,” Hiccup groaned, “We’ve been friends for so long…it’d probably be like asking out my sister.”

 “You don’t have a sister.”

 “But if I did, wouldn’t it be Astrid?”

 Jack shrugged, kicking up a pillow of snow before having to walk into the castle, “Don’t know, and you said probably.”

 Hiccup moaned again, an oh-woe-is-me expression forming on his freckled face, “It’s easy for you. Every girl in school fancies you.”

 This time Jack made a face, “Hic, nobody uses the phrase, ‘fancies,’ anymore. Nobody from our generation that is.”

 “Your generation could use a proper lesson in manners,” one of the portraits scolded. A respectful looking witch narrowed her painted eyes at Jack’s spiked hair, and Hiccup’s charcoal smeared jaw. 

 Hiccup smiled politely to the witch, Jack set his mouth in a straight line, and the two boys continued towards the Great Hall. 

 Fishlegs came out of the library, joined by Rapunzel and Guy, each of them holding books for their respective hobbies. Fishlegs had a book open as they walked, Guy helping to guide him as they made their way through the halls for lunch. 

 “The other schools are amazing,” Fishlegs gushed, “Did you know that Mahoutokoro’s robes change colors as the students grow older? And change color for the students character?”

 “I’d like to wear something else other than black and yellow,” Rapunzel admitted, “Maybe purple? Is purple a good color for Mahoutokoro students?”

 “How could purple be a bad color,” Guy asked, pulling Fishlegs to the side to keep him from walking into a pillar. 

 Fishlegs buried his nose in the book again, muttering to himself, then coming back up as they entered the Great Hall. Guy excused himself and went to sit at his table, Ravenclaw, while both Rapunzel and Fishlegs sat with their fellow Hufflepuff’s. 

 Hans always sat alone at the Slytherin table. Anyone who was unfortunate enough to sit next to him was either met with, hopefully, cold disinterest, or, more often, cruel behavior. 

 Jack loosened his necktie, always finding the garment constricting, before helping himself to a bowl of stew. Snotlout slid over, his own bowl of food sloshing slightly but not spilling.

 “You are probably the only person I know who goes out of their way to be in the snow,” Snotlout said, dunking his bread in the gravy before tearing into it. 

 “Nothing wrong with me liking the cold,” Jack said, “Besides, it’s kind of expected. You know, with a name like mine.”

 “Yeah, yeah. Frost. How, in the name of Thor, did your family come by that name?”

 “How did you end up with a name like Snotlout Jorganson?”

 Snotlout gasped dramatically, unfortunately revealing bits of food in his mouth, and Jack turned away from the sight. 

 “How dare you,” Snotlout scolded, “My name is perfect.”

 “What’s perfect?” 

 As the two Slytherin boys were speaking, they didn’t notice Elsa take a seat across from them. 

 “My name,” Snotlout declared, “That, Elsa Arendelle, that is perfect.” Jack shook his head at Elsa, clearly arguing with the boastfulness of their classmate. 

 “As perfect as your score in potions,” Elsa asked, mockingly innocent. 

 Her kind insult made Snotlout frown, and Jack snicker. 

 “Okay, where I come from, action and strength is valued over book learning.” 

 “We know,” Jack said. They all spent time in the hometown of their friends. Particularly, Hiccup, Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. They took great pride in their ability to fight and defend, both with magic, and with fists. 

 Snotlout dunked his bread back into the gravy of his stew, while Elsa sipped her favorite tea. 

 “I’ve been meaning to ask,” Jack spoke up, finishing his lunch, “I don’t know if this is just gossip, but my dad has been mailing me about a dragon’s nest somewhere on the Irish coastline. Do you know anything about that?”

 Snotlout shrugged, “Don’t worry. The Irish coastline has a couple of nests, but all the dragons there are relatively small and keep to themselves. Trust me, Hiccup and Fishlegs are way more on top of nests than I am, and they love to keep us up to date.”

 “How small is small,” Elsa asked.

 “Talk to Hiccup or Fishlegs,” Snotlout directed, “Please. Not me.”

 Elsa nodded, smiling. 

 “But something we can talk about,” Jack scratched the back of his head, “What would you guys like to do after school? I keep thinking about all of the different jobs out there and I just draw a blank.”

 Snotlout shrugged again, “Usually my family ends up as Aurors, so that’s probably my future.” 

 Ruffnut and Tuffnut slid over, bags crammed with practical jokes. Elsa moved over an inch to avoid a biting teacup. 

 “What’s Snotlout’s future,” Ruffnut asked, “Sad and lonely?”

 Snotlout glared at the girl, “An Auror, mutton-head.”

 Ruffnut snickered, “Yeah, I’ll feel so much safer with you as an Auror.”

 Tuffnut joined in his sister’s snickering, “Besides, why are we talking about jobs? We still have another year of school. The Thorston Twins are going to make sure our family name lasts forever in Hogwarts.”

 “Am I going to be safe sleeping in the Girl’s Dormitory,” Elsa looked at Ruffnut, her eyebrows slightly bent in concern. 

 “Don’t worry, Snow Queen,” Ruffnut swung her arm over Elsa’s shoulders, “My brother and I both agree that we like you too much to be our Guinea Pig. So, we’ll be using people we don’t like.”

 Jack and Snotlout looked at each other nervously, now paranoid about the Boy’s Dormitory. Jack played pranks with the twins, and Snotlout grew up with them, but that didn’t guarantee their safety. 

 “What else,” Ruffnut swallowed a mouthful of tea, “You, Jack? What are you thinking about?”

 “After school? It’s…hard to say.”

 “Can’t be any harder than watching Fishlegs score all the House Points,” Snotlout groaned. 

 Jack snickered, and under the table, tapped the toe of his shoe to Elsa’s ankle. A quiet exchange that made her drop her bag. Elsa reached under the seats to pick it up, a tiny white form sliding into a hidden pocket of her bag.

 “You sure do drop your bag a lot,” Tuffnut said, Elsa coming back up from the ground, “Too much on one side?”

 “Probably,” Elsa agreed, “Can’t seem to even out the weight.” Elsa looked in her bag, needlessly shifting her tidy assortment of schoolwork and supplies. There, in the secret pocket that was stitched into her bag, a small box of Every-Flavor Beans was placed. 

 Jack had a similar pocket stitched into his bag, currently empty. The two of them figured out a system to help each other out when their friends unknowingly started to shift too close to a fragile topic for them. Elsa accidentally striking Anna with her magic when they were both kids, Jack’s loving, but without magic, sister. Whenever there was a movement towards these fragile topics, they would tap each other secretly, end up dropping their bags, and get a treat in their secret pocket. 

 Elsa usually sent Chocolate Frogs, and Jack sent Every-Flavor Beans. Elsa shared the Beans with Anna, and Jack sent the cards to Emma. 

 “But there is something I do know,” Jack sighed, standing up, “I have to go to the library. History of Magic is still my worst subject.”

 “Live in the now,” Snotlout called out. 

 Jack rolled his eyes, hearing Elsa change the subject to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Having the Dragon-Riders as friends meant that they knew a lot about duels. The silver-haired student felt unwavering affection for his platinum-haired friend. Unfortunately, the Slytherin that sent a snake Patronus into Jack was watching the the secret exchange.

Chapter Text

 Jack partially lied to his friends. True, History of Magic was his worst subject, but he had his work completed. Honestly, he had a few thoughts for his future flying around his head. Being a member of the Frost Family gave Jack some extra room, their family old and strong, but the Philanthropist lifestyle that others associated with Jack’s family weren’t really his style. 

 Jack was fascinated by several different job paths, most of them involving Muggle Studies. Since Emma didn’t have magic, they learned what they could about the Muggle world. Transportation, payment methods, school subjects, even medical care. When Emma was sick, Jack saw the hospital monitors, IV tubes, and discovered a different kind of magic with the Muggle doctor that helped them. 

 “Flu vaccine,” Jack muttered to himself, seeing the needle pierce Emma’s arm. She squeezed their mother’s hand, and chose a sticker of a loopy flower from a fake treasure chest. The flower never moved. 

 Hans walked carefully behind Jack, choosing his moment carefully, then pouncing. The two tumbled into an empty classroom, Jack furiously yanking his arm away from Hans’s grip. 

 “What the hell,” Jack demanded, touching his wand, “Do you want a bloody nose?”

 Hans rolled his eyes, “Shut up. I’ve got news that you’d find very interesting.”

 “You’re expelled,” Jack mocking gasped. It was one of his biggest thoughts. 

 “Better. My brother wrote to me this morning. He was visiting your household, to go over some financial details for trade.”

 “How thrilling.” Though Jack spoke with heavy sarcasm, a stone ball quickly formed in his stomach. Hans would force Jack into an empty room just to tell him that his brother visited Jack’s house. 

 “Very thrilling,” Hans smirked, “William was there long enough to personally witness a Muggle bus stop by, and a girl came into the house. Imagine how surprised he was to find out that she is a Frost child. Jack, have you been keeping a sister home alone?”

 The ball of stone grew so heavy, so quickly, that Jack feared it would tear through his stomach and crash onto the floor. Of all the things that Jack worried about, Emma was high on the list. 

 A feathered pattern of frost began to branch along the collar of Jack’s robe, as well as the cuffs of his sleeves. His brilliant, blue eyes narrowing into shards of ice. 

 Hans, however, looked as though he had just bitten into the most delicious slice of cake. 

 “What’s your point,” Jack struggled to keep his voice low. 

 “Oh, no point,” Hans waved his hand dismissively, “I just wanted to say that I hope to meet your sister some day. She sounds like a very nice kid.”

 Hans turned his heel and walked out of the classroom. 

 The windows started to ice over inside, glittering in a rather pretty way. Jack was too furious, so many things at once, he didn’t even realize the entire room was covered in a layer of ice until the door was forced open. 

 Professor Fergus Dunbroch raised his wild eyebrows, then focused his attention on the sole student in his classroom.

 “Oi, Mr. Frost,” Professor Dunbroch called over, reaching in for his own wand, “Would ya mind? It’s cold enough outside, ah don’t want ta freeze inside.”

 What Professor Dunbroch lacked in diplomacy, he made up for in directive and fierce devotion to his family. 

 “Mr. Frost?” 

 The second time shook Jack out of his anger, and noticed the bear-like teacher staring at him. 

 “Professor,” Jack stuttered, “I didn’t…what happened?”

 “Ya should tell me,” Professor Dunbroch answered, gesturing to his ice-covered classroom, “Ah came back from lunch with my wife, and for a moment, think ah’ve left the window open. Instead, you’re here, starting up a blizzard.”

 Jack felt some of his fury move backwards, shame taking place up front, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…I didn’t know what I was doing.” Jack waved his wand in a perfected loop, the ice turning into fine snowflakes and coming into the tip of the wand. 

 “That’s better,” Professor Dunbroch said, “Now, could ya tell me what had ya so worked up, that ya froze my stump, and started ta cry?”

 Jack felt his eyebrows bunch together, then felt the crackling on his face. Reaching up, Jack felt the thin trails of ice on his cheeks, quickly melting away to regular tears. 

 “It’s nothing,” Jack muttered.

 “Nothing my stump. Ah’ve known ya for a long time, my lass and ye getting my hair even more curly. If ya got something ta cry about, it’s not nothing.”

 Jack swallowed, wishing he could walk away. Before he could respond though, Professor Dunbroch held up a massive hand, “Ya don’t have ta tell me, lad. Ah want ta know, but ah won’t force ya. Instead, ah’ll say this. Talk ta someone ya trust, someone who yer fine to cry in front of. It might sound strange, but a trusted ear means the world.”

 Jack nodded, and quickly left the classroom. He already knew who he was going to talk to. 

 Professor Dunbroch examined the classroom for any remaining ice, but was pleased that not a single flake remained. The image of Jack so furious, he didn’t know that he had frozen over the room would make Fergus worry over the boy. He made a mental note to talk to Merida about her friend. 

 As for Merida, she was in the Gryffindor  Common Room, forced to having her hair into a thick braid by Moana. Merida made the mistake of admitting that her hair in her face when she was at Quidditch practice. Since Merida had similar hair to Moana, Moana offered her services. 

 “Ma head aches,” Merida complained, watching as her friend carefully divided her fiery curls into three sections. Merida was holding up a mirror, watching the pattern, and Eep was holding up another mirror behind Moana.

 “You could also cut your hair,” Eep suggested, touching her own blunt cut.

 “Tired that once,” Merida flinched, needless because Moana had very careful fingers, “Ah’m not the most dainty lass, but short hair looks weird on ma head.” 

 “So, suffer in silence,” Moana smiled, finishing the braid. It was a single mass of red, simple and easy enough for Merida to do on her own. Eep put down the mirror, Merida doing the same.

 “You can do this on your own,” Moana asked, stepping away from the sitting teenager. 

 “Doesn’t look any harder than having three younger brothers,” Merida shrugged, “An ah can fly better now. Thanks.”

 “Speaking of brothers,” Eep piped in, “Do you know if they’re going to be coming for dinner with your folks and mine? Thunk should have a proper warning.”

 Merida gave her friend a what-can-you-do? expression, “Ah could give yer brother all the protection charms in the world, and the wee little devils will still find a way around em.”

 “Poor Thunk,” Moana said, “What about Sandy?”

 “Sandy is also one too watch out for,” Eep stated, “She’s given me scars.”

 Moana shuddered, thinking of the little Crood and the three Dunbroch boys. Grug, Ugga, Fergus, and Elinor will have their hands full at the dinner. 

 Anna was catching up with Elsa, going over their inevitable exams at the end of the year. Apparition classes were something that all Sixth year students looked forward to, and Anna was no exception. 

 “I know that I’ll still have to carry identification and other information on me,” Anna gushed, “But think about it. I could visit Paris for chocolate and be back in no time.”

 “Always thinking with your stomach,” Elsa teased, pulling out her recently given box of beans and opening it. She shook some out into her hand, then into Anna’s hand. 

 “You can’t tell me you’re not excited to apparate,” Anna popped a white bean into her mouth, and made a face when the flavor was cotton. 

 “I am,” Elsa admitted, “No question, but I’m thinking more about Care for Magical Creatures at the moment.”

 “Still wondering about the water creature you saw in the lake?” 

 “Yes. It looked…like it was made out of water, but still somehow solid. I’ve asked Professor Haddock, but she hasn’t been able to help.”

 Anna ate another bean, enjoying the new taste of honey, “I guess it’s not like we can just go to the bottom of the lake and ask the mermaids.” 

 Elsa shook her head, spitting her sour bean into a scrap of cloth. 

 “What was the flavor?”

 “Sour. Like…pickle juice and lemons mixed together.”

 Anna made another face. 

 The sisters were forced to go their separate ways when the bell rang. Anna ran to her History of Magic class, swallowing her handful of beans whole, and Elsa went to Transfiguration. The moment she sat down next to Jack, Elsa could feel his restraint rolling off of him in waves. Practically crashing against her body.

 “Jack,” Elsa muttered, “What’s wrong?”

 Jack had his fist curled so tightly, his nails were cutting into his palms. A fine circle of frost outlining his skin. In his flesh, there was a thread of blood collecting under his nails. His jaw was tight to the point that Jack thought his teeth would break. For a hilarious moment, Jack thought that his broken teeth could be smashed into a powder and used for potions. 

 Ruffnut and Tuffnut sat behind their fellow Slytherin’s. Ruff pushed back one of her thick braids while Tuff pulled out a chewed quill. Transfiguration was one of their best subjects, the trouble they could cause with transfigured objects was too good to resist. As much trouble as they were, there was no doubt Ruffnut and Tuffnut listened to their lessons, especially when said lessons helped in their mischief. 

 Eugene sat with Snotlout, making side notes about Quidditch plays. Next to his work, there was a doodle of stick brooms, the hoops, and four balls. Snotlout was also working on side notes. While Transfiguration wasn’t his best subject, Snotlout feared Professor Gothi Wise in Potions more than Professor Maui Demi. The little old Professor was scarier than any wild dragon, and three times as fierce. 

 When Professor Maui entered, the side chatter stopped and the side notes were put away.

 Jack was barely able to focus though, feeling Hans’s smug eyes stabbing into his head. He kept enough control to keep his ice at bay, not wanting to answer to another Professor. 

 Elsa was harder to ignore than anyone else though. Jack wanted to scream at her, tell her that their hated classmate knew about Emma, and it felt as if Jack’s entire body was colder and harder than the stones at the bottom of the lake. Moana had permission to dive down and visit the mermaids in the lake as part of her love of the water. 

 “Not now,” Jack shook his head, “I’ll shout at you.” Jack turned his head enough to meet Elsa’s eye. 

 Elsa nodded, “Okay. Just say when.”

Chapter Text

 When was after hours. When was sneaking to the Prefect’s bathroom. When was safest because there was a smaller risk of being overheard. 

 “He knows,” Jack seethed, sitting at the bottom of a dry pool, “Hans knows that Emma is my sister, that she doesn’t have magic.”

 Elsa was sitting so straight, Jack was almost convinced she was a statue. Her eyes were both wide and narrow, a strange combination to display the swirling emotions. Wide from shock, narrow from anger. 

 Jack was silent, staring at his shoes hatefully. They had put their wands in their house robes, left the fabric on the other side of the pool floor. Jack didn’t want to risk icing over the bathroom like he did to Professor DunBroch’s classroom. 

 “I don’t know what makes me even angrier,” Jack continued, nails cutting into his skin once more.

 “Jack,” Elsa gently uncurled his fist, keeping Jack from carving deeper into his palms. 

 Jack flinched at the touch, but relaxed his muscles a moment later. Elsa’s touch was soothing, gentle against his raw flesh. She dug through her little handbag, pulling out a tiny vial, and opening the cap. A faint smell of eucalyptus wafted up from the vial, more potent when Elsa tapped a thick bead of sap onto Jack’s open hand. 

 “Ow,” Jack said. The waxy substance only stung slightly, not really needing Jack’s response. It did, however, help to say it. Elsa smoothed the bead over each crescent cut on Jack’s skin. Once finished, she looked back up at him.

 “What do you mean, makes you angrier,” Elsa asked, careful with her tone of voice. 

 Jack clenched his jaw for a moment, then loosened it to respond, “I don’t know if I’m more angry that Hans knows about Emma, or that I still feel like I need to keep her a secret. Am I that much of an ass? I want to keep my own sister a secret?”

 “You never mentioned wanting to keep Emma a secret.”

 “I don’t,” Jack groaned, “I want to tell everyone. My parents are the ones who decided to keep her secret. Now, it’s so in my head, my first instinct is to hide her.”

 Jack felt awful, like his internal organs were full of hot, dirty mud. Emma, kind, curious, and cautious. Jack helped teach Emma about the magical creatures of the world, and the ways that they lived. When Jack told Emma about Thestral’s, she asked if he knew anyone who could see them. Their father was passing by and scolded the two for talking about the Thestral’s. 

 “I don’t know what to do,” Jack admitted, “I can’t tell anyone about Emma without going against my parents.” 

 Elsa was silent, not knowing what to say. This went beyond passing sweets to each other. Now that Hans knew about Emma, it was just waiting for the curse to be fired. It was shameful, the Frost family telling themselves to keep their daughter a secret so much, it started to feel like the only thing to do.

 “If I were to go home,” Jack said, looking up from his shoes, “If I went back home to tell them, would you come with me?”

 Elsa’s eyes widened completely, all narrowness gone. It was a total surprise. Not a bad surprise, Elsa was more than happy to support Jack, but a surprise nonetheless. Leave suddenly, without telling Anna? 

 “It would just be my mom and Emma at the house,” Jack continued, talking more to himself than to Elsa, “Since dad is still working here. Minor blessing that he’s the Astronomy Professor…but it would go on your record. My record is already scratched up, so it wouldn’t be that big of a surprise. If I left now, I might be back by sunrise, it’s clear enough outside-“

 “Jack.” 

 Elsa’s sharp voice snapped Jack out of his rambling, focusing on her again. Her eyes were clear, silently telling him to take a breath. He closed his mouth, swallowed, and looked embarrassed. 

 “Sorry,” he mumbled, “It’s not fair of me to ask you that.”

 “This situation isn’t fair,” Elsa told him, “I don’t blame you for being…”

 Jack rose his eyebrow, “Scrambled?”

 “For being…hyper minded,” Elsa corrected. Her own brain was working hard to try and straighten out her thoughts, as well as help Jack. It felt as if two opposite spells were cast on one object, a cauldron shrinking one way, and swelling in size another way.

 “And on top of everything else, we have to go back to Common Room.” Truthfully, Jack didn’t trust himself to return to the Boy’s Dorm. Hans sleeping in the same room, vulnerable for a memory wiping charm, it was tempting. Jack was afraid of what he could do. 

 Elsa felt the change in the air, Jack now worried over something else. Still regarding Hans, but not the same as before. “What are you thinking about,” she asked, careful to keep her voice without accusation. 

 Visibly swallowing, Jack looked straight into Elsa’s eyes, “I thought…I was thinking about altering Hans’s memory.” Shame flooded Jack’s body, washing out the sensation of hot mud. Jack watched Elsa’s face, as her eyebrows flew up and her lips parted. 

 Out of everything Elsa was thinking about, that was one thing she could say with certainty that wasn’t on her mind. They’ve been studying memory charms this year, so it wouldn’t be impossible. However, still being so new at it, Hans’s memory would most likely be damaged beyond repair. As much as she hated him, Elsa couldn’t wish that judgment on anyone. 

 “It would be better if I stayed here,” Jack looked away from Elsa, “Safer. You should lock the door behind you, and take my wand so I don’t-“

 “Absolutely not.” She cut off his words, “You are not going to stay in the bathroom alone.”

 “Elsa, do you really want to risk…wait. Alone?”

 “I’m staying with you,” Elsa declared, speaking through the flush on her face, “Either we both sleep here tonight, or we go back and sleep in the Common Room. Your choice.”

 Jack’s ears were burning. Elsa went above and beyond, not only volunteering herself to stay with Jack, but ensuring that he wouldn’t do anything against Hans. 

 “I…well,” Jack fumbled over his words, “Wouldn’t everyone…talk? Assume things?”

 Elsa rolled her eyes, “Student gossip is the least of my worries right now.” That wasn’t fully true, it would be a little embarrassing. In comparison to everything else though, small. 

 Jack scratched the back of his head, still with burning ears, then cleared his throat, “It…it would be more comfortable in the Common Room. Furniture instead of a bathroom floor.”

 “Then we sleep in the Common Room,” Elsa said, standing up. She grabbed their robes, firmly handing Jack his, before taking charge. Elsa led him back to the hidden wall of their Common Room, spoke the password, and together, they sat on the plush sofa. 

 Jack grabbed a blanket, draping it over his and Elsa’s lap and legs. 

 “If you decide to go home tomorrow,” Elsa said before drifting off, “I’ll come with you.”

 Jack turned his head, pleasantly surprised in his sleepy brain. 

Chapter Text

 Charlie was fiddling with his collar nervously, waiting outside of the Great Hall. He had been too anxious to eat breakfast, deciding last night, and perked up as students started to approach. There was the blue that Charlie was waiting for, and the blonde with them.

 “Excuse me,” Charlie stopped Gogo and Honey Lemon, “So sorry…but, can Ah…that is…can Ah speak with ye a moment, Honey?”

 The blonde Ravenclaw looked surprised, but nodded, “Sure thing. What’s on your mind?”

 Charlie swallowed again, “Tha thing is, Ah was wonderin’ if ye don’t have plans, would ye like ta go out with me?” Charlie felt his face flame up just as Honey’s own face burned with color.

 “Oh, wow,” Honey said, completely taken off guard, “That’s…unexpected.”

 “Ye don’t have ta say yes ta be kind,” Charlie scratched the back of his neck.

 “No, no, it’s not that,” Honey waved her hands, “Yes. I’d like to go out with you.”

 Charlie perked up again, “Ya would?”

 Honey nodded, a bright smile stretching across her face, “Yes, absolutely. When and where?” 

 The Hufflepuff was still surprised, that it took him a moment to shake himself out of a daze. “Oh. Ah…after lunch, in the Greenhouse?”

 “I’ll be there,” Honey promised, “See you after lunch, Charlie.”

 Charlie was smiling still, even as Honey was pulled away by Gogo, listening to the two Ravenclaw girls talk at the Ravenclaw table.

 “Charlie MacGuffin Junior just asked out Honey on a date,” Gogo announced to their table. The purple streaks in her short hair fluttered as Gogo sat down.

 “Really,” Guy poked his head up from his bacon, “Just now? Awesome!”

 Honey’s blush faded as she sat down and pulled some eggs towards her, “Yeah. We’re going to meet up after lunch.”

 “Can I come,” Hiro joked. Despite being a fourth year, Hiro often sat with his older brother and his fellow sixth years. His brain was exceptional, even for the Ravenclaw students who prided themselves on wisdom. 

 Honey shook her head, knowing that Hiro was pulling her leg, but still not taking a chance.

 Charlie was still a little dazed, munching on his breakfast without really tasting it. He didn’t even notice when Anna first spoke his name. Only responding when she tapped his shoulder.

 “Charlie?”

 The toast in his hand fell back down to his plate, “Ah! Anna? What?”

 “I asked if you’ve seen Elsa or Jack,” Anna demanded. 

 “Ah haven’t,” Charlie shook his head, and Anna huffed away. Charlie looked for Kristoff, hoping he could give some answers. Kristoff, however, was going around. Charlie guessed he was along the same question as Anna. 

 Now that it was brought to their attention, the students who were asked poked their heads up, looking for Jack’s silver spikes or Elsa’s pale braid. No sign of either of them with the Slytherin students, walking in or out of the Great Hall. 

 “Haven’t seen our Snow Queen since last night,” Ruffnut told Anna, “As for Jack…”

 Tuffnut shook his head, “Didn’t see him in the Boy’s Dorm. Or the bathroom.”

 Anna twisted her left braid nervously. A small part of her was hoping that her sister had opened up, spoke about how she liked Jack, but Anna knew Elsa too well. Knew that her sister wouldn’t tell Jack without first telling Anna what she would do.

 “Sorry, hon,” Kristoff walked over, Snotlout not far behind, “Snotlout and I checked the Owlery, Library, other boys bathrooms. Haven’t seen Jack, or Elsa.”

 “This isn’t like Elsa,” Anna fretted, “Jack, I can see doing, but not Elsa. She wouldn’t just…up and leave.”

 “I know, I know,” Kristoff wrapped his arm around Anna’s shoulders, “But we’re going to find them, alright? We’ll find them.”

 Anna’s pinched expression made Kristoff’s own stomach clench. He knew how close Elsa and Anna were, growing up far from other kids, the sisters learned to depend on each other. 

 “Trouble?”

 The worry quickly flew away. Replacing it was simmering anger as Hans took a seat at the Slytherin table. His relaxed posture, and nonchalant expression quickly started to heat Anna’s blood. 

 “Hans,” Snotlout was quick to speak first, “Did you see Jack or Elsa this morning at all?”

 Hans rolled his eyes, “If I did, why should I tell you?”

 Anna lurched forward, ready to punch Hans square in the nose again, but was held back by Kristoff. 

 “Not worth it,” Kristoff told her, walked them backwards, “He’s not worth it.”

 “If he knows-“

 “He doesn’t,” Hiccup appeared, “Jack left this morning with Elsa.”

 Anna spun her head around and grabbed Hiccup by his collar. The brunette didn’t react when the Hufflepuff gripped him close.

 “What? Hiccup, start talking. Now.”

 Hiccup gently gripped Anna’s wrists, freeing himself, then opened his mouth, “Anna, I don’t know why they left. I saw them walking around when I went out to care for Toothless. I thought they were just walking around before breakfast.”

 Anna pinched her eyebrows together, “Okay. Did you see which direction they were going?”

 “No.”

 Before Anna could hurry out of the Great Hall, Professor Elinor DunBroch approached the group. 

 “What is going on here,” she demanded, looking at the various students.

 “My sister isn’t here,” Anna blurted, “Hiccup said that he saw her and Jack walking outside this morning. I’m gonna go-“

 Professor DunBroch held up her hand, forcing Anna to stop talking. The teacher of Ancient Runes straightened her shoulders before speaking, “All right. First thing. Miss. Arendelle, ah understand your worry, but please, no running off after your sister and Mr. Frost.” Anna looked ready to argue, but Professor DunBroch’s eyes kept Anna’s mouth shut.

 “Ah shall notify the Crood’s, see if they can track down the two.” The Crood family knew the Forbidden Forest well, and the grounds around the castle. Grug and Ugga believed it was important to learn how to get by without magic in case their wands were somehow lost or broken. 

 “As for Mr. Frost,” Professor DunBroch turned back to the staff table, “Our Astronomy Professor is still here. Whatever Jack and Elsa are up to, it appears Jack did not include his father.”

 There was also the matter of Jack freezing her husbands classroom yesterday. Fergus had told Elinor about walking into an ice covered room, Jack in the middle. It made her think the two were connected.

 “Mum,” Merida walked over, “Let’s use the triplet’s. Harris, Hubert, and Hamish could sneak out a grown Thunderbird without anyone knowin’.” 

 “Absolutely not,” Elinor argued, “You will all attend class. And ah won’t hear another word of it.”

 With perfect timing, the bell rang for the first class. Merida groaned, knowing that her brothers could find almost anything if bribed with sweets. Unfortunately, she lost her stash in a game with Eep and Astrid. 

 Anna continued to twist her braid, wanting nothing more than to dash outside and help the Crood’s. She followed instructions though, going to class with Kristoff. 

 “Ah’m worried,” Elinor confessed to Fergus, “Jack Frost freezing over your classroom, and the next day, he’s gone. Elsa Arendelle too.”

 “Ah know, love,” Fergus put his hands on Elinor’s shoulders, “Ah know. First things first. Ah’ll go speak with North. You go and tell Ugga. After that, we’ll see what happens.”

 Elinor leaning into her husband’s touch, comforted by his warmth. A moment of peace, then pulling away to inform the Crood’s before her first class.

 Jack felt his shoulders pull up to his ears as Elsa tapped the top of his head with her wand. The feeling of cold slime creeping down his body was something that Jack found deeply unpleasant. Elsa had recently perfected her Concealment Charms, so they decided to camouflage themselves as they ditched school. 

 “I’ll admit, it’s a little strange to not fully see each other,” Elsa said, her blurry outline making Jack’s eyes cross, “But, you’re done.”

 “Perfect,” Jack pulled out his own wand, and aimed at their snow-covered feet. His charm was cast, hiding their footprints and covering their tracks. He had plenty of practice when it came to sneaking around. 

 Once both charms were complete, the two silently walked towards Hogsmead. 

 Jack pictured inviting his friends over to his house many times, and never once, did he imagine this way. Hiding, covering their tracks, and not because his family wanted to meet everyone. He was bringing a friend because of the not-so-subtle threat that Hans made. 

 Elsa normally loved visiting Hogsmead. She had happy memories sipping Butterbeer with her friends, laughing when Merida accidentally ended up with a wet curl stuck to her upper lip. She was with Astrid, helping her find a gift to send home for her parents anniversary. Astrid sent home an assortment of blue flowers. Now, the walk to Hogsmead was silent and tense, like a dry branch ready to snap. 

 “I don’t know if Emma is home,” Jack muttered, “Her school has started again, but she could be sick.”

 “Alright.”

 “Mostly, it’s my Mom that I need to talk to.”

 “Hans said that his brother was going over money matters?”

 Jack’s concealed head nodded, “Yeah. Mom’s from a wealthy family. Made their fortune in trade.”

 Elsa’s eyebrows went up, then remember that she couldn’t be seen clearly. “Trade? Like…trafficking?” 

 Jack snorted, “Merlin, no. Wand making. Her family made wands, and sent them to be distributed.”

 Elsa was surprised again. She didn’t know that about Jack’s family. Then again, he didn’t say much about money.

 Jack stopped, the sound of footsteps in the snow silent. Elsa looked at the house in front of them. It was a modest house, single story, but with a short, stone tower attached to the building. A fence lined the side of the yard, where an open shed was propped up. Various tools hung on the pegged wall, iced over from the winter. 

 “Elsa,” Jack’s voice was unusually soft, “Could you lift the charm now?”

 Elsa didn’t say anything, silently pulling out her wand and tapping the tops of their heads. Their faces ran into focus, like when Rapunzel painted a picture. When they were completely visible, Jack lifted his hand, and knocked on the door. 

Chapter Text

 North,

 Don’t worry. Jack is home with me. His friend, Elsa Arendelle, is here as well. There is much to discuss.

 Love from, Madeline.

North read the message again, his thick eyebrows both furrowed and raised. It was a relief to finally know where his son was, and their other student. However, it still left open the questions that flew through North’s mind. Why did Elsa and Jack leave? Why did they go to the Frost household? Why didn’t they tell anyone? Anna? Hiccup? So many questions, it was like having a brain full of Cornish Pixies. 

 For now, Professor North informed Headmistress Tara about Madeline’s message, and if it were at all possible to leave.

 “This is strange,” Headmistress Tara said, holding the short parchment in her dark hands, “And yes. I’ll speak with the staff, let them know we found out where Miss. Arendelle and Mr. Frost are. You go home, see what’s going on.”

 “Thank you, Tara,” North smiled. He turned and walked out of her office. Many plants decorated the space, Headmistress Tara the Professor of Herbology before becoming Headmistress. Now, she felt the soft touch of a Muggle fern, her own questions spinning in her head.

 Back in Hogsmead, Madeline was sitting across from the two students. 

 Elsa sat as respectfully as she could. The first thing she noticed about Madeline Frost was her deep brown hair. Professor Frost was bald on top, but ear down, he had a blanket of white hair, and a beard to match. Jack had his own white hair, spiked up top. Madeline thought, her brown hair was deep and rich, like chocolate cake. 

 Elsa saw Jack’s facial structure, how his cheekbones came from Madeline’s, the bridge of his nose, and the shape of his eyes. Brown, but the shape and fold of her eyelids matched Jack’s. 

 “Mom, this is Elsa,” Jack introduced, not really enthusiastic, “She’s here to…well, she’s here to help.”

 Elsa waves and smiled politely, “Hello, Mrs. Frost. It’s nice to meet you.”

 Madeline smiled politely in return, but her eyes remained still. She still didn’t know why the two students left Hogwarts without informing anyone, or why they would come here. The negativity in her sons eyes was enough to confirm that it wasn’t for good reasons. 

 Elsa noticed frames behind Madeleine. Small pieces of bark, with tiny handwriting underneath. Too small to read from where she sat. Under the little table between them, there were shallow boxes, some quite colorful. Connect Four, Uno, Apples to Apples, and a checkered board folded in two. An enchanted needle was carefully weaving in and out of some fabric. From what she could see, Elsa was willing to guess a hooded top. 

 “Jack,” Madeline spoke first, “What is going on?” Various things flashed through her worried mind, but none of them truly making sense. If Jack had been bitten by a werewolf, she would have been notified right away. Spilling a potion on his arm, sent to the Hospital wing of the castle, or Saint Mungo’s if it was too serious. Breaking a broomstick on a flying adventure. 

 Jack forced his hand to not curl, not to press his nails back into his tender skin. He took a deep breath, and looked straight at his mother. “Hans Isle knows about Emma.”

 Madeline’s expression widened, “What? Isle? I was speaking with William Isle not long ago-“

 “Brothers,” Jack interrupted, “And it’s the same Hans who hurt Elsa’s sister. I told you about Anna.”

 Elsa was surprised at this but of information. Pleasantly, but still surprised. 

 “Yes,” Madeline’s eyes moved down, “The poor girl who almost lost her hands. I remember her.” Her brown eyes flicked up to Elsa, “I’m sorry. Jack wrote to me after he found out.”

 “Thank you,” Elsa nodded, “But that’s not why we’re here. I’ve never met William, but I can assure you that Hans is absolutely horrid.”

 “From what I’ve heard, he sounds horrid. As for Emma, we’ve tired so hard to keep people from knowing about-“

 “Mom,” Jack’s snapping tone jolted the two others, “People know. Merlin’s sake, it’s worse that you and Dad hide her away, like you’re embarrassed.”

 “Jackson!” Madeline straightened in her seat, eyes narrowing. “Never say that. We are not embarrassed at all.”

 Jack rolled his eyes, “Yeah, you’ve clearly showed how proud you are. Making me tell my friends I’m an only child, throwing Emma under your coat when you take her to her school.”

 A flush started to paint itself on Madeline’s face. From anger at Jack’s words, or the shame of being told how he saw their actions was unclear. 

 “We don’t want Emma to feel like an outsider,” she said, sounding more like she was talking to herself, “We live so close to Hogwarts, and for her not to go, we didn’t want for her to feel like she’s missing out.”

 Jack abruptly stood up, making Elsa flinch, and began to pace behind the couch. “She’s going to miss out no matter what. It’s only making it worse by willfully hiding her away.”

 Elsa turned her head, watching Jack move back and forth, then faced forward again. Madeline rested her chin on her clasped hands, elbows on her knees as she leaned forward in her seat. 

 “It’s worse,” Jack spoke again, stopping and resting his hands on the back of the couch, “It’s so much worse that I first thought to deny Emma’s existence. I didn’t want to tell Hans about Emma, I wanted to pretend that she doesn’t exist.”

 Reaching behind her, Elsa placed a gentle hand on top of Jack’s. She couldn’t imagine a world without Anna in her life, couldn’t try even if her life depended on it. It made her stomach knot, Jack telling them what his first thought was. Madeline, in response, let a heavy tear spill from her eye. 

 Jack’s confession broke through the protective lies that she had been telling herself. It was better for them to not tell their neighbors about Emma. Venturing far away during Summer so there was less of a chance they would be noticed. Now that her shield was cracked, the words started to quickly take root. 

 Jack was silent, looking away from the tears that threatened to spill over his mother’s lashes. No matter what, she was his mother, and he didn’t want to make her cry. Instead, he kept his eyes on the hand that touched his. Even with the emotional pain that was thick in the air, another part of Jack wanted to wrap his arms around Elsa, to hold her as a way of grounding himself. It felt like a selfish want when he needed to show strength to his mother. 

 As for Elsa, she kept her hand on top of Jack’s, running her thumb across his knuckles soothingly. “His skin is a little dry,” she thought to herself, feeling the dry flakes, tiny as the bits of sand found next to the Great Lake. Still, she didn’t stop her gentle motions against Jack’s knuckles. 

 “Have…have either of you eaten anything,” Madeline looked up, her eyes bright but no more tears at the threat of spilling out.

 Jack was surprised for a brief moment, then hilariously, heard his stomach growl. Elsa instinctively let out a snicker at the sound. Jack flushed, then snicked himself. It was comical timing. 

 “I’m going to assume that you didn’t eat anything before coming here,” Madeline couldn’t help but smile as well, though it was small. She stood up, blinking hard to remove the excess moisture, and walked away. “Come on. We made cakes this morning.”

 “Cakes,” Elsa looked up at Jack, “For breakfast?”

 “She means Cauldron Cakes. At least once a month, they try new recipes. One time Emma poured in a bunch of applesauce.”

 “Applesauce. How was it?”

 Jack’s eyes pinched in thought, “Gooy. Good with cinnamon.”

 Elsa stood up and followed Jack. 

 In the kitchen, Madeline held her wand delicately, the tip moving from the cupboard to the small table. The smell of baking flour and berries quickly started to warm Elsa’s nose. A platter of Cauldron Cakes floated past Jack’s head, followed by two smaller plates and utensils. 

 “Do you want anything to drink,” Jack asked Elsa, going to the icebox.

 “Uh…I don’t suppose you have pumpkin juice,” Elsa asked, feeling more than a little out of place. 

 Jack smiled at her, “Name one person who doesn’t like pumpkin juice.” He opened the icebox and pulled out a narrow pitcher. 

 “My great-auntie on my father’s side,” Madeline answered, earning a surprised look from Elsa and Jack.

 “She never liked pumpkin,” Madeline said, the table now set, “My father told me it was because when she was a kid, Greta’s cousin enchanted a pumpkin to follow her.”

 “She was scared of a squash,” Jack asked, holding out a chair for Elsa. Elsa flushed slightly at his manners.

 “When you’re a child and followed by a Jack-O-Lantern, yes.”

 Jack made a face, but didn’t respond. The cakes landed in front of them, dotted with blueberries. A small gravy boat filled with syrup placed itself in front of the platter, Madeline enchanting the syrup to warm itself. 

 “Help yourself,” Jack offered Elsa the spatula, while he poured himself a glass of juice.

 “Thank you, Jack. And thank you, Mrs. Frost.” Elsa placed a puffy cake onto her plate, then drizzled warm syrup on top.

 “Your welcome,” Madeline sat across from the two, holding a cup of hot coffee in her hands.

 The blueberries were warm. The tartness of the fruit blending in nicely with the sweetness of the syrup. Elsa had to keep herself from devouring the whole plate in one bite.

 “I’m surprised you both walked here,” Madeline said, “I know my son enjoys the cold more than most, but I didn’t expect you to come along as well. Do you have issues with the cold, Elsa?”

 Elsa made sure to swallow completely before answering, “The cold never really bothered me. Even when I was a kid.”

 “That must make it easier for lessons outside during the winter.”

 “It does.”

 Jack listened to the small talk quietly. He kept his focus on chewing his food, not trusting himself to speak at the moment. 

 “Jack mentions you often,” Madeline said, earning a look of embarrassment from Jack, “He tells me that you’re quite an artist. Architecture, I believe.”

 Elsa felt her own cheeks flush, but she shrugged slightly. “I wouldn’t really call myself an artist. Our friend, Rapunzel, she’s far more creative than me. Or…anyone else I know for that matter.”

 “Rapunzel Corona. North mentioned her one time. Praised her ability to chart stars.”

 Jack felt his face cool down, and looked up from his empty plate. “Speaking of. I’m willing to bet that you sent him that letter.” Jack saw his mother hand a small envelope to her Red Owl, Brixtin, shortly after Elsa and himself entered the house. 

 “I did,” Madeline confirmed, “No sane Professor takes missing students lightly.”

 No argument there. Students occasionally ditched lessons to kiss, draw on the walls, or just because. One time in their fourth year, all students had to remain in their Common Rooms while the staff searched for Nod. He had accidentally shrunk himself to the size of a garden slug. 

 Madeline pressed her lips together, then exhaled through her nose. 

 “It’s not easy for people to admit when they have been wrong,” she said, rolling her wand against the tabletop, “Especially when they’ve been wrong for so many years. You’re right, Jack, it is shameful that we’ve been hiding Emma.”

 Jack sat still, surprised at the words. Elsa wanted to leave the room for a moment, then decided it would be worse if she did.

 “However good our intentions are, we should not feel compelled to hide away our loved ones. That being said, it still won’t be easy. I don’t know how much more of an outcast Emma might become. Things change when you bring them out into the open.”

 “It’s got to be better than waiting for the sword to drop,” Jack argued, “It’s worse that this is hanging overhead. It’s damn blackmail.”

 Madeline rubbed her temples, “I’m aware of that. That doesn’t mean this is any easier.”

 The sound of the door opening made everyone look up. Professor North Frost went straight to the kitchen, his red robe dusted from the snow, and relaxed his shoulders at the sight of Jack and Elsa. Only a minute later, his relived expression morphed into one of anger. 

 “If your mother hadn’t sent that owl,” North fumed, “Boy, I was this close to interrogating everyone. And you, Miss. Arendelle.” Elsa swallowed under Professor Frost’s gaze, and he continued his lecture, “You didn’t leave behind anything for your sister. She was bouncing off the walls looking for you.”

 Elsa felt a ball of guilt rest painfully in her stomach, replacing the previous feeling of warmth from the Cauldron Cakes. 

 “Dad,” Jack spoke, “Don’t talk to her like that.” There was a strain in Jack’s voice, like a crack in ice. Elsa touched his fingers with hers, trying to silently tell Jack that it wasn’t the time to talk back to North. At least, not about how they left. It was rushed, and Elsa had a gut feeling that Anna would be running wild when she and Jack didn’t join the rest of their House for breakfast.

 North exhaled, pinched his nose, and looked to Madeline. “Please tell me you know why these two came here.”

 Madeline knew that her husband was only furious because of how worried he was. Her brief message didn’t give a lot of information to explain why the two Slytherin students had ditched Hogwarts. 

 “Jack tells me that one of their housemates knows about Emma,” Madeline stated, “A boy named Hans Isle.”

 North’s eyes went still, like he had been Petrified on the spot. 

 “What’s more, we were…are in the wrong to have been raising our family the way we have.” Madeline’s words lifted weight from Jack’s shoulders. His voice wasn’t just heard, Jack’s words were actually being listened too. At least by his mother.

 “How…what do you mean,” North sat down heavily, “How does Hans Isle know about Emma? How are we wrongfully raising our family?”

 Madeline looked to her husband, then to the students at the table. She inhaled, “William Isle came by to visit not that long ago, to discuss potential trades being opened. Emma’s bus pulled in just before he left. That’s when he found out about her. Jack told me that William informed Hans about Emma, and according to Elsa, Hans is a horrid person.”

 North didn’t disagree. The way Hans Isle sauntered around Hogwarts as if he owned the castle was arrogant enough, but the reports of manipulation, disrespect for the Crood’s, and bullying of others was a perfect example of horrid. 

 “But that’s not the real problem,” Madeline forced her tears to stay behind her eyes, “Honey…it’s wrong that we’ve been hiding away Emma.”

 North’s eyes flickered, “Wrong? I thought we-“

 “We are wrong,” Madeline interrupted, “We shouldn’t have felt the need to hide her. She’s our daughter.” The blaze in her words felt justified. Jack had not only cracked the shield, he completely shattered it.

 North sat still, taking in Madeline’s words. Jack felt restless in the silence, reaching over to grip Elsa’s hand for stability. She was stable, relaxing and Jack couldn’t be more thankful that she had agreed to come with him. Elsa could have easily said no.

 Elsa, typically, would have walked with Jack outside, edging on the boarders of the Forbidden Forest. Nature calmed them both, the smell of damp soil, filtered sunlight through the branches, occasionally having to avoid Sandy Crood so they weren’t tackled. 

 “So, what does this mean,” North asked, hands on the table, “We suddenly come out to everyone? Bring Emma into the Ministry?”

 “You’re talking as if we should parade Emma around,” Jack’s voice was clipped. 

 “Jackson,” Madeline spoke before North could, “This is serious, and not a good time for jokes.”

 “I’m not joking,” Jack argued, then turned back to North, “It sounds like you think the only two options are keeping Emma hidden, or throwing her out.”

 North’s eyes blazed, and his voice was frighteningly low, “Careful with your words. This is not an easy subject.”

 “So, make it easy. We all talk to Emma, and ask her what she wants. She didn’t get a say in being hidden, she should get a say in what she wants to do.”

 Madeline pressed her finger against the back of her ear. It was an old habit she had, something she did when she was in deep thought. “Emma is still a minor, Jack,” Madeline said, “She might not know what she wants.”

 Jack tossed his hands in the air, “I’m not saying Emma knows what she wants. I’m saying that she should be part of this conversation.” Truthfully, Jack was tired of tipping around when he needed to know what was going on. Madeline and North had a habit of making family decisions without Jack and Emma. 

 Brixtin, Madeline’s owl, returned, tapping her beak against the glass of the window. Madeline picked her wand back up, and delicately flicked it, the latch opening. Brixtin flew inside, landing gracefully on the table. She ruffled her feathers, and looked at Elsa with wide eyes. 

 Elsa blinked at the Red Owl, then remembered that owls considered it a challenge to stare directly into a their eyes. She quickly looked above Brixtin, focusing instead on the clock on the wall. Like the clock back home, it was decorated with faces of the family, each one showing where they were. For Emma, the writing on her needle wrote school. The other three members all had their needles with home written on them. 

 Clocks…watches…

 “Professor North,” Elsa spoke, “You said that Anna was…” Her voice trailed off. It was then that she realized while I’m her thoughts, the Frost family was having a tense conversation, and she had just interrupted them.

 North rose his eyebrow, “Yes? About your sister?”

 “It’s…it can wait,” Elsa held her arms in embarrassment.

 Jack gave Elsa a you-can’t-fool-me look. She became familiar with that expression when she first tried to hide her gift for cold magic. 

 “Miss. Arendelle,” Madeline spoke before North of Jack could, “Jack brought you down here. I assume willingly.” 

 “Mom!”

 “But that doesn’t mean this excuses your own concerns. You said something about your sister?” 

 Elsa flushed with embarrassment, nodding slightly. North gestured for her to continue. She released her arms, “Sir…you said that Anna had been asking about me?”

 North nodded, “Yes. Running about and asking everyone if they had seen you.”

 Elsa groaned, “She forgot her watch. Or she didn’t check it.”

 “What do you mean,” Jack looked at his own wrist, then at Elsa’s wrist. They looked similar, but Jack noticed a key difference. Elsa’s watch not only showed the time of the day, but half of her watch also showed the members of her family. Her father’s face had Ministry in neat scripture next to it. Her mother’s face had Ministry written in a different, but still neat, hand writing. Her own face had Elsa’s penmanship next to it, showing the word Hollow. Anna’s face had her handwriting and School. 

 “Oh,” Jack realized, “Anna didn’t look at her watch before tearing into everyone.”

 “It sounds like that’s what happened,” Elsa confirmed. She loved her sister, but like everyone, Anna forgot little details when she was in a panic.