New Year's Turn – January 1st, 1016 CE
New Berk
The first morning of the new year had barely stretched its fingers across New Berk's rooftops. A light frost sparkled on the wooden railings, but the sky was clear and the breeze had a bite of adventure in it.
Inside the Haddock household, breakfast had just ended. Plates scraped clean, the air still smelled of warm oatcakes and smoked fish. Nuffink was bouncing around with leftover energy, while Zephyr sat, chin on hand, doodling absentmindedly on the corner of her napkin.
Hiccup stood by the hearth, clearing his throat with exaggerated importance.
"Kids," he said, a glint in his eye, "how would you like to visit… the Hidden World today?"
Both children looked up. Nuffink gasped.
"Are you serious?" Zephyr blinked, half stunned. "Wait—now you're telling us this?"
"What can I say?" Hiccup shrugged. "It just came to me. I figured the dragons might miss us… and I need to make sure my children still love dragons."
He shot Zephyr a teasing glance.
"I know Nuffink does."
Zephyr rolled her eyes but smirked.
"Just because I have a boyfriend now doesn't mean I've forgotten about dragons."
Astrid leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, smiling knowingly.
"Spoken like a true Haddock."
Later That Morning – The Hidden World
The entrance shimmered as they descended—the same bioluminescent magic that had protected the dragons for over a decade. Stepping into the cavern still felt like entering a dream: glowing fungi lit the ceiling in soft hues, and the distant sound of wings echoed through the sparkling tunnels.
And then—
A familiar roar.
Toothless appeared first, bounding across the rocks with an excited chirp. His sleek black form practically glowed. He skidded to a stop before Hiccup and nuzzled him eagerly, his eyes closed with joy.
Zephyr and Nuffink burst into laughter. Astrid placed a hand over her heart, grinning.
"He still remembers your scent before anything else," she said.
"I'd be offended if he didn't," Hiccup replied, rubbing Toothless' head with both hands.
Moments later, the Light Fury glided in, silent as mist. Their three grown offspring—Dart, Pouncer, and Ruffrunner—followed, playful and full of grace.
Stormfly wasn't far behind, screeching her arrival before trotting up to nuzzle Astrid affectionately.
"You've missed me too, huh?" Astrid whispered, running her hands over Stormfly's scales.
Afternoon – A Dragon Race
With the midday glow bouncing off the Hidden World's inner cliffs, Zephyr mounted Stormfly, her face lit up with joy. Across from her, Nuffink straddled Toothless, who seemed amused to be letting a smaller Haddock steer for once.
"Three laps," Zephyr challenged. "Try not to get lost!"
"Try not to eat my tail dust!" Nuffink shot back.
The two soared upward, laughter echoing behind them, two Haddock children dancing in the sky. Their dragons—so different in size, history, and temperament—flew in perfect harmony.
On the ground, Hiccup stood beside Astrid, arms folded.
"She's still got it," Astrid said, watching their daughter dip and twist in the air.
"She never lost it," Hiccup replied, smiling. "She just… added something new to the mix."
"A boyfriend?" Astrid teased.
"Confidence," Hiccup answered. "Love too, sure. But I see more of you in her every day."
Evening – Back Home
The sun was dipping below the horizon as the family arrived back in New Berk. Boots thudded against the wooden floor. The smell of stew simmered in the pot. Nuffink plopped down onto a cushion, already in the middle of teasing Zephyr.
"So, what's next? Dragon riding and moonlit dates?"
"Keep talking, and I'll teach Glimmer to sit on you."
Zephyr flicked his ear. Nuffink retaliated by pulling her braid—gently.
"Children," Astrid warned, "food first. Bickering later."
They all sat down to dinner, bowls passed, stories shared. The warmth of the Hidden World lingered in their bones—and in their hearts.
Dragons still soared.
Love still grew.
And the Haddocks, together, were still flying strong.