Chapter 3: Cassiopeia and Sirius's Wedding

The next morning, Cassiopeia and Sirius awoke to each other's smiles. For this moment, they pretended that they did not know anything about Voldemort. They were blissfully ignorant of the danger in the world for once.

Sirius stroked Cassiopeia's hair. "Morning, future wife."

"Good morning, future husband," Cassiopeia said, with a hint of a giggle.

"It's so lovely to see your smile first thing in the morning," Sirius sighed. "It'll be nice to see it every day once we're married."

"And it will be lovely to have you next to me every day," Cassiopeia replied.

Sirius then leaned over and kissed Cassiopeia.

"You know, for the first time, I have forgotten about the danger that's coming, and I don't care," Cassiopeia said, a feeling of relief in her voice.

"That's my girl," Sirius said proudly.

"I thought you'd say that," Cassiopeia said.

"Of course. I wouldn't mind the danger, really. It gives life a little more spark. I'd just get bored if there were no danger," Sirius said, "However, having you by my side, I will have all the spark I need in my life."

"That's a very wise way of looking at things, my darling," Cassiopeia said with admiration.

"And that sort of thinking is why I love you, Cassie," Sirius said, kissing Cassiopeia again. "You're the only one mad enough to agree with me."

"Only because I'm so barking mad," Cassiopeia said slyly.

"Only you would make Animagus jokes," Sirius sighed, rolling his eyes.

Cassiopeia giggled. "I couldn't resist."

"And I can't resist kissing you," Sirius said lovingly.

Sirius kissed Cassiopeia on her head, then her cheek, and finally, her lips. Again, Cassiopeia giggled helplessly.

"What? Does my moustache tickle?" Sirius asked.

"It always does, Sirius," Cassiopeia replied in the midst of her laughter, "but what I was thinking about was how Remus would be going mad if he were watching us."

"You do know that he fancies my little cousin," Sirius said, a sly smile on his face. "It's so positively adorable."

"Now, now, my love," Cassiopeia said. "Let's not tease Remus behind his back."

"You're right. It's no fun unless we tease him in person," Sirius jested.

"My future husband the joker," Cassiopeia said, shaking her head.

"I have heard the Muggles say that the key to a solid marriage is laughter," Sirius said. "If that's true, I'd say we're off to a good start."

"I heartily agree," Cassiopeia said with a smile. "How shall we tell them?"

"We'll invite them to dinner tonight," Sirius told her. "I'll then make an announcement and everyone will know the good news."

"Good news?" Cassiopeia asked. "You make it sound so understated, my love."

"Then they'll share in the best news in the world," Sirius added, coiling his arms around Cassiopeia. "I can only hope they are as happy as you were last night."

"Were?" Cassiopeia asked, as if confused. "Why speak in past tense? I'm still incredibly, overwhelmingly, and perfectly ecstatic."

"Ah, that's good to know," Sirius said with a devilish smile as he kissed Cassiopeia.

"And I will be ecstatic for the rest of my life," Cassiopeia said lovingly.

On that evening, Remus, Lily, and James had all come to dinner with Sirius and Cassiopeia. There was also a woman in attendance. She had long, dark hair with matching dark eyes. Next to her was a man with dark hair as well. In the middle, there was a little girl with purple hair. Before dinner, Sirius introduced these unfamiliar faces to Cassiopeia.

"Cassie, I would like you to meet my favorite cousin, Andromeda," Sirius said proudly. "And this is her husband, Ted and their daughter, Nymphadora-"

The little girl's hair turned a dark red and she crossed her arms. "Uncle Sirius, don't call me Nymphadora!"

"Sorry, love," Sirius apologized. "Cassie, this is my cousin Nymphadora, but she prefers to be called Tonks."

"Hello, Tonks," Cassiopeia said slowly, bending down to Tonks's level. "Your hair is very pretty."

"Thank you, Cassie," Tonks said with a huge smile. "I can change my hair all the time."

Tonks then changed her hair pink, and then back to the shade of violet.

"See?" she asked.

"Now that's enough, Nymphadora," Andromeda said sternly. "It's silly enough that your hair is purple."

"Mummy, don't call me Nymphadora!" Tonks said, her hair turning red again.

"She's just being friendly, Dromeda," Ted Tonks said. "No harm done."

"I think it's lovely what you can do, Tonks," Cassiopeia said with a smile.

Tonks's grin was wider. "Thank you. I like you!"

"And I like you, too," Cassiopeia replied, patting Tonks's head.

"So you're the one that stole my cousin's heart," Andromeda said with a smile. "Quite the thief, you are."

"I am happy that I did," Cassiopeia said. "It was quite easy for me to fall for Sirius, truly."

"I know exactly what you mean," Andromeda said, beaming. "Sirius and I have always been close. I adore my cousin. I'm glad that he finally found someone who loves him as I do."

"I'm glad to be that woman," Cassiopeia said proudly.

"Look at my girls getting along," Sirius said, quite pleased.

Just then, there was a ringing of the doorbell. Sirius opened the door and a man entered. The man was a short, chubby lump of a man with wispy hair. As soon as this man entered, Tonks ran straight for Remus, hiding from the man. She seemed to be whimpering in fear. Remus held her tight, trying to comfort her.

"She's scared of him," Remus said to a concerned Andromeda. . "I have no idea why."

"Peter!" Sirius said warmly, embracing the man.

"Hey, Wormtail!" James greeted.

"James," Peter greeted. "How have you and Lily been keeping?"

"Oh, we've been doing quite well, Peter. Thank you," Lily said.

"Where have you been living these days?" Peter wanted to know.

"We have a big house in the country," James said. "Just big enough to raise the children someday."

"I hope we can only see that someday," Peter said.

After dinner, the guests were all eagerly awaiting dessert.

"What's for dessert, Cassie?" Remus wanted to know. "It smells delicious."

"Why, thank you, Remus," Cassiopeia said appreciatively. "If you must know, I baked a lovely triple layered chocolate cake."

"I'm starved," Remus said.

"Remus, always has the appetite of a wolf," Sirius jested.

"Sirius, darling, no teasing," Cassiopeia scolded.

"I am afraid that dessert will have to wait," Sirius said.

"What for?" Remus wanted to know.

"Cassie and I would like to make an announcement," Sirius said proudly, holding Cassiopeia's hand.

"Sirius and I have been madly in love since we met at Hogwarts," Cassiopeia began.

"You don't say," James jested.

"Shush," Lily whispered.

"It is only now that we took into account what we have in these dark times," Cassiopeia continued. "And what we have is each other. We decided that we wanted to have each other forever."

There was a silence in the entire room. A pin drop could have been heard in this silence. Everyone in the room knew what was going to happen.

"Yes, my friends, Cassie and I are getting married!" Sirius declared happily.

Suddenly, the dead silence was replaced by gasps of surprise and glee. The guests rose to congratulate Sirius and Cassiopeia.

"Yay!" exclaimed Tonks, clapping her hands.

"Congratulations, mate!" Remus said, as he embraced Sirius.

"Good on you two!" James said enthusiastically, clapping Sirius on the back.

"This is wonderful news," Lily said earnestly.

"Thank you all," Cassie said humbly.

"I propose a toast," Remus said gleefully, raising his glass, "To Sirius and Cassie!"

"To Sirius and Cassie!" replied their guests.

Sirius and Cassiopeia clinked their champagne glasses together.

"To us," Cassiopeia whispered.

Just then, James tapped in his glass with his fork. "I hate to steal Sirius's thunder, but we have an announcement, too."

"Don't lie, James, you love this," Sirius said in jest.

"Sirius," Cassiopeia said sternly.

"James and I have been blessed," Lily said softly. "We are going to have a baby!"

"Baby!" Tonks said gleefully.

"My goodness, good news twice in one day," Cassiopeia said. "Congratulations, Lily and James."

"Good on you two," Sirius added.

"Thank you, Cassie and Sirius," Lily said gratefully. "You know, James and I were thinking about you two."

"I would hope so," Sirius joked. "Good to know we're on your mind."

"Anyway, we were thinking that you and Sirius should be our baby's godparents," Lily said.

"We thought you'd be perfect," James said.

"Lily, James, we'd be honored!" Cassiopeia gasped appreciatively.

"Yeah, excellent choice, mate," Sirius said. "We'll be hanging around so much that you'll be sick of us."

"And the little one won't want us to leave," Cassiopeia added.

"We'll love the little one as much as Remus fancies little Tonks," Sirius said, pointing to Remus who had Tonks on his lap.

"I heard that," Remus said. "She's only seven, Sirius."

"What are you talking about?" Tonks asked.

"Nothing," Remus said dismissively.

"What Sirius is saying is that we will adore your little one as much as we love each other," Cassiopeia said earnestly.

"Absolutely. Now I can't wait to have play dates with Little James and Little Sirius," Sirius said wistfully.

Three months later…

The wedding of Sirius and Cassiopeia was at hand. All of the guests had gathered at a small church in London. Everyone who called themselves a friend to Sirius and Cassiopeia was there. All of the Order, including Dumbledore, was in attendance. Sirius and Cassiopeia's best friends were in their wedding party. Andromeda and Lily were Cassiopeia's bridesmaids. Remus served as Sirius's best man. The Weasley family, Sirius's distant cousins, was also in attendance. Their son Bill was the ringbearer, and Tonks was the flower girl.

Sirius, dressed in his finest tuxedo, eagerly awaited Cassiopeia with James and Remus at his side.

"Nervous?" Remus asked in concern.

"Not at all," Sirius said.

"I would hate to think Cassie would get cold feet, or paws," James jested.

"Only you can make jokes about my bride," Sirius said, rolling his eyes.

"You have nothing to worry about, mate," Remus reassured him.

Just then, the oak doors creaked open. First came little Bill with Tonks, who's hair had gone pink for the day to convey her happiness. Bill wore his hair long and it hung on the shoulders of his tiny, black tuxedo. Tonks wore a frilly, purple dress with little blue rhinestones. Next, there was Andromeda, followed by Lily. Both bridesmaids wore dresses of lavender. Then, at last, Cassiopeia entered. Sirius could scarcely wait to look upon his bride. As soon as he turned to see his bride walking down the aisle, Sirius's heart skipped a beat.

Cassiopeia wore the traditional white. Her dress was long and flowing. Her tiara, bodice, and veil were adorned with pearls. She seemed to be floating as she finally reached Sirius at the altar. Cassiopeia joined hands with Sirius and did not let go. The priest went on with the traditional ceremony, and all Sirius and Cassiopeia could do was stare at each other.

At last, the priest asked, "Do you, Sirius Black, take Cassiopeia Reine, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and comfort, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?"

"I do," Sirius said lovingly.

"Do you, Cassiopeia Reine, take Sirius Black, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and comfort, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?" the priest repeated.

"I do," Cassiopeia said, a smile brightening her face.

Sirius then took the rings from Bill, and gave him an appreciative wink. Sirius and Cassiopeia then exchanged rings.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."

Sirius and Cassiopeia didn't need to be told to kiss. Instantly, their lips met with so much love that could not be contained. The kiss was quenching, as they both were parched from their absence. This wedding kiss had to be one of the most passionate in the wizarding world.

Sirius and Cassiopeia, now Sirius and Cassiopeia Black, were arm and arm as they walked down the aisle together. As their arms were linked, now they were linked forever.

"Finally," Sirius whispered to Cassiopeia.

"I know what you mean, darling," Cassiopeia giggled.

Sirius and Cassiopeia then walked out of the church and down the steps. Their friends were waiting for them. In the best of tradition, their friends threw rice to bless the couple. Their guests waved, blew kisses, and shouted well wishes to Sirius and Cassiopeia. At long last, Sirius and Cassiopeia were husband and wife. It was one of the happiest moments in their life.

Later that evening, a reception was held for Sirius and Cassiopeia's wedding. The reception was held at the Weasley house. Molly and Arthur Weasley, being Sirius's cousins, were more than happy to be hosts to this wonderful occasion. There was a grand tent set up in the Weasley's house. There was a deep red carpet leading into the tent that was covered in rose petals. Inside, Sirius and Cassiopeia's friends had all gathered. The tent was filled with music, dancing, and clapping. Sirius and Cassiopeia then took the dance floor and had their first dance as husband and wife.

"So, how does it feel to be Mrs. Cassiopeia Black?" Sirius asked softly.

"I feel like I could conjure up a Patronus," Cassiopeia replied with a smile. "If it means I have you, I am proud to be Mrs. Cassiopeia Black."

"Well, that is very reassuring," Sirius said with a devilish smile. "I promise that every day you'll feel proud to be Mrs. Black."

"I will always be proud to be your wife," Cassiopeia said, planting a kiss on Sirius's cheek.

Later, everybody took to the dance floor once more. Sirius and Cassiopeia watched as little Tonks sat all by herself, swinging her feet and sipping apple juice. Remus noticed and offered some company to the little girl.

"May I have this dance?" Remus asked, bowing courteously and extending his hand.

"Yes, Uncle Remus," Tonks said with a huge smile.

Remus scooped little Tonks up from her chair. The song that was blasting through the tent was an old-fashioned, swing sort of tune that Remus loved. He and Tonks were dancing together as if they would never stop. Remus then picked up Tonks and began to swing her about to the music. Sirius and Cassiopeia then joined them on the dance floor. There never was such a happier, livelier sight than this moment.

After what seemed like an endless night, the party was finally wearing down. Little Tonks, exhausted, was sitting on Remus's lap again. Sirius couldn't help giggling at this sight.

"And you said that you didn't fancy her," he chortled. "Your enthusiasm on the dance floor said otherwise."

"Shut up, Sirius," Remus groaned. "She's only seven. I didn't mean it that way. I was being friendly."

"What are you talking about, Uncle Remus?" Tonks asked.

"Nothing, Tonks, sweetheart," Lupin said dismissively.

"Sirius, stop teasing poor Remus," Cassiopeia scolded.

"He's going to end up marrying her someday. I know it," Sirius whispered. "And when he does, I'll laugh."

"Well, I bet Remus is laughing at us," Cassiopeia countered.

"Well then, let him," Sirius said. "I feel so much laughter that I have never felt in my life. It's all because of you."

"I am glad I am the cause of your contentment," Cassiopeia replied gratefully.

"I am glad that you're with me," Sirius whispered.

After a long night of celebration, Sirius and Cassiopeia said goodbye to their many guests. They walked hand in hand down the red, flowered carpet. Their friends waved and wished them well. Parked right outside the tent was a motorcycle with a passenger side. On the back of the motorcycle were the words Just Married.

"Our carriage, Mrs. Black," Sirius said in a chivalrous manner, bowing low.

"How did I know that you would use that flying motorcycle?" Cassiopeia said, rolling her eyes with amusement.

"What is the song the Muggles sing? You'll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle made for two," Sirius replied as if it explained everything. "And you already look sweet."

"As do you," Cassiopeia replied. "I'll give your family one credit: they do make handsome children, like you."

"Thank you, my darling," Sirius said, offering his arm. "Shall we?"

Hand in hand, Sirius and Cassiopeia hopped on the bike. Sirius started the ignition, and the bike roared to life. Quicker than lightning, the motorcycle sped off into the sky.

Before long, Sirius and Cassiopeia had reached their destination. The air was warm, perfect for the spring. The sound of waves could be heard crashing in the distance. Seagulls could be heard squawking. Cassiopeia knew well that they were on the coast, but she did not know where.

"Where are we, Sirius?" she wanted to know.

"It's a surprise," Sirius told her.

Landing the motorcycle, Sirius landed just outside a ritzy looking hotel. Taking Cassiopeia's hand, he led her into this motel. As soon as he entered, he spoke to the concierge.

"Chambre pour Black?" Sirius asked in his best French.

"Oui, monsieur," the concierge replied.

"We're in France, aren't we?" Cassiopeia gasped.

"Even better," Sirius replied. "The Riviera."

"The Riviera!" Cassiopeia gasped. "I love you!"

"Told you you'd be surprised," Sirius said slyly.

Sirius took his room key and then he and Cassiopeia headed up to their room. As soon as they reached the door, Sirius bowed.

"Shall we?" he asked courteously.

All Cassiopeia could do was reply with uncontrollable laughter.

"I'll take that as a 'yes,'" Sirius said.

Sirius then opened the door, and lifted Cassiopeia into his arms. He then carried her into their room. The room was a large, bright suite with cream colored walls. There was a large bed with crimson blankets. On this bed there were a dozen, red roses.

"Oh, Sirius!" Cassiopeia sighed.

Taking her hand, Sirius led her into the room. Cassiopeia then leapt onto the bed and began to jump on it childishly. Sirius laughed heartily and hopped on the bed with her.

"Never knew the pleasure of jumping on a bed," Sirius said. "Now I know the feeling."

Sirius and Cassiopeia then plopped down on the bed. Sirius presented the dozen roses to her.

"I hoped I made everything perfect," he said thoughtfully.

"It is as perfect as you are," Cassiopeia said happily.

She and Sirius then got settled in for the night. Then, the settled into bed.

"How are you tonight, Mrs. Black?" Sirius asked lovingly, running his fingers through Cassiopeia's hair.

"Over the moon and beyond," Cassiopeia replied, playing with Sirius's curls. "As you promised, I am proud to be Mrs. Black."

"I never felt pride in my family," Sirius said earnestly. "But for once in my life, because of you, I am happy to be a Black."

"I am glad to be the source of your happiness," Cassiopeia replied.

"And I am glad that for the rest of my life, I get to wake beside you every day," Sirius whispered.

"And I am glad to have you for the rest of my life," Cassiopeia said passionately.

And so, Cassiopeia and Sirius lost themselves in their love. Time seemed to move slowly, as if only for them. Thus, this was the day that Cassiopeia and Sirius's lives began.