Love In The Shadows | Fred Weasley x OC

Chapter 110

Chapter 110: Invitations of a New Dawn

The soft glow of the late afternoon sun filtered through the large windows of their new home—a modest but lovingly crafted sanctuary that Fred had had constructed just for them. In one of the freshly painted sitting rooms, Adhara sat at a long wooden table spread with parchment, quills, and inks of every hue. Today, she was deep in the process of planning the wedding that would mark the official beginning of their future together.

The room was filled with a quiet energy—a blend of anticipation and creative focus. Every detail mattered to Adhara now; each invitation, each carefully chosen word would speak of the love that had grown from rebellion into a promise of forever.

Her hand moved gracefully over the paper, drafting the invitation in elegant script. The message was simple yet profound: a celebration of love and defiance—a statement that they were choosing to define their destiny on their own terms. Every curve of her pen, every thoughtful pause, was infused with the strength she had gained from overcoming the past.

Across the table lay several sketches of possible venues for the wedding. Adhara had spent hours poring over pictures of quaint cottages, sun-dappled gardens, and even a few magical locations suggested by friends. Each image was a dream of a life free from the oppressive legacy of her old world. She had finally decided—the ceremony would take place at the beach, just as she had always envisioned. The gentle crash of waves, the golden hues of the sunset, and the salty breeze weaving through the air—it was the dream she had once shared with Fred, long before everything fell apart.

"Fred," she began, her voice soft and tinged with excitement. "I've been thinking about our future... about what I want for us." She turned to him, her eyes shimmering with anticipation. "I picture our wedding at the beach—though not just any beach. I want it to be a hidden paradise, with soft, silvery sand beneath our feet. The whole setting would be magical, warm, and intimate, with candles lighting the aisle and lush greenery surrounding us."

Fred leaned closer, captivated by her vision. "That sounds absolutely perfect, Addy," he said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "Can you imagine? The waves crashing in the background as you walk down the aisle... it'd be breathtaking."

Her concentration was momentarily broken by the soft chime of a knock at the door. Setting down her quill, she rose and walked over to answer it. Standing on the threshold was Vera Weasley—her warm smile lighting up the space despite the exhaustion in her eyes. Vera's presence always brought a sense of home and comfort, a reminder that family could be found in the most unexpected places.

"How are you holding up?" Vera greeted her, stepping onto the porch.

Adhara smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Never been better."

Vera gave her a knowing look. "You sure about that?"

Adhara chuckled. "Okay, maybe just a little better than barely surviving."

Vera grinned. "That's more like it. So, why did you invite me here?" She peeked inside the house, pleased to see it was finally fixed.

"Why don't you come inside first?" Adhara stepped aside, motioning for Vera to enter.

Vera walked in and immediately plopped onto the sofa, sinking into its familiar comfort. "Alright, spill. What's on your mind?"

Adhara hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her. "I need to ask you a favor."

Vera arched a brow. "Should I be worried?"

Adhara let out a nervous laugh. "No, nothing crazy. Just... Vera, I don't even remember a time in my life when you weren't there. You've been my best friend for so long—through my worst days, my most embarrassing moments, and every ridiculous adventure in between." Her voice wavered as she wiped at the tears welling in her eyes. "I can't imagine this next chapter without you."

Vera's teasing expression softened. "Adhara..."

Taking a deep breath, Adhara looked her straight in the eye. "Vera, would you be my maid of honor?"

Vera's eyes widened in shock before they shimmered with tears. "Oh, Adhara..." She clasped her hands over her mouth, then, without hesitation, launched forward and wrapped Adhara in a tight hug. "Of course, I will! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Adhara let out a relieved laugh, squeezing Vera back. "Thank you so much."

Vera pulled away just enough to hold Adhara's hands. "We're family, Adhara. And family sticks together. Now," she said, wiping her tears and grinning, "where are these invitations of yours? We've got a wedding to plan!"

Adhara laughed, nudging the stack of envelopes on the table toward her. "Right here, Maid of Honor. Get ready for a lot of work."

Vera smirked. "Oh, I was born for this."

Adhara led Vera back to the table, where the invitation drafts lay spread out. Together, they reviewed each carefully chosen word, each flourish of script. Vera offered gentle suggestions—a tweak in the wording here, a slightly different calligraphy there—and soon the invitation began to take on a life of its own. It read:

"We invite you to join us as we step boldly into a future of love and freedom. Fred Weasley and Adhara Malfoy, would honor your presence at their wedding celebration. Let us gather by nature's embrace, where every blossom and breeze sings a hymn of hope and renewal."

Adhara's eyes glistened as she read the words aloud, the magic of her own voice transforming the invitation into a declaration of independence and joy. "It's perfect," she whispered, almost in disbelief.

Vera smiled broadly. "Absolutely. It tells the story of who you are—and who you've chosen to be."

Later that evening, as the preparations continued, Adhara sat down at her desk to finalize the details for the venue. She consulted scrolls and maps that detailed the layout of the glen where the wedding would take place, noting the best spots for the ceremony, the reception, and even a small area for dancing under the stars. Every detail was meticulously planned, from the floral arrangements to the enchanted lighting that would mimic the glow of fireflies on a warm summer night.

Fred joined her at the desk, his presence steady and reassuring. "How are the plans coming along, Addy?" he asked softly, his eyes scanning the sketches and notes.

"They're coming together, slowly but surely," she replied, her tone a mixture of excitement and resolve. "I want everything to be perfect—not just for us, but for everyone who will share in this moment."

Fred smiled, taking a seat beside her. "And it's a declaration that love wins over all obstacles. I'm proud of you, Addy."

As the night wore on, the invitation designs were finalized, and the guest list—filled with the warm, unyielding support of the Weasley clan—was sent out via enchanted owls.

"Fred," Adhara whispered, her voice filled with quiet determination, "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. You're my only certainty in a sea of doubts."

Fred's eyes glistened as he pulled her close. "Me too, Addy. Every word, every moment, every heartbeat will be ours, unbound and free."