December 1978

Freya stumbled out of the Floo into 12 Grimmauld Place, where Kreacher appeared to be reorganizing the pantry. Upon her arrival, the house elf turned to Freya and said, "Kreacher has been asked to tell Miss Freya that Master Regulus awaits your arrival in sitting room on the first floor. Mistress Walburga will join you there shortly."

Freya nodded, still a little angry and numb over her family's reaction. "Thank you, Kreacher," she said quietly. Freya made her way up the stairs, and found the sitting room easily enough. Regulus sat on the couch in front of the fireplace, looking up as he heard her enter the room. Seeing the tears threatening to spill from his fiancée's eyes, Regulus stood and walked over to her, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. Freya leaned against his body, burying her face in his shoulder. "It wasn't any better the second time," she mumbled. "They're furious. They hate you; they want to keep us apart."

Regulus smoothed her hair, shushing her gently. "I'm sorry," he whispered, pressing his lips to the top of her head. "I know they're your family, but you do know that you don't have to invite them to the wedding, right? You don't have to ever see them again at all if you don't want to."

Freya shook her head. "Absolutely not. They're being complete jackasses now, but I'm hoping once they get used to the idea, they'll be willing to realize that nothing's really changed."

Regulus frowned slightly. "Are you sure?"

Freya answered softly, "Yes. I definitely want them at the wedding."

"I hope this means you two are working on a guest list," Walburga said, sweeping into the room. "Because I have the invitations right here, ready to be stuffed in envelopes." The woman waved her wand, conjuring an armchair to match the sofa alongside the fireplace and the coffee table. She laid out invitations and envelopes on the coffee table; the envelopes were black, and the invitations were red and white. "I hope you don't mind, Miss Potter, but I've taken the liberty of selecting the wedding colors already. Black, red, and green, seemed appropriate given the circumstances, as well as the approach of Christmas Day."

Freya nodded quickly as Regulus pulled away from her, wiping her eyes. The two settled onto the couch together, and began addressing and stuffing the black envelopes. After half an hour at it, Freya asked Regulus softly, "So who did you decide on for the groomsmen?"

Regulus shrugged. "Barty is my best man, and Rodolphus LeStrange and Lucius Malfoy are the other two groomsmen."

Walburga asked, "Who are you going to have as your maid of honor and bridesmaids?"

Freya shook her head. "I don't know. I haven't thought about it yet."

Regulus said encouragingly, "You should think about it soon, you have to know by the time we mail these out."

Freya nodded. Walburga stood up, saying, "I think I have something blue you can borrow, Miss Potter. Let me go check. I'll be back."

"Of course, Mrs. Black. Thank you," Freya said softly as Walburga left the room. Once she was gone, she whispered to Regulus, "I always pictured Diana would be my maid of honor, and Charlotte and Lily my bridesmaids. But now… I mean, Charlotte and Lily are both Muggle-borns, I get the feeling that your parents wouldn't approve."

Regulus nodded, contemplating. After a moment, he answered in a low voice, "You could get away with having Lily as a bridesmaid because she's your sister-in-law, but I don't think it's a good idea. Considering how much they all reject the idea of you marrying me, I get the feeling you'll be lucky if Lily and James even attend the wedding. Charlotte is an altogether bad idea; my parents will be very upset if there's a mudblood in the wedding for no good reason. As for Diana, at least she's halfblood, so you could have her as a bridesmaid, although I'm not sure my family would approve of her as your choice of maid of honor." He paused, thinking. "Then again… do it. Ask her to be maid of honor, then have my cousins Bellatrix and Narcissa as bridesmaids. It matches up fairly well with my groomsmen, and you've not exactly grown up in Slytherin being friends with all the purebloods, so I think they can forgive you for your one Gryffindor halfblood friend."

Freya nodded slowly. "Ok. Thank you, Regulus."

Walburga returned with a loud exclamation. "Oh, Miss Potter! This isn't what I was searching for, but this is far more perfect." Walburga held out a silver chain with a large, teardrop shaped sapphire pendant for Freya to take. "Orion gave that to me years and years ago, but I hardly ever wear it. I think it'd be perfect for the wedding."

Freya took the necklace, handling it delicately. "It's absolutely beautiful," Freya said breathlessly. "You're right; it's perfect."

Regulus smiled as he watched his fiancée and mother interact. "Thank you, Mum," he said softly.

Walburga smiled broadly at her son. "You're very welcome," the older woman said.

Late that afternoon, Walburga, Regulus, and Freya were walking out of a flower shop in Diagon Alley when a large snowy owl swooped down and landed on Freya's shoulder. "Aridel, what are you doing here?" Freya asked the owl as it offered her the envelope clutched in its claws.

Regulus grinned at the girl whose hand he held. "Who's owl is this one, Freya?" he asked cheerily. The couple had been receiving RSVPs to the wedding by owl all afternoon, and had seen more owls than they could count, let alone keep track to whom all of them belonged.

Freya smiled slightly as she took the envelope. As suspected, it was another RSVP, but this one was far more surprising than the others. "It's Lily Potter's owl," Freya said in a soft voice.

Regulus raised a curious eyebrow as Freya opened the envelope and pulled out the RSVP. She read it over, and her eyes lit up. Freya exclaimed, "Oh, Regulus! They're coming! All of them, they're coming. Lily wrote that she and James, Mum and Dad, Sirius, Remus, and Peter would all be there."

Launching herself into his arms, Regulus caught Freya and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around and hugging her tightly before setting her down on the ground again. Freya felt a wave of shock wash over her as Regulus suddenly whispered in her ear, "Try not to seem so happy about it. Excitement over blood traitors, halfbloods, and mudbloods attending our wedding is hardly the best way to win over my family's affection, or to keep it."

Freya's face fell as she stumbled a few steps back from her fiancé as he let go of her waist. "Of course," she mumbled. "I don't know what I was thinking."

December 23 arrived with surprising speed. Freya shook her head as Bellatrix helped her into the lace and bead strapless ball gown that was her wedding dress and zipped up the back for her. Freya took a slow, deep breath, and Diana's face appeared in the mirror. The flaming red empire dress that Diana wore contrasted beautifully with the pine green dresses Bellatrix and Narcissa donned. Diana smiled slightly at Freya, ignoring the two Slytherin women in the room, as she said, "You look absolutely beautiful, Freya."

Bellatrix leaned in closer to Freya, a wicked grin on her face, as she added, "Oh, yes, Freya, absolutely stunning. Your wedding night will be amazing tonight; Regulus won't be able to resist making perfect little pureblood babies with you."

Freya blushed furiously, and when Bellatrix looked away from the mirror, Diana made a face at Freya in it. Freya laughed softly as she noticed Narcissa hiding a smile from her sister. There was a knock on the door to Freya's bedroom in Grimmauld Place, and Narcissa checked to see who it was. Opening the door, Narcissa said with a soft smile, "Freya, I do believe you have visitors whom you will be very happy to see."

Turning away from the mirror, Freya nearly squealed with delight when she saw her parents and brother walking into the room. Diana said with as much authority as she could muster to the older women, "I think Freya wants a few minutes alone with her family."

Bellatrix sneered at James, but the two Slytherins left the room without a word. Diana followed them out as Fleamont and Euphemia Potter hugged their daughter. Dorea exclaimed, "I can't believe my baby girl is getting married!"

Fleamont added, a bit more gruffly, "Neither can I. Why is it that a week ago, we didn't even know that you were dating this boy, and now we're attending your wedding?"

Looking down, shame on her face, Freya answered quietly, "Regulus and I didn't tell anyone about our relationship. We didn't know how well things would go between us, and with him a Slytherin and me a Gryffindor, we were afraid of starting feuds, so…"

Euphemia laughed as she hugged Freya again. "Sweetheart, are you forgetting that I was a Slytherin when I was at Hogwarts? Dad here was a Gryffindor too. I wish you'd remembered that, sweetheart. We would have never discouraged you from being happy simply because the man you loved was a Slytherin."

"Well…" James began, but let the sentence die in his throat after a sharp look from his mother.

Freya smiled happily at Euphemia's words. "You're right, Mum. I'm sorry for keeping it secret so long."

Fleamont let out a heavy sigh. "I hardly can say I look forward to giving my daughter away to a man I barely know, but tell me this: does this Regulus Black make you happy? Do you love him?"

Freya nodded quickly. "Dad, I love him more than anything in the world."

She noticed James visibly tense at her words, his hands clutching into fists, but ignored it as Fleamont pulled Freya into his arms and, kissing the top of her head, replied with tears in his eyes, "Then your mother and I will bless this marriage, and I will walk you down the aisle."

Blinking back the tears in her eyes, Freya whispered, "Thank you, Daddy."

James cleared his throat, standing awkwardly with his hands now shoved into the pockets of his dress robes. "Umm, Mum, Dad? Can I talk to Freya alone for a few minutes?"

Euphemia smiled at her son as Fleamont released Freya from his arms. "Of course, Jamie," Euphemia said cheerily.

Freya laughed loudly as James scrunched up his face. "Mum, you know I hate that nickname," James protested.

Euphemia laughed along with her daughter while Fleamont shook his head with a wide smile. Euphemia ruffled James's hair as she teased, "Yes, I know, but it suits you so nicely."

James couldn't help the smile on his face as Euphemia and Fleamont left the room. As the siblings' eyes met, discomfort settled in the air between the two. Freya looked away from James, staring down at the floor. "James, umm…"

Suddenly, Freya felt arms wrap around her tightly, and she threw hers around James's waist in return, tears slipping out of her eyes. James mumbled, "Baby sis, I'm so sorry. I know you probably erased most of the worse things I've said about Regulus and you from my memory, but I'm still so very sorry. Please, don't hate me."

Freya let out a short laugh, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I could never hate you, James. You're my big brother; you're always just looking out for me. I love you," she said back through the happy tears.

James rubbed Freya's back soothingly as she continued to shed tears. "I'm not the only one who's sorry, by the way. Sirius, Lily, Remus — they all sent their apologies. We understand that you love Regulus; we really do. We just can't understand why that's enough to make you marry a Death Eater. We're worried you'll end up getting hurt."

Freya replied, "I know he's a Death Eater, but I love him so much. I'm never going to become one myself."

James frowned. "What about the Order of the Phoenix? If you're married to a Death Eater then you can't fight Voldemort with the rest of us like you always said you wanted to."

Freya laughed softly. "James, I'm still planning on becoming an Auror. Just because I can't join Dumbledore's little resistance group doesn't mean I can't still do what's right."

James smiled at that, letting out a relieved sigh. "Good! I have been so worried about you, Freya. I couldn't bear the thought of you getting involved in the Dark Arts. Just… Just promise me that Black will be good to you. Please, promise me that if you ever don't feel happy or safe or anything remotely like that, you'll come to me and Lily, or Sirius or whoever. Just please, don't be afraid to come to us if you ever feel like you need help or protection, ok?"

Freya nodded. "Ok."

Freya and Fleamont followed the bridal party down the aisle, the music ending just as the pair reached Regulus and the Ministry of Magic employee, Luke George, who was conducting the ceremony. Freya glanced over at Regulus, who looked as though he could possibly burst with happiness. Luke began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Freya Danielle Potter and Regulus Arcturus Black II in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before the Elements to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today. The bride and groom would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives. At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands." Turning to Freya and Regulus, Luke asked, "Will you please join hands with your beloved?"

Freya and Regulus took each other's hands, and Regulus mouthed to her, "I love you."

Freya smiled, then mimed the same back. Luke continued, "These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. In the time that Regulus and Freya have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind Regulus and Freya together." Luke paused, then asked, "Who gives this bride today?"

Fleamont stepped forward, holding back tears and smiling at the same time. "I do, the bride's father," he said. Placing his hands over the bride and groom's joined hands, Fleamont blessed their marriage quickly before going and sitting down between his wife and his son.

Freya beamed at Regulus as Luke continued, "Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life — a shared life — is a tremendous blessing. Now, as Regulus and Freya embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth." Turning his attention back to the couple as they fought not to laugh, the wedding conductor continued, "Regulus and Freya, learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted. The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure."

Regulus squeezed Freya's hands lightly, winking at her, as Luke said, "Regulus and Freya, the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love in your own words. I would at this time invite you to publically declare these vows. Regulus, you may begin."

Regulus pronounced, "I, Regulus Arcturus Black II, take you, Freya Danielle Potter, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow."

Luke nodded and turned to the bride. "Freya, you may now take your promise."

Freya took a deep breath, laughed softly, then vowed, "I, Freya Danielle Potter, take you, Regulus Arcturus Black II, for my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow."

Luke asked, "Freya and Regulus, please face one another. Under the fold of the Elements, Freya, do you take Regulus to be your lawfully wedded husband? By making this commitment, you are joining in the sacred covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor him in love, to be sensitive to his needs, to comfort him in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in him, so long as you both shall live?"

Freya nodded, struggling not to cry, as she said, "I do."

Turning to Regulus, Luke asked again, "Under the fold of the Elements, Regulus, do you take Freya to be your lawfully wedded wife? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor her in love, to be sensitive to her needs, to comfort her in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in her, so long as you both shall live?"

Regulus said proudly, "I do."

Luke nodded. "Very well. To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day. Will each of you please place the ring on your loved ones hand?"

Sliding the gold band on Regulus's ring finger, Freya repeated after Luke, "I, Freya, give you, Regulus, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed."

Regulus, also sliding a gold band onto Freya's finger in front of her engagement ring, said likewise, "I, Regulus, give you, Freya, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed."

Luke smiled. "By the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I pronounce you, Freya and Regulus as wife and husband, lawfully wedded before the Elements. Regulus, you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union." Regulus smirked at Freya as she wiped tears off her cheeks, then quickly pulled her to him, kissing her deeply before releasing her again. Luke declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Regulus Black."

Recessional music played, and the newlyweds turned to the crowd, about to return up the aisle. Freya spotted her friends and family all sitting in the same row, and while most of them at least feigned happiness for her wedding day, Freya couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the sorrowful look in Sirius's eyes.

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