Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Final Exam

The atmosphere at Hogwarts was electric as the end of the school year approached. Students buzzed with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, the hallways teeming with the energy of the impending final exams. Adhara Malfoy sat at her usual spot in the library, her textbooks spread around her like a fortress of knowledge. She had spent countless hours poring over her notes, but the tension in the air made concentration difficult. Every sound seemed amplified—the soft turning of pages, the hushed whispers between friends, and the occasional giggle from the nearby Gryffindor table where Fred was seated with George.

Adhara glanced up, her heart racing slightly as she caught sight of Fred. He was discussing something with George, his hands gesturing wildly, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. The warmth of their recent relationship lingered in her thoughts, the way he made her feel like she could conquer the world—even the daunting prospect of final exams. But the looming tests were a constant reminder that she needed to focus.

Vera slid into the seat across from Adhara, her own towering stack of books nearly toppling over. "Careful, Adhara," she teased with a playful grin. "The books might start getting jealous."

Adhara rolled her eyes playfully. "I can't help it! It's Fred. He's distracting."

"Distracting? More like entertaining. You should be happy to have a boyfriend who can make you laugh during finals," Vera replied with a smirk. "But you need to study. What do you have left to cover?"

With a sigh, Adhara closed one of her textbooks, a bright green cover emblazoned with the words Defense Against the Dark Arts. "I have to review the theories on non-verbal spells and maybe go over some of the potions we learned. And I need to look at my notes for Charms."

"Sounds like you have a full day ahead of you," Vera said, leaning back in her chair. "But I have a plan. After dinner, let's take a break and go for a walk. Fresh air will do you good."

"Fine, but only if you promise we can grab some butterbeer afterward," Adhara replied, a smile creeping onto her face.

"Deal! Just don't lose focus," Vera said, before turning her attention to her own studies.

The hours passed in a blur, with Adhara diving deep into her studies. She flipped through notes and texts, her mind racing with facts and spells. The library began to empty as the afternoon faded into evening, and she found herself increasingly anxious. With every hour that ticked by, the weight of the final exams loomed heavier on her shoulders.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, dinner time arrived. Adhara and Vera made their way to the Great Hall, the air filled with the delicious aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread. As they entered, Adhara's eyes scanned the tables, landing on Fred, who was laughing heartily with George. She felt a rush of affection for him, knowing he could lighten her mood even amid the stress of exams.

"Look, George, it's our girlfriends!" Fred called out, waving them over as they approached the Gryffindor table. "Join us! We were just discussing strategies to get through our final exams. George thinks we should just wing it."

Adhara chuckled, sitting beside him. "I don't think that's a good plan, George. I can't afford to fail any of my exams."

"Come on, Adhara! Live a little," George chimed in, winking. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"The worst that could happen is I get kicked out of Hogwarts and have to move back home," she replied, rolling her eyes, though the playful banter eased her nerves.

Fred leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. "Don't worry, Addy. I'll always be here to catch you if you fall."

"Yeah, because that's comforting," Adhara shot back with a smirk, unable to suppress her laughter.

After dinner, Adhara and Vera decided to take a stroll around the lake as promised. The moonlight danced on the water, casting a shimmering glow over everything. They walked side by side, enjoying the calming sound of the water lapping against the shore.

"You know," Vera started, "even with all this studying, it's important to have fun too. You can't let the exams define your entire year. You've done amazing things this year, Adhara."

Adhara smiled softly, appreciating her friend's encouragement. "Thanks, Vera. I just want to do well. I'm determined to make my parents proud."

"Well, you'll do great. Just remember that you're not alone in this," Vera reassured her, squeezing her hand. "Besides, I'm here to help with any last-minute cramming."

"Good! I might need it," Adhara laughed, her spirits lifted by Vera's support.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, and Adhara awoke with a sense of trepidation. Today was the day of her first exam—Defense Against the Dark Arts. She dressed quickly, her mind racing with spells and theories. As she made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast, she spotted Fred, who was already sitting at the table, his expression a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"Morning, love!" he greeted her cheerfully, though she could see he was just as anxious as she was. "Ready to tackle the day?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Adhara replied, taking a seat beside him. "What about you? How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? I'd rather be doing anything but exams," he said, shoveling some scrambled eggs onto his plate. "But once this is over, we can celebrate. Maybe a butterbeer or two?"

"Definitely!" she said, the thought of a post-exam celebration lifting her spirits.

After breakfast, they headed to the classroom, where students shuffled in, some exchanging nervous glances, while others tried to appear calm. Adhara took a deep breath, reminding herself to focus. She knew her knowledge would carry her through the exam, but the anticipation was still nerve-wracking.

The exam began, and as Adhara read through the questions, she felt a surge of confidence. The spells she had studied flowed through her mind effortlessly, and she penned down her answers with determination. Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, she was turning in her paper, the weight of anxiety lifting slightly.

After the exam, Adhara and Fred met in the courtyard, both beaming with relief.

"How did it go?" Adhara asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of worry.

"I think I did okay! Better than I expected," he replied, his grin infectious. "And now, we can relax for a bit before the next one."

Adhara laughed, her heart feeling lighter. "I'm proud of us. We made it through the first one!"