Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Passing Glances

Adhara Malfoy walked into the Potions classroom, her Slytherin robes swishing with each purposeful stride as she moved to her usual seat near the front. The air was thick with the familiar, earthy scent of various ingredients, a mix of dried herbs and faintly acrid potions. She always preferred Potions; the precision, control, and quiet focus suited her well. It was one of the few classes where she could immerse herself in the craft without the distractions that came with other subjects—like her notorious classmates.

As she settled in, Adhara pulled out her textbook, mentally preparing for the lesson ahead. Professor Snape was already at the front, arranging vials and ingredients with his usual air of severity, his expression as impassive as ever. She glanced around, noting that her fellow Slytherins were already whispering among themselves, a few throwing curious glances in her direction.

Just as she opened her book, she felt a presence beside her. Glancing up, she was met with the all-too-familiar sight of Fred Weasley, wearing that infuriating grin of his. He was clearly too pleased with himself.

"You're in my seat, Weasley," she said coolly, keeping her voice steady.

He shrugged, undeterred. "Thought we'd make a good team, Addy."

Adhara's expression hardened at the nickname. "Don't call me that."

"Oh, come on," Fred replied, clearly delighted by her irritation. "It suits you."

Ignoring her glare, he sat down, fixing her with a look that suggested he wouldn't be moving anytime soon. Adhara was about to retort, but Snape's voice cut through the classroom, deep and commanding.

"Pair up for today's assignment," he instructed, his dark eyes scanning the room. "Today, you'll be brewing a Draught of Peace, a potion which requires meticulous attention. I expect only excellence." His gaze fell on Fred, and a flicker of disdain crossed his face. "And if any of you think of turning this into a joke, think again."

Fred just smiled innocently, but Adhara could sense his determination. She sighed, resigning herself to the arrangement.

"Fine. But I'm in charge," she said, her tone icy.

Fred placed a hand over his heart, feigning sincerity. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Addy."

Her teeth clenched at the nickname, but she forced herself to ignore it. "Just don't mess anything up, Weasley."

"I won't, I promise," he said, looking surprisingly earnest.

As they gathered ingredients, she noticed that he wasn't fumbling around or cracking jokes. Instead, he moved with surprising confidence, selecting each item with practiced ease. The Draught of Peace was delicate—add the powdered moonstone too quickly, and the entire potion would go up in smoke. As she carefully poured the silver liquid into the cauldron, she felt Fred's steady gaze on her.

"You're good at this," he said, a genuine note in his voice.

"Obviously," she replied curtly, trying to maintain her facade. "Not that I'd expect you to understand."

Fred chuckled under his breath, unfazed. "I actually like Potions, you know. It's a bit like cooking, which I'm not terrible at."

She blinked, momentarily thrown off. "You... what?"

"Cooking. Thought you'd know, seeing how much I've tried to impress you," he replied with a wink.

Adhara scoffed, focusing back on the potion. "Impress me? You'd have to do better than this."