Next morning:
I was awakened by something being dropped on me. Looking down at myself, I was meet by two bright yellow eyes. Sitting up in a rush, I picked up the little fluff ball. "Hello, where did you come from?" It was a little dire wolf pup. His coat was all black, with some brown mixed in. Placing him on my chest, he fought to get up to my neck. Hearing the door squeak open, Hermione and Harry walked in. "What's going on?"
"You like him?" Hermione asked.
The pup gave me a ticklish sensation, as he attempted to bite my ear. "I love him, but where did he come from? Dire wolves are not easy to come by."
Harry took a seat on the bed. "I know how much losing Slytherin hurt you. I spoke with Sirius and he was able to get ahold of him. He is our wedding present, from all of us." The pup bounced over to him, nibbling on his hand.
"What's his name?"
Hermione shrugged. "Doesn't have one."
Grabbing the wolf, I studied him. He had a devilish look in his eyes. Kind of reminded me of Sirius. "Black."
Harry raised a brow. "Black?"
I nodded. "He will be named Black."
Hermione laughed, picking the pup to her eye level. "Black it is." Handing him over to Harry, she ushered them both out. "Alright, get in the shower. We are running behind once again."
"It's barely 9 am!" I hid my face under the pillow, groaning loudly. "Let me sleep for at least another hour."
"Are you insane!" She pulled the covers off me, followed by the pillow. "Everything is almost set up. Sirius is on his way, from what his letter said. Everyone is arriving. We are just waiting on the priest and you." She grabbed my arm, pulling me up and off the bed. "I will throw you into the tub and pour cold water on you."
"I am the bride, isn't it expected I arrive late?" Hermione gave me her infamous glare. "Alright, alright." Dragging my feet into the bathroom, I shut the door and jumped into the shower. We had decided on going in a simple white dress. My last one got ruined, and I didn't feel like getting it fixed. Besides, it would be my luck if the dress was bad luck now. Slipping into the dress, I sat down in front of the mirror. If today goes as planned, I will be Athena Black. "Hmm, has a nice ring to it. Athena Black."
"If you are done daydreaming, can we get a move on?" Hermione walked into the room, standing just behind my chair. "Everyone is here and waiting on you."
"Almost done." I grabbed my bag, pulling out a few items. Hermione helped me with my hair, putting it up in a bunch. After a few minutes, we were finally done. Making our way down to the yard, I stopped at the door. Hermione left to take her place at the front. I could see Sirius dressed in an all-black tuxedo, waiting for me to appear. The little guest consisted of, the order, Remus family, and a few classmates. My mother had not shown, not that I blamed her really. And well my father, he was gone for good from my life. Both of them. But that made me realize, I had no one to walk me down the aisle. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, just as a hand grabbed my arm.
"You didn't think I was going to let you walk down the aisle alone, did you?" David stood beside me, dressed in a white suit to match my dress. "What sort of brother would I be?"
"A lousy one." I jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you."
David pulled back, cupping my face. He leaned forward, giving me a peck on my cheek. "I will always be there for you. No matter what." He ran his thumb under my eyes, wiping the tears. "Let's get you walking, I still need to threaten that 'fiancé' of yours." Hooking my arm in his, we began our walk. David let go of my arm once we arrived at the front. Giving me a kiss on the head, he turned towards Sirius. "I am a very nice guy; some even say I can be a sweetheart. But if I hear or even catch wind, that you hurt my sister. Made her cry. Made her upset in the least, I will hunt you down like a three-headed dog." I swear my brother can be very dramatic.
I could see Sirius holding back his smirk, as he nodded. "You have my word." With one last glare directed at Sirius, he made his way back to sit by his wife. "Charming, your brother."
"Mother always said we were alike." I whispered.
Sirius chuckled. "I am in for a wild ride."
"Yes. You. Are."
Remus leaned towards us, pointing a finger at the priest. "Will you two pay attention."
We looked up to see the man staring at us patiently. "Shall we begin?"
"Sorry."
I actually zoned out as he spoke about love and union. Did he not know why we were getting married? Hearing him say the words 'Till death do you apart.' is morbid to me. I want the fairy tale. I want "and they lived happily ever after." What's wrong with that? Why start a life of love by thinking about death? I choose to believe that my husband is my soulmate, that we will always be together in this life and beyond. Doesn't love endure forever? Well then again, we aren't in love and this isn't a fairy tale.
"Ms. Gaunt?"
"Ye-oh?" I looked up to see the man holding his wand up. Sirius had his arm stretched out, waiting for me. "Sorry." Holding my arm out, I placed the back of my hand against Sirius. Suddenly my nerves were activated. There was no going back.
"With this tie, you will now be husband and wife." A black and red light emitted from his wand, wrapping itself around both our wrists, running up our arms. "A tie no man shall break. A tie no magic itself will ever be able to break." The lace tightens around our arms, sinking into us. It wasn't painful or uncomfortable, it actually felt soothing. The light sunk into our skin, tying us for a moment, then allowing us to separate our hands. "You can kiss your wife Black."
"Right." Turning to face me, he took a step forward. Raising his hand towards my cheek, he leaned forward kissing me lightly on the lips. It wasn't long or passionate. It was simply a peck. And for that, I was actually thankful. As everyone clapped, he leaned into my ear. "You alright?"
"Yeah."
The night went as you would have expected it to. Everyone ate, danced and had fun. The troubles to come were on no one's mind. Hermione had asked if Krum could come, which I had no problem with. And who at the moment was very busy dancing with. Ron on the other hand wouldn't stop glaring at the couple. I swear that boy's neck vein was popping. Harry was on the side talking with Ginny, who at the moment was trying to convince him to dance. 'Yeah, good luck with that.' Sirius was speaking in hushed voices with Remus and Madeye. I was currently sitting at one of the tables, watching the others dancing slowly. The night was almost done and if I was being honest, I was scared. I hadn't spoken to Sirius about my worries or fears of what was to come tonight. I knew he expected something, I mean it was our wedding night.
"I can hear the wheels in your head moving." David whispered taking a seat in the chair beside me. "What's on your mind?"
"A lot of things, but this particular thought is not one I would like to share." Looking up at him, I chuckled at the look of offense on him. "Trust me, I rather not traumatize my brother."
David frowned, thinking for a moment until his eyes widen and his mouth gasped. "Oh-eww-Athena!"
"I didn't say anything!" I laughed. "What is that dirty mind thinking?"
David gagged, shaking his head clear. "I never want to think or talk about that!"
"You know what I do want to talk about?" I rested my chin on my fist, giving him an innocent look.
"What's that?"
"The fact that I am still waiting to meet my nephew." I said, slapping him on the shoulder.
David cackled. "My apologies. Let me go get him." Watching him scurry back into the house, I turned my focus back to the dance floor.
"Athena, you okay?" Sirius sat down in David's deserted seat.
Looking his way, I offered him a small smile. "Yeah, you?"
"Fine." Sirius tilted back in his chair, watching the guest sway to the music. "I never reckoned my wedding would have been like this. Well, the few times I ever thought of being married."
"Like what?"
"Filled with our closest friends and family."
I turned to face him, my brows knitted in confusion. "What do you mean? How else would you have pictured it?" I myself as a child have speculated about it a few times. Never too detailed or even who the groom might be, but I did imagine the wedding itself.
Taking a drink of his fire whiskey, he shrugged lightly. "Had I stayed with my mother and married under her watch, I reckon it would have been an all-black one. Like a funeral." He snickered. "Only pure-blood. No music. No dancing, except maybe the couples dance. Say my 'I do' and that would be that."
"Was she that bad?" I uttered.
Sirius chuckled. "The worse." Tossing back his drink, he leaped to his feet, holding his hand out to me. "I do believe it is time for the bride and groom's dance."
Lifting a brow, I grinned placing my hand in his. "About time."
Sirius led me to the dance floor, as everyone else cleared out. Standing in the middle of the floor, I spotted Hermione walking over to the music station. The rest of the guests were circled around us, waiting for us.
"Sirius?!" Hermione whispered/yelled.
Sirius frowned, turning towards her mouthing 'What'. Hermione waved him over to her, suddenly conscious of all the eyes on her. Sirius gave me an apologetic look, running over to her. Chuckles sounded throughout the tent as the Wizard and Witch discussed quietly. Hermione was sternly showing him something, resulting in Sirius giving in and run back to me.
"Forgive me, love." He gently wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me flush against him.
I ran my hand up to his chest and around his neck. It was a bit awkward, not because I was holding him, but because I was aware everyone was watching us. "What song did you pick?"
"I am not certain." Sirius fretted, looking over at Hermione messing with the music. "Bloody hell woman, use your wand!"
Hermione tossed him a glare over her shoulder. "You want to do it?!" Getting an eye roll she smirked. "Didn't think so." After a few seconds, an upbeat tune began, the melody being played by a guitar. It was soothing.
"Lyin' here with you so close to me
It's hard to fight these feelings
Then it feels so hard to breathe
Caught up in this moment
Caught up in your smile
I've never opened up to anyone
So hard to hold back
When I'm holding you in my arms
We don't need to rush this
Let's just take it slow."
Looking up at my now-husband, I observed the shyness in his eyes. He was trying hard to not show it. He was so out of place at the moment. Every set of eyes were set on us. Once he looked down at me, I gave him a small smile. With a bit of hesitation, I laid my head on his shoulder. Closing my eyes, as he took in a shuddering deep breath. His scent overrunning all my senses.
"Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
And I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight."
Pulling back I mauled over what I was about to do. Might as well get used to it right? Waiting until he once more looked down at me, I gently pulled him down towards me. The kiss was gentle assessing the waters. Surprisingly Sirius controlled himself, simply hold the kiss. Pulling back, he gazed into my eyes tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Grazing his fingers along my jawline, he pulled me in for another kiss.
"I know that if we give this little time
It'll only bring us closer
To the love we wanna find
It's never felt so real
No it's never felt so right
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
And I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight."
Laughing as he laid open kisses on my neck, I gripped the lapel of his jacket. Partly to steady myself from falling to the ground as my knees weaken. And mostly to hide what Sirius was doing from prying eyes. The sudden sound of something crashing caused us to pull apart. We all turned to see a couple stormed out of the tent, pushing chairs out of the way. It seemed they were having a quarrel. I wasn't sure who they were, but as I made to follow them Sirius stopped me. Giving a shake of his head, he pulled me back into the dance. Hiding my face in his chest, I missed the look he gave Remus. Or that Remus went out to check on them.
"No I don't want to say goodnight
I know it's time to leave,
But you'll be in my dreams
Tonight
Tonight
Tonight
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, oh, let's do this right
With just a kiss goodnight
With a kiss goodnight
Kiss goodnight."
Sirius clashed his lips down on mine. This time it was more intense and demanding. As the guest clapped and cheered, Sirius deepen the kiss even more. I couldn't help, but part my lips allowing him to explore all he wanted.
"Padfoot." Remus cleared his throat, causing us to pull apart once more.
Sirius in return growled. "What Remus?"
"I hate to be the one to interrupt the moment, but Sirius we need to talk." Remus said. "Also, Athena, David is asking for you."
"Thank you, professor." Giving Sirius a quick kiss, I took off in search of my brother. I found him sitting by the back, holding a little baby boy in his lap. "Oh, thank you, Merlin!"
David frowned. "What?"
"I prayed so much for this." I gasped, allowing the child to grip my finger in his hand. "I suppose he heard me."
"For what?"
"That this child didn't get his father's ugly mug." I laughed, taking the baby in my arms. "I was heard."
David rolled his eyes. "You play too much."
I watched the baby as he played with my necklace. All jokes aside he looked so much like my brother. He had a mane of midnight black hair on his head. His eyes were mesmerizing grey/blue eyes. "Hello, handsome. I am your aunt Athena." Looking over at the other end of the tent, I locked eyes with Sirius. Pointing a finger at the man, I whispered into his ear. "That is your uncle Sirius." Glancing over at Sirius once more, I caught an odd look on his face. Snapping out of it once Sirius nudged him.
"Athena!" Ginny came running to me, grabbing my arm.
"What?"
"David, I am sorry, but I am in need of your sister." Ginny grinned, pulling me away. "I will bring her back in one piece."
David took his son back, giving Ginny a 'go ahead' motion. "She married Black, not me. Give her back to him."
I slapped him on the shoulder. "Now that's just rude."
"I have dealt with you all my life, you're someone else's problem now." He yelled after my departure.
Ginny stopped me from responding back at him, dragging me out to the lake. Some other girl I didn't know was there. "What are we doing here?"
"We wanted to check up on you." Ginny said.
I frowned, not sure what she was going on about. "What do you mean? I am fine."
"We just wanted to make sure you were okay." The girl said. "You know, with what is going to happen tonight."
I am sorry what? "Who are you?" I glanced from Ginny to the girl. "And nothing is happening tonight. At least not if I am ready."
Ginny quickly raised her hands, calming me down. Or trying. "It is your wedding night Athena."
"So?" What was up with her? "That doesn't mean anything. Yes, I am now his wife and carry the Black name, but that doesn't mean I am doing anything I don't want to."
"Don't get your panties in a bunch. But, what kind of wife will not keep her husband happy, especially on their wedding night." The girl scoffed.
"Again, who the bloody hell are you?!" I was losing the very little patience I had for this girl. "You have no idea what my life has been like. Nor the reason behind my marriage. Now I care for Sirius and I will do everything to keep him happy, so don't you dare come at me." As I was turning around to leave, a hand reached out and pulled my arm. A loud gasp following.
"Vicky!" Ginny yelled, followed by a gasp of her own.
I snatched my arm back, noticing the mark on my arm was visible. "Bloody hell."
"Yo-you are a death eater." Vicky accused, stepping back in fear. "You're a death eater!"
"Athena?" Ginny gapped my arm and then back at me. "Are you?"
"No!"
"Like hell, you're not!" Vicky yelled. "That is the death eaters mark! You are one of his followers!"
"I am no one's followers!" This girl was about to be turned into a bloody pig. "Don't ever repeat those words to me!"
"But you have his mark." Ginny whispered, she too stepped away.
"Athena?"
I was starting to hate my own name! Looking at the person calling me, I spotted Hermione, Harry, and Ron making their way over. "What?"
Hermione frowned, looking from me to the others. "You okay?"
"Yeah, fine."
Ron approached Ginny, grabbing her by the arm. "What did you do?"
"Not-"
"She is a death eater!" Vicky yelled.
I was so close to punching this girl. "I am not!"
"She is not a death eater!" Harry growled.
"Then why does she carry their mark?!"
I had, had enough. "You know what, I have no reason to explain anything to you. I am going to get some air away from you two." Walking away from them, I was finally able to breathe. That girl was hanging from my last nerve. Taking a seat on a log, I stared out into the tall grass field. It was peaceful really. The grass swayed from side to side, as the wind blew by. It was soothing.
"Mind some company?"
I looked up to see Sirius standing beside me. "Of course not."
Taking a seat, he exhaled softly. "So, want to tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong, just taking some air." I replied.
Sirius chuckled. "May I remind you about the threat your brother made?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "It's nothing you did Sirius. I have been hoping to keep the whole mark thing a secret. Avoid the students from finding out."
"But?"
"But that's not going to happen." I was so screwed. "I just had a little argument with a girl, who I know will end up telling everyone she knows."
Sirius shrugged, picking up a small stick from the ground. "Let them think what they want Athena. Those that are important to you know the truth and will be here for you. The rest, well they can bloody well go to hell." I don't know how, but this man was getting too well at reading me. "But that isn't all that's bothering you."
"I hate when you do that." I wasn't sure how to tell him, but I needed to. How do you tell your new husband, you are not ready to have sex. On your wedding night, nonetheless. "Sirius, I-I-" Just out with it Athena! "I-uhh-I have never-" ugh! "I am a virgin!" I kept my eyes on the ground, not daring to look up at him. "A-and I don't think I am ready to sleep with anyone. I know it's our wedding night and you are probably expecting us to-" I was stopped by his lips on mine. I could taste the fire whiskey on his tongue. As he pulled away, I moaned softly.
"Athena I am not expecting anything tonight." Sirius whispered. "I knew you were untouched; your father made a point in making sure I knew. I am not going to rush you into anything you are not ready for." Grabbing my chin, he made me look up at him. "I will go at your pace. Not to mention, you are only 17 Athena."
"Right." Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank you, Sirius."