Chapter one: The slip

Everything happened in a blur.

It started with Anna waking her up in the middle of the night to build a snowman. Elsa, who could never say no to her sister, naturally agreed. The two had snuck out of their room and into the ballroom. With a stomp of her foot and a wave of her hands, Elsa created a magical winter wonderland for Anna. The two sisters had the time of their lives, building snowmen, skating, making snow angels. Their parents were none the wiser, and the girls giggled and laughed and played in their secret haven.

Until Elsa slipped and wasn't able to make a pile of snow for Anna to hop onto in time.

She didn't remember what happened next. One moment she was holding Anna's cold body in her arms, the next Elsa was on a horse with her father in the darkness of the night. The princess didn't know where she was going, nor did she know what was going to happen. All she knew was that Anna was hurt because of her. Because of her carelessness. Because of her powers. This was all her fault.

It didn't take long for the royal family to arrive in a valley that was filled with boulders. Elsa looked around, confused. There was no one around. Why did her parents take her here? Was it to punish her for hurting Anna? Shivering, Elsa squeezed her father's hand tighter, bracing for the worst.

"Please help!" King Agnarr called out to seemingly no one. "My daughter–"

Suddenly, the boulders that surrounded the family started to roll towards them. Elsa moved even closer to her father, startled and scared. The king and queen however, appear unfazed.

To Elsa's shock, the boulders unfolded to reveal short creatures made out of rock. They wore clothing made out of moss, and crystals hung from their necks. Elsa's eyes widened when she realized she's seen these creatures before in books. Trolls.

The only troll wearing yellow crystals stepped forward. He must be the leader, the crown princess thought. He looks the oldest after all.

"Your majesty," the troll said. He turned to Elsa, who shrank back a little.

"No need to fear me child. I am Grand Pabbie, leader of the rock trolls." he said, gently taking Elsa's hands into his own. Grand Pabbie gave her a kind smile, a gesture that Elsa can't help but return.

"Born with powers or cursed?" Grand Pabbie asked, turning to Agnarr. "Born, "Agnarr sighed. "And they're getting stronger day by day. We're not sure how long it'll take before they go out of control."

Grand Pabbie gestured for Queen Iduna to bring a pale Anna closer to him. "You are lucky it wasn't her heart. The heart is not so easily changed, but the head can be persuaded. I recommend we remove all magic, even memories of magic, to be safe. But don't worry. I'll leave the fun."

Agnarr nodded. "Do what you must. I just want my daughter safe and sound."

The troll waved his hands, and colour began to return to Anna's cheeks. A white streak appeared in the young girl's hair. "She will be okay," he reassured.

"Anna won't remember I have powers?" Elsa asked in a small voice. Maybe it's for the best. I can't risk hurting her again… She shouldn't even be near me… Not with my curse…

As if sensing her thoughts, Grand Pabbie turned to Elsa. "It's for the best. She will regain her true memories when the time comes. Listen to me, Elsa, your power will only grow. There is beauty in it."

With a wave of his hands, an image of an adult Elsa creating a snowflake appeared in the sky in the form of northern lights. Elsa stared in wonder. In a flash, one of the snowflakes turned into a red spike.

"But there is also great danger. You must learn to control it. Fear will be your enemy." Agnarr put a reassuring hand on his daughter's shoulder. "We'll lock the gates. We'll reduce the staff. We will limit her contact with people, and keep her powers hidden from everyone. Including Anna. We'll–"

"No," the old troll said, interrupting the king. "People's fear of the princess's powers is not what you have to be cautious about," he explained. The royal family looked at him, confused.

"Fear of one's self is one of the greatest terrors of all. By isolating her, Elsa's fear of herself will only increase. The Results can be disastrous," Grand Pabbie continued. "Her powers are not a curse, your majesty. They are a gift that should not be kept hidden away."

Grand Pabbie waved his hands again, and northern lights once again filled the sky. "There is a school," he said, as the form of a castle took shape in the sky. "For people with magical talents just like Elsa. Children go and study how to control their magic."

"Hogwarts," her father murmured. Elsa's eyes widened. There were others like her? Her father knew? "Do they have ice powers as well?" she asked. Grand Pabbie shook his head.

"No child. Their magic is a bit different," he said. "They cast spells with wands, something that you also have the ability to do. But children only start this school at the age of eleven. Until then, it is your choice whether or not you want to hide your powers."

Biting her lip, Elsa considered her choices. The people of Arendelle are currently unaware of the crown princess's curse. No not curse, Elsa reminded herself. Grand Pabbie said that it's a gift. She looked at her hands. Hands that are capable of making beautiful creations, but also capable of terrifying destruction.

"I… I don't want anyone else to know about them yet," Elsa said slowly. "Just father, and mother, and the servants who already know…" she trailed off, looking up at her father for approval. Agnarr gave her a reassuring smile.

"Very well," Grand Pabbie said. "You'll receive a letter to go to the school a few years later. But until then Elsa, remember this. Conceal, but feel. Do not be afraid to use your powers. Let it go from time to time."

Elsa nodded. "Conceal, but feel," she repeated, holding her hands close to her chest.

"Good," Grand Pabbie said. "If you have any questions or troubles regarding your gift, do not hesitate to come to us. We'll try our best to help you."

"We will," Agnarr said. "Now best be on your way," Grand Pabbie said, ushering the family away. "Anna needs her rest."

And just like that, Elsa headed back to the castle with her parents and sister with a heavy heart.

What's going to happen next? She couldn't help but wonder. Papa didn't seem surprised when Grand Pabbie mentioned the school. What does he know?