Astrid strolled through the bustling courtyard of Auradon Prep, her boots clicking softly against the polished stone paths. Around her, the crowd of eager students grew denser near the grand entrance, where the newest arrivals were greeted with open arms and infectious excitement. Despite the lively atmosphere, Astrid felt like a puzzle piece forced into a place it didn't quite fit.

Prince Ben had been pulled away to assist a group of wide-eyed new students, leaving his girlfriend, Audrey, to take the reins. Astrid, trying not to fidget, trailed after the impeccably dressed princess. "This way," Audrey said in a tone polished to perfection, her pink dress swishing as she moved. Astrid couldn't help but notice the way her movements screamed grace and order, a sharp contrast to Astrid's own rough-and-ready demeanor.

Walking alongside them was another girl, a bubbly figure with pastel highlights in her curls and a dazzling smile that barely left her face. Astrid hadn't caught her name yet, but she seemed to hover around Audrey like a loyal shadow.

As they wove through the crowd, Audrey tilted her head with a practiced smile. "Astrid, I've got to introduce you to someone amazing. Chad Charming," she said, voice laced with uncontainable enthusiasm. "You'll adore him; he's absolutely perfect!"

Astrid raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Frostwing, who padded alongside her. The sleek dragon's eyes flicked upward with an amused huff, as if silently saying, Another "perfect" prince? Sure.

They didn't get far before the hum of a second limousine caught Astrid's attention. She turned to see a glossy black limo glide to a stop, its tinted windows reflecting the golden sunlight. The door opened, and out stepped Ben, grinning as he gestured animatedly at a group of students emerging behind him.

"Ah, Astrid, there you are!" Ben called out, his voice warm and genuine. His smile widened as he caught sight of her. "Come meet some of your fellow students!"

Audrey, still hovering at Astrid's side, frowned ever so slightly but covered it with a quick laugh. "But I haven't even shown her the gardens yet!" she said, a touch too brightly.

"I'll take it from here," Ben replied, his tone leaving little room for argument.

Grateful for the change in pace, Astrid made her way toward Ben and the group. Frostwing followed, her crystalline scales catching the light as she moved. Astrid felt a wave of curiosity ripple through the gathered students as they spotted her dragon. She couldn't help but smirk as Frostwing gave an approving rumble.

"Everyone," Astrid said, her voice clear as she extended a hand, "I'm Astrid, daughter of Elsa and Hiccup." Her words hung in the air for a moment, and she caught the subtle widening of eyes and whispered exchanges among the group.

The teens were quick to introduce themselves, each offering a mix of curiosity and respect. Frostwing, not one to be left out, leaned in to sniff at the nearest student, her icy breath making them jump back in surprise. Astrid chuckled, patting Frostwing's sleek neck. "Don't worry. She only bites when provoked. Usually."

The group laughed nervously, the tension easing as Ben stepped forward. "This is Frostwing," Astrid added. "She's not just a dragon—she's family."

Audrey, who had lingered near the edge of the conversation, offered a polished clap. "How... unique!" she said, though her smile was a little too stiff to feel genuine.

Ben, ever the peacemaker, redirected the conversation effortlessly. "Astrid's got quite the legacy," he said, his tone full of admiration. "I can't wait to see what she'll bring to Auradon Prep."

As they continued their introductions, the group's initial awe transformed into camaraderie. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared stories. For the first time, Astrid felt the edges of her unease soften. Maybe this wasn't such a terrible idea after all.

Ben eventually motioned for the group to follow him as he began the official tour. "There's a lot to see," he said, his enthusiasm infectious. "I'll make sure you're all settled in before dinner."

Astrid walked alongside Frostwing, stealing a glance at the towering spires and sprawling courtyards of Auradon Prep. Though the school's glossy, perfect veneer still felt foreign, she couldn't deny the faint spark of excitement flickering in her chest.

This was just the beginning.

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The shared space of Mal and Evie's room was alive with laughter, the kind that bounced off the walls and made the air feel lighter. Mal was lounging on the edge of her bed, legs crossed as she absently twirled a strand of her vibrant purple hair. Evie perched beside her, flipping through one of her favorite design sketchbooks, offering occasional commentary to the others.

Across the room, Carlos sprawled on a faded bean bag chair, his legs stretched out in front of him. He let out an amused laugh, eyes crinkling as he said, "Well, I didn't expect Astrid to show up at such a weird hour. Did you see the way Frostwing barely fit through the main hall?" His words hung in the air like a punchline, and the group dissolved into giggles.

The moment was interrupted by the scruffy form of Dude, Carlos's loyal (albeit eccentric) mutt. The dog padded toward Carlos, his tail wagging with just enough energy to suggest mischief. Without hesitation, Dude hopped up onto Carlos's lap, eliciting a dramatic squawk.

"Dude!" Carlos protested, trying to wiggle free. The dog blinked up at him, entirely unbothered. With a huff, Dude leapt down and trotted toward the door, scratching at it insistently.

Astrid, who had been leaning against the doorway with Frostwing's sleek head resting at her side, stepped forward. With an easy smile, she opened the door for the determined canine. "Off you go," she said warmly as Dude shot off, likely on some grand adventure of his own.

The room went quiet for a moment, the energy awkward as Astrid turned back to face the group. Mal, always one to fill silences, waved a hand in a half-hearted greeting. "Hey... uh... nice dog skills?"

Astrid chuckled, the sound light and unbothered. She picked up Dude mid-waddle, holding him easily in her arms. "I'll catch you guys tomorrow at remedial class," she said, her tone breezy but warm. With a final nod, she strode out of the room, Frostwing trailing behind her like a silent shadow.

The door clicked shut, and the group exchanged looks.

"Well," Mal said, arching a brow. "That was... interesting."

Evie suppressed a giggle, tucking a strand of blue hair behind her ear. "Interesting is one word for it," she agreed, eyes still on the door Astrid had just walked through.

The room settled into thoughtful silence until Mal broke it with a dramatic flourish. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small mirror—sleek, ornate, and brimming with enchantment. "Okay," she declared, holding it up like a prize. "We're going to use this."

Evie tilted her head, looking mildly confused. "Use it for what?"

"To make her like us more," Mal replied, smirking. "It's enchanted. A little nudge in the right direction, and she'll think we're the best thing since sliced bread."

Evie frowned, her expression skeptical. "Mal, she doesn't seem like she dislikes us. Did you see how chill she was? I don't think we need this."

Jay, who had been lounging lazily against the bedpost, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Mal. Astrid seems cool with us already. She even laughed at Carlos. That's, like, a major win."

Carlos, still recovering from Dude's ambush, rolled his eyes. "I'm hilarious. Of course she laughed."

Mal sighed, her fingers drumming against the edge of the mirror. "Okay, fine. Maybe we don't need it yet. But..." Her voice trailed off, her trademark grin creeping back onto her face. "It doesn't hurt to be prepared."

Evie shrugged, her gaze softening. "Just... don't overdo it, okay? Astrid's different. I don't think she's into all the... extra stuff."

The group nodded in unison, a quiet agreement settling among them. Whatever their opinions on using magic to influence Astrid, one thing was clear: she was intriguing, different from anyone they'd encountered before. And in the complex web of friendships and alliances at Auradon Prep, making a good impression could make all the difference.

As the night wore on, they returned to their casual chatter, the air once again light with laughter. But beneath it all, each of them was quietly wondering what the next day would bring—and what role Astrid and her icy dragon might play in their world.