AC: It has been brought to my attention that Summer of '94 and Year Six combined has almost the same word count as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Hot damn!
LORD ARCTURUS BLACK
cordially invites you to the wedding of
SIRIUS ORION BLACK
to
CHIARA VITTORIA FERMI
On Saturday the Ninth of July, 1994
At the Sidera Estate, Hampshire
Ceremony to begin at Two O'clock
Melissa was understandably suspicious of the formal invitation. That feeling intensified on learning that the wedding was taking place at Arcturus Black's home. Honestly, did Sirius have a hand in planning this wedding at all?
That said, Arcturus Black seemed to take his duties as host seriously. The manicured estate was decked out in floral arrangements, topiaries of magical animals, and colourful, unlit paper lanterns - no doubt to be used for evening festivities. The Bennetts were directed by a human attendant (not a house elf) to follow a path around the building for the ceremony. Sirius certainly lucked out with the nice weather, she thought. Though there was little doubt that inside the estate was also decorated and lavishly arranged had the weather not been ideal.
With an inclined head, Jake Bennett raised a hand, catching his brother's eye. John waved them over, gesturing to a trio of empty seats beside his family, and the Londoners moved quickly to claim their seats.
"Isn't this exciting?" Mary asked after greeting her in-laws.
"Absolutely. Never thought I'd see a magical wedding," Sophie answered.
"At least not one so soon," Mary gave an amused glance at Melissa. "Maybe in a decade or so, if Melissa finds a nice wizard."
"Mum," Melissa groaned and rolled her eyes. "Aren't I too young for you to start teasing me about this kind of thing?"
The older women laughed, with Mary teasing, "I did say in a decade, Sweetheart."
A pair of chuckles erupted from her little cousins. Melissa gave them a pointed look. "Yeah, you laugh now; but it'll happen to you, too, when our generation starts getting married. Same thing with having kids, too. Once it starts, they never stop asking about the next milestone, and the next. We're just here to satisfy the older generation's need to throw parties and celebrate."
At this point all four adults (and a few in eavesdropping distance) started laughing. Her dad was the first to speak, "You sound like that comes from experience, Melly-bean."
"I know adults," she said in a deadpan. "You're all the same."
The laughter and teasing continued. Eventually Melissa begged off upon seeing an unexpected classmate to escape to.
"Hullo, Garrick!" She ducked over to whisper in his ear, "Please tell me we have time to get away from here before the adults get more mushy with wedding talk?"
Garrick blinked, momentarily lost by the sudden request, before nodding and gesturing to his sister and cousins to come with them. When they got out of earshot he asked, "Are they arranging a betrothal for you?"
"What?!" She straightened with a start. A nervous laugh left her as she answered, "Oh, god no! That's not a thing with muggles. At least, not in Britain. I just don't like all of the teasing. Your parents are making comments about looking forward to your own weddings, today, right?"
Garrick answered slowly, "Not really."
"No, Mother's only said that she hopes none of us have weddings like this one," Nerys added.
"Hmm?" Melissa looked around at the lavish decorations with confusion. "What's wrong with this one?"
Nerys opened her mouth to answer, but Garrick raised a hand in her direction and answered quickly, "Pureblood weddings have a lot of traditions that this marriage is lacking."
Melissa and Garrick shared a look communicating exactly what aspects were 'lacking' about the wedding. Her eyes rolled with understanding, muttering, "Right," as they moved on to other topics. "So, O.W.L.s came out yesterday. How did you do?"
"I did as expected," Garrick said humbly.
She wasn't buying the humble act. "That's Orpington-speak for 'nothing below an E'."
He gave a low chuckle. "That's hardly a bad thing."
"It is when you consider History of Magic."
"I enjoy learning history." On seeing her pointed look, he added, "Just because Professor Binns is a subpar teacher doesn't mean I can't study the subject in my free time and enjoy it."
"Fair enough. To each their own, I suppose."
"And what about yourself? How did you do?"
"Pretty good. I got five Os and two Es."
"...And that is Bennett-speak for 'I failed three exams'."
The three younger witches started to snicker.
"Hey! I passed Herbology, thank you very much!"
"Mhmm. Which means you fulfilled your paranoid proclamation that you'll fail Astronomy, am I right?"
"Hmph! It's hardly paranoid when you consider that I did get attacked by dementors the one time I went outside that semester."
Garrick opened his mouth, only to pause and close it as those words were considered. "I suppose that's a fair point. Ah, how did you do with Potions? Professor Snape said he wanted you in his class, didn't he?"
"He did?!" Astoria asked.
Why are people always surprised by that? …Actually, who am I kidding?
"I got an O," she answered, then grimaced, "I think Jacqueline and Rusalka would have killed me, otherwise. I'm still not sure if I'll take it, though."
"Getting an O in potions is no easy feat," Garrick said encouragingly. "You should take the course. You'll have an opportunity to learn amazing potions that you'll not have the ability to try otherwise."
"I suppose. I could always learn to make Felix Felicis!" she said with a mischievous grin.
Garrick laughed, "I think you'll be lucky just to brew it without explosions."
"Ha! Luck is what it's all about!"
Sirius' wedding ceremony was… surprisingly normal. Remus was his best man, obviously. Harry served as the ringbearer - a fact Melissa found amusing. (After all, if what Harry told her was correct, him becoming a ring bearer is what got the happy couple hitched the first time around!) There were other people in the bridal party, including a pair of adorable flower girls; but Melissa had zero idea who most of these people were. From the bride's side, Melissa guessed. That would explain a lot. As said before, this was a very normal ceremony. There was no magic to speak of. At least, none that Melissa could discern. Probably for the best. Most of the bride's side of the wedding are muggle, right?
Melissa glanced over at one point, spotting Marcello Salvatore in the second row. He was with his… wife, she guessed? The middle-aged witch beside him was doting over a fussing baby in her arms. Do they have a baby?! Melissa wasn't sure, but she planned to investigate later!
She glanced further back. Everyone on both sides of the aisle had made the effort to dress muggle, so it was hard to be sure. That said, the bride-side had more fashionable taste and a distinct lack of anachronisms or wand-holders. Muggles, then. No wonder the purebloods were annoyed; and they can't even complain about it without getting in trouble with the law. Ha!
After the ceremony, the guests got in line to meet the newlyweds (or in line for drinks) for the cocktail hour. Feeling cheeky, Melissa opted to flit about the estate with her cousins in tow. "I'll show you some magical plants," she promised. "Come on, let's go this way!"
They walked down one of the garden paths, eventually coming to a fork in the road. Sure enough, the far side of the fork held a magical garden a little down the way. "Perfect! This way!" She walked down the path, only slowing when she noticed a distinct lack of steps beside her. Turning, she found Jeff and Maggie were still standing at the fork. "Are you coming, or what?"
Jeff took a nervous step back. "Are you sure this is a good idea? What if they try to eat us?"
"No sweat! As long as you stay by me you'll be safe."
"I don't like it," Maggie whimpered. "We should go back to the others."
"What are you talking about-?" Melissa froze in mid-step towards them. Two of the paper lanterns along the path, the ones just above her cousins, had a slight glow to them. They weren't lit, and yet… She looked at the other lanterns along the path. None of them were lit. She looked along her own path of the fork, and found no paper lanterns to speak of.
"Jeff, can you do me a favour? Walk three steps towards me."
Though looking confused by the request, Jeff obliged and took a step closer. The next step halted mid-air, and he took a step backward, shivering. "I don't think we should be here. Maggie's right. We should go see what Harry's up to."
They're muggle-repelling wards, she realized. Slippery bastard! …Though I suppose it's a decent safety precaution for Chiara's guests. Damn. That wizard's crafty!
"Sure. We'll try a different garden another time."
The Bennett kids found their way back to the party. Maggie eventually spotted Harry standing by the grand host, himself. The young girl, either not knowing or minding the old man's presence, waltzed right up to the pair to loudly talk to Harry about the wedding. Melissa walked over quickly, Jeff following behind, to gauge the situation. Harry didn't show signs of a problem, smiling and chatting happily with Maggie. Arcturus Black, on the other hand, looked quietly annoyed. Melissa stepped in to put a barrier between Maggie and the old wizard.
"Please excuse my cousin, Lord Black," she said politely, "she's just excited for Sirius and Harry."
From the way his face twitched, Melissa wasn't sure if her presence had made things better or worse. A calm mask fell over his face. "That's to be expected. With your family's… ties to my own, I can excuse any exuberance from the little ones."
She got the distinct impression that there was an insult hidden in his words; but wasn't quite sure as to which part. "Of course. Thank you, sir; and congratulations for the wedding."
"Thank you."
A silence fell between them, but only briefly as Lord Black found a topic worth mentioning. "I believe congratulations are in order for you, as well. Word from the Wizarding Examinations Authority tells me that you achieved the highest marks of all who took the divination exam."
"I did?!" That was news to her!
"Indeed," he said with some level of amusement. "It seems you've created quite a reputation for yourself, Miss Bennett. Griselda was notably impressed with the level of insight and detail you show for the craft. No doubt you have a future as a diviner professionally once you graduate."
"She's already ahead on that," Harry chimed in. "Aren't you doing a baby name thing this summer?"
"Yeah, sometime this month," she answered. "I have to use your flat before Sirius goes on his honeymoon, and I have to call the Bakers to figure out what days they're free to drive to London, so scheduling is being a bit of a pain right now."
"Makes sense," said Harry. "Mind you, Grimmauld Place is probably a better option with, you know…"
"True," Melissa nodded at the hint, "but it might be useful to show them what your building's like. Though I guess you have a point. I should check what the exact rules are for your building, first."
"One moment," Arcturus raised his finger in ponderous confusion. "Are you divining a name for a muggle couple?"
"Ah- well-" Shit! Is that against the law? "You see, their son is muggleborn, and last year I Saw that his parents are going to have another magical baby this year; and they figured it would be a fun idea, so, you know, I-" her hands flailed. "That's alright, then, isn't it?"
He gave her a hard look. "Proper name-divining requires a wand, does it not?"
Ah, crap! He knows about that?! "Well... I…"
Arcturus gave an unusual smile. A smile from Arcturus is unusual as is, but this one put Melissa on edge. "Where does this family live?"
Huh? Why does he want to know? Fuck, maybe to alert the obliviators? "In Basingstoke," she confessed.
"Hmm. Not far from here," he mused. He gave Harry a look; one the boy seemed to understand as he pulled the others into a different conversation. As that happened, Arcturus gave her a calculating look. "I would like to see your work for myself," he said. "My home is warded against the Trace. I may offer my home to you and this family to conduct the name divining, on two conditions. The first- as I said- being to observe your work in action."
That… was surprising. It would be hella handy to simply floo here from London and save the Bakers a long drive- a.k.a open up more days they can do the appointment. "And the second?"
"Should your work prove valuable, you will then perform a divination for an unborn client under my protection."
Under his protection-? A slight jump revealed that she knew exactly who he was talking about! "Would that be safe for someone like me? I doubt their mother will approve."
There was a knowing glint in his eyes. "You are a Slytherin, girl. Surely anything his mother would find disapproving would not be said in her presence?"
"Good point." Also, did he say his mother? Huh. Interesting. So no Augurey nonsense, then. Not that there ever would be in this timeline, stupid as that was, but still… small mercies. "I can agree to those conditions."
"Good. I shall owl you to finalise the date, Miss Bennett. Now, if you'll excuse me, the reception will be starting soon."
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Remus called out from the entrance. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the new Mister and Missus Black!"
Cheers rang out as the newlyweds entered the ballroom. They walked in time with the band, grinning widely at the audience's cheers. When they got to the middle of the hall, they stopped, signalling the band to decrescendo into a stop. With another signal, Remus announced, "And now we will welcome their first act as newlyweds with this dance; featuring a very special guest! Maestro, if you'd please…"
The band started. Mary gave a light laugh at the song choice, and Melissa, too, gave an amused smirk. They were playing O Sole Mio, a fitting choice for marrying an Italian woman. What was not expected was who came out onto the dance floor to serenade the couple.
Mary's jaw dropped, "Is that Luciano Pavarotti?!"
He began to sing, to the many gasps of the audience. "That… certainly sounds like him."
LUCIANO freaking PAVAROTTI was singing at the wedding! Half of the guests were collectively freaking out, and with good reason because, Holy shit, how did they hire Pavarotti?!
"How is that microphone working?" John asked. "Doesn't electricity break in magical homes?"
That's a good point. Melissa narrowed her eyes at the headset mic. Could it be magical?
"It's not even attached right," Jake commented. "I don't think he's using it; but then what the hell are we missing? Is Pavarotti a wizard?!"
As Pavarotti himself moved to the music, his feet stumbled slightly, and something about his face changed before shifting back to how it was before.
What?
The crowd continued watching in confusion and awe as Pavarotti sang for the dancing couple. From their table, the Bennetts continued to comment their conspiracies. ("His accent sounds off!" Mary insisted. "They must have hired a lookalike!")
Even so, the reception hall broke into thunderous applause as the couple finished their First Dance. Sirius and Chiara grinned at their reaction, giving their own applause to the singer. Pavarotti gave them a cheeky bow, then left swiftly - although several people clamoured to try and speak with him, to no avail.
While this was going on, Chiara swiftly pulled Sirius into a kiss, summoning whistles and more applause at the display. This went on for a while - about long enough for Pavarotti to make his escape, if anyone cared to notice. Once the two broke away from the kiss they walked over to their table. From under the table Sirius pulled out another microphone. This time, though, Melissa was positive it was a prop, while his own voice was hit with a sonorus.
"Thank you, everyone! If you could all take your seats, please." A short moment after, as eager fans sat back down, Sirius continued. "We're so glad you could all make it to our second marriage!" Light chuckles and disapproving tuts rolled about the room. "Of course, they do say that third time's a charm, so-" an awkward pause followed. Sirius shot Chiara with a cheeky grin. "What do you think, Chiara? Interested in a divorce?"
Shouts and gasps followed that question. Chiara, meanwhile, broke out in a laugh and shouted, "Let's finish this wedding, first! I'll see how I feel in the morning."
"As the lady wishes!" He gave Chiara a playful bow, then turned back to the guests. "Well, you heard the missus! Let's get this party started!"
BANG!
Everyone jumped in their seats as the centrepieces exploded in a multitude of colours! Clouds of colour filled the air, raining down on them until every guest was covered in glitter. Melissa couldn't help but snort at the silly prank. It got funnier as a wizard was chastised by a witch to put away his wand.
Right. No magic allowed in front of the muggles; with glitter, of all things! That is brilliantly evil!
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the dinner was set after that prank. On one hand, at least the glitter clouds didn't get all over served plates. On the other hand, glitter still managed to get into the food no matter how hard anyone tried to avoid it. It led to a lot of hilarious eating methods by the guests, and Melissa was sure the Marauders and Chucklebunnies at the wedding were having a blast at the fumbling attempts.
Afterwards there were speeches and the father-daughter dance; then, it was time to party! The band was the only option, of course, so it wasn't anything like the dance parties Melissa had started frequenting this summer. Still, she was having fun with the various dances being done. One wizard, an older boy named Massimo, got her to join in a tarantella. She laughed in delight as they moved through the dance. It wasn't one she knew, but it was a lot of fun to try! When the dance finished, he invited her over to where some other teens had congregated near the drinks.
Massimo began introducing her to the others (including Harry, funny enough), and a realization hit her. "Hold up! Are you related to Marcello Salvatore?"
"He's our uncle," Massimo answered.
"Oh, wicked! I gotta ask, does he have a baby?"
They looked at her oddly. "You mean Luca?" Marco laughed. "No, no, he's Ezio's kid."
"The baby's his grandson," Harry clarified.
"Ah, got it!"
From nearby, Draco asked Laura, "Will you be staying in Britain long?"
"Only for one week," she answered.
"Which is sad," Ornella added. "I would like more time to practise my English before the school trip."
"School trip?" Draco asked.
Marco rolled his eyes, answering before Ornella could. "Miss Fancy Lady goes to Beauxbatons, so she gets to travel here for a big contest."
Ornella blushed red and began yelling at Marco in Italian. Melissa, though, perked up in interest. "Oh, are you seventeen?"
The Italian girl stumbled in her rant, looking visibly confused. "My age? No. I have sixteen."
"But you will be seventeen before November, right?"
Her eyes lit in understanding. "Oh! Yes! I will have- no, I will be seventeen in October."
"Nice! Look forward to seeing you again, then!"
The English boys looked at her oddly, "Seeing her when?"
"You'll see," she answered cryptically. "So- any bets on when the happy couple gets divorced?"
Awkward and nervous laughter followed that question. "You should bet with Arcturus," Harry teased. "He's been hinting at them getting a divorce since the start."
Draco huffed, "Heh, he hardly hinted at anything. He's been telling my mother that our cousin is making a big mistake. Though, considering this is Sirius we're talking about, I'm not surprised."
Laura looked surprised, "Why does he want them to have a divorce?"
Marco gave her a side-eye, "The first time they got married, they were drunk."
"Yes, but this is different!"
A small argument broke out within the group, an amalgamation of English and Italian peppering the conversation. Melissa stepped away from the conversation, but giggled at the heated bickering. No bets were made, but the question was worthwhile for the humour it provided.
A while later the guests were called for the cake-cutting ceremony. People were noticeably on edge for this. After the glitter bombs they were sure something odd would happen with the cake.
…Instead, it was perfectly normal. Huh. How about that!
Then came the bouquet toss. Young women gathered as Chiara prepared the bouquet. At the last second, though, the bride switched out the bouquet, tossing a rubber chicken into the crowd. The women scramble for the prize- until the wheezing cry of the chicken finally clicked with them. There was a mix of laughter and exasperation among the guests- followed by excited screams as Chiara finally launched the real bouquet.
The hilarity continued with the garter removal. Sirius ducked under Chiara's dress, to the loud cheering and whistling of the crowd. Then there were gasps as he pulled out a giant pair of lacy black underwear. It was too big to actually be Chiara's, and Sirius shouted "SORRY, WRONG ONE," before diving back under.
"I found the garter!" He claimed, pulling out a long coil of green rubber tube with a nozzle on it.
"No, that's the garden hose!" Chiara said. "You need to get the garter."
"Right, the garter, the garter… Nope! That's a garter snake!" People jumped back as he threw a literal snake over his shoulder.
Chiara looked playfully exasperated, "Una giarrettiera, amore mio!"
"Ah! L'ho trovato!" Sirius shouted, pulling out two (unreasonably large) jars. "Le giarre per ti!"
The Italians of the crowd laughed at that, as did Chiara. With another go, he finally 'found' the garter and did the toss for the men crowding behind him.
It was a silly display, but as the party wound down for the night, everyone could agree that it was the perfect Marauder wedding!
