The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 5

The first month of term quickly went by in a whirlwind of school work and not much else. One evening, Fidelity found herself needing to study. She headed to the Hufflepuff common room, but after setting up her parchment, quill, and books at one of the tables, she realized she couldn't focus. The noisy first-years were too distracting. Packing up her bag, Fidelity decided to head to the library instead.

Upon entering, she was met with a sea of students, all seeking the same quiet refuge. The library was serene, but with so many people, it was hardly the quiet escape she needed. Given that her homework wasn't pressing, she decided to put it off until the next day and take a walk instead.

Wandering the corridors, Fidelity found herself in front of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls ballet on the seventh floor. As she paced, she wished for a private place to study.

A few moments later, Fidelity noticed a door on the wall opposite of the tapestry. Fidelity was certain that the door had not been there a moment ago. She was also certain that it had never been there all the times she crossed that corridor in the six years she'd been at school.

Fidelity looked around to see if there was anyone nearby. There wasn't; Fidelity had ended up here because it was one of the few empty corridors. Fidelity looked back to the door, reaching out her hand. Fidelity pulled on the handle, expecting it not to budge, so she was surprised when the door swung open.

There was a short hall, shelves of flowers on both walls. Fidelity walked the few steps into the main room. With its high glass ceiling adorned with draping vines, it resembled a grand greenhouse.

In one corner, there was a potting station, and in another, a cluttered desk. To the left, she saw an enchanted loom, and to the right, a potions station. The room had multiple levels, with staircases ascending and descending in various directions, meeting at a central landing. Above the entrance was a grand balcony, and directly opposite—although on Fidelity's level, through an opening, was a forest. Fidelity was in awe; it was one of the most enchanting places she had ever seen.

Fidelity was about to advance forward when she heard a loud crack. Fidelity jumped back and let out a small yelp. A house elf now stood before her.

"I'm sorry, I stumbled across this room by mistake. I'll leave." Fidelity turned on her heel, ready to run, but then the house elf spoke.

"No need Miss," the house elf squeaked, "my name is Dilly. Dilly is the elf who takes care of this room, as did Dilly's father, Deek."

"What is this room?" Fidelity asked, stepping closer.

"This is the room of requirement. All you have to do is pace in front of the room three times and think about what you require and then the room will provide. Dilly sees you needed a place to study."

"Yes. How did you know?"

"About one hundred years ago, a student began at Hogwarts in their fifth year. Professor Weasley, who taught Transfiguration at the time, informed the student about the room to help them catch up on their studies. Dilly's father, Deek, cared for the room and assisted the student. The student even brought magical creatures to live in the vivariums. After the student left school, Deek continued to care for the creatures and rescue more. When Deek passed, it became Dilly's duty."

"That's amazing. May I use the room?"

"Of course!"

"Brilliant! It's very nice to meet you, Dilly. I'm Fidelity."

"Dilly is pleased to meet Fidelity."

"Do you live in here?"

"Oh, no. Dilly comes and goes, also working in the kitchen with the other elves. But Dilly is honored to take care of the Room of Requirement."