A/N

Sorry for the late upload. I'm currently working on the 30 day challenge too and thinking of new ideas for awakening.

Chapter 4 – Preparations

It was during the car ride back home that Hiccup was told the full story. Astrid had a convulsion attack during the night, and Stoick panicked. He couldn't remember what type of pills to give her and ended up calling an ambulance. She was brought back during the morning and hooked up with medical equipment, sedated to control the seizures. She was going to wake up in the afternoon.

"If only I had the time… Well anyway the divorce settlement's been finalised. We will start going to court in a week's time, then everything will be done within the half year. For now you have to prepare for school."

"Oooo goody, just what I need." Hiccup inwardly thought. "Homework to make me feel better, because we all know how being separated from your family is less important that your academic results."

6 months. He has only got only one hundred and eight days to… make things right? Knowing his mum's temper, she would never rethink her decision. He didn't hate his sister. For all the praise he loved her. He just didn't know how to show it.

"So… they're staying here for the time being? Can I go see them?"

"Why would you want to see that useless piece of shit? Anyway, you'll see them in court. It's not like you're going to miss them."

Val was wrong about that. Hiccup slumped further into the car seat with every word she was saying.

"…We're going to stop by the school later and you are going to have a look around to prepare for tomorrow."

Astrid was on Hiccup's mind now. What would happen to her? What would happen with them? The rest of the journey continued in silence.

The car passed through a humble entrance, but once inside Berk High School was massive. There were fields besides the driveway, leading up to an ancient-looking manor; the school house itself was 3 storeys high and extended backwards, so that at first glance you would be fooled into thinking it was a small campus.

"Er, mum? Are we in the right place? This looks more like a stately home than a school."

"No silly, this is the school. Top of the league tables, best results in the country. They get loads of students into Oxbridge every year."

The car stopped at the main doorway. Waiting for them were 2 men.

"You must be Mrs Haddock, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Dr. Jones, and this here is Mr Flanagan. You will be taken on a tour of the facilities and be given a timetable for your lessons. As class is still going on you might even meet some of your peers, but if not everything will be sorted tomorrow. Now if you will follow me."

The two teachers droned on and on as they walked through halls and alleys. Built 400 years ago, the school had witnessed generations of outstanding achievers, they offer many possibilities… blah, blah, blah. Hiccup didn't care about the 6th form common room, or the Olympic sized pool they had. He wanted to go back to the way things were. Mother did not consult him about leaving, and he only knew when his teacher announced he was going to transfer. That was a week ago. He had spent the most time without changing there, 3 years, and was comfortable. No matter how good the grades were for Berk High he was still not convinced.

"…and that's about it. So George, any questions?"

Hiccup snapped out of his reverie. The doctor was speaking to him.

"Um… no, not really. I'm really looking forward to joining this school."

False words. Always charms the teachers though.

"Good. We'll see you tomorrow then. This way, Mrs Haddock."

It didn't matter if the school was good or bad anymore. To Hiccup it was just another place to stay until college, which was two years away. Passing by the classrooms, Hiccup lagged behind to look into one. Everyone was concentrating on the blackboard, all except one. He was looking around aimlessly and their eyes connected, just for a second. He quickly turned back towards the front and Hiccup continued walking.

"How do you like your new school?"

Dinner was the time when most of the conversations get done in Hiccup's family. He resented Val's decision for moving, for giving up on the family, for living her life through him. He didn't like the school, not one bit.

"I like it. It looks great mum."

"Good."

They went back to eating. For the rest of the night, only the sound of typing could be heard in the new home.