Surviving Times

Aurora's POV:

The silvery snow settled on our garden. The cold and frost in the air did nothing to diminish my mood. It's Christmas soon. To tell the truth, under no circ.u.mstances would there be enough time to prepare things.

But the result was worth it. And that was enough for me to take on any challenge. After all, everyone will come home. My family. It's rare. For all of us to stay together.

Mother once again set out for adventures. And much to my dismay, my baby daughter too, started it.

I was happy about it at first. Mia was finally coming out of her room. But the happiness was short lived. It's because Mia never stayed home after that, at least not for long.

No matter how much I disagree, the little girl managed to convince me. That she would be sensible, wanted to learn new things, see the world so on and so forth. Endless whining and I had to give in. The girl was too stubborn just like her... father.

Besides that, mother insisted along. I know that she would only do what's best for her granddaughter. Therefore, I grudgingly allowed her to do whatever she wants.

And I thought it was better than to have her cooped up inside her room all day. And we had an agreement. She would be protected (which means to follow my arrangements). And she would come home for every holiday.

That's why I love every holiday. I can have my little girl all to myself.

Sigh… raising her, I felt the days are long, but the years are short. Watching her grow tall, her little palms getting bigger, etc. everything felt surreal.

I sometimes wish to transfigure her into a baby forever… but I also want to witness all the incredible things she would achieve…

As I completed all the decorations, I withdrew the letter Daisy delivered and ordered the house elf to go away.

The letter stated:

"Dear Mum,

All of us would be home for Christmas this time.

-Mia."

Short as usual. The day I get a letter of normal size; something is bound to happen. I called Daisy again to notify her to arrange the kids' room. Even though their rooms were all tidy, they needed to be stocked. With some tea, biscuits, warmed blankets, etc.

Thinking about the kids, I can't help but reminisce about the past.

It all started when those kids first came to visit Mia and everything was never the same again.

I clearly remember that day. Mia spent 'hours' with the kids of her age. Without hexing them or making them cry or 'silencing' them.

It was a wonder. But what happened next was beyond me. Before long, Mia changed. Though the change was too abrupt, I wasn't bothered about it. She just started behaving like a kid. Like a normal kid. Making friends and playing with them instead of being a hermit.

I'm aware of the anti-social tendencies of my daughter. But she only had one childhood and I wanted her to give it a try.

And who knew, after that, she started socializing. Not actively, but she didn't avoid it either. She didn't avoid or ignore people, albeit with great reluctance, almost perfectly concealed.

I talked to my daughter about it. If there's anything she needs to say to me. Like, if something's secretly forcing her. To do something she doesn't like.

My daughter just hugged me and said 'I love so much, mum. You are the best thing that ever happened.'

Haa… that felt lovely.

Next, the visits from 'the three kids' increased. They nearly stayed here. I never looked into what they were doing. Invading my daughter's privacy was the last thing I would do. The wards placed around the manor were strong enough. And I know Mia would never do anything dangerous.

But I was intrigued and asked her what they were doing. Her reply left me speechless. She said she was making them smart. I dumbly asked her why. She exasperatedly said she was unable to bear their childishness so, she took up on the job to 'educate' them. Which would apparently lessen her troubles in the future, according to her.

Then came the time when she asked me for some money. I naturally asked her why she needed. The answer was disturbingly profound.

Since then, I decided to never ask my daughter anything regarding her spending, her projects, her friends and whatsoever.

She would tell me what I need to know. And I was satisfied with that. I mean, what more could I ask for? She was safe. She didn't do anything foolish. She was careful and cautious. And besides everything, she cherishes me as much as I love her.

Hence, I was okay. With her being independent. Even if she was merely a seven year old. Though not completely.

Well, I definitely didn't appreciate her staying away from home, but I got used to it.

And now back to reality, I need to get some more strawberries.

Merlin knows, there are never enough strawberries for Daphne. And coffee for Theo. They are both addicted to them.

And as to why I'm allowing a seven year old drink coffee, it's because the kid behaves like a mummified corpse without it.

I checked the coffee machine. It was doing fine. Then the fridge, TV, the cables and everything that needed to be checked.

One might wonder why there are muggle devices in a witch's house. My daughter brought them. And her answer was they were 'daily essentials.' And I couldn't argue about it. They were essential. Magical or not.

As for breaking some rules, screw the Ministry. I'd give them a damn when they are not stupid.

I grab my popcorn and soda. They are a must when I watch Star Trek. A nice way to pass time. When I'm not researching or travelling.

My daughter had more influence on me than anyone.

I indeed wonder how she gains all of her ideas from. I know she's a prodigy and all, but… whatever.

I know she is healthy and happy. That's all I mind. And she had friends she can count on.

That leaves me worry free.