"HICCUP! WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE, SON, HURRY UP!"

Hiccup knew this wasn't true. Stoick just wanted to show off his son to the other parents before their children got on the train. Now this was not to say Hiccup was deliberately being slow, he was actually hurrying quite a bit, for he wasn't one for disappointing his father. He checked his clock - he really, truly needed a watch - and he could see that he had about half-an-hour more. Well, technically he had an hour, but it took another half-an-hour to get to Kings Cross Station at the time Stoick preferred.

Hiccup's trunk was packed to the brim with necessities (most of them books), including spare robes, spare clothes, Quidditch equipment (Hiccup didn't see how this would help, he was only starting his first year and first years weren't allowed to play Quidditch, or participate in Dragon Racing either for that matter), a list of important things for Toothless (his brand new dragon he'd found on the pre-school initiation, a requirement for all new students entering Hogwarts), a comb (not that it would be of any use with hair like his which stood up as if electrified no matter how much gel he'd used), etc, etc…

He was in typical first year robes: fully black until given one's house. He'd also bought a nice pointy hat and a new pair of shoes. Checking one more time that he had packed absolutely everything, he picked up his trunk, Toothless's cage and the rest of his stuff. Looking back at his large sunlit room for the last time for what he felt would be ages, he took a deep breath.

He could do this. He repeated this to himself as he walked down the stairs. He wasn't a wimp. He was ready…

...but was he prepared? Hiccup's breath caught in his throat for a moment. In the previous year, during the dragon initiation ceremony (a six-month long workshop in which young witches and wizards picked out a hunting dragon and trained it) Hiccup had gone through a rather harrowing experience that had involved a mountainous SeaDragon and a week-long coma. He'd received a lot of praise and worship from the other boys in his particular group for his bravery, as well as Toothless's trust in him. His doctor had been hesitant about him going to Hogwarts only a short time after his experience, but had eventually caved in (thanks to a lot of persuasion on Hiccup's half).

He reached his grinning father downstairs. Stoick had made an effort to look presentable, but he still had a bit of porridge in his huge fiery beard. Woden help him.

"Need help carrying that, Son?" Stoick asked.

"No, father."

"Sure?"

"Yes, father."

"Alright, but if your arms are too full to show off your Horrendous Haddock muscles to the ladies then that's your fault!"

Hiccup blushed and rolled his eyes. His father was a scary man, but so embarrassing sometimes! Hiccup heaved his trunk in front of his body to balance himself and looked around.

"We travelling by portkey, father?"

Stoick hummed. "No, son, We'll be getting there in the car."

Hiccup was surprised at this. Stoick wasn't usually keen on Muggle transport. He was glad, too. He hated Portkeys. He knew Fishlegs had said he was going by Portkey, and he felt for his friend.

"Ready, son?" Stoick placed a hand as large as a saucer on his son's bony shoulder. Hiccup nodded, and stepped out the door.

The drive to the station was quite short and as they walked on, looking for Platform 9 ¾, the chilly September air nipped at his bare skin and he shivered, wishing he'd worn his scarf. He'd stashed Toothless away in his coat. The little green dragon knew not to stir around Muggles.

Speaking of Muggles, there seemed to be quite a lot today, although it would be difficult to tell muggle from wizard.

"Where's Platform 10?" Stoick asked him, his beady eyes searching the area.

"Over there." Hiccup pointed near him, where a sign read 'Platform 10'. Platform 9 3/4 would be to his left.

They waited for the right moment before they ran through the wall to the platform. Hiccup could feel Toothless squirming inside his robes. It was uncomfortable, but the small dragon warmed his body and he was grateful.

Platform 9 ¾ was everything he remembered it to be, for he'd been here once two years ago with the rest of his family for his cousin Snotlout's first year. Snotlout was extremely unpleasant and hated Hiccup's guts, but the experience had been exhilarating nonetheless. Plus, Hiccup thought with a small ache, His mother had been home that day.

He shook his head, looking up and a couple of young hunting dragons flew past. Children of all ages were chattering amongst themselves and gathering their supplies. Hiccup could spot various other nervous-looking first years around him, and he felt more at ease. His father dragged him around for a while to speak (more like brag) to some of his friends: Tuffnut Senior and his family - his wife and children, one of whom was in fifth year already, and the twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut Junior, starting first year with him - as well and Aunt Glugga, who'd come with her boyfriend and his child.

Hiccup latched off from the awkward conversation, and scanned the crowd for the familiar moody face of Fishlegs. He was probably late. Great. A shrill whistle sounded.

"Oh, son!" Stoick boomed, clapping Hiccup's back, "That's your cue! Do the Horrendous Haddocks proud, boy."

"Goodbye, Father," Hiccup smiled, waving as he ran for the train door, "I'll write often!"

"You'd better!" Stoick answered.