Callidora Nott has always known exactly what is expected of her.
As the daughter of one of Britain's oldest pure-blood families, her future has already been carefully planned; alliances, power, and a life shaped by tradition she never chose. At home...
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Hallowe'en
"That's it, Miss Nott, add more to your right."
Filius Flitwick hovered nearby, supervising the decorations for the Hallowe'en feast.
Calli flicked her wand, guiding flaming orange streamers to float lazily across the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. Two Ravenclaw prefects worked beside her, charming bats to swoop between the floating pumpkins.
Lowering her arm for a moment to rest it, Calli glanced across the hall.
At the far end, Cedric was kneeling beside a crate of carved pumpkins, lighting candles inside them with careful flicks of his wand. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up.
Their eyes met.
Cedric gave her a quick smile.
Calli smiled back before quickly returning to her work.
After their interrupted date earlier, they'd walked back to the castle together and ended up helping with the decorations. Calli had apologized, several times, but Cedric had only laughed it off and insisted nothing had been ruined.
"I think we're done here." Professor Flitwick announced proudly a few minutes later.
"Thank you, Prefects, for your work. You may return to your Houses and relax before the feast."
Calli stretched her arm and started down the steps with Cedric.
"I'm hoping this Hallowe'en feast will go smoothly for once." She said with a small chuckle.
Cedric looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well, the first two years were fine." Calli said thoughtfully. "But the last two? First a mountain troll, then the Chamber of Secrets."
She sighed dramatically.
"At this point I wouldn't be surprised if Voldemort himself charged through the doors wearing a bright pink dress."
Cedric blinked once then laughed.
Calli noticed he didn't flinch at the name the way most students did.
"Now you've jinxed it." Cedric said.
They slowed near the corridor leading toward the kitchens.
"Thanks for today." He added. "It was fun."
Calli smiled.
Before she could respond, Cedric leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
He stepped back, walking backwards with a crooked grin.
