Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley

[prologue]

The Girl Who Wanted the Sky

It was midday on August 4th, 1985, and the Nott estate gardens were alive with the sound of laughter and the soft whirring of toy broomsticks. The sun shined bright and warm over the Nott estate, it was the sort of afternoon that seemed made for children and small adventures.

In the wide garden behind the old manor, two broomsticks skimmed low over the grass, though one of them, it must be said, was hardly more than a toy.

Seven year old Callidora Nott shot across the lawn like a flash of lightning, her dark hair streaming behind her like a banner of triumph. Her blue eyes shone with fierce concentration as she leaned forward over the handle of her broom, which was still polished to a shine despite its many hours of enthusiastic use.

Below her, wobbling dangerously but determinedly astride a much smaller broom, was her little brother Theo.

It was Theo's very first flight.

"Watch this, Theo!"

She dipped sharply, swooped low over the grass, and pulled up just before colliding with the rose bushes.

Four year old Theodore Nott clung to his toy broomstick with both hands, his legs sticking straight out as he floated a few feet above the ground.

Callidora slowed and circled back.

"You have to lean forward," she instructed importantly. "Like this."

Theo tried.

The broom dipped.

Then spun.

Then gently dropped him onto the grass.

Calli landed beside him and burst out laughing.

"You looked like a Bludger!"

Theo scowled, brushing dirt from his robes.

"I did not."

"You absolutely did."

Before their argument could continue, a warm voice drifted across the garden.

"Children, come here. The elves have brought tea and pastries."

Calli immediately perked up.

Their mother sat beneath the shade of a willow tree with a book in her lap. A small table beside her held a delicate tea service and a plate of golden pastries that smelled faintly of cinnamon.

Mrs. Nott was young, far younger than her husband and though she tried to carry herself with the calm elegance expected of an old wizarding family, there was always a softness in her expression when she looked at her children. And that smile was warm enough to make the entire garden seem brighter.

Calli immediately dived toward the grass. She landed with a small thud of triumph and hopped off her broom.

Theo followed a moment later, abandoning his own broom with visible relief.

Calli hopped off her broom and ran toward her.

Theo followed, dragging his broom behind him.

They sat cross-legged in the grass while a silver tray floated gently down beside them, guided by unseen magic.

Tiny cakes, pumpkin pastries, and crystallized pineapple slices filled the platter.

Calli grabbed one immediately.

Her front tooth was missing, which made her grin look both mischievous and oddly sweet.

"I'm going to be on my House's Quidditch team when I go to Hogwarts," she announced suddenly, her mouth half full.