Chapter Text
Since the Dark Lord was declared the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Rita announced to every magical being that Tom Marvolo Riddle was the new headmaster and was bonding with Potion Master Severus Snape, Hogwarts was flooded with good wishes as well as a few howlers. Gifts were scanned for potential dangers before being placed in a secure room down in the dungeons for Severus and the Dark Lord to review later. The house elves kept track of who sent what and when.
Minerva, Narcissa, and Amelia decided to follow the children's ideas on how to transform the Great Hall. Narcissa and Minerva weren't sure of how Luna arrived at her color scheme for the ceremony but it fit with Severus and the Dark Lord. Luna was able to craft a lovely shade of Slytherin Green that appeared almost creamy with slightly darker tones of the green in it. Neville was able to get the flowers from the greenhouses at Longbottom Manor as well as Hogwarts. Peonies were spread around the Great Hall with a few roses gracing different areas. The flowers matched Luna's color patterns with a few cream-colored flowers as well.
The Bonding Robes were Slytherin Green with black piping. The forearm part of the sleeves had the Slytherin Crest on the Dark Lord's and Severus' bore the Prince crest. Narcissa found ankle boots to match. Madam Malkin was able to visit and create ring bearer robes for Sebastian and Draco as well as a small robe for Chaos to wear. As the ring bearers, they would be wearing a darker shade of Slytherin Green than the robes Severus and the Dark Lord would be wearing. Neville and Luna were the ring bears and would be wearing cream robes.
The students were excited and Hogwarts was almost glowing with the power of the magic inside her halls. The staff, the students, the portraits, and the ghosts hadn't felt the full power of Hogwarts in such a long time, many started to wonder what Dumbledore had done to Hogwarts and the former students. The ICW had been at Hogwarts for a few days and many were learning just how badly Hogwarts had fallen behind while also a bit excited at the new changes and increase in staff for the new classes that would be offered.
The Dark Lord, Severus, Minerva, Lucius, and Lady Longbottom were pulling double duty in trying to arrange the bond ceremony, fix Hogwarts, get the mess that Dumbledore created out of every aspect of Hogwarts, and attempt to figure out what Dumbledore would do. As the day got closer to the bonding ceremony, Sirius got more worried. Severus was also worried and it was the one thing they agreed on. They wondered what Dumbledore would do once he learned of the ceremony.
Small flashback:
Severus was trying not to glare at Sirius as the man was talking to Sebastian. Severus wasn't concerned about Sirius removing Sebastian from his care but he still didn't like nor did he trust the overgrown man-child to be around his son. Sirius still loved to prank but he did admit it wasn't as harmful as he had been when he was a student nor did he just prank those in Slytherin. Sebastian was going to be spending the night in the dorm with Draco but he had visited Severus to have his assignments checked.
"Sebastian, head to your dorm. It's almost curfew." Severus wanted this conversation with Sirius over. Severus saw the concerned look his son gave him. He smiled at him. "It will be fine."
Sirius reassured Sebastian. Sebastian hugged Severus and left after saying good night. Severus pointed to a chair. "Sit."
"Severus, this won't take long. I am sincerely sorry for everything during our Hogwarts years. I should have been charged with attempted murder. Dumbledore should have never excused our actions. I can never make up for what I did. My parents were not happy when I wrote to them about what happened that night or during my years at Hogwarts. It was made very clear to me how much damage I did and while I could blame it on Dumbledore, a lot of it was my choice." Sirius held out his hand. "Please accept my sincere apologies. I will also have Lucius create a contract, if you desire, stating that I will never remove my son/godson from your care. I don't remember who bore him but I am going to assume James did. I am just thankful you will permit me to be part of his life."
Severus was a bit shocked but took Sirius' hand. "I do not believe a contract will be needed. I accept your apology. Dumbledore is responsible for many things and encouraging your actions is one of the many deeds that lead to that night. I am sure once we reviewed everything in the vaults, we will have more answers. I wish I could guarantee an answer on who carried Sebastian but we might never know. Sebastian only cares that he has another adult in his life who cares for him and that is all that matters to me."
Sirius smirked. "I don't think Lily or James would have ever expected us to end the mutual hatred but I am thankful we can do so."
end flashback
The Big Day:
Severus wasn't surprised to be woken up by his son and Chaos. He had spent most of the previous night working on potions as a way to relax. It didn't work. He had to take a calming draught to fall asleep. He wasn't nervous about who he was marrying but he was afraid Dumbledore or someone would ruin everything. Severus didn't have good luck and he was expecting something to ruin his happiness. Sebastian was sitting on his stomach staring down at him. "You do realize you have your own bed?"
"Yes, but today we become one."
Sebastian leaned forward and hugged Severus. Severus wrapped his arms around his son. "I am going to assume your Aunt Narcissa had a hand in waking you up this early?"
Sebastian laughed. "They are in the Great Hall making sure everything is right. Professor Kitty and Short Professor are fixing the hall so that no one can ruin the flowers."
"Let's get the day started." Severus cast a tempus. He almost sat upright in bed at the time. "Sebastian, the ceremony is in an hour!"
"Yes, that is why I woke you." Sebastian grinned at Severus. "Come on, Tina has got everything ready."
An hour later:
Severus was next to Lucius just outside of the Great Hall. "I am not being walked down the aisle."
"It is what the boys want." Lucius grinned. "Narcissa and Minerva added a long cream-colored runner for it as well." Severus rolled his eyes. "Severus, you knew what to expect when you got them involved as well as our kids. Be thankful that Neville was able to keep Luna, Draco, and Sebastian from including some of Hagrid's animals. I believe it was mentioned about you riding a Thestral drawn carriage to the front doors and having some cupids shooting love arrows into the air."
"I am aware. I was able to keep that idea from blooming." Severus sighed deeply. "Let's get this show going." Severus wasn't about to admit he was beyond happy and was eager to get bonded. He did have a reputation to keep up despite it being destroyed by his son and his friends. "The things I do."
Lucius smirked. "Yes, I can see the hardship." Lucius used his wand to open the Great Hall doors. Once the doors were opened, Neville and Luna started to walk down the runner, spreading flowers as they did so. Once they were at the front of the altar, Draco, Sebastian, and Chaos started their walk. Chaos decided to meow as he walked with Draco and Sebastian holding the cotton pillows the two rings were on. They were going to use satin but Sebastian didn't like the feel of the material. Once the trio arrived at the altar and were guided by Narcissa to sit, Severus and Lucius started their walk down the runner.
Madam Bones and Minerva were behind the altar waiting for them with the Dark Lord standing in front of the altar watching Severus walk down the runner. Severus tried not to smile as he walked closer to the Dark Lord. He wasn't even sure when Lucius moved behind him and guided his hand to the Dark Lord's. The Dark Lord gave his hand a kiss before taking Severus' other hand and doing the same.
"Welcome friends, family, students, and loved ones - all who come in peace to witness the union of Tom Marvolo Riddle and Severus Tobias Snape. We are here today to celebrate with them and to share in their triumph as they proclaim their love for one another and the bond their souls have formed together." Madam Bones smiled at those present.
"For those who may not be familiar, a Handfasting ceremony is a little different from a traditional wedding ceremony in that it recognizes that love, like life, is dynamic. Traditionally, these ceremonies were done in Celtic lands, and vows could be taken for a year, or they could be taken forever, because those Celtic ancestors understood that love changes from moment to moment, and that every couple is unique - as is every relationship." Minerva could see some of the muggle-born and half-bloods understood but were still a bit confused as many in the muggle world didn't have same-sex marriages or bindings.
"Tom and Severus have chosen to commit to one another today for the rest of their lives but they understand that the love they commit to is dynamic and fluid, and what we celebrate is the eternal connection between the souls of Tom and Severus, no matter what physical form their love may take." Madam Bones smiled.
"Having spent some time with Tom and Severus before agreeing to officiate their hand-binding, I’ve seen the evidence of that connection between these two souls. It’s in the way they smile when they see each other just coming into the room or when light up ever so slightly at the mention of either's name. It’s the gleam in their eyes when they talk about the other, or the way are when they are together. There’s no denying that these two souls are connected - and that is what we’ve gathered to celebrate - here in this moment - the love that Tom and Severus share between their spirits." Minerva was trying not to smile. She was so glad two lonely souls found each other and it had been a long time in coming.
Tom, Severus, let there be no mistake. While the tradition of hand binding recognizes and accepts love as dynamic in nature, it is not to be entered into lightheartedly, because it is a sacred vow. The vows you make today signify that your souls are bound eternally, whether or not your bodies are. You make these vows today with the understanding that you are committing to be a partner with one another and to honor the connection your souls now share with one another. These vows are sacred, and they should not easily be broken, as you make them to one another in the site of these loved ones as witnesses. Knowing this, Tom and Severus is it your intent to enter into this commitment to one another?" Madam Bones looked at the pair.
Tom and Severus: It is.
Minerva and Madam Bones: Then let us begin.
Minerva stepped back so that Madam Bones would do the vows. "Tom and Severus, you will be making six vows in total to one another before me and these witnesses. For each, I will ask Tom for his commitment first, then I will ask Severus. Once they have both affirmed, we will move to the next vow. Tom, will you share in Severus' pain, and seek to protect him from it and ease him of it?"
Tom: I will.
Madam Bones: Severus, will you share in Tom’s pain, and seek to protect him from it and ease him of it?
Severus: I will
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so. Tom, will you share in Severus' joy, rejoice in it with him, and look for the best in him always?
Tom: I will.
Madam Bones: Severus, will you share in Tom's joy, rejoice in it with him, and look for the best in him always?
Severus: I will.
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so. Tom, will you share in Severus' hardships and toil, so that the two of you may grow together?
Tom: I will.
Madam Bones: Severus will you share in Tom’s hardships and toil, so that the two of you may grow together?
Severus: I will.
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so. Tom, will you share in Severus’ dreams and work with him to fulfill them?
Tom: I will.
Severus, will you share in Tom’s dreams and work with him to fulfill them?
Severus: I will.
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so. Tom, will you use your anger to strengthen and temper the bond between you and Severus?
Tom: I will.
Severus, will you use your anger to strengthen and temper the bond between you and Tom?
Severus: I will.
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so. Tom, will you honor and respect Severus, treating him as an equal in this bond?
Tom: I will.
Severus, will you honor and respect Tom, treating him as an equal in this bond?
Severus: I will.
Madam Bones: Then let the binding be so.
Madam Bones stepped back as Minerva moved forward. She nodded to Draco and Sebastian who rose and handed her the rings that were on the pillows. "Now that the binding ceremony is complete, it’s time to seal your bond with the exchange of rings. The ring has a special significance within Wiccan, Pagan, and Celtic cultures because it is a symbol of unbrokenness. It is also a symbol of completion - as the two of you are now complete. Tom, please repeat after me: I, Tom Marvolo Riddle, promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us."
Tom stared at Severus as he repeated the words.
"Severus, please repeat after me: I, Severus Tobias Snape, promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help you navigate the maze of life together as our love grows with us."
Severus ignored the slight wetness around his eyes as he repeated the vow.
Madam Bones and Minerva picked up a ring. Severus took the one from Minerva while Madam Bones handed the other to Tom. They smiled as the rings were placed on the ring finger of each man. "We have the honor of announcing Tom and Severus, having proclaimed the bond of your souls together in the sight of these witnesses, and based on the strength of that bond, pronounce you bonded. Please seal your bond with a kiss!"
The Dark Lord pulled Severus toward him and kissed him with the fervor he had been denied since he saw him walking down the runner. Sebastian started cheering as they kissed proclaiming his new papa wasn't biting his mommy. Severus groaned as the Dark Lord chuckled at those words. Lucius and Narcissa were taking pictures as well as everyone else.