Hiccup's POV

Today was the day of the housewarming party and I was nervous as hell. To occupy my time I was dusting like crazy all the while wondering if it was a good idea to introduce Astrid to my family and friends.

I really didn't think it would be fair to Astrid, who I consider a friend, to miss out on a party in the very house she lives in. She has been alone for such a long time that asking her to stay invisible while everyone else had fun would just be plain rude and inconsiderate.

It was quarter past nine when I heard the doorbell ring. I quickly put the duster away and wring my hands nervously as I went to open the door. I saw Astrid float to the kitchen where she said she would wait until I introduced her.

As soon as I opened the door I was engulfed in a bone crushing hug by my mother. "Oh my baby!! It's so good to see you." Mom said pressing me closer.

"Valka, let the boy breathe." Dad commented causing mom to let me go. I managed to take in a deep breath before dad hugged me as well.

"Why don't you guys come in." I tell them as I see my friends also approaching with their suitcases.

I greeted each of them and told them to simply put their luggage next to the stairs.

"Guys before we begin the party I'd like you to meet someone." I tell them as I show them the parlour.

"So cuz, is it your girlfriend?" Snotlout asked as he took a seat on the settee. His statement caused me to blush a bit.

"Well we definitely know it's a girl, right sis?" Tuffnut comments.

"Yeah, he wouldn't blush like that if it wasn't." Ruffnut adds while giving me a wink.

"Well lad, I'm glad ya aren't down anymore." My godfather Gobber commented as he took a seat next to my parents.

"Well I just thought you should meet her since she lives here as well." I comment while rubbing the back of my head nervously.

"Hiccup!! You've only been here a week and she's already moved in?" Dad asked shocked. "Isn't that moving too fast son?"

"Wait wait...... You guys got the wrong idea." I state quickly. "It's not what you think. I just didn't want you guys to freak out."

"Why would we do that Hiccup?" Fishlegs asked timidly.

I let out a nervous laugh. "She's a bit transparent." I mumble.

"So she's an open book?" Mom asked looking a little uncertain.

"No mom. I mean she is literally transparent." I tell her.

"Hiccup what are you trying to say." Dad asked looking just as confused as the others.

I take in a deep breath and decide to let it all out. "She's a ghost of one of the former residents who lives here in the house with me and who I consider a very good friend." I said without taking a breath.

After my confession I'm greeted by silence. A few seconds past and laughter could be heard from my guests.

"Oh Thor Hiccup you really had us going there." Dad said through his fit of laughter.

I sigh, and then yell towards the kitchen. "Astrid could you please lock the doors. I don't want to have a stampede on my hands!!"

My friends and family quiet when they heard me yell followed by the sound of the front door clicking shut. They jumped when the parlour doors slid closed by themselves and the lock engaged.

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Guys may I introduce you to my ghostly roommate Astrid Hofferson."

Astrid floated from the kitchen in all her ghostly glory. Her blue gown sparkled a little more than normal and she had done her hair up in a complicated braid. The wispy aura surrounded her gave off an inviting feeling.

She floated to a stop before my family and friends whose eyes were now as wide as saucers. Astrid then did a curtsey and said. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

I counted the seconds after Astrid's introduction. It took four seconds for my dad to let out a girlish scream and jump into Gobber's arms. "Stoick yer crushing me!" Gobber rasped out and mom was just watching Astrid.

The twins were slack jawed. Fishlegs let out a squeak of fright and Snotlout was now hiding behind the settee.

I turn to Astrid who was watching the entire scene. "Well, it went better than I'd hoped."

Mom suddenly got up and approached Astrid. She stopped in front of her and just looked her up and down. "You've been living with my son since he moved in here? He could see you all this time?"

"Ye...Yes Mrs. Haddock." Astrid nervously replied. "I in..introduced myself the first night and he asked me to stay."

"Hmmmm......" Mom mumbled. "He must have freaked out when he saw you. What did you do?" She then asked.

Astrid apparently answered without really thinking. "I hit him with his pillow because he was hyperventilating and told him to put some clothes on."

Mom then lets out a laugh and turns to me. "Honey, I like this one." She then turns back to Astrid. "Well if Hiccup likes you, I won't argue. He certainly sounded a whole lot more cheerful over the phone this last week than I had heard in a while."

"Valka..." Dad commented from the floor where Gobber had unceremoniously dumped him.

"Oh hush Stoick." Mom tells dad with a wave of her hand. "Don't be such a baby."

The others who were watching the exchange between mom and Astrid slowly got over their shock and carefully approached Astrid. Well Fishlegs and Snotlout did. The twins were circling Astrid as they commented that she was simply fascinating.

"See I told you they would like you." I tell her quietly. "They just had to get over their shock first."

"You had me lock them inside the house." Astrid stated quirking an eyebrow.

"It worked didn't it." I retorted.

"I don't think your dad has accepted you living with a ghost yet." Astrid comments softly and I take a peek at Dad. He was watching Astrid with suspicious eyes.

Mom came up on Astrid's other side and whispered. "He's just grumpy because he hasn't eaten yet. I might have made breakfast a little crispier than normal."

I see Astrid's eyes light up. She must have gotten an idea. She cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "I was wondering if anyone would like to partake in some tea and sweets." She asked and then the kitchen doors opened to reveal the two penguins from the first night pushing two tea carts loaded with tea, sandwiches, cakes, scones, cookies and pastries.

"Would anyone like some tea and scones?" The lead penguin said in a british squawk

They were all amazed by the sweets and even dad lightened his mood.

"Well Astrid, you've definitely impressed dad. He's always had a sweet tooth." I whisper to her causing her to let out a giggle.

"I had to play hostess quite a lot during family dinner parties. This was something I really enjoyed." Astrid comments and then floats a tartlet to me.