Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 51

Chapter 51: A New Beginning

The home was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. The Weasley siblings were sprawled on the couches, some engaged in a heated game of Wizard's Chess while others were munching on homemade biscuits.

Fred didn't want to pry into the details of what had happened between Adhara and her parents. He felt it was important to give her space.

"Want to join them, or would you prefer to hide away with me for a bit?" he asked, his voice teasing but his eyes genuine.

Adhara's heart warmed at the offer. "Hide away sounds perfect," she replied, feeling a flutter of excitement in her stomach as she followed him up the stairs.

They settled into a small, cozy nook on the landing, overlooking the garden that Adhara had grown to love during her previous visits. "I've missed this place," she said, glancing out the window. The rain drummed softly against the panes, creating a soothing backdrop as the vibrant greenery soaked it all in.

Fred leaned back, looking at her with a fondness that made her smile. "I missed you too," he admitted, his voice softening. "It's not the same around here without you."

Adhara's heart raced at his words. "I don't think it ever was the same," she murmured, her eyes drifting back to the garden. She remembered the way the flowers danced in the wind and how the sunlight made the whole place glow like a scene from a fairytale.

"Do you like it here?" he asked, his tone playful yet curious.

"It's more than just liking it," she confessed, her gaze still lingering outside. "It feels like a home away from home, a place where I can be... me."

Fred grinned, clearly pleased. "Good, because I want you here more often," he said, his tone light, but the sincerity was unmistakable. "You're always welcome."

A moment of silence enveloped them, the comfortable kind that only deepened their connection. Adhara turned to Fred, wanting to share something that had been on her mind. "I wish my family could see how amazing it is here," she began, her voice thoughtful. "I wish they could understand why I... why I chose to be with you."

Fred's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing. "You think they ever will?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "But it's hard when all they see is their own expectations and not who I really am."

He nodded, understanding lighting up his eyes. "You're so much more than what they think, Addy. Just remember that."

"Thank you, Fred," she said, feeling grateful for his support. "I really needed to hear that."

He leaned closer, his expression softening as he added, "And no matter what happens, I'm here for you."

Adhara felt warmth bloom in her chest at his words. "I know, and that means everything to me," she said, sincerity pouring from her.

Fred reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers as if sealing an unspoken promise. "What do you want to do now that you're here?" he asked, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

She chuckled, feeling lighter than she had in days. "I think I want to make cookies. Can we do that?"

"Cookies? You're speaking my language," Fred said, grinning as he stood up. "Come on then, let's show them how it's done."

Together, they descended the stairs, Fred leading her into the bustling kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was already busy preparing dinner. Upon seeing them, her motherly instincts kicked in.

"Adhara! You're soaked!" she exclaimed, rushing over to assess her. "Have you eaten? You must be starving!"

"I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley," Adhara replied, smiling at the kind woman's concern. "We're just going to make some cookies."

"Cookies? Oh, I like the sound of that!" Molly clapped her hands, her face lighting up. "You two go right ahead. I'll supervise from a distance."

With laughter and banter filling the air, Adhara felt as though a veil had lifted. The Burrow was alive with warmth and acceptance, and for the first time in days, she felt free—free to be herself, free to laugh, and free to love without the weight of her past holding her down.

As they began gathering ingredients, Adhara looked at Fred, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together. The Burrow, with its cozy chaos and loving warmth, was where she belonged. And as she found herself laughing alongside Fred, she realized that her new beginning had already started, right here in the heart of the Weasley home.

Together, they poured flour, sugar, and chocolate chips into a mixing bowl, the smell of cookies soon filling the air. As they worked, Fred cracked jokes, making Adhara giggle. It was a simple moment, but it felt monumental—a slice of normalcy that she had desperately needed. The chaos of the Weasley household surrounded them, but here, in their little corner of the kitchen, everything felt right.

"Just wait until you taste these," Fred declared, pouring in an extra handful of chocolate chips, "the secret is always more chocolate!"

Adhara laughed, shaking her head. "You're going to ruin dinner!"

"Dinner? What dinner?" he teased, nudging her with his elbow. "Cookies are a perfectly acceptable meal!"

They continued their banter, laughter flowing easily between them. As the cookies baked, Fred leaned against the counter, watching her with an intensity that made her cheeks flush.

"What?" she asked, unable to hide her smile.

"Just thinking how lucky I am," he said, sincerity in his eyes. "You make everything better."

"Fred," she started, feeling the moment turn serious, "I—"

But before she could finish, the oven timer dinged, and Fred rushed to take the cookies out. The delicious aroma wafted around them, and Adhara decided then that maybe some things were better left unsaid—for now.

They spent the rest of the evening sharing stories with the Weasleys, each laugh and smile stitching Adhara deeper into the fabric of this family. And as she savored the warm cookies, feeling the love envelop her, she realized that this was where she was meant to be.

In the midst of the chaos, as the Weasleys teased each other and shared memories, Adhara felt a sense of belonging wash over her. With Fred by her side, the future looked bright, and for the first time, she felt at home.