Midnight || Sirus Black

chapter 21

The grand hall of Malfoy Manor was transformed into a spectacle of opulence for the wedding of Sirius Black and Esther Malfoy. Every detail screamed perfection: the golden candelabras lined with enchanted flames, the ivory drapery cascading like waterfalls from the vaulted ceilings, and the ornate floral arrangements of lilies and roses, symbolizing purity and passion—though purity was hardly what came to mind when one thought of the soon-to-be couple.

Esther stood in front of a gilded mirror in a private room upstairs, her breath catching as her reflection stared back at her. Her wedding dress was an intricate masterpiece of lace and satin, cinched at the waist to accentuate her figure, with a dramatic train that trailed behind her like a queen's mantle. Her blonde hair had been styled to perfection, with delicate curls pinned back by an heirloom diamond comb.

"You look stunning, darling," Narcissa cooed, stepping behind her. Her sister-in-law's hands rested lightly on her shoulders. "Truly breathtaking."

"Thank you," Esther murmured, her voice subdued. She was far from serene. Every fiber of her being screamed against the union about to take place. But there was no room for protest; this was her duty, and Malfoys did not shirk their responsibilities.

The door creaked open, and Lucius entered, his sharp features softened momentarily by a small smile. "It's time, Esther."

Her stomach flipped, but she nodded. She would walk down the aisle with her head held high, as befitting a Malfoy.

The ceremony was an elaborate affair. Guests from the most esteemed wizarding families filled the hall, their whispered conversations hushed as Abraxas Malfoy stood to announce the bride. Esther descended the grand staircase, her hand lightly resting on her father's arm. The soft strains of enchanted violins filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of roses.

At the end of the aisle stood Sirius. He wore tailored black robes that fit him like a second skin, his hair neatly combed but still maintaining that rebellious edge. His expression was unreadable as he watched her approach, though a flicker of something—admiration, perhaps? Annoyance? She couldn't tell—crossed his features for a plaint second.

Esther's heart pounded as she reached him. They stood together, facing each other, as the officiant began the ceremonial incantations. Her hands were clammy as Sirius took them in his own, his touch surprisingly warm and steady. Their vows were spoken in even tones, devoid of sentiment, but the weight of the binding magic hung heavy in the air.

"With this ring, I thee wed," Sirius said, sliding the band onto her finger. The moment was charged, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

When the officiant declared them husband and wife, Sirius leaned in to brush a light, obligatory kiss against her lips. The touch was brief, but it sent an unanticipated jolt through her. She stiffened, masking her reaction with a carefully neutral expression.

The reception was a whirlwind of toasts, laughter, and tension. Sirius played his part well, charming the guests with witty quips and disarming smiles. Esther, ever the perfect hostess, moved through the crowd with practiced grace, accepting congratulations and enduring veiled comments about their "mismatched" pairing.

As the evening wore on, Esther found herself retreating to a quieter corner of the ballroom, a glass of champagne in hand. She watched Sirius from afar as he laughed with Regulus and James Potter, who had slipped in despite not being officially invited. Sirius seemed at ease, as if this entire charade was just another game to him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Narcissa, who approached with a sly smile. "Enjoying your first night as Mrs. Black?"

Esther forced a smile. "It's... an adjustment."

"Don't let him get under your skin," Narcissa advised. "Men like Sirius thrive on chaos. The best way to win is to show him you're unshakable."

"Easier said than done," Esther muttered, draining her glass.

As the last guests departed and the house elves began clearing the remnants of the feast, Esther found herself standing outside the door to the master suite. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the handle. This was it. Their wedding night. The thought sent a shiver down her spine—though whether from dread or anticipation, she couldn't say.

The door creaked open, and she stepped inside. Sirius was already there, leaning against the edge of the bed. He had shed his outer robes, leaving him in just a white shirt with the top buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as though he had run his hands through it in frustration.

"Took you long enough," he remarked, his tone light but laced with something deeper.

"I needed a moment," Esther replied, closing the door behind her. The room felt impossibly small despite its size.

Sirius's eyes roved over her, lingering on the way her dress hugged her curves. "You're still in that thing?" he asked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"What's wrong with my dress?" she shot back, crossing her arms defensively.

"Nothing," he said, pushing off the bed and stepping closer. "It's just... complicated."

Before she could retort, his hands were on her, deftly unfastening the intricate buttons down her back. Her breath hitched as his fingers brushed against her bare skin.

"Sirius, what are you—"

"Helping," he interrupted, his voice low. "Unless you'd rather sleep in this all night?"

She didn't respond, too stunned by the proximity of him, the heat radiating off his body. Her dress loosened, sliding down her frame until it pooled around her feet. She stood there in her lace undergarments, feeling vulnerable under his gaze. He took his time, looking at her, in front of him. She left self conscious, knowing that the only one to ever see her like this was Tiberius, that one drunkingly night between them, something that they both would never speak of ever again.

Sirius who had just been staring at her suddenly captured her mouth into a deep kiss, his hands finding home on her hips and her neck. Esther slipping her hands into his hair, tugging harsher as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, making both of them moan against their mouths. Fighting against each other.

"Sirius" She whispered as his lips moved from her mouth to her neck, scraping along her porcelain skin. Making him grin in response.

"Yes?" He answered innocently as his hands wandered over ever curve of her body.

"Take me to bed." She looked him in the eyes, without another word he picked her up, straddling him, she kissed him, tugging his hair and moaning again as he laid her down, immediately she started on the buttons that kept her from all of him, soon his clothes laid onto floor, casted away by Esther. She was now on top if him, looking down at him.

"One last thing." Sirius reached up to her hair was being held up by a pin, he swiftly took it out, letting her long pure blonde hair fall down around her face, he tucked it behind her ear, kissing her. Flipping her to be under him. Kissing her more passionately than he was before, his hand making his way down between her legs, the moment he made contact she groaned, arching into his hand. Slowly drawing circles around her, inserting one and then two. She grabbed onto the sheets around her.

"Sirius" Esther moaned, making Sirius groan, making him start pumping back and forth, making her squirm under his touch. When she thought she on the edge he stopped.

"Tell me to stop." He whispered into her ear.

"I need all of you." Esther pleaded. Breaking all the walls between them, every touch shattered everything between them, making them break all their rules they had when this all started.

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