Even Fred was too stunned to speak.
His eyes moved from the dress to Calli.
She hadn't moved.
Then her hands slowly curled into fists.
Her expression changed.
The shock disappeared first.
Something colder replaced it.
Calli narrowed her eyes.
The change in the dress was so gradual that Fred didn't notice it immediately.
The pristine ivory dulled.
Grey crept through the lace from the bodice outward, spreading down the sleeves and through the carefully arranged skirt as though decades were passing over the fabric in seconds.
Fred frowned.
"Calli..."
The lace crumbled.
The entire dress collapsed.
By the time it reached the floor, there was nothing left but a pile of ash beneath the mirror.
Fred stared.
Then looked at Calli with undisguised astonishment.
Calli didn't acknowledge what she'd done.
Didn't even seem particularly interested in it.
She simply turned away.
There were more important things here than a dress.
She crossed the room and pressed her ear against the door.
Nothing.
No footsteps.
No voices.
Slowly, Calli turned the handle and opened it just enough to peer through.
The corridor was empty.
She looked back at Fred.
Stay.
She mouthed the word.
Fred immediately shook his head.
Calli's eyes narrowed.
Fred already had his wand in his hand.
He gave her a look that quite clearly said they had already had this argument.
Calli glared at him for another second.
Then gave in.
Fine.
She slipped into the corridor.
Fred followed.
The entire upper floor was eerily quiet. Their footsteps were nearly soundless against the wood floors as Calli led the way, keeping close to the wall.
They were almost at the staircase when Calli stopped.
A large portrait hung beside it.
The woman inside was already sitting straighter.
Calli couldn't remember exactly how many greats belonged before grandmother, only that the witch had been dead for well over a century and had somehow spent every moment since developing opinions about everyone who walked past her.
Her painted mouth opened.
Calli didn't even reach for her wand.
Silencio.
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...
