A/N: Here it is guys. The chapter that started this whole story. This has been sitting in my Files for months now, I'm so excited to finally publish it. :D Enjoy, and please review!

Chapter 4.

Astrid fingered the diary carefully, biting her lip and glancing about as though expecting someone to show up and tell her to leave. To tell her to mind her own business and leave someone's personal diary alone.

But with just one little hesitation, she pulled the diary out of its hiding place and hurriedly blew the abundant amount of dust away, coughing slightly and fanning her hand as she made her way to a clear spot on the desk, setting the diary upon it and fingering the old leather. The diary looked old, the binding wound and the leather worn and cracked in some places. It was still soft- not crusty like many of the old books in the mansion.

She gave one look towards the door before untying the string lacing the book closed, then opening the cover. The first page was blank- slightly yellowed around the corners from age. She flipped the page, eyes scanning over the blankness until they landed on fine print in the middle, written in simple cursive with a bit of a personal flare.

Diary and property of Hiccup Haddock III

Astrid puckered a brow in curiosity, then she leaned forward, a hand braced against the desk as the other did the page turning. She flipped another page, that one empty as well with a small dedication at the top of the right page. It was written in fancy cursive, with lots of curly cues and very different from the plainer text on the previous page.

From Mom and Dad… figured you'd want a place to write your notes down and of your days in the Forge. Lots of love, and have fun.

Astrid smiled at the sweet note, staring at it for a moment before curiosity got the best of her and she hurriedly turned the page, hoping more would be waiting for her.

She wasn't disappointed. The fine plain cursive had returned, as well as a date written at the top.

March 1st, 1909

Birthday today, just turned twenty. Feel quite old, though Tom made fun of me being a father soon and how he wishes to be an uncle. Told him to find me a wife, then we'd see.

Mom and Dad were wonderful, got me this book and some new tools along with loads of paints. Did a quick sketch- wish I'd done it in here so it wouldn't be lost, but I did it on a loose piece in my notebook.

Birthdates actually on February 29th, but of course there isn't always a 29th of February, so often my Birthday lands on March 1st. Another thing Tom gives me a hard time about- wish I could find something to tease him back about. But the lucky fellow happens to have a nice planted birthday on June 15th.

Tom got me a pup, and to be honest I think it's the best thing I got this birthday. He's a coal black German Shepard- which are quite the rare color so he's a lucky and unique find. He's the cutest thing ever, still has hardly any of his teeth in. And me being the silly boy -as Mom describes- that I am, I decided to name him Toothless.

Astrid smiled as the note ended, glad to take a peek into this young man's personal life. Her mind lingered a bit on the "Tom", finding it a bit odd and coincidental that Hiccup's brother be named that, seeing as how a Thomas had been staying at the mansion upon their arrival. But he had said he was named after an old relative, so she shrugged it off.

The next entry was over a year later, which had Astrid confused and a bit annoyed, for she'd been hoping to have more details about the family. But she merely sighed and began to read, eyes widening the further the words crawled.

January 30th, 1910

I don't know what's happening. I don't know what happened- I'm dead, yet here I am writing this down!

I'm scared, I'm confused… I don't understand. Mom and Dad are dead, I can't find Tom, the house is deserted- as though the house itself is dead. Drago's dead- thank goodness- but… I was dying. I remember going unconscious, I remember fading away. I thought for sure I was dead. Then I wake up here, alone, no one about, with only Toothless here to help me and my leg injury gone. I couldn't be more confused and afraid. Maybe I am dead, and this is the afterlife? I don't even know.

I need to find Tom, I can't bear it if something happened to him.

Astrid gulped nervously, remembering the rumors that had been passed from through the years. About a ghost boy living in the mansion, having been sighted many times by those living there. And how he was this horrible looking creature with bright glowing green eyes and long teeth, intent to steal your soul.

She read on cautiously, fearing that if she interfered, the ghost may make an appearance… but nothing became of it, no whispers, no sounds.

January 31st, 1910

I… I don't even know what… I don't even know what to write.

I found Tom, thank God, but… I… I can't even-

I found him out on the lawn, unconscious- but uninjured and alive. I can't say how relieved I was, so I hurriedly woke him. At first, he'd just stared at me in shock and confusion- then… then in fear. I'd never been so scared or hurt in all my life. Tom muttered about my eyes glowing- about how… how there was a haze around my glowing green iris's.

I ran- and I think I disappeared or something, because the world was hazy and I couldn't see straight. I ran until I reached my room, and I slammed it shut and locked it. I didn't even let Toothless in- I was so freaked. I couldn't see hardly anything I was so upset, and I figured that when I got worked up, the more faded my vision became.

I crumpled and cried- unashamedly. I was terrified and hurt- Tom had looked so scared. I don't even know if I can stand this- how…

Once I'd calmed down after hours of pathetic sobbing, I looked in the mirror. I won't ever again- I can't bring myself to. I look hideous, my eyes are a glowing green- so strong at times that I can't even see my eyelashes or the brims of my eyes. There's also this hazy glow that emanates about them and a bit on my cheeks, even though my choppy hair blocks some of it out of the way. No matter what, I look horrible.

Tom found me, and I'll just say that we're good now. He's my little brother, and I have to say that he's the best one at comforting me- especially over the years. He knows me better than anyone else. Even better then Mom and Dad knew me.

I don't know what to do. I don't know how I can cope with this.

I'm afraid.

Astrid blinked and loosened her tightened grip on the table, finding her heart melting with heart felt grief for this poor boy-turned-ghost. She sighed heavily and found herself wishing she'd been there. Another part of her also wished she'd been there to find out what exactly had happened. Hiccup had been very vague on how this had all come to be.

She fingered the next page hesitantly, then she turned it, almost afraid of what she'd read.

March 1st, 1910

I meant to write more, but… it's been difficult the last few weeks. We're still trying to figure out what happened, because the house is completely abandoned. The servants are gone, not a soul around. Even the horses and carriages have disappeared, although all the furniture has remained- most of it anyways. Some of the more valuable things have been taken away- when I don't know, but they're gone. Someone took them.

Another birthday, which is why I'm writing here. Only three entries in over a year, quite pathetic really, but… the last year has been a nightmare. And this wasn't exactly how I expected to be spending my twenty-first birthday. I don't even know if this is my birthday- seeing as how I'm now a ghost. Do ghosts have birthday's?

I've adapted to the fact now, though I'm still miffed and absolutely baffled by the entire affair. Why has this happened, and… will it ever end?

It's weird, how I don't need to use the outhouse, or eat, or even sleep- although I do because it makes me feel more humane. Tom still needs the human necessities though, which makes things more difficult, especially since the idiot decided he was sticking here in the mansion with me, although he's still very much alive. I tried to convince him, but he stubbornly refused. Must run in the family, because we're both equally as stubborn.

We now understand that when I'm upset or worked up, I fade or disappear entirely. But if I'm calm, relaxed or happy, I remain as almost human- except for the horrible haze that lingers around and in my eyes. For a time, it made Tom uncomfortable, and it made me feel terrible for making him so, but he soon adjusted to it- I think. Toothless wasn't bothered at all, for he too is a ghost. I personally don't understand why he is and Tom isn't, but I'm not going to complain. I'd rather Tom remain human if at all possible.

We go hunting, Tom, Toothless and I. In the back acres about the estate, and it's one of the fun times of our day. The place is entirely abandoned, no one comes around, so we aren't bothered. And since Tom still needs to eat, it's necessary as well. Toothless enjoys it, as do I, and it's definitely the time we look forward to the most.

Tom's calling now, most likely some birthday gift although I don't know why he's bothered with it. I'm a ghost, and birthdays don't come in the deal.

Astrid bit her lip again, realizing that…. That maybe the rumors had been wrong after all. It didn't seem like Hiccup was bent on killing or stealing people's souls, in fact, it seemed he loathed everything that had to do with being a ghost. And he still sounded like the kind, fun boy that had been described in the first entry. She shrugged it off, continuing to the next.

March 10th, 1910

Life is lazy, and I feel like it's wrong that we're just living here- alone, even if it is our home. It's empty, quiet, and somehow eerie- which probably sounds strange coming from a ghost. Sometimes even Toothless gets restless and uneasy, and somehow, I get the feeling we're not alone.

Astrid shivered, and wished there was more to the entry, but there wasn't. She flipped the page, finding there to be only one line and no date.

I can't cope like this.

Astrid stared, and once again felt her heartstrings tug. This was heartbreaking, and she felt saddened by the brute words. The harsh and grief filled scrawls. That short line had been scribbled roughly and sloppily, and she was certain that Hiccup had been upset while writing it.

Next entry was longer, and included a date.

March 30th, 1910

Today was stressful, and I spent almost the entire day faded out I was such a wreck. Poor Toothless whined and begged for attention, but in all honesty, I was terrified to give any.

A family of five moved in the mansion today, along with ten servants. It's nice to see the place active and filled with warmth and life, but it's hard because now Tom and I are forced to stay in my room, which I lock. I have the only key, so I know we're safe, but it's still worrisome that somehow someone will peer in and see one of us. It could start a whole new set of problems.

There are three young boys in the family, which is even more stressful because they're adventurous and want to explore every nick and cranny- they even went into the attic. They tried to break into my room, but thank God the locks held.

I think the servants know about me- especially after my last encounter with an outsider. The gardener had returned for some tools in the shed, and I had stupidly gone out in hopes he would recognize me. He hadn't, and had run off with a scream of terror. I had been upset for the next two days, nearly spending the entire time alone.

But I've heard the maids whisper, and even the butler and footmen say words of doubt.

April 25th, 1910

The family's gone, and it's all my fault. Tom had needed to use the outhouse one night, and I had insisted on coming along should something happen. I waited outside the door, keeping an eye out should someone come- and someone did. Two maids came out, holding a lantern, and they saw me straight on. I stared at them and they stared at me for several seconds, before shock took hold and I disappeared, while they shrieked in terror and scattered back to the mansion.

The family left, and the place is lonely again. We're back to our hunting routine, which I'm relieved about, though I believe Tom was enjoying the richer food the family provided- and I sneaked for him.

We're alone again, and part of me is happy yet sad it's happened. I long for the bustle of activity once more, yet I enjoy the lenience of the place. I'm free to roam without fear, which is quite a relief.

Astrid mumbled to herself, remembering that rumor how two maidens had caught sight of the "demon" out in the garden, snarling at them and chasing them back to the mansion, where he'd disappeared. Obviously, word of mouth was not reliable- especially over decades of time.

July 5th, 1910

Another person moved in today, a man along with almost fifty servants. I don't know how he affords them all, but he must be some rich government man for he has pictures and plaques hung up everywhere. They tried to break into my room again, but that door is made of heavy oak and no one's going to get through.

He's stern, and I don't think he believes I exist- or ghosts at all for that matter. I'm happy for that, because even though the servants whisper and gossip, I have a feeling he won't believe anything they have to say about hauntings.

July 21st, 1910

Today was horrible, and I feel absolutely dreadful for what happened. I was taking a bath in my parent's bedroom's bathroom- and yes even though I'm a ghost I still like to feel somewhat human- but while there I thought I locked the door… they must have a key.

A maid came in humming pleasantly, a handful of towels in her arms. Before I could do anything, she saw me, and shrieked before dashing out of the room. I disappeared in an instant, hurrying to climb out of the tub and get out.

And even though they saw me, I don't think the man believes them, for I heard them talking, and he merely passed it off as her overimaginativeness. She left, as well as several of her friends. I don't know what will happen next.

August 11th, 1910

They left, and it's because of me again. This time I knocked over an expensive pot, and the man saw me. I must have faded in for a moment before fading out again- thank goodness, because he was raving mad about the pot and how his house was haunted. He's gone now, as are all his servants.

Somehow- I don't think anyone else will show up for a long time.

Astrid frowned when she turned the page, noticing how the next entry was almost two years later. She looked up cautiously, wondering if the ghost boy was still there, and if he was, if he was watching her. It made her feel loudly uncomfortable, but she shook it off, and instead picked up the book and moved over to one of the overstuffed chairs by the window.

November 13th, 1912

Things make more sense now, but by no means are they better. In fact, they're worse. Much worse.

The demons are bothering me nonstop, thank goodness Tom isn't effected by them. But with discovering the demons and the rest of the curse, things have grown difficult now that I've found out Tom didn't escape this nightmare at all. He's tied in just as much as I am- maybe even worse.

He's stuck in the age he is, stuck at age nineteen. And he'll be like that for the rest of time- never aging and never growing up. I hate this- I hate this entire darned thing! Why him too? Why did Drago need to harm my entire family?

Astrid paused and reread it, wishing she could gather more from the few words. She didn't understand what he meant. Didn't understand what the "demons" enticed, or how this involved the man Drago. She read on, hoping her questions would be answered.

I hate this. I don't know how I'll put up with the demons whispered words and taunts. I can hear them now, and they're relentless. They bother me day and night- and once again I thank my lucky stars- if I have any- that Tom doesn't have to put up with this. All he needs to deal with is food and sleep.

I don't know when next entry will be, life has been bothersome, and I find that I enjoy roaming in the woods with Tom and Toothless more enjoyable then sitting in the room where their voices trap me.

I hate it.

Astrid grimaced, because whatever the demons were, they sounded horrible. She gulped before turning the page, gasping when she noticed it took place five years later.

May 24th, 1917

More people moved in about a week ago, and the demons have almost entirely left. It seems that if there are others living in the mansion- or nearby me, they back off. It's a great relief, for their annoying torments have gotten old, although I've grown mildly used to them by now.

I hope this family doesn't leave soon- and I'm going to try and keep myself hidden. Even if that means staying trapped in my room.

Astrid sighed in frustration at such a short entry, at how indescriptive it was. She quickly turned the page, sighing at yet another short string of words.

May 30th, 1917

Someone saw me again- and I don't even know how they did. But they did, and now they're gone, and the demons are back.

Someone came and pounded boards over the door and some of the windows. I know now that no one's coming again. We're alone.

Astrid clutched her shirt in her hands, feeling a tight feeling clutch at her chest. This was truly driving her near to the brink of tears. What a sad story…

She flipped the page, staring in shock at the empty page. No… there must be more! She flipped through more, until she came across a scribble on one of the pages.

Thankfully, there was a date.

December, 1978.

Life's hard and it's cold for Tom, trying to keep him warm. He's amazed that this place hasn't been torn down, but it's still in perfect shape. I'm beginning to wonder if it too is caught in the curse, that it never ages. It wouldn't surprise me.

We're still as young as ever- basically the only bright side of this. In fact, it isn't that bright, for it means we'll never die and leave this… eternal life of loneliness. I especially mourn for Tom- he had such happy plans about his future way back when, he'd wanted to get married and start a family.

That'll never happen now.

Only one more family has tried moving in, and they were refused by a man in a sharp black suit. There have been several explorers who've come to the place as well, holding technology that I don't fully understand. But it has been decades since I've left the estate, so there are bound to be changes made.

That's where it ended, and the Astrid flipped through more pages, until she met the last two pages of the book, pausing at the writing she spotted. She opened the book wider, startled by the date. It was very recent.

June 1st, 2017.

I'm amazed I still remember the date and year, but there's now a calendar hanging in the kitchen. It helped me realize how long it's been. Way too long.

That's Taylor's calendar… Astrid thought distractedly, but didn't bother to stop.

I can't believe what's happened, but two girls moved in. The one- the older one I believe- doesn't seem bothered by the prospects of there being ghosts. The younger one- Taylor Tom told me- she's warier. I try to stay out of their way, but it's been decades since anyone's been here, and I'm curious about all the strange things they've brought. There are electric things- but even stranger ones that blow my mind. A flat book like object that lights up and you can do so many strange things on it. It's interesting, and I long to figure it and find out what it's purpose is. I'd love to take it apart, try and see what it's made of. Maybe I could make more?

There are also smaller objects, similar except they don't fold open. I've seen and heard them talk into them, and Tom is quite interested in them. He had ventured out more than I had, had been to town every now and then. He told me they were cell phones, something of the modern age that people used to communicate. More complex devices then the telephone that I was accustomed to. I'm still curious, and I wish to explore them more but am afraid to get to close. My curiosity got the best of me yesterday… I snuck the older girl's devise. It's so amazingly interesting it'll be hard to give it back. As it is I think they know something's out of place.

They found Tom today, and they don't seem bothered that he lives here. In fact- they're allowing him to stay, but since they're living on the other part of the mansion, he's been trying to not talk to me as much for fear of suspicion. He hasn't talked to me since, though I do believe he'll bawl me out about the girl's phone… but It's gotten rather lonely, and I can't help but be bored trapped inside my room all day long.

But I've got Toothless, and we go for evening walks in the woods. Those always cheer me up and he knows it, loyal pup.

Astrid couldn't help but gasp in surprise, although how she hadn't realized it till now she had no clue. Thomas- their Tom- was also the Tom in the diary. The Tom whose brother was the ghost boy: Hiccup.

She frowned and closed the diary, rewinding the string before getting to her feet and hurrying to the door. She turned and looked about, for a moment expecting someone to appear- perhaps Hiccup, but he made no signs of doing so, she continued on and stepped into the hall.

She walked to the stairs, trying to stay calm and keep her heart beating at a normal rate. She paused at the staircase; she could've sworn she heard something.

Her mind was probably very overactive at the moment, but she still looked back, but saw nothing. She sighed and looked down the stairs again, not looking forward to trotting down three floors of them. She wished the house had an elevator.

The light swish of fabric and a little sigh came, and this time, Astrid knew for sure she was not alone. She clutched the diary tighter to her chest for comfort, turning around slowly to stare down the empty hallway.

"I know you're there." She whispered- her voice coming out a bit shakier and fearful then she'd intended. There was a swish again, and she noticed the light disfiguring of the air by the bookcase.

"I-I know who you are… I read the diary." She tapped the book nervously for emphasis. "You-you don't have to be afraid."

A heavy sigh- louder this time- and even though Astrid was prepared for something more to come, it still made her jump in surprise.

"A-are you there…?"

Before her, the air began to fade out as a human shape began to form. Astrid gasped and stumbled back a step, surprised that he'd been standing so close- nearly four feet away from her.

The image faded in until a young man was standing before her, looking just as human as any of them. It shook her- to say the least- that a ghost could look so real. She took a tentative step forward, wishing his shaggy head wasn't ducked so she could see his face. He was also slightly turned away from her, as though afraid to look.

"Hey…" She murmured. "You… you can look at me."

The boy looked up, the light green haze that surrounded his eyes stronger then what she'd thought it would be- yet not as bad as she'd imagined. She couldn't see his eyes at all, yet you could tell where the irises were and where they weren't.

She assessed the rest of the young man, noting how he was wearing a light woven long-sleeved green shirt with leather ties on the top of the chest. His trousers were a red leather- not jean- and he wore boots that came up just below his knees. Leather was bound around his wrists, for a reason Astrid wasn't certain.

Then she looked into his face, noticing how his auburn hair was cut shaggily, but it suited him. He had thick eyebrows and thin lips, ones that seemed to promise a bright smile if he did so.

"I-I'm Astrid…" She stuttered, not sure what to say to break the awkward silence. Could he talk?

He nodded slightly, tilting his head to one side as he continued to watch her.

"A-are you Hiccup?"

He gave another slight nod of his head, one of his hands clicking nervously against his leg in an awkward gesture. The sign helped relax Astrid, showing her that the ghost boy was almost as nervous as she was- perhaps more so.

"Can… can you talk?" Astrid finally asked, wishing to hear someone's besides her voice in this conversation. "…Please?"

Hiccup shuddered noticeably, but he spoke softly. "Yes."

Astrid blinked and replayed the short word in her head, surprised by how young he sounded. And his voice carried a slight nasally tone, one that she had not expected from him. In fact, she hadn't expected any of what he was.

There was silence for several moments, as the two just stared each other down, and finally Astrid decided to repeat herself.

"I-I'm Astrid…"

"I know." His voice was quiet, not the eerie whiny high-pitched scream that she'd seen ghosts in movies or in legends sound. He sounded human, as though his real self was standing right before her.

"I-I read the diary."

"I… I know…" his voice wavered, and he ducked his head again. "I-I'm sorry… I should've… I should've made sure you didn't see it. It would be better for all of us- so…"

Astrid blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? I'm glad I found this! Otherwise I never would've known about you or- or Tom."

He looked up, "S-sorry… I'm out of practice. Been years since I've talked to… anyone… besides Tom…" he shifted uneasily. "Been even longer since I've talked to a girl." He added.

"Well… I-I was wondering-"

"Astrid!?" Came a call from down below. It was Tom.

Hiccup went rigid, and she saw his eyes flash a bit as he looked at the diary frantically. "C-can… can I have my diary back… Tom's gonna kill me…" He groaned, turning around and thumping his fists against the wall, as well as his head. Astrid smiled softly, but understood so handed his personal belonging back to him, surprised by how warm his hands felt as his fingers brushed against hers. They felt so… so human. It was hard to believe that he was a ghost and not a young teen like herself.

"Astrid?" Came the call again, closer.

"Oh no…" Hiccup murmured. He hugged the diary under one arm before giving a little wave to Astrid. "I-I have to go… Tom's going to tan my hide-"

"Astrid?"

She turned towards the stairs to order him to be silent, but it was too late. When she turned around, Hiccup was gone.