Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Protective Instincts

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom buzzed with anticipation as Professor Ackerly, a strict yet sharp-witted instructor, prepared the class for a challenging lesson on counter-jinxes and protective spells. Adhara sat next to Vera, trying to focus on the professor's words while the usual ruckus from across the room distracted her—Fred and George Weasley, as always, seemed determined to turn every lesson into a comedy act.

"Think we'll make it through without accidentally hexing each other?" Vera teased, giving Adhara a playful nudge.

Adhara rolled her eyes, though a small smile crept onto her lips. "With the Weasleys around? I'm not holding my breath."

"Oi, Addy!" Fred's voice cut through the room, drawing attention from nearby students. "Try not to let the nerves get to you!"

"Don't flatter yourself, Weasley," she shot back, raising an eyebrow as she focused her wand on the practice dummy in front of her. "I can handle anything you can throw."

Fred grinned, throwing her a challenging look from across the room. Meanwhile, George gave his brother a light smack on the back. "Focus, Romeo. You're embarrassing us."

Professor Ackerly cleared his throat, calling the room to attention. "Now, as I was saying, defensive spells are all about control and precision. The key is to envision the incoming spell as energy you're redirecting, not just blocking."

Adhara refocused, gripping her wand with determination. She could feel Vera's gaze beside her, flickering between Adhara and the Weasleys with an amused smile. Trying to ignore both Fred's antics and Vera's knowing glances, Adhara focused on casting a perfect shielding spell.

But Fred, ever the distraction, caught her eye with a cocky grin. "Scared you'll mess it up, Malfoy?"

"Oh, please," she retorted, but before she could finish, a burst of energy erupted from a nearby group. A stray spell ricocheted wildly off the walls, heading straight for her.

Instinctively, Adhara lifted her wand, but before she could react, Fred had already moved between her and the spell, his wand outstretched. "Protego!" he shouted, his protective charm casting a shimmering barrier just as the spell made impact. The deflected spell fizzled, bouncing off harmlessly.

Adhara blinked, a rush of shock and confusion washing over her. Fred had actually stepped in front of her.

"Blimey, that was close!" George laughed, striding over with Vera, both looking relieved yet amused.

"Are you alright, Adhara?" Vera asked, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed amusement.

She nodded slowly, still processing what had just happened. "Yeah... I'm fine. Thanks, Fred."

Fred froze. He'd never heard her use his name like that. For a second, he didn't breathe. Her voice, soft and almost... grateful, made his heart skip. He fought to keep a smirk on his face, determined not to let on how much her words affected him. But in his mind, he couldn't help but think: if saving her meant he'd hear her say his name, he'd stand in front of spells for an eternity.

"All part of the job, Addy," he replied, giving her a wink.

Vera stifled a laugh, whispering to Adhara, "You know, he really does like calling you that."

Adhara crossed her arms, sighing. "I just... let him at this point."

George nudged Fred, raising an eyebrow. "So, you're her personal shield now, huh?"

Fred shrugged, brushing it off with a grin. "Guess so. Not that I mind."

Professor Ackerly clapped his hands, calling the class to attention once more. "Back to work, everyone. Less drama, more precision."

As the class resumed, Vera glanced sidelong at Adhara, barely suppressing her amusement. "You alright? You look a little... off."

Adhara shook her head, attempting to steady herself. "It's nothing. Just... Weasley being overdramatic."

"Oh, definitely," Vera replied, though the teasing smile on her face suggested she saw right through Adhara's bravado. "Still, it's funny. You didn't seem to mind it."

Adhara groaned. "I'm not going to let him act like some... knight in shining armor just to prove a point. It's ridiculous."

"Right," Vera said, her grin widening. "That's why you're still talking about it."

Adhara shot her a glare, but her mind kept circling back to the moment. She couldn't deny that Fred's instinct to shield her had been... different. For all his pranks and bravado, he'd done it without hesitation, without expecting anything in return. And maybe that was what unsettled her the most.

Across the room, Fred and George resumed their antics, though Fred's focus occasionally drifted back to Adhara. George elbowed him, laughing. "Mate, if you keep staring, you'll hex yourself."

Fred smirked, shrugging. "Just keeping an eye out. You never know when she might need me to save her again."

George rolled his eyes. "Right. It's the heroic duty you can't resist."

The class continued, though Adhara struggled to concentrate. Every now and then, Vera would glance over with a knowing look, clearly aware that her friend's mind was elsewhere. It didn't help that Fred was making no effort to be subtle, glancing over at every opportunity, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

When class ended, Adhara gathered her things, doing her best to avoid Fred's gaze as he and George approached. But Vera had other plans.

"Great job today, Weasleys," she said brightly, nudging Adhara. "Your heroics were almost swoon-worthy."

Fred grinned, his eyes flicking to Adhara. "Glad you think so, Vera. Maybe next time, Addy won't mind saying 'thank you' a bit louder."

"Don't push it, Weasley," Adhara replied, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. Vera stifled a laugh beside her, clearly enjoying the exchange far more than Adhara was willing to admit.

As they made their way out of the classroom, Vera looped her arm through Adhara's, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You know, I think Fred just might grow on you."

"Not a chance," Adhara replied quickly, but her resolve wavered slightly as she glanced back, catching Fred's warm smile as he watched her go.

The year was just beginning, but Adhara felt as if something between them had shifted. Despite herself, she couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps Fred Weasley was a little more than she'd given him credit for.