Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 65

Chapter 65: The Call of Home

Adhara sat at her desk in the French Ministry of Magic, her gaze drifting absentmindedly across the bustling office of the *Tribunal des Sortilèges*. It had been three and a half years since she had joined as a junior associate, and though her work had refined her intellect and deepened her understanding of magical law, a familiar ache still tugged at her heart. The long hours spent poring over complex cases, the endless legal arguments—it was all consuming, but it couldn't erase the longing inside her.

A part of her still yearned for England, for the life and love she had left behind. She couldn't stop the memories of Fred from resurfacing, especially during the rare moments of quiet. The laughter they'd shared, the warmth of his presence, and the connection they'd had now felt like a distant dream—one she could never fully escape. Even after all these years, Adhara couldn't seem to move on. It was as if she had only recently broken up with someone, the pain and longing still raw, still impossible to outrun.

She swallowed the knot in her throat, refocusing on the stack of case files in front of her. *This was the life she had chosen*, she reminded herself, a life built on the foundation of this work, this new identity. But even after all this time, the past lingered in the corners of her mind, an inescapable shadow she couldn't outrun.

Today, the atmosphere in the office buzzed with anticipation. The Ministry was making several changes, including reorganizing assignments. Adhara had just received an official letter outlining her new assignment, and as she unfolded it, her heart raced.

"Adhara!" Sophie called from across the room, her voice breaking through Adhara's reverie. "Did you see the notice about the upcoming assignments?"

Adhara looked up, still processing her own letter. "I just got it."

Sophie rushed over, her eyes alight with excitement. "They're reassigning some of the members! I heard you might get a new role!"

Adhara nodded slowly, feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement wash over her. "I just found out I'll be assigned to England for some upcoming cases. They want me to coordinate with the Ministry of Magic there on a few matters."

"England?" Sophie exclaimed, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "That means you'll be closer to... you know who. Are you ready for that?"

Adhara felt a pang in her chest at the thought of Fred. It had been three years since she left everything behind, and while she had adjusted to her life in France, the prospect of returning to England stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her. She forced a smile. "It's just work, right? I have to focus on my responsibilities."

Sophie raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Sure, but you can't deny you'll be tempted to reach out to him. You still care about him, don't you?"

Adhara sighed, looking out the window at the bustling streets of Bordeaux. "Of course I do. But it's complicated. I left for a reason."

"Maybe it's time to reconsider that reason," Sophie replied gently. "You've grown so much. You deserve to be happy, Adhara."

The conversation lingered in her mind throughout the day. As she worked on her cases, Adhara found herself distracted, contemplating the ramifications of her return to England. The job was a golden opportunity to expand her career, but it also felt like an invitation to face her past.

Later that evening, Adhara returned home and sank into her favorite chair, clutching a mug of tea as she stared out at the dimly lit streets. The city was alive with activity, but all she could think about was Fred and the home they once shared. Memories washed over her—their laughter, their shared dreams, the way he made her feel alive.

The idea of returning to England ignited a spark of hope, yet it also filled her with dread. What if Fred had moved on? What if he had found someone else? The thought alone made her stomach churn.

Sophie was like another version of Vera—her mannerisms, her sharp wit, even the way she tilted her head when considering a point. It was uncanny, and every time Sophie spoke, Adhara couldn't help but be reminded of Vera in a way that both comforted and unsettled her. The resemblance was almost too perfect, as though the universe had decided to replicate her old friend in the most subtle of ways.

Adhara missed Vera more than she cared to admit. The laughter they shared, the quiet moments when Vera's presence had been the only thing that grounded her in a world that often felt too chaotic. She could still hear Vera's voice in her mind, steady and reassuring, and she longed for that connection again, especially now, when so much of her life felt like a carefully constructed façade. Sophie was a reminder of what she'd lost, and at times, it was a painful echo of everything she could never reclaim.

The next morning, as she arrived at the Ministry, Adhara found herself surrounded by the frenetic energy of her colleagues preparing for their day. She settled into her office, determined to focus on her work. Yet, the prospect of her upcoming assignment loomed large in her mind.

"Adhara, can we meet to discuss your assigned case?" asked Mr. Green, the head of the Wizengamot, peering into her office with an authoritative air.

"Of course," Adhara replied, straightening in her chair. "When would you like to meet?"

"Now would be great. I want to ensure you're fully prepared for what's ahead," he said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

As they discussed her upcoming role, Adhara's mind raced. The Wizengamot had been involved in several high-profile cases lately, and her new responsibilities would include working closely with experienced members. She was eager for the challenge, but as Mr. Green outlined the logistics, her thoughts drifted again to Fred.

"Adhara?" Mr. Green's voice broke through her thoughts, and she realized he had been speaking for several moments. "Are you listening?"

"Sorry, yes," she said, forcing herself to focus. "What was that?"

"I was just saying, this will be a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your talents," he said, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "You've already proven yourself more than capable, and I have full confidence you'll excel. But remember, the political landscape in a new country can be tricky. Even if you're originally from there, you'll need to be mindful of the shifting dynamics. A lot has changed, and it's not always as straightforward as it seems."

Adhara nodded, grateful for his faith in her. "I understand. I'll be prepared for anything."

After the meeting, Adhara returned to her desk, her heart racing with anticipation. The realization that she would soon be back in England sent a jolt of adrenaline through her.

In the following days, she threw herself into her work, attending meetings, reviewing case files, and collaborating with her colleagues. The buzz of excitement was palpable, but so was the fear that gnawed at her heart.

As the weeks passed, Adhara found herself grappling with her emotions. The prospect of seeing Fred again filled her with both hope and dread. Each day brought her closer to England, yet she remained torn. Would she seek him out? Would she dare to reach out and open the door to feelings she had buried for so long?

She sighed, the weight of her emotions crashing over her like a tidal wave. "What am I doing?" she whispered to herself. "Am I brave enough to face this?"

Adhara knew that soon, she would have to make a choice—whether to embrace her past or continue forging ahead in a future that felt uncertain. But as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, she felt a flicker of hope ignite within her.

The journey back to England would not just be a professional assignment; it would be an opportunity to confront her feelings and perhaps, just perhaps, find her way back to the person who had once made her feel whole.