Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 35

Chapter 35: The Journey Back

The last morning at the Burrow was full of hurried footsteps and echoes of last-minute reminders as the Weasley family prepared to head back to King's Cross. Molly bustled about the kitchen, making sure everyone had eaten, while Arthur checked for any belongings that might've been left behind. Fred and George, still groggy from a late night, finally came stumbling down the stairs, carrying their trunks.

At the kitchen table, Adhara sat with Ginny, sipping on a cup of tea and watching the Weasley family's morning chaos unfold. She chuckled as George bickered with Fred over who got to use the bathroom first, both of them jostling each other in the narrow hallway.

"Are they always like this?" Adhara asked, amused.

"Always," Ginny replied with a grin. "And it never gets old."

Molly's voice called up the stairs, louder than usual, "Fred! George! We need to leave in ten minutes! Don't keep us waiting!"

The twins hurriedly grabbed their things and made their way back downstairs, exchanging looks as if they'd somehow managed to narrowly avoid disaster. Bill, Charlie, and Percy, who'd also been home for the break, helped load the family's enchanted car with trunks and pet cages, readying everything for the journey.

After a final round of hugs from Molly, who insisted on fussing over every wrinkle in their clothes, everyone piled into the car. It was a tight fit with all the Weasleys, but somehow they managed. Adhara found herself squished between Fred and Ginny, with George wedged in the back, grumbling good-naturedly about lack of space.

As the car pulled away, conversation erupted, each of the Weasley children updating their siblings about classes, favorite teachers, and the most recent Gryffindor Quidditch scores. The lively energy seemed to settle around Adhara, filling her with a warmth she hadn't experienced at home. She was part of something here, she realized.

Finally reaching King's Cross, they unloaded their trunks and cages, herding them through the bustling station until they found the barrier to Platform 9¾. Fred took Adhara's hand as they stepped through, and she squeezed it, feeling the thrill that still surged in her each time she crossed onto the platform.

They quickly found an empty compartment on the train, everyone settling in with a collective sigh of relief as the bustle outside continued. Ginny began recounting a recent adventure with her friends, while Percy, seated across from her, readjusted his glasses and launched into a lengthy explanation about the importance of proper study habits. Bill and Charlie nodded along, though their expressions hinted at hidden amusement.

In the middle of it all, Fred leaned in to Adhara. "What do you think? Does our family breakfast chaos make Hogwarts seem almost calm?"

She laughed, nudging him playfully. "Honestly, I loved it. There's something special about it, Fred. You're all so... close."

"Close, chaotic—it's all the same to Mum," George cut in with a wink.

"Close is just what we do best," Fred agreed, smiling. "Guess you'll have to get used to it, Addy."

Leaning against his shoulder, she felt a sense of calm. Everything was falling into place, and as they sat in that cramped compartment filled with Weasley laughter, she felt truly at home.

The train began moving, the familiar landscape passing by in a blur. Hours passed in easy conversation and laughter, Fred and George sharing stories of their latest experiments and pranks, much to Percy's disapproval. Adhara even found herself pulled into one of their plans, laughing along with the rest.

Eventually, Ginny's gaze landed on Adhara, a curious smile forming. "So, Adhara," she began in a sly tone. "Are you ready for all the looks you'll get from the Slytherins once we're back at school? I mean, you and Fred are practically famous by now."

"Oh, I hadn't even thought about that!" Adhara said, feeling her cheeks warm. She glanced at Fred, who only shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Let them talk," he said, smiling at her. "I don't mind being famous as long as it's with you."

George groaned, pretending to gag. "Please, you two. Save the romance for when you're not making the rest of us witness it!"

"Hey, you're the one eavesdropping, mate!" Fred shot back, throwing a playful arm around Adhara's shoulders.

The laughter continued all the way to Hogwarts, their compartment filled with jokes, stories, and the occasional complaint from Percy about maintaining a proper decorum. But Adhara felt a warmth that wouldn't fade, her hand always finding its way back into Fred's as the train moved steadily closer to the castle.

As they arrived at Hogsmeade Station, Fred helped Adhara off the train, and together with George and the rest of the Weasley family, they joined the throngs of students making their way toward the waiting carriages. The cold night air greeted them, and the sight of Hogwarts, aglow in the distance, felt like a beacon.

Arthur and Molly had promised to write soon, especially Molly, who'd taken an immediate liking to Adhara. The thought brought a smile to Adhara's face as she climbed into the carriage, surrounded by friends who felt more like family. She didn't know what challenges or surprises awaited her this term, but she knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't face them alone.

In the quiet moments of the ride, Fred took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "So, are you ready to tackle another term together, Addy?"

She smiled, looking into his warm, familiar eyes. "With you? Always."