Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 39

Chapter 39: The Fight

Adhara strolled through the corridors of Hogwarts, her heart light as she reflected on the lovely moments she and Fred had shared recently. The memories of their peaceful afternoon by the lake made her smile. She was eagerly anticipating their meeting later in the Gryffindor common room after classes.

As she approached the entrance to the common room, however, a sense of unease settled in her stomach. Fred hadn't shown his presence to her all day, and while she understood that they both had their own obligations, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. When she turned the corner, she spotted Fred standing there, chatting with Angelina Johnson.

Adhara stopped in her tracks. Fred was leaning against the wall, laughing at something Angelina said. The way he tilted his head back, his eyes sparkling with amusement, made her heart flutter with affection—until she noticed the closeness of their bodies, the intimate angle of their conversation. Suddenly, her heart felt heavy with uncertainty.

Just as she was about to step back and give them some space, the unexpected happened. Without warning, Angelina leaned in and pressed her lips to Fred's.

Adhara's heart plummeted, and her breath hitched in her throat. She felt a rush of anger and betrayal flooding through her veins, her chest tightening as she stood frozen in place, unable to comprehend what she was witnessing. Fred looked shocked, his eyes widening in disbelief, and he quickly pulled back, his hands raised defensively.

"Addy!" Fred called out, but it was too late. Adhara turned on her heel and stormed away, her emotions spiraling into chaos. She needed air; she needed to think.

Fred chased after her, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor as he pleaded, "Addy, wait! It's not what it looks like!"

"Then what is it, Fred?" she shot back, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "Because it looked like you were enjoying that kiss."

"Please, just let me explain!" Fred said, desperation creeping into his voice. "We were just talking, and she... she just kissed me! I didn't expect it, I swear!"

Adhara spun around to face him, her eyes blazing. "And you didn't stop her either! What am I supposed to think?"

"I didn't have time to react!" Fred exclaimed, running a hand through his messy hair in frustration. "You know me. I'd never let anyone come between us intentionally. I've only ever wanted you."

"Wanting me doesn't seem to matter much when you're with her, does it?" Adhara shot back, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned away, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"Adhara, please! You're the only one I care about," Fred said, his voice softening as he stepped closer. "Angelina doesn't mean anything to me. You know that. You're the one I want to be with."

The hurt in his eyes made her pause, but the image of him with Angelina lingered, tainting the moment. "How am I supposed to believe you, Fred? I saw it with my own eyes."

Fred's expression shifted to one of desperation. "You have to trust me. This isn't who I am. You know me better than that. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't want it to."

Adhara crossed her arms tightly, fighting back the urge to let his words in. "Trust is earned, Fred. You can't just expect me to overlook something like that."

"I'll earn it back," he promised earnestly. "Just give me a chance to prove it to you. I'd never do anything to hurt you, Addy. Please."

She looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, yet the hurt twisted like a knife in her gut. "What do you want me to say? I can't just pretend that everything's fine."

"I don't want you to pretend. I want you to be honest with me. If you're hurt, tell me. Let me know how you feel." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I care about you, Addy. I've always cared. I don't want to lose you over a misunderstanding."

For a brief moment, her heart softened at his plea. She remembered all the laughter and warmth he brought into her life, how he always made her feel special. But then the memory of that kiss washed over her, reigniting her anger.

"Maybe you should have thought about that before you let her kiss you!" she shouted, frustration spilling over.

Fred flinched at her words, his expression pained. "I know! I know I messed up! But I'd never willingly betray you. You have to believe me. This isn't how I want things to be between us."

"Then why didn't you push her away?" she demanded, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "Why didn't you just tell her to back off?"

"I didn't expect it! I thought she was just being friendly, and then out of nowhere—" He cut himself off, running a hand over his face in exasperation. "Addy, I'm sorry. I never meant for this to happen."

Adhara took a step back, her heart racing. "This isn't just going to disappear, Fred. You can't just say sorry and expect everything to be okay."

"I know it's not that simple," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "But I promise to show you that you mean everything to me. I'll prove it."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their emotions hanging heavy between them. Adhara wanted to believe him; she wanted to wrap her arms around him and forget the hurt. But how could she when the image of Fred and Angelina lingered in her mind like a shadow?

Finally, she took a deep breath and shook her head. "I need some time to think, Fred. I don't want to keep arguing like this. I just... I need space."

"Adhara, please don't—" he started, but she cut him off.

"Just give me some space. I'll talk to you later," she said, her voice firm as she turned and walked away.

Fred watched her go, helplessness washing over him. He felt like he was losing her, and it terrified him. He stood there for a moment, emotions swirling in his chest, wishing he could take back that kiss, wishing he could erase the hurt and confusion that now lay between them.

Adhara continued walking, her heart racing, torn between anger and love. She wanted to scream, to cry, but more than anything, she wanted to understand. How could something so simple turn into such chaos? And what did it mean for them moving forward?

As she reached the end of the corridor, she glanced back one last time at Fred. He stood there, looking small and lost, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of sympathy. But the hurt was too fresh, too real.

"Just give me some time," she whispered to herself as she walked away, hoping that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.