Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley

[chapter 64]

The 422nd Quidditch World Cup

The morning of August 18 arrived bright and cool.

For the first time all summer, Callidora Nott felt something close to excitement humming through her chest.

She was practically buzzing with it.

If Cantankerus Nott hadn't been standing directly beside her in the grand entry hall of Nott Manor, she might even have smiled.

Instead, she kept her expression carefully neutral while he spoke.

"You will travel through the Floo Network to Malfoy Manor." He instructed.

Calli nodded once.

"You will obey whatever Lucius tells you."

Another nod.

"And you will maintain an appropriate demeanor in the presence of the Minister."

Calli kept her face blank.

"Yes, Father."

Inside, however, her excitement refused to dim.

She was actually going.

To the Quidditch World Cup.

Across the hall, Theodore Nott waited with an expression that had recently begun to mirror their father's more and more.

Theo's presence had been a last minute decision upon Draco's invite.

Her father had announced it only the night before.

Calli wasn't thrilled.

But at least it meant one thing.

Theo would likely keep Draco occupied.

Which meant she wouldn't have to spend the entire day speaking to either of them.

That alone felt like a small victory.

Moments later green flames roared through the fireplace.

The Floo journey was brief and dizzying.

Calli stepped out onto polished marble floors inside Malfoy Manor, brushing soot from her robes.

Lucius Malfoy stood waiting nearby with his usual composed air.

After brief greetings, the group traveled onward by Portkey.

Apparently the Malfoys had no intention of Apparition with a young son present.

And perhaps, Calli suspected privately, Lucius wasn't eager to risk transporting the Nott children that way either.

The Portkey jerked them forward violently.

Then dropped them unceremoniously onto damp grass.

They had arrived.