For Build the Burrow on TGS (Wallpaper: Write about someone being frustrated)
Beauxbatons, Barbegazi
Also for the One Character, One Prompt challenge (Callidora, doom)
524 words
"Can't you just keep it a secret?" Callidora demands, stamping her foot in frustration.
Cedrella rolls her eyes, an almost amused smile on her lips. "Of course, dear sister," she says dryly. "It'll be easy to hide an entire marriage."
Callidora feels a lump in her throat at that last word. Marriage. Cedrella entertaining a blood traitor like Septimus Weasley is one thing. Maybe it's even adorable to watch her sister be courted by someone who is not worthy of her. But marriage? Surely Cedrella is joking.
"Funny," Callidora says, swiping the air with her hand. "You actually sounded serious for a moment there."
"I am."
Callidora shakes her head, trying to ignore the sudden pressure that seems to fill the room, the unshakable feeling of impending doom. Her eyes shift to her sister's face, desperately searching for some sign that she's joking. Cedrella remains calm and collected; there is nothing in her eyes that betray some cruel punchline to this joke.
The older lets out a growl, unable to stand the unfairness of the situation. Her wedding is in a month. If Cedrella goes forward with this scandalous revelation, her beloved sister won't be there to witness what should be a joyous occasion.
She reaches out, taking Cedrella by the hand, her lips quivering. "Cedrella, please," she begs. "Reconsider! What sort of life can a Weasley give you?"
Her sister jerks her hand free. Her normally warm green eyes harden. Callidora realizes, much too late, that she shouldn't have spoken so harshly. "He can give me a happy life," she says simply, her voice like ice. "Shouldn't that be enough for you, Calli?"
Callidora scowls, growing more frustrated. She shouldn't be faced with this. She loves her sister dearly, but she also knows that marrying a Weasley will destroy her reputation. Cedrella will be removed from the tapestry, and she won't be able to attend Callidora's wedding.
Worse still, Callidora knows she's being selfish. She should value her sister's happiness over anything else. After all, she and Cedrella have been close their entire lives. Callidora knows her sister better than her own mind.
With a growl, she sweeps her foot forward, kicking the wall. The jolt of pain that shoot through her ankle doesn't matter. At least she's had even a brief outlet for her frustration.
That overbearing sense of doom creeps over her again. Callidora shudders. She can't allow herself to think of that now. Cedrella's happiness is on the line.
"Does it bother you that you will lose your family?" Her tone is softer now as she takes her sister's hand.
"Of course. But I love him. If I could have both, I would."
The injustice of the situation sets in. Cedrella won't turn her back on the family; the family will turn their backs on her.
Tears swim in her eyes as she pulls her sister in a hug. "I wish you would stay," she says softly. "I wish I could keep you here."
Cedrella returns the hug. Callidora feels her heart breaking as she realizes this might be her last moment with her.
"I love you, Calli."
"Be happy."