The Serpent and the Spark

Chapter 11

Elena's heart was still racing the next morning as she sat on the edge of her bed in the small, hidden room Fred had brought her to. Her lips still tingled from their kiss, and every time she thought about it, a rush of warmth filled her chest. She knew what had happened between them the night before had changed everything. Fred was no longer just the boy who teased her, the Weasley who challenged her in ways no one else dared to. He was more now—he was her choice. And that choice would have consequences.

But for the first time in her life, Elena was willing to face those consequences head-on.A soft knock on the door startled her from her thoughts. She stood quickly, brushing a hand through her hair as the door creaked open. Fred poked his head inside, his familiar grin spreading across his face. But behind the lighthearted expression, she could see the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Morning, Malfoy," Fred said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "Sleep well?"Elena raised an eyebrow. "Do you really have to call me that after last night?"Fred chuckled, moving closer to her, his eyes warm as he studied her face. "Alright, Elena. Better?"She smiled despite herself, her heart fluttering again at the sound of her name on his lips. "Much better."Fred's grin softened as he reached out and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. "We need to talk," he said, his voice suddenly serious.The change in his tone sent a ripple of unease through her. "What is it?"Fred hesitated for a moment, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand. "George found out. About us. About you being here."Elena's eyes widened. "What? Did he—?""He hasn't told anyone," Fred interrupted, shaking his head. "But he's worried, and he's not wrong to be. You can't stay hidden forever, Elena. Sooner or later, someone's going to notice you're gone, and when that happens...""When that happens, my father will come for me," she finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

Fred nodded, his expression tense. "George thinks it's only a matter of time before the Ministry's involved, too. If Lucius pulls the right strings..."Elena's stomach twisted. She had known it was inevitable—her father's influence stretched far and wide, and the Ministry wouldn't hesitate to help him track her down. She could already imagine the headlines: "Malfoy Heir Missing" or worse, "Elena Malfoy Defies Family Legacy." The shame, the scandal, the disappointment would be unbearable.But she was not that girl anymore."I can't go back," she whispered, more to herself than to Fred. "I won't."Fred squeezed her hand, his gaze steady and unwavering. "We'll figure something out. George is helping, and so are the others. You're not alone in this."

The others. Elena knew Fred was referring to his friends—Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the Weasley family. She had always kept her distance from them, especially because of the tension between her family and theirs. But now, Fred was offering her a lifeline to a world that was so different from the one she had grown up in."I don't know if I belong there," she admitted, her voice trembling with doubt. "With your family, with your friends. I'm a Malfoy, Fred. People won't just forget that."Fred's expression softened, and he gently cupped her cheek, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're Elena," he said firmly. "Not just a Malfoy. And my family? They'll accept you because they know who you really are, not just your name."

Elena's eyes welled with emotion as she looked into his steady gaze. Fred believed in her, even when she wasn't sure she believed in herself. He made her feel like she could stand on her own, that she could be more than just her father's daughter. But the reality of their situation was still looming, like a storm waiting to break."We can't keep hiding here," Elena said, her voice firmer now. "We need to face this."Fred nodded, though his brow furrowed with worry. "You're right. But if we're going to face it, we need to have a plan.""What do you suggest?" Elena asked, biting her lip.Fred thought for a moment, then took a deep breath. "We need to tell the Order."Elena's heart skipped a beat. The Order of the Phoenix—the secret group of witches and wizards fighting against the rising tide of dark magic, led by Dumbledore himself. She had heard whispers about them from Draco, from her father, but she had never truly understood what they stood for. Now, the idea of involving them seemed both terrifying and necessary."Will they even help me?" she asked, doubt creeping back in. "I'm not exactly one of them."Fred's hand tightened around hers. "They'll help you because you're choosing the right side. This isn't about bloodlines or families. It's about fighting for what's right. And you've already made your choice."

Elena swallowed hard, nodding. She had made her choice—Fred, freedom, and a future where she wasn't defined by the Malfoy name."What about Draco?" she asked, her voice quieter now.Fred's expression darkened. "He'll find out soon enough. And when he does...""I know," Elena said, finishing his sentence. Draco would be furious. And he wouldn't stay quiet for long.They spent the rest of the morning discussing their plan in hushed tones, laying out the steps they would take to ensure Elena's safety. Fred promised to talk to Harry and Hermione, to see how they could bring Elena under the Order's protection without raising suspicion. Every moment felt like they were balancing on a knife's edge—one wrong move, and everything would collapse.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the castle grounds, Fred had left to speak with George and the others, leaving Elena alone in the small, secret room. Her mind was spinning with the weight of everything they had discussed, but deep down, there was a strange sense of calm. She had a plan now. They had a plan.Hours later, as the castle grew quiet, the door creaked open again. Fred stepped inside, his face tired but determined. Without saying a word, he crossed the room and pulled Elena into a tight embrace. She melted into him, her head resting against his chest, the steady beat of his heart grounding her."We'll get through this," Fred whispered, his lips brushing the top of her head. "I promise."Elena closed her eyes, holding him closer. "I believe you."They stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside forgotten. For the first time in days, Elena allowed herself to relax, to feel safe in Fred's embrace.But even as they stood there, she knew the storm was coming.And this time, there was no turning back.