CHAPTER NINE
In which Dumbledore proves his hidden talents as a wedding consultant, and besides a wedding we have a funeral (very nearly). Picture Snape in a tux either way. (Just kidding! Snape in a bow tie? ... nahhh ... but what do wizards wear to be married in, anyhow?) ... as always, the world of Potter and all the original characters are J.K. Rowling's.
Dumbledore smiled as they stood before the door to his sitting room, hand in hand. "I see you've spoken," he said. "Come in, come in."
Rose looked about her as they crossed the threshold; even in their current urgent predicament, she couldn't help but be fascinated with the Headmaster's private living quarters, which she had never seen before. A purple sofa slouched before the fire, flanked by armchairs covered in leather of a deep claret. The ceiling was covered with Quidditch players in robes of amber and blue. Mercifully the entire game, Bludgers and all, seemed to be staying firmly within the confines of the ceiling. Rose nearly lost her balance trying to follow the action. She straightened quickly, cheeks pink.
Snape gave her an amused sideways glance before turning to the Headmaster. "We're marrying as soon as possible," he said firmly. There was a new note in his voice, Rose thought: not authority, not power, he had always had both those qualities; rather perhaps a kind of inner certainty.
"We'd like to ask you to be our witness," Snape continued.
"I'll be delighted," Dumbledore replied. "Please, sit." As the pair seated themselves gingerly on the sloping sofa cushions, the headmaster sank back in the armchair closest to the fire. "My congratulations to you, Severus, you're a very lucky man." His eyes twinkled at Rose, whose colour deepened a bit more.
"I know, sir," Snape said softly.
"And Rose, you have my condolences," Dumbledore went on.
"Professor!" she exclaimed, while Snape grinned. "I tried to escape my fate, but she insists on marrying me," he said.
Rose looked at him in awe. "Severus, you made a joke."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I'm very happy for you both. Perhaps I should tell you that my late wife was, like you, Rose, a former student of mine."
"Chloe, sir?" Snape said quietly. Dumbledore nodded.
Rose was stunned; in all her time at Hogwarts, she had never heard of the headmaster being married. "What happened, Professor?" she asked in a low voice.
"Chloe and I had three very happy years together," Dumbledore said slowly. "Her family worried that we were too different, too far apart in age, but we were well on the way to proving them wrong. But then she fell victim to the Dark wizard Grindelwald."
"I'm so sorry, sir," Rose whispered. She knew Dumbledore's fame rested partly on his defeat of Grindelwald many years ago, but she'd never thought he might have had a personal stake in the battle.
"It's far in the past now, Rose," Dumbledore said, though his smile was pensive. "One of the blessings age brings is the ability to look back and treasure the good in life without being too afflicted by the evil ... but I begin to sound melancholy, and this is a happy day. Which reminds me...." He stood and searched a cabinet behind his chair, finally retrieving a tall bottle. "I've been saving this for an important occasion. Severus, would you do the honours?"
While Snape opened the champagne, Dumbledore rummaged through a neighbouring cupboard for glassware. Soon they were each holding a goblet full of pale wine, which hissed softly as tiny bubbles fizzed to the surface. "To your happiness - Rose and Severus," Dumbledore said, and they raised their glasses and drank. Snape squeezed Rose's hand gently as they sat, sipping.
Perhaps the excellent vintage was going to her head, but Rose said, "I'm absolutely petrified of one thing. How on earth am I going to tell Sirius?" She smiled ruefully. "I just spoiled the mood, didn't I?"
Snape sighed. Dumbledore said, "I agree it will be difficult, but you were right earlier, Rose, he isn't your gaoler. Though he may want to lock you up when he hears."
"Would you be able to talk to him for us? He'll listen to you," Rose said hopefully.
Dumbledore considered. "I think you should tell him, Rose. But I will be present while you do so, if you wish."
"Thank you, sir," she said gratefully. She wasn't afraid of Sirius's reaction, exactly, but she knew he wouldn't take this news well. "Maybe ... we'd do better to wait until after we're married to tell him, then he won't do something crazy to try to stop us." And we can concentrate on each other and not worry about his disapproval, she thought. Perhaps it was a bit selfish, but she didn't feel at all guilty. "If you agree, Severus," Rose added. Snape nodded his assent.
"I could see him becoming a bit crazed," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "Yes, by all means, a quiet wedding if that's what you wish. Do you need anything to get ready? Do you have any plans made?"
Rose and Snape looked at each other. "None," Snape said. "How does one manage a runaway marriage in these parts?"
Dumbledore smiled. "There's a vicar, a friend of mine in Hogsmeade, who will certainly be able to help you if you'd like a church wedding."
"I would," said Rose. She looked at Snape. My husband-to-be ... it was staggering. "Certainly," he said.
"Then I'll bring him here to talk to you, today if possible. Given the circumstances, I think he won't object to marrying you quickly. Perhaps as early as tomorrow? He'll know about whatever sort of licence you'll need." Dumbledore stood, and Rose and Snape stood as well. "Meanwhile, Rose, I'll ask Winky to pay you a call and see what she can do to help you get ready. If you like, I'll make the arrangements to hold the wedding here in the old chapel, perhaps?"
They agreed. Rose had never actually seen the chapel, which was too small for use by large numbers of students; those participating in religious observances generally traveled to Hogsmeade.
"Good," said the headmaster. "Leave it all to me, I've always yearned to plan a wedding." Rose didn't think he was kidding. She grinned at him. "Just no soppy songs, please," she requested.
"Of course not," he said with a wink. "You plan the ceremony with Reverend Fowler, and I'll take care of everything else." He saw them to the door and smiled as they left.
"Pinch me," said Rose quietly as they moved down the spiraling staircase.
"I know," said Snape. He looked at her. "If you're having any second thoughts ... any at all...."
"That's not what I meant," she hastened to reassure him. "This just seems so unreal - here we are, one day we're kissing, the next we're to be wed. Doesn't it seem like a dream to you?"
"Exactly like," he said softly.
They parted at the foot of the stairs, Rose going back to her rooms to await Winky. It was not long till she heard a small voice. "Miss Rose?" Suddenly the House-elf was there in her sitting room, looking quizzical. Someday I must find out how it is that House-elves can Apparate here in the castle when no-one else can, thought Rose. She smiled. "Sit down, Winky."
Winky looked scandalised. "That be not proper, Miss," she said sternly.
"Ah. Well ... I need your help, Winky. How are you as a seamstress?"
Winky's face lit up. "Over and over I mended for the Crouches, made clothes for Mistress Crouch," she said. "My favourite work of all, it is."
"How fast can you sew?"
"House-elves has special gifts, Miss," Winky said proudly. "Can sew fast, very fast - like that." She waved an imaginary wand.
"Wonderful," said Rose. "Well then, I need a dress. Maybe you can help me with some ideas ... and we'll need some fabric."
Snape ambled down the hallway to his office with a rare smile on his face. It did indeed seem unreal. She would soon be his ... all his doubts and worries seemed needless after all.
He never saw it coming. Suddenly he was flat on his back, gasping for breath, pinned to the flagstones by a large and murderous-looking black dog growling atop him. He couldn't get a hand free -
The dog instantly transformed and there was Sirius Black, kneeling on his chest with his hands at Snape's throat. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't choke the life out of you," he snarled.
Snape stared at him, the back of his head throbbing where it had struck the stone floor. "You'd miss not having me around to blame for everything," he said levelly.
"I'll take that chance," Sirius said, his fingers tightening. Snape gagged a bit.
"She loves me, you know," he gasped. "You'd be breaking her heart, Black."
The fingers tightened still more, then abruptly let go, though Sirius remained where he was. "How do I know you don't have her under some kind of spell?" he fumed. "You teach Potions, after all."
"You should realise how impossible that is," Snape said impatiently. "Love potions are not only illegal, they're extremely tricky to make. They're among the most advanced Dark magic. Even if I knew how to make one, I couldn't get the ingredients."
"Not legally," Sirius growled.
"Oh for the love of...." With a great effort Snape pushed Sirius off himself and sat up, rubbing his chest and neck, which felt positively bruised.
"Rose, Snape," Sirius said dangerously. "For the love of Rose. I won't let you ruin her happiness - ruin her life. Why should I trust you with her? You're twice her age and ten times more - more - "
"Worldly? Jaded? Dark?" Snape paused, then said quietly, "I know all these things, Black, and I've told Rose as much, you may be sure. But in spite of it all she loves me - and I love her too." Sirius stared at him. Snape gave a twisted smile. "Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but I do have feelings. I'm curious, how did you find out about us?"
"Rose came to your defence so readily this morning, it worried me," Sirius muttered. "And then I saw you leaving the conference room with her - " The glare returned full force. "What were you doing with her all last night, anyway?"
"Nothing immoral," Snape said with a little smile.
"Wipe that grin off your face or you'll wish you had," Sirius snarled. "This is no joke."
"I quite agree," Snape said, smiling no longer. "You may not trust me, Black, but you can trust one thing: I would never hurt or harm Rose in any way. I've been doing my best to keep her safe from Voldemort, if you must know."
Sirius flinched at the name. "What do you mean?" he said sharply.
"You'll have to ask Rose yourself - and Dumbledore," said Snape, rising. "I don't think you want to hear the whole story from me. Now, if we can agree to cease hostilities for Rose's sake, I'd like to be on my way." Sirius got up as well. The two men stood toe to toe for a moment, Sirius still glowering, Snape enigmatic. Finally Sirius turned and strode back up the corridor to the stairs. Snape stood looking after him, then resumed the interrupted journey to his office.
"You're not marrying him? Rose, why didn't you tell me?" Sirius looked stunned, even heartbroken. "How can you be?"
"Oh, Sirius. I knew how unhappy you'd be about this." He had arrived at her door scowling but pale, and Rose had abruptly sent Winky away to Hogsmeade to buy the fabric for her wedding gown. She had insisted on brewing Sirius a strong cup of tea, but it sat untouched as Sirius took her hands in his.
"I was furious when I saw you with him this morning. And on my way to your quarters I couldn't help but think - Rose, does he have you under some kind of obligation? Are you doing this of your own free will? Because whatever it is, I can help you," he said huskily. "You don't have to take such a drastic step."
"I love him, Sirius," she said, tears starting to her eyes. "I know how impossible it must seem to you, but I do. I think I've loved him for a long time."
"You think?" he repeated. "Rose, why marry so quickly? Why can't you wait a little, you're only just eighteen."
"There are ... reasons," she said hesitantly.
Sirius leapt from his chair, looking thunderous. "You're not - expecting?" He began to pace. "I'll kill the bastard," he muttered, flexing his fingers as though wishing Snape's neck were still in their grasp. "I should never have let him go in the first place -"
"No!" said Rose in horror, finally finding her voice. "How could you think...."
Sirius looked down at her, bewildered. "Well, what other reason is there to get married in a hurry?"
Rose sighed. "Sit down, Sirius," she said gently. He reluctantly obeyed. "This will take some time to explain, and it'll be a shock. You knew Snape was spying for Dumbledore in the circle of Death Eaters?" She haltingly explained Voldemort's plans for her, moving the narrative hurriedly to the Dark Lord's discovery of Snape's deception.
Sirius looked if possible whiter than before, but now two crimson spots of fury stained his cheeks. "The devil," he whispered. "More than evil, he's absolutely depraved. I can't believe you went to his headquarters to rescue Snape and made it back in one piece. Rose, you are not to set foot outside this castle, do you hear me?"
She gave a small smile. "So you are my gaoler, is that it?" When he didn't smile in return, she took his cold hands in hers. "Severus proposed marriage so he could protect me from this threat," she said quietly. "You are not to worry ... not that it'll do any good for me to tell you that - "
"It needn't be Snape, darling," Sirius said, stroking her hands. "I could talk to Remus - "
Rose jumped in her seat. "No! Haven't you heard me? Severus and I love each other. I won't have anyone else. If anything I'm - I'm almost thankful for Voldemort's threat, because I don't think Severus would have spoken otherwise. He said as much. He doesn't feel he's good enough for me. And don't you dare say a word!" She glared, feeling the retort forming even before it reached her guardian's lips.
Sirius exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "I can't like it, Rose," he said in a low voice.
"I won't ask you to," she said softly. "Only - just try to accept it, will you, please? For my sake?"
"Very well," he finally muttered.
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Sirius. I know you're only angry because you care."
He raised his head. "Always," he said fiercely. "If he puts one toe out of line - if he ever says or does anything to hurt you - "
Rose smiled. "He wouldn't dare. Not with you waiting to right my wrongs."
They met Reverend Fowler that evening. He was a funny, small wizard, with greying hair and the kindest blue eyes Rose had ever seen. He questioned them, separately and together, about their intentions. Dumbledore must have told him something compelling about them, if not the full truth, because amidst all his enquiries he never once questioned their desire to marry so quickly. He took them through the language and ceremonies of the traditional wedding service, and before they knew it the clock was striking nine.
The vicar stood. "I'll see you at noon tomorrow then," he said, shaking Snape's hand and pecking Rose on the cheek. "Dumbledore will be expecting me, it's rare we get this chance for a good long talk and he's offered to put me up for the night." They thanked him and left the conference room hand in hand, talking quietly.
"By the by, I'm glad you do want children," Rose said, looking up at Snape. "I hadn't thought to ask you. Mr. Fowler was very thorough, wasn't he?"
Snape smiled a little. "Mind, I only want daughters ... with long black hair and beautiful green eyes," he said. Remarkable how quickly things could change; how he could change. He'd have sworn he'd never want youngsters underfoot - he saw enough of them in his job - but now that he knew and loved Rose, the idea of having one or two of his own seemed - not repellent.
"Oh, perhaps a dark-eyed little wizard or two wouldn't be so bad," Rose replied. She squeezed his hand. They were at her door. "Do you want to come in?" she asked softly.
Snape gently brushed a strand of hair off her face. "I don't dare," he said, though his hand lingered on her cheek.
"Because of Sirius?" Rose teased.
"Because of me," he said in a low voice. "It would be too easy to take advantage. I'm willing to wait - but only for one more night." He abruptly raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Good night, love," he said, tearing himself away.
"Good night," Rose murmured, looking after him as he strode down the corridor.
At eleven forty-five the next morning, Winky was helping Rose put the last touches to her ensemble when they heard knocking from the corridor outside. Winky opened the door to reveal an out-of-breath Arabella.
"Sirius just told me," she gasped. "I wanted to know where he was going all dressed up, and he broke down and told me - Rose -"
"Arabella, come in," Rose said, a look of worry creasing her forehead. "I wanted to tell you, but Sirius took it so badly, I thought I'd wait."
Arabella's breathing was slowing. "It's all right, Rose," she said, looking very sober. "Sirius explained - everything. And if you've managed to convince him you want this, that's good enough for me." But she still looked doubtful. "You do - really love each other?"
"Oh yes," Rose said, taking her godmother's hands in hers. "I'll tell you all about it sometime. I'm so relieved you know and don't mind, I was dreading telling you."
"Rose," said Arabella earnestly, "you know I'll always care for you no matter what you choose to do. Sirius and I, well, we're just...."
"Very loving godparents," Rose said firmly. "Now shall we go down together?"
"As stand-in 'mother' of the bride, how can I refuse? But let me get a good look at you first," Arabella smiled. She circled Rose, inspecting her from all sides. "You look absolutely beautiful," she said. "That gown is even more becoming than the dress I gave you. Where on earth did you get it?"
"We have my helper to thank," Rose said with a smile, indicating Winky. "Didn't she do a marvellous job?" The House-elf beamed.
Arabella's eyebrows went up. "Now I know where to go when I need new clothes," she said. "Congratulations, Winky, that's possibly the nicest wedding gown I've ever seen. Muggle style, is it? I could grow fond of these Muggle fashions."
Rose, who had never yet attended a wedding in the wizarding world, had opted for a traditional Muggle gown of a simple and elegant cut. White silk hugged her figure from shoulders to hips, spreading in a full skirt to the floor. The gown had no train, but sewn-in petticoats kept the skirt spread wide at the bottom. She wore the pearl pendant Sirius had given her above the fluid neckline, which curved below her collarbone to end in a small V above her breasts. The long, close-fitting sleeves ended in a point over each wrist. The snowy material was unadorned except for small, seemingly random drifts of diamanté, which were scattered sparsely near the neckline and more abundantly towards the hem. The tiny crystals caught the light with each movement as if she were walking through a snowfall.
No ruffles, no lace or bows marred the simplicity of her dress, and Rose wore no veil. Instead, her hair was done up in a sophisticated knot from which curls fell around her face and onto her neck, and around the knot was a circlet of white rosebuds. She carried a nosegay of the same roses in full bloom. "You look ... just perfect, sweetheart," Arabella said. "I'm quite unfit to attend a wedding with you, I'm afraid!" She looked down at her everyday witch's robe and gave her goddaughter a rueful smile.
Rose smiled back. "You're lovely as always, Arabella," she said, squeezing her arm. "I'm just happy you're coming. I have to admit I really am a bit nervous, I'll be glad to have you there." She glanced at a nearby clock. "Heavens, we'll be late."
"I feel sure he'll wait for you," Arabella said as Winky led them downstairs to what had been the family chapel for the original owners of Hogwarts castle. She and Arabella entered the vestibule and found Sirius standing there, pulling at the collar of his black dress robe as if it were too tight. He gaped at Rose. "Rose ... you look...."
"Stunning," said Arabella firmly. "Beautiful, enchanting, and certainly far too good for any bridegroom." She winked at Rose and hugged her swiftly, kissing her on the cheek. "Good luck, darling," she whispered, and entered the chapel.
Sirius took her hand and placed it on his arm tenderly. "All those things. What Arabella said," he murmured, trying to smile. "Are you ready, love?"
"Oh yes. I'm so glad you and Arabella are here with me, Sirius," she answered. She looked closely at her guardian. "Is that a tear in your eye?" she said sternly. "None of that, now."
"Just catching a cold," he answered with a lopsided grin. "Well...." He opened the chapel door for her and she entered on his arm.
The sweetest music she had ever heard greeted them. She had heard its echoes twice before, both at times when she had been sorely in need of help and comfort, but now Fawkes seemed to be pouring his whole soul into his song as if knowing this was finally an occasion of happiness for her. She looked gratefully up to the choir loft, where she could see scarlet and gold phoenix plumage draped over the balcony railing.
She looked around the shrine, admiring for a moment the stately grey granite-block walls and white marble floors. The pews were carved of old oak in a rich dark finish, and multicoloured spots of light streamed over the marble altar from the rose window at the front. Though the stained glass admitted a good deal of daylight, she saw beeswax tapers burning in holders at the ends of the pews all along her path down the centre aisle. The candles gave off a delicious odor which mingled pleasingly with the smell of the roses massed in front of the altar. Red, pink, yellow, and white, they were a glorious mix of color and fragrance.
But none of this held Rose's attention for long. Her eyes locked with those of her husband-to-be, standing by the altar with Reverend Fowler, and she smiled tremulously. Severus looked ... magnificent. He looked somehow much younger than before, too. Perhaps it was the blue robes of the traditional wizard bridegroom, which he wore in place of his usual black; or maybe it was the glow of happiness that filled his face, though his expression was solemn. Rose could never afterwards decide.
Sirius walked with her up to the altar and stood there, looking at Snape for once quite without his usual hostility. "Be good to her," he whispered.
"I couldn't be otherwise," Severus said softly, smiling down at Rose. They turned to face the vicar as Arabella and Dumbledore looked on.
The words of the beautiful old ceremony engraved themselves into Rose's mind. When Reverend Fowler asked, "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" Sirius put her hand in Severus's. His fingers closed warm and steady around hers.
He spoke his vows firmly. Her own responses were clear, if a bit nervous. Severus then placed a curiously carved ring on her finger and declared in a deep and tender voice that made her shiver inwardly, "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship...." She could hardly look at him, her feelings were so overpowering. That he loved her - it still seemed incredible.
"...I pronounce that they be husband and wife together," the vicar intoned. Finally he smiled at Severus. "You may kiss the bride," he concluded.
Snape gently took her face in his hands and bent his head. Tears stung her eyes as he pressed his lips to hers. As they ended the kiss Rose heard Dumbledore loudly blowing his nose, and she almost giggled. Snape grinned. He took Rose's hand and turned to face the little group. "My wife," he said.
"Congratulations, Severus," Dumbledore said warmly, coming forward to shake his hand and kiss Rose. Sirius and Arabella too approached to offer their good wishes. Rose hugged them both tightly. "Thank you for being here with me today," she whispered. "You'll never know what it meant."
Dumbledore was speaking. "I believe our House-elves have prepared something special in celebration of the day," he said. "If you'll all follow me...." He led them back to the vestibule. Rose paused under the choir loft as Fawkes fluttered down to perch on a back pew. She took a blossom from her bouquet and placed it before him. "Thank you, Fawkes, that was beautiful," she said. He cocked his head, looking at her with his usual intelligent eye. Taking the white rose in his beak, he flew through the open door, presumably back to his perch in Dumbledore's office.
They followed the headmaster outside to a flagstone-covered patio on which a table was set. Dobby and Winky appeared and, as they had on her birthday, proceeded to serve the group a lavish meal. Rose hardly remembered afterwards what they ate or drank, though a few memories would always remain clear: Sirius haltingly proposing a toast as Severus squeezed her hand; Dumbledore singing a traditional wizard's wedding song, bringing tears to their eyes of mingled sentiment and mirth; Arabella and Sirius gazing at each other with foolish smiles on their faces ("Aha!" thought Rose); and perhaps most memorable of all, Sirius and Snape meeting after the meal and speaking in low voices for several moments. They finished by shaking hands, and she could see that whatever the troubles had been between them, they were determined to make a new beginning.
They cut and ate the wedding cake (which had all fifteen layers traditional for a witch's wedding, though the layers were wafer-thin with plenty of cream between), and then Snape looked at Rose, who nodded. They both stood. "Thank you all for being here with us," he said. Rose added her thanks to his and pulled more flowers from her bouquet, offering one to each of her friends and to Dobby and Winky, who looked very pleased.
Rose and Severus made their way back into the castle. When Rose would have turned down the familiar corridor that led to her rooms, Snape tugged on her hand and smiled. "This way," he said. He took her not to the dungeons where she knew his rooms were, but instead to a little-used corridor she had rarely visited. It led to the rear of the castle at ground level. Snape halted before a newly painted door and murmured, "Sugar quill." The door opened to admit them to a suite of rooms, freshly cleaned and sparkling with sunshine. Rose exclaimed with pleasure. The parlour they stood in was filled with flowers, and she could see French windows leading onto a patio much like the one they'd left. Beyond the patio lay a garden, beyond that the lake, and behind that the mountains. What a lovely place to spend a honeymoon.
"Our new quarters," Snape said, drinking in the delight on her face as she explored the room. "Dumbledore showed me this morning. I asked him yesterday what we could do about a honeymoon and he said if we liked, we could start here where we'd be living from now on. I wish I could take you all around the world, Rose ... if only we didn't have to think about -"
"We don't," she said swiftly. "The time will come when we can do anything, go anywhere we want. Right now this is perfect and we have each other. I don't want anything else."
He smiled. "You're right, of course."
"You'd better get used to it," she said mock-seriously as they entered the bedroom. Rose placed her wedding bouquet on the wide dresser, trying not to be intimidated by the enormous bed that dominated the room. She was beginning to feel a bit queasy. "Sugar quill, huh? Let me guess, Dumbledore chose the password."
"He did," her husband said softly, placing his hands on her shoulders. The intensity of his gaze made her tremble.
Severus kissed her deeply, then nuzzled her neck with his lips. As her head fell back Rose felt tingles that were half fear, half excitement, beginning to well up within her. Suddenly he swept her up in his arms and placed her tenderly on the coverlet. "My lovely Rose," he said huskily, bending over her. "Have I told you how beautiful you are - especially today?"
She looked up at him, her breath a bit short. She smiled gamely. "I hope you know I'm terrified."
He smiled. "What, the woman who faced Voldemort himself can't face me? You have nothing to fear from me, Rose," he said. "Not now, not ever." He stroked his fingers down the side of her face. She caught his hand between hers.
"Have you ... done this before?" Funny she hadn't wondered sooner.
"Yes, but it's been a very long time," he said slowly, thinking of the older woman who'd initiated him so pleasurably all those years ago. There had been brief encounters a few times since, but he had found such trysts unsatisfying and had soon returned to his solitary, celibate life. Until now. "Rose - "
"It's all right," she said, and meant it. "I don't need to know any more. You're mine now."
"I could wish I came to you as unstained as yourself," he said, very low. "But at least I have the experience to make this easier for you."
She found her nervousness melting away. Perhaps it was because he seemed so uncertain at this discussion of his past. She pulled his head down to hers, his hands to her body. "Show me," she murmured, and then said nothing else for a very long time....
You may have noticed that Rose and Severus were married using the language of the traditional Church of England service. (I love the "with my body I thee worship" part, though I believe this phrase is no longer found in the modern version of the Book of Common Prayer.) However, there's a bit more flexibility in the wizarding world than in the Muggle one regarding the legalities of marriage, at least in my universe; so Reverend Fowler was able (by consulting his wizarding bishop, of course!) to bypass the Muggle-type legal requirements that would have delayed the marriage in order to submit documents to the Registrar. And obviously, no banns necessary. Convenient, eh? I couldn't make Rose and Severus wait any longer!
Thanks again to all you great reviewers from chapter 8, who have waited sooooo long - I promise the next chapter will be the last! And you won't have to wait months for it, either. ;) Thanks to: Chary, Imhilien, Jade, Jedi Blu, Purplerebecca, Talons, Tatter, Unicorn Lady, and Wintersong.