The talk Harry and Severus had when Severus returned never happened as when Harry didn't come down, Severus found the boy fast asleep on his bed and a book on his chest. Severus found that Harry had grabbed a collection of books in his sitting room on ancient magics. Severus didn't know what Harry was looking for, but decided to leave him alone. The talk could happen another time. Over dinner that night, Harry and Severus joined the Malfoy's and discussed wedding things to happen indefinitely after Harry turned sixteen.
Narcissa was more than happy to help in any way she could while Lucius promised he would handle the ceremony and Draco would school Harry on wedding things as Harry didn't know how it actually all went. The wedding date was chosen as a Friday after Harry's birthday; August 2nd, which was today. Due to the secrecy, the ceremony attendees were only Lucius, Narcissa, Draco, Severus and Harry. It was too risky to bring more in and also have to handle all the explaining of why it was happening. Harry wrote to Remus, assuring he was just fine and he'd find out soon enough.
Harry asked how Sirius was, and Remus reported Sirius was not happy to be in St. Mungo's, but begrudgingly took the help offered because Remus gave him a scolding he'd never forget on losing sight of who Harry really was. It had already been decided between Severus and Harry that Severus would allow Harry to top him for their wedding night, and Harry promised that Severus wouldn't regret it. After all, Severus was putting his trust for an intimate thing in the hands of a teenager; Harry was going to do things right, slow, and make it worth Severus's while.
The ceremony was being held at Malfoy Manor in the back gardens, which had been touched by Narcissa's wedding excitement. Lucius was preparing himself for the scriptures he'd read while Severus and Harry were both preparing for the event, separately. As Severus assured he could dress on his own, Draco put his efforts into helping Harry with his wedding robes. Harry wasn't really nervous, he was the one to start all this and he did feel guilty for roping Severus into things, but what other choice did he have? It's what Harry kept telling himself, that he didn't have another option.
"How do you feel, Harry?" Draco asked as Harry was standing in front of the mirror, looking himself over in the formal robes.
"Never thought I'd be getting married at sixteen…" Harry admitted. "Not really nervous, but maybe feeling guilty. I know Severus doesn't want this, and he's only agreed to help me. I feel like he hates me."
"Uncle Sev doesn't hate you, Harry," Draco assured. "It's…Out there for things he'd do to help one of his snakes, but unlike so many believe; he's a good man. And he'd do anything for those he cares about, that should tell you something." He smiled. "It might be awkward at first, but I'm sure that you'll get along fine. Besides, you'll be mostly normal at school. Don't worry too much." He added. "You always got me if you get stumped with Sev. Or my parents."
"Thanks." Harry replied. "For that and for being a witness. I'm sure this is awkward for you too, me married to your godfather…"
"It's protecting you and you're my friend. You're also, in turn, protecting my uncle. I can't be upset about that." Draco informed lightly. "I'm happy as long as you two are happy and safe."
"So…I shouldn't expect you to be calling me Uncle Harry, right?" The boy teased.
"Not on your life, Potter," Draco drawled with an undignified eye roll. "Now, stand still so I can fix these," He moved over to straighten out the robes properly. "You have any questions about the ceremony?"
"No, I think I got it…" Harry responded. "Opening, agreeing, hand-binding, rings, kiss."
"In so little words," Draco snorted.
"I don't make it my mission to over complicate things," Harry remarked.
"I feel like that can be debated." Draco folded his arms over one another.
The clock turned to 4:00 pm. "I guess it's time." Harry realized. The suddenness setting in that he was getting married.
"Come on then, let's get you married." Draco patted his shoulder.
Harry nodded and left the room with Draco walking beside him until they reached the backyard. Lucius was already standing his position at the ritual altar. Harry took in the grandly decorated area, recalling when Severus said it didn't need to be so extra and learned quickly that you didn't get in Narcissa Malfoy's way when she was on a mission. Harry had found it comical, but loved everything around him. The flowers, lighting; it was perfect and he couldn't have imagined a better wedding venue.
"Close your mouth, Potter. I will not be kissing you if flies enter…" Severus's voice made Harry turn around and look at his husband to be.
Narcissa was behind Severus, basically shoving him forward out of the house, and grinning smugly at her work with the man. Severus stood in formal robes similar to Harry's and the big shocker was finding that the robes were white! Harry was sure that Severus would wear all black, unless he didn't have a choice or lost the argument to Narcissa. That seemed to be the likely cause.
"Merlin. You're in white…" Harry gasped.
"Indeed…" Severus remarked.
"Severus, we've been over this. You cannot wear black to an event such as this. You're getting married, not going to a funeral!" Narcissa sighed.
"That remains to be seen…" Severus informed. "Now, let's begin."
"Step forward into the circle," Lucius instructed after Narcissa and Draco stepped away and took their seats. Though Narcissa did enchant a camera to float around and take pictures of the event, and record too. There's no way she'd miss getting an event like this on record.
Walking side by side, Harry and Severus entered the circle as Lucius flicked the rest of the stones into place to close the ritual circle with his wand, and then he placed it down. Things began when Lucius started the ceremony with some Celtic chanting, then prayers to the gods and goddesses were said to invite them to join and bless the union between Harry and Severus.
"Welcome friends, family, and loved ones. All who come in peace to witness the union of Severus Tobias Prince-Snape and-Harry, I'm sorry, I don't know your full name…" Lucius started.
"Harry James Potter, sir," Harry provided.
"Yes, thank you. And Harry James Potter. We are here today to celebrate with them and to share in their triumph as they proclaim their love for one another and the bond their souls have formed together." Lucius finished. Severus gave a face when Lucius had mentioned proclaiming love. Harry guessed he couldn't blame the man; they weren't in love. For those who may not be familiar, a Handfasting Ceremony is a little different from a traditional wedding."
"In that it recognizes that love, like life, is dynamic. Traditionally, these ceremonies were done in Celtic lands, and vows could be taken temporarily, or they could be taken forever, because those Celtic ancestors understood that love changes from moment to moment, and that every couple is unique, as is every relationship." He paused a moment.
"Severus and Harry have chosen to commit to one another today for the rest of their lives, but they understand that the love they commit to is dynamic and fluid, and what we celebrate is the eternal connection between the souls of Severus and Harry, no matter what physical form their love may take."
Lucius started again after a moment. "Having spent some time with Severus and Harry before agreeing to officiate their hand binding, I've seen the evidence of that connection between these two souls. There's no denying that these two souls are connected and that is what we've gathered to celebrate. Here in this moment, the love that Severus and Harry share between their spirits." He informed.
Severus fought snorting, there shouldn't be a need to go through all these additions. He and Harry weren't in love, the explanation of their fake marriage wasn't necessary. Perhaps it was needed to ensure the bonding worked. "Severus. Harry. Let there be no mistake. While the tradition of hand binding recognizes and accepts love as dynamic in nature, it is not to be entered into lightheartedly, because it is a sacred and unbreakable vow."
He continued after a moment. "The vows you make today signify that your souls are bound eternally, whether or not your bodies are. You make these vows today with the understanding that you are committing to be a partner to one another, and to honor the connection your souls now share with one another. These vows are sacred, and they should not easily be broken, as you make them to one another in the sight of these loved ones as witnesses." Lucius paused. "Knowing this, Severus and Harry, is it your intent to enter into this commitment to one another?"
"It is." Harry and Severus said together.
"Then we shall proceed." Lucius nodded. "You both have a candle on this altar, you must light them to be recognized as the ones bonding with your left hands."
Severus and Harry faced the candles across from them. Severus pulled his wand with his left hand and a flame ignited on his candle, then he put the wand away. Harry had left his wand inside, he didn't know he'd need it! Draco didn't say anything about needing it. Harry stayed relaxed, he'd seen it done before. Harry brought his left hand over the top of the candle and touched the wick lightly and pulled his fingers up as a flame replaced where his fingers had been.
"Let us begin. Connect your left hands, please?" Lucius asked. Severus and Harry linked their left hands together as Lucius pulled out the braided rope of six colors. Then let us begin. "Severus and Harry, you will be making three vows in total to one another before me and these witnesses. For each, I will ask the vow of you both, Once you have both affirmed, we will move to the next vow." Lucius told them as he prepared to set the braided ribbon of colors over their hands. Severus and Harry nodded to him to continue.
"Will you share in each other's pain, and seek to protect one another from it and ease each other of it? And will you share in one another's hardships and toil, so that the two of you may grow together?" Lucius asked.
"We will." Harry and Severus replied.
"Then let the binding be so." Lucius made the first wrap of the rope around their hands. "Will you share each other's joy, rejoice in it with one another and look for the best always? Will you share in each other's dreams and work together to fulfill them?
"We will." Severus and Harry said again.
"Then let the binding be so." Lucius made the second wrap. "Will you use your anger to strengthen and temper the bond between you two and will you honor and respect, treating each other as equals in this bond?"
"We will." The two repeated.
"Then let the binding be so." Lucius wrapped their hands again. "Three times these cords have woven around your hands to bind you together. Three signifies those present, two for you and one for the magic that binds you. One can be overpowered, but two can defend and three cannot be broken. It not only binds, but protects you together in magic. By the powers of three, so mote it be."
He tied the strands together in a knot that kept their hands bound. What didn't go unnoticed were the ropes giving off a magical essence that became visible for only a moment. "Now, the rings…" Lucius put his hand out as Draco grabbed them from his inner pocket and gave them to his father before going to sit back down. "You will take these with your right hands and slide them into place on the left hand's ring finger as you speak your vows to one another."
He handed one ring to Severus, then the other to Harry. "Now that the binding ceremony is complete, it's time to seal your bond with the exchange of rings. The ring has a special significance within Wiccan, Pagan, and Celtic culture because it is a symbol of unbrokenness. It is also a symbol of completion, as the two of you are now complete. Severus, please repeat after me. Harry, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us."
Severus spoke the words calmly, setting the ring he had been holding in place on Harry's left hand ring finger.
"Harry, now you…Please repeat after me; Severus, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us." Lucius repeated.
Harry repeated the lines perfectly as he gently slid the band onto Severus's finger. The rings automatically resized to fit them.
"Severus and Harry, having proclaimed the bond of your souls together in the sight of these witnesses, and based on the strength of that bond, and the power vested as Lord Malfoy; I now pronounce you married as husband and husband." Lucius announced. "Please seal your bond with a kiss!"
Their hands still bound by the ropes, Severus inched closer as Harry managed to get his right hand around the back of Severus's neck and pull him close enough to close the space between their lips. It didn't go unnoticed by the Malfoy's that the ritual circle began to flash with a dim glow of gold when the kiss started. Narcissa was first to jump to her feet and clap, Lucius and Draco followed suit.
Harry kept the kiss short, but had deepened it slightly before pulling away and releasing the man. It was now that Severus and Harry noticed the glowing ring around them. Harry didn't understand, Draco didn't mention any of this, and Severus seemed surprised. The two flames from their candles sparked and joined together to magically light the one candle in the middle of theirs.
The glow finally stopped before the ropes loosened enough to let them pull their hands free after Lucius nodded to them that it was okay to do so. The ropes remained levitating in the air before tightening up to a beautiful knot that preserved the three rings from when wrapped around their hands.
"Is it done then?" Severus asked.
"The ropes should have fallen by now, that signifies the end of the ceremony." Lucius mentioned.
"Have we missed anything in the ritual?" Narcissa wondered.
"I don't believe so…" Lucius nodded.
"Unless it requires something else from them to exchange." Draco shrugged.
"Wait a moment," Lucius grabbed the ritual book and flipped through the one chosen, then his eyes widened some. "So we have forgotten something. Severus, you're aware this ritual cannot be completed without blood?"
"I did not know that, but if it's needed…" He informed.
"You're going for full on blood bonding?" Narcissa blinked.
"It's necessary for this to work. Anything less leaves us open to problems of wide variety." Severus said.
"Blood?" Harry inquired.
"Blood magic is very old, but powerful magic…" Narcissa stated.
"Well, I know that…Dumbledore erected blood wards on my aunt and uncle's house when I was a baby. That's why he wanted me to live there, under the protection of my mother's blood through her sister…" Harry informed.
"Those wards fell." Severus remarked.
"Because I don't consider them my family, nor that house my home. I was told that I had a role to play…" Harry muttered.
"In marriage, blood bonds provide the same protection. When two people marry, they become family to one another." Lucius explained. "Your bonding on its own is very powerful, but if you do not desire people to try and disrupt the bond…You'll give it the added protection. You wanted an unbreakable bond by only you two; this requires blood."
"What do we have to do…" Severus asked.
"Left palms out," Lucius told them as he grabbed the ritual blade off the alter. "This might sting," He took Harry's hand and cut across his palm. Harry winced, but didn't jerk his hand away. Lucius let go and Harry watched as blood began to pool in his palm. Lucius repeated this action with Severus's palm.
"Link your hands, palms together and let the blood drip here." He motioned to the small ceremonial bowl. Severus and Harry connected hands as their blood mixed on touching and dripped three times into the bowl below them. Lucius took the candle that lit from both their flames and let it touch the blood as it immediately lit and burned off to nothing. The joint candle's flame burst and then died out.
The knotted ropes finally stopped levitating and dropped as Severus and Harry ended up catching it together; their blood staining the cords as they placed the rope on the altar and removed their hands to find the wounds were healing up on their own.
Lucius pulled a ministry of magic official document from his robes and set it on the altar, then produced a quill and set it down next to the inkpot. "I just need you two to sign this and I'll file it tomorrow in the appropriate department." He informed.
"Full name, or married name?" Severus asked.
"Your birth names, there's a place at the bottom I'll fill out for what new names will be taken, if you are partaking in any changes." Lucius revealed.
Severus reached for the quill and signed his name as Severus Tobias Prince-Snape. Then he gave the quill to Harry, who signed as Harry James Potter.
"Will you be changing any names?" Lucius questioned.
"We agreed that Potter would take my name," Severus remarked.
"Yeah, but if I should die in the fight with Voldemort while we're still married; I want you to inherit everything…So perhaps for a legal standpoint, you should also carry my name. Don't go around announcing it or anything, but you should…" Harry advised.
"Harry's got a point on that," Narcissa nodded.
"Fine…For legality only, Severus Tobias Prince-Snape-Potter…" Severus sighed. "Dear Merlin…I'm actually considered part Potter now."
"Well don't sound so excited…" Harry rolled his eyes at his now husband.
"Watch it, Potter…" Severus warned.
"Back at you, Prince-Snape-Potter…" Harry said. Draco ended up snickering.
"Oh, this will be fun…" Draco sighed out contently.
"Your name, Harry?" Lucius inquired softly.
"Harry James-," He stopped. "Did you want me carrying Prince too?" He wondered.
"In a legal standpoint, if anything should happen to me while we're married…And I somehow feel it will when this gets out; you should inherit everything from me." Severus retorted.
"Harry James Potter-Prince-Snape…" Harry mentioned finally.
With the signing of Lucius Malfoy's name on the form as the officiator and binder under lord status; it was official now that Harry and Severus were married and blood bonded.
