The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 29

March had brought with it the first hints of spring. Though patches of snow still lingered stubbornly in the shaded corners of the grounds, the sun had begun to shine a little warmer, and the air had lost its biting chill. Fidelity, Noah, Ava, Josh, Penny, and Cameron took full advantage of the changing weather, settling by the lake after lessons. The water shimmered in the sunlight, and a soft breeze carried the promise of warmer days to come.

Fidelity leaned back on her elbows, closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her face. It was a peaceful afternoon, the kind of moment that felt rare with all the responsibilities of school hanging over them. But for now, all that mattered was the sound of her friends' laughter and the easy conversation flowing between them.

"I don't know about you lot," Josh said, tossing a small stone across the lake, watching it skip a few times before sinking, "but I've had just about enough of winter. We need something fun to shake things up."

Ava smirked from her spot beside Penny. "Knowing you, 'fun' usually means 'trouble.'"

Josh grinned. "That's because trouble is fun. Besides, I think we're overdue for some mischief." He stretched out, a glint of mischief in his eye. "We should prank Snape."

Fidelity sat up at that, exchanging an amused look with Noah, who raised an eyebrow in response. "Snape?" she echoed. "Do you have a death wish, Josh?"

"I'm serious!" Josh leaned forward, his excitement growing. "It doesn't have to be anything big. Just something harmless to lighten the mood. Come on, Fidi, you can't tell me you don't want to see the look on his face when something goes wrong."

Cameron chuckled. "I don't know if I want to see it from up close. Snape's glare is terrifying."

But Penny, ever the voice of reason, spoke up. "I don't know, Josh. If we get caught, it could mean detention for weeks."

"We won't get caught," Josh insisted, flashing a confident smile. "It'll be simple, I swear. Just a little enchantment on his office door. Nothing dangerous. I was thinking... maybe we could charm it to change colors whenever he opens it. Or better yet, make it sing."

That earned a laugh from Ava. "Sing? Like what, an opera?"

Josh's grin widened. "Exactly. Imagine Snape walking into his office and the door suddenly bursts into song. It'd be hilarious!"

Fidelity couldn't help but smile at the thought. The idea of Snape being greeted by a full-blown operatic serenade every time he entered his office was too good to pass up. "It does sound kind of funny," she admitted, glancing at Noah. "What do you think?"

Noah leaned back, considering it. "As long as it's harmless and no one gets hurt... I'm in."

With Noah on board, the others quickly followed suit, Penny's hesitation fading in the face of the group's enthusiasm. The plan was set-Josh would handle the charm, Ava would assist, and the rest would keep watch or create distractions if necessary.

That evening, after dinner, they made their move.

They waited until they were sure Snape was still in the Great Hall, likely brooding over his meal, and then slipped down to the dungeons. The corridors were dimly lit, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. Fidelity's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves as they approached Snape's office. Josh led the way, grinning like a child on Christmas morning.

"Alright," he whispered, pulling out his wand. "Ava, you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Ava replied, rolling her eyes but smiling all the same.

Fidelity, Noah, Penny, and Cameron stood guard a little way down the hall, ears tuned for any approaching footsteps. The tension in the air was almost palpable, but the thrill of the prank kept their spirits high.