Wyrd (HTTYD fic)

Chapter 19

Hiccup's POV

After Astrid finished explaining we all settled down to have something to eat since it was almost lunch time.

Alvin had stayed to ask me if I knew how Dagur might have poisoned me since Astrid stated that he hadn't stepped foot on the property.

I thought for a moment and the only time I could come up with was when I went to the supermarket after Melanie was arrested.

I had bought enough groceries to stock the pantry once again as well as supplies for the party. As I made my way out of the supermarket Dagur bumped into me causing my bags to slip and some of the contents to fall out.

Dagur handed had me a lemonade bottle that had rolled away as I was busy putting the other groceries back. He even apologized for bumping into me and went on his merry way without creeping me out. That probably should have activated some warning bells.

I had given Alvin the bottle that was still in the trash and he said he'd get it tested.

After lunch Heather had left to take a look around her house to see if she could find that spellbook. We all were hoping that Dagur hadn't left with it.

Astrid had settled down in front of the TV with Toothless and dad. I had a feeling that dad would be watching soap opera episodes from now on by the way he was asking Astrid to explain the story so far to him.

My family and friends stayed for a few more hours before heading home, and for the next three days Astrid and I settled back into our routines.

Heather was knocking on my door on the fourth day after I was discharged. With her she carried a thick leather-bound book. She handed it to me after explaining that she had turned the house upside down looking for it. At least her brother, who was still wanted, hadn't thought to take it with him.

Astrid was besides herself with happiness upon seeing her spellbook returned and proceeded to have a girls-only talk with Heather, which ended with me having to give Heather Fishlegs's phone number.

After Heather left I turned towards Astrid. "Playing matchmaker again?" I asked with a smirk.

"Of course. They will make a lovely couple." Astrid said and then floated her spellbook towards me. She flipped through the pages until stopping near the end. "This is the spell that would result in us finally being able to be together." She said.

I grab the book and look the spell over. Once I'm done reading I look at Astrid in astonishment. "Astrid, this is amazing!" I exclaim.

"Yes it is. That spell can only be used once every century." She tells me.

"But the price..." I trail off and look at her.

"Has already been paid." Astrid states. "I gave up my magic upon my death so that I may one day cast this last spell. It will be the only one that will still work."

I take hold of the locket that was hanging around my neck. "Then this locket contains..."

"The final ingredient." Astrid finishes and then gives me a serious look. "The spell has to be cast on Samhain when the moon is at perigee."

"Samhain?" I question and then I remember. "Right Halloween."

"Halloween?" Astrid asked me looking perplexed. "What is this Halloween?"

I do a quick web search to show her. Astrid still refused to touch the laptop. It appeared that Halloween became well known after Astrid passed so that was why she didn't know about it.

"The veil between the worlds will thin and I will become more corporeal during Samhain. This will allow us to cast the spell." Astrid tells me.

"Us?" I ask as I raise a brow.

"Yes us. It will be much more powerful with more people chanting it." Astrid replies.

"Then why not ask our friends to help as well. Halloween is only a few weeks away and I'm sure they would want to see you again." I ask. Astrid looks a bit pensive. "My dad would probably draw the summoning symbol himself if it meant that you would be revived. He definitely is set on wanting you as his daughter in-law."

This causes Astrid to laugh and give in.

Over the next few weeks we set out to gather all the ingredients. Mom, dad, and the others had all agreed to come and help. They would be arriving at noon on Halloween. Samhain would officially begin at sunset and Astrid was beginning to look a lot more corporeal through the day.

When it was time to cast the spell our friends took a spot around us in a circle. They were all holding hands and were ready to start the chant on Astrid's command. Astrid and I stepped into the circle and she hesitantly slipped her hand in mine. This caused me to look at her in shock.

"I can touch you." I said breathlessly. "I can actually touch you."

Astrid nods and I catch her unawares with a kiss on the cheek. "For good luck." I tell her and watch as her wispy aura spikes.

"Sneaky Hiccup." Heather comments while mom gives us a wink.

We grasp each other's hands and begin the chant. The candles along the circle flare a bit.

From time and space

I call thee here

Come to us

Please appear

Grant my wish

Return me to flesh

A spirit no longer

Please heed my request

I summon thee

Who grants us death

To reverse your judgment

Grim Reaper hear my request

The lights in the house began to flicker but I refused to let go of Astrid. We said the chant two more times before we were bathed in darkness. When the lights came back on we saw a black cloaked figure standing with Astrid and I in the circle.

I still marvel at how such a simple chant could summon the personification of death itself.

Everyone had remained silent as the black cloaked figure looked at us. When he spoke it was with an eerie voice. "Astrid Hofferson and Hiccup Haddock, I had a feeling that I would encounter you two much sooner than was determined."