Hello everyone, SkatingDJ:)
My deepest apologies for not posting another chapter in (anything) for a long while. I've been more busy than normal. School is back (since I updated) and my skating schedule has been really whack-o... with me finding a new pair pair partner and going to JAPAN in December for Junior Nationals! XD But I am back and I am super thrilled to see all the support you guys left me! ^^ 1,000+ views and 40+ followers in only 2 chapters?! Omg! XD Thank you all so much! Special thanks to everyone who reviewed!;) Ah, it feels so good to write again! This chapter is gonna be a little bit of a drag, it's an explanatory one. But I hope you enjoy!
Even though Jack's loud and long sips from his chilled-cold chocolate (it was originally hot chocolate however) were annoying and irritating (mostly to one particular Pooka), it was good to see that he was interested and pleased with the situation.
"Now, son, I know you have many questions but keep your mouth attached to your drink and we'll all be happy." Dumbledore advised as he handled a mug of eggnog himself.
Jack flashed a thumbs up, nodded, sipped (obnoxiously), and hummed with agreement. His voice loud from the echo of the cup but muffled from the liquid. But his eyes were beaming with enthusiasm, the kid couldn't wait to hear about it all.
"Before I touch basis on you, I want you to learn about what exactly is happening at my school." Dumbledore began to Jack, "As you realize, there is an evil dark lord out to kill one of my students. The victim's name is Harry Potter. The two go back a while. You see, while the dark lord was all mighty and powerful fourteen years ago and terrorizing everywhere he went, he ended up targeting the Potter family. Harry's parents died while fighting the dark lord, but when the dark lord tried to kill Harry... the boy lived. And that's never happened before..."
Jack raised his eyebrows. Harry Potter, huh? Special kid, probably. Probably famous at Hogwarts, no doubt. But, how on earth does one avoid death? Well, except for himself obviously...
Dumbledore chuckled, "He's quite popular because of it!"
Called it! Jack hooted in his head.
Suddenly, Dumbledore's features sorrowed and the room's luster of joy seemed to die momentarily, "I don't know how he survived but he just did, and if I'm being honest with myself, it would have been better if he had died..." Dumbledore spoke.
Jack gasped as his muscles tightened with anger. How could he say that? Even the other Guardians were uncomfortable with that statement, and they probably understood this whole scheme to begin with.
"Well, the dark lord is back and Harry is in grave danger! He's out for his blood! And anyone else who cares for Harry as well." Dumbledore hastily explained in a hoarse voice.
It was obvious that Dumbledore deeply cared for Harry. Jack now saw that it was best that he was brought into the equation to protect Harry. Jack relaxed his muscles, his clenched fists soothing and let out a small breath that he didn't know he was holding. Of course, Jack could understand Dumbledore's sentence. Just end the pain before it begins... Jack understands that more than anyone. This makes Jack want to do whatever he can for Harry now. Motivation drove him as his heart flared with a fire that made him swear to protect Harry, no matter what.
"You must protect him, I know I'm asking a lot of you, all of you, but I need your help. If you don't help, things could get catastrophic and the whole world could be in peril. And not just for wizards and witches, for Muggles and Spirits and all beings too." Dumbledore said.
"Don't worry, headmaster. I'm a Guardian for a reason!" Jack said with a huge sly grin full of confidence (which made Bunny huff with annoyance).
Dumbledore nodded with contempt before continuing. "Well said. Now, I know you will have plenty of time to meet them but let me touch up on Harry and his friends to you so you know what to expect." Dumbledore took in a big breath and exhaled. "Harry Potter of course, he's fourteen like everyone else is in their fourth year. He's very modest and humble about his popularity. He lives with his uncle and aunt and cousin, and let me just say that they are not very pleasant people. Harry is a very skilled and strong wizard, don't tell him I said this but he's the finest wizard I know for his level! He's a remarkable boy; brave, kind, smart, determined, at other times a bit harsh, but you learn to really respect him.
"Harry's best friend: Ronald Weasley. Just call him Ron. He's part of a big family, not the richest, and often teased because of it, such a shame. Bit of a goofy kid, but his is exceedingly loyal and sweet, but he has his tough and soft moments. Then there is Hermione Granger. Most certainly the brightest witch of her age and quite strict to the rules, good girl she is. Nice, sharp, skillful, sensitive, and is unfortunately ridiculed for being Muggle born. She has some rough edges but you work around them, nice young lady.
"There will be others, but learn to know these three, they are inseparable. However, if somethings stirs among them, keep them all together, they need each other."
Jack nodded with affirmation. He tried desperately to hide the proud smile forming on his lips as excitement swelled in his chest. But at the same time, his muscles were tense with nervous anticipation. He had to admit, he was slightly frightened as well. What if Voldemort decided to show up suddenly? Judging by the fact that he was super powerful, even some of the greatest wizards and witches couldn't defeat him. Could Jack even beat him? And without using his ice powers? That means that he would only have one year of magic experience! No way he could beat Voldemort without showing who he truly was! Jack would just have to hope that things ran smoothly.
"You shall learn more through experience within my school, but for now, let's talk about you, shall we?" Dumbledore said with a smile that easily made Jack break out into one of his own.
"Okay, first off, how will everyone see you?" Dumbledore began.
Jack nodded, that was a serious matter.
"Fear not," Dumbledore continued before reaching into his robes and pulling out a silver container and tossing it to Jack, "Inside there you will find dust. It may even look like ordinary ash but sprinkle a pinch of this onto every morning and people will see you. However, hold it to the sun or moonlight and the dust will reveal itself to be a stunning, glittering royal blue. The color based on whoever uses it. Just a fascinating little touch."
Jack cradled the little tin can in his hands and took a peek. It was like the old man said, ash. Jack then held it to the sunlight that was flowing in from the window; the old man was right once again. The ash turned from a dusty gray, to a shimmering royal blue. Wow.
"And I realize you have an extremely important job, being the bringer of winter and all but don't worry about that, I have that all taken care of." Dumbledore said.
Jack frowned, "Wait, I can't spread winter at all?" He asked, a bit mortified at the thought.
There was a moment of silence before Dumbledore sighed, "I'm sorry, Jack. But no, you cannot. This will be the hardest part of your mission. You may not expose your powers at any time and you may not mention or tell anyone of your secret. You know that."
"No flying?! No powers?!" Jack hissed under his breath with sorrow, then, another dire thought popped into his head. "W-what about my staff? I-I need it!" Jack received a couple confused glances from the other Guardians. Of course, Jack thought, they only think my staff is the just source of my power... they don't know why it's really so important to me.
Dumbledore suddenly lightened up. "About your staff, Jack. You may keep it!"
Jack sighed with relief to hear that he didn't have to leave his staff into untrustworthy hands (Bunny). However, Jack's eye twitched as he prevented himself from huffing with utter annoyance (other than the fact that a simple huff would reduce the temperature in the room by twenty degrees). Because, didn't he just say... "I thought you just said that I wasn't allowed to-"
"A simple magic spell can transform your staff into a wand. Before your school year, visit Olivander's wand shop in Diagon Alley to have your staff altered. You will also be required to gather other belonging's on Diagon Alley. North can assist you." Dumbledore said.
Jack gave a sheepish smile at North's direction. Shopping... yay. Oh! Speaking about shopping, and appearance... there was no way Jack was going to walk around with frosty white hair without getting stared at from every kid in the school.
"But there's one problem!" Jack declared.
Dumbledore hummed with question.
"My hair! I mean, as much as I love my awesome snow white hair, it's like you said: I need to keep a low profile, and acting like a fourteen year old boy with grandpa hair simply clashes..." Jack intended that to be a lighthearted insult, but he realized he just technically called himself a 'grandpa.'
After Bunny finished grilling Jack, Dumbledore answered Jack's question. "I have that covered, while visiting Diagon Alley, drop by Madam Malkin's Robes to pick up your uniform, Madam Malkin will be waiting for you... and she will give you a spell that will transform your appearance for a year. Be warned though, the spell will be reversed if another child knows who you truly are or you expose your powers. Teachers are a pass, though."
"Okay." Jack said.
"And as a name, you will go under the alias of 'Jackson Overland,' your old name if I'm not mistaken."
Jack nodded. The Guardians probably told him. After all, last year, Jack had finally mustered up the guts to inform the Guardians of his past. It was a shock back then, but now, the Guardians didn't even flinch at the memory of Jackson Overland. And Jack liked it that way.
Dumbledore sighed, "I think that actually covers it, Mr. Frost. Any other questions will be answered at Hogwarts."
"Great!" Jack cheered with glee as he jumped off the table he was sitting on, ready to move on for the day when Dumbledore stopped him.
"But a word of caution, Jack. While having fun, I would strongly advise you to never let your guard down... you never know just what could be sneaking around the corner at Hogwarts."
Jack gulped, his eyes fixated on Dumbledore who's haunted words engraved themselves onto Jack's brain. Dumbledore then turned around, swishing his hand while doing so, extinguishing the fire in the hearth. Dumbledore then ducked into the fireplace, receiving a look of, 'what are you doing? What. Are. You. Doing?' From Jack.
"Farewell, Guardians! I will be seeing you in the Grand Hall, Jack!" With that, Dumbledore reached into his belt sack and grabbed some soot before throwing it on the ground; a mystical green fire roaring around the headmaster before disappearing entirely... with Dumbledore as well.
Jack stood perfectly still with awe. That was AMAZING. He thought, overcome by the sensation, easily forgetting the sickening foreboding words of the headmaster. He had to tell Jamie! Everything had just happened so quickly, it was a lot to absorb. This was most certainly not a normal day, even for a 300 year old winter spirit. It was certainly not going to be a normal year. Excitement and even a touch of nervousness blossomed in Jack's heart. Hogwarts was going to be much more fun with him around! Even if he had to go to school, wear a uniform and do homework, this year was going to be a blast.
"A lot to take in, no?" North finally said with a chuckle.
"Yeah." Jack breathed.
Tooth flew up "Jack, school starts in a week. Dumbledore suggests you go to Diagon Alley tomorrow to pick up your things. North will go with you."
Before Jack had any time to reply, North swooped in and shook Jack's shoulders with thrill, and giving Jack a good whiplash. "Very exciting indeed!" The saint cheered. North let go of Jack, gave him a smile, and marched out of his office to attend back to his duties.
Tooth gave Jack a warm smile and waved goodbye before fluttering out of the office window into the crisp, cold outdoor landscape, heading back to her palace in South Asia. Jack turned to Bunny and gave him a farewell smirk saying, ha-ha looser, I'm going to Hogwarts! Bunny returned the smirk with a disapproving scowl as he shook his head with disgust as if saying, Screw you, Frost. Just screw you. Jack returned a displeasing sour-pout face. Language, Aster. How Jack knew what Bunny was saying in that thick and furry skull of his? Jack didn't know. Perhaps that brotherly bond the two shared? It wasn't like Jamie's where Jack loved the kid with all his heart, Bunny could freeze his lost ass in Antarctica for all he cared...
With one final death glare, Bunny patted his foot twice on the stone ground. Magically, the floor caved in under his feet to create a rabbit hole (this was is three times bigger than a man hole, surprisingly). The Pooka leaped in without hesitation, traveling back to his Warren from underground, the mouth of the hole closing. The only trace of him left was a crimson poppy that had bloomed from the rabbit hole. Jack stared at the poppy with satisfaction before looking up to find Sandy still there. The little man looked like he was deep in thought; Jack wanted to leave him to it.
"Bye, Sandy!" Jack called out briefly before throwing himself out the window to head home, not even suspecting or contemplating on what Sandy was thinking about.
Sandy barely even heard Jack. His mind was still swimming with the thought of Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. Dumbledore's last sentence in particular spooked the dream spirit. 'You never know just what could be sneaking around the corner at Hogwarts.' The headmaster only had meant that just to frighten Jack into not slacking off during his time at the school, a simple joke. But still. Dumbledore wasn't even aware of it. Neither were the Guardians. But Sandy felt it, in his mind, body, and sand. Something just wasn't quite right. Especially since he had encountered a few Nightmares in the past few months.
Something was horribly wrong, and the Dark Lord was only the beginning.
~Goblet of Ice~
"So you're going to take this flight to London. From there, the bus will take you to King's Cross Station. Remember to be on time, the train leaves at exactly 11 o'clock! You know how to get through-"
"Mom, chill! I've done this for the past three years already! You came during my first year, it's easy. I know where to go, when to go, and how not to get killed."
"Don't even joke like that. I don't think you should even be going to this school. It's great and all, but not with everything that has been going on. The teachers need to checked out; first year was an evil teacher, third was a werewolf!"
"Dad, I can protect myself. And you should really turn your voice down, people are staring..."
"My god, do you even realize what happened during your second year! You could have gotten killed! Muggle borns getting petrified and all... and I absolutely hate the sound of this 'Triwizard Tournament thing. Do you promise not to put your name into the Goblet?"
"You're father has a point. We did a little research and people have died during these games! They are also quite frightening! Don't put your name in! You tried out Quidditch and you know how that went..."
"You guys did research! Wow! Not bad for my un-magic parents! But no, I won't put my name in if I'm gonna die. Don't worry on that. And I've given up on trying to play Quidditch. As fun and awesome as it is; I can't catch the Quaffle, I can't be a goalie and balance on a flying broomstick, I really don't wanna get cracked in the head by a Bludger again, and never in a million years will I catch a Snitch. I've devoted myself to becoming a super powerful witch. I have good grades and I can fight for myself."
Silence and sad but sweet smiles.
"Okay. You'll come back for the holiday's, right? Send us pictures?"
"Totally."
"Work hard, have fun. And just- be safe."
"I will."
"We're proud of you."
"I know. Thanks for letting me go."
The witch and her parents embraced for one last time. The girl gathered her things and headed towards security, waving goodbye to her parents.
"We love you. See you soon! Bye!"
"Love you too! Bye!"
It was always sad. Leaving for Hogwarts. It was really different, being somewhere far, far from home without the comfort of her parents. But it got easier every year. First year was quite a shock to hear that she was an actual witch, and it wasn't just some mail scam (her father had a time with that one). She had to sacrifice many things, but she was more than happy she did them. Leaving behind a regular life for this was well worth it. And each year kept getting more exciting. She couldn't wait to see her magic friends again and try new things.
With one final wave goodbye to her parents, Max YellowStorm cleared through security and headed to her flight to London.
For those y'all returning from last story... SHE'S BACK! XD MAX YELLOWSTORM IS HERE! If those y'all don't know who Max YellowStorm is, she's Me:) Note to all: I won't make her into a Mary Sue.
Again, I sincerely apologize for not writing in months... it's been a lot lately with my new partner and school and training. But I really hope to get back into the swing of it more. Not sure if this chapter was as good as the last because of it:/ But, if you guys want more, make sure to leave your support with a review!;) Check out my other stories and I hope to be posting another chapter soon! Peace! ^^
-SkatingDJ