Surviving Times

Daphne's POV:

Sydney's a very charming city. The beach, the scenery, everything was different. The muggles too, were good natured. Though they had a troubling accent for me to understand.

Besides that, I can say I appreciate this place a lot. The blue mountains, not too far from here are something I'm sure I'll be visiting often.

With a peppy vibe and a smile, I trot towards the bar my friends were waiting. As I walked, a man bumped into me. I was able to stand on my own two feet but sadly my bag doesn't have a pair of legs.

Hence, the things inside them had taken a toll. I made the bag muggle-worthy. So there's no magic in it to protect the things inside.

Thus my gorgeous jelly slices turned into an abominable mess. Seeing the ruby red slices of goodness turn into something that can only stay in a trash can upsets my heart.

I sullenly walked away. No matter how much I love strawberries, I ain't gonna lick the dirt.

All the goodness I felt from Sydney washed away like the waves in the beach. Meaning I'm unhappy.

Ah, I'm so fickle. And when I think about someone who says I'm fickle all the time made me feel worse.

It's decided. I'm going to pick on Theo. To make my mood better of course. But alas, Mia and Draco prevented me from doing so.

As we port-keyed to Kata Tjuta, we met our pilot and guides. We stayed in the guesthouse we brought before. We all undid the transformation magic. The four of us appeared 9 again.

It was like any other place we all fancy. Simple and elegant but luxurious. Well, I had to agree. Gresil's choice was as refined as ever.

I went to my room. It was arranged to meet my tastes.

"Poppy." I summoned my personal elf.

"Yes, mistress Daphne. What can Poppy do for mistress Daphne?"

"Unpack my luggage. And also arrange me some nightwear. I'll have a bath."

"Right away, mistress Daphne."

After refreshing, I walked downstairs. The three of them were already gathered.

"You've come. Let's start dinner." Draco suggested.

"Sure. I'm famished." I really was.

"What do we have, Gresil?" Mia asked the man.

"Roast lamb, pumpkin soup and pavlova." The Exceed replied as gracefully as ever. Well, he always was.

We ate the succulent food whilst having some idle chatter. We all had our own preparations to do, so I went back to my room only to find Mia waiting for me.

"What a surprise. I certainly wasn't expecting you."

"Am I not welcomed?"

"Naturally you are welcomed. Anytime. But I'm curious, what brings you here? You typically have a lot to do before we embark on yet another adventure."

"Well I would, but I have something to give you."

"And what might it be?"

"Nothing much. Just some late night desserts. Thought you we both could have some."

She opened a dessert box. It had some nicely cut jelly slices.

"Here, have some. I had Gresil make them for you. Extra strawberries." She said with a wink.

"Why, thank you. I really wanted to share them with you today, but I couldn't."

"I know."

"You always know."

"That I do."

We both settled in the balcony, staring at the Australian skies overspread with an ocean of stars. It was pleasant.

I took a bite of the jelly slices I craved so much. The bouncy jelly, the smooth custard and biscuit with a slight crunch, all melted in my mouth. Mm. Yum. Mia too, was savouring the exquisiteness of the sweet.

"It's good."

"Just good? It was excellent." I said.

"Ok. As you say."

"Now, tell me the real reason why you're here Mia."

"You've become quite perceptive, Daphne."

"Yes, I did."

"I came here for a sleepover."

"Nice try. Tell me the truth."

"Well, I wanted to give this to you." She summoned a letter and handed it to me.

"What's this?"

"See for yourself."

I took the letter and inspected it. It had a golden seal. It took me a minute to realise what it was.

"I got an acceptance letter from Beauxbatons?"

"Yes. Your aunt gave it to my mother who gave it to me. According to what your aunt said, the letter arrived roughly a week ago."

"So... what do you think I should do now?"

"Well, you know French. So at least read it before you decide anything."

I read the letter. It was written in beautiful french calligraphy. The content was as I expected.

"I… don't know what to say."

"Just know it's alright. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

"No! I mean there's nothing to choose here… I'm just a bit surprised that's all."

"It's okay to be a little surprised."

"Mia… I don't want to go."

"Are you sure? I mean, it's a very good school."

"I am certain. I don't want to leave you all. And I'm pretty sure Astoria would w.h.i.n.e to no end if I leave her early. And I genuinely want to do my schooling with you."

"Thank you, Daphne."

"There's no need to thank me. Now tell me honestly, who else knows about this? Does that man know?"

"No, he doesn't. It's just me, my mother and your Aunt."

"That's good to know." I heaved a sigh out of sheer relief. If that man knows… things wouldn't be so easy.

"Wait a minute, since I got the letter, that means surely you three also got one. Am I right?"

"...you are. All of us got the letter."

"What about you? And Draco? When did this happen?"

"I received the letter this morning. I decided not to go, and Draco went along. Theo doesn't know about it yet."

"You rejected it? And Draco too? Why? You both are so skilled in alchemy! Beauxbatons would've been absolutely right for you both."

"I had some other plans."

"Sigh… I thought for a second that I was the only one to get it. Why didn't say anything about it before?"

"Because I didn't want anything to influence your decisions. They shouldn't have anything to do with me or anyone, Daphne. I want you to not to compromise on anything."

"Mia… You're my best friend. You will be a part of my every decision. And so will Draco."

"What about Theo?"

"Well, I'd rather disregard him."

"You're being mean to him, Daphne."

"Oh I will be and have every right to be."

"He's your friend too, and you like him like we all do."

"No, I don't."

"You need to move on Daphne. It's almost been a year since then."

"Nothing changes."

"Sigh… sweetheart, what am I going to do with you?"

"You could just sleepover. I'm sleepy now."

"Fine, let's do that. I'll give Theo his letter later. He's clearly not in a good mood."

We both slept in my room. And as usual, I get to hug Mia. She gave up resisting a long time ago.

Next morning, we hurriedly prepared few things. Thank Merlin, Mia bought a Time Turner with her.