AN: Hello, Everyone! Welcome to the newest installment of the Rise of Wizardry series! I hope you're all as excited for Year Six as I am! Just a few announcements before we go onward: First and foremost, y'all are wonderful, but a lot of you have a habit for apologizing for leaving long reviews. Don't do that. I love them, I appreciate them, you're wonderful people. You don't need to apologize for anything.

SECONDLY, AND THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT!: Pairings. We've reached a point where I can't really ignore it entirely, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few pairings I'm happy about, but I want everyone to remember that this story is not about Pairings or Shipping. That's not why I wrote this story. So, no, I'm not going to be writing a love scene every other chapter. In fact, the romance will probably hardly be there at all. AND if you don't like a pairing, fine, good for you, but I'm going to write what I want to write. As I said, romance isn't gonna be a huge part of this story, so it'll be pretty easy to ignore most of them if you want to. In general I will be sticking to canon pairings like (Rapunzel x Eugene). There will be a few that are not canon because this is a massive crossover and that is bound to happen. Mostly, just be chill about it, okay? Don't hound me for the pairings you want, and don't give me crap if I don't give them to you. Just Be Nice About It and We Won't Have Any Problems.

Thirdly, WARNING!: This story is rate T for Teen Audiences Only. There will be blood, swearing, suggestive themes, violence, and graphic descriptions. Please be aware that some scenes may be too intense for a younger audience. (I seriously mean it this time guys, we're gonna go to some dark places!)

Fourthly, Disclaimer!: I do not own anything within this story and I am making no profit off of this work. It is purely for enjoyment and entertainment.

Now that the official stuff is all done with, I hope you all enjoy the next installment of the series Lights In Darkness:

Music: "Life After Happily Ever After" from Tangled Before Ever After

NOTES: "Fear is a Disease, Hope is the only cure."

Chapter 1: Life After Happily Ever After?

The night sky burned a dark amber as the flames and heavy clouds of smoke filled the air. Screams and shouts rang across the field as people ran away in terror, slamming each other, trampling and scrambling for a way out of the chaos. Dark figures flew over head, snapping and lashing out at anyone unfortunate enough to end up in their paths. Bellowing commands echoed in her ears as the stone tied around her neck glowed with a faint light.

"Jack, Sandy, get the fires under control! Everyone else, protect the people!"

Everything was happening so fast, her lungs burned as she raced through the city of tents quickly burning to the ground. A cry brought her to a sudden stop, her head jerking to one side to see where the sound had come from, and her eyes found a pair of children huddled together in terror before a large black stallion.

Instinctively, she reached behind her for a handful of golden locks, but her hand only found air and a flash of panic shot through her whole being before a flicker of memory quickly followed, changing the direction of her hand. She grabbed her wand, her gaze drifting down to see where it was, but when she looked back up with her weapon at the ready, the Nightmare had already noticed her and switched from attacking the children to charging at her.

She fired off a spell, but the Nightmare skimmed around it and kept running at her, shoving her to the ground and the rearing up on its back legs. Her wand skittered out of her hand when she hit the ground and she looked up at the beast in horror. It was larger then any of the ones she'd seen before, and it's eyes burned the same color as the sky filled with fire. She threw her arms up in front of her as her last means of defense, but before the Nightmare could hurt her an arrow struck it's shoulder, sinking deep into the dark sand. The arrow started to glow with a red, fiery and the Nightmare started to fall to the side as it's sand form dissolved into dust with spark and ambers mixed within the cloud.

Her head snapped around and found a mass of red, curly hair rushing to her side, a trusty and familiar bow gripped in one hand. "Rapunzel, are you alright?" The archer cried, kneeling beside the brunette.

"I'm fine, thanks to you." Rapunzel offered a weak smile, before her eyes widened with realization and she turned, frantically searching for her wand. She found it laying in the grass a couple feet back and quickly picked it up, furious with herself for dropping it in the first place.

"Come on," The red-head called to her. "Stick close and we'll find the others."

"R-right!" Rapunzel nodded, hurrying to follow after the curly-haired warrior, but in the back of her mind there was something she couldn't identify nagging at her.

Green flames flickered around them as Jack, Merida, and Rapunzel walked out of the fireplace in North's office. It was a testament to their hard work and subsequent adjustments to becoming Guardians that they no longer stumbled when coming out of the Floo Network, and that once they were through they immediately went to find chairs, or in Jack's case a railing, to sit on as they waited for their debriefing meeting.

The Guardians followed right behind them, having noticed the gradual change occurring in their students, but not commenting on it. They all gathered around as North cleared his throat and looked at each one of them.

"Don't look so upset," North started, looking at the three younglings. Jack looked angry, though Rapunzel and Merida knew it was mostly due to frustration of Pitch's general getting away from them when they hadn't even gotten a decent look. Merida was in a similar place, but Rapunzel thought she looked more understanding and thoughtful, more miffed than anything else.

Rapunzel herself was feeling rather useless.

"North is right, you all did exceptionally well!" Toothiana encouraged them. "We got everyone out safe, there were some bad injuries, but no fatalities, and that's what really matters."

"But how are we supposed to find Pitch if we can't even catch one of his generals?" Jack wanted to know, hopping down from the railing and stuffing his free hand into hs sweater's pocket, his right hand loosely holding his staff.

"Patience, Jack." North told the boy calmly. "We will find Pitch in time. For now we must focus on protecting the people. If we can find out where Pitch plans to strike next, we can be there waiting for his forces."

"That was our plan with the Quidditch World Cup and they still got away." Merida pointed out, pursing her lips. "Seems to me things are escalating pretty quick. These attacks don't have any pattern to them! They're random and vicious, but Pitch hasn't gained any ground. What's the point?"

"Pitch isn't as strong as he was before, and he knows it. These random attacks spread fear and paranoia through the people simply because no one knows where he'll go next." Toothiana explained, and Merida brows lifted in curiosity.

"Pitch wants people to be afraid so he can feed off of their fear." Rapunzel confirmed as the Guardians nodded their affirmation. "That's his Nightmares are getting bigger, stronger, and faster."

"And smarter, too." Merida agreed, glaring down at the floor in thought.

"This is only the pre-show. Once he's built his strength back up, Pitch will launch a much larger scale attack to set off the fireworks. A high profile attack with the right amount of force will drive the Royal Council into action, and Pitch will get his war." Bunnymund told them, his expression grim and his arms crossed.

"That is why we must find Pitch first!" North announced in a determined and hopeful tone. "We will think of something, but for now; we rest, yeah? Big day tomorrow!" North wiggled his eyebrows at them and the mood lightened a little.

Tomorrow the other students would be returning from their summer breaks, and classes would begin that following Monday. While they had been named Guardians, albeit still training they were Guardians nonetheless, they were also still students and would be joining their classmates for their sixth year of school. It would mean less time with the Guardians, during investigations and on the battle field, but Rapunzel didn't think that was an entirely bad thing. It would give her more time to work on her dueling.

"Go and get yourselves cleaned up. Rest. We're all going to need our energy for the opening feast." North smiled giddily, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

The three students collectively gave him curious looks as they gathered themselves and started heading towards the doors. North and the Guardians had been conspiring over a surprise for the students at the opening feast and the only thing they'd been willing to tell their pupils was that Hogwarts was going to be having a few guests that year.

Knowing it was futile to ask any questions about the fast-approaching feast, Rapunzel walked out of North's office alongside Merida and Jack. They kept mostly silent until they had left the secret passage that let them out into the corridor, and then Jack broke the silence with an annoyed huff.

"Well, back to square one, I guess." He said, brow furrowed in thought as they walked toward the moving staircases.

"At least we were right about the Tournament being a target. Pitch's forces didn't even show up to the Arrendale Coronation." Merida pointed out.

"I still can't believe your cousin didn't know she was part Winter Sprite." Jack remarked, looking at Rapunzel with a smirk.

"I still can't believe you started flirting with her!" Rapunzel retorted with a playful glare, causing Merida to burst out laughing as Jack feigned outrage.

"Am I not allowed to show interest in a beautiful woman?" Jack questioned extravagantly, puffing his chest out and lifting his chin to imitate some of the stuffy nobles he'd made fun of at said coronation. Merida gave a big roll of her eyes, and Rapunzel chuckled, shaking her head at Jack as she wrinkled her nose in pretend dislike.

In truth, she didn't mind it at all. For one thing, she didn't think he was too serious about being interested in her cousin and his flirting and teasing could just be his way of making friends with another Winter Sprite. After all, Elsa's heritage came from a long way back in their line, so it had been a surprise when Jack was able to teach her to control her powers and explained that Sprite genes can remain dormant in a family for many generations. It shouldn't have been surprising, considering Emma herself was logically Half Winter Sprite, but carried no traits or abilities whatsoever. The second reason she didn't mind was because Jack was her friend, and him being family would be fun.

The third reason, though, was probably the most prominent because it wasn't Jack being interested in her family member that had surprised her, it was that Jack had flirted with someone. It had been a very long time since Rapunzel had seen that familiar mischievous look in his eyes, and though it wasn't very strong, only a spark, it was still there. It filled her with hope and excitement that Jack was starting to find himself again. She knew how hard the past few years had been on him, and the fact that he had felt playful and charming for even a moment had been a huge step for him.

"You know, even if the mission wasn't as successful as we hoped, we still got to see The Quidditch World Cup!" Merida grinned widely as the three reached the tops of the stairs, their chuckles fading, and Jack grinned right back at her.

"The Archipelago Barbarians against the Syracuse Stymphalians! Had to be one of the most intense games I ever saw!" Jack said excitedly. "Hroar has to be the best Seeker in the entire league!"

"But the Stymphalians pulled off a win of One-seventy to One-sixty after being brutalized in the first half! You can't say that wasn't incredible!" Merida returned with her assessment.

"Maybe, but Hroar still caught the snitch to end the game on his terms! And just as the time ran out!" Jack insisted, and Rapunzel rolled her eyes at the two.

"I think you're in love, Jack!" Rapunzel interjected with a dreamy tone, batting her lashes.

"Oh, shut up!" Jack replied good-naturedly, as Merida snorted and snickered at him.

"Princess!" Rapunzel's laughter faded to an understanding smile as she looked down to the bottom of the stairs where a girl in a light blue dress and white headdress waited for her. Reaching the other girl, Rapunzel turned to her friends who were already nodding their understanding.

"Well, I'm off to fix up my arrows!" Merida announced, gesturing to her bow. "Those fire-arrow spells Toothiana has been teaching me are working pretty well, but they could still use some work."

"I'll see you both later, I'm going to stop by the Auror's Office and give them the official reports from the Tournament battle." Jack told them.

Rapunzel waved to them as they walked away, letting the girl pull her off down the corridor. Cassandra was her Lady-in-Waiting and also one of the many changes to Rapunzel's life over the summer. Her parents hadn't been too thrilled with the idea of their precious daughter being a Guardian and going off to fight in dangerous battles, especially after hearing about how Gothel and Pitch had targeted her, resulting in the cutting of her hair. To appease the two royals and help them adjust to the idea, the Guardians agreed that Rapunzel could use the Floo System to travel between Corona and Hogwarts, attending to her duties as Princess and as a Guardian. Her father had agreed, but only if Cassandra, the sensible and responsible daughter of the Caption of the Guard at the palace, acted as an escort. So Cassandra traveled with Rapunzel everywhere, kept her on schedule, and sometimes would help with her combat training though that was done in secret because Cassandra would've gotten in trouble with her dad if he found out. And, because Cassandra was a Muggle, she couldn't help Rapunzel with her dueling, only physical combat, which Rapunzel had a very different approach to than Cass.

Today, though, was strictly Princess Duties, and Cassandra led Rapunzel straight to the teacher's lounge so they could cross through the Floo Network into Corona Palace. As soon as Rapunzel stepped foot into her bedroom, three maids fell upon her, intent on getting her cleaned and made up for a meeting with the King, her father. Ashes and soot was replaced by soaps and perfumes, and Rapunzel removed her shirt, vest, belts, and riding skirts to exchange them for her purple dress and corset, refusing the heels when offered by the maids and opting for barefeet as always.

Jack liked barefeet because his feet felt too hot in shoes and he liked being able to spread ice and frost through his feet easily. Rapunzel liked barefeet because she loved the feel of nature; grass and dirt and stone, though she couldn't claim immunity to the cold like Jack and kept winter boots for herself at the ready.

As Cassandra was looking over the schedule for the day, the maids moved on to powdering and make up. Rapunzel gasped as her corset was tightened just a little too tightly. She tried to keep still and not fidget too much so that the women could do their jobs, but their bustling and fussing was overwhelming and Rapunzel was still exhausted from the fight which had kept them out all night despite having found a few moments to nap at the Ministry of Magic as North and Bunny had discussed details with Claude Frollo.

Cass seemed to notice this and smiled sympathetically as she quickly jumped in. "That's enough! I'll take it from here." Cass told the maids, dismissing them, and finished tying Rapunzel's corset a little looser as the maids left. "How you holdin' up?"

"Busy, Heh," Rapunzel huffed out, forcing a smile. "But busy's good!" Tucking some hair back behind her ear to hide the fact that she had been reaching for a long lock to pull at to soothe her nerves.

"I'm glad you think so, Raps, because you've got a full day ahead of you." Cass informed her, straightening out her sleeves for her. "You've got a meeting with the King in a few minutes, then there are several congratulations and well wishing letters you'll need to approve and sign to be sent out to several royals for birthdays, baby announcements, and your cousin's coronation. There's a garden party with the court ladies this afternoon which is followed by a knighting ceremony this evening. And that's all before we need to get you back to Hogwarts for tomorrow. The King is expecting you to be active in attending as many Royal events as possible. Now that Arrendale has crowned their princess as Queen, people are going to start looking at your behavior and wondering how you'll be as ruler one day."

"Believe me Cassandra, I know." Rapunzel smiled weakly at the other girl, taking her hands in hers reassuringly. "I know how important this is to my dad."

"And the boy?" Cassandra raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her, making Rapunzel wince slightly before smiling again.

"What about Jack?" Rapunzel feigned ignorance under Cass's scrutiny, hoping she wouldn't press any farther.

"He has a record, Rapunzel. You're going to have to tell your parents about him sooner or later, and if I were you, I'd tell them before the Daily Prophet finds out first." Cassandra said warningly, and Rapunzel sighed, knowing she was right.

"Look, things have just been a little stressful lately! The whole Guardians thing and all that! I'll tell my parents about Eugene when things have settled down a bit. And besides, Eugene and I are just friends right now, so there's nothing to tell!" Rapunzel nervously brushed it aside, and Cassandra looked doubtful, but let the subject drop.

Rapunzel wasn't ashamed of Eugene in the slightest. He was a good friend who had saved her life and they'd recently been getting closer. He stayed at Hogwarts over the break, working for Professor Crood to keep the grounds, and whenever they both found themselves with a spare moment they usually spent it together. Rapunzel knew that they both had feelings beyond normal friendship, but they'd yet to bring up any labels. For now they were happy just to spend time together.

She just hoped that when there was something to tell, it wouldn't blow up in her face.

Rapunzel yawned as the last of the first-years was Sorted into Gryffindor with excited cheers from the table of red and gold. Despite receiving an entire night of sleep in her Palace bedroom the night before, she still felt tired.

"Are you okay, Rapunzel? You look a little worn out..." Fishlegs asked from across the table, his face showing concern for his fellow Sixth-year Hufflepuff Prefect. They'd gotten to know each other a little better since they both received Prefect status last year and also through the Dueling Club which they were both still members of.

"Oh, yeah! I'm just feeling a little tired, that's all! I'm sure after some food I'll be wide awake!" She assured him kindly, and Fishlegs smiled, nodding in understanding at the need of food.

"Now, I would like to make a few announcements!" North interrupted the chatter of the Great Hall, bringing everyone's attention to him. "This year, Mr. Crood and our old friend Gobber the Belch will be offering physical combat training for anyone wishing to participate that is of their Fourth Year of education or higher. Fighting and Weapons Use will Only be permitted under the strict supervision of an instructor! Also, Dr. Sweet is available in the Hospital Wing to those of you who may wish to receive training in the art of healing. There are no age restrictions upon Healing lessons."

Though most of the students were shocked and murmured about these things excitedly and worriedly, Rapunzel wasn't surprised. The Guardians had told them they'd be offering training to the older students, and Dr. Sweet had already approached her about helping to train new healers.

"Finally, I would like to announce that Hogwarts will not be only your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well! You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event!" North began excitedly, his grin highlighting his rosy cheeks. "The Triwizard Tournament! Now, for those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools to compete against each other in a series of magical contests."

Excitement burst through the room and an uproar of murmurings and elated shouts went up as everyone wondered in awe at the idea of this Tournament. North was still smiling and allowed them to gossip for a little longer before signaling for silence as he continued a little more soberly.

"For each school a single student is selected to compete. Let me be clear: If chosen, You Stand Alone." North's voice took on an edge that cut through the silence like a knife, serious and warning. "Trust me when I say, these contests are not for the faint-hearted... But, more on that later, for now; Please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Bueaxbatons Academy of Magic and their Headmistress, Madame Hera Juno!" As North motioned to the double doors of the Great Hall they opened and revealed a group of girls dressed in silk, blue uniforms and walking together primly in a group.

They ran elegantly down the center aisle, pausing a few times to sigh and reach an up-turned arm in greeting to the students, first on their right, then on their left. When they reached the dais they opened their arms and at least a dozen butterflies fluttered into the air from each of them. As the girls lined up in front of the dais, a very tall woman dressed in a glittering pink gown walked down the aisle behind Queen Elsa of Arrendale, dressed in her icy blue dress, and her sister Princess Anna in her school uniform. Two older women walked behind the woman who Rapunzel assumed was Hera, and the Corona Princess guessed they were teachers from Bueaxbatons. When Elsa reached the end of the aisle, she finished the ladies' performance by shooting a curly, beautiful blast of ice in the air. She and Anna bowed as Hera stepped up onto the dais to join North, and Rapunzel cheered loudly along with all of the Hogwarts students.

North kissed Hera's hand in greeting and then turned to the students again to motion for silence. "Now, our friends from the north, please greet the Proud Sons of Durmstrang! And their Highmaster Varvatos Vex!"

This time the doors were already open and the group of men entered with long strides and an intent purpose on their expressions. They beat their staffs on the stone floor in a rhythmic tune, performing a short but impressive staff dance before dropping them and racing forward. One of the students performed flips and rolls as two others formed a phoenix out of fire with their wands. A gigantic man came stalking in after them with three older men and Hroar of the Archipelago beside him, and a group of younger boys hurrying in behind them in strict formation.

"Oh, gods, it's him! Hroar of Knaff! The famous Seeker!" Fishlegs gushed quietly as the large, muscled boy strode passed all of the students around him. Rapunzel's gaze was drawn more toward the nervous-looking younger boys who were obviously trying very hard not to screw anything up, and she felt for them. There was one towards the back who looked especially nervous and awkward, and his scrawny stature had Rapunzel wondering how he managed being in a school full of warriors and barbarians.

She shook her head and refocused her attention on the official proceedings as North and Varvatos Vex exchanged firm and hardy hugs. Following their greetings was the shuffling of making room in the already packed hall for the two other schools. After they all managed to get settled, the feast was presented and the teachers talked quietly on the dais as the students ate. The children from Hogwarts glanced continuously at the newcomers in their curiosity, and the newcomers looked about the Great Hall in curiosity and amazement over the enchanted sky and floating candles and grand architecture, which made Rapunzel feel a spark of satisfaction. Despite being from other schools of magic, Hogwarts could still take their breaths away, and rightfully so.

A little ways into the feast, Mr. Crood and four Yetis came into the Hall, carrying a tall pillar of gold. Everyone watched eagerly as they set it up on a separate platform in the center of the room, and North slowly walked over to stand beside it as Mr. Crood and the Yetis left.

"I'd like to say a few words," The Deputy Headmaster declared as he rested a hand on the gold pillar. "Eternal Glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament, but to do this that student must survive four tasks. Four extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain this, we welcome Lady Tremaine," North said, stepping aside to let the horrid woman forward to speak.

She cleared her throat daintily and began. "After due consideration the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of fifteen should be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is Final." Before all of the words had even left her mouth their was immediate yelling and protests from the younger students. Because the yelling would not cease, North finally was forced to step forward and order silence, effectively getting the students to behave once again, though grudgingly.

Deciding to move on with the goings on, North produced his wand and opened the pillar, turning it in a pedestal with a large goblet on top that was filled with a blue fire.

"The Goblet of Fire!" North said to them, standing beside the burning chalice. "Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament; merely write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly! If chosen, there's no turning back. As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun."

Rapunzel's eyes drifted back to the blue flame of the Goblet as North returned to his seat and the other students started chattering about the Tournament. She didn't know what, but something she couldn't name had settled uncomfortably in her heart since the feast began. This was supposed to be exciting, wasn't it? Wizards and Witches from other schools! A Tournament for eternal glory! She was a Guardian and a Princess with important duties, lots of friends, and a school that she loved. Her life was mostly perfect. She should be excited for everything that was happening and gossiping about who she thought the Hogwarts champion would be with her friends. But she couldn't shake this strange feeling inside of her.

She took a deep breath to steel herself, pushing the bad feelings away. Everything would be fine! They were all growing up and finding their paths, and these last two years at Hogwarts were no doubt going to be some of the most important moments of her life! She should focus on enjoying every good thing while she had the chance... Still a small part of her kept whispering doubt.

"Is this really Happily Ever After, after all?"