Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 17

Chapter 17: A Family Clash

The Christmas holidays brought the familiar chill of winter to Malfoy Manor. Icicles lined the windows, and fires crackled in the grand hearths, but the warmth did little to comfort Adhara. The house felt colder than ever, despite the decorations that adorned every room. Draco had gone back a day earlier, and he'd been unusually quiet since she arrived. Something was clearly weighing on him.

One evening, as snow fell gently outside, Draco found her alone in the drawing room. He closed the door quietly behind him, his expression serious. Adhara glanced up from the book she'd been pretending to read, meeting his gaze with a slight frown.

"What's going on, Draco?" she asked, though she had a feeling she knew exactly what this was about.

Draco crossed his arms, his tone even as he spoke. "Adhara, I think we need to talk about Weasley."

Adhara rolled her eyes and sighed. "Again? Draco, I told you, there's nothing going on."

"People don't just start rumors for nothing," Draco said, his gaze unwavering. "And the way you two are around each other—don't think I haven't noticed. I'm your brother, Adhara. I just want to make sure you know what you're doing."

She bristled, annoyed that Draco still felt the need to involve himself. "What's that supposed to mean? Fred's my friend, and I enjoy his company. That doesn't mean there's anything serious between us."

"But are you sure?" Draco pressed, watching her closely. "Because you don't seem so certain."

Adhara's cheeks flushed slightly, a wave of frustration and confusion washing over her. "Look, I don't owe anyone an explanation for my friendships. Least of all you."

Draco's expression softened a little, and he let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. But just... be careful, alright?"

Adhara looked away, her mind churning. Was there more to her feelings for Fred than she wanted to admit? Shaking her head, she brushed the thought aside. "Thanks, Draco. But I'm fine."

Later that evening, the Malfoy family gathered for dinner. Lucius and Narcissa sat at the head of the table, poised as always. Conversation was light at first, focused on the latest news from the Ministry and the upcoming events within their social circles. But as the meal continued, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

"Adhara," Lucius said, his voice calm but firm. "Have you thought about your plans after Hogwarts?"

Adhara glanced up, surprised, her gaze meeting his with a flicker of uncertainty before she regained her composure. "Well... I think I've already mentioned to you that it's been my dream to join the Wizengamot in the Ministry of Magic."

A hint of pride colored her words, yet there was a vulnerability in her eyes, as if sharing her aspirations made them all the more real—and all the more fragile.

Lucius nodded approvingly. "Yes, I think that's wise. There's a place for you in the Ministry. Your heritage and connections will make sure of it."

Her father continued, his tone shifting to something colder and more formal. "We should also begin thinking about more... personal matters. You're of age now, and your future should be secure. Your mother and I have put together a list of potential matches for you to consider. All pure-blood families, naturally. They would be suitable companions for you."

Adhara's hands tightened around her fork, her heart sinking at his words. A list of "suitable companions"? She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. "Father, I don't think that's necessary."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by her dismissal. "It is necessary. Our family must continue its legacy, and that means aligning ourselves with those who understand our values. These choices have been carefully made to benefit both you and our family."

Adhara forced a calm expression, though anger simmered beneath the surface. "I think I can make those choices for myself when the time comes."

"Enough, Adhara," Lucius said, his tone steely. "You don't seem to understand the responsibility that comes with being a Malfoy."

"And you don't seem to understand that I don't want my entire life mapped out for me," Adhara shot back, her voice sharper than she intended. "I'm not some asset to be traded off. I want to make my own choices."

Lucius's eyes narrowed, his patience clearly wearing thin. "You have a duty to this family, Adhara. You will respect the path we've laid out for you."

At this, Adhara could no longer hold back her frustration. "So that's all I am? A way to uphold the family's legacy? Do I not get to decide who I want to be with, or what I want to do with my life?"

"Enough!" Lucius's voice cut through the air like a blade. "You may think you know what you want, but your inexperience clouds your judgment. We are merely guiding you toward what's best for you."

Narcissa, who had been quiet up until now, placed a gentle hand on Lucius's arm. "Lucius," she murmured, her voice soothing. "Perhaps we should give Adhara some time to consider her options."

Lucius exhaled, his expression softening slightly, though he still looked displeased. "Very well. But remember, Adhara, this is not a matter of preference. It's a matter of duty."

Adhara bit back her response, knowing that further argument would only fuel the tension. She looked down, her hands clenched into fists beneath the table.

Draco looked at Adhara, a knot tightening in his chest as he watched the scene unfold. He felt a helplessness he wasn't accustomed to, his jaw clenched as he realized he was powerless against their father's will.

All he could do was stand by, witnessing Adhara bear the weight of expectations he had no means to shield her from, bound by the same legacy that seemed to grip them both.

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence, each bite feeling like a chore. As soon as she could, Adhara excused herself and retreated to her room, her mind spinning with anger and frustration. How could they expect her to simply follow their plans without question?

She sank onto her bed, staring out the frosty window. As the snow continued to fall, she realized just how trapped she felt. The weight of family expectations pressed down on her, threatening to crush the freedom she so desperately longed for.

For the first time, she allowed herself to wonder what it would be like to forge her own path, to be free from the responsibilities and expectations her family had placed upon her.