Peering into shadows (Httyd)

Chapter 3: Strange behavior

Astrid's POV

Mom, and I have been in the hospital for 3 days to heal our injuries, and for us to get used to our new vampirism. The first time I craved blood, I felt disgusted with myself, but I slowly got used to the synthetic blood packets. So far AB- is my favorite. They all seem to have slightly different tastes. What I have also noticed, and to the surprise of my doctor, is that my body can still handle normal food. The doctor's theory is that I am only a partial vampire, because Stormfly interrupted the change. It seems I have no enhanced vampiric senses, except for an increase in strength. But to tell the truth, it feels weird to be neither fully human, or vampire.

Henry, Fishlegs, the twins, and some of my other classmates came to visit during my hospital stay. Henry, and Fishlegs brought my school work so I wouldn't be bored, and fall behind, while the twins came to tell me about their latest prank. I laughed so hard when I heard they put the principal's car in his office. They also promised my mom, and I to show us some vampire friendly hangouts if we were interested.

We will be returning home on Thursday, and my dad's funeral is on Saturday. Come Monday I will be back in school. Besides Henry, Fishlegs, and the twins no other classmates know that I have been turned. I just hope things don't go badly. Vampires are sometimes still treated with suspicion, and scorn. There are even places that don't allow vampires to work in, or buy goods.

We reached our apartment where I still see the police tape on the door. My mom removes the tape, and we enter. The entire first floor of the apartment is ransacked. It looks like we have some major cleaning to do. Stormfly squawks at the state of our home, and throughout the day helps us clear the first floor.

-----------Time skip------------

It's Monday, and I'm still feeling depressed about the funeral. Mom had to go back to work also. As I enter the school I feel many eyes on me. I guess the attack on my family is still big news. I see the cheer squad on the courtyard, and approach them.

"Hey girls." They turn as I said this, and greet me happily.

"Astrid, you're back." Camicazi, and Heather say. "We missed you."

"Hey, where are the jocks?" I ask looking around. I spot them near the oak tree bullying Henry, and Fishlegs again.

"Never mind. I see them." I tell the girls as I walk over, some of the girls following to get a better look at the commotion.

I see Snotlout grabbing Henry by the collar, and pulling back his fist. As I make a grab for Snotlout to stop, I'm accidentally hit by the back of his arm, causing me to fall backwards, the contents of my messenger bag spilling out.

Hiccup's POV

I wake up today with no weight sleeping on me. As I look around my room I spot Toothless sleeping upside down from the thick metal bar I had installed for him. I simply don't get how he can sleep upside down, yet sometimes the mood just strikes him. 'Crazy lizard.' I can't help but think. I finally realize that today is Monday, and Astrid will be returning to school. Toothless opens his wing, sees the giddy expression on my face, huffs, and goes back to sleep. (I wonder if that huff means crazy human).

As I make my way to the dining room I see my dad already sitting down with breakfast. I quickly take a seat, but dad notices my giddiness.

"You're awfully cheerful today son." I hear as I pour my cereal.

"Yes, especially since it is a Monday morning, and you haven't had your morning coffee yet, young master." Daniel says sarcastically.

"Hmmm, you're right Daniel, Monday mornings he is usually falling asleep on his cereal, and complaining that the weekend was too short. So son, as you teens would say. Spill the deeds." My dad says trying to sound hip. (Oh dear Thor)

"Dad, no one says 'spill the deeds'" I tell him between bites. "It's just that Astrid is coming back to school today."

"Ah, the lass you have a crush on. I see." My dad says as I almost choke on my cereal.

"DAAAD!!!!" I managed to say. A blush creeping on my cheeks.

My dad simply chuckles.

As I'm getting ready to leave, Daniel hands me my coat, and says "Do try to ask her out sometime sir. You make a wonderful strawberry impression. Most ladies find that cute."

All I could do was sputter, as I step into my car. Daniel grinning the entire time.

There is still time before classes start, and I meet Fishlegs under the oak tree. We talk for a while, and then I see, or more accurately hear Snotlout and his entourage approaching.

"Well, well, well. What are you two dweebs up to." He says as he comes to stand before me and Fishlegs.

"Why can't you just leave us alone Snotlout?" Fishlegs asks.

"Why should I, especially since Useless here is so fun to torment." He says offhandedly.

"Just look at him. He doesn't even have a familiar." Snotlout continues.

"When we went to the reservation to find familiars, none would choose him. That is just pathetic." Snotlout says earning nods from the rest of the jocks, and preps.

"Just because you have Monstrous Nightmare familiar doesn't make you so great. I personally think you are overcompensating for something." I state back earning 'oohs' and laughs from the crowd that has gathered.

Snotlout suddenly grabs me by my shirt collar, and pulls his arm back.

I see Astrid trying to stop Snotlout from hitting me, but she gets shoved back, the contents of her bag spilling out.

"Astrid!" I say catching Snotlout off guard as he turns, and sees Astrid on the ground.

"Astrid, I am so sorry." Snotlout desperately yells, dropping me and trying to help her pick up her stuff along with Heather, and Camicazi.

Snotlout then notices a blood packet lying on the ground that Astrid quickly picks up, and stuffs into her bag.

"Astrid, you're a vampire?" Snotlout asks, as the whole popular group goes quiet.