The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

The Wedding: Bonded for Life

Outside the doors to the Great Hall, Madeline stood waiting with Lucius.

"You look radiant, Kitten," said Lucius warmly. "Absolutely beautiful."

Madeline hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Lucius." When she pulled away, tears shone in her eyes.

"Don't cry, sweet girl. You'll ruin your makeup." He pulled a handkerchief from his robes and dabbed gently at her tears.

"Ah," he said. "All better."

He touched her cheek. "Are you ready, love?"

She smiled and nodded, then she took his arm.

The doors to the great hall opened and Lucius led Madeline down the aisle.

When Snape saw her, his heart almost burst in his chest and he audibly gasped. He had never seen anything more perfectly beautiful in the entirety of his life.

Her wedding gown was as black as night and patterned with silver crescent moons and gold stars that sparkled and shone and twinkled as if they were alive. The skirt was full. A wide satin sash cinched her waist, tied in a perfect bow in the back with the tails reaching to the hem. The back was cut low - almost to her waist, and tiny black covered buttons trailed all the way down the cathedral length train. The neckline was a gentle v and displayed the onyx heart necklace perfectly. The sleeves were long and graceful and ended at her delicate wrists. Her raven hair was up in an intricate braided twist interwoven with tiny white flowers. A few loose curls framed her face and she wore sparkling tear drop diamond earrings. Her lips were, as always, painted blood red. She carried a small bouquet of red and white roses tied with a black satin ribbon.

She looked like a queen. A dark angel. Regal and magical and indescribably beautiful. He realized he was holding his breath. He couldn't stop staring at her. And she was smiling at him as Lucius led her down the aisle.

Madeline fought happy tears as she made her way toward him. He was so elegant and sophisticated in his dress robes. Tall and dark. Strong and powerful. So beautiful that it almost hurt to look at him. His eyes were locked onto hers. The love that openly radiated from his handsome face made her want to run straight into his arms. And he was smiling at her. Severus Snape was smiling at her.

Finally, Madeline and Lucius reached the altar. Lucius kissed her on the cheek and presented her to Snape.

Snape took both her hands in his. "My beautiful, beautiful girl," he whispered. "I love you."

She squeezed his hands and smiled. "And I love you."

They turned to face Dumbledore. Lucius stood next to Snape and Emily walked up to stand with Madeline.

Dumbledore began the ceremony.

"If ever two people were made for one another, it is Severus and Madeline. Their love is palpable. We can all feel it here in this room like a living being. It lives and breathes and burns like a flame and we are all nourished and fed by the warmth of it.

"True love is an ancient and powerful magic. It is a rare and beautiful force that weaves an everlasting enchantment around those fortunate enough to fall under its spell, joining them forever.

"Today, Severus and Madeline will become one in heart, body, and spirit here in this place as we all bear witness to their vows to bind together in love and life through all eternity.

"Do you, Severus Tobias, take this woman to be your wife, to live together in marriage? Will you love her, protect her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her until you are parted by death?"