Author's Note: *Runs into room waving papers in the air* I'M BACK! I'M BACK FROM THE DEAD!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to "The Winter Child!" I'm sooooo sorry for disappearing for a week, but I was busy preparing for an upcoming AP Biology exam, as well as catching up in my writing. QwQ I'm a bit caught up now, but I realized that my hiatus starts this Saturday, so you guys will be only getting three chapters (and a Christmas one-shot) from me this week. TwT Hopefully once I come back I'll have a bunch of stuff written for you guys, so...yeah. XD That basically sums thing up. =3

Anyway, this chapter chronicles Jack's first day of school! =D I had a lot of fun writing this one, and it features some familiar Guardians of Childhood characters too, so I hope you guys enjoy it. =D


~ XVII ~

First School Day

He taught him what he knew

How to write and how to read

He could even count to ten

In Russian perfectly

But there were some things

That North couldn't teach

His winter child, Jack

As much as he wanted to think

And so with that in mind

He prepared the young sprite

For his first day of school

So he could learn more than he knew

...

Jack was a smart boy, and North knew this to be true. When the child was young, he devised ways to escape his cradle. Found his way into North's study (something that the ex-Cossack still hadn't figured out to this day). Whenever Jack stumbled upon a problem, he did what he could to solve it. No matter how long it took, or how big it seemed. The winter child also enjoyed learning new things, a thirst that seemed could never be quenched. So North taught him new things, as much as he could. He taught Jack how to count, the alphabet, and read. He taught him how to write, and while Jack's penmanship could be improved, it was better than nothing at all.

Jack knew how to count up to 100. He could recite the entire alphabet by heart. Why, he even knew how to count up to ten in Russian, something that he had requested North to teach him. Jack loved to learn something new, and when he accomplished so, he'd show off his new trick, feat, or ability to the other Guardians. They got used to hearing Jack recite math problems or reading difficult passages in a novel. North, Sandy, Tooth, and Aster were all equally proud of their little snow sprite, and they enjoyed watching his improvement.

In the living room of North's home, Jack sat on the floor, playing with his toy trains. He started counting to ten in Russian, just for the fun of it. He spoke slowly so he wouldn't make a pronunciation mistake, and North was in the kitchen, listening as he prepared a snack for him and the winter child. He hadn't expected any visitors that day, but a knock came from the door, alerting him that a guest had arrived.

North set down the crackers and cheese he had been working with and walked to the door. He opened it, revealing Aster on the other side. Fall had befallen Santoff Claussen, and the trees burst with colorful leaves of orange, red, and yellow. Aster was bundled in his usual green coat and red scarf. He no longer had to conceal his Pookan look since the village was now aware of his identity. North often wondered if Aster thought what things would be like if he were still hiding from the world. Not everyone knew that the last Pooka was still alive, yes, but Santoff Claussen had connections outside of Norsurberian, so the word was bound to spread fast.

Though at the moment, Aster seemed perfectly chipper, and he greeted the ex-Cossack cheerfully. "Heya, North. I came ta return this." The tall rabbit lifted a drill that he had borrowed from North a week prior. Aster had promised to return it in just that time, and North did not doubt that Aster would stay true to his word.

North smiled and took the drill. "Ah, thank you, Bunny. Why don't you come in?"

"I guess I can spare a few minutes," Aster said. North welcomed him inside and shut the door behind him. Aster's ears picked up the sound of Jack counting in Russian in the living room. The winter child had reached number five. A smile crawled onto Aster's face.

"He's one smart kit," he remarked. Aster sat down in a chair, and North offered him a cup of tea. Aster took it gratefully. "Especially for someone his age."

"Well, Jack is special," North said, turning back to the sandwich crackers he had been making earlier. "And he loves learning. Not a lot of children have that these days."

Aster hummed, and he sipped his tea. "Oh, I also have a message from Ombric for ya. He's wondering if yer considering enrollin' Jack into school or not."

Ombric, the creator of Santoff Claussen and the last surviving member of Atlantis, taught all the children in Santoff Claussen. His home, Big Root, a stardust-infused tree that could serve his every command, acted as the schoolhouse for the village and its children. The library there was as vast as any sea, and Ombric was a wonderful instructor. He taught the children new things every day, whether it was how to levitate cups or the importance of imagination. Whatever Ombric taught his students was without a doubt fun. And being a former scholar of Ombric's himself, North knew that he would teach Jack well.

The kind wizard had invited Jack to join the classroom before, but the winter child had been young at the time, so Ombric understood when North said that he'd wait until the boy was older. Now that Jack was six, he'd have to attend school sooner than later. North couldn't teach everything to him, but the thought of sending Jack to school still made North nervous.

"I have," North replied. He placed the dish of crackers and cheese on the table. Aster watched him curiously. "But I do not know if Jack is ready for a school environment yet."

Aster studied North for a moment, and a smirk stretched onto his face. "Jack's not ready…Or are ya not ready?" he asked.

Bemused, North asked, "What do you mean?" Aster snorted.

"Ya've never let the kit out of yer sight since the day ya took him in," explained Aster. He took another nip of his tea. "Yer attached ta him North. So obviously sendin' him off ta school is goin' ta be difficult for ya."

"What—I am not attached!" North argued although he knew that the Pooka was right. This only made him feel even more embarrassed. "I'm perfectly fine with sending Jack to school."

"Then why haven't ya done it already?"

"Because…" North paused. "Because shouldn't Jack decide for himself?"

Aster looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously, mate? That's yer excuse?'

"If I'm sending Jack to school, I might as well ask if he's okay with it," said North. Aster shook his head, and North called Jack to the kitchen. The winter child ran in with one of his toy trains still in hand. He looked at Aster and smiled.

"Hi, Bunny!" he greeted happily.

Aster smiled. "Hey there, mate. North's got somethin' ta ask ya." He sent a smirk in the ex-Cossack's direction. "'Cause he can't decide for 'imself."

North frowned and lifted Jack into his arms. "Anyway…How would you feel if I enrolled you in school, moy mal'chik?"

"Ombric's school?" Jack inquired, tilting his head.

North nodded. "Yes, his school. Would you be fine with attending?"

Jack appeared to think for a moment. He fiddled with his toy train as he thought. After a bit of time, he nodded.

"I'd be okay with going to school," said Jack. "It'd be fun!"

"I guess that settles it then," said North. "I will enroll you into Ombric's school. Perhaps you'll start going sometime next week.

Jack grinned, looking forward to going to school with all the other students. Aster ruffled his hair, and Jack giggled.

"Looks like yer really growin' up, mate," he said. "Ya should be proud of yerself."

North felt an odd feeling in his chest at Aster's words, but he didn't take much notice of it.

Although it took some time, North eventually signed Jack up for school. The winter child would start attending classes next week, so North and the Guardians began to gather the materials he would need. North fashioned a bright blue backpack for Jack, and Aster, Tooth, and Sandy supplied Jack with paper, pencils, coloring materials, and other items one needed for school. To North's surprise, Jack was quite excited about school. He went through all of his school things, a bright smile on his face. He didn't know one needed so much for school. Jack was looking forward to making use of them all.

North was glad that Jack was eager for class, but a part of him was still nervous about letting him go. Perhaps Aster had been right when he said that he was attached to Jack…Even if he was leaving him with one of the Guardians—whom he trusted with his very heart and mind—his thoughts would always drift to if Jack were alright, if he was safe, or if he needed him.

This feeling came with being a parent, North knew, but it was one he had never experienced until now. Sometimes he wondered if he was really doing enough for Jack, despite the Guardians' reassurances that he was. North couldn't help but feel doubtful of himself, but when he saw Jack's smile or heard his laughter, his negative thoughts and doubts would slip away, and North stayed by Jack's side as he grew.

Still..that feeling of anxiousness just wouldn't leave North alone. Though he didn't want to face it, Jack was growing up. Soon his little boy would be an adult, step out into the world, and perhaps start his own family. North knew he couldn't protect Jack forever, as much as he wanted to. But the ex-Cossack pushed these thoughts aside and focused on making sure Jack was well prepared for school. The day arrived more quickly than he had expected.

The night before Jack's first school day, he had trouble sleeping. The winter child was just so excited, that he couldn't fall asleep! North eventually had to use the leftover dreamsand he had saved from Jack's baby years so not only would he fall asleep, but he'd sleep comfortably. When morning dawned, it was a hustle to get Jack ready. The young snow sprite wasn't too happy about waking up early (and he was even less happy about having to bathe), but North managed to drag the boy out of bed, wash him up, and dress him in a buttoned shirt, blue vest, and brown pants. North attempted to comb Jack's hair so it wasn't so messy, but it remained wild and untamed, so the ex-Cossack gave up on it.

North prepared eggs and toast for breakfast. Once they finished and the dishes were cleaned, Jack pulled on his coat (North helped him with the buttons), and grabbed his backpack. North placed the boy's white furry hat on his head; a contrast to his black one.

"There. You are all set," said North. A few toast crumbs sparkled against Jack's cheek, and the ex-Cossack wiped them off with his thumb. "Okay, now you're ready. How are you feeling, moy mal'chik?"

"I'm a little nervous," replied Jack. "But I think I'll have fun."

North smiled, and he took Jack's hand. He opened the door and the two stepped out. Since it was a weekday, the village was extra busy. The roads were filled with people, some on their way to work and some on their way to drop their children off at Big Root. The large tree stood in the heart of Santoff Claussen. Its treetops could be spotted from the farthest border that surrounded the village. Since it was autumn, the leaves that coated the tree were colorful and bright. Sunlight bounced off the leaves, making them shimmer in the morning light. Ombric stood outside the entrance, greeting both the parents and children as they stepped inside. The wind whistled a cheery melody, wishing the students good luck.

Jack stared at the ginormous tree in awe. He hadn't been inside Big Root personally, and nor had he been close enough to admire the magnificent splendor of its being. He felt a little intimidated by the huge look of the tree…What if he got lost inside? How would he find his way around? Suddenly, Jack's anxiety spiked, and he wasn't too sure about going to school anymore.

North and Jack walked up the stairs, meeting Ombric at the door. The old wizard smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he grinned. "Ah, North. Jack. I'm delighted that you could join us."

Feeling shy, Jack hid behind North's tall frame. The ex-Cossack, however, greeted his former teacher kindly.

"It is great to see you again, Ombric," said North. "How have things been going?"

"Quite well," Ombric replied. "It's a wonderful day and the start of a new school year. I don't see how anything could spoil the mood."

"That is good to hear," North said with a smile.

Ombric nodded, and he looked around. "Now, I may be getting old, but I was certain that there was a young boy in blue standing here a moment ago."

North looked behind him where Jack was cowering. "Why don't you say hello, moy mal'chik?"

Jack peeked out, his sapphire eyes gleaming. "H-Hi," he said timorously.

Ombric smiled. "And you must be our new student. It may seem frightening, but I assure you that you'll have a lot of fun here in class."

North nodded. "Ombric used to be my teacher when I was young," he told the winter child. "He was the one who got me into inventing and magic."

Jack turned to Ombric, his eyes widening. "You're a wizard?"

"Indeed I am," Ombric answered. He stroked his beard mysteriously. "And I may perform a few spells in class today. That is if you're going to attend."

Jack bobbed his head up and down. Shyness forgotten, he said, "I will, I will! I wanna see the magic!"

"Then follow me inside, and we can get started," said Ombric. Jack grinned, following after the wizard as he walked toward the door. He paused when he realized that North wasn't following. Jack turned around, confused.

"You're not coming?" he asked.

North smiled sadly and shook his head. "I have work to do, my boy. I have to head back."

Jack's happiness vanished in a blink, and he gripped the straps of his backpack. "You're leaving? B-But…don't you wanna see the magic too?"

"I'd love to, but I have to work. I'll be back at the end of the day to pick you up," reassured North.

This wasn't enough to calm Jack. The winter child shook his head, refusing to head inside. He ran up to North and clutch his red coat, eyes tearful. "I…I don't wanna go without you!"

North felt his heart drop. He looked at Ombric, who was waiting by the door. He watched the scene, wearing a look of pity for the young snow sprite.

North bent down in front of Jack, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Jack…you will learn lots of new thighs from Ombric, and I know you'll have a lot of fun at school. I can't stay with you, but I promise I will be back soon."

Jack sniffed, his tears freezing on his cheeks. "P-Promise?"

"I promise," said North earnestly. He wiped Jack's tears away and tapped his nose. "You are in good hands with Ombric. You might want to head inside before you are late."

Jack tarried for a moment, but he nodded. The young snow sprite walked over to Ombric, and the ancient wizard led him inside. Jack turned around, spotting North still standing outside. He waved, and Jack waved back.

As the door was shut behind him, Jack tried not to let his tears fall again.

Upon entering the classroom, Jack immediately noticed that it was filled with children. Perhaps every child in Santoff Claussen! Everyone was talking and chattering about their mornings, new toys that they received, or inventions that they created. Santoff Claussen was filled with innovative young ones. No one was surprised when a six-year-old boy stated that he invented a mini rocket out of cups and boiled water.

The chit-chat and babbling flitted this way and that. Jack felt a bit overwhelmed by the conversation.

"Alright, everyone. Settle down," Ombric directed politely. The children obeyed, and returned to their seats, eyes attentive to their teacher in front of them. "Today, we have a new student joining us. Please give a warm welcome to Jack."

In total unison, the class chirped, "Welcome to class, Jack!" A few late hellos and greetings were given. The children were very kind and welcoming. Regardless of their good nature, Jack still felt anxious. There were so many kids…and he only knew few. He didn't leave the house much when he was young, so he didn't have the chance to make any long-lasting friendships.

Standing in front of everyone in the room made Jack feel incredibly shy. His sapphire orbs dropped to his feet, and mumbled, "H-Hello."

Ombric placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder and gestured to the back of the room with his staff. "You can place your coat, backpack, and hat on one of the pegs over there."

Jack nodded, and he quietly made his way to the back of the room, trying his best to avoid making contact with anyone. He arrived at the end of the classroom, finding that all the pegs had been taken. As if it had read his thoughts, Big Root magically produced another peg for Jack to hang his things. The winter child blinked, impressed. He hung his items and walked back to the front, standing stiffly next to Ombric.

"Would anyone like to sit with Jack so he can learn how our classroom operates?" Ombric inquired.

A young, grey-eyed girl raised her hand. An empty desk and chair sat next to her

"He can sit next to me," she said.

"Very well," Ombric approved with a nod. And so Jack made his way to the empty seat and climbed onto it. Ombric began to go over what they were going to learn that day, but Jack didn't pay much attention. His eyes were glued to the wooden surface of his desk, his pale hands squeezing each other tightly. He tried not to show it, but he wanted to go home. He missed North, and he didn't know anyone here. Everyone had been nice to him so far, but regardless, Jack couldn't help but feel alone.

The young snow sprite felt tears begin to well in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away before anyone could see them. He didn't want to embarrass himself on his first day.

"Nervous?"

Pulled out of his thoughts, Jack looked up. The girl who had offered to sit with him was looking at him. She had fair skin and her eyes were grey and bright like lightning that came with a storm. Her brown hair was long and curly. A single curl twirled in the middle of her forehead while the rest rolled down her back. She wore a brown vest over a cheerful red dress. She appeared to be a few years older than Jack. How she had managed to see right through him, the snow sprite didn't know.

Jack looked down. "Y-Yeah…"

The girl nodded. "It's okay," she reassured. "Ombric's a great teacher. I should know; I live with him." She held out her hand to shake. "I'm Katherine. Katherine Shalazar.

Shalazar…Like… Jack's eyes widened. "You're—"

"Adopted," Katherine explained before the boy could finish his sentence. "Ombric took me in when I was little. I've been living with him since."

"Oh," said Jack. He took Katherine's hand and shook it, feeling much like an adult as he did so. "I'm Jackson," he introduced himself formally. "Jackson Overland Frost."

"That's a mouthful," Katherine remarked with a smile.

"Tell me about it," Jack agreed. He shrugged "That's why everyone just calls me Jack."

Katherine nodded. "I hear North mention you sometimes. You're the snow sprite he found in the woods."

Jack felt an odd poke in his chest. He wasn't offended, no, but he wasn't too comfortable when it came to talking about how he was found. Ombric was a friend of North's, so it was no wonder that Katherine knew of his background. The winter child didn't realize, however, how fast word spread throughout Santoff Claussen. Jack wondered if everyone else in the room knew how he was discovered…Though that seemed like a slim possibility.

At this point, Katherine looked around the room. Then, as if she were sharing a secret, she leaned and whispered, "So, what's it like?"

Bemused, Jack asked, "What's what like?"

"Having winter powers," said Katherine. An excited gleam shimmered in her eyes. "I've read about elemental magic, but I've never seen it in action. I just wanted to know what the experience is like."

"Well, I can make a snowball," said Jack. "And snowflakes and mini snowshowers."

"What about snowmen?" asked Katherine.

"With the flick of my hand," Jack replied. Katherine stared in awe, and Jack scratched his head. "Buuuuut only small ones. Big ones are harder to do, but Bunny said that my powers will grow as I get older. He also said that I could fly on the wind."

"You can fly?" Katherine asked, eyes wide.

Jack shook his head. "No…but he said some snow sprites could." Jack kicked his feet under his desk. "I hope that I can. But I don't know how."

"Well, I'm sure you will if you just keep trying," encouraged Katherine. Jack looked at her. "You can do anything you set your mind to. It all starts in your head. That's what Ombric says." The grey-eyed girl looked out the window pensively. "I've always wanted to fly. I think it'd be amazing."

"If I ever do learn how to fly, I'd be happy to take you on a flight," said Jack.

Katherine turned around and smiled. "And I'd be glad to help you with your magic! I've done a lot of reading, so I know a trick or two that could help you with your powers."

Jack grinned. "That would be great!"

"Katherine, Jack. Please make sure you're following along," Ombric said. The two children swiftly turned their focus back to class. Only a few seconds had passed when Katherine leaned in again and whispered. "You can sit with me at lunch. I know a great spot!"

"Okay!" Jack whispered back.

"Katherine. Jack," Ombric warned.

"Sorry!" the two said. And they forced themselves to focus on class once again.

Excitement bubbled within Jack; he was looking forward to lunch. The young snow sprite had trouble focusing on lessons since he was too busy thinking about where Katherine was going to take him. A hidden cave filled with gemstones? A secret underground network with hundreds and hundreds of tunnels? Or perhaps a cloud castle that floated above Santoff Claussen, but only those she permitted could see it?

No….that's silly, Jack thought to himself. But that didn't stop him from imagining.

Once lunch came around, Ombric let the students sit next to their friends either inside or outside. Katherine took Jack's hand and took him up the spiraling stairs of Big Root. At the highest point laid a trapdoor, leading to the upper branches. Katherine pushed the door open and led Jack across the winding branches that served as a bridge. At the end of the large branch laid the door to a house. In a tree. Jack gasped. A treehouse!

"You have a treehouse?!" he exclaimed. Katherine opened the door and the winter child stepped inside. This was much better than the cloud castle he had imagined earlier!

Katherine nodded with a smile. "Yup! I built it myself!" She paused. "Well, I drew the design and Ombric gathered the materials and did the magic…But I did help make it."

Jack looked around, thoroughly amazed. "I wish I had a treehouse!" he said. The young snow sprite peeked out the wide window, watching the village of Santoff Clausen down below. The villagers looked like ants and the buildings looked like pinpricks from that height. Jack felt as if he were on top of the world, a feeling that he enjoyed.

"This is the amazingest thing ever!" said Jack.

Katherine giggled, and she sat down on the rug, popping a grape into her mouth. "Thanks! You're welcome to come up here any time."

Jack smiled, and he sat down next to Katherine, opening the lunch bag that North had prepared for him that morning. Apple slices and half a sandwich laid inside along with a small bottle of juice. Stuck to the bottle, Jack found a note from North. He pulled it out and read it over.

Wishing you luck on your first day. Love, North.

Suddenly, Jack realized that he hadn't thought much about North or home ever since he met Katherine. Now that he had a friend, he didn't feel as homesick as he did before, but Jack was touched by the note. He placed it back in the bag and began to dig into his lunch. Next to him, Katherine pulled out a bag of grapes and began to snack on them.

As Jack chewed his sandwich, he asked, "How old are you?"

Katherine popped a grape into her mouth. "Eleven," she answered.

Jack was surprised. "Eleven?"

Katherine nodded, and she smoothened out her dress. "My birthday's in January," she said. Her expression became somber. "Well, not my actual birthday…Just the day Ombric found me. I don't know when my real birthday is."

Jack hadn't realized how much he and Katherine had in common. He looked down at his apple slices. "I don't know when my real birthday is either," he said quietly. "I'm six, but the day North found me is my birthday too. I wish I knew my real one."

"That's what happens when you're too young to remember anything," said Katherine sadly. She sighed. "Or your parents…I always try to remember mine. It's annoying that I can't even picture them. But I think they were the warmest, kindest, bestest—"

Jack paused chewing his apple slice. "Bestest isn't a word," he stated.

"Well, amazingest isn't a word either," Katherine retorted.

The two stared at each other, frowning. A moment later, they laughed.

"I never thought about my real parents much," said Jack once the laughter had settled. "North, Tooth, Sandy, and Bunny are the only family I know."

"Ombric's like a father to me," said Katherine. She looked out the window wistfully. "I'm glad he found me before anything happened."

"Same for me with North," said Jack. Despite his harsh reaction when he realized he was adopted, Jack loved North more than anything in the world. The ex-Cossack had been there for him since the beginning, and the young snow sprite didn't know where he'd be without him.

Jack finished his sandwich and munched on his last apple slice. "I guess being a foundling isn't so bad."

Katherine nodded. "And foundlings should stick together." She held out her pinky, and Jack stared at it, confused.

"What's that?" he asked.

"A pinky promise," Katherine explained. She shrugged shyly. "That we'll be best friends forever."

Jack had never heard of a pinky promise, and nor had he ever had a best friend. Katherine tilted her head.

"You've never had a best friend before?" she asked.

Jack shook his head. "No."

Katherine tapped her chin, pondering on how she could explain. "Think of it this way: a best friend is the first person you play with and spend the most time with. The person you trust most for help…stuff like that."

"Sounds like a mom or dad," remarked Jack.

Katherine laughed. "Sort of, but it's a bit different."

Jack looked at Katherine's pinky. She was the first person who talked to him at school, and she seemed very nice. She was open and friendly, and Jack liked her a lot. And they were both foundlings, something that not everyone could relate to. She would be great company, both in and outside of class. So, Jack hooked Katherine's pinky with his smaller, paler one.

"So we're best friends now?" asked Jack.

Katherine nodded. "Yep! Best friends forever!"

"Alright!" said Jack. At that moment, Big Root shuddered and shook. Jack looked around nervously.

"What's that mean?" he asked.

"Oh, Big Root's just letting us know that lunch is over," Katherine said nonchalantly. She picked up her bags. "We should head back down. We'll be doing story buddies next. You can be mine if you want."

"I'd like that," Jack said. Katherine extended her hand to help the boy up. Jack took it and followed her back inside.

Katherine was a wonderful friend to Jack during the rest of the day. They had grown considerably close in such a short time. The connection they had made in the treehouse formed a strong bond that Jack was sure couldn't be broken. Not that he wanted it to anyway.

As Jack spent more time with her, he learned that Katherine loved to read, which she had already hinted at when they first met. She also wrote her own stories, finding that weaving these miraculous tales made a place of input for her fantastical imagination. Katherine also drew illustrations to go with her stories. She showed Jack her sketchbook, which was filled with charcoal drawings of people and animals, both real and unreal.

Katherine had a gift for storytelling. Though Jack loved it when North told him stories, Katherine had a way of bringing her characters to life better than any other person could. Jack leaned against her as she read him tales of knights in shining armor. Dragons conquering lands, and magical princesses dedicated to saving their kingdom. Katherine did the voices for all the characters, and, like North's, they were absolutely ridiculous. The two laughed so hard that Ombric had to tell them to quiet down. Twice!

Keeping up with the rest of the class wasn't much of a struggle; Jack knew most of the material that they were learning, thanks to North who taught him at home. Ombric's class was a mixed group of students. The children spent a lot of time studying in their free time, so every child was at the same level of learning. If one struggled or fell behind, there was always someone available to help. When Jack found adding fractions complicated, Katherine and a few other kind kids helped him understand it. The young snow sprite was shy at first, but he eventually warmed up to those who assisted him.

Soon, lessons were wrapped up for the day, and Ombric dismissed the class. Everyone rushed to the back of the room to collect their coats and bags. While waiting outside for their parents, other students came up and welcomed Jack to the classroom. Katherine even introduced him to some of her other friends—Sascha and her brother, Petter; the three Williams, and Fog. The group bonded rather quickly, and Jack enjoyed talking with everyone.

Time passed, and parents began to arrive to pick up their children. Katherine stayed with Jack as he waited for North to arrive. She needn't wait for anyone since she lived at Big Root, so she and Jack talked a bit more until North came up the steps. Jack was overjoyed to see him.

"North!" he cried. Jack ran up to the ex-Cossack and wrapped his arms around him.

North laughed and he lifted Jack, spinning him around and saying, "There's my boy!" He set Jack down and asked, "How was school?"

Jack grinned, and he recounted everything he did that day. From reading to science to writing, he told North of the spells Ombric performed in class, and it was while he was in the middle of describing the levitation spell that he remembered Katherine.

"Oh! And I also made a new friend!" Jack said happily. He pulled North over to Katherine. "This is Katherine! She's my best friend."

North was glad that Jack was making friends. And he had already found a best friend? The ex-Cossack couldn't be happier. He turned to Katherine and smiled. "Ah, it is good to see you again, Katherine!"

"It's good to see you too, North!" Katherine said. Ombric walked up behind her. "It's

.Jack looked between the two, confused."Wait, you know each other?" he asked.

Katherine nodded. "You were little, but NOrth used to come and visit Ombric and me from time to time."

"It has been a while, so it's nice to have a little reunion," said Ombric. He looked at North. "Jack did a great job in class today. He's a smart young lad, and very kind and respectful to his peers."

"I'm happy to hear that," said North. "Now, as much as I'd love to stay longer, Jack and I have to get home I start supper."

Jack's smile dropped. "We're leaving?" he asked. "But I wanna stay with Katherine!"

North had to keep himself from laughing. Jack had acted the complete opposite that morning; it was hard not to feel amused.

"Don't worry, Jack," Katherine reassured. "We'll see each other at school again tomorrow."

"Really?" asked Jack.

Katherine giggled. "Yeah! We go to school every day. Well, except for weekends."

Jack was satisfied, and North took his hand. They both said goodbye to Ombric and Katherine and started heading back home. North asked if he had fun.

"Uh-huh," said Jack. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. "But school's a bit tiring."

North chuckled and lifted Jack. "After dinner, you can lay down and rest."

Jack shook his head. "I don't wanna sleep! I have to come up with something to bring for show and tell tomorrow."

"We can come up with something together, da?" said North. It wasn't homework, but North felt like he was helping his boy with his very first assignment.

Jack smiled, and he agreed. And the two headed inside the house.


Author's Note: Just so no one gets confused...the class Jack's in is a mixed classroom, meaning that students of different ages attend and learn at the same pace. =) The kids of Santoff Claussen study a lot, so they're at a higher learning level than most children. ^u^

I also had a lot of fun writing all the Katherine and Jack moments...I feel like these two would've been best friends if they had met in the movie. XD

While I was gone, I noticed that this story just recently hit over 3,000 views! ^u^ I'd just like to thank you guys so much for giving this little collection a read. =3 I'm not always confident in what I write, so I'm glad that so many of you guys are enjoying this. =) Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter! =D

Until the next chapter!

~BeyondTheMoon1203