"We're here."
Not long after the words fell, the carriage curtains were pulled aside, and the people inside emerged one by one.
From a carriage that looked like it could seat no more than four people facing one another came four children, three adults, and a House-Elf.
"Where are we?"
Griffin looked around. They were standing in a stretch of grassland that extended as far as the eye could see in every direction.
Unlike Britain's lush green fields, dotted with daisies and wildflowers like a green carpet, this grassland was visibly parched. Curled, yellowed stems clustered at the bases of the plants, making them look more like bunches of spikes.
"This is where spectators gather for the Quidditch World Cup."
"This is it? Then why isn't there anyone here yet?"
Aivina sighed.
"Did you forget? The Quidditch World Cup doesn't open until a week from now."
Wizards' convenient means of travel, combined with their ability to handle unexpected situations with magic, meant they usually did not arrive too early. Getting there a day ahead was already more than enough leeway.
They had set out and arrived so early in order to tour this foreign continent across the ocean.
"So we're staying here tonight?"
"Let's put down the larger things first, like the tent and carriage, along with our clothes and other luggage. We can't carry everything around while we travel."
After speaking, Manus beckoned toward the carriage, and a folded tent flew out from inside.
Even from the outside, the tent was much larger than an ordinary camping tent. Inside, it had three floors. Nick had provided the design; he had used it when he and his wife traveled around the world years ago.
Aside from a living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom, it also had a study, Potions room,