Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Grades Are Out

The morning sunlight filtered through the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, casting a warm, dappled glow on the eager students below. There was a palpable buzz of excitement, mixed with nervous anticipation, as everyone awaited the announcement of their final grades. Whispers and glances flew across the tables, but no one dared talk too loudly; Dumbledore stood at the podium, and all eyes were on him.

Adhara Malfoy sat quietly beside Vera, doing her best to project calm confidence. Still, her fingers drummed against her knees beneath the table, betraying her nerves. She wasn't just anxious about her grades; she knew she'd pushed herself harder this year than ever before, and a part of her wanted the recognition that came with it. Especially if it surprised a certain red-haired Weasley sitting a few tables away.

"Stop fidgeting," Vera whispered, nudging her. "You're going to make the table shake. Besides, you're going to do great. Top of the batch, I can already see it."

Adhara offered her friend a small smile. "We'll see. But thanks for the vote of confidence."

A familiar presence slipped into the seat beside her, and she turned to see Fred, his usual grin in place. "Feeling nervous, Malfoy?"

"Not in the slightest," she replied, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Right," he said, raising an eyebrow knowingly. "Well, just remember—whatever happens, you're still the smartest witch I know."

Before she could reply, Dumbledore cleared his throat, and the hall fell silent. His wise eyes scanned the students, a glimmer of pride and warmth in his gaze.

"Good morning, students," he began, his voice gentle yet commanding. "Today, we celebrate the dedication and perseverance each of you has shown throughout the year. I am immensely proud of each and every one of you. But, as is tradition, we would like to acknowledge those who have achieved the highest honors this year."

He paused, and the tension in the hall tightened as students leaned forward, breaths held. "It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year's top student is Adhara Malfoy, whose exceptional grades and dedication have set a high standard for her peers."

The hall erupted in applause, and Adhara's cheeks flushed as she felt dozens of eyes turn to her. Her friends beamed with pride, and even some students she barely knew were clapping enthusiastically. Fred was clapping too, his grin as wide as ever.

She met his gaze, and he leaned over to whisper, "Top of the batch. What did I tell you?"

She laughed, her nerves finally subsiding as the reality of it set in. "Thanks, Fred. I honestly didn't expect..."

"Well, I did," Vera interrupted with a wide smile, clapping her friend on the back. "Congratulations, Adhara!"

After breakfast, students poured out of the Great Hall, rushing toward their respective common rooms to see their individual results posted. Vera looped her arm through Adhara's, pulling her along with excitement. They reached the Slytherin common room, where a crowd of students had already gathered, jostling to get a look at the posted grades. Adhara took a deep breath as her eyes scanned the parchment.

There, in bold, was her name right at the top: *Adhara Malfoy - Outstanding in all subjects.*

Vera beamed, squeezing her friend's arm. "See? Outstanding across the board. I knew you'd do it."

Adhara smiled, feeling a wave of relief and pride. "It was worth every late night and essay rewrite, I guess."

"Well, that, and all the time I spent forcing you to take study breaks," Vera teased, her voice laced with affection.

Just then, Fred appeared in the doorway, his grin as radiant as ever as he wove through the crowd to reach her. "Alright, Ms. Top-of-the-Class," he said, pulling her into a congratulatory hug. "I knew you had it in you."

"Thank you, Fred," she murmured, letting herself relax in his embrace for a moment.

He stepped back, his gaze warm and proud. "I can't think of anyone who deserves it more."

Vera rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. "Alright, you two lovebirds. I'll leave you alone to bask in Adhara's brilliance. But I expect a celebration later!"

With a wave, Vera disappeared, leaving Adhara and Fred standing alone in the corridor.

They wandered outside, the sunlight casting a golden glow over the grounds. Hand in hand, they strolled through the gardens, the weight of the year's challenges finally lifting from Adhara's shoulders. She squeezed Fred's hand, feeling a sense of peace settle over her.

"I really couldn't have done it without you," she admitted, her voice soft as they reached a quiet spot near the lake.

Fred looked at her, his expression full of warmth. "Nonsense. You would've achieved all this and more on your own. I just... happened to be along for the ride."

She smiled, her gaze drifting over the rippling water. "Still, it meant a lot. Having you there, supporting me."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Well, I'm not going anywhere, Addy. Not today, not ever."

They stood there for a moment, just taking in the tranquility around them, the calm of the lake mirroring the calm she finally felt within. The journey here had been long and challenging, but now, standing by Fred's side, she felt ready for whatever came next.

"I'm so proud of you," he said softly, breaking the silence. "I know I've said it a hundred times, but... I really am."

She looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Fred. For everything."