Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Leaving for the Holidays

The last day of term was always filled with excitement and a slight pang of longing. The corridors were alive with students hurriedly packing trunks, sharing laughs, and saying quick goodbyes, their anticipation of the holidays palpable. Adhara found herself immersed in the bustle, carefully folding her robes while Vera perched on her bed, giving her a knowing look.

"So," Vera started, a teasing glint in her eyes, "two whole weeks away from Hogwarts...you think you'll survive without a certain Gryffindor?"

Adhara rolled her eyes, brushing off the comment with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Don't be ridiculous. Fred Weasley has absolutely nothing to do with my holiday plans."

Vera raised an eyebrow, her smirk only growing. "Right. I mean, it's not like the rumors haven't been swirling for weeks. And it's not like you've spent practically every break in the common room looking out the window in that direction."

Adhara tried not to let the flush in her cheeks show, but Vera noticed and laughed. She nudged Adhara gently. "Fine, I won't press. But if you start missing him, just know I'll be here to say 'I told you so' the moment we're back."

Once she finished packing, Adhara and Vera made their way down to the courtyard. A crowd of students had already gathered, some calling out final goodbyes. In the midst of the crowd, she saw Fred talking animatedly with George. As if sensing her gaze, Fred looked over, catching her eye. He excused himself from his brother and made his way over, a grin already forming.

"So, Addy, last chance," he said with an exaggerated sigh, hands tucked into his pockets. "Are you ready to face the holidays without me?"

Adhara crossed her arms, raising her chin a little. "Are you sure it's not you who's going to be missing me?"

Fred chuckled, feigning a wounded look. "Addy, don't break my heart like that. Besides, we both know you're going to miss me."

"Unlikely," she replied, her voice full of mock indifference, though she couldn't help a small smile.

Fred leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. His voice was barely above a whisper, low and rough, carrying a hint of playful warmth just for her. "Well, if you start missing our little talks... just remember, next term isn't too far away," he murmured, his tone carrying a softness that lingered in the air between them. "And you've got that book I gave you. Think of it as a little reminder to keep me on your mind, yeah? Just keep reading it."

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips, and he paused for a moment, searching her gaze with an intensity that made her heart race. "And... advance happy birthday, Addy." His voice softened even further, his words lingering between them like a quiet promise, leaving her with a warmth that would carry her through the weeks until they met again.

He knew she disliked sharing her birthday with Christmas Eve—a day when her special moment often faded into the holiday bustle. Yet, here he was, quietly remembering, as if promising to see her birthday beyond all the tinsel and tradition. His gaze held hers, as though he saw her in a way that no one else did, and it left her with a warmth she knew she'd carry long after he'd gone.

He lingered for a moment, his gaze steady, the corners of his mouth lifted in a knowing smile that softened his words.

Before she could respond, Fred gave her a quick wink and turned back to George, leaving her with a soft smile. As much as she hated to admit it, she already felt a pang of something close to disappointment.

Vera nudged her as they walked toward the carriages, looking far too pleased. "You're totally going to miss him."

Ignoring her friend's comment, Adhara glanced back at Fred, who was already lost in conversation with George, and then refocused on her steps. But as they boarded the train and she settled into a compartment with Draco, she couldn't shake the thought that maybe Fred had a point.

The train ride was unusually quiet. Adhara watched the changing landscape pass by, her mind drifting back to the countless moments in the past months with Fred—his constant teasing, his unexpected kindness, the banter that had become strangely familiar. Meanwhile, Draco was absorbed in his own thoughts, barely saying a word. Every now and then, he shot her curious glances, though he never quite voiced his concerns.

After what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into King's Cross. The platform buzzed with families reuniting, the station full of laughter, hugs, and the clamor of carts and pets. Standing tall amidst the crowd, Adhara could spot their parents instantly. Lucius stood with his usual composure, his gaze sharp as he scanned the throng of students, while Narcissa smiled, a gentle warmth in her eyes when she saw them.

Draco straightened his collar, adopting a composed expression, while Adhara took a deep breath. As they made their way through the crowd toward their parents, she could feel herself slipping back into a role she knew all too well, but it felt different after the months spent at Hogwarts.

"Adhara, Draco," Lucius greeted them with a nod, his tone cool yet expectant. "I trust your term was productive?"

Draco nodded. "Yes, Father."

Adhara muttered a polite response, "Yes, Father." But her mind wandered back to Hogwarts—the freedom she felt there, the friendships she couldn't quite acknowledge openly.

Their father's gaze shifted to her, lingering for a moment as if he sensed her unease. "Good. We have a number of matters to discuss over the holidays, so let's not linger."

Adhara felt her stomach tighten slightly at his words, though she nodded in understanding. She knew there would be discussions about her future, her plans after Hogwarts. It was a recurring topic every holiday, but somehow it felt weightier now. The train journey home felt like it had transported her back not just to London, but to the expectations and rules that defined her family's world.

As they left the platform, Adhara glanced back once more at the train, catching one final glimpse of the students still trickling out, caught in the freedom of friendship and holiday cheer. A small part of her already longed for the independence that Hogwarts had allowed, and the camaraderie she shared with people who saw her for herself, not her last name or bloodline.

The drive home was silent, with Narcissa occasionally casting a gentle look in her direction, as if sensing her daughter's distraction. Lucius was already discussing future plans, touching on his own achievements at the Ministry, his contacts, his expectations. And though Adhara nodded in response to his words, her mind was elsewhere.

She found herself replaying moments with Fred in her mind—the playful teasing, his easy laughter, the way he somehow managed to make even the most mundane situations amusing. It was strange to think she'd miss such things, but as their home loomed ahead, a part of her clung to those memories, knowing they'd be her secret escape for the next few weeks.

When they finally arrived home, Lucius was quick to leave for the study, while Narcissa lingered behind, giving her children a soft, encouraging smile. "Welcome home, both of you," she said, pulling them each into a gentle hug.

Adhara felt her mother's warmth, but it did little to quell the weight on her shoulders. She gave her mother a small, reassuring nod before excusing herself to her room. As she unpacked, her fingers brushed over the cover of a small book she'd brought from Hogwarts, a gift from Fred. Opening it, she found herself drawn to the first few pages, the words leaping out as if they were meant for her.

There, in the quiet of her room, she allowed herself a small smile, comforted by the thought that she wasn't entirely alone.