Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Unseen Discoveries

Adhara sat nestled in a secluded nook in the Hogwarts library, feeling a quiet contentment wash over her. In her lap was the life lessons book Fred had given her during the holiday, a small but thoughtful gift she'd come to treasure. She loved running her fingers over its worn leather cover, feeling the slight give of the pages as she leafed through stories of wizards and witches who had lived boldly, loved fiercely, and learned with humility. The wisdom in its pages had become a welcome companion, reminding her of Fred's steadfast support and his gentle belief in her.

Today, though, she wasn't absorbing much of the text. Her mind kept wandering to Fred—the way he had smiled at her that morning before breakfast, the warmth of his promise ring on her finger, and the soft weight of the necklace around her neck. They were small reminders of him, comforting anchors that seemed to bring him closer even when they were apart. She absentmindedly fidgeted with the promise ring, tracing its edges with her thumb, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Lost in thought, Adhara didn't notice the quiet, barely audible sound of laughter drifting from the shelves nearby. She was about to turn the page when something caught her eye—a flicker of movement between the rows. Looking up, she squinted, focusing on a shadowy corner near the ancient wizarding history section, where the shelves met in a small, dimly lit alcove.

At first, she thought it was just students sneaking around, but as her gaze sharpened, she noticed the unmistakable outline of red hair—George's. He was leaning against one of the shelves, his face close to someone who was partially hidden by his frame. Adhara's eyes widened as she realized it was Vera.

For a moment, she simply stared, processing the unexpected scene before her. George's arm was wrapped around Vera, his hand resting lightly at the small of her back, their postures relaxed yet intimate. They were talking in hushed tones, Vera's face lit up with laughter as George whispered something that made her nudge him playfully. Their heads were close, and there was a softness in the way they looked at each other, an unguarded fondness that she had never seen in Vera's typically cool and composed demeanor.

Adhara quickly ducked her head behind the cover of her book, trying to stifle a smile. Vera had never shown the slightest hint of romantic interest in anyone—not to Adhara, not to anyone they knew. The fiercely independent, unshakable girl she'd always known was now standing there, giggling with George Weasley in a quiet corner of the library. It was almost surreal.

As she peeked over her book once more, she caught George's eye. He grinned, clearly unfazed at being spotted. With a bit of a wink, he mouthed a casual "Hey" in her direction, causing her to laugh silently, shaking her head. At George's reaction, Vera turned around, her expression instantly shifting to one of mild horror as she realized they had an audience. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she tried to straighten herself, an air of feigned indifference washing over her features.

Adhara held up her book with a mock-innocent look, whispering with a slight smirk, "Didn't mean to interrupt."

Vera rolled her eyes, though the hint of a smile betrayed her, and shook her head in amused resignation. "Guess I wasn't exactly careful," she muttered, casting George a glance of fond exasperation.

George shrugged, completely at ease. "No sense hiding now, is there?" he said with his usual casual charm. "Besides, I reckon everyone's bound to find out sooner or later. Unless, of course, Adhara here is inclined to keep our little secret." He raised an eyebrow at Adhara, making her laugh softly.

She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the open book in her lap. "My lips are sealed," she promised, a playful glint in her eyes. "But I'm going to need details from Vera later," she added with a wink.

Vera let out an exasperated sigh, though her expression softened, a rare moment of shyness stealing over her usually self-assured face. "I knew you'd say that," she replied, casting George a sideways glance.

George smirked, clearly enjoying the whole exchange. "Well, then I suppose it's only fair we get a few details on you and Fred, too," he quipped, giving Adhara a knowing look.

"Oh, no. There's nothing to know," she shot back, though the blush creeping up her cheeks said otherwise. "Besides, this is about you two," she teased, raising her eyebrows at Vera. "You've been holding out on me, haven't you?"

Vera rolled her eyes but gave in with a faint smile. "Maybe a little," she admitted, shooting a sidelong glance at George.

George looked down at Vera with a softness that made Adhara's heart swell for them. It was strange but sweet, seeing her friend—her fiercely independent, unsentimental friend—look so open, so at ease in this new connection. Watching them like this, Adhara felt a quiet warmth settle in her chest, a sense of joy she hadn't anticipated. It was a happiness that came from seeing the people she cared about finding moments of their own happiness.

After exchanging a few more hushed laughs and grins, George and Vera slipped away, disappearing around the corner with shared smiles that lingered in Adhara's mind. She sat back in her seat, feeling her own heart lift in a way that surprised her. She glanced down at her book again, her fingers resettling over the ring on her finger. The joy of seeing her friend find something real, something special, only deepened her own appreciation for Fred and the promises they'd made to each other.

It reminded her that, like Vera, she, too, had found something precious—a bond that went beyond what she'd ever expected to find at Hogwarts. For the first time, she realized how much her world had shifted, not just because of Fred, but because of the choice to open herself to love and trust. In that quiet library corner, Adhara felt a new kind of resolve.

Her gaze returned to the pages before her, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Fred, to the future they might have, and the unspoken promises that bound them. And for once, she felt no hesitation—only the strength to embrace the happiness they'd found.