The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 2

Before Fidelity knew it, Friday had arrived. Fidelity and Ava had arranged to meet after lunch. Fidelity's parents gave her some money, and then she traveled to Diagon Alley by apparition (she had recently passed her test).

Fidelity and Ava met in front of Flourish and Blotts. They jumped up and down with excitement upon seeing each other and shared a long embrace. Once they broke apart, they grinned at each other.

"Oh, Fidi! I've missed you so much." Ava said, her eyes gleaming as she looked down at Fidelity.

"I know!" Fidelity exclaimed, sharing the sentiment. "I can't believe I've made it this long without seeing you!"

After a moment, the two friends made their way into the bookshop, purchasing their books. Then, they made their way to a few other shops for the rest of their supplies, chatting and getting on liked they'd never been apart. Once they were finished shopping, they agreed that they must stop by Florean Fortescue's for some ice cream and finally catch up.

"So, I've been dying to hear," Ava began, her hazel eyes glinting with curiosity, "how was your summer? Any exciting news, that you haven't already written me about?"

"Not really," Fidelity said with a laugh, "just a lot of reading and tending to my plant collection. And, of course, getting ready for the final school year. How about you?"

Ava grinned. "I spent the first part of summer working in my grandparents' shop, which I already told you a bit about. It was actually kind of fun. They have all these muggle gadgets that are pretty fascinating. Then, I went on a little trip with my sisters. We explored some charming little towns."

"That sounds amazing," Fidelity said, genuinely interested. "What was your favorite part?"

"The trip!" Ava said enthusiastically. "We found this quirky little café that had the best scones I've ever tasted. I think we might have to make it a tradition."

They continued chatting, sharing stories and catching up, until Fidelity noticed some familiar faces.

"Hey, aren't those some of your old housemates?" Ava asked, nodding towards a group of witches and wizards who had left Hogwarts the previous year.

"Yes, they are!" Fidelity said, waving excitedly. "Let's go say hi."

They approached the group, and Fidelity was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome they received.

"Fidelity!" One of the older girls gasped, pulling her into an embrace. "How good to see you! How has your summer been? Are you ready to go back to school?"

Before Fidelity could respond, the other girls pulled her into hugs as well. A couple of the boys did the same while the others just mussed her hair.

Fidelity laughed, "I've missed you guys! Hogwarts definitely won't be the same without you lot."

After a few minutes of catching up, Ava and Fidelity said their goodbyes to the group and headed back to where they'd started before eventually parting ways. The best friends shared another embrace and expressed their excitement to see each other soon, at the start of school.

Fidelity's trip to Diagon Alley was uneventful, but it had been pleasant. She always enjoyed seeing her friend outside of school. Sometimes she wished that Ava was in her same house so that they could share a dorm and common room. But then again, she loved Ava the way she was, and that meant she was a Gryffindor.

*****

Fidelity slept in as late as possible on September first. She had done all her packing the evening before to extend that time. She got up two hours before the train left and took her time getting ready. Then, she had breakfast with her parents and her youngest brother, Carter, who was four years older than her. The house felt quieter with her three other older siblings already moved out, and she knew it wouldn't be long until Carter left too, which made her feel sad and lonely. But this was her last year at Hogwarts and she wouldn't be around much longer either.