Thanks for staying with me, readers. Enjoy this extra-long chapter, two in one. Please, please, please favor me with a review.
-DN
Severus Snape awoke well-rested, a feeling to which he was beginning to become pleasantly accustomed. In the dimness of his chamber, he recalled the many nights lying awake, haunted by the voices of the daemon, and of his own mind echoing that monster even when it retreated. He would awaken feeling as tired as when he lay down, knowing the creature would return at the first sign of challenges or vulnerability. Now with a clear head and a full heart despite the early hour, he felt hope return, stay, and grow. The future, once a vision only of emptiness and pain, opened to him. Better still, the future involved Morgan Hunter, a most amazing witch.
The warmth from the sweat remained within him, despite the weeks that had passed. He found it easier and easier to recall his better memories, to bring forth what positive use he'd been, and to then be a more supportive godfather to Harry, a more welcome companion to Morgan. He'd enjoyed perhaps more than he should have his own ironic speech at the Leaving Feast, the gasps and mutterings as he implied his embrace of the worst possible values, though it also revealed the degree to which it was easy for everyone (save Morgan) to believe the worst in him still, despite all they had come to know about him. Time, he supposed, would be needed to change hearts and minds.
He had endeavored from that point forward to bring forth his better side, but his own habits had been as difficult to break as the negative habits of mind of those around him. Transfiguring black flies into moths and butterflies, presenting Morgan a daily bouquet of flowers he'd grown in the fields on the grounds, this was child's play, her amused delight a treasured reward. Not scowling constantly, not being irritated by nearly every human interaction, this was more difficult. For now, with the school quiet, populated only with himself, Morgan, Janiss, her guests from Sedona and a few remaining House Elves who hadn't yet begun their summer holidays, there were fewer reasons to scowl. He continued to grill the Sedona contingent about as many aspects of New World and Hopi magic as the days would allow, practicing new spells, making more and more New World potions, and reading every book they'd brought with them. He looked forward to his honeymoon in the desert for several reasons, but learning more of these remarkable witches' and wizards' magic in their home environment was on that list.
For their part, the Sedona witches and wizards were devouring the Hogwarts library, practicing new spells and charms on one another in the classrooms, and consuming a frightening amount of his and Hunter's stores making every European potion possible. They would certainly need to acquire more stock before school resumed in the fall. The smell of spleenwort and pond slime emanating from Hunter's new classroom on the 5th floor brought back pleasant memories of his own student days, spent practicing better extractions in Slughorn's classes.
Harry would be along soon, he expected, so Snape quickly put a dressing gown on over his nightshirt and got into his slippers just as he heard the knock on his door. With a wave of his wand, the locks unfastened and Harry entered, still looking a bit tousled from sleep, clad in his own pajamas and robe.
Harry had arisen only minutes before, having taken a room in the guest wing near the Sedona wizards. It was exceedingly odd to sleep anywhere in the castle other than his four-poster in the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, but he supposed those wings had been emptied and closed off for the summer. The silence of the castle, both due to the early hour and the absence of students and staff made for a disconcerting walk down to the dungeons. Each footstep echoed off the walls, despite his wearing soft-soled bedroom slippers. Not only did he awake in the wrong place, but he was heading to the wrong place. His stomach reminded him that he should be heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. His feet ignored his stomach and turned down the dark stairs. He cast a Lumos spell with his wand, as there were no torches lighting the way down here. He gave a knock on the correct door, whose series of locks snapping back offered the only welcome.
"'Morning, Severus," he mumbled, crossing the threshold into the small dim room. He looked to Snape for approval but only earned himself a scowl. He ran his fingers through his hair uselessly. Snape grunted and waved his wand and muttered "Orthocapillium." Harry's hair, for perhaps the first day in his life, arranged itself in tidy layers, a very strange feeling indeed. He wondered why Snape had never used this on himself. He was clearly quite capable of casting the charm. His hair looked like it always did, stringy, greasy, and limp.
"Have you eaten this morning?" the Headmaster asked, pacing the small room, hands clasped behind his back.
"No, sir. You said to wait," Harry replied, as his stomach gave a growl that proved his honesty.
"Good. Have some of the corn cakes that Morgan made." Snape offered him a golden round corn cake, the top of which had split open like rose petals. It was still warm and fragrant.
"Are you going to have the other one?" he asked, biting into the yellow cake, crumbs spilling down his front. He fumbled to keep from making a complete disaster of Snape's chambers, popping each tiny morsel back into his mouth. Snape handed him a plate and gestured to a chair beside the table. Harry sat, continuing to eat as the older man moved about the room, his eyes darting from place to place randomly.
"I've already had 4 this morning. Those two I saved for you." Snape actually looked a bit embarrassed and shrugged. "I couldn't help myself. They are wonderful."
Harry understood what he meant. They certainly tasted good, sweet and savory in equal measure, the warmth filling his mouth and the scent in his nose. Once they reached his stomach, however, he felt a glow from within. He could feel confidence and security increase and flow within him to his fingers and toes. No wonder these were exchanged on the wedding day. He reached for the other and ate it slowly, savoring each bite more than the last. Snape had eaten four, and yet still he walked the room like a caged tiger.
Just as he swallowed the last delicious bite, there was a knock on the door. Snape sprang to the door, opening it in an instant. The Sedona wizards and Professor Flitwick crowded into the room, which Snape had allowed to return to its usual modest size following the evening after the sweat.
All of them wore beaded blue shirts over brown trousers and beaded leather shoes. Hania had a cloak sewn with four eagles surrounding a garden planted with sage, tobacco, and corn. Chowi's cloak had a deep fringe and was decorated with clouds and rivers. Lapu's featured flat-topped mesas with stars. After morning greetings were exchanged, Corey handed both Snape and Harry bundles of clothing. Unwrapping the reed mat from around it, Snape found a white cotton robe woven with various plants, including an unmistakable design of gillyweed around the hem. A belt, brown trousers, and beaded moccasins completed the outfit. Harry's was similar in style to the other wizards', his cloak featuring a lightning bolt, a circle, a wand, and a triangle.
Snape had taken him through the day's events at least 10 times since he'd arrived back on campus the week before after a two-week reprieve at the Burrow. By now he felt like the day was already a memory, given the many times he'd pictured it in his mind. For a small, private ceremony with only him, Janiss, Flitwick, and the Sedona witches and wizards as witnesses, there were an incredible amount of details to keep track of. As he donned the clothes, he ran his fingers over the patterns. Memories of the events, his battle with Voldemort, the Elder Wand, the Sorcerer's Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak, came to mind, each now framed in a different way, knowing so much more about why things had happened and how his and Snape's lives were intertwined since before he was even born. Here he was, on Snape's wedding day, as his godson and best man, as a son, a peer, and perhaps a brother. Only 14 months ago, none of this would have been possible to imagine, neither in substance nor in how he might have found himself here, nor how Snape might have arrived here, either. His hope of not losing another person in his life, coupled with Professor Trelawney's vision, had set these events in motion, but this outcome was far more than he could have imagined at the time. Honestly, he could only have imagined simple survival then and little beyond that. A future was difficult to fashion, and this future in particular would have had no part of his imagination.
Snape emerged from his bedroom, dressed in the white garments, his hair now tied back in a limp ponytail, his nose seeming, if possible, even larger than usual.
Hania spoke. "It is nearing daylight. We need to go, my brother." He led the way out, followed by Snape, then Harry, then the parade of the other wizards. Snape stopped suddenly and turned with a start to Harry.
"Do you have the ring?" he demanded.
"No," Harry replied. Snape looked ready to explode. "That's for later, remember? Not for the morning." Snape took two rather labored breaths, then turned back and resumed his march up the corridor. Chowi and Corey exchanged mirthful glances as they made efforts to keep up with the long paces of the Headmaster. Flitwick was practically running.
Despite it being the longest day of the year, they emerged from the castle before sunup. The skies glowed with the promise of a new day yet to begin, the air filled with the sound of birds greeting the impending dawn and with the scent of the myrtle and gardenia that now grew all along the path down to the lakeside. The lake had a mist atop it in the chill of the morning, lending a damp vestment to the waters, still and glassy.
Once they reached the water's edge, the stones now nearly overrun with gillyweed, Harry turned around to see Dr. Hunter emerge from the castle with Janiss, surrounded by her phalanx of Sedona witches. Like Snape, she was dressed in a white tunic with a wide belt. As she drew closer, he could see that her robe was covered in butterflies flitting about in a garden planted with ivy, orchids, and lily-of-the-valley. Her hair was also tied up, in two squash-blossom whorls on either side of her head. She wore several necklaces of carved beads, as well as bracelets of turquoise and silver. Janiss, dressed in a long blue tunic decorated with hyssop and white roses, carried a wide shallow terra cotta bowl painted with holly and ivy.
Harry watched Snape as the group approached, his eyes never straying from his bride, a warmth in his eyes greater than he'd ever seen before. She did likewise, her smile growing with each step. His mouth quivered and his hands shook. He shifted his weight from foot to foot. At last she arrived and took his hand, stopping at least his hand from shaking.
Janiss brought forth the bowl and placed it on the ground near the edge of the waters. With a wave of her wand and an utterance in a language Harry didn't understand, Mansi swelled the bowl to the size of a wash basin. Lizzie drew from her pocket a large lump of some white solid that gave off the scent of lavender and rosemary. Chowilawu once again drew water from the lake into his pitcher and spoke charms over it.
As the first rays of the sun broke over the mountains and burst through the mist, the Sedona witches and wizards began chanting and dancing, their feet drumming on the ground in rhythm with their voices. Hunter and Snape approached before the basin hand in hand and made to kneel down when Harry first heard the shouting.
Severus Snape knew that his first act after his marriage would surely be to murder Professor Flitwick. The only thought that held him back now was the certainty with which he did not wish to spend his wedding night in Azkaban. Now the warmth in his eyes was more like a cannon of fire aimed squarely at the tiny wizard.
"I couldn't help it, Severus. Everyone kept asking about their invitation and I just couldn't turn them down! How would that look for the school? And there never seemed to be the right time to tell you." he squeaked in equal parts defiance and desperation, his wand hand twitching.
Snape was about to reply in the most forceful way imaginable about just how he should have replied, his hand gripping his wand, though it was still in his pocket. For now.
Then Hunter burst out laughing as more than a hundred people sprang from the castle. She gripped Snape's arm tightly, partly to comfort and calm him, and partly to restrain him from his planned attack. She felt his muscles tense and relax in turn as she maintained her grip. "He meant well, Severus," she said softly. "It is a joyous occasion that everyone wants to share with us."
"More like a spectacle that everyone wishes to gossip about later." He felt his teeth grinding. But to whom would they gossip? Everyone was there. Every student, many of their parents, most of the Ministry including Shacklebolt, Winder, and Alexander, all the Hogwarts staff and their spouses, Hobble, Slughorn, and others. The Weasleys, including their daughters-in-law, the Malfoys, even the Boneses and the Lovegoods. And Hagrid, Merlin's pants. All the while protesting.
"Sorry, I couldn't see wha' was 'appening, yeh know. Can't miss this, too important!"
Harry assumed (correctly) that Snape was nearly biting his tongue off as he stood quivering with anger.
"Waquini," Hunter said, her hand still gripping his arm. "It's fine. I just hope there's enough food."
At least there was no evidence of Rita Skeeter. There was nothing to be done, for these (invited by Flitwick but unwanted by Snape) guests couldn't simply be hexed back into the castle, as least not without significant negative consequences. Snape attempted to regain at least his outward composure as the mob made their way noisily down the meadow and joined the outer circle of those gathered. The small group of Sedona witches and wizards regained their own composure as the additional guests each found a place to stand and began to settle themselves. Once silence had overtaken the crown, the singing and dancing resumed.
The mist was by now dissolved by the rising sun as Severus Snape and Morgan Hunter knelt on either side of the basin. Janiss unfastened the elaborate squash blossoms of Hunter's hair, releasing their length down over the top of her head. Lapu untied Snape's hair, which likewise fell forward as he knelt. Mansi held out the white soap as Chowi poured water over it, suds rising as she worked up a lather. She handed the bar aside and ran her soapy fingers through both their heads, then down the length of their hair, twisting it together. Again and again, she repeated the gesture, until it was no longer clear where Hunter's hair began and Snape's ended. She then stepped back and Chowi returned with his pitcher of sacred water to rinse the soap out. Harry handed Snape a towel and comb, as Lizzie did for Hunter. They rose and, hand in hand, bowed deeply towards the rising sun.
Morgan snuck a sideward glance at her lover, now husband, admiring his profile in the first rays of the dawn. She gave thanks to her ancestors for bringing her to this place, to this moment, saving her and Severus from the squid, but also helping guide her footsteps to take the job here and help her open her heart at times when she was ready to leave, to believe in her gift of sight (which had for so long been as much a burden as a gift), despite her feeling like she was losing her mind at times. She looked forward to giving Minerva, Sybill, and Aurora some gifts from Sedona on her return from her honeymoon, as their guidance had been helpful along the journey.
The sweat and the evening that followed had changed her in ways large and small. The flow of the sacred waters through her had revived her in ways she hadn't realized she still needed when she'd made the decision to leave the light and warmth of the desert and come here to the damp, dark, and cold Scottish highlands. Escaping the land had been easy, but escaping herself impossible. The new place and new clothes only served to obscure the fact that she herself needed to be made whole again from within. She had felt the blessing of Phillipus on her new life, the support from her ancestors, and now the warm embrace of her friends, as she bound herself for life once again, hopeful that their lives would be long together and pledging herself to be his protector in all ways.
She wondered how long the effect of the water would last, as she replaced it with ordinary water and wine. She found that the heat of the sweat stayed with her long after the waters had passed through. Doubt had been replaced with confidence, both in Severus and in herself. All those inner voices, telling her she was losing her mind, that she was weak, that she'd made a mistake in coming here, were now quiet. She would be a competent protector to Severus and Janiss. When Severus had started with his big speech at the Leaving Feast, she had no doubt it would turn around at some point, and it was amusing to watch him manipulate the scene, as he always did. If only everyone could experience the renewal of a good sweat. These highlanders could use it. Perhaps this was magic that Hania, Lapu and Chowi would teach her. If she had any spare time during her honeymoon, she might ask to learn more. Maybe an exchange could be established between the two schools, visiting faculty… Her mind began to whir as she planned a series of guest lectures and classes between the two institutions. Then she reminded herself that she was supposed to be giving thanks to the rising sun. She settled her mind, closing her eyes and drawing a deep breath, the scent of the morning filling her.
The sun continued to rise across the faces of the assembled. Mansi raised her wand first, uttered "Oma," and an arc of glistening water shot out over the couple and into the lake. The others followed suit, with calls of "Aquabenediction." The spray of water caught in the morning sun, casting rainbows across the lake. Harry was sure he saw a few merpeople beneath the surface, but perhaps it was only a trick of the light on the water and the kelp beneath.
Then cheers went up from the guests as Snape and Hunter turned back to the crowd, smiles a mile wide on their faces.
"Is that it, then?" a voice called out from the crowd once the cheering and clapping had died down somewhat.
Snape cast a challenging look at Flitwick. If he had invited all these people, he would need to figure out what to do with them next.
Hagrid reached down and lifted Flitwick up so he could he better heard. "That was the Hopi ceremony, but there will also be a European one later in the day. For now, everyone is welcome to join the wedding party in the Great Hall for breakfast."
The wedding breakfast was a marvelous spread of meats, cheeses, and pastries, including especially corn cakes, though these were now shaped like hearts instead of roses. Dr. Hunter and the witches had spent nearly a week grinding the special corn for this occasion, in between sessions in the potions lab learning about European potions, defensive spells, transfiguration, and northern astronomy. Although the Hogwarts Magic seemed very old-fashioned to her friends, they enjoyed knowing more about European Magic. Like Hunter, they saw readily how some Old World Magic was better, and some New World and Hopi. With care and study, joining them together could make them stronger than any alone. Even the corn grinding seemed to benefit from the use of older mortars and pestles. The cakes they made were some of the best they'd ever had, bringing with them the warm glow of the desert sun.
After the breakfast, the wedding party retreated once again for a much-needed rest, Snape and Harry to the dungeons, Hunter and Janiss to the staff tower, other guests to either their rooms or the library and courtyards which had been opened for the occasion.
Harry fell asleep on Snape's couch almost as soon as his feet left the floor, covered in the woven cotton blanket decorated with deer Corey Burroughs had lent him after the sweat.
All too soon, he was shaken awake by his godfather. "Harry," he said simply. "It's time."
Harry blinked his eyes open, then rubbed them and blinked some more. The figure standing over him was like Snape, except not. His piercing gaze was now softened, his sneer more of a grin, his hook nose large but straight, his forehead, usually furrowed with irritation, now smooth. His usual greasy hair, now clean and dry, was fuller and somewhat wavy. Even his teeth, visible as he spoke, were whiter and straighter than before. "Severus?" he muttered, sitting up, still disoriented. "What did you do to yourself?" he blurted out before thinking. He clapped a hand to his mouth. "Sorry, sir," he said quickly. "I didn't mean…"
"I requested some dental spells from Miss Granger before the Leaving, if that's what you mean," he said gruffly. "Painful as a bubotuber boil, but I think Dr. Hunter will be pleased." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "If you'd like, I can try them on you."
"No!" said Harry, jumping off the couch. "I mean, I think mine are okay for now. Maybe some other time, when it's not your wedding day." Snape grunted and shrugged. "Alright then," Harry said, pressing down his brown trousers from the morning. Looking at the time, he noted there was only an hour to go before the next ceremony. "Let's get you dressed."
Snape raised his eyebrows. "I am sure to be capable of dressing on my own, thank you. Please keep your attention on your own attire and I'll take care of mine."
Harry got his dress robes out of the closet and headed to the bathroom. Mrs. Weasley had insisted on his trying them on at the Burrow weeks ago, and then spent what seemed like hours casting all kinds of alteration spells, lengthening the trousers, pulling in the waist, broadening the shoulders of the robe. All the while, she chattered with Harry, who soon discovered that she was really just chattering with herself.
"What a day that will be. You are so lucky you'll get to witness it. I never thought, well, none of us ever thought… Severus Snape of all wizards. I wonder what they'll do for the ceremony. Really, he didn't want anyone else there?" Her voice continued to rise with indignation with each question. "The staff? Members of the Order? Surely Arboreus Hobble will be there? Not even him? Just her friends, you and Flitwick? Who is Janiss?" Then, with a lowered voice, she asked "What's she like, Harry, this witch that's he's marrying? I can't imagine…" Harry wasn't sure what she meant by that, nor quite how to answer.
"She's really nice," he said, thinking that was a very lame way to describe the tremendous presence of Dr. Hunter. Mrs. Weasley snorted. He had heard of her kindness and skill from her students and seen her mastery in the potions lab, but he'd also seen her virtually on fire and about to hex Snape to pieces after his duel on the Quidditch pitch, felt the searing spell she'd sent into the wall behind him as he'd approached. "She's as skilled as Snape in Potions and maybe even better than him at dueling." Now he had her attention. "She doesn't take nonsense from anyone." Mrs. Weasley nodded approvingly.
"I always knew he'd find someone. He needs someone to look out for him, doesn't he?" she added dotingly. "She sounds like a peach."
An explosive, incendiary peach, Harry thought. "Yes, she is," he replied.
She had reminded him to order a new undershirt and socks, as his old ones were worn out and exhausted and no amount of magic powder in the washer could revive them any longer. Thankfully, she'd assumed he would forget (he did), so she ordered them herself. He found a note in his case from her. "Send Professor Snape and Dr. Hunter warm wedding greetings from the Weasleys. We are so sorry we can't be there." Harry grinned, imagining Flitwick trying to hold off Molly Weasley when she had gotten a notion in her head. She probably flooed her way to every Magical family in Britain to pester him, too. Poor Flitwick hadn't stood a chance.
Once he'd finished dressing and given up hope of ever getting his hair in any sort of order again, he exited the bathroom and waited for Snape to emerge.
He hadn't known what to expect. Seeing the Headmaster in the Hopi clothing this morning had been a sort of expected surprise, having seen him dressed for the sweat lodge a few weeks back. He had gone right back to his usual frock coat and trousers for the final week of term, and Harry wondered if he would wear this for the Old World, European ceremony, or the more traditional flowing wedding robes worn by most wizards. He tried to picture Snape dressed like Professor Dumbledore and simply couldn't merge the two in his mind. Harry reminded himself that Snape was not "most wizards" in any sense and that whatever he chose would certainly be his own.
The door opened and Harry was certain Morgan Hunter, as well as the rest of the female guests, was going to swoon. Harry stood open-mouthed as his godfather entered the room.
"Madame Malkin suggested it," he said hastily before Harry could utter a word. "Said Morgan would like it. Cost me all of my school clothing budget for the next three years." His long fingers fiddled with the cuffs and buttons, adjusted his jacket, and smoothed his trousers self-consciously.
"She was right, sir," Harry said.
He wore a dark green velvet cutaway coat with two rows of polished brass buttons. A purple waistcoat was evident above and below it, with black covered buttons. The white shirt was covered at the neck by a dark green silken cravat fastened with a silver pin in the shape of a snake. Dark fitted trousers were tucked into the tops of tall polished boots. The cut was perfect, like a glove, emphasizing his height and giving the novel impression of broadness to his ordinarily rounded shoulders. An open robe of flowing black silk completed the suit. His hair, usually greasy and stringy, now shone with a high gloss and was arrayed in waves combed back from his face.
"I hadn't intended to make such a spectacle of myself for a gaggle of onlookers, obviously." Snape gritted his teeth and fidgeted with the hem of the waistcoat.
Harry grinned mercilessly. "They aren't 'a gaggle of onlookers,' Severus. They are your friends. Your guests, even. And they are going to love seeing you this way."
Snape grunted, then looked at Harry. "Orthocapillium," he said, drawing his wand. "They may even enjoy looking at you, now, too."
Silence filled the space between them. There was about half an hour before they needed to make their way upstairs and join the other men of the wedding party, then wait for the bride to arrive. Snape sat, then stood again. He gestured for Harry to sit, but he remained standing any way. Harry wasn't sure what to talk about.
"I've got the ring right here, sir," he said, patting the box in his pocket.
"Good," Snape grunted. "May I see it again?" he asked.
Harry drew out the box and opened it. Resting on a bed of blue velvet was the ring, a heavy silver band set with a large polished turquoise flanked by two emeralds. Inside was inscribed with "Yours forever, S." Snape picked up the ring and waved his wand above it.
"May I remain always worthy," he said. Then "Fidelio Perpetua." He placed the ring carefully back in the box and snapped it shut. Harry returned it to his pocket, feeling it pulse with loyalty and devotion against his chest.
"Harry," Snape began.
"Yes?" Harry said after a moment.
"I…" "I'm pleased you are here."
Harry waited for him to finish the thought until it became clear he already had. "Of course, Severus. I don't leave for Felbridge until mid-August…" He trailed off. He hadn't meant "thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to my wedding." He meant "I'm grateful you survived." "Thank you, Severus. I'm please to be able to be here with you." Harry hoped a hug was not imminent, and was pleased when it wasn't. Snape offered his hand, which Harry took. Snape covered his hand with his other and there they stood. Finally, Snape released Harry with a grunt.
"Our guests, all two hundred of them, await, Harry. Let's not be late."
Snape stood behind the oaken doors to the Great Hall, for the last moments of his life as a single man. The day hadn't been at all like he'd planned, a small ceremony for just themselves, Harry and Janiss, Flitwick, and the Sedona contingent. And yet, it was precisely as he'd planned. A witch more spectacular than any he could imagine was willing to take him as her husband and today they would be Bound. First by her traditions, then by his. The Old World and the New, joining together to be stronger than either alone. After all he'd been through, surely he could face the Great Hall full of wedding guests. Surely.
He straightened his waistcoat once more, loosened his collar and cravat a bit, smoothed his trousers, and arranged his robe. Harry snorted behind him, then stepped forward and opened the doors without warning. Blast it, it was time.
Hermione was sitting next to Ginny, flanked by both their families. Once the word had gotten out that everyone was welcome to come, as Flitwick had run out of patience with Molly Weasley's insistence that "you can't leave out the Cattermoles, they fought in the war, too!" nearly everyone in the Magical community made hasty plans to attend. No longer able to keep up with the number of invitations necessary to send out, he simply told her she could invite anyone she chose, as long as she kept them quiet about it and let him know how many at least a week in advance so he could order the food and expand the guest wings if needed.
Hermione had brought her parents, as they had never been able to get to the school before. Now that she was a full-fledged witch, she was able to get them to the station, where extra carriages were added to the usually quiet train from London to Hogsmeade which on this occasion was filled with joyous witches and wizards dressed in their best and greeting each other warmly. The village had been packed the night before with every inn and pub stretched to capacity, raucous gatherings carrying on well into the night. Flitwick had assured everyone of a place in the castle guest rooms tonight. She was hopeful, as there were a lot more people here than she had expected. The Great Hall was charmed to capacity.
When the doors opened at the rear of the hall, her head and the hundreds of other heads turned. The music hadn't even begun; it was at least 20 minutes ahead of the appointed time. A hush fell over the crowd, followed by stunned silence.
"Ginny, look. Oh my word…" Hermione clutched Ginny's hand in amazement as she twisted to get a better view.
"What.." Ginny started, then turned, gasped, looked away blushing, then turned back again. "What happened?"
Everyone in the crowd was stunned to see the very handsome sight of the Headmaster marching down the center aisle, his sallow skin shimmering in the moonlight, his hair now clean and combed back, standing straight and tall, followed by Harry Potter (with tidy hair) in well-fitted dress robes, Professor Flitwick looking dapper in dress robes, and Lapu, the tall Hopi wizard from Sedona, now dressed in European formal robes.
"Madame Malkin has worked more than magic," noted Mrs. Weasley. "That's more like a miracle."
The conductor cleared her throat with a cough, snapped up her wand and quickly got the musicians' attention. Musicians began to play (where had Flitwick gotten musicians on short notice, Snape wondered, then answered his own question as the full Hogwarts choir began to sing).
As he strode down the aisle, he took note of the Hall, renewing his vow to give Flitwick a good hexing once the time was right. It wasn't the crowd, as he was aware of the spectacle that had become his wedding since sunup. It wasn't the music, which was inoffensive at least. It was the decorations. Morgan had organized the Hopi ceremony and left the European ceremony planning to him and Flitwick. Snape had claimed he had no opinion as to the decorations and therefore left this up to Filius' good judgement. As it happened, he did have an opinion, and it wasn't positive.
Despite the fact that the sun still shone outside, the cavernous hall had been charmed as night, with a full moon glowing. Stars carpeted the ceiling and bats flew overhead periodically. Lanterns adorned the walls and the center aisle, which was flanked by rows and rows of witches and wizards. All of which was fine. What he objected to were the flowers. Midnight bluebells covered nearly every surface, hanging in clusters on each chair and forming a canopy at the front of the room, under which, apparently, he and Morgan were to take their vows. Bat bogey hex? Jelly bones jinx? Langlock jinx? The possibilities were endless and the mental pictures delightful.
Faces full of amazement and joy turned his way, even more than had been there at dawn. The House Elves were seated on the front rows, all dressed in whatever robes they chose, mostly green or turquoise. The Malfoys were near the front, of course, dressed in their ostentatious finery, Draco having clearly filled out more into manhood.
As he mounted the raised end of the hall, more typically set with the staff table, he looked out across the mobs of spectators. As his Best Man and witnesses joined him, he began to catalog the families. The Weasleys (missing Fred), Susan Bones (but not her aunt Amelia), Andromeda Tonks with little Teddy (missing nearly everyone else dear to her). The list could have gone on for an hour, cataloguing who was there and who was missing. He could scarcely find a single family that wasn't reduced in some way. His dread of seeing this crowd turned to sorrow for those who weren't there. Many decent witches and wizards had died, both for a just cause and for a losing cause, led astray by a powerful and cruel madman. The list was too long. Mad-eye, Dolohov, Lupin, Black, the Potters. He had survived, and like his students, was now charged with making the world they had fought for. A world of equality, fairness, freedom, but most of all, love.
This year, despite the cessation of the war, hadn't been one of celebration, but one of somber acknowledgment of loss and the ongoing work of rebuilding and healing. This day, intended for he and Morgan alone, had grown beyond its original purpose of celebrating their joy in one another to celebrating the joy of the surviving Magical community. For indeed, everyone who had survived really was there. For the personal celebrations after the war had been two-sided, one of relief of survival, the other of attempting to comfort one another despite loss. Today, however, was for celebration. Other than Parse Winder and Hypatia Alexander's hasty nuptials, there hadn't been another wedding in the Magical community the entire year. Morgan had been right; they gathered to share their joy, but for reasons that went quite beyond another ordinary wedding. This wedding would signal the end of a full year of bereavement, the first true community celebration.
Snape raised his wand and the faces in the crowd grew apprehensive. More than a few hands twitched near wand-pockets. He traced a broad circle above his head and announced "Accio Luciferae!" Nothing at all happened, and puzzled guests looked at one another skeptically.
Ginny elbowed Hermione in the ribs. "What's that spell for? Sounds like he's Summoning the devil!"
Hermione looked thoughtful then irritated. "I don't know! We never learned that one in Charms. I'll ask Professor Flitwick later at the reception. He should know."
Ginny nodded. "It's just weird that I haven't seen anything come to him. You'd think you'd see whatever it was by now. Can you Summon courage or something like that, something you can't see?"
Hermione shook her head. "I don't think so. The Summoning Charm is only for objects. Besides, if Professor Snape needed courage, he'd be more likely to use a potion for that." Ginny nodded in agreement, but continued to be on the alert for something to have been Summoned.
Still, nothing obvious happened. The Headmaster grinned slyly and pocketed his wand, waiting silently for some effect, like the others.
After a few moments, there was a buzzing sound like the of beating wings in the Entrance Hall, followed by the entrance like a lightning cloud of thousands of fireflies, drawn up from the dungeons by Snape's Summoning Charm. They flew to the front of the Hall, then dispersed among the flowers and candles, filling the space overhead with a blinking light show. Cries of delight were heard from many, and what might have been relief from Professor Flitwick. Hands on wands relaxed as the glow filled the room.
Snape knew Morgan would not arrive for some time, as he'd arrived early, being unable to wait any longer. He stood silently as Harry and the others remained behind him, letting the music and the scene wash over him. He repeated his vows silently.
Before he'd finished them the first time, there was another disturbance at the back of the hall. Flitwick's eyes grew wide and he signalled to the orchestra conductor, who quickly cut off the musicians and started a new piece, a melodious march.
The doors to the Great Hall opened once again, and Janiss Ames appeared, looking lovely in a rose-colored robe. Behind her were Lizzie and Mansi, each in matching robes of blue. They each carried a bouquet of belladonna.
Snape gaze remained expectantly pinned to the large oak doors, eagerly anticipating the loveliness of his bride. Instead, Amarantha Oglethorpe appeared next and strode confidently down the aisle, scooping out handfuls of midnight bluebells from a copper cauldron and tossing them as she approached. She grinned as fireflies landed on the flowers of her crown, glowing like a halo. Reaching the front of the hall, she mounted the stairs, then came over and gave the Headmaster a hug. A smile stretched over his face as he gave her a little kiss on the top of her head.
"This is a pleasant surprise, Miss Oglethorpe."
"Thank you, Professor Snape," she said primly with a smile. "It's nice to see you, too" She scampered over to the line of witches across from him.
That smile still in place, he turned once again to see Morgan Hunter, his bride, making her way down the aisle. Her robes were like rainbows, iridescent silk with a heavy silver clasp, her hair in a braided circlet covered in flowers, now gathering fireflies. She trotted up the rows of guests like she was climbing the spiral stairs to his office in order to yell at him for interrupting his class. The guests hastened to stand as she moved quickly up the aisle and mounted the front platform.
"Hi, Waquini, I couldn't wait any longer," she whispered to him as she grasped his hands and smiled.
"Neither could I, Kasa."
Flitwick darted off the front stage to get the High Warlock, who expected not to be needed for 15 more minutes, at least. He arrived shortly thereafter, bumbling his way in, still tucking in his shirt and pulling up the shoulders of his robe, joining them beneath the canopy of midnight bluebells, now accented with the glow from the fireflies.
The Warlock dug deep into a pocket to draw out a wrinkled piece of parchment, which he then pulled flat. Putting his wand to his throat and uttering "Sonorous," he began to speak as the crowd fell silent.
"We come together today to witness the Binding together in marriage for all time of Morgan Hunter and Severus Snape. This ceremony is permanent and cannot be undone except by the death of one or both of the participants. Is there anyone present who knows of a reason why they should not be Bound?"
Snape and Hunter held their breaths, waiting for some fool from somewhere to lodge an objection. Would it be someone from her past or someone from the Ministry? The Warlock scanned the room, looking for any witch or wizard with some remark to raise. The pause, which was probably only 30 seconds, felt like an eon. The moment passed uninterrupted, so the Warlock continued.
"A Magical marriage is for a lifetime, and requires of its consorts the utmost in loyalty, devotion, love, union, and equity. Patience, clemency, and a little deafness are also useful. Morgan Hunter and Severus Snape have indicated their willingness to enter this contract and must assert this publicly to seal the bond."
The Warlock then withdrew a large scroll from within the folds of his robe and unrolled it over the table behind him. First Hunter then Snape stepped forward to sign the bottom of the contract with a red feather quill. They then resumed their places, facing on another.
"Rings, too, are a symbol of the Binding of marriage, given to show eternal devotion. Please place your rings upon the contract."
Harry sprang forward, withdrawing the ring box from his pocket, as Janiss withdrew one from hers. Harry opened the box for Snape, who withdrew the glimmering band, pondered it for a moment, then placed it on the parchment. Janiss did likewise for Hunter, who placed a wide silver band wrapped around a turquoise center on top of Snape's ring. The Warlock touched his wand to the rings saying "Aewfaestu on Acnesse." A silver tendril emerged from the wand, surrounded the rings with a bow, then slowly vanished.
Molly Weasley squeezed Arthur's arm. "Ah, the old way. Brings back memories of our day," she said, her eyes moist and handkerchief at the ready.
Hunter lifted the heavy silver band from the parchment and reached for Snape's hand. As she slid the ring onto his finger, she said "With this ring, I promise that you shall never again walk alone." As the ring slid into place, he felt the warmth of the stone and the strength of her heart.
Snape then took his ring from the table and slid it onto Hunter's outstretched finger. "With this ring, I pledge my unending respect, honor, and love to you." He could feel the promise of fidelity from the ring in her hands.
The Warlock turned to Hunter.
"Morgan Hunter, can you pledge yourself for all time to this wizard?"
Hunter grasped Snape's right hand in hers. Looking steadfastly into his eyes, she said "Severus Snape, you are a wizard of extraordinary power, heart, and soul. I pledge all that I have, all I shall ever have, all that I am, all that I shall ever be for your protection and benefit, from now until the end of time."
"And Severus Snape, can you pledge yourself for all time to this witch?"
Never breaking the bond of her gaze, he said "Morgan Hunter, your delicate power has bewitched my mind and ensnared my senses. I pledge all that I have, all I shall ever have, all that I am, all that I shall ever be for your protection and benefit, from now until the end of time."
The Warlock swirled his wand and said "Ic borgfaeste." Slowly, long strands of glowing cords extended from his wand and surrounded Hunter and Snape's hands with eight intertwined ropes of blue light. The cords continued up their arms to their shoulders and tightened against their clothes and skin, forming a complex series of twists and knots. The Warlock then raised his wand and a shower of stars covered the couple and the Binding cords were released, leaving behind deep impressions in their hands.
Mrs. Weasley dabbed at her eyes. "Lovely!"
The crowd held its breath as Snape leaned down to his new wife. She angled her head upwards, a smile growing. He placed the smallest of kisses on her lips, then drew away. A groan more audible than it should have been rippled through the crowd.
Snape whispered to her, "I wouldn't want to cause a spectacle, my love."
"Of course not," she replied, grinning.
The Warlock raised his arms, quieting the crowd. "May I present to you, the Potions Mistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Dr. Morgan Hunter-Snape…" Applause burst out.
"I'm surprised she's so traditional," Hermione whispered to Ginny. "I wasn't sure if she would change her name or not."
"At least she hyphenated it," Ginny replied. Hermione nodded.
The Warlock continued. "And her husband, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Severus Hunter-Snape." A gasp rose from the crowd, followed by enthusiastic applause. Hats were thrown as flowers burst from every vines lining the walls, followed by a cloud of butterflies. All windows and doors flew open, as sunlight and warm breezes filled the room. The fireflies quickly exited back towards the dungeons. Showers of sparks from raised wands filled the air. Hunter placed her arm in Snape's and they proceeded as best they could towards the Entrance Hall, their progress impeded by hundreds of well-wishers, each of whom insisted on shaking their hands, clapping their shoulders, and generally making fools of themselves with their hearty congratulations as arcs of sparkles curves overhead.
Harry caught up with Ron who was groaning. "Hermione was just oozing over how progressive a wizard Snape is and how romantic it is that he took her name. Next thing you know she'll be picking out china patterns and children's names." Harry wondered what name Ginny would want to take. Harry Potter-Weasley? No need to decide now.
Snape and Hunter emerged from the Entrance Hall onto the grounds, then strolled arm in arm down to the reception following Flitwick's lead. The Quidditch pitch, being the only place with flat enough grounds on the campus, was strewn with tables and chairs, with a dance floor and a bandstand set up on one side. The flagpoles were adorned with alternating Slytherin and Ravenclaw banners, lifted by the gentle breezes.
Hunter turned to look at the crowd following them down the hillside. "Isn't it wonderful, Severus, to see so many people happy for you?" she said, squeezing his arm encouragingly.
Snape snorted dismissively. "Indeed. I was hoping to be the center of a crowd delighted by the prospect of a free meal and plentiful wine," he declared with his best sneer firmly in place. "But I think you, my dear, will find this rather changes your plans for the evening." He gave her a sly grin the meaning of which she wasn't quite certain.
Later in the evening, as he savored the last remnants of lamb and squash, Harry was deeply grateful that no one expected him to make a speech, as he hadn't prepared a thing for it. The toasts had been never-ending and probably emptied more than half the Hogwarts wine cellar, but Harry had only been required to lift a glass and say "To the bride and groom," before other guests rose to raise a glass and offer their own toasts. After a time, the toasts became more jovial and loose in tone, until several parents protested on behalf of their school-age children still present, despite the evening having come on. The boiling cauldrons of steaming and scented potions and pestles full of flowers the tables were set with had by now simmered down, as well.
Near 9:00pm, her feet aching from passing among so many tables to greet so many guests, Hunter had pulled Snape aside.
"Perhaps it's time to announce our departure," she stated with a grin, taking both his hands in hers.
"Nonsense." Snape released one of her hands, drew his wand and fired a Pedoamelio charm to her feet. "We haven't spoken with Kingsley Shacklebolt yet. To not greet the Minister of Magic would be a great insult and bad for the school. Shall we?" Her feet now much improved, off she went.
And so it went, for hours. "We simply MUST speak with our old friend Parse Winder and his lovely new wife;" "Why, the Cattermoles. I haven't seen them in years;" "Arboreus Hobble will be key to ever reducing my sentence, and his wife is expecting, so…;" "The Malfoys are old friends, and their son Draco seems to have found Janiss a very interesting conversationalist;" "Ernest MacMillan is the grandson of the Warlock that just married us, we simply must…"
Hunter had never seen Snape so social, nor had she prepared for their wedding day to become her own encyclopedia of every Magical family in Britain and parts of Europe. He seemed to know everyone, and everyone seemed to be connected to everyone else. "Mrs. Malfoy is connected by marriage to the MacMillans through her cousin and his great-grandfather on his mother's side. She was Melania Black;" "I knew this boy's father in school; he married into the Tonks family, cousins to the Blacks, but disowned;" "Harry has no idea Millicent Bulstrode is his third cousin; I simply haven't had the time to show him a proper family tree;" "Those are all Weasleys, the future of Magic, I suspect, the way they seem to reproduce like kneazles…"
"Severus!" Hunter said in exasperation. "It's past sundown. Surely it wouldn't be seen as rude for newly-weds to depart now?" She was amazed at just how long the longest day of summer in the Scottish Highlands was.
Snape grinned and patted her hand and said in a low, saccharine voice, "Isn't wonderful that so many people came to share our joyous occasion, my dear? Let's not disappoint." He pulled out his wand once again.
"My feet are fine!" she said snappishly, pulling her skirts around her ankles, as if that would block the spell. "Who's next? Second-cousins once removed from the Yaxleys?"
Snape put on a shocked face, his hand to his throat. "Goodness, no. They are still in Azkaban. Perhaps you meant their first cousins twice-removed; they are Neville Longbottom's grandparents. I'll introduce you once I can find them…" Hunter rolled her eyes and scanned the pitch, but it was getting more and more difficult to see in the twilight.
It was now full dark, well past 11:00pm. The PedoAmelio spell had finally worn off, her feet aching once again. She'd met at least 15, possible 20 Weasleys, more Black family relatives than she could count, and more Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Junior Ministers, Assistants to the Minister, and Undersecretaries to the Minister than she even knew existed, all of whom assured her that she'd married a fine wizard and hoped for a visit sometime in the following school year. She had eaten cake so long ago, she barely remembered the design (it was nine layers tall, each layer quartered into House colors). She'd toasted so many times, she was grateful she had begun early having only tastes; otherwise, she might have been unable to stand by now. Irritatingly, Severus seemed to have endless stamina, as though he'd saved up every ounce of sociability for the past 38 years for this one evening. At the next moment that they had to themselves, with no one hovering nearby looking for a small chat and no obvious target in the tall man's sights, Hunter gave his hand a tight squeeze.
"Severus!" Her voice was harsher than she meant it to be. She took a breath. She looked into the eyes of her husband, now regarding her with some amusement.
"Yes, my love. What is it?"
As if you don't already know! "The band packed up an hour ago, the children are sleeping at every table there is, and I don't see a single face whose genealogy I don't now know for at least three generations." Her face grew serious. "May we go now?" She tried unsuccessfully not to grit her teeth.
"Is there somewhere you'd rather be?" he asked with mock innocence as she seethed. "Other than surrounded by all our well-wishers who just want to share our happiness?"
Harry had collapsed at a table near the dance floor, his feet swollen and his knees aching. If Ginny had wanted dancing, she certainly had gotten enough of it tonight. Slow dances, fast dances, in-between dances. Traditional dances. He hoped he was done with dancing until at least Yuletide. Hermione and Ginny had just come back with Janiss, who was trailed by Draco Malfoy.
"Great music, eh Harry?" Draco drawled, his hand over Janiss's.
"Yeah, I suppose so."
"Mum says we need to go, so I'll just find Professor Snape and say goodnight. Come with me, Janiss?"
She stood with him and smiled, then started looking to find him and Aunt Morgan. "That's odd. I don't see them. They were just with the Minister of Magical Education a moment ago."
They all stood to look around. Luna caught sight of them, the Potions Mistress being carried off into the darkness of the forest, held in the arms of the Headmaster, her arms wrapped joyously around his neck and his legs moving at a run. She opted not to say a thing.