AN: Hey, everybody! Another chapter! I hope you enjoy it because I have been struggling to keep up with my writing, and I don't know why! A small case of writer's block. Hopefully it won't get any worse and I'll be able to move through it quickly...

NOTES: What is Meant To Be will Always find it's way...

REVIEWERS!:

BrawlerGamer: Yep! There's one in every family, you know! And don't worry. The trio will be brought together at some point in the future... And, yes, I did consider having the other viking teens' reactions, but it would've been awkward seeing as it's from Merida's POV, so she wouldn't really have a reason to notice/seek them out in the crowd. But never fear! The Vikings and the Scotts will cross paths at some point... It will most likely not be pretty...

Deadly Little Liar: Thank you so much! You have no idea how much I flipped out and squealed over this! I'm glad to hear that it looks seamless because to me it's a giant, oozing, Frankenstein mess that I've mashed together... I like foreshadowing, so there will be a lot more madness to come *winkwink*... EVEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FOURTH BOOK! because I'm terrible at making decisions~! I hope I don't screw this up! And YES! I love, love, love long reviews! Thank you sooooo much! :)

Chapter 4: Divination

"Uhhng..." Merida groaned heavily as she finally stopped walking long enough to slouch against the stone wall of the castle hallway.

A crowd of third-years were gathered outside of classroom eleven, which was situated at the end of a long hallway, apart from the rest of the school. Merida stood a few feet away from the bustling group of students, wanting to enjoy a few moments peace while she had the chance.

The past few days of school were pretty hard for Merida. Traditionally, the first week of regular classes wasn't that hard because the teachers took this time to introduce themselves to new students, talk about what they would be teaching, and even have the students play some name games if the teacher was in a particularly good mood. However, it was Merida's third year at Hogwarts, which meant not only did she have regular core classes to attend, but also the new electives that were required for her age group. Normally, Merida probably wouldn't find it so tiring to add only two classes to her schedule, but her mother's constant presence, and the continuing of her Princess Lessons, complicated things a bit more.

Merida was glad she only took the required two classes, instead of trying to add in a third like Rapunzel, who had already received homework for her healing lessons, and Hiccup, who had signed up for Arithmancy on top of the two electives the four had agreed to take together.

Merida smiled a little at that thought. Her mother could take away her free time outside of classes, but electives weren't separated by Houses like core classes, which meant Merida had two whole class periods with all three of her friends in the same class as her. Not from lack of planning, of course, they had been sending letters to each other all Summer, trying to decide what electives they were going to take together.

"You look tired. What's up, Mer?" Jack's voice had Merida opening her eyes lazily and glancing to the side to look at the two boys that now stood next to her. She gave a small grunt of acknowledgement before leaning farther back against the wall so she could slide down to the floor without hurting her bottom. "That bad, huh? Is it your mom?"

Merida sighed heavily and nodded. "I can't believe she's making me do Princess Lessons at school!It's bad enough I can't sit with you guys during the dinner feasts, but she even has to take away all of my free time! If I'm not in class with a teacher, I'm with my mother, and if I'm not with my mother, I'm being forced to watch one of the stupid events for the Gathering! It's like I've got no say in anything anymore!"

"Maybe she'll go easier on you as classes start to pick up. She might just be trying to cram in some last minute lessons before all your time is taken up by homework and Quidditch." Hiccup offered hopefully.

"Maybe." Merida murmured doubtfully as she picked herself up off the floor, dusting off her robes a bit.

"Hey, where's Punzie? I thought for sure you guys would beat us here," Jack said as he looked around for the golden-haired girl that was currently missing from their group.

"On her way from the Infirmary, I'd hope." Merida shrugged. "She said she had Healing Lessons. I had the period free, so I spent it hiding from my mom."

"It's a good thing you didn't come with me to my lesson, too." The three looked up curiously at the sound of Rapunzel's voice. The Hufflepuff smiled at them, hugging her books to her chest as she walked up to join them. "The Hospital Wing was one of the first places your mom looked when she found out Gryffindors had the period free." Rapunzel giggled as Merida felt heat flush across her face.

Merida was sure her face was bright red, and she grabbed her hair and pulled it in front of her face, so her friends wouldn't see how incredibly embarrassed she was. Why couldn't her mother just show everyone her baby pictures like a normal parent? Or tell embarrassing stories? Merida was positive that it would be so much less embarrassing than being the Princess. Everyone was already talking about the Gathering and the Lords' sons! One of the other Gryffindor girls even asked her which boy she hoped would win! Needless to say, Merida gagged on her own tongue.

"I can't really say I know what you're going through, but try to not let the other students bother you. They're just excited about all the festivities going on. I'm sure they'll all forget about everything as soon as this is over." Rapunzel tried to be positive, but it sounded forced to the point where even Jack and Hiccup looked doubtful. "...Okay, maybe not everything, but you two are supposed to be helping to encourage her." Rapunzel frowned at the boys, crossing her arms over her chest.

Merida sighed again. "I appreciate it, and I know you all mean well, but unless I find some way to stop this betrothal, I'm afraid there isn't much to be positive about..."

Her friends fell silent, each of them fading back into their own thoughts. Merida didn't mind the quiet. Normally she would find it boring and a little awkward, wanting someone to tell a joke or start a game so they could all laugh and have some fun, but lately she really just needed time to be quiet and hear her own thoughts for a little while. She appreciated her friends' presence, though. They were the only ones who seemed to understand how she was feeling.

Just as Jack opened his mouth to say something, the teacher appeared from around the corner. She was tall and confident, walking with brisk, purposeful strides. She was young, for a Professor, and had a pretty face with an easy smile. Her black hair was tied back with a red ribbon, and her dress was an interesting design of red, grey, and black. Her black heels clicked against the stone in a very official manner, and the crowd of students quickly parted to either side to allow her access to the door.

"Yes, yes, so sorry for the wait kids." The Professor produced a key from the large bag she carried on one arm, opening the door and leading the crowd of students into the classroom.

"That's Franny Robinson, the famous Seer!" Rapunzel whispered in excitement as she latched onto Merida's arm. "She's one of the youngest teachers at Hogwarts, and I heard that she can look into anyone's future whenever she wants."

"Pretty ironic, considering she's always running late!" A Slytherin boy, Wilbur, laughed as he passed the four on his way into the classroom, turning and walking backwards so they could continue their conversation as they walked. Rapunzel jumped from his sudden appearance, and Jack chuckled at the other boy's joke.

"Isn't she your mom?" Jack raised an eyebrow, smirking as Wilbur grinned sheepishly.

"What can I say? I must have inherited all the talent in my family." Wilbur threw his hands behind his head, looking rather smug.

"BOO!" Mavis suddenly jumped up next to Wilbur, startling a rather high-pitched scream out of the boy, and Merida couldn't help but laugh at his terrified expression. "Ignore Mister Talented over there. The only reason he's taking this class is because Daren Fouls isn't. Can't say I blame him, though."

Before Mavis had finished her sentence they had entered the classroom, and it looked like a regular old classroom, except for the very tall, spiral staircase that lead up to a circular trap door in the ceiling. Professor Robinson was already propping it open and allowing students inside, so the the four quickly followed after the two Slytherins to catch up with the rest of the class.

The official classroom for Divination was located at the top of the North Tower, and looked like a cross between someone's attic and a very old tea-shop. It smelled of tea, herbs, and incense, and tables were littered throughout the room with a variety of chairs and stools of every shape and size. Carpets covered the stone floors and tapestries hung over every inch of the wood walls, making the room feel warm. Everything was covered by some kind of decorative cloth with images that swirled and curled with every color imaginable.

Merida thought it was one of the more fun rooms she'd seen in the castle, and she instantly took a liking to it.

There were only two chairs for every table, and so Merida and Rapunzel took a table in the second row, raised slightly above the first by a step, and Hiccup and Jack settled for the table in front of theirs. Merida may have felt comfortable in the room, but she wasn't going to take a front row seat if she didn't have to. That was just asking for the teacher to call on you.

As all of the students settled into their seats, the chatter slowly fading as they all turned to face the teacher, Professor Robinson copied some of her lecture notes onto the board and situated her books and papers on her desk. Once she was finished, she addressed the class with a bright smile.

"Now, as some of you may already know, I am Professor Franny Robinson. I teach Divination here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I am also the conductor for the Frog Choir here at the school, which I would like to remind you all that Auditions are this weekend, so if you are interested in joining the Choir, please come see me after class." Professor Robinson informed them while pointing to the note she made at the top of the board, which reviewed the audition times. "Now, as third years, I know that this is probably one of your first elective courses, so why don't we spend some time talking about what Divination is? Can anyone give me an example?"

Another Gryffindor, Justin Yearn, who sat more towards the center, raised his hand, and the Professor nodded to him. "Divination itself is a type of magic that allows you to see into the future, isn't it? An example might be a Prophecy that tells of a great hero?"

"Yes, that is how most people think of it. But keep in mind, not all prophecies are good." Professor Robinson walked around her desk, standing before her class openly. "Most of you will not have the Gift of a Seer. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if none of you had it. Even the Centaurs, who created this branch of magic and refined somewhat of a technique for it, still do not understand it fully. Personally, I believe it is a Gift that was never meant to be completely understandable, and, therefore, we will never be able to fully comprehend it, but it does not mean that we cannot study it." The Professor gave the class a bright smile, folding her hands together as her eyes scanned the room. "In this class you will study many different ways to scry information about the future, including tea dregs, crystal balls, tarot cards, visions, smoke patterns, dreams, and Astrology and horoscope charts."

Whispers shifted through the sea of students as they grew excited about everything the Professor intended to teach them. Merida felt her own excitement bubbling up inside her, as well. She had never been so interested in any of her classes before, except for flying, of course, but this was different. It wasn't just for fun, it felt... Important. Almost urgent for some reason.

"We will also spend some of our time Interpreting Prophecies. Your textbooks will help to guide you as you discern or translate what the symbols you observe during your studies mean." Professor Robinson told them as she turned to her desk and picked up her copy of their textbook. "Now, seeing as we can't begin peering into each others futures until we have memorized some of the symbols of Divination and their meanings, let's turn to page four of the text. Would someone like to volunteer to read from the top?"

Merida sat slouched in her chair on the dais, watching from afar as her friends ate their dinner at the Slytherin table next to Wilbur and Mavis while she was stuck next to her parents, the Lords, and all the Professors.

A small source of amusement came from a short moment in which her brothers started to giggle hysterically at the bubbles they made in their drinks by blowing into their straws, but one look from their mother and the boys immediately straightened up, eating like proper princes in an instant.

Merida sighed heavily, losing her appetite, and propped her cheek against her fist. Why couldn't she just sit with her friends like she normally did? She was being pretty good, considering she didn't even try too hard to get out of her princess lessons right after Divination. What would it take for her mother to give her just a little space?

Merida's eyes lifted from a scowl to a curious look as Jack waved to her with his entire arm, drawing the attention of half the Hufflepuff table. Merida smiled, shaking her head a bit. How on earth did that boy pull off so many pranks when he was so bad at being inconspicuous?

Her friends proceeded to spend much of their meal time trying to sign everything they were talking about. Merida could not understand a single one, but the thought was sweet and it was pretty amusing watching Jack try to silently communicate with her. Hiccup and Rapunzel were too busy trying not to laugh to join him.

As the main feast was cleared, making way for the dessert that would follow shortly, North stepped up to the podium at the front of the dais to address the school. the loud and continuous chatter that usually filled the hall faded to quiet and curious whispers as everyone's attention was drawn to the Deputy Headmaster.

"Good evening, children. I hope these first days of classes have been enjoyable for all of you." North began, smiling at the crowded hall. "I am pleased to say that I have an announcement that I think you will all find very exciting. Professor Bunnymund has offered to be the head of a new Dueling Club."

The hall instantly exploded into excited whispers and a few shouts of approval from a couple of seventh years. Jack brightened tremendously, and Hiccup and Rapunzel looked rather curious about the idea. Merida lifted her chin from her fist and looked at the Professor with utter awe and curiosity. North took this time to step out from behind the podium and motion Bunnymund forward.

"Now, settle down, all of you." Bunnymund called out to grab all of their attentions. "As some of you may know, the Dueling Club here at Hogwarts has been offered on and off for the past couple of years for various reasons, but I don't want anyone showing up thinking they're not going to have to work. This club is going to push you in the hopes of making you stronger witches and wizards. Students from all Houses are welcome, and our first meeting will be in three weeks time. If you have any questions or want to sign up come see me tomorrow morning during my tutoring hours."

After his rather short announcement, Bunnymund returned to his seat along with North, the two talking about something under their breaths, but Merida was too excited to pay any attention. Dueling Club! There was no way she was going to miss out on that!

Merida looked over at the others and instantly knew that they were thinking the same thing because they ere already looking at her and nodded enthusiastically at her as she raised her eyebrows at them. She grinned in return.

Well, at least she knew what they were going to be doing after breakfast tomorrow.