Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 50

Chapter 50: The Arrival at King's Cross Station

The hustle and bustle of King's Cross Station hit Adhara like a tidal wave, a sharp contrast to the quiet, enchanted world of Hogwarts she had just left behind. As she stepped through the barrier, officially graduating and re-entering the crowded Muggle station, her heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. It was her first time back in this world since she had arrived at Hogwarts, and everything felt both strangely foreign and surprisingly familiar. The sounds, the smells, the bustle of commuters—each element felt like a distant echo of a life she'd momentarily forgotten, yet now it all seemed to fit together again in a way that stirred something deep within her.

She scanned the crowd, searching for her parents. When her eyes landed on them, a knot tightened in her stomach. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy stood near the barrier, their expressions a blend of excitement and displeasure. Adhara took a deep breath, steeling herself as she approached them.

"Adhara!" Narcissa exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop her in a tight embrace. Adhara felt the warmth of her mother's affection, but as she stepped back, she noticed the flicker of worry in her mother's eyes. Lucius merely stood back, his arms crossed, an intimidating presence that sent a chill down her spine.

"Mother, Father," she greeted, forcing a smile. "It's good to see you."

Lucius's gaze hardened as he spoke, his tone clipped. "We need to talk. Now."

Her father didn't even spare a moment to congratulate her for graduating at the top of her class. Despite all her hard work and achievements, it felt as though her success meant nothing to him—a cold silence that stung more than any harsh words ever could.

Adhara's heart sank. She exchanged a glance with Fred, who was hovering nearby, uncertainty etched on his face. He looked ready to step in, but Adhara shook her head slightly. This was something she had to face on her own.

"Let's go," Lucius commanded, turning on his heel and expecting her to follow. Narcissa reached out to squeeze Adhara's shoulder, a silent show of support that made Adhara feel slightly more grounded.

When they stepped outside the station into the gloomy rain, Adhara could feel the tension radiating off her father. The oppressive gray sky mirrored her mood as they made their way toward the family car, which sat waiting at the curb. She could see Fred's concern as he lingered by the entrance, but she forced herself to focus on the here and now.

Once inside the car, the atmosphere thickened with silence. Adhara stared out the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass, each drop a reminder of the distance between her and Fred. She knew her parents were furious about her relationship, especially with a Weasley, and the thought of facing their wrath made her stomach twist.

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was to hear about your foolish choices?" Lucius's voice broke the silence, icy and cutting. "A Weasley, of all people? You should know better than to associate with those of lesser standing."

"Father, please—" Adhara started, but Lucius raised a hand, silencing her.

"You will not speak until I am finished," he snapped. "Your choices reflect on this family, and I will not have you tarnishing our name with such indecorous behavior. We are going back to the manor, and you will stay there until you can present yourself in a manner befitting a Malfoy."

The tension in the car was palpable. Adhara's heart raced as the realization hit her: her parents intended to keep her confined at the manor, away from Fred and the life she had carved out for herself at Hogwarts.

As they pulled into the grand driveway of Malfoy Manor, Adhara felt a surge of desperation. She couldn't go back to the suffocating atmosphere of the manor, especially not under her father's oppressive rule. The thought of being trapped there without Fred was unbearable.

"Please, just let me explain," Adhara pleaded as they entered the manor, hoping to find a way to persuade her parents. But her mother's frown deepened, and Lucius's expression was unyielding.

"Enough," Lucius said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. "You will have your chance to explain, but first, you need to understand the consequences of your actions."

Adhara felt a swell of rebellion rise within her. She needed to escape. She couldn't bear the thought of being isolated from her friends and from Fred, who had become an integral part of her life. As her parents began discussing her "re-education" in the sitting room, Adhara quietly slipped away, her heart pounding with determination.

Sneaking through the familiar hallways of the manor, she grabbed a few belongings—her wand, some clothes, and the promise ring Fred had given her, a small token that now felt like a lifeline. She had to be quick, her mind racing as she made her way to the back door.

Once outside, she took a moment to gather herself. The rain poured down in sheets, soaking her immediately, but she welcomed it, feeling it wash away the weight of her family's expectations. With a flick of her wrist, she apparated, feeling the familiar tug of magic as she transported herself to the Burrow.

The moment she arrived, she banged on the door, the sound barely audible over the rain. She shivered in the chilly air, anxiety swirling in her stomach. Seconds later, the door swung open, and Fred stood there, his eyes widening in shock.

"Addy!" he exclaimed, quickly stepping aside to let her in. Without hesitation, he scooped up her luggage, carrying it inside as if it were weightless. Adhara felt a rush of relief flood through her as she crossed the threshold, the warmth of the Burrow enveloping her like a blanket.

"Fred, I—" she began, but he interrupted her, his expression a mix of concern and joy.

"What happened? You look drenched and worried," he said, glancing at her wet clothes before settling his gaze back on her face.

Adhara took a deep breath, shaking off the rain and the memories of her father's fury. "It's a long story. My parents are furious about us, and I couldn't bear the thought of staying there, so I left. I had to get away."

Fred's expression softened as he set her luggage down. "I'm glad you came here. You should never feel trapped because of anyone, especially not your family. You're welcome to stay as long as you need."

A smile broke through her distress as she stepped closer to him, gratitude washing over her. "Thank you, Fred. You have no idea how much this means to me."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. "You're safe here. You can talk to me about anything, and we'll figure this out together."

Adhara felt the weight of her worries lift slightly, comforted by his presence. The rain continued to pour outside, but inside the Burrow, she felt warmth and safety. With Fred by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges awaited her, and she was ready to fight for the life she wanted.