The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 33

Fidelity's heart raced as she approached the imposing gates of the Draven estate. She had only seen the house from a distance, but now, standing before it, she felt a bit daunted by its grand, almost intimidating presence. The stone exterior and dark ivy creeping up the walls gave it an air of ancient, untouchable tradition-an outward reflection of the family she was about to meet.

Noah had told her what to expect. His parents were not thrilled with their relationship. Even though she was a pureblood, the fact that she was a Hufflepuff seemed to be enough to make them question her worth. It had stung when Noah told her, but she understood their perspective-though that didn't make it any easier.

She gathered herself, taking a deep breath as the gates swung open. As she made her way down the long, winding path to the front door, she spotted Noah waiting for her. His presence brought an immediate wave of calm.

"Hey, you made it," he said, smiling warmly as he walked toward her. After hugging her, he reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, you've got this."

Fidelity smiled, grateful for his support. She had rehearsed what she would say over and over in her mind, but now that she was here, all the words seemed to evaporate.

"Ready?" Noah said softly, leading her toward the door.

Inside, the atmosphere was as formal as she had imagined. The house was grand and stately, filled with portraits of ancestors staring down at them with expressions that seemed to question her presence. She swallowed the lump in her throat as they approached the dining room.

Sitting at the long, dark wood table were Noah's parents. His father, tall and stern, had the unmistakable air of a Slytherin. His mother, with her neat black hair tied back, looked more reserved than Noah had described her. Across from them sat a boy who looked strikingly like Noah, only a few years older: Luke, who offered her a small smile that gave her a glimmer of hope.

"Mother, Father, this is Fidelity," Noah introduced her, his voice steady but cautious.

Noah's father, who they had always called Mr. Draven, stood first. His cold green eyes swept over her in a brief assessment. "Miss Gardner," he greeted her stiffly, his voice a deep rumble that carried a weight of disapproval.

Mrs. Draven stood next, her expression softer but still guarded. "It's nice to finally meet you," she said, though her tone lacked warmth.

Fidelity forced a polite smile, offering a nod. "Thank you for having me."

Noah squeezed her hand again beneath the table as they all took their seats. Fidelity could feel the tension thick in the air, but she was determined to show them the person Noah saw in her.

"So, Fidelity," Mrs. Draven began, her eyes scrutinizing but not unkind, "Noah tells us you're in Hufflepuff?"

"Yes," Fidelity replied, her voice steady. "I am, but my family has been in all houses. Our family has a strong heritage of magic."

Mr. Draven's gaze remained unmoved. "But no Slytherins, I gather?" His tone was crisp, cutting through the formalities.

Fidelity hesitated, keeping her smile intact. "No, not in my immediate family. Although I do in my extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins."

A silence followed, broken only by the sound of cutlery being arranged on the table.

Mr. Draven's question about Slytherins still hung in the air, and Fidelity could feel the weight of it. The formality of the room seemed to intensify the pressure, every gaze feeling like an assessment of her worth. Noah's hand under the table squeezed hers again, grounding her in the moment. Fidelity kept her composure, determined not to let the discomfort overwhelm her.