How To Train Your Dragon- From One World To Another, And Yet I'm Home  

Disclaimer:

'How To Train Your Dragon' Franchise is Copyrighted by DreamWorks Animation and Distributed by Paramount Pictures. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois and released on March 26, 2010

The DreamWorks 'Dragons' were directed by Dean Deblois and Chris Sanders and released in 2013- 2018. I only claim Copyright to my characters and some of the elements of the story that are of my own creation.

The Harry Potter Franchise is Copyrighted by J.K Rowling and Warner Bros.

Author Warning:

This Chapter overshadows a small smidgen of my own OC-character's future story-events. It also holds some spoilers for How to Train Your Dragon 2.

To those who have YET to see the second film and don't want to read any spoilers, enter this story with caution.

P.S. This symbol (*) and a number in the middle tell that there is something written in the Ending Author's Note about the said paragraph.  

***

Filler Chapter I- Unexpected Introductions

Ronja was cheerfully humming a song tune as she sat on the washed deck of the hut belonging to her husband.

Beside her was a basket of mushrooms, and another with berries. Two buckets sat beside the baskets; they were filled every now and then with cleaned berries as Ronja continued to sort the dirt, twigs and leaves out of the edible morsels.

Every now and then Ronja paused to rub over her belly soothingly when she felt Snotlout's, and her, baby shift and kick inside the folds of her womb. She couldn't help but grin wildly every time it happened for it made the realization that she was to become a mother, and Snotlout a father, in a matter of four months even more real.

But in the meanwhile, she and the other Dragon- riders were spending the whole week on Dragon Edge upon insistence from Hiccup's mother and Gobber the Belch. Apparently they had taken notice of Hiccup and Toothless overexerting themselves with the task of providing for the people of Berk and the Dragons now following the leadership of the Alpha Night Fury, and therefore Gobber and Valka had been quite happy to volunteer with the task of being the chiefs until Hiccup were to return from the short vacation.

But of course, Hiccup had been against the idea and had fought their insistence that he needed a break from the chore of chieftainship. But he had eventually given up when he had realized the two older adults weren't going to budge from the belief that the 'Hero of Berk' needed to spend more time with his beloved betrothed and his other close friends.

And frankly, Ronja was glad Valka and Gobber had talked Hiccup into taking them all to their old Island- base and that nothing less than an actual attack on Berk would lead to an urgent 'Terror-mail' being sent to Dragon Edge.

But it hadn't been all 'smooth sailing' when Hiccup had introduced the venture to them all. Ronja had needed to fight over her rights to be allowed to go on Dragon-back with everyone else, but the others had eventually relented but had made sure to force a promise out of her.

And said promise was,'' I vow that I shan't attempt to do any crazy stunts on my dragon, Anca, or engage in any fighting if an attack were to occur. Neither will I be occupying myself with any too strenuous activities while on Dragon Edge.''

So here they all were, on their fourth day back to the Island base, and there was still a lot of fixing still to be done around the perimeter with the huts not having been occupied or tended to since last spring. Not since the fallen Chief, Stoick, had allowed a brief excursion to this very special place that had served as not only a look-out and an island-base; it had become like a second home in all hearts. A home away from home where everyone had been given a chance to 'grow' into their own people without their parents watching their every move.

Not that Ronja hadn't missed her father, especially in those occasions when things had seemed to just 'fall apart' in her world.

Yes, Dragon edge had not always been a safe haven. Sometimes their location had brought them all many a moment of chaos, turmoil and conflicts amongst even their own group; and on other days even fear and grief had been on the surface of their minds when it had come to confronting their mutual enemies bent on targeting those people the Rider's deeply cared about.

But despite all that, the island had also brought the Riders lots of joyful, funky and utterly hilarious moments of simple fun that would forever be remembered by all who lived the moments.

And now Dragons Edge was to temporarily house two more members. One of them being Eret son of Eret who had only recently joined their 'Dragon Riding Gang'. And his son who had lived in the same house with Snotlout and me; he had been our ward for a short while following the whole debacle with Johann and Krogan wanting the King of dragons.

And the story of how Rolf became their ward was an interesting one, but it had a more important reason to it; one that included Ronja wanting to honour the life- debt between her and a certain unexpected ally. (*1)

But going back to Eret son of Eret, he was more of a rookie in flying a dragon than his own ten-year-old son; but through the teachings of the 'Hero-team' and the 'A-team of Berk he was learning quickly to work with Skull-crusher. And speaking of the A-team, the members of the artillery team had joined them today for the last three days on Dragon Edge and had taken Eret and Rolf off to another location to practice Dragon- Riding and working with a team.

The 'Hero team' had been whisked off to a team patrol by Hiccup who had made it a mission to check around at the surrounding islands to make sure Drago Bludvist hadn't somehow returned from the dead and regrouped his village's Dragon Hunters anywhere near these islands.

And so, the hut and the surrounding area was all quiet except for the soft snores from Anca.

The black-scaled Monstrous Nightmare was sleeping on the platform near Ronja, who grinned at the snoring dragon as she finished cleaning the last batch of wild berries.

Anca had been practically glued to her Rider's side most of the time and would only leave for a short while to feed herself with some fish. Besides the constant protectiveness, was a repeating occurrence of said dragon lightly brushing the side of her jaw against the human's growing belly to feel and listen to the baby whenever it was just the two of them in the area.

And Ronja obligingly fed the utterly adorable reaction by laying down on her back to give Anca a better view. She trusted that the female Monstrous Nightmare or any of the other dragon's within their friendship unit would never press down too hard. Dragon's had a very acute and sensible hearing and would likely have noticed instantly if they were somehow causing distress on either the baby or the mother.

Ronja smiled at a flashback just yesterday when her father just yesterday upon Klaus asking her if her health was as it should be.

[Flashback]

'' Their senses are so keen that I feel like I'm constantly around a ' living ultrasound','' Ronja joked with a grin to her lips and was responsible for Klaus almost falling over onto the wooden platform in tears of laughter.

Ronja had broken into giggles soon afterwards and hugged her father while the other Riders had just stared at daughter and father in utter confusion as they continued to shed tears of amusement.

[End Flashback]

Uttering a contented sigh, Ronja leaned back to rest against Anca's side. She crooned quietly when she felt her Rider's slight weight settling against her before closing her large eyes again to continue sleeping.

Ronja herself was finding herself being lulled into a doze by the light breeze and the warmth radiating from her friend. She was finished with her chores, after all. And the walk around the island in Anca's company (picking up berries and mushrooms into two baskets strapped to the saddle of her friend, along the way) was taking its toll on her.

Ronja would be doing something out of the said morsels of 'natural treasures' for dinner that tonight, but for now it was too early to begin cooking anything.

So, for now, she was fully enjoying the peace and quiet that came with the twins being absent from her company for a while. Being pregnant, and the twins still often being hyperactive during the day, it was no small wonder that she tired early in the evenings. Not that she begrudged their company or anything; Ronja did care for Ruffnut and Tuffnut as they, like Hiccup, Astrid and Fishlegs were her dear friends.

And Snotlout was her 'best friend' and life-companion whom she loved dearly. He had been such a great support for her in the following weeks after the whole sorry recovery and rehabilitation period.

But alas, that process was still going on. There were still moments when Ronja had found herself flinching at certain noises or abrupt movements from men. But all these involuntary reactions had thankfully become fewer over the months, and while the nightmares that made her startle awake in cold sweat and eyes full of panic still occurred from time to time, they too had lessened over time.

...

Poppppp

The young woman's sleepy musings were broken by a semi-loud popping sound, that to her was a very loud noise blasting from the air into the quietness of her surroundings.

The 'pop' had the effect of putting Anca on instant alert; she snapped to attention and curled her long tail protectively around her Rider. Her nostrils flared with smoke and fire, a threatening growl accompanying them from deep within her throat and her golden-yellow eyes narrowed as she stared at the figure who had appeared before the human woman and dragon seemingly out of nowhere.

Ronja could only gape at the person.

The stranger was a woman in her early twenties, wearing robes that looked soft and smooth (and 'alien') compared to the rough fabric of the brown dress and red apron she herself wore over an equally as rough, light blue under-tunic.

The young woman's rather pretty face was framed by soft, blond curls and her lips and nails were painted in light pink coloured lipstick and nail polish. Her outfit was a white blouse, light- violet coloured tank-top, white skirt and belt. She also had a white bow tied around the collar, and as a finishing flair to her outfit, she had on a deep pink coloured suit-jacket over the blouse; and her feet were clad in nude-shaded high heels.

'' She must really like pink,'' Ronja thought in bewilderment as the other woman smiled perkily at her.

But that smile was instantly turned upside down when Anca uttered another deep growl; and her hand whipped out a thin, stick-like object from the inside pocket of her suit coat.

'' Now wait just a damn moment!'' Ronja hollered inwardly as she scrambled to her feet as quickly as she could with her rounded baby belly slowing her down, and using her friend's tall-horns as a crutch.

'' Easy, easy there now, Anca!'' she soothed once putting herself in between Anca and the stranger, who gave an audible gasp when the black and grey reptile instantly doused off her flames and smoke when Ronja slowly reached out to hover her palm over the dragon's nose, but not quite touching the still smoldering hot scales.

'' That's it, girl,'' Ronja whispered with a soft smile before pulling her hand away so she could face the stranger who was looking at them in silent awe.

'' Who do you think you are, appearing out of nowhere with a 'bang' and then have the audacity to whip out whatever that thing is and pointing it at my dragon- friend when it was you who startled her?'' Ronja exclaimed in outrage, her myriad shaded eyes glinting with suspicion. Her right hand hovered over the sword at her waist but she didn't attempt to draw it out, for now.

The woman, whoever she was, stared at them for a moment before abruptly slipping the 'stick' back in the pocket of her pink coat. She smiled placatingly at Ronja and Anca with her white, even teeth.

'' I do apologies. Odin did warn me that there would be Vikings flying on Dragons, but having one growl at you was still quite a shock to one's heart.''

'' Hmmm... and who are you exactly?'' Ronja asked with still existing suspicion. But she lowered her hand slowly from her sword- handle.

'' My name is Claire Skeeter and I work at the Ministry of Magic as a Writer for the paper called the Daily Prophet.''

(*3)

Ronja almost groaned out loud at this implication and very nearly lost to the urge to face-palm.

Oh, she knew the story of Harry Potter very well, and the name 'Skeeter' immediately sent off warning bells in her head!

'' Odin, must you always interfere with my life here in Midgard?! And the Magical World of Harry Potter, are you kidding me?! How many more different dimensions are out there that Odin had visited with his four Familiars; the ravens Huginn and Muninn. And the wolves Geri and Freki?!'' she thought and brushed a hand over the side of her head in emotional discomfort before slumping backwards slightly to lean against Anca's horns.

The Nightmare gave a worried noise and Ronja reached down to cautiously touch her fingertips over the dragon's snout, and upon finding the scales not burning hot anymore, to calm her down.

''Charming to meet you. I'm Ronja Jorgenson. Now, mind telling me the exact reason for your sudden appearance on this island?'' Ronja asked with somewhat forced politeness.

'' We have had this new column on the Daily Prophet for the past five years, with a chapter being published twice a week for people to read. Its turned out to be a huge success in the Wizarding World.''

'' And what is this story is about? What has it got to do with you meeting me?'' Ronja prompted in confusion, raising an eyebrow.

'' Call me Claire. And the story is about your past, Mrs Jorgenson.''

'' My past? Oh dear Thor, how is that possible?'' Ronja exclaimed loudly with widened, shocked eyes.

''Odin had informed me on our first acquaintance back in my 5th year in school, that in some dimensions our heros Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are very well known in storybooks. ''

''Was Odin responsible in seeing the future and then giving your Magical World the information of my past?'' Ronja exclaimed, sounding even more shocked.

'' He had been returning every few months to give information for a months worth of chapters before disappearing again.''

'' And just how accurate were these pieces of information? A word for word? Who has been writing it all down?''

'' I'd been the person to write it all down until lately a certain object has taken my place in that certain chore. I shall be using it here today if you agree to an interview with me.''

'' So let me get this straight, Odin has been giving information to the Magical World for years without bothering to even ask for the consent of my friends, their families, my father and myself?!'' Ronja almost shouted in outrage which had Rita Skeeter's smile falter slightly in the face of the other woman's anger.

Shaking her head, Ronja got up to pace the deck slightly with fists clenched at her sides.

'' This is the same sort of 'game' he has played in the past! He either takes people from their homes without bothering to ask whether they really want it or not; leaving them to fend for themselves or appear in the presence of mortals and shows them moments of another person's past, or tells said people of another's past and then allowing the one listening to just 'jot' it all down for clients to read! And he does this sort of stuff without considering that his actions just might make the person within the 'story' to get really, really riled up!''

Ronja paced right over to an outside table...

'' PERKELE!''

BANGGG

Clare and Anca both jumped slightly at the shorter woman's violent outburst and her slamming a fist against the surface of the table.

'' For that very reason, I was asked to come here, to speak to you of the situation and to seek your permission to continue writing these columns on the Daily Prophet. There hasn't been a new update in almost three months following Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley (and those of their families and friends) finding out about the fact that these stories weren't just imaginary. Complaints of the fact that these were someone else's experiences being told without their specific permission, kept coming every day in the form of 'Howlers until finally, the Minister of Magic 'butted' in to put a stop to the campaign of publishing these stories. ''

Ronja listened with rapt attention, barely unable to keep herself from grinning in satisfaction and thankfulness at the fact that Harry Potter and the others closest to him as a family, and his friends, were on her side of the matter. No doubt it was all accumulating from all the bad, past experiences with the press.

'' And now all our anxious, agitated readers have been sending many a Howler at the fact that they aren't getting their weekly story for months, now. And prior to the incident, there had been information that books with the content of the already published story articles would have been published very soon. And now the release of said books have been stopped for the time being, with no information as to when it might actually come to be. ''

'' And this is my problem?! It was the almighty Odin who started all this without considering how my friends, family and the rest of the people of Berk, Outcast Island, Berserker island, Caldera Cay and the Hunter Island might feel about him, and you, going behind our backs. And why is it that your Minister of Magic hasn't gone after the one Author on Earth for having gotten the story of Harry Potter planted in her brain by a certain, utterly maddening God who apparently wants to cause havoc in other people's emotions, apparently.''

'' I believe the reason it wasn't done was due to the reason of it being published in a world with such an evolved law system; it would have made that venture a bit too complicated for everyone involved. And Harry Potter had agreed that it would have been just too much of a hassle to attempt to fix what had already been done. ''

She fixed the older woman with a neutral expression when Ronja opened and closed her mouth in an effort to retort, but couldn't find her voice.

'' Odin brought Harry Potter the books when he visited him in his apartment that day it was discovered that I had been publishing someone else's life-story (he wasn't too happy with the intrusion, by the way). The controversial information about his life story was resolved when he found that J.K Rowling had written his story in a way that was to the satisfaction of the others in his group of family and friends; and himself, of course.''

'' I see, well, if I ever do meet Harry Potter and the others I shall be sure to thank him for having been sticking up for me.'' Ronja thought before nodding in understanding, inwardly wanting to plaster a more satisfied expression at the outcome of this conversation.

'' And how would your world be prepared to compensate the people involved in my life story, as well as myself if I were to give you what you want, my consent for the publishing of the books?'' Ronja then asked out loud, which had the woman sigh in a manner that suggested she was expecting this turn of conversation.

'' Oh, believe me, I've come prepared,'' Claire answered and pulled out four shrunken parchments from her tiny purse, and Ronja gaped at them for a moment until the witch used her magic to return them to their original size.

'' The ones with the green 'Co' wax seal are copies of the contract, and the ones with the red 'Co' are the contracts that I shall be left with,'' Claire Skeeter explained as she handed them over to Ronja who immediately used one of her sharp knives to slice open the red wax- seal and started reading through the text.

There was a page that held the contract for the publication of the books and included the amount of money that would be brought to the people involved each year (with a smaller amount if the year wasn't to go so well in terms of sales). On the bottom was as a place for her to give her signature, as well as another place for a witness to give his or her signature.

'' Hmm... I think I'll have our fearless Chief act as a witness, and if he finds the terms agreeable enough to give it his signature, I'll be perfectly fine in giving the contract my own signature,'' Ronja thought before checking it over one more time for any small print that she couldn't find.

'' Hmmm...But does it mean it would have no small print at all? This will have to be thought over carefully, with the contract being written by those who could use magic. What should be done with this?'' Ronja thought before putting the parchment aside and turning her attention to the other parchment sitting on the desk.

She used the same knife to cut through the seal and read the print slowly and carefully; it was a contract for the use of the interview in the Daily Prophet. With photographs taken of her included in the contract, as well'?!

'' Well she has already pulled a lot of surprising things out of that purse of her's, therefore I wouldn't be surprised if there is an old-style flash-camera tucked away in there, too,'' Ronja thought dryly, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

Once she had finished reading, she set the parchment aside before looking at Claire eye to eye with an unreadable expression.

'' So, how has this all been affecting your life? I hope the last almost three months haven't affected your paycheck in a way that's it's made things difficult for you.''

'' Odin approached me in the summer just before my 5th year of school and started telling me your story; he also mentioned that you would likely react offended for the fact that you weren't confronted with the idea of publishing your story in the Magical World's Daily Prophet.''

Ronja gave a soft 'hmm' of understanding before asking,'' and how exactly did Harry Potter and his two friends get wind of your involvement with Odin?''

'' Mr Weasley, Miss Granger and Harry Potter had arrived for the scheduled appointment at my office much earlier than expected. We were going to have an interview of everything that had happened in the span of that year the three of them hadn't arrived at Hogwarts at the beginning of the school year; and had instead been hunting for the Horcruxes.''

She gave a small sigh before saying,'' but that meeting was disrupted when they had overheard me talking to Odin about whether it was right of me to continue publishing your story without your consent, especially with the looming deadline of the books about to be published. I suppose I was talking a tad too loudly in my office that day. ''

'' And they weren't happy at all of the revelation, I bet,'' Ronja said, now feeling a prick of sympathy flood her conscience.

'' The interview was over before it had even started; they left before I could explain everything and the Howlers appeared a day later, sent by the people closest involved in Harry Potter's life,'' Claire sighed out and brushed a hand over her curls.

'' Sure, I was being paid extra for all the work in the daily prophet story section, but I never ignored the prick in my conscience whenever I looked at the amount. I bought the cheapest apartments when I graduated from Hogwarts and haven't purchased much furniture. Plus, all furniture is very much second hand and no expense was used in making them look better.''

Ronja's eyes widened when the witch pointed her 'wand' inside her small purse and said,'' Accio chest.''

A wooden chest the size of her finger popped up and Skeeter grabbed it easily by the tiny handles before muttering a counter-spell for the shrinking incantation.

The chest began to grow to its initial size, but Claire didn't seem to have any problems holding it up.

At Ronja's confused look, Claire answered her unasked question.

'' It's a charm to make the wooden-chest weightless, Ronja. Wingardium Leviosa.''

The chest was lifted into the air before Claire had it drift towards the inside of the hut. There was a metallic 'cling clang' within the object; as if something was being jostled in the moment of being set down on the floor-boards.

'' Believe me, I'm not trying to make you feel sorry for my situation. But neither do I want you to think I'm completely ignorant or heartless to your feelings over finding out your story had been used for profit these many years.''

Ronja shook her head vehemently at these words; there was a sharp sting of regret in her heart, now, for her having acted so cold towards this young woman.

'' Heartless is a strong word, Clare, and I never believed that of you. I was just... sick and tired, and absolutely furious at Odin's interference into my life once again. And also at the implication that he has been arranging things he hadn't bothered to discuss with me first.''

'' I totally understand how you might feel. In a way, I was being manipulated, and in my naive sixteen-year-old mind I let him do it to me. I'm sorry,'' Claire answered with a sad smile to her lips that Ronja returned, but the moment of understanding was broken by the baby giving quite a kick that gave Ronja a start.

She gasped, putting a hand to her stomach.

'' Are you alright?''

'' I'm just fine, Claire, its the baby kicking me quite hard right now,'' Ronja answered with a light chuckle.

'' Perhaps we should go inside so you can rest,'' Claire answered with a genuine smile.

Ronja shrugged her shoulders and was about to walk back towards the baskets and grid-bowl when...

'' Wingardium Leviosa!''

Ronja chuckled out loud when the objects were raised up to her eye- level and Claire glanced at her with a cheeky, teasing grin to her lips.

Anca gave a confused grunting noise as her yellow-golden eyes followed the gently bobbing objects in the air.

'' How very helpful of you,'' Ronja says with a playful glare towards the witch who flicked her wrist and the baskets and grid bowl were transported towards the pink-clad witch.

'' Shall we go sit down?'' Claire asked with an inviting gesture of her hand before she made her way inside, leading the objects floating in the air.

Anca shook her head and gave an exasperated snort and Ronja stared at Claire's retreating back for a moment.

'' Shouldn't I have been the one to invite her inside? I mean this hut belongs to Snotlout and me?'' she asked very quietly, knowing the dragon would clearly hear her.

She gave another snort and shook her head in exasperation and Ronja sighed, deciding not to point that particular subject to the perky witch; instead she decided to walk inside the hut with Anca following close at her heels, the suspicious expression still plastered onto her face.

It was then that Ronja was shown a very different side to what magic could do to an interior of a hut.

In seconds, Claire Skeeter transformed every chair in the hut into a plush, leather coated armchairs or sofas and there was now a white, lace tablecloth on top of the round wooden table. The tarp walls were all transformed into solid, pink painted walls and the floor's carpet (that had come from Ronja's house in Finland) had been fully cleaned, but transformed into a wholly carpeted floor with pink and blue flowers.

The fireplace around the wooden table now had a glass frame surrounding it right to the very top where it ended by the hole in the wall, and there was a large chandelier hanging over another roundtable. (*2)

'' Well there is a whole lot of love for pink right here,'' Ronja thought with an amused twitch to the corners of her mouth as she looked around at the newly 'renovated' interior of Snotlout's, and her, hut. But at the sound of Anca's disbelieved grunt as she stood by her side she couldn't help but laugh out loud.

A heavenly scent wafted into her nostrils and Ronja whipped around to see Claire setting the table with small delicious morsels with what looked like afternoon tea.

The things were being lifted from a picnic basket (probably taken from her purse and returned to full size), but it seemed that something made the basket roomier. Well, obviously magic!

But good heavens, the fact that Claire was pulling out a display stand for all the food, teapot, cups, plates and cutlery was amazing!

The sweets and crumpets were set on a display- stand with an attention to detail, with the bottom part filled with fresh strawberries and mint-leaves.

The sight of it all made Ronja's mouth water and she finally walked over and sat down on the blush-chair across from where Claire was sitting.

And Anca made it clear she wouldn't be budging from her Rider's side by butting in to lay down and curl around the table.

Ronja giggled good- naturally at the look of shock and even slight panic on Claire's face when the dragon's warmth could clearly be felt as Anca's tail scales brushed lightly against the witch's knee. She calmly rubbed Anca's head and grinned at the witch's seemingly frozen state. She had been in the middle of taking something else out of her pink handbag.

''Claire, please relax. Anca won't hurt you unless you show her a reason to be cross with you.''

'' O-of course, Ronja,'' Claire answered with a nervous giggle before pulling out a wad of parchments which were only the size of her little finger and a tiny quill the colour of acid green.

'' Wait, acid green quill?!'' Ronja thought, the previous alertness in her stance returning; she sat up ramrod straight and regarded the witch with an unreadable expression.

'' Claire, please excuse my sudden change of mood, but would you be so kind as to give light to the information as to whether your school-years were before Harry Potter graduated from Hogwarts?!''

'' Actually, I was in the same year as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but my home was in Paris. I spent my school years in Beauxbatons,'' Claire answered breezily before lifting her wand again.

The shrinking spell used on the parchments and quill was lifted, and the objects returned to normal within seconds.

'' If that's the case then you, along with everyone else would have been painfully aware of the kind of reputation an object like that holds,'' Ronja commented and took one huge, deliciously juicy looking strawberry and one of the mint leaves from the display stand.

''Along with a certain Reporter's reputation,'' she thought but kept the sentence unsaid as she bit into the mint-leave and strawberry. The combined taste was just as good as it looked, and Ronja gave a soft groan of pleasure as she watched Claire suck on the tip of the quill before placing it upright on top the unfurled parchment; it quivered slightly as the witched removed her hand, but remained balanced on its tip.

'' I'm very much aware of Rita Skeeter's reputation in the Daily Prophet. There were times when my mother was mad enough to want to hex her sister for the kind of reputation she had been piling up.''

https://youtu.be/li5vJuQF1NI

Ronja almost choked on the strawberry in her mouth.

'' And true enough, you aren't the only person with the same sort of misgivings towards this 'old thing', but believe me on this, in its older days the 'Quick- quotes quill' gets less hard to manage. It can be manipulated into writing the exact truth as it becomes more docile. If you know what I mean.''

'' And...?'' Ronja prompted with a raised eyebrow.

'' That's the very reason my aunt decided to hand it over to me, her niece, who had wanted to become a writer. She doesn't like docile quills.''

'' So if I were to give you an interview, you would be able to manipulate the quill into writing only the truth, and the others and my reputation would not be ruined by some uncouth remarks in the Daily prophet story column?''

Claire looked at Ronja with an expression of most utmost conviction.

'' I'm trying to make a name for myself in the Writing- field, and, in a way, I'm following in on my aunt's footsteps as a writer; but as one who 'tells no lies'. Though I may use the same quill as my aunt, Rita Skeeter used in her interviews, I'm not unfamiliar in re- checking the text before submitting anything to the Daily Prophet.''

Ronja nodded with a tiny sigh and gently rubbed her baby belly when she felt her little one shift again, but she kept her eyes on Claire who was regarding her reaction silently.

'' I have to get something from my bedroom.''

Ronja pushed her chair back slightly and said,'' Wait here, Anca.''

She then stood up and made her way across the living-room space towards the wooden stairs leading up to the bedroom area of the hut.

Quickly locating the chest that stored all her belongings she had taken on the trip (which wasn't all that much) she unlocked it and rummaged inside for a moment before finding the folder she had come for in the first place.

Opening it quickly, she shifted through the papers before finding the list of spells she had gathered from every Harry Potter book she had read as a child (back when she had been absolutely besotted by that particular franchise just as much as J.R.R. Tolkien's work).

'' This may be underhanded, and its a pain to be so suspicious of everything and everyone I'm not familiar with, but I need to be certain she and the Ministry of Magic can be trusted,'' she sighed inwardly as she read down the list of spells.

When she found the spell she was looking for, she folded the paper around the words before slowly pushing herself back to her feet, groaning quietly at her increasing slowness in reaction time.

She then padded back towards the stairs and used the hand-rails to keep her balance going down.

'' Would you like some tea and crumpets, Ronja?'' Claire asked when the other woman sat down on the previously vacated chair.

Ronja nodded with a smile, and the witch used wandless magic to pour some tea into her mug first before doing the same to her own.

Ronja reached over to take one of the delicious looking crumpets from the display table and used a knife to slice through the still warm bread without an unnecessary movement of her hand.

She could hear the surprised gasp escape from Claire's lips and couldn't help but smirk lightly at the reaction. the knife she had used was one of her own that she kept well-sharpened and tucked onto her belt (said belt was lifted slightly to just above her breasts to give the least restriction to her growing baby-belly).

It wasn't that she had tried to use the knife as an intimidation object; it had simply been something she had come to become accustomed to doing over the years.

But if witches and wizards seemed to seldomly do anything manually, then seeing someone who had used knives from a very young age must have been quite an eye-opener.

'' So... how old were you when you started to learn how to use a sword or knife?'' Claire asked as she took one crumpet for herself.

The green quill began to flit across the parchment immediately and Claire uttered an exasperated sound as she glanced at whatever was being scribbled onto the parchment.

'' I'm not interrogating her right now, so you might as well stop what you are doing right now!'' she snapped at her 'Quick-quotes quill', but Ronja found the whole scene somewhat amusing.

'' Just let it do its work, I haven't signed the contracts yet so anything written on the parchments will only be published if I give it my consent, '' she stated with a light laugh.

'' So... will you sign them?'' Claire asked hesitantly.

'' I'm thinking about it,'' Ronja answered meaningfully before taking a bite out of the crumpet held in her hand. She closed her eyes for a moment as she savoured the heavenly taste tickling at her taste buds before swallowing her mouthful of crumpet.

'' Your stalling, aren't you,'' Claire huffed out, but with a small smile to her face as she bit into her own crumpet.

'' I'm just trying to discern your character better before making any permanent decisions,'' Ronja answered slyly, a smile of her own forming on her lips.

Claire sighed but looked up with a devious smirk before saying,'' Well, since we're both in the frame of mind when it comes to discerning the other person's character, then I might as well take advantage of the situation. So, how about we start at the beginning?!''

'' Fire away, Claire!'' Ronja answered as she took another bite from her buttered crumpet.

End of Filler Chapter- I

***

Author's Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter just as much as I enjoyed writing it :) Constructive criticism is always welcomed by the Author.  

(*1) Happens in ' Race to the Edge'

(*2)  Last time I was vacationing in California, my uncle and aunt took my sisters and me on a five-day road-trip. We stopped for coffee and cake at the Madonna Inn but ended up staying at the Inn for that one night. The reason, the place was just too interesting to just be left unexplored :)

(*3) This is how I see Ronja looking like if she were not a cartoon character.