My Time

Chapter 57

The sounds of drumming, bells and clapping begun, heralding the beginning of the ceremony now that Arcturus had said his piece. Normally that heralded the arrival of the bonding couple, but Ignatius and Lucretia decided to do things differently. To already be inside of the circle at the beginning of the ceremony.

All ceremonies were different, dedicated solely for the couple celebrating. There was a small template to act as a guidance, but the rest was purely created for the bonding couple.

The aww's that went around, as the youngest of the children went around the circle with a basket of flowers and herbs, reciting the words of a cleansing ritual as they scattered the items. Which would banish any negative thoughts and intentions from the ceremony today. It took a while for them to get around the entire circle, considering the youngest child participating was only four, but between Alphard and Bilius they succeeded in getting the youngest through it.

Lucretia was thrumming with energy, anxious but excited, terrified but elated. She was about to be bonded to the love of her life. She held no reservations about marrying Ignatius, but she worried he might. Worried he might decide he wanted children after all, and it was unlikely she'd ever get pregnant. The healers had said she was all but barren after all. "Still want to bond with me?" she asked him, parroting the words she'd been saying every week as the clock trickled ever onwards toward their bonding day.

"Just try and stop me," he murmured, so that Arcturus didn't overhear and get the wrong impression. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, so powerful so capable of looking after herself. So different from most other witches he'd met. His heart had broken when he learned the news that she was barren. Not for himself, no, but for Luce, she would have made a formidable mother, good, kind and caring and so protective. He wasn't the heir so it hadn't been pushed upon him to have children. Not like his brothers had to endure.

Lucretia beamed, uncaring about propriety, screw it! This was her wedding day after all, and she would be damned if she went through it without a smile. Her grandmother, Hesper hadn't even smiled in one picture on her wedding day to her grandfather, her mother had smiled, but it was a small one. They hadn't been in love, hadn't been happy, they'd done it because it had been expected of them. Thank Merlin she hadn't had to do the same thing.

"With the sanctity of the ceremony purified and protected, let us begin!" Arcturus commented, his voice commanding and carried authority like he had the rights to it. That protection – especially having come from the innocence of youth – would last for generations to come. Magic was a living thing inside of them, and what they wish…for the most part, within limitations, comes true.

"Today we call upon the ancient powers to give protective blessings and longevity to the couple bonding this day. Give them a blessing oh gods, give them your protection, oh goddesses, blessed be." Everyone around the circle, including Hayden and Orion spoke the words, Hayden a few seconds behind, he'd never participated in such a bonding. Hell, so much was cut out of this at Fleur and Bill's wedding, and yes, they'd called it a wedding, not a bonding. It had been nothing like this at all. This felt real, while Bill and Fleur's felt fake…perhaps it had nothing to do with the war like he'd imagined. Perhaps it was his being crying out for what it used to be.

"Blessed be," Arcturus murmured, soft and soothing, but still nonetheless commanding everyone's attention. "Ignatius and Lucretia, you stand here today before me, as mature adults, determined to make your way in this world. You know what the other seeks in a relationship, from this bonding, and still seek to see it through. Through sheer determination and dedication, you have for one another…you join us here today…for each other, to one another that matters most." Having long ago memorised the words that his daughter and son-in-law had decided upon for their bonding. He was determined to make it the day she'd dreamed off since she was a little girl, for his love of his daughter was infinite.

Lucretia's smile became far more pronounced showing off all her teeth as she stood before her soon-to-be bonded. Her eyes gleamed with unshed tears, she loved her parents and brother so much, and she felt as if her bonding would separate them from her. She vowed that she wouldn't let that happen though.

"As a bonding couple you have created a home together, here in this area blessed with magic and by the gods. Now you stand before us all here today, in the presence of friends and family, gods and ancestors to pledge yourself to one another, for life. Blessed be." Arcturus declared, and bonding was for life, there were few wizards with the power to obliterate bonding's.

"Blessed Be!" echoed everyone, excitement evident in their tones.

Naturally 'divorcing' the couple wasn't done often or at all respected. It was why perhaps, bonding had become so scarce in Hayden's time, instead 'weddings' were chosen, so that 'divorce' was able. Even in his time though, divorce was not taken lightly, and anyone that did divorce were not thought very highly of.

Ignatius squeezed his bonded-to-be's hand tightly, well aware of Lucretia's worries. How she felt less a woman since she couldn't give him a child. He would take her over a hundred children, even if it meant his name not continuing on. He loved her so much, and he'd damn the entire magical world to keep her. He was so grateful to not be the first born, that he was getting to chose his own fate. It meant the world to him.

"Two people in love inspire. Their relationship is a source of strength that they sustain. With the help of the magical community around them. By our mutual steadfast care and respect, we will support their marriage, and future endeavours which in turn support us, which in turn supports them … And so on, in a cycle of love, support, strength and stay can continue forever onwards." Arcturus stated firmly, a decision had been made not to mention children, since it wasn't possible and they wanted nothing to mar this beautiful day. Which he was pleased to see lacked rain, clouds and coldness, but was warm with the sun shining beautifully down upon them.

Hayden and Orion glanced at each other, besottment clear as day on both their faces. Orion was brought sharply out of his thoughts by an elbow to his stomach. He moved forward, as did William Prewitt both of them holding a cord for their loved ones.

"Melania, as the mother of the bonding pair, do you promise to care for them as they see their bonding through? To cherish and do no harm?" Arcturus called out.

"I do," Melania said, with a such heart-warming smile of adoration and love on her face. Her daughter was stunning, she had a good marriage, it was all any mother could wish for. If he deviated from the promises he'd made her…well, she knew plenty of spells to ensure he'd regret any harm done to her.

"Orion, as the brother of the bonding pair, do you so promise to care for them as they see their bonding through? To cherish and do no harm?" Arcturus continued, they might be adopting the Prewitt name this day, but it would be the Black family that provides for them.

"I will," Orion confirmed, glancing at Hayden, "We will." Ignoring the exasperated look his father threw him at his deviation from the norm.

"William Prewitt, as the brother of the bonding pair, do you promise to care for them as they see their bonding through? To cherish them and bring them no harm?" Arcturus then asked Ignatius' brother, who could care for them and cherish them but not with the means the Black family have to bear.

"I do," William stated firmly, promising to do just that. He rather liked Lucretia, even if his and Ignatius' parents did not approve overly much. You could tell the way they reacted to her being barren. They had tried to talk him out of it, but Ignatius was determined. They'd come around, unfortunately they had caught a very infectious, even with potions to help, so the pair who had Dragon shingles were forced into seclusion. Which unfortunately, meant they couldn't attend their son's – and daughter-in-law's – bonding.

"Now, it's time to hear the Vows," Arcturus commented, staring at the bonding couple, his face impassive, if not perhaps a little indulgent.

"I promise to hold your hand every night and to never let us lose our spark. I vow to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed, and to share in the silence when they are not. You are my guide to love, my every wish, and the person I want to grow old with. I promise to love you, to be your hearth, to keep a flame alive for you in my heart. When you walked into my life, love walked in, too." Ignatius swore, staring at his soon-to-be bonded with such utter devotion that nobody there could doubt his words.

Hayden held his hand to his heart, he could feel the magic in the air sincere as Ignatius' words. Did it feel this way for everyone here? Glancing around, he would think not, but he suspected they could feel it but were keeping their masks up. Was this what everyone would feel when he said his vows to Orion? This sincerity? What would have people felt for those in an arranged marriage? Nothing? Did that mock magic itself? Or was it just pleased they'd create more children to harness magic to worship her?

"I vow to be giving and forgiving; to make you laugh and to laugh at myself. You are my everything, my every wish, and the person I want to grow old with. I vow to love you as you love me, through all hardship, darkness, and pain to reach for our joys, our hopes, and always with honesty and faith. I vow to be as much of a rock for you as you have been for me. I promise to be your navigator, best friend, and wife. I promise to honour, love, and cherish you through all life's adventures. Wherever we go, we'll go together. Together we will travel this world and do all the things we've spoke about." Lucretia whispered, overwhelmed with love for her soon-to-be bonded, and the magic beginning to saturate around them.

The magic was judging their words, deciding whether they were truthful.

Ignatius had only eyes for Lucretia, who was radiant with beauty. Smiling as he recalled all the places, they said they wanted to see. Without any responsibilities they might just be able to visit everywhere they wanted to for years to come. They had nothing that was holding them here. He could just imagine the history they'd soak up as they toured the world, the magic, the places, oh, yes, he rather liked that. He couldn't wait, they'd go on holiday at least three or four times a year, as often as he could manage to get off work. Which he doubted would be often, he was just starting up, and he needed to be able to give both him and his wife the life she was accustomed to.

Arcturus produced a black cord from his robes, declaring, "Today we're gathered here today for the joining in bonding of Ignatius and Lucretia Prewitt, as this knot is tied, so are your lives, bound together as one," Arcturus said, as he wrapped the first cord around their hands and wrists with deftness that only came with practice or having done it before. He had practiced dozens upon dozens of times since his daughter asked him to officiate the bonding. "Woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibres, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for your new life together. With the fashioning of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as you both shall live." The cord glowed as if it were imbued with an inner light. Ignatius and Lucretia had chosen a permanent bonding that couldn't be broken by any means. Their love was pure and true, and they wanted to spend their lives together.

With that Lord Black took a step back, as Orion stepped up, in his hand he had a silver cord which he wrapped around his sister and brother-in-law's hand. "May this cord draw your hands together in love, to bring nothing but happiness and success in all you do. Blessed be you are now eternally joined; may it be long and exciting." He knew his sister wanted excitement in her life.

"May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths." William's wife Tessie said, wrapping her own ribbon around their wrists. "As joining the hands, you're bound as one, eternally joined, may your life be long and happy." Her was blood red, which indicated passion and love, it had been used at her bonding to William years past.

Harry approached with a rainbow-coloured cord, progress and power, and there was plenty of power in that ribbon. "As any child discovers when they are learning to tie their own shoes, the first move is to cross the ends. As your hands are bound by this cord, so is your partnership held by the symbol of this knot. May it be granted that what is done before the gods be not undone by man. Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union." With his ribbon knotted, he stepped back, the little infinity signs were facing up, added power and protection for the couple.

Lucretia glowed supremely happy someone had remembered. She didn't just like a single colour, no, she loved the whole rainbow of them. Then again, she didn't mention it often, except when she was comfortable. It was unbecoming of a Lady of the House of Black (whether it was an official title or not).

"In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, West, South and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home the heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times." Melania said smoothly causing the women to sniffle a little, watching with watery eyes their hearts tugged at the beautiful words, Melania herself showed no emotion. She continued on, determined to finish what she started.

Hayden watched her sadly, wondering why everyone in the magical world felt the need to don masks. To have pictures taken with you looking completely miserable. When they seemed to be happy, they certainly had acted it during Yule. So, why did they feel the need to look miserable in public?

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river the refreshing cleansing of the rain the all-encompassing passion of the sea. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return. Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union."

"Welcome to the Prewitt family, Lucretia," William commented, as he wrapped his cord around their hands. "Blessed be!" magic flared out of both of them, both magically strong, thus it was a potent dose of magic surging throughout the cords, holding them to all the words that had been uttered this day.

"Blessed Be!" echoed the newly bonded couple declared, shivering as goosebumps appeared down their arms. The magic was…out of this world, especially Hayden's it had been icy though, but to no surprise of them. They had felt the true extent of Hayden's magic up front and personally. It had terrified Ignatius, and it still did, but Lucretia who grew up with a family of extraordinary powerful people didn't much mind.

"Allow me to do the honour of being the first to introduce you to Ignatius and Lucretia Prewitt, you are now husband and wife, you may kiss your bonded." Lord Black said, a composed small smile on his face. Glancing at his wife, recalling their bonding ceremony, vastly different from his daughters, and part of him was deeply grateful for that.

"Blessed Be!" the guests called out, almost closing their eyes at the feel of the magic surrounding them in its cherished intensity. It was a heady feeling, both on the receiving end and reciprocating end.

The cords faded from the bonded couples wrists, before reappearing at the altar.

Hayden half expected with the official bonding being done, everyone would loosen up. Unfortunately, it didn't, instead with a flick of a wand, everything begun to change. Food, drinks and canopies were revealed along with a massive dancefloor. Hayden watched it all in awe, it was the most beautiful thing he'd seen, and they even had flowers, including ivies twined with the sides. He didn't know what all the flowers were but they smelt absoloutely divine. "Everything is gorgeous, the smell is…lovely." Hayden was as always brutally honest about everything without flowery words or endless platitudes in order to earn himself more points.

Instead with a joyful laugh, Lucretia and Ignatius jumped over a broomstick. Before moving off, and everyone began to do the same, before greeting the newly bonded couple, and began to wish them well.

"May you two share your bond as friends and love as a couple, because friendship is the most essential ingredient of a successful marriage and the two grow stronger, courageous, and joyful, with the beautiful ship of friendship. Congratulations." Lucretia's parents were first to approach, as Melania wished them her congratulations.

"Heartiest congratulation to you two on reaching this lovely milestone. We pray all the luck, favour and togetherness always." Tessie Prewitt declared lovingly. Kissing both of them on the cheeks. Reserved but not quite as reserved as the Black family.

"Every day of your life you share together, may deepen and strengthen your love as you accompany one another to even the happier older years. Congratulations on your bonding." William Prewitt good naturally thumping his brother on his back and kissing his sister-in-law on the cheeks.

"On this momentous occasion, which marks the start of your life together I wish you that the journey you are stepping be a happy one filled with peace and harmony, romance and passion, joy and laughter, and much more." Hayden said to both of them, hugging both of them to their immense surprise. Ignatius accepted it out of sheer fear of what kind of retaliation Hayden could bring about. He was so powerful and a Necromancer for Merlin's sake. Lucretia was already becoming very fond of Hayden and his oddness. He had no care for propriety, but he was much too generous and loving for anyone to take offence.

"Thank you," Ignatius and Lucretia said, excitement thrumming through them, affected as they were by the magical rushing through their bodies. It was a rush like no other.

"On your wedding, my best wishes are there with you two. May your love be the enduring crown jewel that ties together the life you are getting into. Best Wishes to you both."

"You have my heartfelt congratulations on your wedding! May the bond between you two last forever, and should it ever change, may it change to a better and firmer one,"

"Wishing you many more days of happiness and occasions for celebration, and a lifetime of love and laughter together."

"Marriage lets you enjoy with and annoy one special person for the rest of your life. I am glad you got the one to annoy and enjoy with for the rest of your life."

"On your wedding, I wish your love be like a shining star, brightening even the darkest of times. Best Wishes to you both."

"May your love nourish, and your marriage be the biggest happiness and blessing of your life. Congratulations!"

"May your love have all the power to face any storm, and your future life together be filled with unending love, laughter, and joy. Congratulations on your wedding."

By the time they were done receiving well wishes, they were grateful to head to their seats. It would only be for a few moments, to get a little rest. There were circles upon circles of tables with seats at them all, just waiting to be filled, and they did so with astonishing haste, each with their own nameplate and seating arrangement.

"Here you go!" Hayden handed them two large goblets of Mead, "Congratulations!" giving a wink he headed off to his own seat, which was on the same table as the bonded couple, right next to Orion and his parents. He handed Orion another and kept one for himself, mentally remembering to give a little sip of Whiskey since Alphard asked. He'd likely get into some trouble, but it was better than him getting drunk and doing something he'd regret. He couldn't remember being like that when he was young, then again he wasn't Alphard. Hadn't known up within a wizarding community.

Music began to play, and someone began to play an upbeat song. Hayden didn't know who they were, even back when he was a youth he hadn't known any magical singers except the weird sisters but that was only in passing.

"Isn't this area divine?" a witch commented as she approached Lucretia and Ignatius.

Hayden perked up, recalling that she'd been beside the person that had made him curious. He recognized them, but from where he didn't have a clue. She had a lovely bell like voice, and looked lovely. Leaning perched on Orion's shoulder, he whispered into his ear, "Who's that?"

Orion unfaced by Hayden's chosen place on his shoulder, he glanced to see whom Hayden was asking about. The same one he had been about to ask earlier, he recalled. "That is Cedric Amos Diggory's wife Brittany."

"Oh," Hayden murmured, inhaling sharply, "Cedric resembles her a lot." He should have figured it out, shouldn't have needed help. "Do they stay in the area?" so they reuse Cedric and Amos all the time do they, honestly, they're as bad as the Black's.

Orion glanced at him befuddled, "No, but this area is very highly sought after, father must have paid a lot for it all. All of it is theirs, a customary wedding gift, the holiday is from the rest of us." By us they meant all the Black family members.

Hayden made a small sound of acknowledgement, as Ignatius stood up.

"My beautiful wife, shall we?" serenading her, who had her hood down, it had been the first thing she did after sitting.

A soft romantic song began to croon as the newly bonded couple danced. Hayden watched them dance their first dance as a couple. He suddenly couldn't wait until it was him and Orion. "How about actually having out wedding on Beltane?" he'd never consider Samhain, as poetic as it would be given his abilities. Samhain would always be a sore spot for him he thinks.

Orion glanced at Hayden, his gaze blank until he cottoned on to what he'd actually said. "That is nearly a year away," all but a month actually. He tried and failed to keep the whine out of his voice, he really did.

Hayden laughed softly, a fond smile on his face, "I think we'll need that year to get everything prepared, don't you?" he teased softly, "Between our projects, and not to forget the trials, and the Wizengamot, we're going to be spread very thin." Drinking the mead down, it was absoloutely delicious, the best he'd ever had but that didn't surprise him, the Black's had more than splurged to give Lucretia the wedding she would remember with sheer happiness.

"You may well have a point," Orion conceded, even if they used a bonding manager to help, it would still take time.

"Speaking of project, I'm surprised nobody has asked me any questions about our books, or even glared at me." Hayden said in wonder, that didn't usually happen.

Orion snorted indelicately, unheard by all except Hayden, as the music and joyful celebration continued around them. "That would be a serious faux pas that nobody here would do. It is seen as common, loud and disgraceful." And they didn't associate with people like that.

"Like me then?" Hayden said wryly, raising his brow, an amused twist of his lips showing he wasn't offended.

"The day you're common and disgraceful is the day that magic dies." Orion declared vehemently.

Hayden just grinned, he was common, he was disgraceful likely in the eyes of everyone here. He was only tolerated because of his powers and because of Orion. Maybe. Who really knew what these pureblood's thought? He had likely begun changing some of their thoughts regarding magical's, pureblood, half-blood or 'muggle-born' so to speak. Time itself would do the rest of it.

"Where are the presents?" Hayden asked, noticing Antonin sitting with who Hayden presumed to be his father, they looked a great deal alike.

"The gifts? At home, why where else would they be?" Orion asked noticing Hayden's attention had wavered.

"Well, here," Hayden said blankly, he hadn't realized there was any other way.

"Perfectly gaudy, gifts aren't opened in public, they're opened by the couple normally after they've returned from their honeymoon. After that they give them thank you cards." Orion explained, to open them in the bonding venue would have family's competition to have the best gift, the most expensive gift instead of going with the suggestions on the register. "Can you imagine the competitiveness that would rouse at such a thing?"

Hayden shuddered recalling his cousin, as he stood, "I'm going to see Antonin," refusing to dwell on his cousin, but he vowed never to let his children become spoiled that way. He'd love them wholly but never to the extent they threw tantrum's because they didn't get thirty odd presents when they're eleven.

The pair left the table, weaving around the dancing couples, the music charmed to play while the singer and the band took a little fifteen minute break. To get a drink of water to relieve the dryness in their throats.

They ended up staying at Antonin (and his father who thanked Hayden profusely and stopped when Hayden hugged him out of the blue) until it was time for their meal. Meal's worthy of the Black fortune. Which both of them enjoyed immensely, but Hayden had noticed something throughout the time he was at the table.

"What's wrong with your mum?" Hayden's tone was very low, Lucretia and Ignatius were eating a piece of their cake, the amount of tiers they had made sure everyone would get a decent sized slice.

Orion glanced up at his mother, curious to what Hayden could mean, he found her eating the delicious meal. "Nothing, why?" there was nothing out of the ordinary with his mother right now.

"Nothing…it's just, I could swear she won't meet my eyes and has avoided me today," Hayden haltingly told Orion. He would never wish to cause tension between Orion and his parents. Never in a million years, Orion had parents, to him it was the most wonderous thing in the world.

"It's not you mother is angry with, it's my father," Orion told Hayden, even if she was pissed off with Hayden, she'd never do the disservice to the family by showing that in public setting. Or even private, not to someone who was going to be Lord Peverell-Black one day, or Lord Black-Peverell depending on which way they go.

Hayden nodded, "If you're sure," he replied, Orion knew his parents best, but Hayden still had a feeling he was wrong.

Naturally they were soon distracted as Hayden was introduced to everyone within high society deemed worthy by the masses. Orion took great delight in showing his betrothed off, and Hayden loved the lack of inane questions, and the fact nobody got on at him for the book he'd written. It was truly a wonderful evening. Although the drink might have had something to do with that.

He even kept his word and given Alphard two drinks with a small tipple of firewhisky in it. It was in a goblet of butterbeer, he'd not feel any effect. One before the meal, and the other as the night grew on. It was just unfortunate that Hayden hadn't met Fleamont Potter. Hayden had to confess that was someone he did look forward to meeting, it was likely too late now since Charlus said he was good friends with Dumbledore. He was likely devilized by now. The lack of answer from Charlus was answer enough.

A/N – okay so I've got perhaps two or three little plots still to thread around the story before I can go for the next arc. One is definitely Longbottom, will we see him fired? Suspended? Or will nothing be done regarding Longbottom infuriating the Peverell/Black/Wood families? Or will the Ministry not take that chance even for a Longbottom? Hmm I'm blanking on the others; hmm I'll think of them before the next chapter, I'm sure! I'm so looking forward to Hayden joining the Wizengamot *smirk* I do love showing him off 😊 so fun 😉 will Hayden and Orion attend Walburga's wedding? Or will she refuse to invite anyone? Or will a married Walburga show up for Hayden and Orion's? R&R please

And do you want to see the conversations they could have had? it would likely just be posted on the facebook group is there is any interest x