Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 47

Chapter 47: The Speech and the Howler

Adhara's heart raced as she climbed the stairs to Professor Dumbledore's office. The early morning summons had surprised her, and although her friends joked about it being due to her top-of-the-class ranking, she couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen. She rapped lightly on the door, and Dumbledore's warm voice called her in.

"Ah, Miss Malfoy," he greeted her with a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling as he gestured to the seat before him. "I trust you're well?"

"Yes, Professor," she replied, her voice steady but her mind whirring with questions.

He settled into his seat, his gaze thoughtful. "I wanted to commend you on your accomplishments this year, Adhara. You've displayed a balance of intelligence, resilience, and kindness that has set a remarkable example. As such, I would like to extend you an invitation to address your fellow students during the end-of-term celebration."

Adhara's eyes widened. "You... you want me to make a speech?"

Dumbledore nodded with a faint smile. "Indeed. It's an honor reserved for those whose efforts have truly stood out, and I believe your words would inspire others. The power of a personal story can linger longer than any spell."

A mixture of pride and nervousness filled her as she realized the weight of the responsibility. Giving a speech was more than she'd imagined, but the honor of it made her heart swell. "Thank you, Professor. I'll do my best."

He leaned back, his expression pleased. "That is all anyone can ask. Let your words be a reflection of the strength and wisdom you've shown here."

Leaving his office, Adhara's mind buzzed with ideas, excitement battling nerves as she considered what she might say. Yet that excitement soon dissolved when, upon returning to the Slytherin common room, she noticed a red envelope lying on her bed—a Howler.

She swallowed hard, recognizing her father's sharp handwriting. The sight sent a chill down her spine. She quickly tucked the Howler into her robe, aware of the curious glances around her, and hurried up the winding staircase to the Astronomy Tower. The open night sky seemed the safest place to face whatever rage Lucius had sealed in that envelope.

With a deep breath, she opened the Howler, and her father's voice roared out, piercing the quiet of the tower.

"ADHARA MALFOY! YOU DARE BRING SHAME UPON OUR NAME? DATING A WEASLEY? YOU HAVE BROUGHT DISGRACE TO THIS FAMILY WITH YOUR FOOLISH CHOICES! YOU WILL PUT AN END TO THIS IMMEDIATELY, OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!"

The Howler dissolved into a puff of smoke, but her father's enraged voice echoed in her ears, as if it were still raging from within her mind. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the weight of her family's scorn pressing on her chest. She had known there would be consequences, but hearing Lucius's fury so plainly unsettled her more than she'd anticipated.

"Adhara?" Draco's voice startled her. She turned to find him standing a few feet away, his expression one of concern rather than the detached indifference he usually wore. Clearly, he'd heard enough to know the message hadn't been a pleasant one.

Adhara forced a smile, trying to shrug it off. "Just Father... being Father," she murmured, though the crack in her voice betrayed her emotions.

Draco's jaw tightened as he stepped closer. "Adhara, are you sure this is worth it? If it's causing this much grief..."

She met his gaze, her expression steady but her eyes fierce. "I know what I'm doing, Draco. And yes, it's worth it. Fred makes me happy—truly happy. I'm not going to sacrifice that for Father's approval."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "But he's... furious. You know he won't let this go easily."

"I know," she replied, her voice soft but resolute. "But he's already taken so much from me. I won't let him take this too."

Draco stared at her for a moment, then nodded, seeming to understand the depth of her conviction. "If he gives you trouble when you're home, just... know I've got your back."

Her expression softened. "Thank you, Draco. That means a lot."

They stood in comfortable silence for a while, the stars above casting a gentle glow over the castle grounds. Adhara found comfort in her brother's presence; he may have been hesitant about Fred, but he cared, and that was enough.

After a moment, Draco broke the silence. "You know, I've always admired your ability to stand up to Father. It's not easy for any of us."

Adhara shrugged, looking out over the grounds. "I've had to learn. If I don't, I'll end up like everyone else in this family—living in fear of his expectations."

Draco nodded slowly. "I get that. Sometimes I wish I had the courage to stand up more, to choose my own path."

Adhara turned to him, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You can, you know. You don't have to live in his shadow. We're not children anymore. We can decide our futures."

His gaze dropped, the vulnerability in his expression evident. "I know that, but it's hard to break away from everything we've known. I just don't want to let him down, but I also don't want to end up unhappy."

"Then don't let him define you," she urged. "You're not just a Malfoy. You're you, and that's enough. Just like I want to be me, not just a reflection of what Father wants."

He met her gaze again, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "Maybe you're right. I just need to find my own way, like you."

Adhara smiled softly, feeling a sense of unity with her brother. "You will. Just give yourself time and the space to think. Don't rush. You'll figure it out."

Draco nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. "And I'll be here for you too, you know. Fred better treat you right, or I'll have to step in."

Adhara chuckled, her heart feeling lighter. "I think he will. He cares about me, Draco. More than anyone else really ever has."

"Good," he replied, his expression serious. "Just promise me you won't ignore your own happiness for anyone else. Not even for him."

"I promise," Adhara said, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

With a contented sigh, they remained in the Astronomy Tower, watching the stars twinkle above them, feeling a sense of hope and camaraderie. Adhara knew there would be challenges ahead, especially with her family, but with Fred by her side and Draco's support, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

As she finally descended the stairs, she felt a renewed determination. The upcoming speech, the confrontation with her father, and everything else seemed a little less daunting. After all, she had a voice, and she was ready to use it—not just in the Great Hall, but in her life. The Malfoy name might be a heavy burden, but she was more than just that; she was Adhara Malfoy, and she would carve out her own destiny.