Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley

[chapter 112]

Saying goodbye was the hardest part.

Calli left before the train had even slowed to a full stop; quick hugs, quieter than usual, no lingering, no drawn out glances.

"Don't look at me when we get off." She had told them.

"He'll be watching."

They understood.

By the time the train doors opened, Calli was already different.

Still.

Composed.

Every trace of emotion locked carefully away.

She stepped onto the platform like she didn't have a care in the world.

Like she hadn't just left behind the only people who made her feel loved.

Her gaze drifted lazily over the crowd.

Detached.

She saw him.

Cantankerus Nott.

Standing a short distance away.

Watching.

His expression unreadable.

Cold.

Assessing.

Calli's stomach twisted, but her face didn't change.

Not even slightly.

My lord, I am your most faithful follower.

The words echoed in her mind.

Harry Potter's voice, repeating what her father had said at the graveyard.

Calli inhaled slowly.

Once.

Then walked forward.

Measured steps.

Controlled.

Theo stood beside their father, hands in his pockets, posture just as rigid.

He glanced at her, briefly.

Something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

"Father." Calli said calmly.

A perfect greeting.

Cantankerus Nott studied her for a moment longer than necessary.

Then gave a small, sharp nod.

"Callidora."

No warmth.

No questions.

Just acknowledgment.

"Come."

That was all.

No reunion.

No pleasantries.

Calli didn't hesitate.

Didn't look back.

Couldn't.

She stepped closer.

Their father's hand closed firmly around Theo's arm. 

And with a sharp crack, they were gone.

Calli contemplated not apparating to the Manor but somewhere else. Letting that dream drift off, she disappeared with a soft crack.

The platform vanished and was replaced by something colder.

When her father didn't give orders or say anything at all, she went to her room.