The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 35

It was early May, with end-of-year exams approaching fast. The air at Hogwarts carried that familiar blend of excitement and tension as students prepared for the final stretch of the term.

Fidelity and Noah stood on the wooden bridge, gazing out at the sweeping view before them. Ever since her first year, this had been one of Fidelity's favorite spots-quiet, serene, with a perfect view of the mountains and the castle standing tall in the distance. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light, the weather warm but comfortable.

Few students passed by, leaving them to enjoy the peace. They stood together in silence, the only sounds coming from the gentle rustling of the trees and the distant trickle of water. Fidelity's heart ached at the thought of how soon it would all be behind her, the familiarity of Hogwarts slipping away as the year drew to a close.

"You know," Noah said softly, breaking the silence, "I never really told you this, but ever since my mum met you... she's been different."

Fidelity turned to him, curious. "How so?"

"She's softened. I've noticed it since you left our house that day. She's... lightened up, somehow. Brighter. Luke's noticed it too-he mentioned it in his last letter."

Fidelity considered his words, her mind drifting back to the quiet moments she'd shared with Mrs. Draven. "When I helped your mum with tea, she told me I reminded her of someone she knew when she was at Hogwarts. She said the girl was free-spirited, full of life. It seemed like she spoke about her with a lot of fondness."

Noah nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know who she was talking about, but I'm grateful for it. Whatever you did... you brought something back in her. Something good."

Fidelity smiled softly, turning back to the view. "I'm glad," she said, the ache in her chest easing just a little.

The hues of sunset cast a warm glow around them, and the peaceful quiet of the evening made the moment feel almost sacred. Fidelity could sense that the end of the school year was on their minds, as well as the uncertain future that lay ahead. But in this moment, she wanted to focus on the now, the bond they shared.

Noah held her hand in his, his thumb gently stroking over her fingers. "I've been thinking about something," he said softly, breaking the peaceful silence. He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "About us, and how we're connected."

Fidelity looked up at him, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

He pulled something small from his pocket-two slender, silver threads, gleaming faintly in the fading light. "I found these in a book on ancient bonding charms. They're enchanted threads, used to symbolize a connection between two people. Not only that-they are connected, through invisible forces. I thought... maybe we could tie them around our fingers. It's said that they can strengthen the bond between two people."

Her heart fluttered at the sight of the threads, the simplicity of them, yet the significance they could hold. "You want to bind us together?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Noah smiled, nodding. "Not in a way that takes away our freedom or choices, but in a way that reminds us we're always connected, no matter where we are."

Fidelity's heart swelled with emotion. "I love the idea."

With a careful hand, Noah took one of the threads and gently wrapped it around her left-hand ring finger. His touch was delicate, yet his movements were steady and intentional. "We'll charm them," he explained as he tied the knot, "so that they stay invisible most of the time. But we'll feel them. Whenever we think of each other or need a reminder of this moment, they'll appear."

Fidelity held her breath as he tied the second thread around his own finger, watching him finish the knot with care. Then, with his wand, he whispered an incantation, and a soft glow emitted from the threads for just a moment before they vanished from sight.

"They're tied now," Noah said, holding up his hand, the faintest trace of the thread flickering into view before fading again. He smiled at her, his eyes filled with affection. "No matter where we are, we'll always be connected."

Fidelity looked down at her hand, feeling a subtle warmth where the thread was tied. It felt comforting, like a quiet reminder of Noah's presence, even when he wasn't physically beside her. She smiled up at him, overwhelmed with love and gratitude. "We're bound together now," she whispered.

Noah stepped closer, pulling her gently into his arms. "Always," he murmured before pressing his lips to hers, sealing the moment with a kiss.

The threads that bind us.

*****

Fidelity and Noah lay together in the grassland vivarium, their legs comfortably intertwined. The exhilaration from their recent ride on one of the hippogriffs had melted into a sense of calm as they enjoyed the tranquility of the landscape. The warm sunlight bathed the creatures around them, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Fidelity lifted her left hand, her eyes catching the faint glint of the enchanted thread wrapped around her ring finger. A smile tugged at her lips, the sight of it always filling her with warmth. Noah noticed and gently took her hand, bringing it to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to her palm and then the inside of her wrist, sending a ripple of warmth through her entire body, like an unspoken promise between them.

Her smile deepened, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

Fidelity gently untangled herself from Noah, her movements slow and deliberate as she shifted. With a soft smile, she climbed on top of him, her legs settling on either side of his waist. She met his gaze, her fingers brushing lightly over his chest as she took in the moment-the quiet connection between them that needed no words.

Fidelity traced soft kisses down
Noah's jawline, lingering at his earlobe before moving to the sensitive spot just beneath it. A quiet, appreciative groan escaped his lips, and a small smile tugged at hers, pleased with the reaction. She continued her trail down his neck, her lips grazing the skin gently, careful not to leave any marks, just savoring the moment.

Noah's breath hitched again before he shifted suddenly, sitting up and smoothly flipping Fidelity onto her back. The soft grass cradled her as he hovered over her, a playful glint in his eyes. She giggled, feeling a rush of warmth, satisfied and content in the moment they shared.