Black Fortunes

Chapter 21

It was strange, standing here. If anyone had asked James Potter which of the Marauders would be the first to marry, his guess wouldn't have been Sirius. Not even close. But, James reflected in amusement, he of course had to break the pattern in his usual flair. To say that he had been shocked when Sirius had admitted that his rapid engagement and marriage was due to an unplanned pregnancy, well, the surprise had been great enough to knock a usually composed Remus right onto the floor, much to their usual gather's amusement.

They had all agreed to be witnesses for the couples' Bonding ceremony, so here they all were on the 27th of December, 1977, standing in the stunning half-glass oratory of Black Manor. James flicked what he hoped was a discreet glance over, noting that Sirius' brother Regulus looked absolutely stunning in the plain but fitted slate grey robes he wore. He looked much better in the robes than James ever would. He flushed, turning his gaze away. All of the witnesses wore the same color of robes as to leave the attention on the center of the room, where Lucius and Sirius were standing in robes of brilliant white edged with gold. Floor-length with high collars and draping sleeves, the pair looked very sophisticated.

Sirius' robes had an additional trim as well. His friend had outright refused the traditional color of pale pink thread bordering the golden trim and had suggested an alternative of violet, which had been acceptable to both families. Consort's or bridal robes were marked with such as to clearly display the hierarchy in a traditional wizarding Bonding. Some were turning to a Muggle-style wedding ceremony, but those who still held to traditional ways chose Bonding as it was a permanent commitment. The only way out of a Bonding was death and when one of a Bonded pair died it was considered shameful if the widower didn't wear black in some shape or form for a time afterward. The traditional measure of such garments was one month for every year of marriage.

Even the officiator requested through the Ministry wore the same somber color, so that the focus was entirely on the young couple, as was proper. James scanned his eyes over the gathering, noting with smug amusement that Narcissa Black was present, her face expressionless and her eyes a very cold blue. If not for what was probably a very heavy threat by her uncle and caretaker Lord Orion she would have probably preferred to be anywhere but here, watching her cousin marry the man her mother and aunt had tried to force into making her his bride.

She was promised to the Zabini Lord, which would take her entirely out of the British wizarding politics her father had wished to embroil her in, the Zabini seat being firmly rooted in Italy. Marcel Zabini was 28 years old and according to Lucius and the two Lestrange brothers, a very unforgiving individual focused entirely on his status and standing. It was the only acceptable marriage for her, however. Those in the students' little group had refused to marry the girl and Orion was adamant not to embroil any of the Black family in the upstart 'Dark Lord's' politics.

There was quite a gathering here in the room, surrounded by draping silks and rich velvets in white trimmed with sapphire blue, the pair's chosen colors. James watched the ceremony with his full attention, smiling to himself at how clearly ecstatic his best friend was. It was such a difference from the sullen, dangerous behavior Sirius had exhibited the past two years.

Once the final words were spoken and Lucius chastely kissed his new Consort on the lips the ribbons binding their hands together exploded in a shower of golden sparks, announcing a correctly completed ceremony. Around their right wrists were matching cuffs in platinum with runes for Family, Fidelity, Love, Good Luck and Happiness imprinted on the top of the metal.

James patiently waited his turn to congratulate the couple, finding amusement once again in just how many people were currently in one room. The Lord Lestrange and his two sons, Narcissa and Bellatrix, Orion and Regulus, Lords Malfoy and Peverell, James, Remus, and Severus. With the official, they numbered two participants and twelve witnesses. It was considered a good number, twelve being a multiple of three, considered one of the most powerful magical numbers.

"Congratulations, Sirius," he said to his best friend. Turning to Lucius with a mischievous yet serious smile, he stated, "Congratulations to you as well, Lucius. Treat my friend with the respect he deserves, otherwise, you'll be hearing from me."

"James!" Sirius protested, flushing. However, Lucius simply smiled and replied, "I expected something of the sort from you, Heir Potter. I know my Consort has been more like a brother than a friend to you. Rest assured, my Star will never want for anything."

Sirius' cheeks turned even redder at his new husbands' words, though there was a happy smile gracing his lips as well. Satisfied, he turned away, moving to where Lord Orion and Abraxas stood. "Congratulations on the joining of your families, my Lords," he said.

Orion dipped his head in acknowledgment, a slight smile on his lips. "Many thanks, Heir Potter. While the joining of two such families is advantageous, the most important thing to me is that my son is happy, both of them."

James controlled his flush with effort, wondering if the older man had somehow discerned his fascination with Sirius' younger brother. He moved away, taking a seat at the long table across from Sirius. The two Lords sat on the side closest to their sons, with Harrigan on Orion's left followed by Regulus. Their meal was incredibly good, murmured conversations accompanying compliments on the choice of dishes.

Afterward came the gifts, Sirius smiling in delight at the painting James had commissioned for his friend's wedding from a photograph of the newly-married couple relaxing near the fire in the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts.

Orion and Harrigan stood together, indicating that theirs was a joint gift. They were traditionally last as the Consort's parents, Abraxas had preceded them with the gift of a two-week vacation after Sirius graduated and informing Lucius that he was now his father's joint partner in the sprawling Malfoy Industries.

"Our gift will actually not be quite ready until after your child is born," Harrigan began.

Orion took over, snapping his fingers. Two house elves appeared, standing before the couple. "These are Tobby and Dilly, our personal elves. They have informed us that they were blessed with an elfling. It is tradition that a young elf is given as a gift once training is complete. Elves mature faster than humans, by the time your child is born their son will be ready to join with your family and serve as a nanny elf."

"Our son is being Dobby," Dilly squeaked. "We hopes you will be pleased with his work."

Orion dismissed the pair, after which the young couple thanked the pair for the generous gift, for really a house elf was an invaluable aid to running a wizarding household.

It was traditional for the guests to see the pair away for their bonding night so they took to the patio, where Abraxas handed the young couple a Portkey which would take them to a villa in France. They would be able to spend a week there before Sirius had to return to Hogwarts.

James smiled and watched next to Remus as the pair disappeared in a swirl of color. Unexpected, certainly, but this was one of those unexpected things that he felt was for the best.

Be happy, Sirius. You deserve it.

All credits go to J. K. Rowling and Herald_of_Dreams (AO3). This is not my work, it is just a repost of the work by Herald_of_Dreams on AO3 and by Herald-MageAnduli on fanfiction.net.