Black Mirror

Black Mirror

Chapter 7

Parties Pranks Partners and Passions

It was five o'clock by the time all of the guests who had been invited to the actual ceremony returned to the castle. More guests were expected for the ball later on in the evening, which was set to begin at eight. Most of these were dignitaries from the Ministry and members of the Wizengamot as well as the local wizarding Mayor and his village council. Harry sighed. She hadn't wanted all this. However, she knew it was necessary since Severus' family was so prominent in the community.

Once again, amid a sea of hugs and kisses, Harry found herself welcoming the guests from the ceremony who had been invited for the dinner feast. Severus stood beside her, a light flush on his high cheekbones, occasionally offering an amused smile in her direction, dark eyes glittering with desire, all the while accepting the congratulatory remarks with dignity and his usual aplomb.

Dumbledore's blue eyes were twinkling brighter than Harry had ever thought possible while Tiberius Snape, as the Snape family patriarch, stood beside him proudly. Sirius was his usual boisterous self, ready to be the life of the party, as he and Remus accepted congratulations for their union and new role as guardians of the Protectorship. Remus looked happier and healthier than anyone had seen him in a long time, discreetly holding his lover's hand. Phaedra was running around amongst the crowd enjoying the praise and compliments she received for doing such a good job as flower girl. The Dursleys appeared nervous but remained polite. However, they remained reserved towards the wizards surrounding them. Harry's friends were chattering merrily with their former teachers and the members of the Order. It was with a sigh of relief when the house elves opened the doors to the main dining hall for the feast to begin.

Harry and Severus were seated facing the door at the center of the table. Sirius was on her right while Remus was seated on Severus' left. Dumbledore was at one end of the long table with Tiberius facing him on the opposite side. Hermione and Ron sat next to Sirius. Ginny and Draco were next to Remus. Professor McGonagall and her new husband, Dr. McBride, were seated facing Harry and Severus. Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey sat on either side of them. The rest of their friends, family, and Order members were dispersed though out the table. Harry noted that Phaedra was seated by Tiberius along with the Longbottoms. Dumbledore sat with her Aunt and Uncle. Dudley was sitting nearby next to Seamus and Dean. Molly, Arthur and Bill sat facing opposite them. Molly was doing her best to make Dudley feel comfortable while glaring at the wicked looks Dudley was receiving from the twins. Dean was talking to Dudley about the West Ham football team. Cho Chang was sitting with her grandfather. Mr. Ollivander was enthralling Phaedra with tales about Hogwarts. Everyone in the room came to attention when Dumbledore tapped lightly on his glass.

"Now that we are all seated I think that before we eat young Mr. Malfoy, Severus' godson and Mr. Ronald Weasley, Harry's best friend have both prepared a toast. Draco, if you would?" Dumbledore nodded for him to stand as the glasses filled with champagne. Harry noted with satisfaction that for once her uncle went slightly pale rather then purple.

"Severus, I hope that you and Harry will be very happy together. No one knows better than me how much I owe to you both. If it had not been for you and Harry, I never would have been able to stand up to my father. I would probably be in Azkaban by now if not worse. May Merlin bless you both with lots of little Slytherins," he chuckled looking at Ron, who scowled back as he rose from his chair.

"Harry, we have had some great times together along with Hermione. You always stood by us both no matter what. You have a gift for seeing the good in others. Even when I was blind to it, you saw Professor Snape for the good man he really is. If anyone had told us a few years ago that the two of you would be married and I would be toasting you both with Draco we would have hexed them. May you both find the happiness together that you have waited for and fill this castle with lots of little Gryffindors!" He grinned back at Draco while ripples of laughter ran along the table as everyone drank up.

"Tiberius as head of the House of Snape have you anything to say?" Dumbledore addressed him with a nod.

Tiberius rose with one graceful movement.

"How do you two do that?" Harry whispered to Severus inclining her head in Tiberius direction.

"Perhaps one day I shall teach you," he whispered back amused, as the champagne glasses magically refilled and Tiberius addressed the room.

"It has been a long time since the House of Snape has rung with the laughter and happiness that my lovely new niece has brought to it. You have done well nephew. May these walls continue to ring with the love you both share and may rainbows always surround you." With a flick of his wrist, a rainbow appeared arching over the table.

"Thank you, uncle." Severus inclined his head. Harry blushed and smiled demurely.

"My dear as the new lady of the house do you have anything to say?" Dumbledore queried. Twinkling blue eyes met sparkling green ones, each with a hint of mischief.

"A very wise old man once said these words and I have never forgotten them. So, judging by the way Phaedra is wiggling impatiently and Ron's stomach is rumbling," she chuckled, "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" The room erupted into laughter, Dumbledore's ringing above the rest as he remembered Harry's sorting feast.

"Let the feast begin," he added through his laughter.

All kinds of succulent dishes appeared before them. The house elves had outdone themselves. Harry was amused to see Dudley's piggy eyes bulge and her aunt gave a nervous squeak while Albus patted her hand reassuringly. Uncle Vernon gave Harry a calculating look but began to help himself when Severus met his eyes with an infamous glare.

"He's up to something," Harry said quietly.

"Do not concern yourself. I will handle it," Severus stated firmly. Harry merely nodded knowing he would not budge on the issue and turned her attention to Sirius.

"Sirius, how come the silver ring is not affecting Remus? I meant to ask you earlier." She indicated their rings of guardianship.

"Because my beloved goddaughter, they are not silver. They're actually white gold and yours and Severus' are platinum."

"Ah...I should have realized it was something like that." She rolled her eyes.

"Princess, you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen."

"Thanks Moony."

"I believe she is even lovelier than Lily. What do you think Padfoot?"

"Hmm...Let's see..." He screwed up his face critically but Harry could see his eyes laughing. "Can't say for certain, Moony, but I think you may be right." Harry knew he was teasing and did not rise to the bait.

"I have seen those wedding pictures you know. Mum was a far nicer looking woman than I am. I'll bet she hexed my dad when I inherited his hair too."

"Painfully so," Sirius laughed. "She charmed his shorts two sizes too small. If it hadn't been for your disguise as a boy it would probably have been worse."

"Ewww..."

"Padfoot, I am sure Harry does not wish to hear about James' private parts."

"True. She would probably prefer to hear about Sev's." He grinned down at her wickedly.

"I don't have to," she whispered," I saw quite a bit in that pensive scene in fifth year. I'm quite pleased, actually." Harry gave him a punch in the arm, green eyes glittering with a wickedness of their own, letting Sirius wonder if she had actually seen Severus totally stripped naked. She didn't miss Severus' snort of enjoyment that the Marauder's obnoxious behavior had been turned against him.

"Draco what will you be studying when you go abroad?" Harry inquired turning towards the young blond.

"I will be learning international wizarding law and variations of hexes and curses according to language. Apparently some spells have been altered according to the native language."

"Ooo...I have heard about that," Hermione interrupted with interest. "Can you send me some reference books?"

"I should just open a library," Ron moaned. "If she keeps this up we won't have enough room for any kids later on. She has already turned the back room into her study."

"Ron! It would do you some good to study some more. You want to pass your Auror exams with a good score don't you?" Hermione admonished. "If you had studied a little harder you might have made the international Auror exchange training program also."

Harry just laughed as they began to bicker.

"Don't worry, Ron, I'll make sure Draco sends plenty of Quidditch books too," Ginny called to her brother.

"How is the shop doing Fred?" Sirius inquired helping himself to a generous portion of roast beef.

"We are reopening the Hogsmeade branch the last week in August. Have to get the Hogwarts student business. Can't leave them with nothing to do between Quidditch matches."

"Yeah, wait till you see our newest feature," George winked at the former Marauder.

"You two had better not have brought any of your wild projects here!" Molly warned. "If I so much as see either of you..."

"Molly I'm sure Fred and George will be on their best behavior," Harry interceded. "Besides, I don't think they would want to incur their former Professor's wrath." She glanced over towards Severus who was in the middle of a conversation with his godson and Dumbledore.

"Absolutely not," George agreed.

"If it weren't for Professor Snape we would never have been able to invent many of our products," Fred added.

"His potions expertise has been one the things which helped with many our crowning achievements," George said grinning at his brother.

"I hardly call skiving snack boxes a crowning achievement," Severus remarked without turning his head before continuing his conversation with Dumbledore.

"Ahh...our mentor. I wish I knew how he does that," George groaned. Everyone laughed while Severus casually turned his head to stare at the twins. "Potions was our favorite class."

"Considering you both hold the record for my detentions I can't imagine why."

"Do they really, Sev? I thought it was me." Harry nudged him playfully.

"No, you hold the record for cauldron scrubbing. I liked to give them more inventive punishments." He smirked.

Fred and George just grinned wider and gave him a thumbs up.

"So true...so true," they sighed in unison.

"Don't you," Fred began.

"Just miss," George continued.

"Mixing all those," Fred again.

"Combustibles!" they finished together flinging their arms about one another.

"Severus you didn't!" Molly gasped.

"Nothing so serious as they would have been gravely injured Molly. However, knowing their penchant for pranks they needed to learn the consequences of mixing various ingredients together." He looked pointedly at the grinning mischief-makers.

"And so we did," Fred concurred.

"Humph, they got to do something interesting. All I ever got was dish panned hands." Harry pretended to pout.

"My dear you already had dish panned hands," Severus replied glaring at Petunia. "I am glad that I had a salve which was able to heal them." He gently picked up her hands and kissed each one.

"Aunt Petunia how is the front garden doing? I really miss working on it," Harry questioned truthfully.

"The roses are doing well but the chrysanthemums seem to be wilting. I can't seem to figure out why. You didn't do any well...er...you know what on them to make them bloom better."

"No, Aunt, there was no magic involved." Petunia winced at the words. "Try giving them some additional water and plant food. It also helps to talk to your plants and tell them how nice they look." Her aunt looked at Harry as if she had two heads. 'She probably is wondering what the neighbors would think if they saw her talking to the flowers,' Harry thought amused.

"Yes... well...we will look into that," Vernon added in an attempt at civility. "Nice place you have here, uh...Severus. Very nice indeed."

"It has been our home for many generations," Severus answered meeting his eyes with a shrewd expression. 'Amazing the audacity of this Muggle,' he mused legitimizing him. 'He has the awareness of a slug. Even Crabbe and Goyle could have done better.'

"Maybe you could give us a tour of the place later on?" Vernon inquired trying to sound pleasant.

"Unfortunately, I do not believe today would be a good idea. Another time perhaps?"

"Yes...yes...I fully understand. It was remiss of me to ask. After all today is a special day." Vernon winked with a surreptitious look at Harry making her skin crawl. Severus casually draped his arm around her shoulders sensing her discomfort.

"Headmaster," Ginny interrupted to divert the conversation to more pleasant topics, "when will the N.E.W.T scores be available?"

"As a matter of fact they went out yesterday Miss Weasley. I didn't get a chance to deliver them earlier but I have yours with me." He reached into his robes pulling out a thick envelope.

"Oh my..."she gasped.

"Open them Gin and see how you did," Harry encouraged.

"Ginny got her N.E.W.T.'s!" Hermione announced excitedly.

"What exactly are newts?" Vernon questioned. "Aren't they some kind of animal?"

Dumbledore explained briefly while Ginny opened the envelope with shaking fingers. A moment later, her face broke out into a broad grin.

"Well, Ginny dear, how did you do?"

"Looks like I'll get to graduate, Mum," she replied. "I passed everything!"

"How did you do in Potions?" Harry asked curiously.

"I got an Acceptable but it wasn't something I need to be a writer. I did better on the written than the practical." She passed the scores down for her friends and family to see. "I did the best in DADA and Charms."

The guests continued to chatter about Ginny's scores as the plates were cleared and the desserts served. Harry was delighted to see her favorite treacle tarts and munched happily. She did note however, that Dudley had some of everything on top of the huge meal he had eaten.

"It's a wonder he doesn't make himself ill," Severus remarked softly as they finished their coffee and tea. "No wonder he resembles a killer whale." He frowned with disgust.

"I was starved and he was stuffed," Harry replied offhandedly. "I sometimes wonder which of us actually was worse off."

"I don't," Sirius stated firmly from beside her.

"Nor do I," Severus agreed as the guests prepared to leave the feast.

Harry excused herself for a few minutes along with the other ladies to go to the bathroom and refresh herself while the men opted for some brandy. As she came back downstairs, she spotted her aunt standing near the door to Severus' study wringing her hands nervously. Petunia was pretending to listen to Molly Weasley who was offering her some recipes but every now and then, she would glance at the door of the study. Harry was about to go over to them when the door opened and Severus emerged with Vernon Dursley. Her uncle was smiling with an expression that reminded her of a Doxy getting ready to bite. At the same time, she spotted Dudley with Sirius, Remus, and the twins. Sirius was patting her cousin on the back while Remus was speaking pleasantly. George had just brought over some glasses of firewhisky, nodding happily at his brother while they all enjoyed a drink. 'Oh, this is not good,' Harry observed taking in the scene. Before she could say anything, her Aunt Petunia approached.

"Harry dear," she gushed with false affection, "I am afraid we need to be leaving. Your Uncle Vernon has an important business meeting in the morning and needs to get up early."

"But tomorrow is Sunday," Harry protested politely.

"It was the only time I could meet with this new client. He is here from Japan so we are meeting first thing to sign off on some papers before he needs to fly home," Vernon Dursley confirmed.

"What about Dudley?" Harry inquired secretly hoping he was leaving too.

"Sorry cousin, but I kind of had a fight with my girlfriend. She was upset that I didn't bring her with us...but you know...I really couldn't. I kind of hope I can get back in time to make it up to her," Dudley explained taking another gulp of the whiskey.

"I understand and it was nice of all of you to come. Do you have a way home?" Harry was thrilled they were leaving early and wanted to find out what was going on. Her empathy told her the remaining two Marauders and the twins were laughing inside while Sev was feeling rather pleased with himself.

"Your former Headmaster has arranged a Portkey directly to Privet Drive. Might nice of him to do so," Vernon commented, "but it's a hell of a way to travel."

"I don't care for it either uncle," she remarked as they took hold of a muggle newspaper. Dumbledore did a quick countdown and they vanished.

"Come, Harry, the rest of our guests are arriving for the ball," Severus said taking her arm.

"Sev what is going on? I know that look in your eye and you can't tell me Sirius wasn't up to something."

"I shall explain later."

Harry had no time to argue as he gently steered her to another receiving line. She was too busy greeting the guests to comment further. Severus seemed unusually pleased with himself while Sirius and Remus kept chuckling under their breath. Once the guests had all arrived he quickly steered her into the ballroom before she could ask any further questions.

The ballroom was beautifully decorated with the pots of flowers Harry and Tiberius had arranged for the magic bubbles. She had also hidden a vial of the potion in her robes while getting ready for the ceremony. The chandeliers would be lit in another hour when the sun set. It was a warm evening so the French doors to the gardens were open, the mirrors reflecting the late day sunshine. A few small tables had been placed out on the veranda. There were also tables around the perimeter of the room and the house elves were moving about offering refreshments. A four tiered wedding cake was off to the side. The small orchestra was in the balcony. With a nod from Severus, they began to play the Sleeping Beauty Waltz. Amid the applause and cheers of the guests, he skillfully moved her around the floor, opening the ball.

Harry was smiling up at him as he looked down into her eyes. A moment later, there were gasps, as the crowd oohed and ahhed. Glancing away to see what was going on Severus snorted, raising his brow in amusement. The bubble display had started filling the room with hearts, shamrocks, stars, and moons containing the images of the newly wed couples.

"I see my uncle had a few tricks up his sleeve," Severus remarked with a brief smile. "I had forgotten about that particular brew."

"I helped and so did Phaedra." She beamed. "Do you like it?"

"I am most pleased." As he leaned in to give her a brief kiss, he caught Dumbledore out of the corner of his eye. The old man gave a wave of his wand and all of a sudden Harry and Severus were raised a foot off the floor. They were literally dancing on air.

"What the..." Harry gasped.

"Relax, this is just one of Albus little tricks. He likes to do that with this particular waltz. It seems he is a big fan of some Muggle named Disney. He helped him design some sort of theme park." Harry giggled remembering the feature length cartoon she had once seen at Hermione's and was not at all surprised that Dumbledore had helped design the famous theme park. They were gently lowered to the floor as the waltz ended and other couples began to dance as a new one started. Pulling on Severus' sleeve, she led him over to where the Marauders were standing with the twins. The two younger wizards were having a grand time popping the bubbles which drifted by.

"These are absolutely brilliant!" Fred crooned. George popped another floating by.

"An old potion recipe developed by my family," Severus explained. "It was often used for children's parties."

"Listen old man, how about you let us market this?" Fred asked.

"While I may have several years on you both," he glared at the twins, "I am hardly an old man."

"No offense," George grinned, "it's just an expression."

"I am well aware of the connotation George. I was merely joking with you." Severus had no problem telling the two young men apart. "As for marketing the potion I will take it under consideration."

"Okay enough of the bubble potion. You can tell them more later. I want to know what you did to my relatives!"

"Why, Princess, what makes you think we did anything to them?"

"Don't give me that innocent look Remus Lupin. I may not like them but Petunia is still my mum's sister and Dudley is my cousin."

"I noticed you did not mention your uncle," Severus remarked silkily.

"He's not related by blood but I hope you didn't do anything to hurt him."

"We would never hurt them Honey," Sirius smirked waggling his brows. "We merely gave them something more to think about."

"I know your something mores Padfoot. What did you do?"

"I promise I didn't do anything. I was only talking to your cousin. So was Remus for that matter."

"In other words you kept both kept them busy," Harry scowled at her two protectors, "while the twins did something to his drink."

"Now why would we do that?" George pretended to pout.

"Just tell me already! I promise not to get mad. He is not the nicest person after all."

"We slipped him our newest invention," Fred supplied smugly.

"Spiked his drink and he never even knew," George confirmed.

"What did you give him?" Harry sighed.

"It's called Backwards Babbling Beverages. It causes everything you say to come out in non stop reverse," Fred announced proudly.

"Of course, we gave Dudley the prototype. We're not quite certain how long it will last but it should have kicked in as soon as they reached Privet Drive." George looked thoughtful.

"I told you we didn't hurt him," Sirius gloated. "I can just see Petunia's face."

"She will be beside herself that her little Diddykins is all mixed up," Harry said trying unsuccessfully to contain her smile.

"Interesting potion," Severus remarked his lips twitching with amusement.

"And what went on with my uncle? I could sense he was up to something."

"It seems he is having some financial problems. He knew you had inherited a large sum of money from the Potter estate and that you married well. He felt as family," Severus glowered with a sneer, "we should help him out."

"Oh, Sev, you didn't give him any money did you?"

"Actually he was more than satisfied with the bag of gold I presented him with. Quite a greedy man your uncle."

"Severus why did you give in to his demands?" Harry asked anxiously. "He'll only come looking for more now."

"I don't think so Harry. I warned him that if he did it would not be to his benefit. Snapes do not take kindly to blackmail. In fact he is in for quite a shock to say the least." He patted Harry's shoulder.

"What did you do to him Severus?" Remus queried.

"Nothing at all Lupin. I simply handed him the gold and told him to leave."

"Sev! " Harry gasped appalled. "You should never have given him anything. He is a nasty..."

"Relax, Harry, the bag was filled with Leprechaun gold. I dare say he will not be pleased," Severus laughed wickedly. "It will disappear shortly before morning."

They all looked at him for a moment and then Sirius barking laugh joined with Severus' rich baritone. The twins whooped gleefully, Remus grinning from ear to ear. Harry's smile reached her eyes as she hugged Severus.

"Harry as your godfather I am claiming you for the next dance," Sirius told her as they calmed down. "I promise to have you back to Severus in a little while."

"Then I shall go and ask Minerva to dance." Severus nodded heading over to where the elder witch was seated with Albus and her new husband.

"You're not angry for what we did to the Dursleys are you?"

"No, Padfoot, I'm just curious why none of you did anything to Aunt Petunia."

"We figured she would be miserable enough between that whale of a son and bastard of a husband."

"I can just see the sour look on her face when the gold is gone," Harry giggled. "Not to mention how emotional she will get with Dudley."

"Ooo, Diddykins, what did those evil freaks do to you," Sirius wailed in a high-pitched imitation of Petunia.

"That about sums it up." Harry rolled her eyes trying not to laugh again. "Have you planned any more pranks for the evening?"

"Sorry, no. I didn't want to make a spectacle of your special day. But if you want I could probably come up with a few?" He asked eagerly.

"No. I think you have made your point. Of course, there is always tomorrow or the next day."

"I'll work on it. It does my heart good to see the twins following in the Marauders foot steps."

"What about me? I like a good prank now and again."

"Ah...but you are entirely too nice. Just like Lily."

"It's not my fault you and dad were such bullies. I feel sorry for Remus. He had to put up with the two of you."

"Don't let his innocent look fool you. I seem to remember you called him a wolf in sheep's clothing once upon a time."

"He is. He just doesn't let things get too out of hand."

"We were kids, honey, and kids are sometimes cruel without meaning to be."

"I suppose so. Speaking of kids where is Phaedra?"

"Over there," he gestured across the room, "dancing with Remus."

"She really adores the two of you."

"She's a sweet kid, just like her aunt was." Sirius remarked brushing her cheek with a kiss as the music ended. "Come on I'll take you back over to Severus. I see he's gone to talk with Albus."

Harry spent some time speaking with Dumbledore and then she and Severus made the rounds speaking with all of their guests. She was happy to see all of her friends from school and find out what they had been doing. Neville was still working on his apprenticeship in Herbology and spending time with his parents. His confidence continued to increase since his parents memories were restored following the battle of Hogwarts. Lee Jordon was still working for the Weasley twins. Cho continued to work at her grandfather's restaurant but was studying to become a healer. Susan Bones was working at the Ministry of Magic and was dating an Auror. Kingsley was now head of Magical Law Enforcement. Moody was semi-retired but continued to manage the Auror training program. Severus introduced her to various village officials who all had something to say about her defeat of Voldemort. Harry politely answered but did her best to steer the conversations away from the events in question.

"I'm sorry you had to put up with that," he whispered apologetically.

"It's okay. I'm used to it. I'm just glad they didn't ask about you're having been a spy within the inner circle."

"I think they knew better. There will always be those who still believe I was a Deatheater who got out of being sent to Azkaban."

"Hopefully they will put the war far behind and we can all get on with our lives."

Severus didn't reply and Harry wondered if he believed it would ever happen. He was silent as they walked across the room towards Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Draco. It was getting dark and the candles in the chandeliers were magically lit. At the same time, the fountain in the garden was illuminated, the water changing colors. The potion, which had been hidden in the garden, also started to send out new picture bubbles as everyone was calling them.

"Oh, Harry, this is just so beautiful," Hermione gushed looking about.

"I don't know about these bubbles though," Ron sighed. "They keep landing on my nose." He gently puffed his lips to let out a jet of air sending the bubble on it's way.

"I don't know, Ron, it must just be you. No one else is having a problem," Harry replied feigning innocence. She had spotted Ginny, Draco, and the twins unobtrusively sending the bubbles at him with their wands. Just then, a large mass of the bubbles attacked and they all burst out laughing.

"What the bloody hell," he gasped catching Fred out of the corner of his eye. "I'll get them for this!" He grinned sheepishly.

"Come on, Ron, let's have a drink. I'm thirsty anyway and I know you don't like to dance," Harry suggested pulling on his hand.

"Mr. Weasley, if you don't mind I will dance with your wife while Harry spends some time with you."

"Of course Professor. She has been itching to dance all night."

Severus led Hermione onto the dance floor while Harry led her friends over to the punch bowl.

"Keep me covered guys. I'm going to liven things up a bit. Just don't drink the punch."

"What are you doing?" Draco asked suspiciously. "What is in that potion bottle?"

"It's the bubbles. If you drink them, they come out of your mouth and have to pop for people to know what you said. Tiberius assured me it won't hurt anybody."

"Nice Prank Harry." Ginny's eyes glinted mischievously.

"I will personally bring some to the twins," Ron gloated.

"No, give them some in their butter beers. They haven't been drinking punch." Harry handed him a vial. "Make sure you give some to Sirius and Remus too."

"Right." Ron took the vials and headed over to get the drinks for the others as Harry, Ginny, and Draco moved off to sit at one of the tables.

"Harry, Mum didn't get a chance to ask you yet but she would really like to bring Phaedra home with us tonight so you and Severus could have some time alone."

"I don't know Gin," Harry answered hesitantly.

"Come on, Harry, it's your wedding night. I'm sure my godfather would approve." Draco winked suggestively.

"Draco it's not as if we'll be alone in the house anyway." Harry could feel her cheeks turning hot.

"Yeah, but who wants to be woken up early after a night of sha..."

"Draco!" Ginny interrupted. "Harry knows what you were inferring."

"Just being practical. I'll head over and ask Severus," he swaggered away.

Gales of laughter suddenly erupted from the far end of the room. Dumbledore had just finished a glass of the spiked punch. Harry could see the surprise on his face. He looked around the room resting his eyes briefly on the Weasley twins and the Marauders who had also just finished the drinks Ron had delivered. Ron was doubled over with laughter as he pointed towards Harry. She looked up to see Dumbledore striding towards her, blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Having fun Albus?"

"Yes my dear. This is a most ingenious prank," he mouthed, popping the bubbles so he could be heard. "I seem to remember Tiberius doing it to his fellow classmates many years ago."

"He was a prankster?"

"Of course. He was one of the most inventive students of his year," Dumbledore laughed as Fawkes popped onto his shoulder and popped the bubbles with his beak. The phoenix chirped happily and Harry could sense that he was not in the least upset.

"I think Fawkes thinks it is very funny," Ginny chuckled reaching up to stroke his feathers.

"How about it Fawkes, did I get one over on the Headmaster?" Harry inquired of the beautiful bird. He responded with a short happy song and Dumbledore laughed.

"How much of the potion did you put in the punch Harry?"

"Not much. The effects should wear off in a few minutes once you stop drinking Albus."

"Then I think I shall have another glass while I have a chat with Minerva. It seems her husband is having a grand time trying to make her talk."

The group looked over at their former head of house to find her trying desperately not to answer. Her face was screwed up unsuccessfully fighting the laughter, which kept erupting from the bubbles being emitted out of her mouth.

"Have fun Sir," Ginny waved him off.

"Here come Draco and Severus," Harry remarked. The two were moving deftly through the dancers.

"Harry there is no need for Phaedra to go to Molly and Arthur's. I have explained the situation to Draco and he fully agrees." The two exchanged glances.

"Something's up with you two. I can sense it."

"You will find out in due time," Severus tweaked her nose. "In the meantime let's go and cut the cake. I see the elves are changing the punch bowl." He arched his brow looking down at her in amusement.

Once the cake was served, Harry threw her bouquet. It was caught by Susan Bones, Ginny having skillfully avoided it. She was in no hurry to get married. Oddly enough, Kingsley caught the garter. This made for quite a few jokes and laughter.

The rest of the evening was spent dancing and socializing until well past midnight. Harry noticed that Tiberius had disappeared with Phaedra who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Severus had been chatting with Remus and Sirius for a few minutes before moving off to speak with the orchestra. A moment later, the Orchestra leader made an announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, before we have the last dance of the evening our bridegroom has requested a special dance with his bride." Severus motioned for Harry to come forward and took her into his arms. Harry grinned up at him when she heard the opening strains of the tango they had danced to at the Yule ball. He glided her through the dance while everyone watched mesmerized. His dark eyes were glued to Harry's brilliant emerald green. Harry's heart was racing as she lost herself in their deep black depths. There was no need for Legilimency, each was aware of the other's passion. As the music ended Severus deftly pulled Harry's mouth into a passionate kiss. A moment later, she felt the room fade as he apparated them both away from the ball and they vanished from the dance floor...

1