First of all, to whomever reads this, I am uber sorry for not having this chapter up sooner. I can understand if anyone wants to throw monstrous nightmare saliva or hexes my way, it's understandable. I have not had my editor and chief look at this chapter yet so yes it sucks, but hey, it's a chapter. So please... just don't be too hateful towards it I tried. And yes, only two more chapters to go who's excited for the big final chapter? I know I am, it's a long road.

Everything was heating up for the Vikings. Whilst Toothless was the talk of the castle, Malfoy was a champion. He was the one who'd defeated the dragon, changed him into a being who wouldn't be able to wound them or threaten them. Harry was aggravated, because, whilst he hated Malfoy ordinarily, he was particularly mad with him for harming his new friends. It escalated, too, of course. Malfoy used it against him, as expected, and they were at war more so than any other time. His new badges had hit an all-time low, and IL numerous students were wearing them and laughing as he walked by.

Harry had thought he could handle it at the beginning, but bringing the Vikings into their fight was something new. Malfoy was irritating him and not even the thought of Toothless returning to a dragon within the month did anything to comfort him.

The school was constantly buzzing, settling when Harry went near, and picking up again when he disappeared. Fortunately, he knew they weren't always talking about him. His connection to the Vikings had the students hiding their conversations about them from him. He wasn't displeased, but it would have been nice to hear what they had to say.

Harry went to the library during his break, wanting to get some study done. He'd already eaten lunch and his two other friends were in the great hall talking it up with the Vikings. They were excited about talking to Toothless, who had already proven to be useful. He wasn't happy the first time he'd encountered Malfoy after his transformation, and the events had ended with a bloody nose on Malfoy's half.

As he sat down, something caught his eye. A large, thick brown leather book sat open on counter where teachers generally sat for downtime. Harry stood up, making sure no one was paying attention to him, before realising everyone was in the great hall for lunch anyway. Perhaps the librarian wasn't, but she was nowhere to be seen at present.

Harry flipped the book to the front page and tried to hide his surprise at the title. Viking Contracts and Loop Holes. Obviously whoever had been reading this knew about the contracts with the Vikings, and only a couple teachers Harry could think of did. So either their headmaster had been down here, Professor Moody – however unlikely, Harry had never seen him pick up a book in his life – or Professor Snape. The chances it was the headmaster were slim, Moody even slimmer, therefore he'd narrowed it down to Snape. It seemed like something the Slytherin potions teacher would do.

Before Harry could get past the title, the book was ripped from his hands. He looked up in surprise at the intruder, finding the librarian glaring scornfully down at Harry. She walked towards the forbidden book area, an area Harry was quite familiar with, and placed the book on a high shelf.

Harry wondered how they'd never been able to spot the book before, heck, the name was a dead giveaway, but as he watched, the book spine changed, claiming it was just a book of spells. Harry frowned, memorising its place and watching the librarian casually as he gathered his things. This lunch break was coming to a quick end.

The young wizard headed down the long corridors to the great hall, where he found several students leaving. They were all laughing and didn't seem to notice as Harry slipped through the doors to find his friends. He wasn't surprised at all to find a gathering around the Vikings, all staring in awe at Toothless and his rather large black wings. The dark dragon didn't seem pleased about it at all, and was trying to restrain himself.

Harry walked over to them quickly, placing himself between Toothless and Hermione. The students around didn't move, so Harry figured he'd have to tell them later. It was news, definitely, and something they needed to know. He just didn't want the students to figure out.

The crowd dispersed, creating a path for someone to walk through. Harry watched Malfoy saunter up to the Gryffindor table and announce his presence by slamming his hand down and smirking at Hiccup. Harry felt the resentment for his rival grow in his stomach, acid churning and burning.

"Got no one to protect you now, Hiccup. Whatever shall you do?" Malfoy sneered, enjoying taunting Hiccup. There was a clear challenge in his eyes and Harry watched Hiccup accept it.

Toothless scowled, a low growl developing in his throat and Hiccup raised his hand, standing up so he was eye to eye with Malfoy. "Just because he's in human form doesn't mean he's not strong. You forget we are Vikings, tough and indestructible beings who have survived seven generations of attacks on the village by dragons."

Malfoy tried hard to conceal his concern, but Harry could see it in his eyes. It wasn't that he thought the dragon would harm him, no. it was he thought Hiccup would hurt him. The very idea was amusing, to Harry, at least. "Like you could ever defend anything. Bet you tried to kill Toothless but befriended him because you were weak hearted."

"Weak hearted?" Hiccup asked. His tone implied a sense of sarcasm and humour, as though something funny had run through his head. Toothless rolled his eyes beside Hiccup and moved closer, seeming pleased with his rider's reaction.

"I would never have backed down from the challenge." Malfoy said, standing tall and proud.

Hiccup nodded, agreeing. Before he could say anything, however, Fishlegs jumped in. "How did you know we hunted dragons?"

Malfoy scoffed. "I was curious, so I read up about you. Did you end up destroying the nest?" he taunted, raising his snide mannerisms. Clearly he had no clue what was going on and was only doing what he thought was right. This wasn't it.

Hiccup grumbled next to Toothless and turned around. "For your information, Malfoy, it's classified information what we do and don't do on our own island with our own dragons. So unless you plan on becoming a Viking, I suggest you shut your trap before I feed you to the queen."

Malfoy didn't seem phased by the threat, clearly not understanding the full impact of the statement. Harry knew, quite well, it would be terrifying to meet a beast so powerful the ground shook under its feet as it moved.

"I'd make a better Viking than you lot put together." Malfoy said confidently.

Snotlout was the one to laugh. Hysterically. He just couldn't stop, rolling onto the floor. Everyone watched – Hermione, Ron, Harry, Hiccup, Astrid, the twins and Fishlegs – as the boy made fun of Malfoy eagerly. It was clear he found the comment highly amusing.

"You'd make the worst Viking Berk would ever see. You'd see one wood pile and run for the hills." Snotlout exclaimed, still rolling around on the floor.

Malfoy shrugged indifferently. "Doesn't that just tell you what you all are then?"

"That doesn't even make sense, Malfoy." Harry said, starting to get fed up with this. It was dragging on longer than usual and Harry just wanted to tell his friends the news.

Malfoy turned to Harry coldly. "This doesn't concern you."

Astrid glared at Malfoy coolly, her gaze like ice. It sent shivers down Harry's back, and he wasn't the one she was glaring at. "I suggest you turn around and leave, Malfoy, before you find out what my favourite weapon is." Harry got the sense it wasn't a dragon, either.

Malfoy blinked, terrified of the cold and emotionless voice Astrid pulled out, then found some strength and dignity to walk away, not another word leaving his mouth. Harry breathed a deep sigh of relief that he was gone, leaving his friends in peace. It really wasn't fair how he was treating the Vikings, they hadn't done anything to deserve this treatment. Anything other than being around Harry, and apparently that meant torturing them by Malfoy. Came with the territory. Gain friends, gain enemies.

Harry ushered the group outside, to the courtyard and onto the open grasses near the black lake. He stared at them, then made sure no one was around as he spoke in a quiet voice. "I've found something that might help us." He announced.

Instantly, there was a chorus of questions, namely about what and where. Harry tried to focus on one voice but that thought vanished quickly when Astrid shouted at everyone to shut up and let him explain.

"Thanks," he said quickly to Astrid, who nodded briefly at the wizard. "I was in the library before, and found a book which might have been helpful."

Fishlegs and Hermione both had a collective sigh. "We've been through every book in the library and nothing." Hermione said, her voice instantly deterred.

Harry agreed, they had been thorough. But they hadn't looked in the restricted section, nor did they know of its name changing properties. "That may be so, but I found a book open on the teachers table."

"Teachers read?" Tuffnut asked in surprise.

"Why read words when you can just kill the stuff words tell you stuff about?" Snotlout suggested, making a fist shape, swinging it through the air.

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "We don't do that anymore, Snotlout. Besides, reading is good."

"For nerds." Ruffnut commented, aiding her brother and Snotlout.

Hiccup shook his head, a small smile on his face. Harry didn't understand how he could do it, but somehow, Hiccup seemed to like every one of the Viking members. He took the good with the bad, and Harry couldn't help but admire him and his persistence. He understood how he would make a great chief someday.

"Anyway, you were saying, Harry?" Hiccup prompted, turning everyone's eyes back onto Harry.

Harry swallowed quickly before finishing his story. "It was different, this book. The title was obviously something helpful, but when the librarian put it back the spine label changed. It was in the restricted section and my guess is the wizards don't want us to know they have it, otherwise they wouldn't have cast the confusing spell on the book." He explained.

"What was its title?" Hermione asked, curious. Everyone else looked stunned, and appreciative. They clearly thought this new book would be the answer to all their problems. Harry would like to think so, but he was fairly certain it wasn't all that. Just maybe a way off the contract and into another one, knowing the teachers and what Toothless had told them previously.

"Viking Contracts and Loop Holes," Harry replied.

Instantaneously there was a chorus of whoops and yells, everyone ecstatic about the news. Apparently the book would give everyone hope, and that was all they could ask for. Harry smiled as they tried to figure out how they would find it and get it, but they fell up short. Silence fell as everyone thought of ideas, and it was Ron who came up with the brilliant one.

"Harry." He said, startling everyone. Harry looked up, meeting his green eyes. "You're the one who knows where the book is. Go tonight, take the invisibility cloak and take the book."

Hermione nodded slowly, hearing the plan on her own ears. "It's incredibly risky, he could get caught."

"What's the worst that could happen? He's the boy who lived and a champion currently. The worst he could get is detention." Ron stated.

Hermione frowned, knowing Ron was right. She didn't like her friends breaking the rules though and felt very strong about it. Harry, on the other hand, thought the plan was brilliant and couldn't wait to enact it. Hiccup seemed surprised, not knowing what the invisibility cloak was, however a quick explanation had him grinning.

Harry watched his friend's converse for a while. It was nice being able to help them, give them hope. He would miss Hiccup and his gang, but it was for the best they return to where they belonged. Hiccup didn't belong here, and Harry knew he didn't enjoy it here. Much as Harry loved hanging around him, he knew it wouldn't last. He would just have to savour these last few moments with him.

Hiccup smiled thoughtfully, sitting back to back with Toothless near the fire. Toothless was facing the window, where Hiccup faced the door. He was drawing, sketching his best friend in human form. Much as he hated not having his best friend a dragon, it was nice for him to get some time with a human who he liked as much as his dragon best friend. Well, he was the same just with words and Hiccup appreciated that.

Toothless himself was resting his eyes, his tongue clicking every few moments out of boredom. They'd already celebrated on the new hope of the book, but neither were getting too excited. The twins and Snotlout were more than ready to go home, but Fishlegs knew there was something off about the way the book was just left in the library. Surely, had they wanted to keep it hidden, they wouldn't have left it on the work bench for anyone to see. Hiccup himself had been wondering that, but he wasn't about to tell the others they couldn't dream. He was dreaming himself, about being free of the wizards, back home with his father whom he sorely missed, above the cool ocean on the back of his dragon.

Astrid walked into the common room, her large nadda following closely behind. "I'm going to fly Grass Glow, do you want to help?" she asked.

Hiccup turned to Toothless, before he shrugged. "I might go down later and see Razor Neck. He hasn't seen Toothless in human form yet and I might take him alone."

"Right here, you know." Toothless mumbled, turning to look at Hiccup, his body turning causing Hiccup's to fall. Toothless easily stabilised him by catching him with his large wings, helping him stay upright.

Astrid nodded. "Good luck, I shall see you at dinner, yes?"

"Wouldn't miss it." Hiccup assured her. She breathed deeply and headed to the balcony, jumping gracefully onto her nadda. With one stroke they were in the air, gliding down towards the forbidden forest and leaving Hiccup and Toothless to themselves.

Toothless stood, helping Hiccup to his feet. The two young males walked to the balcony, observing the school. They weren't used to looking out to a stony castle, nor would they ever be, but they appreciated the sight of the forest. At least it wasn't all destroyed by construction.

"How are you feeling?" Hiccup asked, leaning against the balustrade to talk to Toothless. The dragon leant against the opposite railing, staring at Hiccup with his piercing green eyes.

Toothless shrugged, his wings flopping lazily to the ground. His short black hair moved easily in the breeze, his skin still a pale colour. Since his transformation, Hiccup had given Toothless some proper clothes, ones which fit him better and didn't look uncomfortable. Toothless had insisted he keep his old ones, but practicality won.

"I've had worse." Toothless said lazily, not caring much. Hiccup could only imagine the dragon shrugging and rolling his body away, much the same response as Hiccup had just received from the human. Though Hiccup knew Toothless was still the same, it was hard to put Toothless the Night Fury into the human body and still call them the same. For one, Toothless could now talk. He'd never been able to do that before.

"True that." Hiccup noted, watching as a single student dashed through the courtyard, obviously late.

Toothless smiled, revealing his sharp teeth. He'd lost the ability to retract his teeth, something Hiccup wasn't unhappy about considering how strange it would be to see a human with no teeth.

Hiccup turned abruptly, heading for the large doors to the common room. Toothless watched in confusion as he opened the door and stepped outside, into the darkened stairwells. Hiccup turned briefly, motioning for Toothless to follow. The dragon boy quickly followed, waiting for Hiccup to close the door before following him down the stairwell.

They entered the main corridor, heading towards the library department. Hiccup didn't really know where he wanted to go, but he just wanted to escape their tower. Toothless wasn't in much condition for a flight, and he couldn't see Razor Neck yet, he was too lazy and wasn't about to face the keepers.

Toothless walked beside Hiccup, taking in the sights and smells. They passed two young hufflepuff girls, who blushed as Hiccup walked passed, giggling when they thought they were out of range. Hiccup chuckled to himself and Toothless seemed very confused, but also slightly amused.

They made their way to the library entrance, finding a very familiar figure sitting at one of the tables. Although Hiccup and Neville had never really had a conversation together, it was safe to say Hiccup did know him. Toothless watched, not having a clue who Hiccup was staring at, before entering behind Hiccup to the library.

Hiccup made his way over to Neville, sitting down beside him. He noticed the librarian was nowhere to be found, so he allowed himself a conversation.

"Hey, Neville."

The wizard looked up in surprise at his name, apparently he was completely wrapped in his botany book he hadn't heard Hiccup enter. He greeted Hiccup, confusion settling in his eyes. "What are you two doing here?" he included Toothless, out of politeness Hiccup gathered. He clearly wasn't looking at the taller dragon boy.

Hiccup shrugged, relaxing in the chair. Toothless wandered off, looking through the bookshelves for anything entertaining. "Not much. The others are busy so I thought I'd come chill in the library for a while." Hiccup replied easily.

Neville nodded, looking briefly at his book, before back at Hiccup. With some sort of forlorning sigh, he closed the book and focussed his attention solely on Hiccup. The Viking felt a pleased sensation flow through him, considering himself above the book. Well, something like that anyway.

"It's a good place to think." Neville agreed.

Hiccup smiled. "Filled with the smell of old books."

"You sound like Hermione." Neville noted.

"Is that a bad thing?" Hiccup asked, a genuine question.

Neville laughed, shaking his head. "She's a genius. It's a wonder how she manages to get her homework done and still have time to muck around with her friends. Not that Harry and Ron aren't awesome friends." He quickly amended.

"They are pretty cool." Hiccup agreed. "But I don't know many other people here." He said, almost sounding as though he wished he did. In truth, he didn't. He was quite happy not knowing many people. Less goodbyes, less attachments when he would have to leave. Because, inevitably, they would leave, and they'd leave all their friends behind. Hiccup would miss Harry, Ron and Hermione, they were the only wizards who had been nice to them for the duration of their stay. But he wouldn't miss the place. Definitely not. They could always visit them in the Archipelago anyway.

The wizard looked at his book briefly, before his eyes flicked around the library. "Now's probably not the best time for it, really." He admitted.

Hiccup looked at him sceptically, and Neville got the message, preparing to explain.

"Just with everything with Malfoy, I don't think people would be too thrilled to talk to you guys."

Hiccup looked to Toothless for a moment, before a small smile placed on his lips. "Makes our lives easier, I guess."

Neville paused, allowing the answer to sink in. clearly, he wasn't aware of their current predicament. The less people who knew, the better really. It was safer that way. Hiccup didn't want the news spreading to Malfoy that would be the last thing they needed.

"Are you alright with Malfoy's commentary?" Neville asked randomly, after Hiccup and Toothless had relaxed partially.

Hiccup looked up, his bright green eyes watching Neville's own. "He doesn't know what he's talking about half the time, so it's almost a laugh if he wasn't so irritating. Besides, even I could take him on."

Neville gave him a look of disbelief. "But you're so..." he trailed off, Hiccup knowing what he was implying of course.

"Small?" he finished. He then nodded, looking at Toothless briefly. "I get that a lot, it's alright." He allowed. He didn't like being called small, he was a Viking, but he knew it was true. Compared to Fishlegs, Snotlout and even Astrid, he was a twig. But he was the twig who had single headedly taken down a night fury and proceeded to befriend said dragon.

"Believe it or not, I can hold my own in a fight. Especially if it was between one of you wizards, hand to hand." Hiccup finished.

Toothless grinned. "Maybe not with magic."

Hiccup turned to the dragon with a chuckle. "Is that a challenge?" the young Viking asked.

"Did it sound that way?" Toothless asked, his taunting voice growing as the challenge grew.

Neville held his hands out in an attempt to break up their growing battle.

Hiccup completely ignored the wizard, his green eyes staring straight into Toothless' own. "There's really only one way to settle this." The Viking announced.

Neville put his head in his hands, knowing it wasn't going to end well. He refrained from saying anything, though neither boys noticed it.

Toothless grinned, reaching his green eyes. "We just have to find an unsuspecting wizard for you to fight and maybe you'll stand a chance."

"Give me some credit, I could fight off multiple wizards here, one at a time of course." Hiccup announced.

"Viktor Krum?" the dragon asked, giving Hiccup a pointed look. Hiccup knew he'd lost this one, but he still kept his point. He could beat at least a couple of the wizards, if he wasn't able to do that, he wasn't fit to be the chief's son.

Hiccup stood up. "It's been great, Neville, but I believe I have a point to make to this beast." He glared at Toothless for a moment, before turning and leaving the wizard. The dragon obediently followed Hiccup out of the library and straight to the courtyard.

Once there, Hiccup sat at a bench and sighed. "Well, that went swimmingly."

Toothless chuckled. "Still up for the fight?" he asked, still holding the taunt in his voice.

Hiccup shook his head. "I don't think it's a good idea. If there were any wizards who were gutsy enough to fight, they'd probably be expelled, and, much as I don't like them, that's probably not the best idea." He explained.

Toothless laughed, his chest vibrating at the sound. Neither were completely used to the dragon's new antics, but they were slowly adjusting. "Doesn't bother me."

"Of course it doesn't, you useless reptile."

The dragon in question placed a hand over his heart and faked a wounded expression. "Your words hurt like arrows." He said dramatically.

Hiccup grinned. "That's the point."

"You're so punny." Toothless deadpanned, giving him the classic 'are you serious' look the dragon was famous for. Hiccup could recognise it anywhere, and it suited the boy just as it did the dragon.

Hiccup faced the exit to the court yard and started walking, eyes straight at the forbidden forest. The dragon didn't need to ask to know where the Viking was going. He followed behind, before hopping beside Hiccup as they made their way towards the dragons.

Once they arrived, Hiccup wasn't surprised to find Astrid still playing with Grass Glow. The twins had apparently taken Fire Starter out for a fly, and Fishlegs had gone with them leaving Moon Finger to her lonesome here. Hiccup found Razor Neck exactly where they'd left him previously, alone in his cage. The dragon snorted upon Hiccup's arrival and beckoned them over with a squawk.

Hiccup wandered casually to the dangerous dragon and called to him. Razor Neck stood proud in the cage, apparently not having seen Toothless behind Hiccup. Once Toothless made his own way over, the large dragon breathed in deeply, confused by the scents.

Toothless let out a familiar growl, his chest rumbling. The larger dragon immediately recognised the Night Fury and clicked to Hiccup, who moved to where his dinner basket lay. He proceeded to then pass through a few fish and the dragon happily swallowed them whole.

Hiccup was too focussed on the dragon to notice one of the keepers walking up behind him. He was directly behind Hiccup when Toothless alerted him of his presence, making Hiccup spin. Razor Neck, who had finished his fish, watched the keeper warily. Clearly he was protective of Hiccup too, but Toothless still managed to take the bat.

"So the rumours are true, then." Charlie said, looking with an impressed eye at Toothless.

Hiccup stood tall and proud, not backing down as he faced the wizard. Toothless sidled closer to Hiccup, wings coming up behind him in a protective gesture. Hiccup knew it wouldn't take much for the dragon to attack the wizard, and it was this that kept him standing tall.

"He is still a dragon and can still kick your butt." Hiccup stated clearly.

Toothless made a snort of agreement before briefly turning his head to look at Razor Neck behind him. Hiccup saw the two, a moment of connection between them.

Charlie paused momentarily, unsure of whether he should proceed or not. "I just came here to tell you that we are getting a bunch of new dragons in for the final task, and it's the same idea as for the first and second for Harry Potter."

Hiccup frowned, looking at Charlie. "Why does this kid get more help than any of the others? It's called cheating and I don't want to have any part of that."

"It's not cheating, they are still going to be wild dragons. We just don't want to harm Harry." Charlie said quickly. Clearly their morals were mixed up, thinking it was a good idea to bring dragons in and not expect someone to get hurt. These wizards were not the brightest of beings.

"What makes him so special?" Hiccup demanded, setting off a growl from both Toothless and Razor Neck, who glared fiercely at the wizard.

Charlie took a step back, but otherwise planted his feet against Hiccup. "You don't know enough of our world to understand, but Harry is an important character in destroying a very bad person."

The Viking turned away, facing Razor Neck entirely as his words turned icy. "We will help train your dragons, I cannot promise we will stick around for long after the task."

"Have you been granted permission to leave?" the wizard asked, obviously believing himself to have caught Hiccup.

The Viking had a sour smile on his face, turning his head in a small movement to look at the wizard. "You have no say on what we do and do not do, when we leave, which we will do, be warned."

Charlie seemed visibly shaken by Hiccup's tone, not believing that the small Viking could construct such a forceful voice. Clearly he had underestimated the Vikings stubbornness, it was a force to be reckoned with.

Hiccup turned away from Charlie and put his hand through the cage for Razor Neck, who wasted no time meeting the hand with his nose. Hiccup grinned at the dragon and looked to Charlie, regretting it for a moment, before requesting the materials he needed for a flight.

Toothless growled at Hiccup, completely forgetting for a moment that he could use words, before he stopped Hiccup completely with a hand on his shoulder. "There is no way you're going flying on that dragon. Not when I'm in this form."

Hiccup turned to his best friend, taking the hand off his shoulder. "Toothless, come on. I have to fly him sometime, and with you in this form, it's the only way. Besides, I'll have you flying beside me the entire time."

Toothless grumbled to himself, unhappy but unwilling to argue. The large dragon seemed to understand what was happening and clicked happily in his cage. When Charlie returned with the materials, disappearing quickly, Hiccup wasted no time opening the cage and allowing the Horntail to step out.

Razor Neck walked cautiously out, stepping onto the grass carefully as though one wrong step and Toothless would claw him to death. Hiccup halted the dragon and ran a hand along his wing gently. The dragon watched Hiccup's every move, unsure of what he was doing. Hiccup reached as high as he could, trying to touch the dragon's back, but he just wasn't used to riding tall dragons. Even a nadda was too tall for him.

Instead, Hiccup gently climbed up his spiked leg and sat carefully on his back. The Horntail met his eye, watching warily as the Viking sat on his scales. He didn't seem to mind, this wasn't the first time he'd had a rider on him, Hiccup just didn't want to overwhelm the dragon and make him freak out.

When Razor Neck showed no signs of panicking, Hiccup clicked the dragon into the sky. Hiccup remembered the rope quickly, calling for Toothless to pass it to him. Hiccup quickly wound it around the thick neck of the Horntail before they shot into the sky above the forest. Toothless flew beside them the entire time, Hiccup holding onto the rope carefully.

Hiccup was unprepared for the raw power he felt while astride the mighty beast. Yes, Toothless was ultimately more powerful and faster, but it was clear Razor Neck was physically stronger, and he was larger. His powerful wings beat rhythmically as they moved through the sky.

The trio flew higher than they had before, amongst the clouds and Hiccup allowed the dragon to move as fast as he wanted, wherever he wanted – within a certain boundary of course. Toothless followed easily, his wings effortlessly keeping his body aloft in the sky.

Hiccup grinned, allowing himself to be lost in the feel of flying. Whilst flying Toothless was the best thing in his life, flying Razor Neck certainly came a close second. Hiccup didn't even care whilst he was there, sitting daintily on the enormous beast, forgetting the real reason the Vikings were there. He was allowed to forget, because once he landed, Harry was going to help them get out of this place. And Hiccup found comfort in his secret plan, he was going to take the dragons with him.

Harry found his invisibility cloak and stuffed it inside his school cloak. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him at the exit to the Gryffindor common room, talking amongst themselves. Harry joined them once he was sure the cloak was safely tucked away, moving down to the great hall for dinner.

Upon arriving, Harry got a glimpse of Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum communicating, before they dispersed to their own table. Harry waved to Cedric, who also greeted Harry from his place at the Hufflepuff table. Between the excitement of the Viking's visit and their current predicament, Harry had barely gotten a chance to talk with the other champions. The most he'd gotten was with Cedric, alerting him to the dragons and him the egg.

Harry sat beside Hiccup, much as he'd done for the past few weeks. The Vikings were all chatting excitedly, and Harry was able to catch 'Fire Starter' and 'blew up' amongst the conversation. His mind processed that Fire Starter was the twins dragon, and they did love blowing things up so it made some sense.

Hermione looked at Harry, dragging his thoughts from the Vikings. "Have you finished the paper for potions?" she asked.

Harry gave her a blank look. "We got that today."

Hermione nodded. "Well, we did have that break between class and dinner, I always do the homework then. You guys are going to fall behind soon."

Ron was pretty adamant he wasn't going to fall behind, telling her he still had three days before it was due. At this, Hermione grew persistent. "You guys are always up ridiculously late the night before a paper is due! Wouldn't it be nice to have a break and actually sleep? She asked.

Harry considered her words. "That's would be nice, but, Hermione, neither of us are determined enough to actually do it the day we get it. It's called procrastinating. You should try it sometime."

"I have, and you shouldn't take this year so lightly. We're coming up to our OWLs and Harry, you need to get some good marks to become a good aura." Hermione said, although her tone was a lot more resined than it was before. Clearly she was giving in to the boys and their ridiculous attitude towards school.

Harry laughed. "OWLs aren't till next year, Hermione. Besides, we have bigger things to worry about."

"Yeah, did you forget we're trying to get the Vikings out of here?" Ron put in, finally contributing to the conversation.

Hermione rolled her eyes easily. "We don't have to worry about that one till tomorrow, once Harry has our book."

Both Harry and Ron gave her pointed looks. She seriously had some messed up priorities. The Vikings were possibly more important than most of what was going on, aside the triwizard tournament, because they may or may not be the destruction of Hogwarts itself. If they couldn't figure out how to break off this deal, Hiccup and his fellow Vikings would be forced to kill the wizards. Harry was not ok with that, and he was sure Hiccup wasn't either.

The meals finished quickly and soon they were ushered back to the common room. Harry snuck to the bathroom, saying something about meeting them back in the common room. Both his friends knew what he was truly doing, and as they departed, Harry rolled out the invisibility cloak. He sat in one of the stalls as he waited for the sound of footsteps to quieten down outside.

Harry wasn't a complete fool either. He waited for someone else to enter the bathroom before slipping out under the cloak. He knew a random door opening would cause suspicion and that wasn't something they could afford. He silently made his way towards the library, moving out of the way of oncoming students. There weren't many people still out, only those who wanted some last minute catching up with their friends from other houses.

Once at the library, Harry looked for the librarian before slipping into the restricted section. The library was closed now anyway, no students in there and it wasn't a surprise there weren't any teachers there either. Harry found the book, the same cover it had when he'd left it, and picked it off the shelf. He hid it quickly under his cloak before hurrying back to the dormitory.

Harry was beginning to think this thieving night was going too quickly, too well, when he rounded a corner and heard voices. With a start, he saw them blocking the stairwell to the Gryffindor common room. Harry recognised Professor Moody talking to Hiccup angrily about something. From what Harry could hear, it was about something Hiccup had said to Charlie, Ron's older brother.

Hiccup got extremely defensive, and Harry half wondered where Toothless was. He wasn't left clueless for long when he heard the tell-tale growl coming from the stairwell. Professor Moody didn't seem alarmed at all by the human dragon, giving them both a glare with that prosthetic eye he had.

Harry was having trouble hearing them, but he knew they were talking about the dragons. From the way Hiccup got so defensive, it wasn't great. Toothless ended up making a very loud, very possessive snarl, as Moody reached to grab Hiccup. The professor thought better of it and backed away. His eye was cold and stony as he gave Hiccup one last look, before he turned and walked down the hall way back to his own room, or wherever it was teachers went at night.

The invisible wizard breathed a deep sigh of relief and headed for the stairs, seeing a very dejected looking Hiccup. Harry knew he shouldn't risk it, but he had to ask Hiccup if he was alright. He didn't bother taking off the cloak, instead just opting for telling him he was there. Toothless got a start and growled, but Hiccup was quick to reassure the dragon.

"Did you get the book, Harry?" Hiccup asked, his voice extremely quiet so as not to attract attention, though there was no one around.

Harry nodded, but realised Hiccup couldn't actually see him, so instead replied, "I got it, we're going to look at it tomorrow morning. But I don't know where." Harry explained.

Hiccup briefly looked up the dark stair well and back to the place he knew Harry was. "We could do it in our common room before breakfast." He suggested.

Harry agreed quickly, before remembering the conversation Hiccup had had with the professor. "What was Moody doing here anyway?"

Hiccup shrugged him off, his hand brushing him off. "Don't worry about him, he just wants us to keep our dragons here to help the fight blah blah blah." Hiccup said. Even though he said it so casually, Harry knew deep down he was annoyed and angered by this. Toothless growled lowly at hearing Hiccup say this, even though he'd heard the conversation, and Hiccup just halted him with his hand.

"That's intense." Harry said, trying to think of a way to help him. He couldn't think of anything, he didn't exactly know what it was like to have a dragon for a best friend, to live on an island roaming with them, or be stuck here with the looming, very real fear he might have to kill some of his friends.

Hiccup nodded, looking at his feet. Well, foot and prosthetic really. But Harry wasn't judging, because Hiccup never minded his leg and he knew there was a great story to go along with it, better than the one of Toothless' own prosthetic.

Harry looked at the stairs with a forlorning sigh. "I suppose I should get back to my dorm before Filch decides I'm missing."

Hiccup stepped up the next step, his metal leg clicking on the cold stone stairs. "I can walk you back up, considering they're so close to each other."

Harry grinned, even though Hiccup couldn't see him, and they walked side by side up the stairs. There was no conversation, both too tired for that, but it was a nice silence. The silence where they were both listening to the consistent click of his prosthetic leg on the stone.

Once they reached the entrance to the Gryffindor rooms, Harry bid Hiccup a good night. The Viking gave him a pleasant wave before walking further up the stairs, the click of his foot getting quieter and quieter until he couldn't hear it anymore. Harry smiled to himself, before he made his way to his room to hide the book and get ready for bed.