Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 14

Chapter 14: A Midnight Confession

The night was serene, the moon hanging low in the sky like a silver coin, illuminating the Astronomy Tower with a soft, ethereal glow. Adhara Malfoy climbed the stone staircase, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of Hogwarts castle. After a long day filled with classes and Quidditch excitement, she needed a moment away from the chaos, and the Astronomy Tower had always been her refuge.

As she reached the top, the sight before her stole her breath away. The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across a velvet blanket, and the cool breeze danced through her hair. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her since the Quidditch match.

But as she stepped onto the balcony, she spotted a familiar figure leaning against the stone wall, staring out at the night sky. Fred Weasley, his red hair tousled and a lazy grin plastered across his face, turned to her as she approached.

"Hey, Addy!" he called out, his words slightly slurred. "You're just in time for the best view of the stars."

Adhara raised an eyebrow, noticing the empty bottle of Butterbeer next to him. "Have you been drinking again, Weasley?"

"Just celebrating our glorious victory!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms wide as if to encompass the entire night sky. "Hufflepuff didn't stand a chance!"

Adhara couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. Despite his inebriated state, there was something undeniably charming about him. "You do realize that they put up a good fight, right?"

Fred waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, but we won! And you were there! I couldn't let anything happen to you, not with those Bludgers flying around."

She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her chest couldn't be ignored. "You're ridiculous."

Fred stepped closer, his expression softening as he leaned against the stone wall. "You know, there's something about this place... it feels safe. Like I could just... be myself."

Adhara watched him, noticing the way his eyes sparkled under the moonlight. "Is that so?" she asked, crossing her arms. "What does that even mean?"

"It means," he said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, "that when I'm with you, I feel... I don't know, like everything's okay. Like nothing else matters."

Adhara's heart raced. She'd never seen this side of Fred—so vulnerable and honest. The way he spoke made her think of the sun rising after a long night, warm and full of promise. "You're just drunk," she replied, trying to keep the mood light despite the seriousness of his words.

"Maybe," he admitted, his smile fading slightly as he looked into her eyes. "But I mean it. The way you talk, the way you laugh... it sounds like heaven. I've never met anyone like you, Addy. You're like... the best part of my day."

Adhara felt her cheeks flush, a mix of flattery and confusion flooding her thoughts. "You don't have to say that. You're just trying to impress me."

"No, I'm not!" he protested, taking a small step toward her, his gaze intense. "I like you, Adhara. Like, really like you. And I know I'm not supposed to, and it's probably the Butterbeer talking, but I can't help it."

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she simply stared at him, her mind racing.

Fred took a step closer, his voice softening. "I feel safe with you, you know? Like I can just let everything go and be me. I don't have to pretend."

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Fred, you don't have to—"

Before she could finish, Fred leaned in closer, his face inches from hers, eyes heavy with sleep and sincerity. "Addy..." he murmured, his voice trailing off.

And then, just like that, he swayed slightly and collapsed against her, his body going limp.

"Fred!" Adhara exclaimed, catching him before he fell completely. She managed to support him against the stone wall, her heart racing. "Seriously? You pass out on me now?"

She shook him gently, but he simply sighed contentedly, a goofy smile on his face as he drifted into unconsciousness.

"Great," she muttered, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling her. "Just great."

Adhara couldn't help but smile despite herself. As she settled down beside him, leaning against the cool stone, she felt a wave of emotions wash over her. Fred's confession echoed in her mind. Did he truly mean what he said? Did he really like her that much?

"Fred, wake up," she whispered, nudging him lightly. "You can't just fall asleep like this. I have questions!"

But he only shifted, a slight smile still lingering on his lips.

"Okay, if you're going to sleep, at least let me entertain myself," she said, glancing around the tower. Adhara's eyes landed on the stars above, and a thought struck her. "I could sing."

"Hmm?" Fred mumbled, his eyes fluttering open slightly. "What was that?"

"Nothing," she replied, suppressing a grin. "Just talking to myself."

"Sing for me," he murmured, his voice a sleepy request. "You have the best voice, Addy. I love when you sing."

"Seriously? You're drunk, and I'm not going to sing for you," Adhara replied, though part of her was tempted.

"Please," he said, his eyes closing again but his smile still present. "I like your voice. It's... comforting. Like the stars."

Adhara sighed, shaking her head, but there was a warmth in her chest at his words. "Fine. Just this once."

She took a deep breath and began to hum softly, the melody flowing from her lips like a gentle breeze. She chose a simple tune, one that reminded her of childhood, filled with hope and innocence. The sound echoed in the stillness, and Adhara lost herself in the moment, the worries of the world fading away.

Fred listened, entranced. As her voice filled the air, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. "See? You should do this more often," he murmured, swaying slightly as if he were dancing to the music.

Adhara's laughter mingled with the notes. "You're ridiculous, Weasley. I can't believe you're this comfortable with me."

"You make me comfortable," he replied, a hint of sincerity in his sleepy tone. "I've never met anyone like you, Addy. Not ever."

As she finished her song, Fred opened his eyes fully, gazing at her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

"Stop it," she said, trying to sound dismissive, but her heart raced nonetheless.

"I mean it. The way you sing, the way you talk, the way you just are... it's all amazing," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If I could, I'd listen to you sing forever."

Adhara felt her cheeks heat up, unsure how to respond. "You're just saying that because you've had too much Butterbeer."

"No," he said, shaking his head slightly, his seriousness returning. "I mean it. If it takes passing out to get you to sing for me, I'll do it every night. I'd save you every time if it meant hearing you call my name."

She chuckled softly, feeling the tension of the moment shift slightly. "Well, I can't promise to sing every time, but I'll think about it."

Fred grinned, the drowsiness returning to his expression. "Good enough for me."

He leaned against her shoulder, closing his eyes once more, a contented sigh escaping his lips. Adhara felt a rush of warmth as she realized how close they were, the weight of his head resting against her.

"Goodnight, Fred," she whispered, looking up at the stars once more, a sense of peace settling in her heart. As she gazed at the vastness of the night sky, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something deeper and more meaningful. When she came to check on Fred, he was already sleeping soundly.

She smiled softly to herself, the echo of his words resonating in her mind.