Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 48

Chapter 48: The Final Countdown

As graduation loomed on the horizon, the atmosphere at Hogwarts shifted with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Adhara sat in the Slytherin common room, the flickering fire casting a warm glow around her as she reviewed her speech for the end-of-term celebration. The parchment was filled with her neatly penned notes, capturing her reflections on the past year, her experiences, and the friendships she'd forged.

She had poured her heart into the speech, wanting it to resonate with her peers and inspire them as Dumbledore had hoped. Adhara had always felt a sense of duty to uplift those around her, especially as the top student in her class. Yet, beneath the surface of her focused demeanor lay a quiet worry. She hadn't told Fred about the Howler from her father. The words echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the battle between family loyalty and her own happiness.

"Hey, moonshine!" Fred's voice broke through her thoughts, warm and familiar. He leaned against the doorframe, a playful grin plastered on his face. "What's got you so serious?"

Adhara looked up, her heart lifting at the sight of him. He always had a way of brightening her day, even when she felt weighed down by her thoughts. "Just working on my speech," she replied, trying to keep her voice light.

Fred sauntered over and plopped down next to her on the couch. "Can I see?" He leaned over, attempting to catch a glimpse of the parchment in her hands.

Adhara instinctively shifted it away, a habit formed from wanting to keep certain things private. "It's still a work in progress. I want it to be perfect."

"Nothing you do is ever less than perfect," he said with an exaggerated wink. "But seriously, Addy, you've got this. Just speak from the heart. You'll be amazing."

Adhara smiled, the weight of his confidence in her soothing some of her anxiety. "Thanks, Fred. I hope so. I want to make sure my words count."

"I'm sure they will." He paused, his expression turning more serious. "You've been through a lot this year, you know. Just don't forget to mention the people who helped you along the way. Like your favorite Weasley." He nudged her playfully.

She chuckled, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest at the reminder of their shared moments, the laughter, and even the little adventures that had made this year unforgettable. "Of course. You're definitely getting a mention."

"Good," he replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I want a standing ovation."

"Only if you promise not to embarrass me in front of everyone," Adhara teased back, knowing full well Fred had a penchant for cheeky antics.

"Me? Embarrass you? Never," he said with mock innocence. But Adhara could see the playful spark in his eyes, and it made her smile.

As the days passed and graduation approached, the couple continued to enjoy their time together. They wandered the grounds of Hogwarts, stealing moments in quiet corners, sharing laughter, and dreaming about their future. Adhara felt a sense of comfort in their routine, a reassurance that she had chosen well in Fred. He made her feel seen and cherished, a stark contrast to the heavy expectations from her family.

One evening, as they strolled by the Black Lake, Fred suddenly stopped, pulling her close. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. "Can you believe we're almost done?" he asked, his tone softening as he looked into her eyes.

Adhara took a moment to absorb the beauty around them and then nodded. "It feels surreal. I've spent so long here, and now... it's all changing."

"Yeah, but think about all the things we'll do next," Fred replied, his enthusiasm palpable. "We'll have our own adventures, no more homework or professors giving us lectures."

"True," she said, a playful smile creeping onto her lips. "But I'll miss the late-night studying with you. Even if it was more about sneaking snacks than actual studying."

Fred laughed, the sound rich and warm in the cool evening air. "I'll always be up for late-night snacks. No one does it quite like us."

Adhara's heart swelled with affection as she leaned into him. She wished she could share everything with him, including the turmoil of her family life. But every time she thought about the Howler, the dread crept back in, and she couldn't find the right moment to tell him. Would it change how he saw her? Would it complicate the happiness they had built?

"Addy?" Fred's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "You okay? You're quiet."

"Just thinking," she replied, forcing a smile. "About how much I'll miss Hogwarts."

"We'll come back and visit. Besides, this is just the beginning. I have big plans for us," he said, the mischief returning to his eyes.

"Oh really? Like what?" Adhara asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, for starters, we could open a shop together," he suggested, his excitement palpable. "Something like a prank store! Think of the possibilities!"

Adhara couldn't help but laugh. "A prank shop? Sounds like a recipe for disaster."

"Or a recipe for fun!" Fred shot back. "Just imagine: We could sell all sorts of joke products—skiving snackboxes, extendable ears, and even those weird candies that make you speak in rhymes!"

"I can see it now," Adhara said, picturing it. "The Weasley and Malfoy Emporium of Mischief."

"Exactly!" Fred exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And who knows, we might even become famous!"

Adhara felt warmth bloom in her chest at the thought of their shared future. "Famous for being the best pranksters in the wizarding world? I could get behind that."

As they walked back toward the castle, hand in hand, Adhara felt grateful for this moment of levity, even if the shadows of her family issues loomed in the back of her mind. She needed to focus on the good, on the love they shared, and the bright future ahead of them.

"Just promise me one thing," Fred said suddenly, stopping to face her. "No matter what happens, always be honest with me. I want us to be open with each other. No secrets, okay?"

Adhara hesitated, the weight of the Howler pressing on her conscience. "Of course," she said, forcing the words out. "I promise."

As they made their way back to the common room, Adhara tried to put aside her worries. She wanted to focus on what mattered—the love they had nurtured and the dreams they were beginning to share. But deep down, she knew she had to face her father's wrath eventually, and it loomed like a storm on the horizon.

For now, however, she would hold onto this moment, this feeling of love and belonging, and hope that it would be enough to guide her through the challenges that lay ahead. With Fred by her side, she felt that anything was possible.