Chapter 4: Magical Honeymoon
Once more, the next morning, Sirius awoke with his wife in his arms. Sirius could feel the sun warming his face. Propping himself up on his arm, he watched as his wife, Cassiopeia, slept. He could see the blankets rising and falling with her every breath. Something this peaceful just captured Sirius. He had never seen anything more beautiful than his wife, asleep next to him.
Sirius then saw a vase full of daisies on the nightstand. He picked one of these daisies from the vase and plucked the petals. He then rolled over next to Cassiopeia. Ever so gently, he began to shower the white petals on his wife. Sirius stroked Cassiopeia's hair as she stirred. Cassiopeia then awoke to her husband's devilish grin.
"Good morning, Mrs. Black," Sirius said tenderly.
"Good morning, Sirius," Cassiopeia whispered.
"How are you this morning, Mrs. Black?" Sirius asked, propping himself up on his arm.
Cassiopeia laid her head on Sirius's chest and played with his ringlets. "Wonderful. I was dreaming about our first kiss. Do you remember it?"
"Remember it? It's one of my favorite memories," Sirius said warmly.
The holidays were nearing at Hogwarts. Hogwarts was in full festivity. A giant tree was set up at the center of the Great Hall and ornaments were levitated to adorn the tree. The ceiling of the Great Hall was transformed to look like the winter sky and snow. Even the ghosts were in Christmas cheer, whispering carols through the halls.
Most of the students were abuzz about going home for the holidays. James and Lily had gone home for the holidays. Remus, Peter, and Sirius remained at Hogwarts for the holidays. Sirius, of course, didn't have much of a home to go to. He despised his parents for what he called their "pure-blood mania." Despite this, Sirius was in a cheerful mood because Cassiopeia Reine remained at Hogwarts as well.
Cassiopeia didn't have a home to go to either. Cassiopeia had been an orphan since she her second year at Hogwarts. She was quiet girl and a good student. When she wasn't studying, she was practicing. Her favorite subject was Transfiguration, and she loved to practice her skills as often as possible, such as transfiguring her cauldron into a cat. Cassiopeia didn't have friends until she met Sirius Black. Cassiopeia befriended Sirius when he defended her from two Slytherin students who teased her for her Animagus abilities. Thanks to Sirius, Cassiopeia was introduced to James, Peter, and Remus. While Cassiopeia didn't agree with James and Sirius's troublemaking, she knew they were good friends to her.
Sirius liked Cassiopeia from the day he met her. Although he was disappointed that she did not approve of his treatment of Snape, her loyalty made him overlook that. Cassiopeia reminded Sirius of Remus, as both of them were obedient, intelligent students. He and Cassiopeia had something in common as they were both without family. Because of this, Sirius was intent to give Cassiopeia the best Christmas.
Sirius and Cassiopeia met at The Three Broomsticks for Christmas Day.
"Hello, Cassie," Sirius greeted, kissing Cassiopeia's cheeks.
"Hello, Sirius," Cassiopeia replied, giving her best smile.
Sirius ordered two Butterbeers for himself and Cassiopeia. He and Cassiopeia enjoyed their Butterbeers and chocolates.
"I have something for you, Cassie," Sirius said.
"You got me a present?" Cassiopeia asked in surprise.
"Of course I did," Sirius replied with a smile.
Sirius took out a small box and gave it to Cassiopeia. "Go on. Open it."
Cassiopeia took the box and ripped it open. "Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration."
"I thought you might like that," Sirius said kindly. "I know you have quite the knack for Transfiguration."
"Oh, thank you, Sirius," Cassiopeia said with much gratitude. "This is one of the best presents I have ever received."
"I'm glad that you like it," Sirius said happily.
"I have something for you," Cassiopeia said brightly as she gave Sirius a small box.
Sirius opened the box. "A box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans."
"I know how brave you are, and I thought you have to be brave to try these," Cassiopeia said, a smile crossing her face. "I also know your sense of humour is as colorful as these beans. And, to be perfectly honest, I didn't want you to have something to play tricks on people with."
Sirius sighed. "You really don't have a sense of fun like I do."
"No, I don't," Cassiopeia said firmly. "I'm sorry if you don't like it-"
"No," Sirius interrupted her. "It's one of the best presents I have ever gotten."
"Why didn't you go home for the holidays, Sirius?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.
"I wouldn't call it home. My parents are completely mad with their pure-blood mania," Sirius said bitterly. "But that's not the only reason I didn't go home."
"Why else?" Cassiopeia asked.
"Because I knew you were lonely," Sirius explained. "I couldn't have thought of a better person to spend the holidays with than you."
"You're very sweet, Sirius," Cassiopeia said tenderly. "I am glad to spend my Christmas with you."
Just then, Sirius and Cassiopeia looked up and saw mistletoe blooming.
"May I have this kiss, Cassie?" Sirius asked chivalrously.
"You may," Cassiopeia said, breaking into a wide smile.
Cassiopeia and Sirius's lips met. For that moment, time was slow. Everything was right with the world. It was truly one of the best Christmases for Sirius and Cassiopeia.
"That was one of the best Christmases of my life," Cassiopeia said wistfully. "One of the best days in my life, actually."
Sirius did not reply. He did not know what to say. The thought of Cassiopeia by his side had overcome him.
"What? Do I have bed head?" Cassiopeia asked.
"No, my darling, you're beautiful," Sirius said. "I just couldn't think of any words. I just love that you are sleeping by my side."
"And I love to have you next to me," Cassiopeia replied. "Snoring and all."
"I do not snore," Sirius said.
"You snore like a dog," Cassiopeia laughed. "For a moment, I thought you had transformed during the night."
"Very funny, my darling," Sirius said.
"Don't be embarrassed. I don't mind if you snore like a dog. I find it soothing to have you next to me for the rest of my life," Cassiopeia said earnestly.
"Me, too, sweetheart," Sirius replied, kissing Cassiopeia's head.
"The day is still young. What are we going to do?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.
"Well, I have a few ideas," Sirius said, then he grinned, "but I was thinking about starting on our little one now."
"Now?" Cassiopeia gasped.
"Well, you know I can't let James have all the fun," Sirius jested.
"We will, but not too soon," Cassiopeia whispered.
"I hope it's sooner than you say. We did promise a play date with Little Potter," Sirius joked.
"In case you weren't paying attention," Cassiopeia giggled, "I meant what are we going to do today?"
"Oh, yes," Sirius said, as if his memory had been jogged. "Well, I have a few ideas for today as well. Starting with telling you I love you."
"Funny, that was my idea, too," Cassiopeia jested. "I love you."
"Look at us. We are already reading each other's minds," Sirius laughed.
"What did you have in mind next?" Cassiopeia wondered.
"I thought I might kiss you next," Sirius replied.
Sirius kissed Cassiopeia's head, then her cheeks, and finally, her lips.
"This day is already perfect," Cassiopeia sighed.
"And it's still early," Sirius replied.
Before they knew it, Sirius and Cassiopeia were hand in hand, strolling along the beach.
"I never thought I would get to visit France," Cassiopeia sighed. "It's beautiful."
"If you ask me, the setting doesn't compare to you," Sirius said.
"You're quite sweet, my love," Cassiopeia said, blushing.
"I was telling the truth," Sirius said.
"I know," Cassiopeia said with a slight giggle. "And I have to say the same about you."
"You did marry quite a catch, you know," Sirius said smugly. "The House of Black is known for being a good-looking family."
"You don't say," Cassiopeia said in a flirtatiously. "If you ask me, I married the most handsome of the Black family."
"You did, indeed," Sirius said. "Ready for a plunge?"
Sirius then took off his shirt, leaving himself in nothing but his shorts. Cassiopeia removed her skirt and top, revealing her purple, two-piece bathing suit.
"Nice suit," Sirius said slyly.
"I thought you'd like it," Cassiopeia said.
She and Sirius raced into the surf and plunged into the ocean. The water was perfectly warm at this time of year. The sun was high and warm as well. It was the perfect time. Sirius and Cassiopeia floated together in each other's arms.
"This is perfect," Cassiopeia sighed.
"I did try," Sirius said earnestly.
"Always dreamed of coming here one day with you," Cassiopeia said, her arms around Sirius's neck. "And now I'm here, bathing with you in the sea. I couldn't have asked for better."
"You do not have to ask, Cassie, sweetheart," Sirius said tenderly, "not as long as I'm around."
"As long as I have you, I have the best," Cassiopeia said lovingly.
She and Sirius kissed once more as the floated. Cassiopeia and Sirius then swam for shore and lay together on the sand, letting the sun dry them.
"How are you, Mrs. Black?" Sirius asked tenderly.
"You're in my arms. Now I truly feel like Mrs. Black," Cassiopeia sighed.
"And I shall make you feel that way every day," Sirius promised.
Cassiopeia played with Sirius's curls. "I do believe that you are the greatest wizard in the world, my love."
"And why's that?" Sirius wanted to know.
"Because every hour spent with you is the greatest magic," Cassiopeia whispered tenderly.
"Well, then I suppose you are the greatest witch of your age," Sirius whispered.
"How so?" Cassiopeia asked.
"Because from the moment I saw you, you bewitched me," Sirius said.
Cassiopeia blushed. The merriest laughter flowed from her.
Cassiopeia kissed Sirius's cheek. "We'll always have each other, won't we?"
"Always," Sirius replied.
Sirius filled Cassiopeia into his arms. His lips pressed against her head. After gazing at his wife, Sirius's lips met with Cassiopeia's.
That night, as Sirius and Cassiopeia slept, there was a glow coming from outside the window.
Cassiopeia was awakened by the light, and she roused Sirius. "Sirius, wake up."
Sirius awoke just as a blue orb entered. The orb was a Patronus in the shape of a phoenix.
"It's Dumbledore," Sirius said.
Dumbledore's voice echoed from the Patronus. "The Potter family is not safe. Voldemort has marked them for death. They must go into hiding. Meet us in Godric's Hollow and be wary."
"I suppose this cuts our honeymoon short," Sirius said flatly.
"I'm sure James and Lily would do the same for us," Cassiopeia said.
"I don't doubt it," Sirius agreed. "Come on. To the bike."
In the darkness, Sirius and Cassiopeia landed at Godric's Hollow. There, Dumbledore greeted them outside a small cottage.
"I'm sorry I had to steal away your honeymoon, Sirius and Cassiopeia," Dumbledore said apologetically.
"Don't be sorry, Dumbledore," Sirius said in understanding. "Cassie and I had more fun than ever."
"We're glad to help," Cassiopeia added.
Sirius and Cassiopeia followed Dumbledore into the cottage. Inside, they were met by Peter as well as Lily and James.
"Sorry about this, both of you," James said.
"Stop being sorry, Prongs," Sirius said. "It's not your fault at all. Cassie and I are fine."
"What is the plan?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.
"Dumbledore has suggested the Fidelius Charm," Lily explained.
"The charm will keep them safe as long as they have a person in whom they can trust with their secret," Dumbledore added.
"Everything is in order, all we need now, of course, is a Secret-Keeper," James said.
"We were thinking we would use you, Sirius," Lily said.
"I'm honored, but why me?" Sirius asked, perplexed.
"We're not too sure about Remus, to be honest," Dumbledore said. "And we don't want to risk Peter either. You are the best person we know, Sirius."
"I may be, but perhaps that's why I'm not the best Secret-Keeper," Sirius said.
"What do you mean?" Lily wanted to know.
"I'm the formidable one, to be honest," Sirius explained. "Voldemort might expect you to confide in someone like me."
"He has a valid argument," Cassiopeia agreed.
"Let Peter be your Secret-Keeper," Sirius said. "No one will suspect him. He'll be the last person Voldemort would expect."
"That is a wise decision, Sirius," Dumbledore said.
James turned to Peter. "Well, what to you say, Wormtail?"
"Are you willing to be our Secret-Keeper?" Lily asked.
"I am," Peter said in a small voice. "I promise that no one will know your secret. I will take it to my grave."
Unfortunately, this would prove false in the future. What Sirius did not know was that he made a mistake he will regret forever.
A/N: I realized that I may have switched things around or something of the like. If something is not true to canon, or if I left something out, I apologize. I hope you enjoy what comes next!