Lucy wasn't there.
Calli knew it the moment she finished scanning the room.
No sharp voice cutting through the air. No familiar presence at the edges, watching, calculating, ready to step in if needed.
The disappointment came fast and was gone just as quickly, because beneath it, something steadier settled in.
Relief.
At least Lucy wasn't here.
At least one of them was spared this.
The conversations started almost immediately.
Older witches approached in pairs, in small clusters, silk and jewels and practiced smiles. They greeted her father first, of course, and lingered just long enough to let their eyes slide toward Calli.
Assessing.
Measuring.
Judging.
They didn't ask her questions.
They didn't need to, her father answered everything before she could even be addressed.
"My daughter, Callidora." He said smoothly, one hand resting lightly at her back like a claim. "Already interning at the Ministry."
A pause.
"She's proven exceptionally capable."
Calli stood still.
Silent.
Composed.
A perfect extension of his words.
"Already?" One of the witches murmured, her tone light but edged. "How... impressive."
Another smiled tightly, polished. "I heard something about wandless magic."
Her father's grip tightened just slightly.
Encouraging.
Proud.
"Yes." He said. "Nonverbal as well."
There it was.
Displayed.
Offered.
Calli felt the seconds stretch.
Slow.
Measured.
Endless.
So she did what she did best.
She listened and put her training to use.
Not just to their words.
To what came before them.
The surface.
The thoughts that flickered too quickly to be guarded.
A gentle brush.
Nothing invasive.
Nothing deep.
Just enough.
Jealousy. It hit first. Sharp and resentful.
At her age...
Already at the Ministry...
Of course, with a father like that-
Greed followed.
Quieter, more calculated.
Connections...
Potential alliances...
Power building early...
And underneath it all was self-interest.
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...
