If you have the song, Into The West, play it repeatedly as you read, it really sets the mood.
Warm sun shone down on Hogwarts that day, the summer solstice. Severus, while not normally prone to fidgeting kept tugging at his collar and looking out across the lawns. Several days ago the guests had started to arrive, foreign diplomats, ministry officials, and professors from Stormhaven and Durmstrang packed the rooms at the school. It's bad enough that I'm getting married, he surmised, had I known it would turn into the wedding of the century, would I have reconsidered? Heaving a sigh the man looked across the sea of guests as he wished they could have just eloped, no, nothing would keep me away from Taranis. Last night she had insisted on sleeping in her own quarters because of some silly tradition, and it was amazing how his body ached for her after just one night apart.
"What?" Snape barked at the knock, turning to see Potter stick his head inside the door.
"Excuse me professor sir, Dumbledore says they're ready to go."
"Fine," was the snap as he followed the boy outdoors. Trying to ignore hundreds of eyes as they sized him up, Severus stood tall and made his way to the alter, pausing only to greet his future mother-in-law and grandparents. All thought escaped his mind as the music began, Into the West Taranis had called this song, one she had sung at the Christmas dance, he recalled as the soft melody lulled him. His attention wandered from where the Headmaster was smiling at him to where Harry and Kiera made their way down the aisle. Everyone stood as the bride came into view, damn it, he thought, why don't they sit down I can't see. As she came into view Snape's newly acquired heart lurched, caught in his throat. Her dress was simply cut from a fine iridescent white material, wavering in the breeze like a caress over her skin. A crown of white flowers adorned her head, long locks flowing in curls down her back. With the grace of her smile he felt his knees weaken, lovely, he thought as Raykir escorted her to his side.
Dumbledore who stood proudly at the alter, dressed in fine white and gold robes, spoke, "may I ask who gives this lovely young woman in matrimony?"
The other Headmaster gazed lovingly at his daughter, "her mother and I do," he said as he placed her hand in to his son's and moved to stand next to his wife.
"On this beautiful day we are gathered here today to witness the coming together of these two people, Severus Snape and Taranis Aislin, whose hearts and spirits are entwined as one. They now desire to profess before all the world their intention henceforth to walk the road of life together. This marriage signifies the birth of a new spirit, a sprit which is part of each of us, yet not any one of us alone. This 'birth of spirit' reminds us of summer, the season when all life is reborn and looms again. It is appropriate, therefore that this wedding of Severus and Taranis be at the summer solstice, and that it be under the open sky, where we are close to the earth and to the unity of life, the totality of living things of which we are part."
"The beliefs and thoughts about love which motivates these two people are perhaps best expressed in the words or poet Kahlin Gibran:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in our silent memory.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
An let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bondage of love.
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not of the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, bu let each of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping,
For only the hand of life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together,
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in shadow."
The two continued to gaze lovingly into each other's eyes, Taranis suppressed a sob of her own as she heard her mother begin to cry.
"Do you Taranis, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take Severus to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
More than anything in the world, the bride thought as she responded, "I do."
"Do you Severus, knowing this woman's love for you and returning it, realizing her strengths and learning from them, recognizing her weakness and helping her to overcome them, take Taranis to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"Will you now give and receive a ring?"
"We will," they spoke together.
"This circlet of precious metal is justly regarded as a fitting emblem of the purity and perpetuity of the Marriage State. The ancients were reminded by the circle of eternity, as it is so fashioned as to have neither beginning nor end: while gold is so incorruptible that it cannot be tarnished by use or time. So may the union, at this time solemnized, be incorruptible in its purity and more lasting than time itself."
Severus took the ring that magically a ring appeared in Dumbledore's palm and he placed it on Taranis's finger, "wear this ring forever, Taranis, as a symbol of love and peace that is all unending,"
the deep baritone of his rich voice washed over her.
Taking the other ring, the bride placed it on Severus's finger, "wear this ring forever, Severus, as a symbol of love and peace and of all that is unending."
Dumbledore continued, "we speak to Severus and Taranis of love, in which the trust and freedom of the other person becomes as significant as the trust and freedom of one's self. We speak to them of generosity, which gathers the beauty of earth for riches, and the kindness which turns away the wrath of foolish men and women. We speak of each our hopes for their continued growth through patience, one for the other. We speak of our confidence that new levels of understanding, discovered by them in experiences of sorrow and tribulation, shall bring ever new surprises of strength and fortitude they do not know."
"In the years which shall bring Severus and Taranis into greater age and wisdom, we pray that their love
shall be ever young:; that they shall be able always to recover from moments of despair, the lithesome ways of buoyant youth. In this hope may they keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who they are, what they yet shall be, enabling them to know that in the fullness of being, they are more than themselves and more than each other; that they are all of us, and that together we share joyously the fruits of life."
"Inasmuch as Severus and Taranis have declared their love and devotion for each other before family and friends, I now greet them to you as husband and wife. Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be sanctuary to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no isolation for you. Now there is no loneliness. Now you are two, but there is only one life in front of you. Go now and enter into the days of your togetherness. You may now kiss the bride."
Taranis looked deeply into the eyes of her husband as their lips met, oblivious to the cheers around them, her heart surged in joy. Finally, she thought, he's all mine. Arm in arm they strode down the aisle, the guests rising to follow them out.
The reception was glorious, everyone was there, friend and foe, she noticed. 'Great, two Malfoy's leering at me today.' Nothing, she thought, could possible ruin it, giggling as she recalled how Severus tried to smile during the photos, before she'd told him to stop attempting to look cheerful. "It's just not natural on you Sevs. You just look ill and I'd like to have some descent pictures."
The bride had danced for hours with everyone from Dumbledore, to Harry. Severus had actually cut in twice, with Lucius Malfoy and Sirus Black, "you're pretty cute when you're jealous Sevs."
The groom stared into those bewitching eyes as he twirled her about the dance floor, "I do not get jealous. I merely wanted to dance with my wife, which, last I checked with the Ministry was still legal. Also, one of these days my lady I'm going to stop responding to the term Sevs."
"I'm shocked! We just got married and already you stop responding to me? I must be doing something wrong then, perhaps later you can teach me more about how, exactly I can get a response out of you," she grinned mischievously.
"That is not what I meant and you know it. I assure you my love," he whispered softly into her ear, "you will have no problem with my 'response' in that area."
That lovely rich voice sent shivers down her spine as she rested her head on her husband's chest, "my husband. I love you Severus."
Hand in hand they'd reveled, danced and ate for several hours until her grandmother announced it was time to accept her offerings. The crowd made it's way to where a raised dias stood out in the field, watching as the three stepped high on the platform. Maeve glowing in a gown of the same iridescent white raised her voice high and proud.
"Bright blessings to you all, I am Maeve, High Priestess of the Tuatha de Danann. Greetings, I welcome and honor all of you. We come before the powers here gathered with the blessings and support of those gathered here, to offer honor, support and love to Severus and Taranis, who are here to join in a ritual union we call the Bonding Of The Three. May they come here with good and right intentions and may they leave in strength and blessing to begin this phase in their lives together. This is our intent, for the good of one and all so mote it be."
Maeve placed a chalice on the alter, and lit a match, "by the air and fire sanctify this space and this couple," placing the match into the cup she poured in some water, dropped in a small stone and swirled it around. Taking out the stone she drew ruins in the air about the couple, "by water and earth, purify this space and this couple."
"Guardians of the East, element of Air, realm of the mind, direction of the rising sun and new beginnings, let us look forward to the joining of this couple before us. Like the God and Goddess we honor in our rites, they each possess elements of masculinity and femininity that are incomplete until joined together. Guardians of the East, grant this couple wisdom and understanding. Hail and welcome. Blessed be." As she spoke small faerie lights began to swirl around the field, hundreds of them, creating waves against the setting sun.
Guardians of the North, element of Fire, realm of heart, direction of the noonday sun, let us be thankful for the blessings of the hearts and the gift of love. Let the energies of these two be combined into a union that is greater than each of them can be separately. Guardians of the south, grant this couple love and passion. Hail and welcome. Blessed be.
Guardians of the West, elements of Water, realm of the soul, direction of the setting sun and endings, let this be a union for two people to grow together spiritually with strength. Let them be able to experience the mystery and joy of love together.. Guardians of the West, grant this couple spiritual growth together. Hail and welcome. Blessed be.
Guardians of the North, element of Earth, realm of the physical, direction of the dark of night, we look upon you to show us signs of the coming Spring. We celebrate the chance for two bodies to join together in the great mystery of life. Let their joining physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually be always in respect and honor for each other. Guardians of the North, Hail and welcome. Blessed be.
Do you wish to proclaim yourselves in the presence of the Gods?"
"We do," the couple said in unison.
"Taranis Snape," said the newly wed as he took her hands in his, "today I stand before you a new man. Since the moment you came into my life I have been blessed with the grace of your strength, compassion and love. With that love my life has new meaning, as you are a rare woman to look beyond what your eyes behold to stand beside me in patience and trust regardless of my actions. My love is no short year's sentence. It is grief lodged under the skin, strength pushed beyond its bounds, the highest point in the heavens. So is my love, my passion and my devotion. Today I am a blessed man, to have such a woman to share my life. I will stand beside you, for the rest of my days, Taranis Snape and I will love you with the whole of my heart until it's final beating." Severus whose heart filled with peace and joy, gazed upon his wife as she smiled up at him, tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks.
Taranis looked in awe at the man she had married, love flowing though her as she spoke, "Severus Snape, you are all of my wishes and dreams come true. I love you as you are, for who you are, and for the rest of my days I will proudly stand by your side. I will hold your hand and share in your pain and your joy as you fill me with a strength I have never before possessed. There is so much more to you than others see and I count myself lucky that you have given me the chance to get to know you, that you let me love you openly and freely. You are my fairly tale prince, the man of my dreams. Thabharnfainn fuil mo chroi duit, I'd give you the blood of my heart. Le gra godeo anam cara, with love forever my soulmate."
Maeve stepped forward again, "I ask that we move back now to the edge of the field please," as she motioned with her hands the crowd moved, leaving Taranis and Severus standing alone on the dias.
The small woman stepped into the field and raised her hands and her voice, "O child of the stars, great mysterious one, come and bless this rite, we thank you for your bright light. O goddess of the moon, great feminine one, come to bless this rite, we thank you for your light. O God of the Sun, great masculine one, come to bless this right, we thank you for your light."
Taranis and Snape listened to her words, but were in awe as white unicorns began to emerge from the Forbidden Forest, fifty, no a hundred of them galloped toward the dias.
"By the Air and Fire, sanctify this space and this couple. By Water and Earth, purify this space and this couple."
A breeze wafted through and the faerie lights began to swirl, mixing with the unicorns that began to circle the dias.
"Goddess of the Light," Maeve's voice rung strong and true, "I am Maeve your child hear me now. I ask that you invoke the powers within Taranis and allow them to flow freely, covering her and her chosen life-mate."
Lightning flashed in the sky, a few in the crowd gasp as the tell-tale shrieks of dragons could be heard overhead.
"Goddess of the Light, oh my goddess, I ask that you bestow upon this couple the ancient magics of the sidhe," the sky continued to flash with lightning and dragon fire as a group of the beasts began flying lower over the gathering, "these are their rights bestowed by my blood to my granddaughter Taranis whom I find just and worthy and her life mate Severus whom I find just and worthy."
The unicorns had begun to run around the raised dias, the herd in it's beauty paying severance to the ancient sidhe, honoring the union of the two.
"Goddess of the Light, each of these lights represents one of the Tuatha de Danann, in acceptance of this gift, bowing before you as is your due. I invoke all the powers oh goddess that you see fit to bestow on my children."
The dragons landed in the field, shaking the ground, shrieking as they reared back and shot flames into the air, the force of their great wings stirring a breeze among the throng of guests.
"I invoke thee Goddess of the Light! I invoke thee, cast thineself upon them!"
Taranis and her husband stood in silence as the running unicorns circled them, and the lights began to move in to encompass them. She could feel the heat of the dragon's breath upon her back as she held Severus tightly.
"Goddess of the Light, by the air, fire, water and earth, I invoke thee now!" Maeve yelled as she flung her hands out toward the dias, the sky a mass of light as more faerie lights came down from the lighting flashing in the heavens to cover the two. For several minutes the two were engulfed in a swirling whirlwind of light, unicorns circling and dragons screaming, until suddenly all was quiet. The light began to dissipate, leaving the dias empty.
Turning to the shocked crowd with a grin, "well everyone," the older woman said, "the honeymoon has begun."
The newlyweds who appeared in a small stone cottage hidden deep within the forest, basked in their embrace for several minutes before taking a quick look around.
"Well husband, I could make us something to eat, or, we could just take a tour of the bed chambers?"
Severus was endeared that his bride was blushing still, grabbed her about the waist, "Mrs. Snape, I'm surprised that you have to ask?" Picking her up as if she was as light as a feather he carried her up stairs and into the bedroom where he gently set her down, "disrobe?"
"What?"
"Disrobe, as in, take your clothes off, I wish to see you."
Slowly Taranis began to undo her gown and slip it over her shoulders, pleased at his reaction. She enjoyed watching his body stiffen, those dark eyes clouding over with lust when they lingered over the white neglige. Pausing so that little item didn't go completely to waste, the bride contined in response to the grunt of satisfaction from her husband. Undoing the garter belt and slipping the top off so she was clad in only a lacy thong and stockings Taranis made to move forward, stopped by the demand, "all of it!"
Grinning, with a mock bow, "as you wish master, your lowly wife will obey."
"I'm glad you understand how things are going to work in this marriage,"came his deep reply.
Taranis stood in shock, surely he can't mean that? Watching the corner of his delectable mouth twitch as he tried not to smile, "for the next ten minutes or so anyway, after that we both know 'I' will be in charge."
"Really," he drawled, stepping forward to cup her breast, "now, we don't want 'that' particular disillusionment to settle in any further, now do we?" Severus crushed her lips under his own while his hands moved around, and , grasping her buttocks, pulled her womanhood to him tightly, grinding her against the hardness. Breaking free of her lips he rasp, "kneel." Snape, pleased at her quick response, pulled out his throbbing member and shoved it into her waiting mouth, grabbing the back of her head, pulling her farther around him. Just as he was about to explode he pushed Taranis back, "on the bed, now!" He demanded. "I'm glad to see you're learning to obey," was the remark as his eyes followed her to the bed, and with a flick of his wand her wrists became bound to the bedposts.
"Severus!"
"Quiet!" The dark man snarled, slowly disrobing, taking pleasure that the woman licked her lips as she stared at him. Silently he moved on top of Taranis and made to push into her, then at the last moment pulled back. Hearing her gasp in frustration, "come now my lovely wife, I really don't think you're ready yet, you must learn patience." Her breath became staggered as his fingers probed her wetness, two, three then four thick he shoved them into her moaning body repeatedly before stopping suddenly.
"Severus!"
"Yes?"
"Please don't stop," she pleaded.
"No? Perhaps this?" Stroking her womanhood gently with his tongue before thrusting it inside Severus was pleased to feel the tensing of her body as she struggled against the ties. After several minutes her breathing became fast and hard and again he sat back, grinning at her sadistically. "Is there something you want my love?" His voice came out as a sensual caress.
"Oh Severus, yes please?"
"Please? Tell me what you want woman!"
"You Severus! Please, now!"
"And just what would you like me to do Professor Snape?" The sound of her new name was oddly pleasing as it rolled off his tongue.
"Fuck me! Please Severus don't make me wait, fuck me now," she begged, pleading with her eyes.
"Now will you remind me just who is in charge?"
"You are my love, always you. Please," her cry was cut off as his cock shoved it's way inside of her. The couple stared into each others eyes, sharing thrust after thrust of the hard phallus as it filled her to the hilt. "Yes," Taranis cried, her body writhing in pleasure, working toward climax. "Fuck me Severus, ye gods yes, hard!"
Severus slammed into her with his member, shoving it as far as it would go until they both cried out, orgasms flooding them as his seed filled her.
A very sated Taranis drooled over her husband's glorious ass as he got up to get his wand so he could untie her.
The man pulled her head to lay against his chest and stroked her hair, "I love you Mrs. Snape."
"I love you as well Mr. Snape. Oh, and don't forget my love, pay-backs are a bitch."
The End