The Intentional Accident

Sirius could feel the eyes of all their guests upon him, though they weren't disapproving, they were admiring. It was a feeling that he was not used to, but he felt as if he could get used to it. He soon found himself standing at Michael's side and taking his hands in his own. Harry and Oliver both stood just behind their sons, ready for their part in the ceremony. Even though he was supposed to be paying attention to Luna, Sirius didn't want to look away from Michael's smiling face. After the music died down, Luna began.

"We are gathered here today to witness the joyous union of these two loving souls. Firstly, who is responsible for the couple?"

"I am," said Harry dutifully.

"As am I," added Oliver.

"Do you pass on your responsibility to your sons, so that they might be truly bound by each other?" asked Luna. Although this was one of her serious moments, her voice still maintained a hint of dreaminess.

"I do," answered Harry.

"As do I," said Oliver.

"Thank you, you may be seated." Harry and Oliver took their seats; their duty had been fulfilled. Luna resumed the ceremony. "If there is anyone present who knows of any just reason why these two should not be joined in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." In the deepest recesses of Sirius' mind, he was terrified that someone would speak. Someone from the press who had snuck in or something like that. Luna quickly broke the tension. "No? Good, because I wouldn't have paid any attention anyway." This provoked an appreciative titter from the crowd, though it subsided quickly. Luna began her speech.

"There are those, even within the wizarding world, who would condemn this union. However, these people are not to be hated, but pitied. Love between two people, regardless of their gender, is a thing to be celebrated. For that is why we are here, to commemorate the love between Sirius and Michael, a love that has faced great trials and has come through all the stronger, leading them to this moment. Now then, we shall begin the exchanging of vows and rings." At this, Arthur stepped up between the two men, holding the cushion with two simple, golden rings sitting upon it.

"Michael Roderick Wood, do you take Sirius James Potter to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold from this day forth, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"I do," answered Michael as he took one of the rings and placed it gently onto Sirius' finger, who was fighting hard to choke back his tears of happiness. His mother wasn't faring nearly as well.

"And do you, Sirius James Potter, take Michael Roderick Wood to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold from this day forth, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Sure enough, Sirius could have sworn he felt a very gentle kick.

"I do," he replied as he too placed a ring on Michael's finger.

"And now, Sirius Potter-Wood, and Michael Potter-Wood, I pronounce you husbands for life." She paused for a moment, not realising she still had a vital line. "Oh yes, you can kiss now, if you want to." Amid jubilant cheers and thunderous applause, Sirius and Michael's lips met for the first time, as married lips.

~|~

The reception/ baby shower was immensely enjoyable. Sirius and Michael received everything they needed for the new arrival and more besides. Harry and Ginny had held on to the cot that Sirius had slept in as a baby and presented it to the newly weds. Among the other gifts was a pram, an adaptable car seat, baby clothes sporting the most adorable phrases, such as '0 to naughty in 10 seconds' and enough baby toys to start their own shop. Finding a moment when Sirius wasn't surrounded by people patting his stomach and cooing, Agatha handed him a small present wrapped in green paper. He thanked her and opened it to find a small, square mirror.

"That, as you might already know, is a two way mirror," explained Agatha. "I've got the other one in my office. You use that to contact me when the time comes." Sirius nodded, then pulled Agatha into an unexpected hug. After a few seconds, Agatha shifted out of it. "Come on now, don't go all soppy on me," she muttered uncomfortably.

Where the ceremony had been in the garden, several round tables had now been set up, with the head table towards the back of the spacious garden. Everyone moved outside for the meal that had been prepared by a team of independent house elves. They were paid for it and everything. Before the meal started, Patrick stood up to make his best man speech.

"I've only known Michael and Sirius for a few years, but I'd like to believe that in that short amount of time I've really gotten to know them. I've always thought it a great pity that Sirius doesn't play Quidditch anymore, after all the tales of his prowess as a Seeker that I've heard from Michael. Then again, if he hadn't become a Healer most of our team would probably be on crutches by now, myself included. It's been an honour being on the same team as Mike, and I know that with him at the hoops, we're dead set to beat the Appleby Arrows in the Cup Final. I think I speak for everyone when I wish Sirius and Michael all the joy in the world, so will you all raise your glasses please, to the happy couple, Sirius and Michael." Everyone happily obliged and drank to their health. The meal was delicious, as was the cake after Sirius and Michael had cut it together.

The celebrations went on well into the late evening. Donald, Sandra and Lily were the first to leave after Miranda and Arthur fell asleep together on the sofa. Gradually the cottage emptied of guests until Sirius found himself standing alone on the patio, still in his wedding robe. The daylight was slowly ebbing away, making room for the stars. While gazing up at the pale lights, Sirius felt a hand stroke his stomach from behind. At the same time he felt lips on his neck.

"I think everyone had a good time," he sighed. He knew he had enjoyed himself, but now that he looked back on the events of the day, it was as if it hadn't happened yet and he was waiting for the ceremony to begin. It was a confusing feeling.

"Sorry we can't go on a honeymoon," whispered Michael, resting his head on Sirius' shoulder.

"Well, I'm hardly in a condition to travel, am I?" chuckled Sirius. Smiling warmly, he turned to face Michael properly. Michael held him gently by the waist.

"When we can, we'll go somewhere wonderful, wherever you want, just the two of us. It'll be our belated honeymoon. I expect the grandparents won't mind looking after the little one for a few days. Now come on you, I can tell you're tired. I know I am." It was true; they were both exhausted after the long day and were both within minutes. Sirius turned his head on the pillow, to see that Michael was doing the same. For several blissful minutes they simply lay next to each other, wondering what married life would be like for them. Neither had ever thought of leaving the other, not even once. Would their relationship feel too formal from now on? What about when the baby came? How would things change then? Sirius was about to voice these concerns to his husband when Michael gave him an abrupt kiss.

"Goodnight, my darling husband," he whispered lovingly, before sinking into a contented sleep. Sirius stroked back Michael's fringe softly with his fingers. No matter how things changed, Michael would always be with him to face the changes with him.

Always.