Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Hogsmeade Adventures

The crisp autumn air was filled with laughter and excitement as students strolled through the charming village of Hogsmeade, their spirits high from the prospect of a day away from the usual Hogwarts routine. Adhara Malfoy walked side by side with her best friend, Vera, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks.

"Look at that!" Vera exclaimed, pointing towards a shop filled with colorful sweets. "We have to get some Honeydukes before they run out!"

Adhara chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "You and your sweets. I swear, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were part elf."

"Oh, hush! Just because you're not as obsessed with candy doesn't mean the rest of us can't enjoy it," Vera teased, nudging her playfully.

As they made their way down the cobblestone streets, the warmth of the sun and the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves created a perfect backdrop for their outing. Adhara felt a sense of freedom; it was a welcome distraction from the complications surrounding her life, especially with Draco's ongoing protective instincts regarding her relationship with Fred.

"Hey, what about checking out the bookshop?" Adhara suggested, hoping to find something new to read. "I need a break from my usual texts."

"Books and sweets? Now you're speaking my language!" Vera grinned, and together they headed towards the small, quaint shop nestled between two larger buildings.

The bell above the door chimed softly as they entered, the smell of old parchment and ink enveloping them. Adhara wandered through the aisles, running her fingers along the spines of the books. She felt the familiar thrill of discovery wash over her, escaping into the worlds crafted by the authors.

As she reached for a particularly intriguing book about magical creatures, she turned and nearly collided with a solid figure.

"Oh!" Adhara exclaimed, stepping back to regain her balance.

"Sorry about that!" Fred Weasley's familiar voice filled her ears, his signature grin spreading across his face. "Didn't see you there, Addy."

"It's fine, Weasley. Just... browsing."

Vera, sensing the chemistry between them, discreetly stepped away, pretending to examine a shelf of spellbooks nearby while giving Adhara a knowing look.

"What brings you here?" Fred asked, leaning casually against the bookshelf, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "I thought you'd be avoiding me after that little showdown with your brother."

Adhara rolled her eyes, trying to maintain a serious demeanor. "As if I'd let Draco dictate my social life. I'm here to enjoy Hogsmeade, not to hide from you."

"Fair enough," Fred replied, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Besides, I can't help but appreciate your company. It's nice to see you in a different setting."

Their conversation flowed easily, the tension from earlier encounters easing into a comfortable rhythm. Adhara felt an undeniable warmth spreading through her, a comforting sensation that had nothing to do with the chilly weather outside.

"Found anything good?" Fred asked, glancing at the book she was holding.

"Just this," Adhara said, lifting the book slightly. "It's about magical creatures. Thought I could use something different from my usual studies."

"Sounds interesting," Fred replied, genuine curiosity lighting up his expression. "You know, I remember you mentioning wanting something more meaningful in your reading."

Adhara raised an eyebrow, surprised that he had remembered. "You actually listened?"

"Believe it or not, I can be quite attentive," Fred teased, but there was an earnestness in his tone that made Adhara's heart flutter.

Just then, Vera rejoined them, pretending to be oblivious to the subtle connection. "Did you find any good books, Adhara?"

"Just this one," Adhara replied, gesturing toward the book. "What about you, Vera?"

"Oh, I'm just browsing. I'm sure I'll find something that captures my fancy," Vera said, winking at Adhara, who tried to suppress a smile.

Fred leaned in closer to Adhara, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "You should check out this book, then." He gestured towards a shelf filled with intriguing titles. "I think you might find it enlightening."

"Enlightening? Coming from you?" Adhara replied, trying to mask her surprise at his genuine interest. "Are you sure you're not just trying to impress me?"

"Maybe a little," Fred admitted with a grin. "But it's really about what I think you'd enjoy. Besides, I know you like that kind of stuff."

The moment hung between them, charged with an unspoken understanding. Adhara felt a rush of warmth, a comforting sensation that had nothing to do with the chilly weather outside.

"Well, it was nice running into you, Fred," Adhara said, feeling a little shy as she stepped back, her cheeks flushed. "I should go find something else to do."

"Wait, before you go..." Fred hesitated, reaching for something behind the counter. "I saw this and thought of you."

He presented a book titled 'Magic in the Mundane: Everyday Lessons for a Meaningful Life.'Adhara's eyes widened in surprise. "You bought that for me?"

Fred shrugged, trying to play it cool, but the smile on his face gave away his excitement. "I remembered you saying you wanted something like it, about life lessons. Figured it would be a good read for you."

Adhara was taken aback. "You really didn't have to do that."

"But I wanted to," he replied earnestly. "Besides, it'll be a reminder of our accidental run-in."

As she accepted the book, a warm rush of gratitude flooded her. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Just promise me you'll read it," he said, a hopeful glint in his eye.

"I will." Adhara assured him, feeling a flutter in her chest.

Vera, watching from a distance, couldn't help but roll her eyes dramatically at their exchange. "Come on, Adhara! We've got more shops to explore!" she called, trying to stifle her laughter.

"I guess I'll see you around, then?" Adhara said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Definitely. I'll be waiting for your thoughts on the book," Fred replied, flashing her that charming grin that made her weak in the knees.

When she walked away, the book tucked under her arm, she couldn't shake the feeling that today had shifted something between them. Perhaps their accidental encounter in the bookshop was the start of something more meaningful—a connection that would grow in ways she couldn't yet imagine.