Chapter Thirty-six:

Rita's Surprise Groom

by: Enyo Mars

Hi Wizarding World, it's me. I was so surprised to have been asked by Miss Skeeter or I should say Mrs. Snape to do this. When I asked her why, she said that I observe almost everything.

OK, I guess that is techincally correct.

Here it goes. My husband and I were told by our daughter in law/ granddaughter that her uncle had been accepted. Apperently, Severus thought he wasn't a catch. That is so not true, but I digress. So we knew about his upcoming wedding, still when the card came in the Owl mail, we were surprised by the bride's name.

We, as a massively large family that we are, rolled up into the private meeting hall in Spinner's End. Lily (Potter) was pointing out many landmarks along the way and learned that many places were gone as well. For anyone that doesn't know, she and Professor Snape grew up as good friends.

The inside was as spacious as a church and had both ample bathrooms and an impressive kitchen. So score!

The hall was decorated with evergreen, holly, poinsettias and ribbons in green and gold. I was impressed to learn that Miss Skeeter had turned the decorating over to Severus. Props to both; Rita for giving up that much control and to Severus for his choices and application. Zeus knows that is something that Ares would not be able to do. Now that is some image, hee hee.

Going in, Ares and I knew that this was going to be a large guest list between the professors, journalists, family and associates of each celebrant. It could possibly rivaled Harry and Hermione's. At least, with these two, there was no possible problem with the Statue of Secretcy.

Severus was attended by Best Man and best friend, Lucius Malfoy, James (former nemisis) Potter, Remus (kinda brother in law) Lupin and Sirius (Pain in the Arse- both Severus' and mine) Black. The best man and groomsmen were attired in wizarding robes with dark (cough, cough Slytherin) green neckties. Severus had an ivory tie. I think that he and Luc were enjoying the sight of the strictly Gryffindor groomsmen in their house color.

On Rita's side, was Lily Potter as matron of honor, Cissa Malfoy, Alice Longbottom and Hestia Jones. Rita's dress was, like she said earlier, simular to my daugther Hyla Weasley's. By the way, Hyla had told her who made the gown for her. It was long sleeved, ivory with a vee neck. That sash was dark green with golden Greek key embrodiery. It was very pretty. I took photos to show Severus' sister Rebecca, the next time I go to my parents.

The maids had green floor length gowns. They had wrap bodices and had sweetheart necklines. Lily's dark red hair was stunning against the green gown and I saw that James noticed.

As I know no article of Rita's isn't complete without an update on my son and daughter in law, yes, they both were there. Harry and Hermione sat at a table filled with some other newly married couples; The St. Rosas (Orion and Luna), Malfoys (Draco and Katie), Valdez' (Leo and Pansy), Blacks (Jacob and Daphne), Crabbes (Vincent and Astoria), Notts (Theo and Claire) and the Flints (Marcus and Tracy). That was one full table. Luckily, they are all good friends and as Jake, Harry, Orion and Draco have a habit of keeping their wives on their laps, it was cute to watch.

Severus and Rita went easy on us. They had the ceremony in the same place as the reception, so we guests were able to sit at our tables for the ceremony.

The ceremony was short but packed with tradition. It was a handfasting but they also included a unity candle. I always thought it was a sweet ceremony. Their vows were simple, but included fiedelity, companionship and comfort. After being pronounced husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Snape sat at the head table.

The Snape wedding was catered by Elf2. They served a choice of steak tips with tricolored peppers and onions, roasted new potatoes and bacon sauteed brussel sprouts or orange chicken with white rice and stir fryed asian vegetables. I had the chicken and Ares, the steak. As normal for us, we tried each other's meal. Both were delicious, as we have come to expect from Elf2.

I fully recommend them. Not only is the food amazing, but those little buggers are so darn cute in their little chef's outfits. I hear that Winky made them herself. What a talented elf.

After the bridal couple danced their first dance to Van Morrison's "Moondance", the floor was opened up to the rest of us and aside from the ones that are being forced to sit it out on healer's orders, we danced the night away.

Both the bride and groom made sure to take time at each table, which is impressive for a wedding this size. Severus especially took time out for his student guests, thanking each one for coming and asking each expecting mother how they were doing.

Rita scooched down next to Harry and Hermione to have a quiet conversation that neither told me about. Knowing her, she was trying to get a scoop. Darn, those kids can keep a secret. I still can't believe that they kept me being a great-grandma to be from me for so long.

Rita threw a toss bouquet of lavender and mint. Granted the field of contestants were few. Mainly, it consisted of Hestia, Madam Bones, Madame Sprout, Aurora Sinestra and Madame Pince. Hestia caught the bouquet and promptly turned scarlet. Rumor has it that Arthur Weasley and Sirius (my little brother, who also never tells me a thing) Black will be married soon too.

I don't know about Arthur, he hasn't said much about it. As for my baby brother, he's being especially tight lipped about it. This of course is driving our parents and me batty.

Severus looked mildly embarressed to go after her garter. He pulled it off and walked over to Sirius, making all of us laugh. Siri was a lot more gallant this time around. He placed the fancy loop of lace on Hestia's thigh and kisses her hand, before hugging and dancing with her for the rest of the night.

Thank you, Rita, for letting me do this. Thank you Rita and Severus, for letting us come and share your special day.

Bye Y'all