Cordelia Lyra Malfoy had always been different from the rest of her family. Her family were blood-supremacists who tried to teach their views to their children. Cordelia never believed with their views and would be punished for it.
She never felt a...
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TW: Mentions of child abuse
At around two in the morning, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron was working to close the bar for the night. A night maid was helping him by wiping tables and stacking chairs while he cleaned behind the bar.
Their work was interrupted when the door opened, allowing wind to blow in some rain from the outside. A small, teen girl walked in soaking wet from the rain, quickly closing the door behind her as water dripped from her clothes. Both adults stopped and looked at the girl, surprised that anyone ventured into the pub so late at night, especially with the storm that had been raging all evening.
The barman placed his rag on the counter and addressed the girl who kept her head down, "The bar is closed for the night. The inn doesn't take young witches and wizards without their parents unless it is a special circumstance. How about you go home?"
"Please, sir. I have no home to go back to. I just need a room to sleep in for the night. I won't be a bother to anyone and I'll be gone first thing in the morning. I have gold to pay for it," The girl begged. She pulled out her gold from her pocket and finally looked up, causing the maid to gasp. They could see the cuts and bruises all over her face. Blood and dirt had mixed with rain and tear stains on her cheeks. Her body visibly shook with cold and exhaustion, and her legs barely held her up.
"What happened to you? Are you in trouble? We don't need trouble brought here. What's your name?" The barman interrogated the girl. He was concerned about her, but he also had to worry about his pub and inn, as well as the other patrons who slept peacefully in their rooms.
"M-my name is Cordelia M-Malfoy... I ran away from home and M-my father... d-disowned me," the girl whispered.
"Your father did this to you? You poor thing," The man muttered as he carefully approached the girl, not wanting to startle her, before placing a hand on her shoulder. He noticed her flinch at the touch, but led her to a chair. "You sit here and we will bring you food. You will stay here as long as you like. I'm Tom and this is Judith."
Cordelia did as she was told and sat down, staying silent as she did. The muscles in her legs were grateful to no longer be holding her weight. Yes, she did sit in the Knight Bus, but it was anything but relaxing. With all of the twists, turns, and random stops, Cordelia had to use her energy and strength she had left to stay in her seat.
"Now, Cordelia. I'm going to use magic to heal some of these wounds," said Judith, who used her wand to dry the girl and heal her wounds while Tom walked to the kitchen before setting a bowl of soup and a bread roll on the table in front of her.
"Thank you, sir, for everything," said Cordelia as she sipped her soup with a spoon, her body warming up from the contents. "I really mean it: I'll be out of your hair first thing in the morning."
"Nonsense, girl. You will stay here as long as you need. Tonight is free of charge, and we'll figure something out tomorrow."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cordelia laid on her comfortable bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Her mind was reeling with everything that had happened that night. She was glad to be away from Malfoy Manor and grateful for Tom helping her; but she was sad to leave her mother and brother behind, and she was scared of what the future would bring. She had some gold, thanks to her mother, but she knew it wasn't enough to support her in the long run. She needed to figure out what her next step was; she needed to figure out what she would do for the future.
She knew she could go to Cedric's, but her Father's words plagued her mind: "They'll get rid of you eventually. No one wants the burden and disgrace that you are."
She did not want to be a burden on anyone, she didn't want to have to rely on anyone, and her heart couldn't handle getting comfortable with someone just to be turned away. This only left her with one other option: She needed to figure out how to live on her own.
She finally drifted off to sleep with a new sense of determination: Tomorrow, she is going to learn how to make her own way in this world. She may only be thirteen, but plenty of kids her age have run away from home and started new lives. Even back in the day, thirteen year olds worked and supported their families. If they could do it, so could she. She is going to to find work and learn how to support herself.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cordelia woke up and got dressed, wearing a simple sunflower dress that landed on her knees and a pair of black flats. Her hair was in her signature style: left down but pulled back with a yellow headband. She wanted to make a good impression that day, hoping to find work in Diagon Alley.
Tom stood behind the bar when he noticed the girl enter the pub area from the stairs and motioned for her to sit down in front of him. He served her breakfast, which she thanked him for as she began eating.
"If you would allow it, I would like to stay until I can find a place of my own," said Cordelia, starting to ramble out of nervousness. "I have enough gold to pay for my room and board in the meantime, but I was wondering if you knew any shops who are looking to hire. I'm only thirteen, but I am hard working. It would have to be seasonal, so that I can attend Hogwarts during the school year, but I'd be happy to work during breaks."
"Girl, I told you that you are welcome to stay here as long as you need," Tom replied as he looked at the girl softly, with caring eyes. "As far as work, I'm afraid that the legal hiring age is sixteen.... However, I am sure that some of the shopkeepers wouldn't mind paying off the book."
"That would be lovely, sir." The girl looked at the man with a grateful yet hopeful smile. "I was also thinking about maybe playing my ukulele or guitar and singing for tips on the street. Do you think that would be allowed?"
"I think that would be a great idea. People could use some entertainment around here," Tom reassured her. "And to help with room and board, how about you work for me a few days a week? I sometimes need more help on the weekends, but nobody wants a job where they would only work three days a week."
"That would be great, sir! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I won't let you down!"
"It's no problem at all, and please call me Tom," Tom replied with a smile keeping his gaze on the girl as his thoughts drifted in his mind. Something about the girl reminded him of something he had always longed for: a child of his own. He had always wanted to get married and gave a family, but he always put his business first, so it never happened. It wasn't all bad. The other shopkeepers and regular patrons became his family, and he was happy with that. But now, he was regretting not having children of his own, not having someone to take care of and protect. Maybe this was his chance? After a moment with these thoughts, he noticed Cordelia looking at him in concern. He broke his gaze and coughed into his sleeve, hoping he didn't make her feel uncomfortable.
"After you eat, how about I introduce you to the shopkeepers and get you some work?" he suggested.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
During the weeks that followed, Cordelia found a new routine as she became a part of Diagon Alley. She worked for Tom at the Leaky Cauldron on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On other days, the other shopkeepers paid her to do various tasks whenever they needed the help. Every employee in Diagon Alley looked after the girl and welcomed her into their group, treating her as one of their family.
During her free time, she used her Ukulele and guitar to perform muggle songs on the streets. Passersby would pay her tips, enjoying the new entertainment that brought a new cheery atmosphere to the area.
