The Letter
The common room was quiet when she entered.
Dimly lit. Calm.
A sudden hoot startled her.
Calli turned sharply.
Artemis sat perched by the window, feathers slightly ruffled, a letter tied neatly to her leg.
Calli frowned.
"For me?"
She stepped closer, untying it carefully.
For a brief, hopeful second, she thought it might be a reply for Fred and George from Ludo Bagman.
That hope vanished the moment she saw the handwriting.
Her father's.
Her chest tightened.
She unfolded the letter.
Callidora,
I have spoken to some associates. It was brought to my attention that Anton Petkov's son, Grozdan, will be with the Durmstrang boys tomorrow. Do your best to impress him. You have met him before.
Her grip tightened around the parchment.
Grozdan Petkov.
The name meant nothing.
Endless soirées. Forced introductions. Smiling faces she never cared to remember.
She couldn't place him.
She didn't want to.
But the meaning behind the letter, that she understood perfectly.
Her jaw tightened.
Without another thought, Calli tore the letter clean in half.
She crossed the room and threw the pieces into the fire, watching them curl and blacken until nothing remained.
As if that could erase it.
As if that could erase him.
Her hands were still clenched when she turned away.
Lucy and Stella noticed immediately.
The look on her face was enough.
They didn't ask.
Didn't push.
Just exchanged a glance and let her come to them when she wanted to.
Calli changed into her pajamas in silence and pulled the curtains around her bed.
The darkness should've helped.
It didn't.
She turned onto her side.
Then her back.
Then her other side.
Sleep didn't come.
Not even close.
Her mind wouldn't stop.
Do your best to impress him.
Her father's voice echoed, cold and certain.
Like it wasn't a suggestion.
Like it was already decided.
Her hand curled against the blanket.
The scar in her palm throbbed faintly.
And then her thoughts shifted.
YOU ARE READING
Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley
FanfictionCallidora 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...
