Love, and be Silent

three.

Amber and Roman would surely not be here. Cordelia knew that, as she trekked through the crowds. She kept turning back compulsively, to make sure her father's black tent was still in sight. She'd definitely get lost, she figured, if she ventured out too far. But, maybe she should get lost. Cordelia entertained the idea; her father looking for her frantically, her brother trying to pretend he wasn't crying as he considered not having his sister around. The idea made Cordelia smile, but she knew it was too good to be true. At the most, her father would hire someone to track her down in the crowd, and she'd end up with another half baked absurd punishment to face. A man painted in all green whooped in her face, and the girl started slightly, laughing as he ran circles around her, holding a giant Irish flag out with two arms, the thing billowing behind him. She turned as he ran off, and she watched him go. Maybe she could make some friends, maybe she could meet someone cool and interesting and different. Maybe she could have an adventure.

The shy little girl inside of her said no. No, she wouldn't talk to anyone she didn't know. Her face would remain hard and confident, but inside she'd be a quivering child. Cordelia sighed, and looked around again. A merchant was selling Ireland shirts a little ways to the left, and she figured she might as well get something for Roman. As much as they weren't fans of the game itself, Roman was surely a fan of the boys that played. Besides, he always appreciated anything from the magical world outside the walls of Hogwarts- he hardly got to see it, seeing as his mother practically forbade him from bringing any of that 'filth into her good Christian home'. Muggles, Cordelia thought as she paid, what a strange lot of people.

Hours seemed to go by quickly as Cordelia milled about the campsites. The sky darkened, but she paid it no heed. Eventually, she came across a gang of faces that she knew.

"Crabbe!" She said cheerfully, popping up at his shoulder and giving the younger boy a strong slap on the back. Crabbe started violently, and seemed to choke on the meat he'd been gorging upon. Cordelia scanned the surprised faces peering at her. "Hello, you two. Draco know you lot are about?"

Nott, Goyle and Crabbe, some of Draco's closest friends at school, were sitting around a campfire, helping themselves to comically large portions of dragon meat. Goyle and Crabbe looked a little stunned while Nott seemed to regain his wits swiftly, his cheeks reddening and clearing his throat with intent.

"Didn't know he'd be coming." He said carefully. Cordelia popped a hip, crossing her arms and pinning him with a sickeningly cheerful look.

"He didn't owl you? I mean, this is practically all he's been talking about for days."

Goyle shifted uncomfortably, and Crabbe lowered his eyes. Cordelia regarded the scene with a tight feeling in her chest. Draco's friends hadn't wanted him to know they were here. A thought crossed her mind; Draco, still a toddler, reading aloud to his imaginary friends, of which he had many.

"Well?" She prodded. Nott rubbed the back of his neck anxiously.

"Our parents didn't want anyone from school knowing we'd be here."

"Yeah- best be on your way, Cordelia. Don't want to get caught up in anything you aren't meant to." Goyle suddenly piped up in earnest. The girl's brow furrowed.

"What's the oaf on about?" She pointedly asked Nott. Goyle bristled, and Nott put a hand on his shoulder.

"Look, Malfoy." He said through gritted teeth, "Best not to tell anyone we were here. Especially Draco- that boy can't keep his mouth shut about anything, especially if it involves things he-" Nott glanced around meaningfully, and then leaned in so that he could lower his voice, "-has no balls to be involved with."