These Dear, Unfinished Tasks

Chapter 5: A Prophecy

May 23rd, 2016

The final day of the first year was bittersweet.

After being fully submerged in the magical world, the thought of having to go back and be amongst No-Mags had no appeal. In the regular world, she could not use her wand, she could not feel powerful.

It would be a nightmare.

She had avoided returning thus far, being allowed to stay at the school over the holiday break, she even had Christmas with Cosette and Sybil in the teacher's living quarters. Cosi had stayed on campus seeing as how her mother worked here. The two girls spent much of their time reading and ice skating over the frozen lake.

Daphne could have sworn a pair of yellow eyes were watching her skate under the water.

But now it looked like she would not be so lucky. Packing had been a sober affair, she was unsure where she would be placed for the summer. Maybe back to her last home, but more than likely she would be sent to a center since she would only need housing for a few months.

There was still one goodbye Daphne was dreading above all others.

Daphne smoothed down her uniform and dressing robes. She might as well catch Cosi before it was too late. Crossing through the courtyard there were plenty of students weeping and hugging. Promising to call and text each other throughout the summer.

Mag-Phones seemed to be passed around the whole school in the final days to collect everyone's contact information so that friends could stay in touch.

One of the only forms of magic that were approved for use outside the school by Congress. Each was bewitched to pass as a normal phone if a No-Mag got too close to it. Like a wand, it was a conduit for magic and was powered by the witch or wizard's own internal abilities. They were a thoroughly modern American invention.

Not to mention the older students who liked to use their Mag-Tops to take notes in class. No doubt taking full advantage of the WWWW (World-Wide Wizarding Web). Where there was an advancement in the No-Mag world, the wizarding world was not far behind. Besides, all students were instructed on the rules about the outside world and that protecting the secrets of the wizarding world was paramount.

Daphne pushed her way through the cluster of students looking for a familiar curly brunette head.

"Daphne!" someone called, arms went around her waist, rocking her forward.

Cosette let out an excited squeal, still crushing Daphne to her.

"You can stay! You can stay! You can stay!" Cosi screamed.

"What?"

"Mum talked to Headmaster Fontaine and he said it was perfectly fine for you to stay with us during the summer breaks. Mum said she would even tutor you in divination! And because mom is a teacher we don't have to leave our wands behind over the summer. Headmaster Fontaine said it was fine. Isn't that amazing, a whole summer just you and me. Our cottage is in the neighboring No-Mag town but it's still magical don't worry. Mom has all sorts of protection charms in it so no one will catch us practicing magic! So what do you think, aren't you excited?"

Daphne beamed at her friend.

"Cosi, I don't think I've ever been happier."

"Me neither, now let's get your suitcase, we need to get it set with me and mum's."

The two girls rushed down the corridor screaming and jumping. The next thing they knew they were traveling by floo, a first for Daphne who thought there was no worst feeling in the world than being sucked up to Merlin knew where. They stepped out of the fireplace and into a delightfully cozy cottage.