The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 19

Fidelity dismounted the train onto Platform nine and three-quarters. She bid her friends farewell and was greeted by her parents and Carter.

"Fidi!" Carter's voice boomed as he waved wildly, pushing through the bustling crowd. He reached her first, pulling her into a tight hug that lifted her feet off the ground.

"Carter, I can't breathe!" Fidelity laughed, squirming out of his grasp as their parents approached, smiling warmly.

Her mother wrapped her in a gentle hug. "You're freezing, darling! Let's get you home and into something warm."

Her dad grinned, ruffling her hair affectionately. "So, how's Hogwarts treating you this year? Anything exciting happen?"

Fidelity hesitated, thinking of the pendant, the map, and the near-disastrous events in the Forbidden Forest. "Oh, you know, the usual," she said lightly, shooting Carter a knowing glance. "Classes, Quidditch matches... Nothing too out of the ordinary."

Her father raised a curious eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, we've got plenty of time to catch up. Your mum's been busy with holiday decorations-things are looking festive at home."

Fidelity smiled, falling into step with them as they made their way through the platform. As they passed families greeting their children, she couldn't help but feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the holiday season-it was the comfort of being home.

They Apparated back to their cozy house, and the moment they stepped inside, Fidelity was greeted by the familiar scent of pine, cinnamon, and her mother's homemade gingerbread. The Christmas tree stood tall in the corner, twinkling with enchanted lights, ornaments dancing gently among the branches.

"It looks beautiful, Mum," Fidelity said, admiring the decorations as she shrugged off her coat.

"We've still got the enchanted garlands to hang," her mother replied. "They float around the house on their own. They were your father's idea."

Carter chimed in with a grin. "Oh, and you should see Dad's latest addition to the holiday setup. He's enchanted the wreaths to sing Christmas carols."

"Only when someone walks by," her dad added proudly. "It's a real showstopper."

Fidelity laughed, imagining the house filled with magical wreaths bursting into song at random intervals. "I can't wait to see it."

They spent the rest of the day settling in, sipping hot cocoa by the fire while the magical garlands swirled gently around the room, filling the air with holiday cheer. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape outside, Fidelity found herself finally relaxing, the tension from school slowly melting away.

*****

A few days before Christmas, the Gardner house hummed with anticipation. Fidelity's siblings were arriving one by one, filling the cozy home with laughter, conversation, and a sense of togetherness that always came during the holidays. The familiar sound of Sydney's footsteps were the first to greet her as she stepped into the house, her arms laden with presents.

"Where's my favorite little sister?" Sydney called out playfully as she unwrapped her scarf.

"Right here!" Fidelity rushed over, smiling widely as she embraced her older sister.

Sydney pulled back, eyeing her with mock suspicion. "Hmm, you've grown since the last time I saw you. Must be that food they're giving you at Hogwarts."

"Well, someone's been sending me enough snacks," Fidelity replied with a grin, gesturing to the corner where the packages Sydney had sent her were still stacked.