Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Savior Once More

The sun shone brightly over the Quidditch pitch, where excitement crackled in the air like static. Adhara Malfoy shifted nervously in her seat among the Hufflepuff stands, her best friend Vera seated beside her, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. Adhara had agreed to come watch the match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff primarily to support Vera's cousin, who was playing as a Beater for Hufflepuff. It's sort of bonkers how a Slytherin has a Hufflepuff cousin. You could guess what happened in their family.

"I can't believe I'm here," Adhara said, glancing around at the cheering Hufflepuff fans. "What if the Gryffindors decide to take offense?"

Vera laughed, brushing off her worries. "Relax! They'll be too busy trying to win to care about you. Besides, it's just a game. Let's support my cousin!"

Adhara shrugged, trying to shake off her unease. Vera's excitement was infectious, and as the players took to the sky, Adhara felt herself drawn into the atmosphere.

The game began with both teams battling for control of the Quaffle, players darting across the pitch in a frenzy of color. Adhara spotted Vera's cousin zipping around, expertly avoiding Gryffindor players. Despite her initial reluctance, she felt a surge of pride.

"Go, Hufflepuff!" Vera shouted, waving her hands wildly.

"Look out!" a voice called, pulling Adhara back to the game. She turned just in time to see a Bludger hurtling toward her, aimed directly at her head. Panic surged through her as she ducked instinctively, but before she could react further, a flash of red and gold swooped in front of her.

"Watch out!" Fred Weasley shouted, his Beater's bat swinging with precision. With a swift motion, he deflected the Bludger away from her, sending it careening into the air.

Adhara's heart raced as she straightened up, her eyes wide with surprise. Fred landed nearby, a triumphant grin on his face. "You alright, Addy?" he called out, concern flashing across his features, despite the teasing nickname that always irritated her.

"I—I'm fine," Adhara stammered, the rush of gratitude mixed with annoyance flooding her senses. "Thanks for that."

"Like I said before, just doing my job," he replied, shrugging as if it were no big deal before racing back into the fray.

Vera turned to Adhara, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Looks like someone's got your back! Yet again."

"Please," Adhara said, trying to sound nonchalant as she fought to hide the warmth creeping into her cheeks. "He's just trying to show off."

"Or maybe he actually cares," Vera teased, poking Adhara in the side.

"No way," Adhara insisted, shaking her head. "He's just an annoying Gryffindor."

As the match continued, the excitement grew. Hufflepuff was putting up a strong fight, and Adhara found herself getting caught up in the energy. But her mind kept wandering back to Fred, who seemed to be everywhere, striking Bludgers and throwing playful banter to his teammates.

"Come on, Hufflepuff!" Vera cheered, her voice ringing through the stands.

Adhara clapped along, though her focus was split. Every time Fred swooped in to help his teammates, she felt a flutter of something in her chest. Was it genuine concern for her, or just typical Gryffindor bravado?

"Are you even watching the game?" Vera asked, nudging her side.

"Of course! I'm just... thinking," Adhara replied, trying to sound casual.

"About Fred?" Vera pressed with a knowing smirk.

"Definitely not!" Adhara exclaimed, her cheeks heating again. "I mean, he's just... he's just Fred."

Vera chuckled, unconvinced. "Right. Because saving you from a Bludger is just part of his 'annoying Gryffindor' persona."

"Whatever," Adhara said, trying to deflect the conversation. But her heart wasn't in it, and she found herself glancing at Fred again. There was something undeniably heroic about how he'd jumped in to protect her, and it left her feeling unsettled.

As the match wore on, the tension escalated. Hufflepuff scored a goal, sending their supporters into a frenzy, and Adhara felt herself cheering loudly. Her cousin's performance was impressive, and she was proud to support him. But every time Fred stole the spotlight, her mixed emotions bubbled to the surface.

"Fred is so dramatic!" Vera exclaimed, pointing at him as he celebrated yet another successful hit of the Bludger.

"Right? He's ridiculous," Adhara agreed, but the words felt hollow. Deep down, she had to admit that Fred's antics were entertaining, even if they annoyed her.

The match continued, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. The Gryffindor Seeker zoomed toward the Golden Snitch, and the crowd erupted in cheers as he caught it, signaling the end of the match. Hufflepuff had lost, but the energy was electric.

Vera jumped up, cheering for her cousin. "They played really well, didn't they?"

"Yeah, they did," Adhara admitted, her heart still racing from the excitement. As she stood, she spotted Fred approaching, his face flushed with exhilaration.

"Another win for Gryffindor!" he declared, puffing out his chest in mock arrogance.

Adhara rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Congratulations, I guess. You know, you could have hurt yourself trying to save me."

"Totally worth it," Fred replied with a casual grin, the sincerity in his voice catching her off guard. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

Adhara's breath caught in her throat, and she felt a rush of warmth wash over her. She wanted to dismiss his words, to remind herself that it was just his Gryffindor nature, but the intensity of his gaze made it hard to brush off.

"Right. Because you care so much," she said, trying to keep her tone light but unable to hide her curiosity.

"Yeah, because I do," Fred replied simply, his expression softening. "Just saying, you're kind of important to me, Addy."

Adhara's heart raced at his words, and she wanted to protest, to remind him that they were from different worlds. But as the crowd began to disperse, she realized that the line between annoyance and something deeper was beginning to blur.

"Let's go find Vera's cousin," Adhara said, attempting to shift the focus. "He played well today."

"Sure," Fred said, falling into step beside her. As they made their way through the cheering crowd, Adhara couldn't shake the feeling that this unexpected match had opened a door she never knew existed.

Maybe Fred Weasley was more than just an annoying Gryffindor after all.