Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Awaiting New Beginnings

Adhara paced around the Burrow's cozy living room, glancing occasionally at the fireplace as if it held the answers to her future. Her application to the Wizengamot had been sent, and now all that remained was the waiting—a task far more challenging than she anticipated. Despite the support of the Weasleys and Draco's letters keeping her updated, the silence from the Ministry left her feeling suspended between two worlds.

To her relief, today provided a welcome distraction: the grand opening of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. After weeks of preparation, pranking, and endless laughter, Fred and George's dream shop was finally ready for its debut. Adhara had watched Fred pour every ounce of his heart into the shop, and his energy was contagious; she'd spent countless evenings helping to set up displays, test products, and put finishing touches on everything.

"Addy, you ready?" Fred called from the stairs, his voice pulling her from her thoughts. He appeared, looking particularly dashing in his bright new shop uniform. George, standing beside him, had an equally enthusiastic grin, and beside him was Vera, smiling proudly at her boyfriend.

"Definitely!" Adhara replied, grinning as she walked up to Fred. "Are you?"

"More than you know," he said, catching her hand in his, his fingers curling around hers with a confidence that made her heart race. "Thanks to you."

The four of them Apparated to Diagon Alley, where a large crowd had already gathered in front of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. The shopfront was decked out in vibrant colors, and a huge, glittering banner floated above the entrance, proudly announcing the grand opening.

"This is surreal," Vera said, her eyes wide with excitement as she squeezed George's hand.

"Just wait until you see inside," Adhara added, her heart swelling with pride as she glanced over at Fred. George grinned, looking every bit as thrilled as she did, while Fred's hand lingered warmly on her shoulder.

The doors swung open, and the crowd poured in, chattering with excitement. The shelves were lined with rows of brightly packaged prank products, each one enchanted in a way that seemed to call for a mischievous grin. Adhara joined Fred, George, and Vera in greeting customers, helping demonstrate items like Skiving Snackboxes and Extendable Ears to the captivated crowd.

Fred, looking around at the bustling shop, leaned over and whispered in Adhara's ear, "Look at this. Everything we dreamed of and more, right?"

She nodded, her chest filled with pride. "You and George have created something incredible. It's everything you imagined and then some."

Fred's expression softened, and he took her hand. "Couldn't have done it without you."

"Oi, lovebirds!" George's voice cut through the moment, and Adhara chuckled as she looked over to see him rolling his eyes with a grin. "Some of us are trying to run a shop here!"

Vera joined in, laughing as she nudged George's shoulder. "As if we're any better."

"Hey, I don't know what you're talking about," George replied, putting an arm around Vera and giving her a quick kiss that earned a round of amused applause from nearby customers. Adhara exchanged a warm smile with Fred; it felt wonderful seeing their friends just as happy as they were.

Throughout the day, the shop was a whirlwind of laughter, demonstrations, and delighted customers. Fred occasionally shot her grins from across the room, sharing private smiles as he entertained the crowd with George. They even held an impromptu prank competition, challenging each other to get the loudest reaction from the customers. George won with a spectacular display of Puking Pastilles, but Adhara's heart remained firmly biased toward Fred.

As the day wound down, Vera found Adhara and pulled her aside. "Adhara, I just want to say thanks—for everything," Vera said, her eyes warm. "I've never seen George this happy."

Adhara gave her a tight hug. "Of course, Vera. You're part of this, too. Seeing both of you like this is one of the best parts."

"Next time, we'll get some prank revenge on the boys," Vera said with a wink.

The shop finally quieted down as evening approached. The four of them, exhausted yet exhilarated, locked up together, then began their walk back to the Burrow.

"That," George declared as they crossed into the quiet fields leading home, "was the best day of my life."

"Agreed," Vera chimed in, resting her head on his shoulder.

Fred's hand slipped around Adhara's, and he leaned close, his voice soft in her ear. "You're part of what makes this all feel right, Addy. I hope you know that."

Back at the Burrow, the Weasley family greeted them with a feast. The table was filled with food and laughter, everyone in high spirits after the success of the day. Adhara looked around the room, her heart swelling as she saw the joy in each of their faces. She felt that familiar warmth settle over her—this was home, a place she'd carved out for herself, despite everything.

Molly stood to raise a toast, beaming with pride at her sons. "To Fred and George, for making us all laugh and for showing us that a bit of mischief can bring so much joy."

"To Fred and George!" everyone echoed, lifting their glasses.

As the evening went on, Adhara felt a nudge and looked over to find Fred grinning at her, his eyes warm with affection.

"You know," he murmured, "whatever happens with the Wizengamot, with everything... I'm just glad we're in this together."

She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. "So am I, Fred. No matter what, this is exactly where I want to be."

As she looked around at Fred, George, Vera, and the rest of the Weasley family, Adhara felt something she hadn't felt in a long time—a sense of certainty.