Another Dark Star

Chapter 18


Saturday morning, Severus met Sadira in the entrance hall and they took a carriage to the main gates. They had told people they were going to Hogsmeade for the day. Poppy had agreed that a little fresh air would be good for her and she shouldn’t go alone in case of a relapse. Severus had written Dumbledore a letter explaining the true nature of their trip, that they would be gone the whole weekend and that it was to remain a secret from absolutely everyone.

As soon as they reached the end of the anti-apparition wards they Apparated to Gretna Green and walked the short way to the Bed and Breakfast he had booked for them. She had packed everything she needed in that marvellous beaded bag of hers and Severus had brought a small leather weekend bag, shrunk to fit his pocket.

The room was comfortable if a bit twee. Too much floral and lace for their taste, but the lady who ran it seemed pleasant enough, if a bit nosy. She was a Squib and therefore used to catering to Muggle and Wizard alike.

They signed themselves into the guest register as a married couple. It felt strange signing her name as ‘Mrs Snape’ knowing it soon would be so. She was starting to get excited and a bit giddy and had to sit down with a cup of tea to calm down. This was all so sudden, what would people say when they found out? She imagined Molly’s face when she told her and laughed so hard she fell off her chair.

“What’s so funny?” Severus asked, coming out of the en-suite.

“Just imagining the look on Molly’s face when I tell her I’m married.” She grinned. He thought for a moment, then grinned evilly.

“Yes, and I can just imagine the look on your father’s face when he finds out you are my wife.” He said a little snidely.

“The perfect revenge, eh? Well, he’ll just have to put up with you now. That or disown me.” She chuckled.

“I think he would rather the latter.” He replied, drily.

“How do you feel? Knowing that one of your old classmates will soon be your father-in-law?” she asked him.

“I hadn’t thought about it to be perfectly honest. I suppose it will feel a little strange. Do you think he’d mind if I started to call him ‘Dad’?” he said, grinning wider.

“I think he’d probably drop dead.” She said smiling.


That afternoon, he took her to a small sacred cave, not far from Gretna village itself, which had been used for that purpose for centuries. There they met the old wizard who would be performing the ceremony.

Severus had decided to forgo his usual black attire in favour of a very dark green. He felt that black was inappropriate for a wedding and, as luck would have it, his new robes happened to perfectly complement the wedding dress Sadira had chosen. It was a floor length medieval style gown in a soft sea green with long flowing sleeves and a v-neckline. The bodice was fitted ever so slightly, skimming over her curves modestly rather than clinging. She wore no jewellery aside from the silver cross that connected her to him. Her hair was loose, with tiny spring blossoms woven around the crown. On her feet were dainty flat satin slippers in the same shade as the gown.

Without her usual high heels, she was even smaller than usual and now he towered over her. Sadira had always hated being a bit on the short side, but Severus loved the fact that she was petite. It gave her the appearance of fragility and daintiness; a little lady for his macho instinct to protect.

The old wizard asked them to join their left hands and held his wand over them as they recited ancient vows of love, trust and fidelity. As they did so, white hot ribbons circled their wrists from the old wizard’s wand, binding their hands together. An aura of light began to surround them, coming from the cave itself and within them, as their souls bound themselves together with the ancient magic of the ceremony and the latent power of the mystic location. When the glow died down, they looked at each other in wonder; man and wife at last. Severus bent and kissed his bride, and they both felt the warmth of their vows flowing between them as the halo of love was absorbed into them.

The old man’s son and daughter had come along to act as witnesses and help with the paperwork for the Ministry. After they had both signed the marriage register, and a declaration that was required for Handfastings, the son offered to take their wedding photo as they had brought no guests. They chose a perfect spot near the edge of the wood close by and stood hand in hand; gazing happily at each other as the young man took the shot. He told them he would have it developed wizarding style and deliver a few copies to the B & B in the morning.

“How do you feel, Mrs Snape?” he asked her.

“Wonderful! How about you?”

“Perfect.” He replied. They began to walk slowly back to the village, not wanting to move on so soon. It was a mild day and they enjoyed the walk through the sparse woods.

“I have a present for you.” he told her, reaching into his pocket.

“We won’t be able to wear them yet, until we are able to tell people.” He said, opening a small velvet box to reveal a pair of white gold wedding rings with Celtic knotwork all around.

“Oh Severus, they are beautiful. Thank you. Can I wear it for this weekend at least?” she asked.

He smiled and placed the silver coloured band onto her delicate finger. She took the other ring and placed it on his finger, looking down at the two bands together, then at the red mark on her wrist.

“How long will it sting for?” she asked him.

“Not long, about a week. After that time it will begin to fade to a silvery scar. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do, even Murtlap essence won’t ease it.” He said apologetically.

“It’s ok. It doesn’t really hurt all that much. I’m glad we did this properly.” She said

“As am I.” He agreed.


When they reached the village they stopped at the pub for a couple of bottles of champagne before heading back to their hotel for the rest of the day. She laughed so hard when he swept her up and carried her over the threshold, she nearly dropped the bottles.

They were already buzzy and giddy but the bubbly made them even worse. Especially when he revealed the other surprise he had planned for her; strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce. She decided that the sauce would be much better on him though! She dropped her gown to reveal she had been wearing nothing underneath, earning an appreciative and lustful stare from him.

Stripping him slowly, she waited until he was completely bare before upending the entire tub onto his chest, spreading it all over his torso with teasing fingers. He pulled her to him for a crushing kiss, spreading the sticky substance onto her breasts and stomach. He dipped his head to sample the delicious warm confection, combined with the flavour of her skin. Not to be outdone, she pushed him back and latched on to a nipple, licking and sucking him, driving him crazy.
They enjoyed a languid hour licking the confection from each other’s bodies, continuing until they had brought each other to orgasm with their questing tongues.

After that enjoyable pastime they were sweaty and sticky, so decided it was time for a shower. Once again they found their pleasure lathering each other, enjoying the sensation of smooth soapy skin under their hands. He loved the weight of her slippery soft breasts in his hands and her firm round bottom pressed enticingly against him.

Her hands slid lower, enticing him and making him hard again. Before she could begin to work her magic on him manually, he spun her round, bracing her against the shower wall and entering her in one swift stroke. He continued to pound her, while she worked furiously at her clit until they both came hard, their fluids draining away in the warm soapy water.

When they had dried and eaten properly, they brought the last two glasses of champagne to bed with them, and snuggled close.

“A toast! To many happy years, and many more nights like tonight.” He proposed with a wicked grin.

“Oh definitely; cheers!” she agreed, bringing her glass to meet his and draining it.

This time, they took things slower, savouring every touch and exploring every inch of flesh, worshipping each other’s bodies with loving caresses. They made love languidly, a joining of hearts and souls, punctuated with long deep kisses. Finally sated, they slept still in each other’s embrace, to continue what they had started in the morning.

When they returned to the castle on Sunday night, they were both subjected to all sorts of questions, not least from Umbridge. Dumbledore had been deflecting any queries as to where the two dark professors were.

He told the staff that following her ordeal, Sadira had gone to stay with family to recuperate and Snape was on the hunt for a rare Potions ingredient that was required for his personal experiments. He explained that the reason they were both absent at the same time was that Severus had offered to accompany her on the journey as she wasn’t quite fit to travel on her own.

Sadira received a very cross owl from her father upon her return for disappearing so soon after having been attacked. He had been worried and insisted on seeing her as soon as possible. Well, he would have to wait until her next free morning, which happened to be Wednesday.


She snuck out of the dungeons before any one was awake. Severus was an early riser as a rule, and when he woke, he would usually wake her too.

She walked the long road to the main gate and apparated to her father’s home. Sadira almost tripped over Nightshade when she arrived at Grimmauld place. Strange, she never usually paid her any mind unless she wanted feeding. So, she had missed her mummy after all.

“Tonks, will you please be more careful. You’ll wake Mother.” Sirius called wearily from the direction of the kitchen.

“It’s me, Dad. My cat’s trying to kill me.” She shouted back as Nightshade wound her way between her legs.

He bolted out of the kitchen and lifted her into a crushing hug.

“Where have you been? I was so worried. Three days missing, three days out cold, then you disappear this weekend to god knows where.” He admonished, setting her down and leading her back into the kitchen for a cup of tea.

“I’m sorry Dad. But I’m fine now as you can see. Poppy healed me up just fine.” She said.

“Yes, well you could have sent me an owl at least.” He complained.

“But I’m here in person now. You can see for yourself I’m fine.” She said, twirling to emphasise her point.

“Good. I wanted to visit you but Dumbledore wouldn’t allow it.” He said bitterly.

“Well Severus was watching over me. I wasn’t alone.” She assured him, parting his arm reassuringly.

He placed his arm on hers in an affectionate gesture. Unfortunately it was on her left arm and she withdrew it quickly, wincing.

“I thought you said you were fully healed?” He accused, concerned.

“I'm fine,” she said, a little too quickly.

“Show me,” he demanded, grabbing her arm.

“I wanted to tell you, but Severus said we should wait.” She protested as he pulled up her sleeve to reveal the red, sore looking mark.

“What the hell did he do to you?” he growled, a dark look passing over his face.

“I don’t believe it. You think he would hurt me? He loves me; he would never lay a finger on me in anger.” She defended.

“You pretty much just said he did this to you.” Sirius countered.

“No, we did this together. We had a handfasting.” She explained.

“WHAT?! You...I can’t believe you got married and didn’t tell me.” He cried, astounded.

“We didn’t tell anyone, only Dumbledore knows. It was too dangerous given our positions in the war.” She explained.

“MOLLY!” he roared up the stairs. The dumpy witch bolted down the stairs.

“What’s the matter? Oh, Sadie dear, you’re back. I’m so glad you’re safe.” She said, pulling the young woman into a suffocating hug.

“Did you know your niece was getting married?” Sirius asked.

“A wedding? Oh how wonderful dear, when is the big day?”

“Um, last Saturday!” she replied sheepishly, showing off her wrist.

“A Handfasting? I didn’t know they still went on.”

“Yes, Severus managed to find a wizard in Gretna Green who still performs the rite.” Sadira explained.

“Eloping to Gretna, eh? How romantic!” Molly sighed.

“Well neither of us wanted a big do and we saw no reason to wait.” Sadira told her.

“Well then, have you time to stop for tea, Mrs Snape?” Molly teased, earning a bright grin from Sadira on hearing her new name.

“I’m still not used to hearing that.” She told her.

“I don’t think I ever will be.” Sirius said sourly.

“We have to keep this quiet you understand. Sev asked me not to tell anyone. We were supposed to tell people together. I suppose it’s not so bad because you are close family. I tried to convince him it would be ok to tell the Order members, but he still doesn’t agree.” She told her aunt.

“Oh, wait till Remus and Nymphadora find out!” said Molly, still buzzing from the news.

“Wait till we find out what?” Remus asked as he came in from the parlour.

“And don’t call me Nymphadora.” Whined Tonks, who was clutching the umbrella stand she had sent flying.

“I swear, you two know when someone’s talking about you and just appear.” Sadira told her friend.

“Go on, what were you going to tell us?” Remus asked.

“Dad, I told you; Top Secret!” Sadira warned.

“See now you have to tell me, Padfoot!” Remus said grinning. Sirius sighed.

“My daughter got married this weekend past.”

“WHAT?!” Remus and Tonks both gasped.

“Yes, but we are keeping it quiet for now ok?” Sadira said.

“Are you pregnant?” Tonks asked.

“No I bloody well am not!” Sadira said indignantly.

“Ok, sorry. It’s just very sudden and I thought that might be why.” Tonks replied.

“Well no, I’m not. We just decided there was no particular reason to wait.” Sadie finished.

“It gets better, it was a Handfasting!” Molly told them proudly.

“Really? Hardly anyone does that anymore.” Remus commented.

“Why, what’s a Handfasting?” asked Tonks.

“It’s like an Unbreakable Vow. You promise yourselves to each other, and bind yourselves together; body, heart, mind and soul. It went into decline a century ago. People believed the vow itself had Dark connotations as it involves control over each other’s soul and it is permanent so there can be no divorce. It truly is till Death do you part. You can split up but you will always be connected.” Remus explained, as though he were still teaching a class.

“Wow, that’s so romantic. I can’t believe old Snape would go in for that sort of thing.” Tonks said in awe. She had forgotten all the romantic things he had done for her friend when they were trainees; after all she hadn’t known it had been Snape at the time. The information was hard to reconcile in her head.

“Actually it was his idea. It is really very like him. He believes that if you’re going to do something, you should do it properly or not at all.” Sadira told her with a smile.

“Crap, that means you’re Mrs Snape now?” asked Tonks. Again Sadira grinned.

“Yes, just not in public. Seriously people, I’m not supposed to have told anyone. Sev’s going to go mental when he finds out you all know.” She sighed.

“Trouble in paradise already?” Sirius sniped.

“That’s another thing. I know you hate him but Severus is my husband. We’re all family now and while I don’t expect you to both become bosom buddies can you please quit it with the snide digs and nasty remarks? I really hate you calling him Snivellus you know.” She admonished.

“Fine, I will if he will.” Sirius said childishly.

“I have already spoken to him and his reply was similar so I expect you both to be civil at least.”

“Well, congratulations in any case. I hope you will both be very happy.” Said Remus genially.

“Thank you Remus, you’re the first to say so.” Sadira said appreciatively.

The others expressed their congratulations with varying degrees of sincerity.

“Hey, you never had a hen do!” said Tonks suddenly. Sadira laughed.

“Trust you to pick up on an excuse for a night on the town!”

“It’s not like you to pass up on one.” Tonks countered.

“Well, as I didn’t have a Maid of Honour, you can be in charge of a belated Hen night, but make sure it’s in the Easter Holidays. I don’t want to turn up to class bleary-eyed. Molly, you’re coming too.” Sadira insisted.

“You will have the send off of a lifetime. Who else should I invite?” Tonks said.

“I don’t know, I’ll have a think and send you a list. I might see if Alexis wants to come.” She said thoughtfully.

“Your ex-girlfriend?” Tonks asked.

“Yes, we’re still friends. I just don’t know if she’s still in the country.” She replied.

“Wait, you had a girlfriend?” Sirius asked confused.

“Yes, maybe I’ll tell you about her one day.” Sadira brushed off.

“I don’t know which is more disturbing; the thought of you and Snape, or you and a girl.” Sirius said, shaking his head.

“I have to go, third years in an hour,” she said quickly, kissing her dad and aunt before legging it out the door to Apparate to Hogsmeade.



A/N: For those of you who don’t know, Gretna Green is a small village on the Scottish side of the border with England which, due to a loophole in marriage consent laws, became popular for eloping couples centuries ago and remains so today.