Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Surprise

Fred Weasley loved every moment he spent with Adhara. She was finally calling him by his first name now, and it filled him with a warmth that he hadn't anticipated. No longer was he "Weasley" to her, the name that had always carried the weight of his family's legacy and his own mischievous reputation. Instead, she said "Fred," a name that felt intimate and personal, a reflection of the deepening bond between them.

There was a new sweetness in her voice, an intimacy that hadn't been there before, and each time she said his name, it felt like a small, cherished victory—proof that she was letting him closer to her heart.

The news of Fred and Adhara's relationship had only been out for a day, but it felt like every corner of Hogwarts was buzzing with it. Whispers trailed them down hallways, eyes followed them, and more than a few heads turned when they laughed a bit too loudly. Students from all houses seemed fascinated, watching the unlikely pair as if they were the latest chapter in an unfolding story.

Some students grinned as they passed by, offering Fred knowing winks or playful thumbs-up. Adhara could feel the curious gazes on her but chose to ignore them, holding her head high. She'd spent enough time worrying about what people thought; she was done pretending this wasn't something she wanted.

Fred seemed to take it all in stride, as if the added attention was merely a side effect of being himself. But when he caught Adhara's eye across the room, he'd give her a quick smile—a small but unmistakable reminder that this, whatever "this" was, was real.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was buzzing with chatter. Adhara Malfoy sat at the Slytherin table, absentmindedly stirring her pumpkin juice while stealing glances at the Gryffindor table. Fred Weasley's laughter echoed through the hall, and every time she caught sight of him, her heart fluttered.

"Never thought I'd live to see the day when Adhara Malfoy would ask Fred Weasley to be her boyfriend," Vera teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she poked Adhara's shoulder. She leaned back, crossing her arms with a smirk. Adhara had told Vera the news the moment she saw her.

Adhara rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "Please," she replied with a sly grin, raising an eyebrow at her friend. "I was doing him a favor, really. Someone's got to keep him out of trouble."

Vera laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, is that what you're calling it now? Taking pity on poor Fred Weasley?" She nudged Adhara again, unable to contain her grin. "You know, if he's so hopeless, why do I get the feeling that you might be the one in over your head this time?"

Adhara scoffed, trying to keep her composure. "If anyone's in over their head, it's him," she insisted, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. "I mean, he's just lucky I tolerate him," she added, shrugging as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Vera raised her eyebrows, looking impressed. "You're more serious about him than you're letting on, aren't you?"

Adhara let out a soft laugh, her eyes betraying a flicker of genuine warmth. "Maybe I am," she admitted, her voice softer now. "It feels... different, but in a good way. Like I'm finally where I'm meant to be."

Adhara noticed Draco entering the hall, his usual confident stride noticeable even from a distance. He scanned the room until his gaze landed on Adhara then took a seat next to her.

Draco took a steadying breath, a rare flicker of hesitation breaking through his usual composed demeanor. "Well... I suppose congratulations are in order, with you and Weasley now... a thing."

Adhara raised her eyebrows, her lips curving into a small smile. "Thanks, Draco. That actually means a lot, coming from you."

Draco gave her a slow, approving nod, though his gaze was slightly averted, as if weighing his next words carefully. "Funny thing is," he continued, almost as though he hadn't planned to say it out loud, "Fred made it a point to come to me first. He wanted my approval before making any moves with you."