Chapter 63
Sirius tugged at his collar again, trying to loosen the tight press against his throat. ‘Do I really have to wear it like this? It’s so uncomfortable!’
‘Stop messing with it! Besides, you’ll only enjoy it more when Severus takes it off you later.’ Barty grinned at him, eyebrows waggling.
‘I have no idea why I agreed to let you two help me get ready.’ Sirius said flatly, as Carrick and Barty swatted at each other as they both reached for the last piece of cake.
‘Aw, because Severus has been here longer and deserves better support. Not to mention he’s more of a flight risk than you are.’
Sirius looked between them nervously. ‘You don’t think he’d actually go, do you?’
Carrick relented quickly. ‘Of course not. If nothing else, he’s a man of his word. He said yes, so he’ll be there.’
Barty ruined the almost-reassurance by adding, ‘Plus its Severus, if he decides he’s sick of you, he’d just poison you. Today isn’t the end of his options in being married to you.’
‘Barty!’ hissed Carrick, whacking him on the arm.
‘What?!’ yelped Barty. ‘As if you’re not thinking the same thing!’
‘No I wasn’t! I was thinking… something else.’ Carrick finished lamely.
‘You’re both utterly useless. Go see if it’s time go to yet.’ Sirius grumbled.
***
‘Are you sure it looks right? I don’t think it looks right. This seems crooked.’
‘For the tenth time, Sev, it’s straight. Don’t touch it!’ Lucius snapped.
Severus scowled at him in the mirror.
‘It’ll only be straight for a little while anyway – Sirius will take one look at you and start trying to take it off!’ Lucius waggled his eyebrows.
‘Stop teasing, Lucius. Severus, you look fine. Very handsome. Stop fretting.’ Tom said bluntly.
‘So reassuring,’ Lucius said sarcastically. ‘Severus, you look hot enough to make a nun sweat.’
‘Circe have mercy!’ whispered Severus, fighting the urge to put his head through the mirror. ‘Is it time yet?’
Lucius opened the door and glanced out. ‘Barty is checking too. I’d say even if we’re early, you’re both ready anyway.’ Lucius gave Barty a nod, and opened the door wide to let their little party out.
Severus took a steadying breath, then turned and stood at the door. He hesitated for a moment, then strode out confidently, head high and shoulders back.
His stride faltered when he caught sight of Sirius, who also stumbled as he stared back. Both men stood frozen for a long moment, eyes roaming hungrily over each other.
‘Yes, yes, you’re both handsome. Keep moving!’ Tom chivvied them along.
With red cheeks, both men moved side by side down the hallway, stealing glances and blushing darker with each step.
The ritual room was already filled with everyone they wanted present. They took their places and knelt facing one another, clasping their hand together.
Without any preamble, Tom began. ‘I, Dark Lord Riddle, call on Lady Magic to bless the union of these two men today. Let their commitment to one another be made known in Magic’s name.’
A brush of air drifted through the room, making Severus and Sirius shiver slightly.
‘Before my ancestors, before Lady Magic, before those gathered here, I present myself – Sirius Orion Black.’
‘Before my ancestors, before Lady Magic, before those gathered here, I present myself – Severus Tobias Snape.’
‘I offer my heart and soul to my chosen, that we may be bound in this life and the next.’
‘I offer my heart and soul to my chosen, that we may be bound in this life and the next.’
‘I accept the offered heart and gifted soul of my chosen. I will honour and cherish them beyond the end of my earthly days.’
‘I accept the offered heart and gifted soul of my chosen. I will honour and cherish them beyond the end of my earthly days.’
A faint glimmer of magic swirled around their joined hands, binding them in marriage.
There was a brief pause, then Tom grinned. ‘I, Dark Lord Riddle, welcome this new family in the name of Lady Magic!’
Cheering and whistling echoed in the chamber, increasing when Sirius leaned forward and tugged Severus closer, planting a kiss on his lips.
Hours later, when the celebrations finally began to wind down, Sirius and Severus stood in front of the Floo, saying their final goodbyes. As expected, Lucius was trying to whisper as many dirty and suggestive comments to Severus as he could manage, between farewells. Severus was crimson as he glared at Lucius, ready to hex the irritating fool, before he felt Sirius’ arm wrap around his belly and tug him back into the green flames. He managed to flick a stinging hex at Lucius as he whooshed away, and he grinned at the echo of a yelp that followed them through the Floo.
Sirius sighed heavily as they stepped out of the fireplace in Grimmauld Place. ‘Finally home,’ he said tiredly. ‘Don’t get me wrong, that was great, but I have more than filled my quota of socialising!’
‘Oh?’ asked Severus, voice silky and low. ‘I had hoped you might be up for just a little more… socialising this evening.’
‘Oh, there’s nothing sociable about what I intend to do with you this evening!’ Sirius leered, making Severus laugh unexpectedly. ‘Come along and I’ll show you.’
They hurried for the stairs, before Severus stopped abruptly. ‘Where is your mother?’ he asked sharply, a hint of fear in his voice.
Sirius grinned, wide and sharklike. ‘I found a spell to trap her in one portrait frame. She’s in the library until I let her out. I’m sure I can tweak it eventually to just block her from the bedroom, but-‘
‘Library. That’s good enough for me.’ Severus cut him off, rushing up the stairs again and dragging Sirius behind him.