The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 21

The cold January air nipped at Fidelity's cheeks as she stepped onto the bustling platform of King's Cross. Students hurried to and fro, trunks rattling behind them, the excited chatter filling the station. Her heart pounded, though she wasn't entirely sure if it was from the thrill of returning to Hogwarts or the anticipation of seeing Noah again. Two weeks felt like forever, and despite all the fun she'd had with her family, she'd missed him more than she expected.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, and then she saw him.

Noah stood near the entrance to the train, his dark hair tousled by the winter breeze. He hadn't noticed her yet, chatting with a few Slytherins, but that familiar crooked smile tugged at his lips as he laughed at something one of them said. It was like the world around her quieted for a moment. All she could focus on was how much she had missed that smile, that easy confidence.

Without thinking, her feet carried her forward, weaving through the crowd of students. She quickened her pace, her heart thudding in her chest. Then, before she knew it, she was running.

"Noah!" she called, her voice breathless.

Noah turned at the sound of her voice, his dark eyes widening in surprise. A slow grin spread across his face just as she reached him, flinging her arms around his neck in a tight hug. He froze for a split second before wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close.

"I missed you," she blurted out, her words muffled against his scarf.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, embarrassment washed over her. What was she doing? She barely ever initiated things like this. She pulled back, suddenly shy, her cheeks flushing as she ducked her head. "I mean... it's good to see you."

Noah laughed softly, a warmth in his eyes as he gazed down at her. "It's good to see you too, Fidi."

Fidelity cleared her throat, her heart still racing, and took a step back. She glanced around, hoping no one had seen her moment of impulsiveness. But before she could say anything more, a familiar voice broke through the crowd.

"Fidi! Noah!" Ava waved, a wide smile on her face as she approached, followed by Josh, Cameron, and Penny. "Finally found you!"

Fidelity felt a wave of relief as Ava pulled her into a tight hug. She hugged her friend back, grateful for the distraction, though the warmth of Noah's embrace still lingered. Soon, she was caught up in a flurry of greetings, hugs, and laughter with the rest of her friends.

"Good break?" Josh asked, giving her a one-armed hug while balancing his broomstick over his shoulder.

"Great! But I'm ready to be back," Fidelity replied, feeling more at ease now.

Cameron grinned. "I just hope we don't have a pile of homework waiting for us the minute we get back."

"Don't jinx it!" Penny groaned. "I just want to enjoy the train ride before we're buried under essays."

As they all boarded the train together, Fidelity found herself glancing back at Noah. He caught her eye and gave her a soft smile, his gaze lingering just a second longer than usual. Her heart gave a little flip, and she quickly looked away, her stomach fluttering with nerves.

Once they were settled into a compartment, Ava, Josh, Cameron, and Penny quickly launched into animated conversations about their holidays. Fidelity, however, found herself quiet, still thinking about that moment on the platform. She caught Noah's eye again, and this time, he raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her sudden quietness.

"You alright?" he asked quietly, leaning in slightly so only she could hear.

Fidelity nodded quickly. "Yeah, just... happy to be back," she replied, though her cheeks betrayed her as they flushed again.