Surviving Times

MIA'S POV:

Somehow, the day ceased without any accidents. I stuffed the three with some more food and send them to their homes.

I undoubtedly want to know how grandma managed to get them. Especially, Draco. It's typically others who visit him. Not the other way around. Especially with my status… All is said and done; I'm an illegitimate child and that's not going to change.

So when the heirs of three pureblood families agreed to become my 'playmates', I can say for sure that it's not the way things happen. I'm really interested, how she managed to sufficiently convince their parents. Well, more in what she exchanged for it.

A high society in any world is built for benefits. And the relations. I'm gratified, my family's not that type. The type that was indifferent and coldly rational.

At the dinner, the two ladies inquired me about my day. I just said it was okay. They were overjoyed. Good. If I ignored the fact that they overreacted.

But they said the next 'playdate' would on the coming Sunday. Bad. I'm not okay with it.

Sigh… why is life so tough on a vulnerable child like me? I'm physically five and ultimately there's a limit to the things I can tolerate.

I wanted to resolutely deny it, but. The infectious smiles on their faces were too happy for me to express my opinions. Emotional blackmail. They're very close to doing it with impunity. And it works perfectly fine on me. Every. Single. Time.

Well, the sole thing that consoles me is the fact that all three of kids weren't much of a nuisance. I can handle them.

Because today, nothing happened. They were… quiet. And I know that was uncommon for 5 year olds, magical or not.

So I was intrigued. How three young pureblood wizards were undoubtedly anything but their future counterparts. Especially Draco. I wouldn't believe the shy and nervous boy was the same arrogant prat if I didn't see it with my own eyes. I'm a bit doubtful.

As a result, I ask Gresil to gather some (maybe all) necessary details about them. The Exceed, all though nearly laughed to death (about my situation), performed a splendid job, as usual.

But the grim look on his face said that everything inside the report was not all rainbows and unicorns.

Without further ado, I decided to verify it by myself. And by the time I finished reading, I likewise bore the grim look.The three of them were not ordinary kids. At least not with a typical childhood.

Daphne Greengrass lost her mother and was almost abused by her demanding father. Her little sister was constantly sick, another ill omen. They now stay with their maternal aunt.

Thankfully, the aunt was kind to them and treasured them dearly. She was also friends with my mother. That was why Daphne, her niece, was able to come here.

Her father forbid her from having any friends at all, and the girl grew up lonely with just her and her little sister. Mother sympathised with her situation and invited her over, hoping we both get along.

Next was Theodere Nott. The boy was smart. Too smart. Enough to grasp the consequences of displaying his wit. In this manner, he progressively became a loner and shut himself to the world. His parents weren't much bothered about it as well. They thought of their son as a tool and nothing more.

A child who was forced to m.a.t.u.r.e in order to survive. And honestly, I'm glad that he did. Otherwise, his fate would've been the same like the rest of his elder siblings. Who neither him nor the world knew they ever existed at all.

The last person, Draco Malfoy. The one that surprised me the most. The works depicted him as an arrogant, spoiled brat who knew nothing but to flaunt his family's power. Ironically, the boy I saw was anything but that. He was timid, reserved and had many insecurities. Even he, had a troubled childhood. He was not abused or anything. Or rather he was neglected, then disciplined.

The boy merely wanted someone to notice him because he was lonely, far too lonely than any child should be. I could comprehend why this boy became 'the Draco Malfoy' from the books.

If one looked closer at it, he just wanted to be loved. But never got any. And maybe that's how the kid would seek attention, flaunting his wealth and power, to cover his envy with disgust.

Now that I think about it, the boy attended Fred Weasly's funeral, though no one noticed it. He wasn't really that bad. The circ.u.mstances moulded him.

Not just him, but all three of them.

Daphne, Theodore and Draco, all of them were kids who were forced to be m.a.t.u.r.e at a young age. Hence, all three of them were withdrawn. Socially awkward. Which was eerily similar to my own but for entirely different reasons.

I wonder if that was the reason these three people were selected to be my 'friends.' I mean, my family had entirely different power and status compared to the rest of the wizard families.

The Morgans, Fayes and O'Neill's were in a league of their own.

These three families never associated themselves to the rest of the world. Only few knew about us as we remain enveloped in the shadows, by choice. But no one dared to underestimate our power.

And that was one of the few sensible choices the wizarding world made.

That aside, I realise how gravely I underestimated the slyness of my family. They knew what kind of people I would befriend and not.

They 'understood' my choices. Choices of soul who lived four times and right now living the fifth one.

Scary. Once again, I realise I must not underestimate anyone.

One can never be too careful after all… I laid in bed exhausted and ready to sleep.

Habitually, I check for any mission updates. There has been no further instructions for the past few years. It wasn't like I expected anything. The efficiency of certain things… like AI from the Almighty, etc. I know better than to depend on them.

And I was relatively happy. I had some more time to enjoy. Because I know, the moment the 'new' mission is out, my good days are gone.

'Missions' I issued the command.

Oh, dear. There's an update.

Honestly, I was a little nervous. Holding my breath, I checked the mission. There's only one.

I read it. And stayed silent. For a long time.

Because after I realised what I need to accomplish… my thoughts were… #$%^#@! @#$%^&*&%[email protected]#$%^&

I'm ****** up. No doubt.

***

3rd person POV:

A graceful silhouette rose from the shadows and walked. Bizarrely, no one noticed it at all.

The figure appeared corporal when it stopped at its destination.

The veil obscuring its face was removed, revealing a gorgeous face of a woman. She looked old, but still beautiful enough to make most of the men lose their minds.

Looking at her, the person she wanted to visit chuckled.

"To what do I owe the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of you visit?" He asked.

"I merely wanted to share a few drinks, but if you don't want to, I'll go." The woman said unamused.

"No, I was just very surprised. You visited me twice in the same decade."

"Any problem with that?"

"None at all, dear. How could I? I was only curious." 'Curious about what could possibly make you come here.' He thought.

"No need to think about, like I said, I'm over here to share drinks." She said blandly.

"Yes, you are. To share drinks with the most dangerous prisoner alive."

"Maybe I shouldn't have come."

"And it would be such a waste to go now."

"..."

"Come on, Rebekah. I'm just an isolated, old prisoner you like to chat and have drinks with."

"Sigh…"

"Now, offer me a glass of wine and tell me what's troubling you."

Rebekah looked at the man in annoyance, but she knew he was right. She just wanted to talk with someone. And this man, locked away from the entire world was a very good option.

Sighing again, the witch conjured some wine.

She sat down, inside the little prison cell and after a few rounds, she started talking.

"I… need your help."

"Help? From me? You make nice jokes dear."

"I'm serious."

"How am I supposed to aid you? I can't do any magic now. You should know."

"...I want you to look… into the future."

"...haha. Interesting. But-"

"I'm not here to negotiate."

"I don't understand..?"

"Think of this as returning a favour. You would owe me one less this way."

"As you wish m'lady."