Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Surprise

When Adhara's grades were announced, and she topped her class with Outstanding marks in every subject, Fred couldn't have been prouder. To him, it was confirmation of everything he already knew about her: Adhara was brilliant, dedicated, and remarkable. So, he decided to celebrate her achievement in a way she'd never forget—by throwing her a surprise party. In a flurry of excitement, he penned letters to every member of his family, proudly sharing the news.

Each Weasley responded quickly, thrilled with Fred's plan and ready to celebrate Adhara's success. He roped in George, Vera, and even Draco, who surprisingly agreed to help with the decorations and arrangements. The Room of Requirement would serve as their perfect party venue, and with Fred's vision, it transformed into a cozy space filled with floating candles, green and silver banners, and enchanted lights casting a soft glow over the room.

On the day of the surprise, Fred sent George and Vera to kidnap Adhara for what they described as a top-secret project. Meanwhile, Fred and Draco added the final touches to the decorations.

"Didn't think you'd put this much effort into anything that wasn't a prank," Draco remarked as he adjusted a silver banner.

Fred chuckled, fixing one of the floating candles above. "This isn't just anything. Adhara deserves it all. Thanks for helping, by the way. I know planning parties isn't exactly your thing."

Draco shrugged, though a small smirk touched his lips. "For her, I'll make an exception. Just make sure this party is worth her time."

Fred grinned. "Don't worry. She's going to love it."

Moments later, footsteps echoed outside the Room of Requirement. Fred quickly signaled everyone to get into position as George and Vera led Adhara toward the door.

George opened the door with a dramatic flourish. "After you, your majesty."

Adhara rolled her eyes, not suspecting a thing. She walked in—and froze as she took in the sight before her.

"SURPRISE!" the crowd shouted, their voices filling the room.

Adhara's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as she looked around. Floating candles illuminated the room, and green and silver banners read "Congratulations, Adhara!" Her friends and classmates surrounded her, all wearing proud smiles. And standing at the center of it all was Fred, beaming.

"Fred... all of this is for me?" she asked, still dazed by the scene.

Fred walked over, his smile warm and filled with pride. "Of course. Top of the class deserves top celebration, don't you think?"

Adhara glanced around, catching Draco's approving nod, and her heart swelled. "Draco, you knew about this?"

Draco smirked, crossing his arms. "Naturally. I wasn't going to miss the chance to celebrate my overly ambitious sister."

It was a welcome change to see Draco and Fred not at each other's throats, actually conversing like normal people for once. Adhara couldn't help but smile, a little nostalgic for their usual playful bickering. As much as it had often annoyed her, there was something undeniably endearing about their back-and-forth—something she found herself missing in moments like this.

Adhara laughed, feeling her heart warm at his words. She turned to Fred, her eyes glimmering. "Thank you... this means so much to me."

The celebration kicked off with everyone clapping and cheering for Adhara. Fred led her to the center, raising his glass in a toast.

"To Adhara Malfoy, smartest witch at Hogwarts and, without a doubt, the one who brings us all together," he announced, his voice loud and proud.

Everyone raised their glasses, calling out cheers of "To Adhara!" The room erupted in applause, and Adhara felt herself flush with happiness, grateful for every person in the room.

As the night went on, laughter and chatter filled the air. The spread of food and drinks that the house-elves had arranged was abundant, and everyone indulged in cakes, pastries, and butterbeer as they celebrated. Fred stayed by Adhara's side, occasionally leaning in to murmur little compliments or make her laugh with inside jokes.

Later, he pulled her aside, his eyes softening as he looked down at her. "I need you to know something," he began, his voice gentle. "Seeing you accomplish all this—everything you've worked for—there's nothing that makes me prouder. I'm just... in awe of you."

Her heart fluttered as she gazed up at him, her gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Fred. I wouldn't be here without you. You've been there every step of the way."

Draco, overhearing them, snorted lightly. "Don't let him take all the credit, Adhara. You're where you are because of your own hard work. We're just here for the celebration."

Adhara laughed, feeling warmth from both Fred's admiration and Draco's blunt but heartfelt pride. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

George raised his glass again, his voice breaking through the crowd. "Another toast, because our Adhara Malfoy is the top witch of the year! Here's to the smartest one of us all—and definitely the one with the best judgment!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and everyone clinked their glasses once more. Adhara felt the joy bubble within her as she looked around the room at her friends and family, each of them sharing in this moment of her success.

As the party wound down, Adhara found herself alone with Fred for a moment. She took his hand, a smile tugging at her lips. "You really went all out. I don't even know how to thank you."

Fred chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You don't need to thank me, Addy. Seeing you happy and celebrated is all I could ever want."

She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "I'm not sure I've ever felt this appreciated. I don't know what I did to deserve you."

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I'd say it's the other way around."

She smiled, resting her head against his shoulder as they stood together, savoring the perfect end to a perfect night.