Black Mirror

The Formal Joining of Souls I

Chapter 5

Tomorrow was the day Harry and Severus would be joined in the Formal Marriage of Protection. She had spent the past two weeks in a whirlwind of preparations. An air of excitement was hanging over Snape Castle and the neighboring village. Dumbledore would be arriving shortly. He would go over the ceremony with them before dinner so that all parties involved would know what to expect. All of them were looking forward to his arrival and the others who would be part of the ceremony and would be coming for dinner in the evening. Harry was hoping to corner Dumbledore alone at some point since she wished to speak with him about Sirius and Remus. After doing some quiet research, Harry had discovered that same sex marriage was accepted in the wizarding world. It was often performed among soul mates. She wanted more than ever to see her godfather and Remus joined and happy. The years they had been apart had taken their toll. Now that they were back together Harry wanted them to make it permanent. The only problem was approaching the subject with the two wizards without causing any embarrassment.

Harry knew that the two men would not live with her and Severus forever. Snape castle was the ancestral home of the Snapes. Sirius and Remus would not wish to intrude on their married life when it was not necessary. They would still be bound to Harry through the original rites and would come when needed and for family affairs. Nevertheless, they also deserved a life and privacy of their own. She knew that if any problems or threats arose all she would need to do is contact them with a simple spell that would be woven into her wedding band. Each of the two wizards would receive a silver band to wear on their right ring finger. Harry and Severus' rings would be gold and worn on the traditional left ring finger.

Harry was mulling this over as she walked up the stairs to fetch Phaedra who had been playing in the bedroom. As she neared the room they shared, she could hear the little girl speaking. She knew the child was alone, keeping to herself more often since the visit to Diagon Alley. She had also developed an imaginary playmate, whom she identified as Beautiful Blessing, and would spend her time talking and playing games with her in front of the full-length mirror she had purchased.

Harry could not say why, but she didn't like the mirror, although after it had been cleaned up it was quite attractive. Still, something about it made her uneasy yet it seemed harmless enough. She put it down to feeling jealous that Phaedra was not playing with her as often. She had also been having strange dreams, with shadowy figures, but decided they were simply nerves due to her impending marriage. She had mentioned her feelings to Severus but he had simply pooh-poohed Harry's unease. He told her and that Phaedra had been through a lot, putting down her imaginary playmate as a common happening in children having undergone such a trauma. It was simply Phaedra's way of coping with all the changes to her young life.

"Phaedra," Harry called, knocking on the door before opening it to step inside the bedroom. "It's time to go downstairs. Dumbledore will be here in a little while."

"Do I have to come now? Beautiful was going to tell me another story."

"What kind of story?"

"She tells me all kinds of stories. This one was supposed to be about a great wizard and how he fought against the bad people."

"Really, was he anybody I knew," Harry teased, "Your Uncle Sev perhaps? Or maybe it was Dumbledore?"

"I don't know. You interrupted us!" Phaedra pouted. "I really wanted to hear it too."

"You can hear it another time. Don't you want to see Headmaster Dumbledore and the others?"

"I would rather stay here and play with Beautiful. We have lots of fun together."

"Oh...Don't you have fun with me? I play with you too," Harry stated softly, feeling a little bit hurt.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Harry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad," Phaedra said getting up from the floor and hugging Harry. "You've been busy with Uncle Sev and I had no one else to play with."

"You have no reason to be sorry Phaedra. I should have made more time for you. I promise that when the wedding is over we will spend more time together. Maybe we can see if some of your friends can come for a visit too." She smiled fondly.

"Really, do you think my friend Althea could come? Will her mummy let her?" Phaedra babbled excitedly. "Then I won't be so lonely at night when you move in with Uncle Sev."

"We'll just have to send her mother an owl and find out."

"Can we do it today?"

"Sure." Harry grinned. "Maybe we can arrange something for next week and she could stay overnight."

"That would be brilliant! I never had a friend sleep over before. Mummy said we were still too young for sleep overs."

"Then let's go and get Hedwig and find your uncle so we can arrange a possible date."

"Okay," Phaedra responded, tugging on Harry's hand to pull her from the room...

Neither girl had seen the mist forming within the mirror or the twisted smile on the distorted features from within.

"Soon the little one will be mine," the mysterious voice of Beautiful chuckled coldly. "Then I can begin my revenge on the blood traitors. You shall all pay and I will purge the world of its pollutants. My master never knew I took certain precautions in the event of his disfavor..."

Harry and Phaedra entered the dining room to find Dumbledore had already arrived. He was seated with the others enjoying a cup of tea and some biscuits, blue eyes twinkling merrily behind his half moon spectacles.

"Ah...Harry, Phaedra, it is good to see you both looking so well."

"Thank you, Sir. I have missed you." Harry hugged the old man.

"Headmaster Mr. Dumbledore," Phaedra beamed, "Aunt Harry said that I could have my friend sleep over next week!"

"Which friend is that?" Severus inquired arching his brow.

"Althea, you remember her don't you uncle? It will be all right won't it?"

"I see no reason not to invite her so long as you both behave. Do you want to use my owl to send her a letter?"

"Aunt Harry said I could use Hedwig. Besides, Diogenes is grumpy."

"My owl is not grumpy. He is merely proud."

"He's grumpy," Phaedra and Harry agreed in unison, bursting into giggles. Severus knew his owl had a mind of his own and was devoted only to him.

"Since I see you two have already decided then I shall write to her mother and include a letter of assurance along with Phaedra's invitation. Then we can make the arrangements."

"Thank you Uncle Sev. Can I go and write my letter now?"

"You may use the library Phaedra. There is some parchment in the upper left hand drawer. The quills and ink are on the desk. Be careful not to disturb anything else," Severus directed her with a nod. Grabbing a biscuit she skipped out of the room before anyone could change their minds.

"It was very thoughtful of you to have Phaedra invite someone her own age over Harry. It will be good for her." Remus smiled.

"I think so too," Sirius agreed. "She's been spending too much time in front of that mirror she dragged home from Diagon Alley. Something about it bothers me but I can't figure out what it is."

"What mirror is this?" Dumbledore inquired with interest.

"Just some old mirror she bought for her room," Tiberius explained. "I checked it for spells but I couldn't find anything."

"Has she been behaving any differently otherwise?"

"She now has an imaginary friend but I believe it is due to all the adjustments in her life," Severus stated calmly.

"Would you like me to check the mirror?"

"No, Albus, I do not believe that will be necessary."

"Sev, I really think the Headmaster should take a look too. I agree with Sirius. Something is just not right about that thing."

"Harry," Severus sighed, "we all checked the mirror when she brought it home. I think you just don't like it because of the snake pattern on the frame. You are so much a Gryffindor." His dark eyes glittered.

"Humph, tell that to the sorting hat!" she muttered under her breath. Harry knew the hat would have put her into Slytherin if she hadn't talked it out of it. So did the others.

"Since Tiberius and Severus are satisfied then I shall defer to their judgment Harry. However, should you continue to feel uncomfortable or if Phaedra has any further changes in behavior do not hesitate to contact me," Dumbledore told them pleasantly. "Mirrors imbued with magical properties are often difficult to detect."

"We shall call you immediately if we suspect anything, Albus," Tiberius agreed.

"Then shall we discuss the ceremony?"

"Shouldn't we wait for the others?" Harry asked.

"There is no need. I can tell them what to do later on. Their basic function is to act as witnesses," Dumbledore explained.

"Oh...okay, so what do we do?"

"It is quite simple actually. You will face each other and I shall bind your right hands together magically. During that time, I will do the basic wedding ceremony with a few additions for your other two protectors. You will both put the silver rings on them together. Then Severus will place your gold ring on. You will follow suit with his."

"That sounds easy enough," Sirius quipped.

"It is. You are all already bound by blood. This just formalizes the union between Severus and Harry as one which will be consummated."

"Right...I don't think we need to discuss anything more on this." Harry attempted to focus her attention out the window. She could feel the color creeping up her cheeks. Unable to ignore the quiet snicker from Sirius she looked at her godfather, green eyes dancing waywardly. 'This is it...Sirius just gave me the opening I need!' she thought. Taking a deep breath to steady her excitement she spoke aloud. "So my dear godfather have you any plans to make an honest werewolf out of Moony? Or are you planning on dragging your relationship on forever?"

"What?!" He exclaimed flustered. Harry had taken him completely off guard.

"I want to know whether you and Remus have plans to marry. I know same sex marriages between soul mates are legal in the wizarding world and I think you have kept him waiting long enough."

Sirius jaw dropped. Recovering himself quickly, Sirius threw back his head, his barking laugh resounding around the room. Harry's cheeks were bright pink now but she had no intention of backing off. Glancing around the room she noted Remus grinning, Severus had arched both brows, Tiberius lips were quirked up in amusement and Dumbledore's blue eyes were sparkling brilliantly as he looked over his half moon spectacles at the animagus. Sirius looked over at them all for a minute before getting up and placing his hands on the shoulders of the werewolf, looking into his golden eyes.

"Remus John Lupin, you are and always have been my Soulmate. We have been through some tough times. Even when I questioned your loyalty to the Order and you believed I had been the traitor the love was still there," he paused, unable to disguise the painful memories, his voice hitching. "Will you marry me?"

"Sirius..." Remus voice was husky but he displayed no signs of nervousness, "there will be those in our society who will shun you for marrying a werewolf."

"Then they are not our friends and not worth our time. I asked you a question, Moony, that I should have asked you twenty years ago. Will you marry me?"

The room was dead silent while Remus and Sirius continued to look deeply into one another's eyes. Finally, Remus mouth curved into a slow boyish smile, his head nodding.

"Yes, Padfoot, I will marry you."

Harry let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. Sirius pulled Remus up into a fierce hug as they others came over to congratulate them.

"Now this is a wonderful occasion!" Dumbledore remarked with delight. "I will do both ceremonies at the same time."

"NO!" Sirius and Remus yelled simultaneously. The old man looked taken aback.

"Forgive us, Albus, but tomorrow is a special day for Harry and Severus. It should stay that way."

"Remus is right. I think you should just do the ceremony tonight with all of our friends here. Then you can announce it for our families tomorrow following Harry and Severus ceremony," Sirius suggested.

"Harry, Severus, do either of you have any objections to this idea?"

"I think it's brilliant!" Harry looked at Severus for his reaction.

"I have no objection Albus. It makes perfect sense. We can celebrate both unions at tomorrow's reception."

"Excellent. I shall go and get the paperwork done."

"There won't be any problems with the Ministry will there?" Harry questioned worriedly.

"No Child," the Headmaster beamed, "but should they decide to adopt any children then there will be certain restrictions. However, we shall cross that bridge if and when it arises."

"Who's getting adopted," Phaedra asked coming back into the room.

"No one, Phaedra, but uncle Moony and uncle Sirius are getting married tonight!"

"Oh...can they do that?"

"In our society, Phaedra, it is perfectly acceptable between Soulmates," Tiberius answered patiently. "I will explain it to you later in more detail so you will understand."

"Okay. Does this mean we will have a party for them too? With more cake and goodies?"

"Yes, Phaedra, they will have a party with the rest of us after dinner and share in the festivities tomorrow," Severus replied. "Now have you finished your letter?"

"Yes, Uncle Sev. It's right here."

"Then come with me and I shall write a note to your friend's mother to send along with Hedwig."

Phaedra and Severus disappeared back into the study while Tiberius walked Dumbledore to the door. He would apparate to the Ministry and return in time for dinner. Harry was left alone with Remus and Sirius.

"You're something else. You know that kiddo?" Sirius grinned lovingly at his goddaughter.

"I think she's special in more ways than one," Remus agreed beaming.

"I just wanted to make sure you were both happy." Harry blushed at the praise. "I have been thinking about this for quite awhile now...and...well..."she shrugged.

"How did you realize that Moony and I wanted to make our relationship permanent?"

"I knew how much you really love one another. I am an empath you know!"

"Hmm...I wonder what else you are able to deduce with that ability." Remus mused aloud.

"You would be surprised," Harry chuckled. "It's a good thing you put silencing charms on your bedroom."

"Are you telling us that you know when we're horny?" Sirius teased.

"That's for me to know and you to find out!" Harry smirked mischievously.

"Moony, are you game on finding out just what vibes our pup is able to deduce with her empathy?" Sirius winked at the werewolf, moving towards his goddaughter.

"Don't you dare!" Harry gasped as Sirius grasped her around the waist.

"Nice move, Padfoot, I'll just take off her shoes while you hold her." Remus grabbed hold of Harry's legs, chuckling as he pulled of her shoes.

"No, please..." Harry begged unable to restrain her laughter. "Don't tickle my feet...Oh!" she cried as Remus ignored her.

"I just think I'll have a bit of fun too," Sirius whispered from behind as Harry struggled. "I rather like the tummy myself."

"No!" Harry shrieked, tears streaming down her cheeks, as she struggled to escape the two wizards. She was like putty in their grasp and could not stop laughing.

"Please...stop...I...I'm going...to wet...my pants!"

"Now what would Severus say to that!" Sirius chuckled merrily.

"Padfoot...please," she huffed struggling to catch her breath amid her laughter. "I give up!"

"Ah...the most powerful witch of the age and she succumbs to a little tickling." Remus pretended to sigh. "If Voldemort had only known..."

"That's not funny Moony," Harry admonished as the two men released her. "Believe it or not I have often wondered about what would have happened if he had known."

"You still would have stopped him," Sirius stated matter-of-factly. "You laugh now only because it is me and Remus. If Voldemort had even tried you would have gotten angry and then...WHAM! One less evil wizard."

"You two are incorrigible." Harry shook her head, pulling the two men into a hug. "I love you both very very much you know."

"We love you too, Princess."

"I know. You both would have sacrificed the other to make me happy. The only problem is it would never have worked. I would have known by your feelings of loss for one another."

"So you fell in love with the Potions Master," Sirius responded.

"I found my Soulmate," Harry corrected. "Just like you two found each other."

"Never forget that even though you are joining with Severus we will still always be there for you.".

"All you have to do is call," Moony added.

"I know, just like I will be there for the both of you too."

"Then I think it's time we all get this show on the road," Sirius piped up trying to hide the tears in his eyes. "Moony, have you seen my Navy blue dress robes?"

"They're in your closet right beside the ones you are planning on wearing tomorrow." The werewolf responded following Sirius from the room, pausing only to give Harry a quick wink.

She stood there grinning for a moment before picking up her shoes and following them from the room to find Phaedra. She had just had an idea to surprise the two men even more, not to mention that Harry couldn't wait to see the expressions on her friend's faces when they found out about Sirius and Remus...

Dumbledore returned an hour later with the necessary paperwork from the Ministry allowing the werewolf to marry. The Weasleys and Draco arrived as they were finishing with the signatures on the necessary documents. Harry greeted them warmly as the emerged from the floo.

"Harry are you nervous yet!" Hermione questioned excitedly hugging her friend.

"Yeah mate, if you are anything like I was you are probably quaking in your shoes," Ron quipped.

"Really, Weasley, you're talking to someone who faced off with the Dark Lord on numerous occasions," Draco sneered, careful not to call him weasel in front of his family. "I hardly think a marriage ceremony will be cause for nerves."

"Just you wait, ferret, I can't wait to see the look on your face the day before you and Ginny are married." Ron had no qualms about calling Draco a ferret. While their relationship was improving, they were still often at odds with one another, reminiscent of Sirius and Severus.

"Ron! Draco and I are not even engaged and it is none of your business how we handle our relationship," Ginny berated her brother.

"Yeah, well he had better remember you still have four brothers looking out for you!" Ron flushed.

"All of you stop it this instant!" Molly berated annoyed. "We are here to celebrate and I will not have any of you spoiling Harry and Severus' party tonight."

"Ah...Sorry Harry," Ron apologized. "I wasn't thinking."

"Honestly, Ron, you have got to learn to control your temper. Ginny is a grown woman and capable of making her own decisions." Hermione rolled her eyes at her husband, cuffing him on the back of his head.

"I said I was sorry!"

"It's okay, Ron, I am really enjoying see how things are getting back to normal," Harry chuckled. "And to answer your question I have had no time to really think about getting nervous. I am far too excited about Moony and Padfoot!"

"Moony and Padfoot," Fred questioned, "what do you mean?"

"They are getting married tonight!" Harry replied grinning from ear to ear as all heads swung in the direction of the two wizards.

"What!" All the guests exclaimed at once.

"This is marvelous news." Arthur smiled recovering himself. He quickly steered Molly over towards the other wizards to offer their congratulations. Harry could see Molly crying happily, while she hugged the two men.

"Well, cousin," Draco drawled offering his hand to Sirius, "I certainly never expected this. I wish you both the best."

"Oh this is just so wonderful," Hermione stated hugging Remus, "but what about the Ministry restrictions on werewolves getting married?"

"That has all been taken care of Hermione," Dumbledore reassured her. "The restrictions in the case of same sex Soulmates are different. I was able to push the paperwork through this afternoon."

"This is almost as big a surprise as the one you have for Mum and Dad," George quipped slapping his brother on the back.

"You have a surprise for us?" Molly asked suspiciously, looking at her twin sons.

"Oops, sorry bro I wasn't thinking."

"Actually...Mum...I..."Fred began.

"Was going to..."George continued.

"Tell you both..." Followed by Fred.

"Tomorrow," George finished.

"What is it? Are you two up to something?" Molly demanded.

"Now Mum...I know how emotional you can be," Fred stated looking over at George.

"I think you should tell her now, Fred," Bill Weasley spoke up. He had just finished offering his congratulations to Sirius and Remus.

"This should be most interesting," Severus remarked with a sneer.

"Molly, I think you had better sit down," Dumbledore said, blue eyes twinkling.

"Why do I get the feeling you and Bill are keeping something from me Albus?" Molly demanded. "You too, George. You aren't up to anything illegal are you?"

"Mum!" the twins gasped in unison.

"No, Molly, they have done nothing wrong," Dumbledore chuckled.

"George, what is going on?" Harry whispered. "I know you have to know. You and Fred are inseparable."

"You'll find out," he whispered back, grinning. "Just be ready for mum's reaction."

"Fred Weasley, I demand to know what it is you are not telling me!" Molly demanded anxiously. Fred gulped looking to George and Bill for help.

"Sorry, Fred, this time you're on your own," Bill told him winking slyly at George.

"Well, what is it Fred?" Molly's voice was growing shrill with worry.

"Son, whatever it is we are your parents. You should never be afraid to tell us anything," Arthur stated calmly, placing his arm around Fred's shoulders.

"Uh...Parvati and I are secretly married and we're having a baby," Fred replied in a rush, his face bright red.

Molly nearly fell off the chair in shock, her mouth gaping like a fish. She was looking from the twins to Bill and then Dumbledore. Ginny broke the stunned silence.

"Well, Mum, Mr. Chang was right. You are going to have your first grandchild from an unexpected source." She slapped her brother on the back with a grin. The others gathered round him offering their congratulations but Harry hurried over to Molly who remained seated.

"Molly," she said softly, taking the elder woman's hand, "this is a good thing. You need to show Fred that you support him."

"Harry is right, Molly," Dumbledore interceded. "You should be happy for Fred. Parvati is a fine young woman."

"But why didn't he tell me he was getting married? I'm his mother and what about her parents. Are they even aware of the marriage?"

"Mr. Patil is not speaking with either of his daughters. He wanted them to be wed in a traditional arranged marriage back in India. Apparently the two girls have other ideas and moved out right after they graduated last year," Dumbledore said sadly.

"Humph, as if my son is not good enough for his daughter!" Molly grunted regaining her composure. "Fred Weasley, you and George go and find my new daughter-in-law and her sister this instant. This is a gathering of friends and family and they should be here." Molly remarked, hands on her hips, giving Fred a weak smile.

"Yes Mum," Fred beamed.

"We'll be back in a jiffy!" George agreed and they both disapparated.

"This is certainly a day for celebration," Dumbledore stated happily.

The twins returned a few minutes later with Parvati and Padma and Molly mustered up her motherly instincts and hugged the two girls, as Parvati was welcomed as the second Mrs. Weasley of their generation. Harry noted Bill was keeping a low profile so his mother would not complain about his lack of a wife.

"So does anyone else have any good news?" Remus asked the group.

"I do," Hermione replied softly, looking over at Ron. "I was offered a job in the Department of Mysteries and have decided to accept it. I'm sorry, Headmaster, but I will be unable to return to Hogwarts in September."

"That is quite all right, my dear. I fully understand. It shouldn't be too difficult to find another librarian. I happen to know that Madam Pince is not happy with her retirement. I shouldn't have any trouble convincing her to return to us."

"Mione, why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to think you're dad got me the job."

"Actually, I didn't know a thing about it," Arthur remarked, "although I can't say I'm not pleased."

"We'll get to see each other at work too while I'm training!" Ron hugged her.

"So, Ginny, do you have any surprises you're not telling us about?" Harry chuckled, but her voice sounded shrill to her ears. A knot was forming in her stomach as Mr. Chang's predictions were all coming true. Severus could sense her anxiety and moved over to place a comforting arm around her waist.

"As a matter of fact, I do." the young redhead grinned. "Draco and I will be traveling abroad after I graduate next week. He has signed up for the exchange program within the Auror program and I have been offered a job as a foreign correspondent with the Prophet to follow the project."

"Ginny that's simply fabulous!" Hermione exclaimed. "You will get to see so many places and things."

"I guess Mr. Chang was right on the money again," Ginny laughed. "He said I would be doing a lot of traveling."

"He also said it would be with your husband!" Molly glanced shrewdly at Draco, who simply shrugged.

"In that case folks, let's get this celebration going!" Sirius announced. "I am starting to get hungry."

"Only you would think about food prior to your nuptials," Severus sneered.

"Who said I was talking about food?" Sirius quipped, giving Remus a wicked grin.

"Ahem," Tiberius cleared his throat nodding to where Phaedra was sitting listening quietly to the adults chatter. "I believe Harry and Phaedra have a surprise for the two of you."

"Is it time to show them Uncle? I sat still and behaved like you told me to."

"Yes, Phaedra, you can show them now," Tiberius responded.

"Come on, Aunt Harry!" She grabbed Harry by the hand and pulled her towards the door. "I want to show them what we did!"

The group followed into the hall and Phaedra led them towards the small sitting room. Harry was looking at Sirius and Remus unable to conceal a wicked smile. Opening the doors, everyone entered, unable to conceal their amusement. Harry and Phaedra had enlisted the aid of the house elves and decorated the room for a small wedding. Rather than the traditional wedding arch, she had conjured a doghouse. Padfoot and Moony were written across the entrance on a large bone. A chain connected to a pair of collars joined the names. The room was decorated with dogwood and Wolfsbane flowers that had been bloomed out of season by means of magic. A buffet table was laid out with roast beef, turkey, and ham sandwiches placed on dishes shaped like canines. A number of salads were placed in receptacles shaped as dog bowls. The desserts consisted of cookies cut into the shape of dog bones. A small wedding cake in the shape of a fire hydrant was topped with a large brown wolf beside a black dog.

"Princess, you and Phaedra have outdone yourselves!"

"I couldn't have asked for a better party than this!" Sirius added.

"We wanted to do something really special for you both," Phaedra cried gleefully. "I helped with the decorations and gave Aunt Harry the idea for the doggie treats."

"I designed the house and got the flowers with the help of the elves."

"Harry, this is a really great idea," Ginny stated looking around.

"I'm glad you all like it," Harry replied embarrassed.

"I think it's time we got on with the ceremony then," Dumbledore chuckled. "Especially since I do believe Phaedra would like to have some of those cookies."

"More likely you want to try them out Albus," Tiberius snorted as the wizards all took their seats.

"Severus would you act as our best man?" Sirius questioned motioning him forward to stand with them.

"I shall be most honored, Black," he responded going over to stand behind them.

"Do you have the rings?"

"Right here," he handed two plain gold bands to Severus to slip into his robe pocket.

"Then I shall begin," Dumbledore announced. He stood quietly for a moment looking out over the small group present before he smiled. "This is one of the happiest occasions among our world. The uniting of two wizarding Soulmates. These two young men have seen more than their share of hardship and yet their love for one another has never wavered. Gentlemen, if I may have your right hands please?" Harry followed with interest as Dumbledore bound their wrists together. "I join the two of you as is our custom to be united as one being until the end of your days. May your souls again find each other in the next life." Dumbledore then waved his hand over the rope and it glowed then vanished as if disappearing into their skin. "I believe you both have a set of vows you have written for one another?" Sirius and Remus nodded. Sirius then spoke.

"Remus, I will always be with you from this day onward. I will never hurt you and will protect you from those who would do you harm. I will be there to share the pain of your transformations and help you to heal when they are over. I'll also make sure you have an ample supply of Honeydukes best chocolate since you love it almost as much as me," he grinned and everyone watching chuckled. Harry was sure she could see Remus golden eyes twinkling with the prospect along with a few unshed tears.

"Ahem..." Remus cleared his voice. "Sirius I will be glad of your presence during my time of change with the full moon. We will run free and play, our hearts carefree and young once again as they were when we were boys. I will always be at your side, will relish in your barking laugh, and will help to soothe you when the dark days you have suffered resurface at night. As for that chocolate, I prefer the dark chocolate rather than the milk," the room exploded into laughter and Severus rolled his eyes.

"Severus, will you present the rings?" Dumbledore asked. Taking the rings from his pocket, he handed them to Dumbledore. "Sirius, if you will repeat after me as you place the ring on Remus finger?" He nodded and Dumbledore motioned to Harry. "Harry, if you will come up here please? When Sirius says his vow, you are to touch the ring with your wand to signify your blessing and consent within the Protectorship. You will then do the same for Remus." Harry came forward and stood beside Severus her wand ready. "Very well then let's begin. I Sirius, take you Remus, for my husband, as is allowed within our custom and granted by the witch whom we both protect." Sirius repeated the words after Dumbledore and when Harry touched the ring, it glowed a brilliant blue. The process was then repeated for Remus. "Gentlemen you may kiss your spouse." Dumbledore beamed, blue eyes twinkling. Molly Weasley could be heard sobbing softly and the others cheered and clapped as Sirius grabbed Remus and kissed him passionately.

"Hey you two, wait for later," Bill chuckled. The group then all came forward to hug and congratulate the two wizards.

"Tomorrow that will be us," Severus whispered in Harry's ear.

"Do I get some Honeydukes chocolate too?"

"Absolutely not, you can have the whole store," he smirked, dark eyes bright.

The party lasted long into the night and everyone had a wonderful time. Phaedra was a bit put out at first over Fred's having gotten married but Draco pulled her back to herself by telling her that George was still available even though he was with Padma. He had a sneaky suspicion that Padma was more interested in Bill anyway. This was confirmed later on in the evening when he overheard Bill telling her that he and Fleur had all but broken up. Molly was getting used to the idea of becoming a grandmother and determined to teach Parvati how to knit. The couple was living in London over the store in Diagon Alley. She insisted that they should look for larger quarters and offered to have them stay at the Burrow since she had so much room.

Sirius and Remus were caught several times trying to sneak away to be alone but the twins were in rare form. There was no way that they would let the two remaining Marauders escape to their room early. Harry suspected they were planning a prank. This was confirmed when the guests left and they all retired for the night. They had magically charmed the bed and run invisible tubes out of the windows so that when the two men retired to consummate their marriage the March of Triumph blasted through the house bypassing the silencing charms. Harry couldn't stop laughing for ten minutes. Even Severus was amused but determined that no such thing would happen to him and Harry. Phaedra just thought it was a regular joke and no one bothered to tell her otherwise.

Harry climbed into bed wondering what her own wedding night would be like. She hoped it would be romantic and realized she was a bit anxious about having sex for the first time. She hoped it wouldn't be painful as she had heard it was for some girls. She really wanted to be with Severus and knew he wanted to be with her. Rolling over, she cuddled up to Phaedra, falling into a restless sleep. She awoke several times with the feeling someone else was in the room. She had a sense of an angry presence reaching out and kept dreaming that a fine silver mist was creeping out of the mirror. Finally, she looked around and decided it was just the shadows reflected off of the mirror combined with wedding jitters. Getting up, she grabbed her robe and covered the glass, never knowing that a pair of cold eyes glared back from the other side of the covered glass...

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