FRIENDSHIPS:

BUILT, REVIVED, AND EVOLVED

(A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfiction)

By: Astrid Camicazi N. Hofferson

Summary: Harper "Hiccup" Haddock is ditched by his best friend, Astrid Hofferson for fame and reputation. Can one event revive their friendship and make it even more? (MODERN AU!)

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

A/N: English isn't my first language so please bear with me. Constructive criticisms are pretty much appreciated.

- HTTYD-

XIV

MISERABLE

WEEKS HAD FLOWN by, and Hiccup's life had undergone a profound metamorphosis. The news of his sudden transformation had spread like wildfire across the campus, drawing the attention of students, especially the female ones. Now, referred to as Harper by many, he had become the most sought-after guy in Berk High—a heartthrob in his own right. This newfound popularity brought with it a plethora of benefits that he was unaccustomed to, leaving him somewhat uneasy. Despite this discomfort, he managed to conceal his feelings and gracefully navigate his new reality. His days were now filled with a growing number of admirers, seemingly eager to catch his attention solely for their own popularity boost, and a slew of fresh opportunities.

However, Harper remained the same genuine person he had always been. He never forgot the ones who had stood by him during his difficult times, especially his newfound friends Fiske, Heather, Tyler, and Riley, and the revitalized friendship with Astrid. Happiness seemed to envelop everyone around him, but one person remained discontented—Shaun Jorgenson, also known as Snotlout.

Shaun's once charmed life had turned upside down due to these very changes. He had gone from being Mr. Popular to being the one left in the dust—ditched and deemed a loser. Harper's rise to fame had caused Shaun to harbor a deep-seated fury towards him. It was as if their roles had reversed entirely. Previously, Harper had been an outcast, a target of bullying, but now the tables had turned, and karma seemed to be at play.

oOo

SHAUN

WEEKS HAD PASSED since Useless, whose real name was Hiccup, had taken everything from Snotlout, leaving him stripped of his popularity, friends, girlfriend, and reputation. Once a prominent figure in school, Snotlout now found himself relegated to the ranks of the outcasts, the Loserville as he called it. He became a target of bullying, a pariah no one wanted to associate with.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the school's windows, Snotlout trudged down the crowded hallway, burdened by the weight of his fallen status. His once confident stride was replaced with hesitation and vulnerability. A malicious shove sent him crashing to the floor, scattering his belongings in all directions. The whole scene unfolded in front of an audience that took pleasure in his misfortune. Snotlout looked up, anger and humiliation twisting his features as he sought the face of his aggressor.

To his dismay, he recognized Thuggory, who was once his closest friend but had now become one of his tormentors, aligned with the jocks who enjoyed preying on the weak.

"Well if it isn't Snotlout-outlout. Being clumsy, aren't we?" Thuggory sneered, relishing in the opportunity to taunt his former friend.

"What do you want, Thuggory?" Snotlout's voice wavered, struggling to maintain a semblance of pride.

"Nothing. Besides, you were blocking my way, muttonhead! I had to shove you to get to class early. The faster, the better," Thuggory replied dismissively, enjoying the control he had over Snotlout.

The mention of the word "muttonhead" struck a nerve in Snotlout. Anger boiled inside him, and he clenched his fists, ready to retaliate. But before he could act, Thuggory and his companions closed in on him like a pack of predators, taking pleasure in the vulnerability of their prey. Snotlout's attempt at fighting back was futile as they overwhelmed him, landing painful blows that left him battered and bruised.

"You think you can fight me, Snottykins? NO! Because you are nothing but a pathetic excuse for a teenager," Thuggory spat, his words venomous.

The bullies departed, leaving Snotlout on the floor, feeling utterly defeated and worthless. The echoes of their mocking laughter haunted him as he struggled to gather his scattered belongings. He couldn't help but wonder how Hiccup endured the pain and humiliation for so long. Snotlout realized he was now experiencing just a fraction of what Hiccup had endured. The once arrogant and conceited teenager now felt an overwhelming sense of misery.

-HTTYD-

Originally Published: March 5, 2019
Wattpad Publishing Date: April 22, 2019
Updated: February 20, 2024