Hello all, SkatingDJ!:)
Life has been throwing lemons at me, and sadly, I can't seem to make orange juice:/ Anyways, besides that... Thank you all for the amazing support and reviews!:) It makes me so happy, I'm so glad you all like this! We added over 1,000 views and 20+ follows since last chapter! ^^ And I'm happy most of you are glad Max is back.
However, quick note: for those of you who won't/don't like Max/OC's, that's totally fine. Trust me, I hate OC's as much as the next person does (the ones who are deemed perfect/love interest). Max will not beMary Sue, I swear it on my life. I'm sorry if I disappointed some of you, I know the feeling:p But please keep in mind that Max won't be anything special and won't be a major role or anything:) Know why? Because she's me... and I want her to be just like me in that I am putting all my truth into her so she'll seem more realistic.
Alright, enough of my rambling. Please enjoy chapter 4: Diagonally! This is where the magic for Jack happens! (Omg I love when Harry says that in no. 2 XD)
"So, where is this Diagon Alley?" Jack yelled at North (who he was following) over the loud bustle of the absurdly large kitchen.
Jack weaved and tip-toed through the crowd of elves that were carrying plates of cookies and ducked underneath clouds of chimney smoke that looked so thick you could cut it with a knife. He did tip over two jars of candy canes, one sack of flour, five packets of gumdrops, and a row of plates (and lost North in the process) but otherwise, he rather enjoyed traveling through the kitchen and snickering behind an oblivious Santa Claus and at the furious elves. The Workshop was his favorite place to explore and he enjoyed every minute of it. If this place was magical, what would Hogwarts look like?
North led Jack to the very back of the kitchen and barged through the door that took them to a pantry. Jack looked around to see if there was some secret door somewhere or a trap door on the ground, but there was nothing in the small brick room except for some shelves containing more candy and bakery goods.
"North, I'm confused." Jack pouted.
North just looked at Jack with his glistening eyes of wonder before marching to one of the shelves and promptly sliding it to the side with a grunt. He then bent down to inspect a certain brick implanted awkwardly in the wall. A smirk played on Jack's lips as he craned his neck with interest to peer at what North was inspecting. North carefully pulled the odd brick out and then proceeded to reach inside the gaping space and then brought out a small, yet long navy blue box. North paced away from his spot and over to Jack as he revealed what was inside the box; a wand.
Jack's eyes flashed with amazement. While the wand wasn't anything spectacular, a simple design of smooth redwood in a twirly pattern, it was a wand nonetheless and that fascinated Jack enough.
Jack didn't pay attention to the yeti who took the box from North and place everything back the way it was Jack simply watched North walk over to the empty brick wall with suspense. North continued and raised the wand before making five precise taps in the middle of the wall in a perfect polygon pattern. Jack held his breath even though nothing had occurred right away. But sure enough, something magical happened. Jack gasped and stepped back as every single brick began to rotate and fold to the side, revealing a marvelous sight before them.
North beamed, "Welcome to Diagon Alley, Jack!"
Jack's eyes glistened with wonder as he gracefully stepped forward and into the magical world. He couldn't believe it! Jack looked behind him to see the brick was closing once more, the pantry slowly vanishing. When Jack looked forward once more, barely any people glanced his way. But Jack was accustomed to this feeling of being invisible. Besides, strange things like moving walls and white-haired teenage boys must be a common thing to people like this and not too much of an eye-shocker, even though he would have to conceal his true appearance at Hogwarts.
The alley was crammed with wizards and witches. Each and every one of them talking about something odd yet magical, no doubt. Jack had not seen a place like this for decades; cobblestone path, people dressed in vintage clothes, and wood buildings... it reminded him of his time. He could get used to this. Each building was shoulder-to-shoulder and exploited all sorts of magic that Jack would never had guessed he would see; (real) living plants, books that were half monster, flying brooms sold in windows, and trinkets of all shape and size. Jack loved it.
As Jack continued to walk down, blinking as little as possible and trying to soak up the sight before him, North coughed and forced his attention to him.
"You see zat white building up ahead, Jack?" North pointed straight ahead as Jack's gaze followed his finger.
Of course Jack had seen it, while the construction was interesting, Jack found more pleasure in gazing at the other shops. "Kinda hard to miss, North." Jack scoffed teasingly.
"Well, in order to get you your school supplies, ve need money and zat building contains the amount ve need!" North boomed.
Jack raised his eyebrows before squinting harder at the building far ahead of them. Gringott's Wizard Bank, it read. Jack highly believed that the contractors of this designed building might as well nail a plaque on the front door that read: "Please break in!" The building was practically leaning and disjointed! Jack knew that was the style but really doubted it's security... was this place really that safe?
Did Jack ever mention to himself that he enjoyed being proven wrong (on certain occasions)?
The inside of Gringott's Bank looked nothing like the outside. It was as fancy as a ballroom but as formal as a high court. The floor was marble and the ginormous chandelier above was pure crystal. But besides that, the obvious thing that attracted Jack's attention the most were the business men running the bank. If you could even call them men...
"Uh, North? What are those things?" Jack asked hesitantly as he slightly edged closer to North as they walked down the vast hallway.
"Goblins, Jack. Similar to trolls in zeir appearances and attitude. Greedy and have anger and trust issues, but zey are wise. But it is best to stay close." North growled in a low voice.
The pair made their way to the front of the building to the head of the hold. Jack honestly felt slightly intimidated. The desk towered over everything, even North, and the goblin certainly looked more menacing than most others. His hair was tousled like a mad scientist and his teeth were sharpened like razors. His spindly hands were shaped like claws and roughly held a quill as he scribbled down papers that sat before him. Jack gulped.
"Ah, Mr. North. We've been waiting for you." The goblin spoke as he glared at the two visitors with his threatening eyes, his voice as raspy as nails.
The goblin reached under the desk and brought out a large gold key which had a red ruby attached to its base. He handed North the key and gestured for him and Jack beyond the tall barbed gate that enclosed the large chandelier. After North and Jack entered through the door to the other side, another goblin presented himself and let them enter a door to the vaults. It was most certainly a change. They went from a fancy hotel lobby to the pits of a dark and ravenous bat cave. How quickly could the change have happened? Jack had no idea. They entered a shaky elevator ride down even further to reach underground, Jack now knew why Gringott's was a very valued bank. Busting into a cave is one thing, getting past goblins are another, and the magic enchantments Jack sensed? Jack didn't have to question it. Not to mention the probable safes that all the treasures were stored in.
After (thankfully on both the Guardian's behalf) exiting the elevator, the goblin motioned them to go into this steam-motor cart contraption that rested on a rusted rail. The goblin hopped in the front and sat before some sort of pole that acted like a steering wheel. Jack and North shared looks of hesitation yet eagerness as the two piled in. North took up the entire back but Jack had no problem crouching on the trunk. Jack wondered if this was some sort of roller coaster or a really slow trolley...
He didn't have to keep guessing for long. Jack let out a powerful shrill as the cart hauled from zero to sixty. It was like a sleigh ride or a really intense roller coaster, both the Guardians enjoyed it. Jack took in his surroundings as they whirled around the cave's heart as he caught glimpses of a never-ending waterfall and more cart tracks that did intense turns and insane loops. Jack howled with delight when they took a few of those courses. He could just imagine the look on Bunny's face if he was ever persuaded to even catch a second glance at this thing, he might just loose his lunch over it!
Sadly, the ride to their vault was criminally short and they had pulled to a stop before Jack knew it. Jack reluctantly hopped out of the cart as North and the goblin got out after him. The goblin then proceeded to walk towards one of the vaults that had lined the walls they had stopped by. The little beast took very small steps as Jack and North fought the urge to wait and simply take one normal step every few times the goblin took three. After a little (not so little for the goblin) journey to a certain vault, the goblin beckoned for North to give him the key. North passed the large gold key to the goblin as the goblin continued to unlocking the heavy metal door.
In a few clicks, the door slowly swung wide open. Inside, the bright shine of gold assaulted Jack's eyes. Within the bank, there were mountains of golden coins and other riches. The coins were neatly stacked against walls and filled to the brim in trunks. Other things such as jewelry, goblets, saucers, gems, and other troves littered the ground. North cautiously maneuvered within the vault and took out a sack and filled it up with some gold. When the Russian exited the treasure trove, he handed the small yet heavy pack to Jack.
"Shopping school money." North said as Jack tightened the leather straps of the pouch of money and bound them around his wrist.
The ride back up was no less enjoyable, but still was unsatisfying short. But Jack didn't mind as much, he had some exploring to get busy on and cool things to buy! Besides, these goblins really made him on edge. They would really fit in with the forest trolls that Jack encountered near his home from time to time, another story to be shared at another time.
Once North and Jack left the bank, the busy life of Diagon Alley stood before them as if nothing had changed. North then reached into his coat and pulled out a scroll of parchment and handed it to Jack.
"Go ahead and read it, Jack. Follow the instructions, you'll figure it out on your own. I must go somewhere very quickly to get something but I will be back very shortly." With that, North left.
Without a word, Jack unraveled the scroll and read it:
1) Olivander's Wand Shop
2) Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions
3) Flourish & Blott's Bookshop
4) Scribbulus Writing Instruments
If you have extra money, spend it on whatever you like~
Jack smiled himself as his gaze returned to the street; this was going to be interesting.
Jack squeezed inside the small door of Olivander's to see nothing out of the ordinary for a creepy, dense, compact, ancient magical store. Everything was boarded wood and the walls were lined with shelves among shelves of what Jack presumed to be wands. Jack walked up to the front desk and waited for whoever was supposed to greet him. The place was exceedingly ordinary with a couple of potted vases by the window and a staircase leading to some sort of workshop, but the air was electrified with magic and mystery. Jack could feel it, and he liked it.
After waiting a decent amount of time, Jack cleared his throat and spoke, "Hello?" He called.
Suddenly, a man on a ladder came zooming in from the back of the shop. Jack didn't even hear him! And if the spirit didn't know any better, he would have called this man Einstein. He wore vintage medieval clothes and his gray fuzzy hair looked like he had been electrocuted. While the man was old, he still seemed to have a childish sense to him.
"I've been waiting for you, Mr. Frost." Olivander said as he slid down the ladder and approached the teenager. "I have been assigned to take a look at your staff."
Without speaking, Jack nodded and handed Olivander his beloved staff. The old man nodded his head as he eyed it with approval, he felt out the piece of wood as he examined it, constantly mumbling out compliments and other what-nots. After being satisfied with his procedure, he held a finger to Jack before scurrying off into the back of the small room, vanishing behind the shelves of wands. Jack wandered around some more before Olivander rushed back to the room with a proud grin on his face and without Jack's staff.
Jack frowned with confusion, "Um, Mr. Olivander? Where's my staff?"
"Ta-da!" Olivander cheered suddenly as he whipped out his hands from behind his back to reveal a wand.
In closer inspection, Jack could determine that the wand Olivander was holding was indeed his staff, except considerably smaller. Jack took it and admired it with awe. It was amazing, he had basically shrunk it down! Why, even at his touch, it still became entwined with frost (barely noticeable, but still there nonetheless). It still felt like the old and brittle wood of his staff and he could still let his fingers linger over the ripples and twists of the wood. There was the distinct "G" shape at one end and the rest was history.
"And the way to get it back to the way it was is by simply chanting the charm, Engorgio." Olivander said.
Jack licked his lips and focused intently on the wand, "Engorgio!" He chanted deeply, and to his amazement, the wand exploded in a flurry of cold frost as the wood began to overlap and grow in an instant right before Jack's eyes. In a moment, Jack was holding his precious staff again.
"Outstanding work, my boy!" Olivander remarked, "Why, you're a natural! First spell, first try!" He commented, making Jack slightly blush a blue raspberry. Olivander began again, "Now, to reverse your staff back into a wand, say the charm Reducio."
"Reducio!" Jack recited with his own little touch of a flourish as the wand began to creek as the frost covered staff began to freeze and compact as the wood began to tighten into itself as if wringing a towel. It was quite fascinating.
"Well done," Olivander remarked, "and don't worry if you'll have to learn those spells in class, your special wand incantation works by will."
Good to know, Jack thought.
"Now give it a wave!" Olivander cheered, eager for Jack to test out his handiwork.
Jack was about to wave it, holding it the way he would his staff, when Olivander abruptly stopped him.
"Be careful, boy! Don't blast yourself in knee for god's sake! Hold it the other way, point at the end!" Olivander exclaimed with a panicked and flushed expression.
Jack cringed and flipped the wand around (holding his staff upside down), his hand perfectly spooned into the "G" of the wand with the other end acting as the casting side. Jack flicked the stick with grace and power as a blast of electric blue magic fired from the wand. However, Jack wasn't really looking at where he was firing and ended up busting the lamp up ahead, causing it to crash down upon the desk that was in between the two men. Both Jack and Olivander stood stock still with poker faces. They caught a lucky break as none of the lamp shards had inflicted damage on them. In the slightly darker room, Jack gulped and hesitantly poured some money onto Olivander's desk... and some extra tips for a new overhead lamp. Jack awkwardly shuffled out of the shop, watching Olivander's fixated gaze upon his shattered lamp with shock.
"Um... bye, Mr. Olivander!" Jack weakly laughed as he opened the door and slowly inched out and bolted out last minute, but not before hollering, "Thank you!"
After a good few moments, the shock waned off and the only thought Olivander could think was, Hogwarts has their hands full this year.
~Goblet of Ice~
Next stop, Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. Jack let out a huff as he stood before the shop of robes (for all occasions!) and entered the building with his wand in hand. This was going to be awkward to say the least. Fashion was not in his forte, and he wasn't eager to leave the comforts of his normal clothes to ditch them for a tight and stiff uniform. Jack inwardly cringed and took a hard swallow, let's just get this over with.
Jack closed his eyes and hollered, "Hello?" Please don't be here...
"Hello?" A voice chimed in from the back.
Dammit. Jack inhaled sharply, his posture now pain straight and a charming yet over-the-top smile plastered on his face.
From the back came a short, old woman that was dressed in a mauve robe and witch hat. She was slightly plump and had rosy cheeks, turquoise irises, pink lips, and gray curly hair. It must be Madam Malkin. (Gray or white hair seems to be popping up everywhere, is it a trend? Come on! I'd fit right in at Hogwarts, Jack whined to himself.) For an old lady though, she moved pretty fast. It appeared that she knew what she was doing and was exceedingly proficient at it, to a level in which it impressed Jack. Maybe this wasn't going to be half-bad.
With a graceful flurry of her wand, Malkin summoned a measuring tape that came whizzing out from it's place underneath the sewing desk and came to a halt right before Jack. Malkin then shooed Jack upon a platform as the tape began soaring around him, measuring him at all different angles. Jack couldn't help but laugh at the intricate object that seemed to have human characteristics. But what also caught Jack's attention was a floating clipboard and a plush mauve quill that was furiously jotting down notes in a fancy, loopy handwriting pattern. The board and quill pranced about and followed Malkin who was circling Jack, inspecting him and mumbling about him being a spirit under her breath.
Suddenly, the measuring tape snapped back together, causing Jack to flinch with surprise. It's job done, the tape flew back to the desk and the board and pen had jumped right into Malkin's hands. Malkin looked it over before holding a finger to Jack, beckoning him to stay there. Before Jack could even nod, Malkin had already scurried off into the back of the shop without even saying a single peep. No words, short and chubby and somehow demeaning... Madam Malkin reminded Jack of the Sandman. He would never admit it to their faces (especially to one particular furry face), but Jack would miss the Guardians and be slightly homesick.
In a matter of mere seconds, Jack heard the click of Malkin's high heeled stilettos racing from the back and getting closer to the front. Sure enough, Malkin was coming down the hallway with uniforms in hand.
Jack frowned, this was the moment of truth. What did she want him to do? Get undressed and change while she just silently watched him with eager eyes? (Oh god, that sounded so wrong!) Jack warily supposed so, might as well change quickly then! Jack was reaching down to lift up his hoodie but instead found a swirl of glittery mauve magic twirl and spiral it's way around his body, magically swapping out his clothes for a uniform in a matter of moments. Okay, Jack had to admit, that was pretty amazing.
Jack chuckled with approval and glanced at Malkin with a smile. Malkin simply beckoned for Jack to turn around as a mirror had been placed for him to gaze into. Jack was taken aback by his own image. He actually looked good in a uniform, if you will! It was pretty snazzy and- what's the word? Swag? What also blew his mind out of the water is that the uniform wasn't as bad as he anticipated it to be. The collar was a little stiff and the entire outfit was slightly warm but otherwise, he was comfortable. The pants were actually similar to his tan jeans and his shirt actually let air pass through it. His gray vest was quite soft like his blue hoodie and while wearing shoes was a new experience, he didn't mind it too much. But the best part of the outfit was his robe. It was entirely black except for some red linings and a lion emblem on his chest, whatever that meant. Jack couldn't help but sorta do a little spin and admire the robe's awesome appearance. It was just so cool looking!
It fit perfectly.
Malkin gave an affirmative curt nod of approval and swished her wand once more as Jack was switched back into his normal clothes in the blink of an eye. Malkin then took the uniform and some other articles of clothing and stuffed them into a packaged box.
"One more thing to do before you go, love." Malkin suddenly said in her small, tight voice.
"What's that?" Jack asked, getting a little nervous.
"Your spell." Malkin whispered with a wink.
"Oh yeah." Jack breathed non-enthusiastically.
Madam Malkin took out her wand, put on a pair of spectacles and stepped back from Jack and raised her wand. "Now, this isn't really a charm or a spell, it has been specifically crafted for you. It's more like a child's rhyme."
Jack nodded and readied his staff- wand.
"Now repeat after me:" Madam Malkin began.
"To make them see,
Believe in me,
From white to brown,
A frosted crown...
Shall lay itself down for a new king."
Jack snorted, that was rather extravagant and interesting! But Jack recited the poem with ease and just like magic, his hair turned from a frosty white to a chocolate brown and his skin became more peachy than pale. However, his common chill still hung around as he could still feel a connection with the wind and snow. This was just a mask. But it really made him look human again... it gave him heartache.
"How do I reverse it?" Jack asked as politely as he could.
"Another poem, darling. Listen to me" Malkin spoke.
"Turn back time,
Say the rhyme,
From warm to cold,
Young to old...
Arise once more, Frosted Prince."
Jack recited the simple poem and his appearance immediately changed back to his normal form. He had gotten quite used to being Jack Frost, he wasn't sure about leaving it for so long. Putting his wand away, Jack then paid the money and took the bag, "Thanks." He said.
"Not a problem, deary. Good luck!" Malkin responded with a goodbye wave.
Jack looked down with a small smile, but when he looked up, Malkin was gone. Jack frowned and looked about, but it was if she vanished into thin air. Surprisingly, he found that it didn't spook him the least bit. His mind was still swimming with the thought of looking like a human, interacting with humans and acting like a being. It was going to be quite the change. The Guardians and his few believers have been the only people he has ever known for so long, Jack wasn't sure how he was going to fit in with his peers. He had to admit it, he was a bit self conscious.
"Jack!"
Jack turned around to the voice that came right outside the window.
It was North, and he seemed to be holding something rather large in his arms...
Curious, Jack ran outside and came to an abrupt halt when he saw one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen.
It was a large Snowy Owl. It was magnificent. It's feathers were a pristine, almost glowing white. They were finely plucked and groomed, some sharp and some rather fluffy. It had lovely black spots decorating it's head and round, sky-blue eyes. It was beautiful.
"She's yours." North spoke.
Jack barely even heard North's words, or at least barely processed them as he was so transfixed on the creature. "W-what? The owl?"
"Da, it is optional to bring along an owl, cat, or toad to Hogwarts as it can be a form of comfort or communication. And we would like to stay in touch, no?"
"Of course!" Jack exclaimed. North had gotten this owl for him? "You got it- her for me?" Jack asked with disbelief.
North only smiled and nodded. Jack slightly blushed, not knowing what to do, but ultimately gave North a hug.
"What's her name?" Jack asked the moment he released North.
North stroked his beard, "No name, your decision!"
Jack looked at the bird once more and immediately knew what to call her, "Hello there, Snowflake."
"That's a pretty name, Jack." North complemented.
Speaking of animals, this made Jack recall something.
"Hey, North?"
"Da?"
"The robes Madam Malkin gave me had red lining with a lion emblem on the front. And the scarves and gloves and other stuff were red and gold... why those colors?" Personally, Jack would have wished for blue and white.
"Ah!" North bellowed, making Jack jump slightly. "Gryffindor House!"
"Gryffindor... House?" Jack slowly repeated with confusion.
"Well, Jack. At Hogwarts, all the students during their first year are sorted into a certain house based upon their abilities and personality traits. There's Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
So he was in Gryffindor? That sounded pretty cool, but Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff didn't sound too bad, and Jack couldn't help but have mixed feelings about Slytherin.
"Gryffindor's are known for their remarkable bravery, Ravenclaw's have outstanding wit, Hufflepuff's trademark is loyalty, and Slytherin stands for their uncanny shrewdness..." North shuddered with the last part of the sentence.
"Hey," Jack remarked with a whine, "I'm shrewd!"
North coughed and fixed his attitude immediately, "Of course, Jack. It is more of a reputation of the Slytherin's."
Jack frowned, he wanted to know more. After all, Jack wasn't dumb, he was rather witty and intuitive. Perhaps straightforward at times, but definitely thoughtful and considerate of all options and aspects. And Slytherin surely spiked this side of him.
"Besides," North continued, "you don't really have a choice. You are Gryffindor because zat is Harry's house."
Jack nodded curtly as the two continued back down the alley and to the brick wall to return back to the Workshop. They returned in silence, but Jack's mind was buzzing with questions. Perhaps Hogwarts wasn't as magical and perfect as it was made to be... maybe there were more threats than uniforms and homework. This wasn't going to be just fun and games, Jack believed that this year might test his Guardianship like never before, and besides being excited, he was also honestly frightened. But if that was the case, then Jack wasn't just going to be Harry's secret agent, he was going to damn well try to make Hogwarts the happy and fun place it should be.
He was Jack Frost, he could do anything.
EDIT: If anyone is reading this now, newcomers or old viewers, I sincerely apologize. I had totally sent in that last chapter without finishing it! Even though it was basically done, I dunno what happened there! All this time I forgot I actually published this chapter! So weird!:p But anyways, next chapter will be up asap, but I've been dealing with some major shit in my life (sorry, but seriously), so I hope you are all still there. Thanks for reading.
Peace
-SkatingDJ