Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Christmas in Malfoy Manor

The grand halls of Malfoy Manor sparkled with Christmas cheer, yet Adhara felt a heaviness in her heart. The opulence surrounding her—a feast of roasted meats, spiced cider, and glimmering decorations—felt suffocating, especially after her confrontation with her father about her future.

On Christmas morning, Adhara descended the sweeping staircase, forcing herself to smile at the festive scene. Her parents were already seated in the dining room, engaging in lighthearted conversation with a few family friends. The table was adorned with elaborate place settings, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, but it felt distant, almost alien.

"Adhara! There you are," Narcissa said, her warm smile piercing through her usual cool demeanor. "Happy Christmas, dear."

"Happy Christmas, Mother," Adhara replied, settling into her chair. She glanced around, noting the beauty of the decorations, but the warmth of the season felt far from her own experience.

When breakfast commenced, Adhara participated in the customary traditions—the exchange of gifts, laughter, and the obligatory compliments about the food. However, her mind lingered on the impending discussions about her future. Her parents had made it clear they expected her to follow in their footsteps, marrying into a pureblood family.

After the meal, Adhara excused herself and retreated to her room, needing a moment of solitude. She gazed out the window, the snow-covered grounds reflecting the sunlight, but her thoughts were clouded.

Moments later, she heard a soft knock on her door. "Adhara? Are you in there?" It was Draco, his voice filled with concern.

"Yes, come in," she called, stepping away from the window.

Draco entered, leaning against the doorframe. "How are you holding up? Everything okay?"

Adhara shrugged, sitting on the edge of her bed. "It's the same as always. I'm expected to fit into their plans, and it's exhausting."

She frowned, feeling frustration bubble inside her. "They want me to marry someone from one of the old families. It's as if my life is nothing more than a piece on their chessboard."

Draco crossed his arms, concern etched across his face. "You don't have to go along with it. You can make your own choices."

"Easier said than done," she replied, looking at her hands. "They won't let me choose my own path."

Suddenly, a house-elf poked its head in. "Miss Adhara, you have a delivery! A letter from Mr. Fred Weasley!"

Adhara's heart quickened. "Please bring it here!"

"Dear Adhara,

Happy Christmas! I know I just sent a letter yesterday for your birthday, but Christmas deserves its own note, don't you think? I hope today brings you all the things you love (minus pureblood politics, of course). If the decorations around you are all shimmering silver and green, imagine a touch of red in there too, just for my sake.

I'm counting the days till we're back at Hogwarts together. It feels like the holidays stretch too long without you there. Take care, and if you ever get bored of all the prim and proper company, you know you can write back. I'll be here, adding a little chaos to the Burrow, as always.

Yours, Fred"

Adhara's face softened into a smile as she read his words. She could almost hear his teasing tone, the way he always seemed to find a way to make her laugh, even when she felt trapped in the weight of expectations. For a moment, the lavish decorations around her blurred, and all she saw was the warmth in his words.

She held the letter a little closer, feeling as if a part of him was right there beside her, his lightheartedness making the polished, restrained world of Malfoy Manor feel just a bit less daunting.

His thoughtfulness warmed her heart, reminding her of their shared moments of laughter. She felt a sense of gratitude for his friendship, especially during this season when her own family life felt increasingly restrictive.

She decided to write back, not wanting to miss the opportunity to connect with him. As she gathered her writing supplies, she hesitated, considering how to express her thoughts. Finally, she began her letter.

"Dear Weasley,

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your kind words and hope your Christmas is going well. It was thoughtful of you to reach out, especially with everything happening at home. I look forward to our return to Hogwarts.

Best regards, Adhara."

With a small smile, she sealed the letter and tucked it away, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She appreciated the connection she had with Fred, even if it was informal and uncomplicated.

Later that evening, as the festivities continued downstairs, Adhara felt overwhelmed. She slipped away to her room once more, her thoughts racing.

When she returned downstairs, the atmosphere had shifted. The conversations were punctuated with laughter and the occasional cheer. Still, she felt detached, caught between her family's expectations and her own desires.

As the night wore on, Adhara watched her parents engage with their guests, their smiles forced but practiced. She felt an inexplicable urge to confide in her mother, to express her feelings about Fred and the pressures mounting around her. But the moment never came, lost in the chaos of the evening.

After the guests had left, Adhara found a moment alone with Narcissa. "Mother, can we talk?"

Narcissa turned, her expression softening. "Of course, dear. What's on your mind?"

Adhara took a deep breath, her thoughts swirling. "It's just... I've been thinking about my future, about what you and Father want for me."

Narcissa nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"I know you have plans, but I want to make my own choices. I don't want to be married off to someone just because of their family name. I want to do something meaningful."

Narcissa's eyes widened slightly. "Adhara, you must understand that our family has expectations, traditions. But I also know that you have a strong will. If you truly want to pursue a different path, you must be prepared for the consequences."

"I'm willing to face them," Adhara replied, her voice firm. "I just need you to understand."

Narcissa smiled gently. "You're stronger than you think, my dear. Whatever path you choose, I will support you."

As they spoke, Adhara felt a weight lift from her shoulders. It was the first time she had voiced her thoughts so clearly, and it brought her a sense of clarity.

After their conversation, Adhara felt a renewed sense of hope. She knew she had Fred's friendship to lean on, and though the road ahead might be challenging, she felt prepared to face it.