Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Weasleys

The Burrow looked the same as Adhara remembered—tall, slightly crooked, and radiating the same inviting warmth that had always made it feel like home. The windows glowed golden in the fading sunlight, and the smell of roasting meat and freshly baked bread drifted from the kitchen, wrapping around her like a forgotten memory.

She stood at the garden gate, her fingers tightening around the worn wood. A rush of emotions threatened to overwhelm her—nervous anticipation, longing, and an old, lingering ache she wasn't sure would ever fully fade.

She could hear them inside, their voices carrying through the open windows. Laughter, chatter, the occasional clatter of dishes. It was all so familiar, and yet she felt like a stranger at the doorstep of a past life.

Maybe this was a mistake.

Just as she considered turning back, the front door burst open.

"Adhara!"

She barely had time to react before Ginny came sprinting down the path, her red hair bouncing with each step. Before Adhara could say a word, Ginny threw her arms around her in a tight hug.

"I knew you'd come!" Ginny pulled back, her face alight with joy. "Mum kept saying you might, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. Merlin, it's so good to see you!"

A small, hesitant smile tugged at Adhara's lips. "It's good to see you too."

Before she could say more, there was a loud shuffle from inside, followed by a chorus of overlapping voices.

"Did Ginny just say—"

"Wait, Adhara? No way—"

"Move, I can't see—"

And then, chaos.

The front door swung open wider, and the Weasleys poured onto the porch like an unstoppable wave of warmth and noise.

"Adhara!"

Bill was the first to reach her, grinning as he extended his hand. She barely had time to shake it before Fleur leaned in, kissing both of her cheeks in the French way.

"Mon dieu, it has been far too long!" Fleur said, beaming. "You look wonderful, chérie!"

Charlie followed close behind, clapping her on the back. "Didn't think we'd see you here tonight! This is a surprise."

Even Percy, ever formal, adjusted his glasses and gave her a nod. "It's good that you're here."

Then came Vera.

Adhara hadn't seen her immediately, but now, Vera was there, weaving her way through the crowd with an excited smile.

"You're here," Vera breathed as she reached Adhara. She didn't hesitate before pulling Adhara into a tight hug. "Merlin, it's been too long."

Adhara, slightly overwhelmed, hugged back. "It really has."

Vera pulled back, eyes warm. "George and I just got here not long ago, or I would've been the first one out that door." She gave Adhara's hand a quick squeeze. "I'm so happy you came."

Adhara found herself smiling a little easier. "Me too."

But then—

"Oh, Adhara, dear!"

Molly pushed past her sons and engulfed Adhara in a crushing hug, rocking her slightly from side to side.

"You're here, you're really here," Molly murmured, pulling back to cup Adhara's face in her hands. "I can't tell you how happy this makes me."