Sweet Soul Music

Disclaimer – Same as always, the places and characters you recognise are JK Rowlings.

Three years, five weeks and six days later…….

It was a clear, bright Saturday morning. The sun poured through the high windows of the great hall filling the vast space with an almost ethereal golden glow. The walls had been draped in plush swathes of ivory chiffon with ornate gilded ivy leaves holding back the delicate fabric. The high ceiling was alive with a mass of lilac butterflies that flitted about between the fine gauze of the drapes. All the simple wooden chairs had been covered in crushed velvet the same colour as the wings of the insects above and had been arranged to face towards the front where two very anxious wizards stood surveying the décor. It had been too many years since there had been a wedding held at Hogwarts and the elves had relished the challenge that the occasion had presented, they now scurried about inspecting their handiwork and filling elegant crystal champagne flutes with the crisp sparkling wine. The glasses sat on large ornate silver platters that hovered on each side of the large wooden doors ready for the guests when they entered, everything was perfect. The wedding could have been held at any number of different locations but it seemed more fitting for two members of staff to be joined in the magnificent castle itself. It was possibly the most ideal setting for this type of ceremony too, any number of witches would have killed to have their special day held within it’s walls but it was a rare privilege not awarded to just anybody. Today would be an occasion talked about for years to come.

Severus fiddled nervously with the collar of his suit jacket as he watched the elves carry out their business.
“Will you please relax!” Dumbledore said in an exasperated voice looking at the edgy wizard.
They were both dressed in identical charcoal muggle suits, at the bride’s insistence, their long hair tied back loosely with black velvet ribbon. Although dressed the same they couldn’t possibly look any more different. The potions master’s natural poise was a tailors dream; it could make any suit seem impeccable. Snape looked at the older wizard, the suit was very smart and quite expensive, it still looked good but for some strange reason it made the headmaster look like a bizarre cross between a bank clerk and a hells angel. Perhaps it was the beard? No doubt Cat would have some comments on the subject he thought with a wry smile. His thoughts were interrupted by a series of popping sounds as one by one the house elves disappeared, the guests were arriving. His stomach tied itself up in knots as the heavy doors opened and the room started to fill up with the chattering crowd each one wanting to wish the groom the best of luck. He and Albus were soon surrounded by a crowd of smiling well-wishers, half of them complete strangers it would appear, Professor Snape had never been this popular. His relief was visible as he finally spotted a familiar face.
The young blond slapped him amiably on the back “Hey, how’s tricks?”
“It’s good to see you, Stuart.”
“Well, I had my orders from she who must be obeyed. So here I am.” he joked.

In the bride’s rooms Cat was becoming more and more excited.
Minerva watched the young witch pacing back and forth “You’ll wear a hole in the damn rug if you don’t stop.”
Cat stopped immediately “Sorry, I can’t help it.” She was wound tight like a spring; she had to get rid of the nervous energy somehow. It was a pity that Severus wasn’t here, the two of them could have figured out something. He was downstairs waiting for her, dressed in the suit that had been chosen for him. That man always looked divine in a well cut suit, the years hadn’t dulled their attraction to each other and her mind drifted away, lost in a daydream.
“You can stop that as well!” the older witch chuckled. She and Cat had become close friends during her time at Hogwarts and she recognised the look in her eyes instantly.
“What?” Cat exclaimed indignantly.
“I can tell what you’re thinking, you know”
She stuck her tongue out defiantly in response and carried on pacing. Minerva shook her head and let out an exaggerated sigh.
“How in Merlin’s name do you manage to stay so calm?” the lack of visible nerves infuriating.
“A lot of practice” said Minerva dryly, turning to the mirror to check her makeup.

One by one the guests took their seats; finally Severus could relax a bit. The forced smile he plastered on his face was starting to make his cheeks ache; thankfully it was only for one day. Luckily anybody who knew him well realised he wasn’t the kind of person who went in for displays of false emotion; too much of his life had been spent trying to hide things from searching eyes and those days were well behind him now. It was amazing the effect that a woman could have on your life. His thoughts turned to the impetuous young witch who was now his almost constant companion, wondering what her outfit would be like. Not that it really mattered, everything looked incredible on her anyway because of the shape of her delicious body underneath and no amount of clothing could hide those curves. He would see soon enough he thought to himself, as he watched the wizard conducting the ceremony take the place normally occupied by the headmaster. The sound of violins drifted through the air and everybody’s eyes turned to the doors.

Cat stood in the large entranceway and as always Severus’ gaze was drawn straight to her. She was still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen and the simple gown she was wearing gave her the appearance of on angel. Holding her posy of white lilies close to her she made her way past the now silent crowd whose attentions were focused entirely on the bride. The pale cream fabric floated round her legs as she moved slowly to take her place at the front. Hugging Dumbledore briefly she turned and flashed a smile that sent Severus’ blood rushing to a very inconvenient place. That always happened when she looked at him in a certain way and the little minx knew it, well two could play at that game. He raised one eyebrow and smiled at her rakishly before turning away knowing full well that his “damn eyebrow” was her Achilles heel.

Albus honestly thought this day would never come as he looked tenderly at the beautiful witch in her wedding gown; she looked more radiant than ever. For a long part of his life she had held a special place in his heart and, judging by the amount of people here to help them celebrate, many other people cared for her too. Taking her small hand in his he kissed the smooth skin on the back of it softly. The bridesmaid looked on with tears in her eyes, desperately fanning her face trying to hold them back.
“You’ll smudge your eyeliner.” a velvety voice dripping with sarcasm whispered into Cat’s ear sending a shiver down her spine.
She batted Severus on the arm playfully “It’s an old muggle tradition to cry at weddings.”
“I see… it’s also traditional for the best man to end up in bed with the bridesmaid, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t look like a panda.” he added with a mischievous grin.
Shooting him her best “just you wait” expression she turned to look at Albus and Minerva, she was so happy for the pair of them. Maybe one day it would be her turn to be the blushing bride, but not just yet.

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AN - Thanks for all your reviews and support, I'm sorry not all of you enjoyed it, but those who did a big THANKYOU. In response to some comments, okay some of it is out of character, I apologise. Secondly, I wish I were like Cat, but she isn't me. Lastly, of course some of it is my own fantasy, isn't that what inspires most people to write?