Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Confessions Over Cocoa

It was late evening, and the common room was emptying as students settled in for the night. Adhara found herself curled up on an oversized armchair in a cozy corner, a warm book open in her lap and a mug of steaming cocoa in her hands. She wasn't reading, though. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the sight she'd stumbled upon in the library earlier—Vera, her best friend, leaning close to George Weasley, sharing a quiet laugh. Adhara hadn't seen her friend look so at ease, so... happy.

It was still hard to believe. Vera had always been serious, focused, and often kept to herself—so unlike the free-spirited George. And yet, the sight of them together had stirred a warmth in Adhara's heart. She'd been wondering how to bring it up ever since.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Vera walked in, looking a bit windblown from her evening patrol. She spotted Adhara, offered a small, knowing smile, and made her way over with her own mug of cocoa. Without a word, she sank into the chair across from Adhara, who looked at her friend with an amused glint in her eye.

"So," Adhara began, unable to hold back a grin, "You and George, huh?"

Vera groaned, though a blush crept up her cheeks. "I knew you wouldn't let that go," she muttered, taking a sip of her cocoa, trying to act casual.

Adhara laughed, setting her own mug aside. "You know I can't resist. I mean, really, Vera, George Weasley? Since when?"

Vera sighed, unable to hide her smile. "Fine. Ask away."

Adhara leaned forward, clearly reveling in this moment. "Okay, tell me everything. How did it happen? And don't leave anything out!"

"It's... complicated," Vera said, smiling to herself. "Honestly, I didn't see it coming. One day, he just started showing up around me more, making me laugh at the most ridiculous things. I think he likes keeping me off balance."

Adhara chuckled, resting her chin on her hand. "I bet he does. But, Vera, why George? He's so... I mean, I'd have thought you'd find him infuriating."

"Oh, he is," Vera admitted with a smirk. "But that's kind of the fun part. I've spent so much time trying to keep everything under control. And he... he's like this whirlwind that makes me feel like I can just let go."

Adhara felt a warmth in her chest as she listened. She'd known Vera for years, seen her carefully guard herself from anything she couldn't predict or control. Hearing her friend open up about George felt like a quiet miracle. She reached out, squeezing Vera's hand. "I'm really happy for you, you know."

"Thanks, Addy," Vera said softly, her voice sincere. "It's strange... being with him makes me feel more like myself. He doesn't let me get away with hiding. He actually likes seeing the real me, flaws and all."

Adhara grinned, trying not to laugh. "Of course he does. George wouldn't settle for anything less than the full Vera experience."

"Stop," Vera groaned, though her smile gave her away. She took another sip of cocoa, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "You know, it's weird. I've always thought of myself as someone who didn't need anyone. But with George... it's different. I'm not afraid of letting him in."

Adhara felt a pang of understanding. She, too, had resisted her own feelings at first, had pushed Fred away more than once. But she knew now how freeing it could be to let someone in, to trust that they'd be there even when things got messy.

"I know what you mean," Adhara said quietly. "It's terrifying to let someone see all the messy parts. But with the right person, it's... worth it."

Vera nodded, a soft smile on her lips. "It really is. And I didn't expect it, you know? He just sort of... slipped into my life, and now I can't imagine it without him."

Adhara couldn't hold back her laughter. "I never thought I'd hear you say something so romantic. George Weasley has really done a number on you."

Vera snorted, rolling her eyes. "Oh, don't get used to it. I'm still me, after all." But the smile remained, and Adhara knew that her friend was truly, genuinely happy.

They sat in a comfortable silence, sipping their cocoa as the crackling fireplace cast a warm glow around them. Adhara felt grateful for this moment, for the chance to see her friend so at ease, to share in her happiness.

After a moment, Vera looked over at her, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, Adhara, ever since you started dating Fred, you've been smiling more, even in Potions."

Adhara blushed, trying to brush it off. "Oh, stop. It's not like that."

Vera raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Really? Because I caught you doodling hearts on your parchment last week."

"Did not!" Adhara protested, though she felt the heat rising in her cheeks. Vera just smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

"Look at you, blushing like a first-year. You're totally smitten," Vera teased, giving her a playful nudge.

Adhara rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny it. "Fine, maybe I am. But can you blame me? He's... different from what I expected, too."

Vera's gaze softened, and she squeezed Adhara's hand. "I'm really glad you two found each other. You deserve this, you know. We both do."

Adhara smiled, a warm glow filling her chest. "Yeah, we do. And to think, just a year ago, I would have never believed any of this."

"Life's funny like that," Vera murmured, leaning back in her chair. "You never know where it'll take you."

They sat together in comfortable silence, the weight of their shared secrets filling the air with warmth. As the fire crackled and the castle grew quiet, Adhara felt a sense of peace settle over her. She had Vera, she had Fred, and they were both happy in ways they hadn't expected.

Eventually, they finished their cocoa, laughter and quiet reflections lingering between them. They stood, wrapping themselves in their robes, ready to head to bed. Adhara glanced at Vera as they turned toward the stairs, a smile tugging at her lips.

"I can't wait to see where this goes," Adhara said, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

Vera smirked, the familiar, confident look back in her gaze. "Oh, trust me, I'm just getting started."

With a final laugh, they parted ways, each heading to their own rooms, both knowing they'd never be the same.