Merida and her friends made it to the Great Hall just before the ceremony commenced. The End-of-Term Feast was a tradition to serve as a reminiscent of the Start-of-Term Feast. They were exactly the same; there was the same amount of food served to the participants, as well as the announcement for winners of the Easter Egg Hunt, and the House Cup. Professor Lunar was also going to summarise the winner of the Quidditch finals to present the award.
All of Merida's belongings were packed. The next morning was when they'd board the Hogwarts Express. The entire summer might be relaxing for Merida. But it could become the opposite if her mother crammed all her lectures in those three months.
It was this event and the Start-of-Term Feast where they all had to sit with their own house. Next to Merida were Heather and Tailfire. She slowly got to know Tailfire during the winter break because they both shared mutual friends, but after that, their relationship declined. They both spoke about Jack and Hiccup, who had a bit of training from Tailfire long ago. Tailfire didn't know when or why they stopped training, but she could see that they've learnt a lot. After hearing that they defended themselves against a Dusk Droid in the Forbidden Forest, she felt they were way ahead of most students their age.
Merida remembered explaining her side of the story to Professor Lunar. The rules were simple: Do not mention about Jack's Core Magic. Professor Lunar instead requested for Xander to claim that he went in to finish off the robot. Lunar's intention of hiding Jack's Core Magic was unknown, but it made sense considering people made up bad rumours of Xander. Jack didn't need any more weight to carry on his shoulders.
"Attention all," announced the Headmaster. It was the first time Merida saw Professor Lunar behind the podium. If she recalled correctly, Professor Lunar wasn't there during the first few weeks of Hogwarts. She still wondered why.
"As tradition of this ceremony, I would like your full attention before I announce the winner of the Quidditch finals—and can we please hold our applause until the winner is announced."
Professor Lunar took out a scroll and examined the writing. "At fourth place, we have Hufflepuff, scoring 30 points for their house."
There was a clap heard at the Ravenclaw table. Professor Lunar ignored it, but the students of Ravenclaw eyed the boy who wasn't seen by Merida.
"At third, we have Slytherin, who gained 50 points for their house. The Quidditch final was an unforgettable event. Ravenclaw was against Gryffindor. Despite Gryffindor's efforts—even after catching the Golden Snitch—the winner of this year's Quidditch goes to Ravenclaw house."
The Ravenclaws stood up and cheered. Merida watched Elsa stand up to approach the High Table. She obtained a badge, which would be displayed on the shields seen in various corridors around the school.
Elsa sat down, and Professor Lunar moved on to the next event. "The Easter Egg Hunt competition is split into seven categories for each year. Every egg has been counted and we've calculated the amount of points awarded to each house. The first category to be announced is the first years."
The students clapped and Merida was hoping she was the winner. She wanted to come home with at least some good news to share.
"The winner of the first years has not only captured twenty-two eggs, but these eggs were hidden in areas where we thought only older students could reach."
Merida was almost shivering. She didn't remember finding that many eggs, but those ones on the windowsills were difficult to spot, let alone inaccessible without a broomstick.
"Please give a round of applause to… Yang Xavier!"
The students clapped, and so did Merida. She was still confused because she remembered Xander doing whatever it took to make her lose.
"I thought you wanted someone else to win," said Merida, tapping onto Xander's shoulder. He was conveniently next to her, and turned around because of her touch. He wasn't even surprised that Yang won, so he must've known.
"I tried to make her lose," replied Xander, "but it looks like Yang was just too determined."
"Did she use the orb?" asked Merida. It was difficult to speak with Professor Lunar continuing with the awards. Even the clapping became louder.
"She cannot use the orb on things that have no proper name. People, places, and animals can be seen as long as they have a name. Besides, I took the orb with me during the Easter Egg Hunt… just to be sure."
The other winners weren't important to Merida. She didn't know who any of them were. But they all had a story of their own. A story she'd never hear about unless she befriended them.
"So, with the calculations from all events, we can correctly assume that Gryffindor and Ravenclaw should hold the lead to winning the House Cup. The current results are… Gryffindor with 203 points, Hufflepuff with 153 points, Slytherin with 192 points, and Ravenclaw with 202 points. But now, we have to add them with the raw points obtained throughout this year and last year."
Merida examined the Great Hall and realised the banners were decorated with Ravenclaw colours. That meant Ravenclaw were last year's winner. She'd love to see it in green and silver.
"At fourth place we have… Hufflepuff with 360 points, making their total: 513 points. At third place we have… Slytherin with 336 points, making their total: 528 points."
The Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Gryffindor tables were excited to know who won. Headmaster Lunar said these in no specific order, so it was possible for Slytherin to win since they were ahead of Hufflepuff.
"The amount of points Gryffindor achieved is… 372 points, with a total of 575. And the amount for Hufflepuff is… 401 points, with the grant total of 554." Professor Lunar waved his hand and the banners changed to red and gold. There were lions on the banners, giving a clear indication of who the winner was. "Gryffindor wins the House Cup."
All the students cheered for Gryffindor. Merida looked and saw Jack cheering with his friends. She was glad to see him like that. What impressed Merida more was all the students cheering and not caring they lost.
During the final dinner for the term, Xander spoke to Merida. He was full of seriousness and it seemed important, so Merida listened carefully.
"Merida, I need to tell you something before we leave. During the break, Yang and I will be doing something dangerous, and we are not certain that we will return."
"Um, okay…" Merida watched and examined Xander's features carefully. He was paler than anyone she knew. His hair was jet-black and his eyes were pure grey. It was a habit Merida always did, since her vision was impeccable.
"If we do fail, I want you to apologise to Lily and Jonathan for us," said Xander. "To be honest, I have hope that we will succeed."
"Really? Why the sudden change in attitude?" asked Merida.
"Ever since I met Jackson, he was always full of surprises. He would always believe things would go right, no matter the odds. I may not be as innocent as he is, and I may not believe I would succeed so easily, but I have learnt to do everything to make things work out. I want to put one-hundred per cent of my effort, and maybe then I will be able to believe and have hope."
"I don't understand," said Merida.
"Do not worry," said Xander. "Just remember what I want you to do."
Merida nodded.
"Another thing," said Xander. "If you do not find any of us next term, under any circumstances, do not approach us if our paths do cross again."
The students made their way to Hogsmeade Station. Following the path, they were looking at the sky to see another miracle, but it never arrived. The students had a lot that happened to them that year.
They could all remember the confrontation between blood purity. A young Hufflepuff named Hiccup was bullied for being a half-blood. The assailant wanted to bring harm upon the ones who weren't pure-bloods.
There was a Ravenclaw who stepped in to help, but he was quickly outmatched by three pure-bloods. His name was Patrick Torres. He was the same age as Hiccup, Dagur, Jack, and Xander, but he wasn't remembered as being part of that confrontation. He didn't care because people would've remembered that he was unsuccessful in helping.
The saviour of that day was the Slytherin who was also a pure-blood. He seemed to have no prejudice against non pure-bloods. It was he who demonstrated a new spell that was only seen during the Start-of-Term Feast, the spell to create Core Magic.
That day was spoken about a lot, which turned into rumours. These rumours eventually reached the professors, and it was up to them to determine what was true and what was fiction.
The ordinary year of 2493 continued, until Halloween. Students were forced to evacuate the Great Hall due to a prank gone wrong. The pranksters had hoped to create snow in the hall, soft, harmless, and fluffy snow. The spell went wrong, after the Thorston Twins from Berk stole a mysterious potion from a Potions classroom. The place turned into hail, and the floor became frosted, difficult to walk on.
When that mishap ended, another casualty had occurred. Another first year was serving detention after scaring Professor Toothiana. He reported that he heard strange noises, and then the Monstrous Nightmare went feral. He was dragged into the castle and he was stuck on the dragon. Getting off was difficult, but if he had stayed any longer, the dragon would've burst into flames like all Monstrous Nightmares.
Xander luckily saved him once again with the use of Core Magic. Students feared what Xander was capable of. That kind of magic was affiliated with Dusk Weapons, which also shared a connection with the Dark Weapon.
The next day there was the first snow, and all the dark emotions had alleviated.
Winter break had commenced the day after and all was good, until several days past and word had arrived, informing the world of the first mass genocide. Hundreds had died and it was presumed that Jackson Overland, the first year Gryffindor, did not make it either.
The child returned and had a troubled time at Hogwarts, almost attacking a student. He had to endure a new subject about Dusk Weaponry.
It was then rumoured that one day he snuck into the Forbidden Forest and saved his sister. Xander saved the day once again by killing the Dusk Droid.
Near the final moments of Hogwarts, the impossible occurred. White powders drizzled around the sky, the first marvellous sight to behold. They didn't know why, but despite the misfortunes that term, they were filled with bravery and aspirations.
They then wondered what next year was going to offer.
While the train was zipping across the landscape, Jack watched as the astonishing view was converging with the sunset. It had been several hours now, but everyone in his compartment was still full of energy.
"So what do you plan to do for the break?" asked Rapunzel. "We should do some investigating too."
"Like what?" asked Merida.
"I'm talking about what Xander told you. We should start something between the four of us, like an investigation team."
"And what do you propose we do?" asked Jack.
"I'm not sure. I want to investigate the relationship of Xander and Yang. They surely know something about the Burgess Sweep. I know Yang said she saw images when she touched things, but how did she know so much to know that Jack was the main target? What I also want to look into is how Lily and John play a part in all this." Rapunzel said.
"That's surely the most interesting part of the mystery," said Jack. "I think I want to go to back Hawthorne. I don't even know if North would let. I think there are clues all over the place."
"Is it safe? Even after all those toxic fumes?" asked Hiccup.
"I'm sure it will be safe. I remember that they took out the bodies after that day. If I don't end up going, I'll be staying at the North Pole and help Emma get used to me."
"Don't worry, Jack. It'll be okay between you two," said Hiccup reassuringly. "Remember what I said about the archives from Meade Hall? Well… The reason why I wanted to look into Year X is because it could be linked to the Burgess Sweep, which I'm sure all of you know already."
The rest waited for Merida to respond. There was something on her mind for a while now, and she hadn't shared it to her friends yet. She didn't think it was important until now.
"When I received a delivery from my mum, I had to go to Hogsmeade Post Office like you, Jack. There weren't many people who could've taken me, except for Professor Black," said Merida.
"What was he like? Was he actually nice?" asked Rapunzel. Merida shook her head. It would've been nice to hear that he was actually kind. Too bad that wasn't the case.
So you don't know anything about them? Let's keep it that way then.
"He was very suspicious of Xander and Yang. He was also asking me about them, but I told him I didn't know them very well. He then said 'let's keep it that way then'. It's like he knew Xander and Yang were hiding something. What's more is that Black waited for me to leave the post office. There were also no more delivery owls, yet Black told me he was heading to the post office anyway. I think he was planning something with Professor Thorburn, the Divinations Professor. She didn't seem scared of the Dark Weapon when I told her about them."
"Maybe it's because she's lived long enough to not believe that they're real," said Rapunzel.
"Do you know how long we can live for?" asked Merida. She leaned in slowly with a menacing smile. "Over one-hundred years."
"Really? How's that possible," asked Jack.
"Beats me. Anyway, I think that used to be a thing, but now that magic got weakened, our lifespans are probably the same as a Muggle's," said Merida. "I think Professor Black and Thorburn are hiding something too. They've lived long enough to be there during Year X. They know more than what we know. It can't just be the two of them either. There should be a lot more professors whom we shouldn't trust."
"What about North? He's letting me stay with him to be safe with Emma."
"Never mind about Professor North. He's definitely good in my book," said Merida.
"Well, I can't trust them yet," said Jack. "I just wanted Emma to be safe."
"Och, I'm going to have to ask my mum about the professors. Most have been the same even when she was here," groaned Merida.
"What's wrong with that?" asked Hiccup.
"Any form of communication with my mother is a trap. She'll end up talking about my lessons and probably resume her lectures with me. I guess it's worth it."
"Well my mother won't let me outside! She keeps on talking about how dangerous the world is," said Rapunzel.
"I still don't even exist to my dad. He's always so busy taking care of the entire village, and he never—" Hiccup stopped midsentence because he had realised how Jack was feeling when they spoke about their own families.
"Sorry, Jack," said Hiccup.
"No really, it's fine—I'm okay." They didn't believe him and thought it was best to change the subject.
"How exactly are you getting to the North Pole? Can't Professor North just create a portal for you guys?" asked Merida.
"He gave me a list of instructions. And no, he won't use the portal. It's the same reason why you guys don't use Floo powder until after the train ride." Jack explained.
The train finally halted and the students left with their suitcases. They all pushed their trolleys near the gate where Merida and Rapunzel would leave first. Hiccup and Jack had the Floo Network to get home.
"So… I guess it is goodbye for now?" said Merida. She was the first to leave, promising that she'll write to them if she finds out something new.
Hiccup was the second to leave. Even though Jack could've used Floo powder, he wanted to stay a little longer; he wanted things to stay the same for a minute.
"Goodbye, Rapunzel." Hiccup went in for a hug. "And goodbye, Frost." Hiccup left and joined up with the Berk students.
"I guess it's my turn to go now," said Rapunzel. "I don't know if I'll be able to find any clues on my own. Mother's usually strict about this. Me snooping around isn't good for her."
"You'll be fine. You're smart… remember?"
"You know that's not true, Jack."
Your house does not define who you are, your choices do.
"I'm in Ravenclaw, yes, but I'm not smart," said Rapunzel.
"It's not because you're in Ravenclaw that you're smart. It's because you chose to be."
Rapunzel smiled. "Thanks, Jack." She hugged Jack before leaving. "It was nice meeting you and the others."
Jack watched as the blonde haired girl left through the gate, phasing directly through the brick wall.
"I guess it's my turn," thought Jack. He took out the piece of paper North handed to him.
Use the fireplace and say: North's Workshop. Don't forget to say it clearly!
You're there!
"Well that was easy," said Jack. He headed to the fireplaces and took a handful of Floo powder.
The emerald flames engulfed Jack, as he was being transported to a new area. He was thinking to himself. How would things go in the future? How could he get Emma to like him again? Or was Jack overthinking all this and Emma was completely fine? Was it okay for him to assume that everything was going to be all right?
Jack was at the North Pole and the temperature dropped to an immense level. Jack was only wearing a shirt, since students got changed before their arrival at King's Cross. It was summer in London, but this was the North Pole, meaning it would always be like winter.
The building was colossal. There was enough room to do anything, except for magic. At least Jack wouldn't worry about casting Core Magic. Multiple rooms were present and the place was already a maze. There was a huge room Jack couldn't miss. In that room, there was a gigantic globe.
Jack saw the yetis, marching around the building with objects in their hands. Some of them were toys, while the others were machine parts. The yetis were large and ape-like. They reminded Jack of his first time meeting North; both were taller than him. They all had different coloured fur.
Jack inspected the giant globe in the room. It was constantly rotating on its own axis, with lights appearing around the world. There was a large book on a pedestal, which was already tempting him to snoop. Perhaps finding clues would be easier for Jack.
"Lights that shine in the dusk." Jack was reading the book and it was a list. It wasn't a naughty or nice list, which was what he expected. The book didn't explain anything, except it had a log for how long each light had appeared on that map.
"These are the people who possess Core Magic," thought Jack. There were currently nine lights that were listed as 'active' on the logbook. He then inspected the globe and saw that the region around Hogwarts was bright. It was impossible to see if there were any students in there. In other countries, there were tiny dots scattered around. He couldn't see the North Pole, but he saw a hint of yellow emanating the top of the globe.
There were around three lights in Japan, and Jack realised there were a lot of people who had the potential of being a wizard. It must've been hard for North to be constantly rejected. Jack felt better about accepting North's offer. There was a lot in China and one of them was bound to be John.
Many lights twinkled at Ireland, and then in France. He saw some in Germany. Rapunzel was home. There were still plenty of dots around the world. Most of them North had probably visited already. There was a cluster of lights in America. It must've been Moonhaven, where Nod and MK live.
Something bumped into Jack's leg and he looked down. There was an elf, carrying a plate of cookies and a cup of milk. There were a few more elves watching him from afar. They wore a red pointy hat, which covered their entire body. Every step they took, there was a jingle from the bell on top of the hat. It was entertaining to watch them.
"No thanks, but thank you." The elf skedaddled away and Jack placed the book back to where it was. Maybe North would explain more about the lights.
Jack heard a gruff voice behind him. It tapped him on the shoulder and Jack saw that it was one of the yetis, glaring at him. It pointed at him and it was speaking in its own language.
"Um, sorry. I can't understand." The yeti became mad and was about to result to violence. It was acting like a guard dog, so maybe it didn't want Jack here.
"Phil!" The yeti stopped and turned, seeing North nearby. "This is our guest."
Phil made a high-pitched gasp and backed away from Jack, speaking in an apologetic tone.
"My apologies, Jack. I forgot to tell the yetis there was another guest visiting." North clapped twice and elves appeared with musical instruments. "I think we should be giving you a more welcoming entrance. Music!"
An elf began playing its horn and the yetis were spinning batons of fire. It was a fantastic welcoming party, but not for Jack.
"Hey, um, hello? We don't need to do this!" Nobody heard Jack through the music. He then snatched the horn off the musical elf and the festive atmosphere ceased. "No music. I just want to know where Emma is."
The musical elf grabbed its horn back and angrily walked off, shoving other elves that got in its way.
"Oh, my apologies again, Jack. Emma should be in the guest room on the left corridor. Your room is right next to hers—but she's sleeping."
Jack made his way out of the room and he had to smile to the yetis that stared blankly at him. He found the rooms and expected for Emma to be awake after all that music. The large door was before him and he didn't know what to do. He was afraid she'd be scared as soon as he opened the door.
North had told him many times at Hogwarts that she was fine. Emma had a lot of fun with the yetis and elves. They pretty much spoiled her with all the food and toys. The toys were the biggest things for her because they never had a lot back at Hawthorne. The only way for them to have fun was to spend time at the playground. She was probably lonely the entire time he was at Hogwarts.
Jack wrapped his hand around the doorknob and was already trembling in fear. She sounded better off without him. He could just stay in the other room and avoid her for her own sake.
A hand lightly touched Jack's shoulder again and he saw North. North stared at Jack and gave him a heartening expression. Jack was crying; there was a single tear that ran down his face. North then gave Jack a nod, as Jack hesitated to turn the handle.
"What if she doesn't like me?"
"She won't. She's your sister."
Jack then closed his eyes and turned the doorknob.
The room was bright. What stood out was the window that almost covered the entire back wall. The vast snow biome was visible and the white snow reflected all the light into the room. He had no idea it was daytime here. There was everything he could've wanted in this room. There was a large wardrobe, a desk, an antique chandelier, and a large, comfortable bed.
"Emma… Someone wants to visit you," said North while patting Jack's shoulder.
She was there, sitting on the bed. Jack was frightened to hear what she wanted to tell him. He didn't want to scare her ever again. She turned slowly and their eyes met. She was confused, seeing that tear mark on his cheek. She then smiled at him and he was finally happy again.
"Jack!" She jumped off the bed and ended up in his arms. He was crying even more. "What's wrong, Jack? Did you have fun there?"
Jack nodded and held her even tighter. This was his sister. And nothing would get in between them ever again. Emma was safe; she was home, and so was Jack.