Hey world, SkatingDJ here back with the second chapter of the Goblet of Ice! OMG you guys, I am blown away by all the support XD Wow, I did not expect that, thank you all so so so much!:D I can't believe how many reviews and favs and follows etc this has already gotten! In one chapter! It means a lot to me, especially because this is another version and all but anyways- I was actually planning to update this earlier but a lot of stuff happened... like, A LOT T-T
But on the upside: this is being updated, I'm thinking of doing an Inside Out AU for a bunch of stories like a drabble (IO is the best!), check my profile out for Avatar Weeks, and take my poll:) But enough of my rambling, let's get into chapter 2;) Less explaining and more talking in this one! ^^ Oh yeah, and I'm also attempting to do accents, please let me know if I shouldn't do it XD
"Ooh, what d'ya got there, Jamie?"
The inquirer leaned in on the chocolate-mop headed boy who was beneath his chin.
"A fantasy magic novel." The chocolate-haired boy with hazel eyes replied, barely even batting an eyelash as he intensely continued to read.
"I didn't know you were old enough to read novels, Jamie." The inquirer teased, his voice low and as smooth and cool as ice.
The young boy snorted and rolled his eyes, "Well, I am twelve now and my parents say I'm too old to keep reading those fairy tale stories... even though they have a whole new meaning to me now. Anyways, that's not the question I was expecting you to ask."
"Oh?" The inquirer pitched and cocked an eyebrow.
The twelve year old with chocolate-brown hair and hazel eyes, Jamie, grinned sadly. "I thought I would hurt your feelings by not reading a story about the children's magic anymore."
The inquirer pressed the back of his hand to his forehead and cried (sarcastically), "Oh, shall thou's deeds pain thy so!" He spun around before dramatically fainting dead onto Jamie's mattress and glow-in-the-dark bed sheet.
Jamie shook his head and chuckled, making his bangs bob over his closed eyelids. He placed his book down with care and joined his friend onto his bed.
"You're growing up, I don't expect you to read little kid's fairy tales all your life, that'd be a little strange."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Jamie confessed flatly.
"But what makes a magical novel your reading so different from a regular children's fairy tale?"
"It's kinda meant for teenagers. It's called Merlin."
The inquirer took this into consideration before opening his mouth to speak, "Doesn't sound too shabby, I myself am not all fond in reading-"
"Me neither," Jamie interrupted and continued, "but fun one's like these are an exception, it's the school books you gotta worry about." Jamie shuddered and stuck out his tongue with disgust. School was right around the corner too, how lovely... "You'd like this one. I can give it to you when I'm done."
"What's it about?"
"Well, this kid named Merlin is a wizard and lives in the kingdom of Camelot. However, sorcery and magic is forbidden in Camelot as it is dangerous, and the story is about Merlin discovering his powers while keeping it a secret. Pretty cool."
"It does sound cool, but not as cool as me!" The inquirer winked.
"I don't think anyone is as cool as you... Jack."
The inquirer smirked his trademark smirk as he stared at Jamie through his snow white-silver hair with his electric blue eyes. A staff lay next to the boy who wore a blue hoodie and tattered brown cargo pants. Many know his name, but few actually know him, let alone see him. He is Jack Frost, the Winter Spirit.
"Hey, Jack?"
"Yes, Jamie?"
"The Guardians are real, the Gods are real, other spirits of all kinds are real-" Jamie knew of this from stories Jack had told him, "but are wizards and witches real? Is there a world or land where there is a magical kingdom and where dragons and fairies and owls roam and with magic flying brooms that circle above and where wizards and witches honed magic wands and learned awesome magic skills?"
Jack hummed, "I'm not sure, Jamie." He said with dismay. "However, it'd be a cool and challenging quest to take on! I'll look into it."
"Really?! Thanks Jack!" Jamie cheered as he tackled Jack into a bear hug.
Jack embraced Jamie and gave the twelve year old a heart warming squeeze. Jack had only really been introduced to hugs two years ago, when he first met the Guardians and was finally believed in. After all, Jack Frost had been alone and unseen for 300 years. Jack had always heard of and seen of these things called a 'hug'. It was described as a loving gesture; Jack found it rather strange and a bit suffocating and uncomfortable as it lent no room for personal space (which was sometimes true). It was supposed to be 'warm'; Jack was not fond of anything along the lines of warm, not to mention hot. However, Jack felt torn whenever he watched people hug. The mortals never took them for granted, which meant it was special, and it was quite nice looking. Jack found himself wanting to experience it, at least once, but he never could and that tore him apart on the inside.
Until, that fateful day three days prior to Easter Sunday. When Jamie ran up to him and gave him a 'hug', it was the best thing Jack ever felt in his life. Sure, Tooth had swept in and gave him a quick hug, North had simply lifted him off the ground (and gave him two fat kisses per cheek), but this was the real thing. Jack eased into the hug; a warm and soft feeling pooled in his chest, was this the 'warm' feeling? If so, Jack liked it... it was such a strong feeling. He almost didn't want to let go. It was warm, it was nice, it made his heart flutter as kind emotions flooded through his body. It was so nice to be believed in, this was the power of love.
Jack's eyes flickered as he spotted something suspicious in the sky; the Aurora Borealis. What could North possibly want when school was approaching? It was the middle of the year? Was trouble afoot?
Jack let go of Jamie and placed a tender hand on his shoulder, "Jamie, I have to go, North's calling for a meeting."
"Aw!" Jamie whined with a hint of sadness; he was always sad when Jack left, it was odd, but he always feared that his friend would never return...
"I'll be back." Jack spoke sincerely yet softly with a small smile, "I promise." He assured. Jack then scooped up his staff in one smooth swish with the crook of his ankle (a skill he honed over the years) and leaped onto the warm windowsill when-
"Last hug!" Jamie gave Jack one final hug, squeezing Jack and his eyes tightly, giving his all into the short embrace.
With that, Jack soared out of the window and into the sky, the cooling summer air wafting and wrapping itself around the winter child. Jack called back loudly shouting, "I'll find out about that magical land, Jamie! Just you wait!"
Jack had no idea that he was about to find what he was looking for very soon.
~Goblet of Ice~
"You have to vorgive him, he's always late." An impatient North explained to the other old man who stood near the fireplace with him.
"This isn't a great omen for showing up to class, you know. We don't take kindly to tardy students..." Dumbledore informed, his eyes gleaming suspiciously under his half moon spectacles.
A little golden man, the Sandman or Sandy, floated before Dumbledore and showed a clock ticking and then alarming while a little golden boy floated in from a window. The golden dreamsand pictures of explanation danced above Sandy's head but the wise headmaster could not decipher what the little old man was trying to convey. It always made Sandy so frustrated, sometimes it made him so furious that he could scream! That is, if he could scream, or talk of that matter. So he just released his steam by literally making it flow out through his ears.
Seeing that Dumbledore needed further convincing, a female human-hummingbird hybrid zipped over to Dumbledore and placed a caring hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry, Dumbledore, Jack is an excellent boy. He's brave and kind and one of the nicest people you could ever meet... but being the mischievous spirit of winter-"
"Ya got that right! Bloody showpony's a menace! Ah'm at ma wits end! Crikey, Dumbledore, do ya really think Jack's a good idea for this? He's the worst possible person you could pick!" A certain Australian Pooka interrupted, grumbling on about the 'bloody' winter spirit. In fact however, if anyone didn't know any better, they could conclude that Bunnymund was even a little jealous.
"Actually, Aster, he is the best person to pick... and the only person to pick really." Dumbledore murmured out the last part of his sentence. He saw right through the rabbit's cocky facade, the rabbit did happen to be a bit boastful, but heavens forbid he was not going to pick the Easter Bunny for the job, no sir!
Bunny growled and opened his mouth to protest more, "Best person?! Jack?! No no, Jack is the exact opposite!" Bunny continued to rant and rave on like this, making everyone huff with bother.
The Pooka's voice drowned out as the Sandman observed that the office's window was wide open, sending the chilling cool air of the Pole into the room, almost blowing out the fireplace. Sandy looked back at team and waved at them violently, trying to inform them that a certain spirit had arrived. But alas, Sandy was once again ignored. Was talking that necessary to grab someone's attention?! If only they all could be a little more wise and observant (like him)... ah well, he always had open options. But before Sandy could hunt down Jingle the Elf for his Attention Victim, the said certain spirit had caught everyone by surprise.
"What about me, Kangaroo?" Came a bold voice from behind the 6'1 rabbit. Aster had almost jumped out of his own fur. He had not heard the little ankle-biter over the sound of his own ranting voice. Before Bunny as able to give Jack a piece of his mind, the others had already swarmed around him. What a selfish, irresponsible, devilish, attention-seeking, bratty little... the list went on.
"Jack!"
The Guardians welcomed their newest member (minus one Bunny) before immediately dragging him in front of Dumbledore.
"W-who may this be?" Jack asked as he inspected the old man. He was dressed in fine garments, robes to be more precise, wore a wizard hat, and rocked an awesome beard and pair of glasses which fit snugly on the bridge of his nose. He had never seen him before. Ombric? No... and no other spirit Jack knew of ringed a bell.
"Hello, Jack Frost. My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, I am the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Dumbledore said with utmost formality.
Jack's words got tangled in his mouth as all that passed through his lips was an embarrassing translation of blubber, "Albus Pierce Wolf Dumbo-something, uh, Hogwarts?" He then looked around at the rest of the Guardians for advice.
"I do apologize, it's clearly a mouthful. You may call me Professor Dumbledore." Albus said as he bowed graciously and tipped his hat... although he deeply was suppressing a face-palm, maybe the rabbit had a point.
"P-professor?" Jack barely squeaked out and once again turned to the Guardians for aid, "What's going on?!" He finally demanded after an annoying silence.
"Vell, Jack. Dumbledore vould like to enroll you into his school, Hogwarts." North spoke as he placed his large meaty hands on Jack's small and fragile shoulders.
"Why me?" Jack asked, looking past the mammoth Russian and eyeing the other old man suspiciously.
Bunny snorted, "Good question." Everyone shot him a glare, Bunny closed his mouth but his moody hunch never faltered.
"And, Hogwarts? Where and what is that? And what's this about magic?" Jack continued on, his interest and annoyance peeking for answers.
"Asks lot's of questions..." Dumbledore observed, a playful smirk resting upon his face. Maybe the kid wasn't so bad...
Jack cast a worried glance at the strange old man for a split second, and madly blushed a blue raspberry when the old man seemed to be watching his every move.
The human-hummingbird hybrid, the Tooth Fairy or Tooth, whizzed over to Jack and began to explain, "Jack, there is a place, far off in an abandoned location in Scotland, where students at the age of eleven are selected to learn magic; Hogwarts-"
"H-how come I haven't seen it?" Jack asked, dumbfounded. Over the past 302 years of his life, he had been to Scotland many times and has not heard or seen of this 'Hogwarts'...
Tooth spoke, "Muggles and spirits cannot see Hogwarts as it is, only wizards and witches can-"
"Muggles?"
"Regular mortal people, Jack." Tooth answered.
"Okay." Jack urged Tooth to continue, but North decided to speak instead.
"To muggles and spirits, ze castle is actually an ancient ruin, more commonly known as Alnwick Castle. It is also protected by spells and charms so that muggles and spirits have the urge to not approach it."
Sandy then appeared next to North and showed a picture of the ancient royal building.
Jack leaned down to inspect the golden image further; he gasped, he knew that castle!
"Anyways, Jack, Dumbledore needs you at Hogwarts zis year, ve will explain more, but only if you agree." North said.
Jack took a moment as he looked down on the ground, intent on his thoughts; all this information gave him a headache! It was almost as hard to digest as the professor's name, almost. (1) Magic is real (2) There is a magic castle school in Scotland (3) Dumbledore needs Jack for a year there and (4)- whoa now, wait a minute wait a minute! School?! He was Jack Frost, the Guardian of Fun and Mischief! He was not school material by no means! No way was he going to do this for a year! No. Freaking. Way.
Jack finally looked up to see five hopeful beings staring at him, waiting for his response.
This was gonna be a bit of a shock but Jack had to get his message across. "Guys? Really? School?"
North and Dumbledore burst into laughter as if the winter spirit was joking. Jack furrowed his eyebrows and frowned, come on, this was serious!
"Jack, zis is no ordinary school! It's full of magic and wonder!" North said, his eyes of wonder beaming at Jack. It only made Jack wonder why Dumbledore didn't enroll his buddy Santa instead of himself. "Of course, you'll have to do homework and wear a uniform-"
"Excuse me?!" Jack's pointy ears perked at the words 'homework' and 'uniform'. This was like his nightmare. There was no way he was going! He was going to be cooped up in a castle for a year?! No flying, spreading snow, no visits to Jamie's, nothing!? No! That was the last straw! "No! A hundred percent 'no!'"
"Don't be a wuss, Frost." Bunny gnarled, giving and receiving a death glare that would even strike into the hearts of the deadliest foes.
"Please Jack! They need you!" Tooth pleaded.
"What for? What do I have to do that's so important?" Jack spat.
"You see my dear boy," Dumbledore said, capturing Jack's attention, "A dark and evil serial killer has returned to the wizarding world I need someone to protect the children in my school, and particularly a certain boy."
"What kind of a headmaster are you if you can't even protect your own students?" The Guardians gasped, but Jack kept pushing, "And show me this 'dark and evil serial killer', I'll give him a taste of my ice powers and see if he responds, if he has the ability to come back from the dead first!"
Appalled, the Guardians waited for Dumbledore's answer. Jack wore a confident smirk at the old man while his eyes burned with hatred, his hand wrapped firmly around his beloved staff, he too waited what the old man would counter. Jack knew he kinda crossed the line, but it had to be said.
"You are right." Dumbledore finally confessed, making Jack blink with confusion as he was not expecting that reply. "But it's not that simple." Dumbledore then eyed Jack, staring him down to the core, making the teen take a cautious step back and the flame in his eyes distinguish. "Oh, and the serial killer does have resurrection powers. How else would he have been able to return?"
Jack bit his tongue and cringed. Oops, he kinda did go a little over board. And so far, this serial killer dude reminded him a whole lot like some other dark and evil spirit he used to know...
Dumbledore spoke once again, "And right now it's not about killing, it's about protecting, the war shall commence later. But right now, are strategy is to protect. Like the saying goes, 'defense is the greatest offense.' Jack, my boy, I need you to protect the children and teenagers of Hogwarts. A few in particular, but nonetheless. Can you do that? You are a Guardian after all."
Dumbledore had made his mark. What he said was true, and Jack could not deny it. He would do anything in his power to protect children and teenagers alike from evildoers. He was a Guardian. Besides, North was right, this was no ordinary school! He had the opportunity to learn magic! He should be thrilled by the offer! And if that serial killer does ever decide to show up, Jack would not go back on his word when he meant he would give him a taste of his ice powers! Jack still had more questions but his head was buzzing with too much information at the moment, he could ask them later. It was settled! He was going!
"Oh! By the way, if you're interested, I have decided to host the Triwizard Tournament this year! To, you know, livin' up things a little! It's a set of fun challenges and only comes once every four years-" except for last time, Dumbledore supplied, "but it will be a good year!"
A tournament? A game? A fun challenge? Jack was definitely going!
"I'm in!" Jack declared.
The Guardians rejoiced (minus one Bunny, again) and Dumbledore wore a proud grin upon his wrinkly face.
"It'll be so much fun!" Tooth shrieked with delight., as Sandy gave two thumbs up while Bunny rolled his eyes.
"Sounds like my cup of iced tea." Jack punned, earning a few chuckles, "But I still have a lot more questions." He admitted sheepishly. "When do we start? What do I need? How do I get there? Who in particular am I protecting again?"
"We have a lot to go over, I see. Sit down, get comfortable, don't speak unless spoken to, and keep an open mind, a lot of information's going to be processed through it!" Dumbledore said sternly and grabbed a cup of eggnog (from an elf) and sat down. Jack got comfy on a table and listened intently, this was gonna be fun.
Whew! That was long! I was honestly going to answer Jack's questions but then that would be like, ten pages XP So I cut it to paste on another document, but then I got sidetracked and re-edited another one, and I happened to copy something there so I lost the question and answering of this story!:'( Ah! I knew something like that was gonna happen! Note to all: whenever you copy and paste something, get it done immediately! Regardless though, I hope you enjoyed it!:) PLEASE make sure to leave a review and check out the following;): Profile- Avatar Weeks, my Poll Question, and my stories (recommended: Angel of Darkness)! And please let me know if I should give up on accents!:p Thanks for reading! Peace!
-SkatingDJ