The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 6

The only person Fidelity told about the Room of Requirement was Ava. She had considered keeping it to herself but hated to keep anything from Ava and was dying to tell someone. Although Fidelity would have liked to have the room to herself, she was okay sharing it with Ava.

It was already the second week of October which meant the first Hogsmeade visit. The last time Fidelity had seen Noah was in the library when they decided to go to Hogsmeade together. She knew that she would need to talk to him beforehand.

On the morning of the Hogsmeade visit, after she finished her breakfast, Fidelity sauntered over to the Slytherin table to find Noah. He was sitting with his friends. Fidelity was nervous, and didn't want to interrupt, but she spoke anyway.

"Hey, Noah," Fidelity said enthusiastically.

Noah turned around as his friends sniggered. He smiled when he saw Fidelity.

"Hi, Fidelity!" Noah stood up. "Doing alright?"

"Fantastic. How are you?"

"That's brilliant. I'm doing well, thanks."

"Are we still going to Hogsmeade together?" Fidelity asked.

"Of course! As long as you still want to."

"Oh, definitely." Fidelity looked up at Noah shyly.

"Would you like to meet outside the school in an hour? Then we can walk to the village together."

"That's perfect, I'll see you then!"

Fidelity walked out of the great hall at a normal pace, but once she was out, she sprinted all the way to the Hufflepuff common room. She would need to get ready before Hogsmeade and she wanted to look nice.

Fidelity waited outside the castle. She was five minutes early. She felt awkward standing there alone but she would rather be early than keep a friend waiting. Apparently, Noah had the same idea.

"You're a bit early."

Fidelity turned around to see Noah. "So are you." She smiled.

"Should we get going?"

"Sure."

Fidelity found it easy to talk to Noah, and he felt the same way about her. Fidelity told Noah about her family, her ambitions, and her favorite books. They also talked about Quidditch.

"Who's your favorite team?" Noah asked.

"The Appleby Arrows. Who's yours?" Fidelity replied.

"The Falmouth Falcons."

They continued on about quidditch for a bit until Noah said, "Enough about quidditch. I want to learn more about you! Tell me, what's your favorite magical creature?"

"No! Enough about me! I want to hear about you!" Fidelity said sincerely. "But probably mooncalves ... or maybe nifflers. Actually ... I can't pick, I love them all." Fidelity added. "But seriously, tell me about yourself. What's your family like?"

Noah laughed. He looked down at Fidelity admiringly but she missed this.

"Well," he began, "I have one older brother, he's nineteen, his name is Luke. He's also a Slytherin and so are my parents."

"Okay, Noah Draven, youngest child (like myself), one older brother." Fidelity reviewed aloud. "What are your career interests? Plans after Hogwarts?"

"I'd like to work for the Ministry. Maybe even be Minister of Magic one day. I just know that I would like to make a change, and that's easier to do if I'm in an important position. I feel there are so many things I can do to better our society."

Noah had the typical characteristics of a Slytherin. He was ambitious, cunning, confident, and clever. Like many other Slytherins, he wanted a position of power. What set Noah apart from others was that he didn't want power for self-benefit; he wanted power so that he could help others. He also valued some of the same things as Fidelity, like hard work and fair play. But the Sorting Hat was right to put him in Slytherin; he thrived there. Someday he would use all these qualities to make a difference.

It was Fidelity's turn to look up at Noah admiringly. "That's amazing, Noah."

They stared at each other for a moment before they realized that they had reached Hogsmeade.

"Is there anything you would like to do today?" Noah asked Fidelity.

"I didn't have anything in mind. I would be happy doing anything."

"Don't worry, I've got an idea."

Fidelity had always been a follower, only a leader when she was forced to be—when no one else would take initiative. Fidelity was also very indecisive. Noah, on the other hand, was a natural leader. He had made plans beforehand but wanted to give Fidelity the opportunity to choose what they did. Fidelity didn't know this, but if she had, she would have greatly appreciated it.

Noah led Fidelity down the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade, the crisp October air filled with the sweet scent of Honeydukes' confections and the earthy aroma of autumn leaves. They made their way to the Three Broomsticks, and Noah held the door open for Fidelity.

"How about a butterbeer to start?" he suggested.

Fidelity nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds perfect."

Inside, the pub was bustling with students, all chattering excitedly. They found a cozy corner table and sat down. Noah ordered two butterbeers. Fidelity smiled and took a sip, savoring the warmth of the butterbeer.

"So, what else do you have planned for today?" she asked, curious about Noah's mysterious ideas.

Noah grinned mischievously. "You'll see. But first, I thought we could visit Zonko's Joke Shop. Ever been?"

Fidelity laughed. "I love Zonko's!"

As they walked to Zonko's, Noah shared stories of his pranks and adventures at Hogwarts, making Fidelity laugh until her sides hurt. Once inside the joke shop, they explored the shelves filled with magical trick items. Noah picked up a box of Filibuster's Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks and handed it to Fidelity.

"These are brilliant," he said. "Want to set some off later?"

Fidelity's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Definitely!"

They continued browsing, trying out various gadgets and laughing together. When they left Zonko's, Noah suggested they head to Honeydukes for some sweets.

Fidelity's eyes widened as she took in the rows of candies. Noah picked up a bag and started filling it with various treats, handing it to Fidelity. "Pick anything you like."

They wandered through the store, selecting an assortment of chocolates, sugar quills, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. When they left, their bags were brimming with sweets.

"Now, for the final part of the plan," Noah said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Follow me."

He led Fidelity to a quiet spot by the Shrieking Shack. The usually eerie place looked almost enchanting in the late afternoon light. Noah spread out a blanket on the ground, and they sat down, sharing the treats they had bought.

"This is amazing, Noah," Fidelity said, touched by the thoughtfulness of his plans.

Noah shrugged, a little bashful. "I just wanted us to have a good time."

They spent the next hour talking, laughing, and setting off the fireworks from Zonko's, which burst into colorful sparks that danced in the sky. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village, Fidelity felt a warm contentment settle over her.

"I had the best time today," she said softly.

Noah looked at her, his expression gentle. "Me too, Fidi. We should do this again."

Fidelity's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. "I'd like that."

As they walked back to Hogwarts, side by side, the air between them was filled with unspoken promises and the spark of something new and exciting.