The gardens outside Malfoy Manor were flooded with sunlight, reflecting off the sparkling water of an ornate fountain and glittering off the jewels of the brightly dressed figures milling about. Lucius Malfoy, standing with his wife by a bed of red roses, looked out over the gathered members of Wizarding high society, brought together for the most anticipated wedding of the summer, and smiled. Everything was going exactly as designed, following the detailed plans that Narcissa had fretted over for weeks, long after the bride would have declared herself satisfied. Lucius had spent many an evening watching her pore over every detail, every guest, every song and drink and flower petal. He understood, felt the same need as Narcissa, the urge to do anything, everything, she could to ensure perfection on what they hoped would be the happiest possible day for their friends, a day which had been far too long in the making. Battles had been fought, spells cast and speeches made, blood spilled both literally and figuratively, and the forces of politics and warfare had seemed determined to ensure it could never happen. But now, as the Malfoys stood together among the bright colors and beautiful flowers, sun shining brightly down on them, the day had finally arrived.
The music swelled, and all eyes were drawn to the grassy lawn where a couple danced, spinning together as the skirt of the woman's flowing white gown swirled around them. Narcissa laughed softly as the rising hem revealed the bride's bare feet, and again when a smiling Lucius pointed out the white high heels lying on the grass beyond the dancing newlyweds, a reminder of another barefoot dance they had witnessed years before. The woman's hair was pinned up now, a concession to the pressures of formality and the still lingering prejudices of society, but her joyful laughter as she gazed into the dark eyes of her lover seemed perhaps even lighter. The years of secrecy and forced separation had taken their toll on her, as on him, but now united they looked more alive, more free now than the Malfoys had ever seen them, particularly in such a public setting. Severus Snape beamed down at the woman in his arms, pulling her even closer towards him, the music forgotten as their dance was overtaken by a kiss.
The pair broke apart once more, laughing and perhaps blushing a little as their guests cheered or clapped politely. More couples joined them on the grassy dance floor, many stepping through the carefully choreographed dance with smiles more diplomatic than heartfelt. Narcissa and Lucius took their places in the crowd, maneuvering themselves to dance beside their newly married friends. The music filled the air, floating upwards towards the perfect blue sky as the two couples whirled about. Hopes, wishes, and dreams held in trust for years seemed at long last to be coming true. With friends, acquaintances, and rivals alike looking on, Severus and his ladylove held each other close, dancing together in the dazzling sunlight.
Author's Note: Dancing in the Darkness was intended as a oneshot, but this extra scene demanded to be added, so here we are. Hope you enjoyed, and thank you for reading! Please leave a review to let me know what you think, I love getting feedback.