Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 38

Chapter 38: A Promise by the Lake

The sun hung low in the autumn sky, casting a warm, amber glow over the Hogwarts grounds. Adhara and Fred strolled down toward the lake, her hand comfortably laced in his. It had been too long since they'd had a day like this—no classes, no Quidditch, no distractions—just time together. Fred carried a thick woolen blanket slung over his shoulder, and a basket from the kitchens dangled from his arm.

They found their favorite spot under an old willow tree near the edge of the lake, a place they'd claimed early in their friendship and that had become their secret retreat as their feelings grew deeper. Fred spread the blanket out on the grass, smoothing out the wrinkles, and they settled down together, surrounded by the peaceful quiet of the lake and the faint rustling of the autumn leaves.

"I almost forgot what this felt like," Adhara murmured, nestling closer as the wind carried the crisp scent of the season around them.

Fred chuckled, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "Yeah, it's been one hectic year, hasn't it? I figured we both deserved a little peace."

Adhara tilted her head to look at him, her eyes bright with a smile. "Always thinking of me, aren't you?"

"Well, yeah," Fred replied, grinning. "You're kind of hard to ignore, you know?"

She laughed, shaking her head, but she could feel her heart swell a little at his words. They both turned their attention to the water, watching as the surface shimmered with the last light of day. Fred reached into the basket and pulled out two mugs and a thermos of hot cocoa, the rich smell instantly filling the air. He poured her a cup, then one for himself, and they sipped in comfortable silence, watching as a few stray birds skimmed over the water.

After a while, Fred shifted and took her hand, running his thumb gently over her fingers. His gaze fixed on the promise ring he'd given her weeks ago. She'd been wearing it ever since, but it still thrilled her to see how much it meant to him.

"You know, I don't think I've told you enough how much it means that you accepted this," Fred said softly, glancing down at the ring. "It's more than just a ring to me, Addy."

Adhara's chest tightened, and she looked down at their hands, where his thumb traced circles over the silver band. Her fingers tightened around his, feeling the depth of his words in that small, simple gesture.

"It's more than a ring to me too," she murmured, her gaze meeting his, and she felt her heart race a little at the intensity of his stare.

Fred's hand came up to gently cup her cheek, his eyes never leaving hers. "I meant every word when I gave it to you. This ring—it's a promise that I'll always be here. No matter what."

The weight of his words settled warmly around her, and Adhara realized how much it meant to have him by her side through everything. She brought her free hand up to rest on his, leaning her face into his touch. "Thank you, Fred... for always being here, for being... you."

Fred's expression softened, his thumb grazing her cheek. "Well, it's pretty easy to stick around when you're as incredible as you are. Smart, gorgeous, and somehow you still put up with me." He grinned, the playful glint in his eyes making her heart flutter.

"Oh, please," she replied with a laugh, rolling her eyes, though a blush crept up her cheeks. "I think I'm the one who got lucky here. I mean, you've been by my side through so much."

"And I'll keep being here," Fred said gently, his hand moving to her left hand, holding it up slightly as he brushed a tender kiss against the ring on her finger. "This ring is just the beginning, Addy."

She felt her heart stammer at his words, the weight of his promise filling her with warmth and certainty. Her free hand reached up to cup his face as she leaned in, her lips meeting his in a soft, lingering kiss. It was tender and warm, but full of unspoken promises and dreams of what their future might hold. When they finally pulled apart, Adhara looked into his eyes, and all her worries and fears felt a world away.

"You really are everything to me, Fred," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Fred's eyes softened even more, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles. "You're everything to me, too."

They sat like that for a while, fingers intertwined, their hands resting in her lap as they gazed out over the lake. The soft lull of the water lapping against the shore was the only sound, the golden light casting long shadows as the sun sank lower. Adhara felt a kind of peace she hadn't known she needed, simply sitting with Fred, feeling his presence next to her.

Fred leaned back, breaking the silence with a grin. "You know, this feels a bit like one of those stories—two people on a blanket by the lake, beautiful sunset... it's all a bit dramatic, don't you think?"

Adhara laughed, nudging him playfully. "Well, you're the one who dragged me out here. I'd say you're the dramatic one."

He feigned a wounded look, one hand going to his heart. "Me? Dramatic? You wound me, Adhara Malfoy."

They both laughed, the sound carrying softly across the quiet grounds. But after the laughter faded, Fred's gaze softened again, and he reached over, taking her hand in his, his thumb grazing over the ring once more.

"So... the ring," he murmured, almost to himself. "It really is just the beginning, isn't it?"

Adhara smiled, nodding. "Yeah... and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next. As long as it's with you."

Fred's grin returned, brighter than ever, and he pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before they settled back on the blanket, content in the golden light, their futures stretching out before them.