Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Draco

The sun was setting over the Quidditch pitch, casting a golden glow across the Hogwarts grounds. Adhara Malfoy leaned against a goalpost, arms crossed, as she watched the Gryffindor team wrap up their practice. Laughter and cheers echoed around the field, filling the crisp autumn air with excitement. Her brother, Draco, was nearby, barking orders at the Slytherin team as they prepared for their own practice.

Adhara had always enjoyed watching Quidditch, but today, her attention kept drifting to Fred Weasley, who was demonstrating his characteristic swagger as he soared through the air on his broomstick. He was a Beater, and with every swing of his bat, he sent bludgers whizzing dangerously close to his teammates, all while wearing that infuriatingly charming grin.

"Honestly, I can't believe he has the nerve to show his face around here," Adhara muttered, shaking her head.

"Maybe he thinks he can impress you by showing off," came a voice beside her. It was Vera with her long dark hair cascading down her shoulders and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Vera always seemed to have an opinion on everything.

"Impress me?" Adhara scoffed. "He's just being a nuisance."

Vera leaned closer, a smirk forming on her lips. "You have to admit, he's a good player. And he clearly enjoys riling Draco up."

Adhara rolled her eyes, glancing back at her brother, who was now hovering just above the pitch, eyes narrowed as he watched Fred. "Draco's fuming. He'd probably challenge Fred to a duel if it meant keeping him away from me."

Vera laughed softly. "Wouldn't be the first time. You should let them have their little showdown."

"Not a chance," Adhara replied, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling within her. "Draco would have a fit."

Just then, Fred landed smoothly near them, his expression cheerful. "Hey, Addy! Enjoying the show?"

Adhara grimaced. "Not particularly," she replied coolly.

Fred, undeterred, leaned casually against the goalpost beside her. "Come on! You can't deny that I was brilliant out there. Did you see that last bludger? I totally saved Oliver's butt."

"Or nearly took it off," Adhara shot back, suppressing a smile. "You do realize you're supposed to be on the same team, right?"

"Teamwork is overrated," he said with a grin, flashing her that infuriating charm. "Besides, what's Quidditch without a little excitement?"

"Excitement usually involves more than just causing chaos," Adhara replied, her voice firm.

"Chaos is just a form of excitement," he countered, and she could see the spark in his eyes.

At that moment, Draco descended from the air, his expression dark. "Weasley," he said, the edge in his voice unmistakable.

"Malfoy," Fred replied cheerfully, completely unfazed. "Nice to see you, as always."

Draco's glare could have melted ice. "What are you doing here, Weasley? Shouldn't you be practicing instead of bothering my sister?"

Fred shrugged, his grin unwavering. "Just having a chat with Adhara. She's much more interesting than Quidditch practice."

"Stop trying to charm her," Draco snapped, stepping closer, his protective instincts kicking in. "You're not good enough for her."

Adhara's irritation flared at Draco's words. "I can handle myself, Draco."

"Clearly," Draco muttered, his frustration palpable. He turned to Fred, his eyes narrowing. "You're treading on thin ice, Weasley. Back off."

"Back off? From what?" Fred replied, feigning confusion. "I'm just here to enjoy some banter. Right, Addy?"

Adhara could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as Fred leaned closer. "This is ridiculous," she said, trying to inject some authority into her voice. "You're acting like children."

Draco shot her a warning look. "He doesn't take anything seriously, Adhara. You have to understand that."

Fred laughed, his tone light. "Oh, come on, Malfoy. You know I'm just having fun. Life's too short to take everything seriously."

"Maybe for you," Draco snapped. "But you have no idea what you're getting into."

Adhara stepped forward, placing a hand on Draco's arm. "Enough. You're making this worse."

"Adhara, you don't understand—"

"Actually, I do," she interrupted. "Fred's not going to go away just because you tell him to. He's not afraid of you, Draco. And frankly, neither am I."

Fred looked between them, clearly reveling in the unfolding drama. "See? She's got my back," he said, flashing her a triumphant smile.

Draco's jaw clenched, and he took a deep breath, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check. "If you don't back off, I will make sure you regret it, Weasley."

"I'll take my chances," Fred replied, his grin unyielding. "But hey, how about we make this interesting? How about a little wager? If we win against your brother in the next match, you have to go on a date with me."

Adhara's eyes widened in shock. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Please," Draco interjected, his face contorted in disbelief. "You think I'm going to let you talk to my sister like that?"

Fred shrugged. "You'll just have to see who wins."

Adhara felt her heart race at the prospect. "This is insane!"

Vera, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and concern, finally piped up. "You know, I think it's a terrible idea, Fred. You have no idea how competitive Draco is."

"Exactly," Draco said, a glimmer of smugness in his eyes. "You have no chance."

"Is that a challenge?" Fred shot back, his expression full of mischief.

Adhara felt an odd mix of exasperation and excitement. "You're both impossible," she said, shaking her head.

"Come on, Addy! Live a little!" Fred encouraged, winking at her. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"Famous last words," she muttered, unable to hide her amusement as Fred continued to banter with Draco.

Draco glared at Fred, clearly seething but unable to resist the allure of competition. "You're going to regret this, Weasley. Just remember, I'll be watching."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Fred replied, his confidence unwavering.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the pitch, Adhara felt an unexpected thrill in the air—a mix of danger, excitement, and something unnameable that left her wondering what would happen next.

"Just so we're clear, I'm not participating in your little wager," Adhara said firmly.

"Sure, you say that now," Fred grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

And maybe, just maybe, Fred Weasley had a way of making her life far more interesting than she had anticipated.