The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 36

Fidelity and Ava sat cross-legged on the grass in the courtyard, a half-finished game of Gobstones between them. The soft murmur of other students enjoying the late May afternoon, but the two friends were lost in their own world.

Fidelity grinned as she leaned forward to make her move, careful not to overthink it. She had learned long ago that Ava had a killer instinct when it came to Gobstones, and over-strategizing would only backfire.

"Watch this," she said with a wink, flicking one of her Gobstones across the board. It knocked one of Ava's pieces out of place, releasing a small puff of purple smoke.

Ava rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her amusement. "Getting cocky, are we?"

"Maybe," Fidelity teased, sitting back and wiping her fingers on her robes. "But you've had the upper hand for the past hour."

Ava chuckled as she leaned over to take her turn. "I'll give you that one. You deserve a win once in a while."

For a moment, they lapsed into companionable silence, the game giving way to the ease of their friendship. Fidelity had missed this-time with Ava. It felt like forever since they'd had a chance to just relax, without the pressures of classes or the weight of everything going on with Noah.

"So," Ava started, glancing at Fidelity out of the corner of her eye as she lined up her next shot, "how's everything going with you and Noah? You've been spending loads of time together lately."

Fidelity's smile softened as she rested her chin in her hand, thinking about him. "Yeah, things are... really good. Better than I expected, honestly. He's been amazing."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Amazing how?"

Fidelity shrugged, her fingers absently fiddling with a blade of grass. "He just... gets me, you know? Even when things are complicated with our families or school or anything else, he's there. It feels easy with him."

Ava's Gobstone landed squarely in the middle of the board, knocking two of Fidelity's pieces out of place. "I'm happy for you, Fidi. You deserve someone like that."

"Thanks," Fidelity said, her voice soft but sincere. "It means a lot coming from you."

Ava looked up from the game, her expression turning more serious. "But I hope you're not letting everything with him take over. You know what I mean, right? Don't lose sight of yourself."

Fidelity blinked, surprised by the comment. "What do you mean?"

"I've just noticed you've been all about Noah lately," Ava explained gently. "I get it-he's great, and I'm glad you're happy. But I don't want you to disappear into his world. You're more than just his girlfriend, you're Fidelity."

Fidelity bit her lip, considering her friend's words. She hadn't thought about it like that before, but maybe Ava had a point. She had been so wrapped up in her relationship with Noah that it was easy to forget about everything else-her friends, her hobbies, even just moments like these, where she could relax and be herself.

"I guess I have been a little caught up," Fidelity admitted. "I didn't mean to."

Ava smiled, nudging her with her shoulder. "Hey, that's what I'm here for. To keep you grounded."

"Thanks, Ava," Fidelity said, feeling a surge of warmth for her best friend. "I really do appreciate it."

"Anytime," Ava replied with a grin, her playful energy returning as she leaned back over the board. "Are you still doing that cute thread thing?"

Fidelity's cheeks warmed slightly as she glanced down at the enchanted thread tied around her left hand. "Yeah, we are. It's... it's nice. I feel connected to him, even when we're apart."

Ava's smile softened. "That's adorable, Fidi. Honestly, you two are perfect for each other."

Fidelity glanced at her best friend, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Ava. I think so too."

"Now, enough of this serious stuff. I'm about to wipe the floor with you in Gobstones."

Fidelity laughed, already feeling lighter. "We'll see about that."

"Honestly, Fidi, you've been getting better at this," Ava commented as she lined up her next shot. She flicked the Gobstone with precision, and it knocked two of Fidelity's pieces out of the ring.

Fidelity laughed, leaning back on her hands. "You say that, but you're still winning."

"Well, obviously. I always win." Ava teased, but her grin softened the words.

Ava tossed another Gobstone. "And that's game," she announced proudly. "I win again."

"Of course you did," Fidelity chuckled. She began gathering the Gobstones, shaking her head with mock defeat. "I'll have to practice more if I ever want to beat you."

"Practice all you want," Ava replied with a smirk, "but I'm unbeatable."

Fidelity rolled her eyes good-naturedly, then glanced at the castle. "We should probably head to the library. I promised myself I'd actually study today."

Ava groaned but nodded, getting to her feet and brushing off her robes. "Fine, fine. Let's get some studying in before you go all Hufflepuff on me."

As they strolled through the courtyard, Ava's gaze landed on a group of Ravenclaw boys walking by. One of them, a tall boy with messy brown hair and an armful of books, caught her attention. Ava's grin turned mischievous.

"Hey, Benjy!" she called out, causing the boy to look up, slightly startled. "You better not be skipping out on that study session tonight. I heard McGonagall's been watching the Ravenclaws like a hawk."

Benjy blinked, clearly flustered, but managed a smile. "I wasn't planning on skipping," he replied, his voice nervous but polite.

Ava shot him a wink. "Good. I'd hate to see you in detention for something as lame as not studying."

Benjy's face flushed as he hurried off with his friends, and Ava turned back to Fidelity with a satisfied grin.

Fidelity raised an eyebrow. "You really enjoy making people nervous, don't you?"

Ava shrugged innocently. "What can I say? It's a talent."

They entered the library, the familiar scent of parchment and ink welcoming them. The large room was filled with students bent over their books, quills scratching quietly as they studied for their exams. Fidelity found them a quiet corner by a window, and they settled in with their notes.

After a few minutes of silent studying, Ava leaned over, breaking the quiet. "So, speaking of Benjy... I may or may not have a new target."

Fidelity gave her an amused look. "Oh? Do tell."

Ava twirled her quill between her fingers. "Well, he's smart, he's cute, and I think he has a bit of a thing for me. Or at least, he will soon." She grinned. "I've been testing the waters."

Fidelity stifled a laugh. "Testing the waters? And how's that going?"

Ava shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "Pretty well, I'd say. He's shy, but I like a challenge. Besides, Ravenclaw boys are always fun. They're too serious. It's nice to shake them up a bit."

Fidelity shook her head with a smile. "Just don't break his heart. He might not be able to handle it."

Ava laughed softly, flipping through her textbook. "Don't worry, I won't. But you know who might not fare as well? Josh. He's been making eyes at this Hufflepuff girl lately, and I swear, that boy has no idea what he's getting himself into."

Fidelity raised her eyebrows. "Really? I didn't know Josh had it in him."

"Neither did I," Ava admitted, leaning in conspiratorially. "But I've seen him sneaking glances at her in potions. She's sharp, and I think she might even have noticed, but Josh is playing it cool. Too cool, if you ask me."

Fidelity giggled, imagining Josh trying to be smooth. "Should we give him a nudge?"

"Nah," Ava replied, smirking. "It'll be more fun to watch him figure it out on his own."

Fidelity shook her head, grinning. "You're terrible."

Ava flashed her a bright smile, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know."