Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 109

Chapter 109: The Engagement Celebration

The corridors of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes buzzed with excitement that morning, and the entire Weasley clan had gathered in a flurry of joyful chaos. In the heart of the joke shop—a place that had long been a sanctuary of mirth and mischief—Fred and Adhara stood together, ready to announce their engagement to everyone who mattered.

It had all happened so fast. One day, their secret promise had been sealed by a tender proposal by the Black Lake—a place where their first date and an innocent bet had blossomed into a love that defied every expectation. And then, in a twist of fate that none of them fully understood, the Daily Prophet had splashed the news across its front page. Rumors swirled that Draco Malfoy might have had a hand in it, for Adhara had whispered in quiet moments that perhaps Draco, too, longed for change. But none of that mattered now—what mattered was that Fred and Adhara were finally free to share their truth.

Molly Weasley was the first to burst through the door, her eyes bright with tears of joy and arms outstretched in a warm, enveloping hug. "Oh, my dears!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with exuberant delight. "I've never been so happy in all my life! This is the best news!"

Fred grinned broadly as he accepted her embrace, while Adhara's smile shone with a mixture of relief and quiet triumph. Around them, Ron, Ginny, George, and even Vera—all gathered to celebrate—shared hearty congratulations and teasing jests. George, with his trademark mischief, winked at Fred and said, "You've truly outdone yourself, little brother."

Even Draco Malfoy made an unexpected appearance. Clad in a dark overcoat that barely masked his conflicted emotions, he stepped forward from the back of the room. His presence was quiet yet significant; his eyes, though still guarded, betrayed a hint of approval that had long been hidden beneath layers of duty and regret. "Congratulations," he said in a low voice that carried across the room, earning a ripple of surprised murmurs from the assembled guests.

Adhara's heart fluttered when she saw Draco there. In that moment, the memory of the old bet—the one in which Fred had dared Draco to let Adhara go on a date with him if Draco lost—surfaced with bittersweet clarity. Though the wager had been all in jest, it had been a turning point. Now, as she gazed around the vibrant room, she couldn't help but wonder if Draco had secretly hoped for this day, even if it had all come out in the most unexpected way. "I think... I think it might have been you who let the news slip," she teased softly, glancing sideways at Draco with a playful smile. Draco merely raised an eyebrow and offered a cryptic, half-smile that left her both amused and uncertain.

In the midst of the celebration, Fred took to the small stage set up in a cozy corner of the shop. The room quieted as he raised his hand for attention. "Friends and family," he began, his voice steady and clear, "today we celebrate not just an engagement, but the triumph of love over all odds. Addy and I have fought against the shadows of our past—and today, we step boldly into the light."

A cheer broke out among the gathered Weasleys, and Molly's eyes shone with proud tears. "That's my girl!" she called, drawing a round of affectionate applause.

Fred continued, "Our journey wasn't easy. And through every challenge, every hardship, our love has only grown stronger." His gaze swept over the room, landing on familiar faces: the steadfast Weasleys, the supportive Draco, even Vera, whose gentle smile and warm eyes made it clear she truly cared for Adhara.

"As we look ahead," Fred said, "know that our engagement isn't just a personal victory—it's a celebration of our freedom to love on our own terms. We choose each other, every day, against every expectation and every rule set by those who fear change."

The applause that followed was thunderous—a mix of laughter, cheers, and heartfelt congratulations. Adhara's eyes glistened as she took in the scene. The warmth of her family, the unexpected support from even those who had once been adversaries, and the joy that filled the room all made her feel like she had finally come home.

Later, as the celebration moved into a more intimate phase at a long table laden with delicious treats and enchanted desserts, Fred and Adhara stole a quiet moment together on the back balcony of the shop. The cool evening air, filled with the soft murmur of distant conversations and the clink of glasses, provided a gentle counterpoint to the raucous celebration inside.

As the night deepened, the celebration inside continued to echo with laughter and music. The Weasley clan, in all their warm, chaotic glory, roamed the halls of the joke shop with endless energy. Molly was practically in tears of joy, Ron and Ginny exchanged knowing smiles, and even George couldn't help but tease Fred relentlessly about the bet that had set all of this in motion. Vera, with her gentle humor and compassionate heart, embraced Adhara with pride and love.

Draco lingered at the edge of the gathering, his eyes soft and thoughtful as he observed the couple's happiness. Though his past had been entwined with the old ways of his family, tonight he stood as a silent supporter of the new path—a path where love reigned supreme over ancient grudges.

Under the brilliant glow of enchanted lights, amidst the jubilant chaos of celebration, Fred and Adhara held each other close. Their engagement was a bold proclamation of a future where they would write their own destiny, free from the constraints of legacy and fear.