Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 103 | New Year

Sarah couldn't stop staring at her new ring. The glittering diamond caught her eye as she did her chores, making her giddy all over again.

Still, Fred was back at work so she could only share her giddiness with Moose. She hadn't seen anyone else since Boxing Day and the thought of announcing her engagement over the walkie-talkies made her cringe.

So, she occupied her time with planning their New Year bash. It had been Fred's idea as a way to get all their loved ones together to announce their engagement. It was a bit complicated, what with being in hiding.

She flicked through catalogues from wizarding businesses, picking out what she needed and having them ordered to Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. Fred would come home with various boxes and bags.

So far, Sarah had some decorations; balloons in gold, silver and black, streamers and banners, and confetti. She was going to use the fairy lights that Fred had strung up on their engagement pergola.

She was beginning to gather the ingredients needed to make a plethora of party foods. She had Fred order cupcakes and cookies from one of the only bakeries still open in Diagon Alley.

Still, there was a lot she had to do. She still needed alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which Fred said he would purchase. She roped Capri and Halcyon to stay the night before the party to help her decorate and prepare food.

She also needed to get the spare bedrooms and the sofas ready for people to crash on, as she was certain some people would end up too drunk to apparate home.

Sarah turned the pages of a catalogue, eyeing up some sparkly mini dresses. She would have liked a new dress, but ordering through a catalogue might mean the dress wouldn't fit.

"What do you think, Moosie?" Sarah showed the catalogue to the dog, who was lounging on the sofa beside her, "Reckon a new dress is worth it?"

She stroked Moose's soft head, feeling her fingers sink into his long fur, "One to match my shiny new ring, eh?"

Moose barked softly, rubbing his head against her palm.

Sarah's gaze flicked to her ring again, glimmering in the ambient lighting of the living room. She smiled, reliving the moment all over again. She reached towards to coffee table, lifting the stack of photos that a secret camera had taken. The one on top was of her and Fred holding hands, giggling about something.

"You know what, Moose, I will get a new dress," Sarah said decidedly, putting the photos down, "I'm sure Fred will appreciate seeing me in something short and sparkly?"

Sarah picked out a dress and quickly filled out an order form. She sent an owl out a few minutes later, watching the animal become a mere spec in the darkening sky.

Sarah closed the window and turned to Moose, "Oh, I can't wait for our party, Moose. It's been so long since I've seen everyone."

She just prayed that the party would go ahead. Knowing her luck, Moody would call her out for a mission.

Fred returned home in the evening carrying a few cardboard boxes. Sarah quickly helped him with the load, carefully placing them in the spare sitting room.

"That'll be the plates and cups," Sarah nudged one of the boxes with her foot, making her way towards Fred.

He greeted her with a quick kiss, and nodded in the direction of the boxes, "Any more orders that I need to know about?"

"Uh.." Sarah trailed off, shooting him a sheepish smile.

Fred just laughed and kissed her again.
   
   
   
"Are we supposed to start planning the wedding?" Fred asked, sliding under the warm covers of their canopy bed.