The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 10

Fidelity awoke to pale light filtered through the windows. She saw that the other girls in her dorm were awake, and she greeted them. As she dressed for the day she remembered the note she found after the Quidditch game.

"You coming?" Penny asked. Fidelity knew that she was referring to breakfast.

"You go on without me. There's something I need to do but I'll catch up with you soon." Fidelity responded.

"Okay." Penny followed the other two girls out of their dorm room.

Fidelity slipped the note into her pocket. She knew that there was nothing inherently strange or suspicious about it, but she had a feeling she couldn't shake off. There was always the possibility it was just an ordinary note, but then again, Hogwarts is not an ordinary school.

Before breakfast, Fidelity decided to head outside to the spot where she had found the note. Maybe she would find the person who was supposed to be the recipient looking for it, or maybe she would find another piece of parchment.

Upon arrival, with minor disappointment, Fidelity found nothing there. She searched the area but still found nothing. Giving up, Fidelity headed back to the castle for breakfast. On her way in, she thought she glimpsed a figure standing on the edge of the forbidden forest. She shook it off because there are lots of creatures living in the forest, but she concluded that it was most likely a shadow.

"Where've you been?" Ava asked as way of greeting when Fidelity joined her friends for breakfast.

"I just needed some fresh air."

"Are you alright?" Penny asked, sounding worried.

"Yeah, I just felt like going outside for a moment." Fidelity smiled warmly. She was feeling better now and appreciated her friends' concern.

"Well breakfast is almost over." Cameron reminded her.

"Yeah, better eat up." Josh added.

Fidelity was very hungry. She grabbed what food was left and ate as quickly as she could before heading to her first class of the day.

Fidelity's first class was Defense Against the Dark Arts, next was her favorite class: double Care of Magical Creatures, and finally she had Charms. It was an average day and she rather enjoyed her lessons.

In the couple hours between their last lesson and dinner, Fidelity and Ava found themselves in the Room of Requirement doing homework. It was a perfect place to talk privately, away from prying eyes and ears.

Fidelity bit her lip, glancing at Ava, who was busily scribbling notes for their next Potions assignment. She knew she needed to tell someone about the note, and Ava was the most logical choice. They had shared almost everything since first year, and Fidelity trusted her completely.

"Ava," Fidelity began tentatively, "can I talk to you about something?"

Ava looked up, sensing the seriousness in Fidelity's tone. "Of course. What's up?"

Fidelity hesitated for a moment before pulling the folded parchment from her pocket. "I found this after the Quidditch match yesterday. Near the stands."

Ava's eyes widened slightly as she took the parchment from Fidelity's hand, unfolding it carefully. She squinted at the faded ink, trying to make out the words.

"...moonlight... before it's too late..." Ava read aloud, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What's this supposed to mean?"

"I'm not sure," Fidelity admitted, leaning in closer. "It was just lying there, and something about it felt... off. Like it's part of something bigger."