Merlin and Viviane, Anew
“Nature, magic and family,” the brown-haired priestess' voice travelled around the floral clearing, with the sunlight touching the colourful flowers and the white robes of the guests. “Love, Rebirth, and Strength” the red orchids, white lilies and the Leatherleaf fern, gracefully entwined around the white pine of the wedding arbour, seemed to brighten as Priestess Róisín's words evoked a feeling of calm and joy in the life around her.
“Earth,” her words were lilting this time. The green grass beneath people's feet gained a new look — dark but lively; greener but tamed for the season. Across from her and between the many seats, a path of polished grey stones formed.
“Water,” her tone came mellower, her words carrying a refreshing aura with them. To the right of the crowd gathered in the clearing — closer to the trees but still in clear sight of the attendees —, a fountain depicting a nymph resting on top of a rock came to life. The statue raised an arm to the sky, and from the palm of her hand came a serene stream of water.
“Sky,” the last word the Druid priestess let out came in melody with a slightly cold breeze. Priestess Róisín raised her arms, the long sleeves of her green robes falling to her elbows. Above the seated guests, two large birds flew from the trees in front of them and towards the path that led to a small stone building. Two red-crowned cranes, symbols of Hedwyn and Regulus' relationship, flew away together.
In front of the priestess, draped over a three-legs table that reached her chest, a white cloth appeared. On the part visible to the people in their seats, a green three-cornered symbol appeared — the Trinity Knot.
“Three parts, the perfect number for balance and stability in our world. The triquetra encompasses the three material domains — earth, sea, and sky —, as well as the realm of the spirits — Earth, Heaven, and the Underworld. Today, however, it symbolises the love felt between Hedwyn Peverell and Regulus Black; their rebirth, as the two of them shed from their old skin and became new beings, intertwined souls; and the strength of their bond, blessed by Nature and Magic.
The most sacred number, three, will grace the couple with the balance necessary for two souls to become one. By sundown, no longer there will be a Regulus Black or a Hedwyn Peverell. After today, Black and Peverell will become one. One house, one soul, stabilized by Magic. On the morrow, a new alliance will bless the world as Love encompasses all.”
The fiddle sang as a man, with an auburn beard and hair, started to play. The flute, played by a woman with dark blonde hair, and the Celtic harp, delicately played by a brown-haired woman, soon followed — interlaced together in a beautiful wave of sound.
Small creatures emerge from the grass and trees, shining meekly in pink, green, yellow, and purple. Fairies. The tiny creatures fly leisurely around the clearing like fireflies of pure magic.
In the distance, the sun slowly descended from the sky, casting yellowish-orange rays of light on the people below.
“As the fog obscures the path a couple must follow,” started Priestess Róisín. “No other guide will come forward to aid in their journey but Love. No force in the universe is more powerful or all-encompassing as the primary force that drives humanity forward. The essence of Care and Kindness. After all, what is stronger than the love of a mother or a partner? What kind of sacrifices are the strongest if not those of things we hold dear? Magic takes on our feelings to determine how powerful a spell or ritual will be, so why wouldn't it understand the strongest of feelings as the most powerful source of sorcery?”
The bodhrán joined the melody of intertwined sound art. On the ground, the polished stone path began to extend towards the stone building with a white wooden door, in the distance. From said building, a small figure appeared.
The figure, dressed in a long white dress, strolled down the stone path towards the altar. As she walked, pink flower petals were thrown onto the stone — draping the grey in a youthful colour.
“As the flower girl adorns the path Hedwyn and Regulus will take, we cherish the natural and the magical,” the girl walked between the aisle of chairs, bringing all eyes to her as people surveyed her appearance. It was clear now for the guests that the little girl was no human, as her darker lips, pale skin, and brown horns revealed her true origins. “A Fae, symbol of love, magic, and the point where the magical meets the mundane. A being blessed, just like us, to carry within them the most graceful of gifts. Magic shines from us all today.”
The girl went to stand beside the priestess, smiling softly at nowhere in particular. “There is no force more respected and revered in our world as the words interlined with magic,” Priestess Róisín's voice sounded gentle but mighty. “And there is no other instance of the power of words than vows. Regardless of affiliation or status, all of us understand and honour the bonds that bind us. Wedding vows, however, are not conventional. For centuries witches and wizards have studied the reason as to why wedding vows are so powerful, but very little was found. I, though, have a guess. I have talked a lot about love today, have I not? I told you about how Love is the most powerful force in our world, so strong even the brightest in our country study it eagerly. Well, wouldn't the love between two people strengthen a connection created, if said connection was made, especially, to bind the two together?”
As the Druid priestess seemed to finish her line of thought, leaving the guest to ponder over her words, another person came out of the same white door the little Fae girl came from. All eyes moved to the figure of a boy with hair shiny as gold, dressed in white robes, carrying one basket with rolled parchment in one hand, and another basket with something people could not see properly. The golden-haired boy passed by people with grace and calm, his blue eyes set on the table in front of the priestess. With care, the boy deposited each basket on the table and went to stand on Priestess Róisín's side. Many eyebrows were high, and many frowns were seen as the people tried to figure out what the boy was. It was clear he was not human, as his pointed ears and overly delicate features could tell, but what exactly he was remained unclear.
Only Priestess Róisín and the Fae next to her were knowledgeable enough among everyone present to notice the evident Aos Sí features and demeanour.
“Many are the tales of love in the world, all of them very different from each other. In ours, however, no other love story is more well-known than the one of Merlin and Viviane. Many are the versions of the love between Merlin The Great and the Lady of the Lake. Even Muggles have their own versions! The real story, however, is much less unfortunate than most versions,” the leaves on the trees moved, appearing to edge closer to where the priestess was — looking eager to hear the story.
“In a day of unutterable loneliness, after a morning of love-filled air, Merlin walked through the tick green forest just outside of King Arthur's castle. A sad thing was his lone stroll between the interwoven roots of the trees. But Merlin's glum mood would not last! Just as he left the ancient trees behind, his tired eyes met the light blue water of a lake. A lake that, knowing the lands of Caerleon as well as the palms of his hands and the magic in his veins, astounded Merlin greatly. Never before had the wizard seen such beauty. The land around the lake was just as mesmerising as the aquamarine-coloured loch, with lilies, roses and tulips of the most beautiful colours adorning the shoreline.
The view was so hypnotic Merlin failed to realise his feet were moving without his order. The forest behind him got further and further away as he approached the shore. His mind was lost in beauty and nature. It was sudden when it happened... A figure rising from the centre of the lake, draped in an aqua dress and glistening golden jewels. The Lady of the Lake, Viviane, forced Merlin to regain control over himself. The wizard watched, enchanted, as the woman walked above the waters and towards him.”
No one made a sound in the audience, men and nature together awaiting the moment the wizard and the Fairy exchanged words.
“Viviane bowed her head slightly as Merlin's visage became clearer, her dark hair following the motion gracefully. ‘Myrddin Wynn Emrys,’ the wizard's true name fell out of Viviane's mouth like a song, luring the druid to step inside the lake. ‘Many are the stories your name carries, my lord mage. Even here in the realm of Nature, your deeds are known to both beasts and beings. King Arthur's advisor; sorcerer and healer of the ruler of Camelot. What brings you here, Kindly Merlin?’ It took a moment for the wizard to comprehend the lady's words, so lost in her beauty he was. ‘I fear I did not come here guided by my will alone, my lady’, Merlin answered after recovering his mannered mind. ‘Never have I seen such a place before, of that I am sure, for I would not forget such beauty.’ Viviane smiled kindly at the wizard, jolly mischief in her eyes. The Lady of the Lake explained to the wizard how Nature, sometimes, enjoys playing tricks on men. The reasons why for the ploy? Viviane did not know. The two talked more, of life and magic and the random belle that is nature.
Hours passed, the sun casting its orange light upon the world. ‘Will I see you again?’ Merlin asked — apprehension in his tone. The hours shared with Viviane had invigorated the man in such a way that the mere prospect of never again seeing the Lake's Lady was a reason for distress. Without a word, Viviane crouched and submerged her delicate hands in the cold water of the lake, retrieving something from it in a few seconds. ‘Take this’, Viviane told Merlin, her palms opened to reveal a flower made of turquoise crystals. ‘When your heart desires to find me once more, hold this in your hand. It will guide you here, back to me. Go now, lord Merlin, before the dark seals you here.’
And so Merlin went, back to Camelot, back to loneliness. His sorrow did not last long, however. Every day, as the morning turned into evening, Merlin went to the forest — crystal flower in hand. For the hours they had together before twilight crept on their sacred place, Viviane and Merlin shared memories and magic. Merlin told the Lady of the Lake stories of the rigours magic of magical societies and Viviane told him about the carefree arts of Nature. A fortnight passed before King Arthur enquired Merlin about where the mage went every day. The wizard, shy though respectful of his king's curiosity, told Arthur of the lake beyond the woods and the fairy woman.”
The music changed tune, the Celtic harp taking centre strange and the other instrument turning quieter.
“Merlin told King Arthur of his loneliness and the hollowness he felt. In a time where wizards and witches were scattered around the world, refusing to mingle together for fear of drawing Muggles' attention to them, Merlin had no other companion of his kind. The magical kind. He told the king of his days with Viviane and the magic they shared. The wizard opened his heart to his friend, no longer willing to wallow in solitude. The king, righteous as always, told Merlin to seek the Lady of Lake and ask her to be his, for if her answer was favourable, Merlin would be let go of his duties to the crown. The wizard, of course, was taken aback by such proposals, declaring his willingness to remain by Arthur's side. King Arthur, however, refused to listen to Merlin's words about continuing to serve Camelot and sent the wizard to meet Viviane.”
The sound of the white door opening drew people's attention as the silence left by Priestess Róisín forced the guests' senses to pay closer attention to every little noise.
An older couple came out of the small building, followed by a man draped in long white robes. Although the man was far from the guests' close line of sight, his shoulder-length ginger hair made it clear they were looking at Hedwyn Peverell. The couple each stood on one side of Hedwyn and took his hand.
The three started to calmly walk towards the wedding arbour and the priestess behind the table with the white cloth and the two small baskets on top of it. The harp and the fiddle calmly accompanied their stroll, a musical representation of their state.
Hedwyn looked both elegant and beautiful, people could tell, as he walked past them. His robes seemed as if made of the softest of silks and as white as the most precious pearl. Fleamont and Euphemia by his side had the most prideful expressions on their faces as they walked with him to the altar. The evening sun touched Hedwyn's garments and some people felt the need to look away from the brightness of the reflecting robes. He wore no jewellery; there was no need for one. Beauty and poise, natural and youthful, those were his adornments.
Priestess Róisín smiled at Hedwyn as he approached the altar, “And Merlin did go to Viviane,” she said with a tender tone. “The two spoke for hours of wishes and aspirations — of love, companionship and friendship. Viviane, aware of Merlin's ability as a wizard, urged the man to find a way to make sure they would never be apart again. Her heart ached every time she was left alone in the dark; no longer did she feel as if she could sustain their routine.”
Hedwyn gave the Potters each a kiss on the cheek and allowed them to take their seats in the front row, beside Lily and James. The bodhrán joined the fiddle and the harp, tuning with the priestess' change in tone. Anticipation grew with the music and the woman's words.
“It was then that an idea hatched in Merlin's mind. He told Viviane of a type of magic known to few mages, an art that distorted reality and opened a door to a new world — made only of the ideas in someone's mind. It is said that Hogwarts has a place similar to the one Merlin created, although it remains but a rumour from the Founders' time.”
Three other people left the stone building, all with hair as dark as night. Orion and Walburga were instantly recognisable as members of one of the oldest and most noble families in the country. The young man between them, Regulus, was just as well known as his parents. They were all dressed in white, though Regulus' robes were far more distinct and graceful.
“Then, as the next day came as his and Viviane's planes became an inevitability in their minds, Merlin spoke to King Arthur with both sorrow and hope. The wizard told Arthur how unhappy his life had become, without another of his kind to make him company in Camelot and how he had found in Viviane an unexpected companion.”
A silk cape draped over Regulus' shoulders and cascaded down his back, its fluid movement and the gentle breeze causing the fabric to billow behind him, as ethereal as the legends of the elves spoke of their appearance and demeanour. Different from Hedwyn's robes, Regulus did not rely solely on the quality of the material to convey the flawless but serene spirit of the ceremony. On the ends of his robe, close to the hemline, the Nemean lion made of silver sauntered. The beast with stars for its eyes moved as gracefully as the man wearing the robes, a sign of Regulus splendour.
On the right cuff of his robes, the constellation of Boötes stood in all of its glory — made purely of small diamonds —, with only Arcturus represented by an imperial topaz. On the left side, the Gemini constellation gleamed as the sunlight touched the diamonds that comprised its stars. The only colours visible come from the aquamarine representing Castor and the yellow sapphire representing Pollux.
“It was then that, encouraged by his old friend, Merlin went to see Viviane later that day with a purpose,” Róisín's soothing voice travelled above the music and reached the people in the audience — although their eyes were set on Regulus.
The smile on Hedwyn's face as his fiancé walked closer and closer could eclipse the sun. The same could not be said about Regulus, however, as the poor boy was too occupied with stopping tears from coming out. Hedwyn's smile softened as he saw how emotional his partner was with the ceremony.
“A door was assembled, comprised of evergreen wood and chalcedony crystals that Viviane made sprout from the ground, forming a triangular-shaped door,” the music dimmed and the sounds of the nature around the clearing became clearer. The rustling of leaves and the babble of the water in the fountain set a tranquil mood in everyone's mind.
Regulus kissed his parents' cheeks like Harry had done before him and went to stand facing his fiancé, his side profile being all the guests could see. He took Hedwyn's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. Regulus' heart beat fast as he saw his lover's eyes glowing, the love in them almost blinding him from everything around them.
Hedwyn, on the other hand, was not paying attention to anything that was not his beautiful fiancé. He caressed the back of Regulus' hands with his thumbs, enjoying the warmth coming from the other boy's hands.
“Merlin then took Viviane's hand and walked forward towards the door. However, before the two crossed into their new private world, they left a seed planted in the middle ground between the lake and the forest. Beyond the door, a world of crystals, rivers and white light welcomed the couple — immortal and glorious, an icon of Merlin and Viviane's love.
The door behind them closed, sealing the two inside a world of endless joy and companionship. Never again would Merlin or Viviane know loneliness, as their love and magic tied the two together. It is said, however, that there is a way for the two to leave their world. If one day the love between Viviane and Merlin dwindles, the door will open once again and give them the chance to return to our world,” Priestess Róisín smirked before speaking again. “Something I doubt will ever happen since we're yet to see Merlin walking around our world again.”
The priestess looked at the couple before her with a gleam in her eyes. “Merlin and Viviane's story, at the end of the day, was one about finding the one perfect for you and shedding off the things causing you to feel alone and unaccomplished. It's a story about Love, above all.”
With a gentle hand gesture, Priestess Róisín got Hedwyn and Regulus' attention on the basket with two pieces of rolled parchment lying inside.
Hedwyn was the first to reach for the parchment, taking it in his hand and carefully unrolling it. He cleared his throat and moistened his lips. His eyes travelled to Regulus' before he started to read, getting a nod from his partner.
“I knew of you before I ever thought I would have the chance of meeting you,” Hedwyn began, eyes going from the parchment to Regulus. “Back then, when I found out about how courageous you truly were and how far you would go to give the world a chance to live, I felt reinvigorated and inspired by you. I felt both seen and understood. How alike we were before we met. I often think about it. The both of us had a path laid out before us, bringing us together and apart at the same time. Men older than us would have sworn we were nothing but pieces on the chessboard. How wrong they were,” he felt his lips form a smirk, involuntarily. “Many people saw us as weak and malleable, two boys too scared to face the dangers of the world without help. How wrong they were. The first time we met, you were about to give up on something too important, for the sake of the world — just as I had once. Thankfully, I was there to lift you and show you a new path. A path not only towards freedom but towards a future none of us was allowed to dream about before. And since then, since that day we first met, you have never left my side. I cannot describe how grateful I am for that. Together we have come up with crazy plots and even crazier acts. Together we have achieved our freedom, but not without falling in love in the process. I cannot express to you enough how thankful I am for that happening. With your calm and sweet way of moving around the world, you have captivated me, Regulus. Having you beside me, holding my hand at all times, has been the best experience of my life. Getting to know you, and being able to see the real Regulus other people could only dream of knowing was the best gift life ever gave me. You gave me a chance to be happy, truly happy, and for that I will cherish and love you to the end of my days. I solemnly vow to do everything within my power to ensure your happiness, every single day of our lives together. I promise to love you deeply and stand by your side in every moment. May our families unite as one, just as our love has woven together the threads of our ancestors and the magic that binds us. I am and will forever be yours, Regulus Black.”
By the end, Regulus was bleary-eyed and his lips were quivering. As a tear rolled down on his left cheek, Hedwyn's hand rose and caressed Regulus' cheek, wiping the wet path the tear left behind softly with his thumb. He ignored the guests, not caring about showing too much affection in public. He wanted, needed, Regulus to know how much he would be cared for.
Slowly, after his eyes were cleared of tears, Regulus took his parchment and unrolled it. He exhaled and inhaled, preparing himself for another emotional moment. “We met at the most tumultuous moment of my life. I cannot say I was expecting to see you that day,” he chuckled softly. “It was not my best moment, I must admit. However, even after everything that happened on that glum day, I can tell you with all the conviction I can muster: I would not change a single thing. All the moments before I met you, as bad as they were, led me straight to you, and for that, I am grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet you, get to know you and learn to love you. You have no idea of how much you mean to me. You not only showed me how to be a better version of myself — more confident and more powerful — but you gave me my freedom back. For years I thought my future was set in stone, a reality created by others without my consent. Yet, as you helped me regain my freedom, I have grown into someone I never thought I could be. With you, Hedwyn, I have become someone I'm proud of. And how I love you for it," Regulus' voice got stuck, overwhelmed by emotions as he declared his feelings. “You are the sun responsible for shining life into me. You are the one who gives me the strength to not keep going, but to thrive in life. You're the guiding light in my life, Hedwyn. I may be named after a star, but you are the one who truly shines. I will cherish you just as you cherish me. I will be by your side at every moment, good and bad. My love for you will never waver, in life or death. I solemnly vow to do everything within my power to ensure your happiness, every single day of our lives together. I promise to love you deeply and stand by your side in every moment. May our families unite as one, just as our love has woven together the threads of our ancestors and the magic that binds us. I will always love you, Hedwyn, and with you, I will always know happiness.”
The couple placed their wedding vows back inside the basket and joined hands once more. Regulus squeezed Hedwyn's hands as he saw the tears threatening to fall.
Priestess Róisín smiled at them, “May your vows be blessed by Nature. May your magic grow ever strong.”
The wind passed by the altar, and some of the flower petals from the ground travelled with it. Some on the little fairies let out small giggles and followed the wind. The stream of water from the fountain seemed stronger and the trees took on a more vibrant colour.
“Now, the couple will share the wedding rings, made of carved and polished cherry wood — a symbol of Regulus and Hedwyn's love for nature,” the priestess gestured to the basked with the rings and both men picked up their respective ones.
Regulus held Hedwyn's ring between the fingers of his right hand, “With this ring, I unite our families and magic,” he put the ring on Hedwyn's finger, leaving a kiss on the back of his beloved's hand.
Hedwyn did the same as Regulus, carefully placing the ring on the other boy's finger, “With this ring, we become one. From this day forward, we are reborn.”
The guests clapped and smiled as a white glow surrounded the couple, sealing the two of them together.
“With the grace granted to me by Magic and Nature, I declare you Regulus and Hedwyn Black-Peverell. May your time on this Earth be blessed and full of fortune and love,” Priestess Róisín's arms lifted and the palm of her hand turned towards the trees. “And now, as is dictated by the Peverell family tradition, the couple will plant the seed of a tree that will represent their love. Just as Merlin and Viviane did before them, Hedwyn and Regulus will give Nature a sign of their devotion to each other. The tree will then live way past the couple, growing and thriving — becoming an icon of their love.”
Hedwyn took the brown seed from Priestess Róisín's stretched hand and joined hands with Regulus. The two left the altar and walked a few steps to the right. Regulus took out his wand and pointed to the ground, flicking his wrist in a swift motion. A small hole formed as the dirt moved. The couple moved into a crouched position, so Hedwyn could place the seed on the dirt more easily. When the seed was put in the soil and covered up with dirt, Hedwyn pointed his wand to the nymph's fountain and a small stream floated towards the patch of brown soil surrounded by green grass.
A familiar cold breeze passed through the couple, and Regulus gasped quietly at the sudden temperature change.
'May this ash tree symbolise not only your enduring commitments to your ancestors but also the eternal power of the love you both share. I bestow upon you and your descendants the blessing that your family so rightly deserves. May your love for one another flourish, even beyond the bounds of this life,’ Death spoke the two, causing Regulus' eyebrows to rise as he heard the deity's voice for the first time.
Hedwyn put an arm around Regulus as they stood up, comforting his obviously emotional husband. As the word passed by his mind, Hedwyn couldn't help but smile brightly. Husband, he brought Regulus closer as he thought about the significance of the word. I have a husband.
“I love you, and will keep loving you forever,” he whispered, looking into Regulus' grey eyes.
Regulus' answer was to put his hands on Hedwyn's cheeks and bring him closer, kissing his husband fervently. Cheers could be heard coming from the guests, but the only thing the couple cared about in that moment was to enjoy each other's warmth.
In the crowd, both Lily and James were crying, too emotional to care about hiding their feelings. Their son was married, and nothing more mattered in the world. Even Walburga and Orion shed a q few tears, although neither of the two would ever admit doing so.
Sirius was smiling brightly at the sight of his brother, happier than he had been in years. The wizard lifted his wand, a devious smile on his face, and conjured tiny fake diamonds to fall on top of the couple, making the two gasp in surprise. Regulus glared at his brother, without any real anger, and Hedwyn laughed out loud.
Arcturus and Melania, as well as Fleamont and Euphemia, smiled at them. To see their family so happy was unimaginable a few months ago, so they would enjoy the scene as long as they could. Fleamont did stop Charlus from casting something at his grandson and his husband, receiving a nod of approval from Dorea and a giggle from Castor.
In the celebration that followed the ceremony, the newlyweds and the guests all danced until the moon encompassed the sky. Hedwyn and Regulus were the first to dance, all eyes and smiles on them. The two glowed under the light of the Gwynt Keep's ballroom, showing their love and connection through intricate but elegant dance moves.
Hedwyn and Lily were the next to dance, with Regulus and Dorea a few feet from them. The boys then danced with Euphemia and Walburga, respectively. The hours followed, and everyone ate and drank until their feet grew tired and minds became drained. The guests began to leave and Hedwyn and Regulus gave everyone their goodbyes.
After saying goodbye to their families, the couple took a portkey to France, where they would spend their honeymoon. At a glorious room in Mont Saint-Michel, with a beautiful view of the moon illuminating the ocean dimly, Regulus found Hedwyn's body once more. Although that was not their first night together, it was definitely their most special. And Regulus would make sure his lover understood how important that night was, and how important Hedwyn was to him. He would show his love in the way he liked best, making Harry whisper his name and whimper in pleasure. No other night before that one would be as incredible or significant.