The Wedding

Once again, I would like to thank my wonderful betas, JENGEORGE and NervousAboutAngels, for helping me to make this a better story. I must also thank the admins here at TPP. They are truly amazing, and also very kind and tolerant of my many grammar and punctuation bungles...

And, of course, the great and talented J. K. Rowling is responsible for the characters and their world. I make no money from the writing or sharing of this story.

Chapter 23

"Anger and Jealousy Finally Abated,

On With the Wedding, Long Awaited"

The next day, Severus woke early and sent his Patronus to ask Sienna what time he was expected. He was delighted with her reply of, "The sooner the better, and expect to have lunch and dinner with us." So he showered and dressed, then called Winky and Apparated to the ashram.

Sienna was waiting in her quarters and greeted them with open arms. With the previous night's events fresh on his mind, Severus held on to her a little tighter and quite a bit longer than usual. Then he lightly kissed her on the lips.

"We have a lot to talk about," he said with a touch of apprehension in his voice.

"Babaji will help us work everything out. I'm sure of it." She comforted him.

Then she turned to Winky. "He also says, Winky, that you are free to explore the grounds while Severus is here. We have told the others about you, and you might get a few stares, but they may as well get used to you since you'll be in the wedding."

"Winky, in the wedding?" asked Winky and Severus in unison.

"Well, of course. You'll be my Maid of Honor – that is unless you don't want to..."

"Oh, no, Winky would LOVE to be Miss Sienna's Maid of Honor." She quivered with excitement as she bowed deeply, her nose almost scraping the ground.

Severus became concerned. "But that means I will have to come up with a Best Man. I can think of no one, unless we are willing to reveal your continued existence. I'm afraid there is no one I can trust with that information. It would be too risky."

"Don't worry." She grinned slyly. "You'll think of someone."

She walked out into the bright noon sun, leaving him and Winky standing there very puzzled.

"Well, come on, time for lunch."

She led them to the smallest building in the ashram complex. It was a simple hut that looked as if a stiff wind would make short work of it. The walls were made of mud, with a roof of thatched reeds and grasses. A small window was cut into the wall, with no glass or screen to keep out the insects. Beside it stood the only door, which opened as they approached.

Out stepped Babaji, radiating a halo of positive energy that Severus could feel from several feet away. He opened his arms wide and smiled broadly at the three of them, inviting Sienna's embrace.

"Master!"

As Babaji wrapped his arms around Sienna, Severus noticed his expression change to one of concern. But it vanished as they pulled away from each other. He then reached for Severus' outstretched hand and pulled him in for a hug as well. Severus was alarmed at first. He was not accustomed to hugging men. His father had never showed him affection of any kind. But as Babaji's incredible energy began to permeate his being, he relaxed and found himself enjoying the experience.

Then Babaji got down on his knees to hug Winky. Her tennis-ball eyes grew even wider with amazement that a human would go to such trouble to show her affection. She recoiled in fright.

"It's OK, Winky." Babaji reached out his hand to her. "I won't bite, I promise."

"Winky can feel Master Babaji's power," she replied, trembling. "Such power as Winky has never known." She prostrated herself at his feet. He gently caressed the top of her head, and she slowly looked up. His touch seemed to give her courage as she cautiously rose to her feet and looked into his eyes, black and deep as outer space.

"To be touched by such a powerful wizard is an honor above all others." She bowed low to him.

Babaji laughed out loud. "I am not a wizard!"

"But Master," protested Sienna, "you can do anything a wizard can do and much more. Perhaps she can sense this."

"Indeed she can." Babaji smiled back at Winky and held his arms out once again for a hug. Winky cautiously approached him, and they lightly embraced. When he let her go, she ran back between Severus and Sienna and watched him with continued reverence from the safety of their legs.

"You can do anything a wizard can do?" asked Severus, understandably skeptical.

"Oh, he's much more powerful than any wizard," piped up Sienna proudly. "He can--"

"Now, now, my child." Babaji cut her off. "Let's not bore your fiancé with such trifles."

Sienna looked fit to burst. There were obviously many things she wished to tell him about Babaji, and Severus was understandably curious. Perhaps a little reverse psychology would get him to open up.

"More powerful than any wizard? I don't believe it. Winky..." He turned and looked down at the elf between his legs. "... you must be imagining things."

"Your thoughts betray you, Severus Snape," Babaji reminded him. "But I can see that you need some convincing... Hungry?"

"I could eat," he replied.

Babaji held out his hand, palm up, and in it appeared a large, juicy, red apple.

"That's easy," Severus snorted. "Wizards can replicate food. Your kitchen is right over there somewhere. I smell a delicious lunch in the making."

"Yes," Sienna defended Babaji, "but apples don't grow up here. We have no apples in our kitchen. In fact, there probably isn't an apple for 50 miles around!"

"I didn't replicate it, Severus Snape. I created it."

Severus glared at him in disbelief.

"I rearranged the molecules in the surrounding space to make the apple. All of the elements are here around us. They only needed to be rearranged in the proper sequence."

Severus felt an intellectual excitement that he hadn't felt since his first day at Hogwarts. "Can you teach others how to do that? Can you teach me?" The idea of being able to rearrange the molecules around him brought an infinite influx of ideas into his head. He could kill Voldemort with a single thought! He could save Potter and so many others. The possibilities were endless.

"I hear your ideas, Severus Snape." Babaji's tone was reserved, almost sad. "You, as well as everyone else here, has the potential to do this and so much more. But it would take decades for you to acquire the discipline. And, once acquired, you would also have gained the wisdom to understand that karma would tie your hands in such matters.

"And as for your next question..." Babaji continued to read his thoughts. "... yes, I could destroy Voldemort with a single thought... from here, right now. But I will not interfere with the intricate karmic patterns that are playing out as a result of his rise to power. Some will die, some will suffer the heartbreaking losses of their loved ones, some will become heroes, etcetera.

"I will tell you this much: Voldemort will eventually be defeated, but it will come at a great price. Just keep in mind, as you watch your friends die, that death is simply a doorway into a different type of existence. We step back and forth through that doorway each time we die and each time we reincarnate. It is the world, the life on the other side of that door that is more important. Someday you will understand."

Severus stared into the limitless depths of Babaji's eyes. He tried to wrap his mind around those words, but it was difficult. He had not grown up with the concepts of karma or reincarnation. He didn't fully understand them yet. But somewhere, deep in his subconscious, he knew they were real.

"Now..." Babaji handed the apple to Severus. "... let's eat some lunch. Then we can get on to the first counseling session."

Babaji led them to a sprawling two story structure with a kitchen and cafeteria on the first floor. Sienna informed him that a meeting and recreation area occupied the second floor.

The sumptuous meal that was laid before him filled Severus to the brim. He was surprised that he could find lentil and potato soup and pita bread filled with beans, mixed greens, and humus so appealing.

Once the meal was finished and the plates manually cleared, Babaji led Sienna and Severus outside to a little gazebo by a small river. Its hurried waters rushed over the rocks, creating a soothing sound. As they took their seats, Severus could see blue/white snow covered mountains rising up beyond the trees. The natural beauty of his surroundings had been lost to the darkness on his first visit. Between the intricate formal gardens, the lotus pond, and the mountains, he could easily see why Sienna spent most of her summers here.

Anticipating his question once again, Babaji pointed at the mountains. "Those, of course, are the mighty Himalayas. This..." he swept his arm to make reference to the rushing river. "... is the Ganges, which originates up there a bit farther. We are in the northern area of Uttar Pradesh. But no one can find this place if I don't want them to... Not even Voldemort himself."

Having his mind read was beginning to make Severus uncomfortable.

"You have absolutely nothing to fear, as long as you are here," he reassured him.

"Now, on to the task at hand. The first thing you both must do is clear the air between you, 'come clean,' if you will. Although you both love each other very much and want this marriage to work, you are both hiding something. And that is no way to start out. So, divulge your secrets. I will come back when you are finished. Then we will talk about any further concerns you may have." He paused for a moment, looking back and forth at each of them. "Hold nothing back – or I will know!"

His eyes rested on Severus with that last statement, which made him shift in his chair uncomfortably. Sienna smirked.

"That goes for you, too!" Babaji chided her. She blushed and began to inspect her toenails.

Babaji grinned impishly and walked away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.

"Well, shall you start, or would you like me to?"

"Oh, I'll go first," she said with resignation. "Best get it over with."

Severus stared at her with eyebrows raised. He couldn't help but wonder if her confession would include lustful thoughts for her handsome and sexy Master, with his tan skin and muscular hairless chest.

But no thoughts of this kind were forthcoming. Instead, Sienna reached down the neck of her tunic and pulled up a gold heart shaped locket on a long gold chain. There was a beautiful "S" inlaid in platinum on the front. It was not the same ornate "S" of Slytherin House. This "S" had an Arabic flair to its design.

A curious look crossed Severus' face as she held it out and pushed the tiny button on the side to pop it open. The inside right pocket, to his surprise, contained a tiny photo of himself smiling back at him. His photo raised his eyebrows and gave a slight nod, then looked down. The scene repeated over and over. The other half of the locket held an empty photo. Severus' face became a puzzle. Not only was it odd for her to have a recent photo of him (since he didn't remember sitting for one), but it seemed even more strange that she would have an empty photo across from his. He looked up at her, full of questions. Before he could voice them, however, she began to speak.

"Albus gave it to me for my 20th birthday. He had Colin Creevey sit behind me at lunch one day and wait until you looked at me to take the picture. It was during my sixth year, when you were being nice to me. You never smiled at me my seventh year... broke my heart," she added almost under her breath.

"Yes, about your seventh year and the way I treated you--"

"No, it's my turn. You can talk later," she corrected him.

Severus felt perturbed at the interruption, but remained silent. His thought returned to the mysterious empty photo across from his, and he was about to ask her about it...

"That used to be a photo of Albus, waving and blowing a kiss at me." She chuckled. "But after he died, I opened the locket, and he was gone. I don't understand it. It must have been tied to him somehow. When he left this world, it left with him."

Suddenly, an idea dawned on Severus. "Dumbledore! Have you got a minute?"

Sienna looked at him as if he had lost his mind, but a moment later her eyes jumped back to the locket as she heard Dumbledore's voice!

"Ah, there you are, Severus. I wondered why I hadn't seen you in the office today. You're with our girl!"

"Albus!!" She squealed with delight. "Where have you been?"

"Why, in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, of course."

"But I didn't know – oh this is wonderful!" She looked back at Severus. Tears started to well up. "Thank you." She looked at him lovingly then turned back to the locket.

"Albus, I've missed you so much. How are you?"

"I'm dead, my dear. What you see before you is just an imprint of my consciousness. I left it for you because I knew that I would soon be dead, but you would still need my comfort as well as my counsel. I should have mentioned that the locket needs to be open if I am to hear you calling, so I can come for a visit."

"So all I need to do, if I want to speak with you is open the locket and call your name?"

"That's it, my dear. But now is not the time. I imagine you two have quite a bit to discuss with a wedding in the offing. So, if you will excuse me..."

"I'll see you later!" she called after him.

Then she turned back to Severus. "All this time... I never knew." She shook her head with amazement, closed the locket and dropped it back behind the cloth of her tunic.

"I love him so much," she confessed, finally. "I think that if it hadn't been for you, I might have fallen in love with him, in spite of the age difference. We took to each other like ducks to water... instant friends. I miss his hugs most of all. Such warm, wonderful hugs... no strings attached." Her voice trailed off. Severus noticed a lone tear meander down her cheek. He reached up and gently wiped it away with his thumb, as the rest of his fingers caressed the side of her face. He searched her eyes for more information. He knew she must tell him a lot more than that to fulfil Babaji's criteria. His look coaxed her into continuing.

"One night, late last spring, he called me to his quarters. You had already been to give him that potion, which by then was a waste of time. After I worked my healing techniques on him, he had the strength to get up and lead me into the secret room." She stopped suddenly and glared at Severus. "You already know, don't you?" She seemed angry with him for knowing. "And you were just going to let me ramble on!"

"I wanted to hear your version," he admitted, not a trace of regret in his voice.

"But how do you know? Did Albus' portrait tell you, or did he before he died?"

"Neither, actually. I found a memory of the incident in a dresser drawer inside the room itself. I viewed it in the Pensieve."

Her eyes grew wide, and she turned beet red. "You saw the kiss, too, didn't you?"

"Yes." His lip curled with amusement at her embarrassment.

"I would have tried anything to help him feel better."

"I know," Severus reassured her. "It was all my fault anyway... the cruel way I treated you all year. I'm amazed you didn't run off with someone else all together."

"But you heard the conversation after the kiss, so you know that thought had never entered my mind."

"I know," he admitted, gratefully.

"It's funny. I could feel that part of Albus wanted to kiss me, but part of him was very uncomfortable with the idea. I'm not sure why, since I couldn't read his thoughts back then. But the hug was a different story. There was so much love wrapped up in that hug. I could have stayed in his arms all weekend, perhaps for the rest of my life." She gazed into Severus' coal black eyes, searching for understanding, tolerance. She patted the locket under her tunic. "I will always love Albus. I will always need him. We are tied together in a way I can't explain. I love you with all my heart, and my life will be devoted to your happiness once we are married, but there will always be a part of me that belongs to Albus Dumbledore. I only hope you can understand."

Severus heaved a huge sigh of relief as he knew that her admission just made his speech about Lily much easier to give.

He took a deep breath and began at the beginning, with their childhood friendship. He led her all the way through his confession to Dumbledore and his plea to protect her and her family, his meltdown in the office when he learned of her tragic death, and finally, his first dream where Lily came to visit. He admitted that Lily still watched over him and urged him to open his heart to Sienna. But it was with great reservation that he finally admitted to Sienna that Lily had planted the vision of him in her mind.

"So you see," he finally concluded, "if it wasn't for my undying love for her, there probably would never have been an us."

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," Sienna said with a coy smile.

"I hope you don't mind sharing me with her, at least in my dreams. My heart is big enough for both of you."

"If you can share my heart with Albus." She smiled again.

"Deal." Severus held out his hand for her to shake.

Just then Babaji appeared, it seemed, out of thin air. "Well, it looks as though you have both 'come clean,' as it were. And since neither of you have any concerns, you have no need for my counsel on this matter. So I will leave you two once again, this time to enjoy each other's company until dinner. Tour the grounds, go for a hike, or just sit and enjoy the view. I dare say it rivals any in the world! Dinner will be served promptly at six. See you then!" With a smile and a slight bow, Babaji vanished.

Severus turned to Sienna with a puzzled look over what he had just witnessed, but before he could open his mouth to ask, she answered.

"I don't think he was really here just now. He's probably meditating somewhere and just used astral projection to give us that message."

"You know you could let me actually ask the question first before you answer it." He pursed his lips in annoyance.

"It's just that telepathy is so much more efficient. As humans evolve spiritually, more and more people will learn to communicate this way."

"Well, I'm obviously not there yet."

"Sorry." She rolled her eyes at him.

"I guess these sorts of things will be covered in counseling session number two?"

"Probably," she admitted.

"Let's hope so." He glared at her in mock irritation.

Later that night, Severus sat in the throne-like chair behind his desk at Hogwarts, looking at the empty frame that usually held Dumbledore's portrait. As soon as he and Winky had left, he figured Sienna must have summoned her best friend to talk. They had a lot of catching up to do, after all. Better get used to it, he thought to himself, since he now had to share the old man with Sienna. At least she would soon be here with him, and they could have a three-way conversation.

He turned instead to Phineas Nigellus to see if he had any more news of Potter and his friends. It was only last week that Hermione Granger had summoned him to his other portrait that she took from number twelve, Grimmauld Place. Even though she had blindfolded him, he could tell that she was with Potter and the Weasley boy from the conversation they had had. And they asked many questions about the Sword of Gryffindor. But they had not summoned him again, and after the blindfold business on his first visit, he informed Severus that he had no intention of going back.

"You must go, if you are asked. And I would appreciate it if you could keep your ears open as to their location," requested Severus. "It is of the utmost importance that I keep up with their movements and intentions as accurately as possible."

"All right, keep your knickers on, I'll listen when I can," droned Phineas.

Just then, Dumbledore's rear end came into view. Severus could hear him bidding Sienna goodbye, with a promise to return the next day.

"Finally!" complained Severus as Dumbledore turned in his direction.

"Well, if you're going to be rude, I'll just go back to India!" He began to turn away.

"No, please! I need to speak with you," Severus implored him. "Must be nice to be in such demand."

"Yes, it's quite a good feeling." Dumbledore beamed at him from his central perch on the wall. "Now, what's so important?"

"Well, I have a bit of a problem that I hope you can shed some light on."

"I'll do my best."

"Did she tell you that Winky is to be her Maid of Honor?"

"She mentioned it, yes. Is that the problem?"

"Only because it means that I must now come up with a Best Man... Any suggestions?"

"What about Hagrid? You've always liked him."

"I thought about him, but he keeps a secret like a sieve keeps water. No one else must know she's still alive."

"Oh, that's right... Well, who already knows?"

"Her mother, Winky, and the people at the ashram, but other than Babaji, who will be performing the ceremony, I don't know any of them."

"Hmmm. I see your quandary. Perhaps you should take a different approach. Who is your best friend?"

"With the position I've put myself in, I have no friends."

"Aren't I still your friend?"

Severus glared at him and snorted. "Yes, but you're a bit two dimensional to pass for a Best Man, don't you think?"

"I resemble that remark!" joked Dumbledore.

Severus ignored him. "Besides, your portrait is stuck to its hinge with a Permanent Sticking Charm. I wouldn't want to take it down even if I could because then we'd need a new hiding place for the Sword of Gryffindor."

"You don't have to take it down. I could just move to Sienna's locket for the ceremony."

"Oh, please, that tiny picture? No one could see you except me, her and--"

"What does that matter? You're the only ones who need to see me."

Severus was becoming impatient, but Dumbledore wasn't going to take "no" for an answer.

"What does the Best Man do, anyway?"

"I'm not sure. I've never been in a wedding before. Perhaps hand the groom the ring? Which reminds me, I need to buy one this week. Think your brother would make the purchase for me?"

"I don't see why not... So, the Best Man delivers the ring... Oh, that's easy then. Open the locket, set it on a chair beside you and put the ring in front of it on the chair. Then you can simply reach down and take it when the proper time comes, as if I had handed it to you."

Severus sighed heavily. How sad, he thought, that his life had been reduced to this, with a portrait of a dead man as his only friend. He looked at Dumbledore with tired eyes. "I guess it's settled then," he muttered in defeat. He turned slowly and headed for his private quarters, dragging his lead feet with each step.

"What's the matter? You should be happy! Another problem solved!" Dumbledore called after him cheerfully.

Somehow, it just wasn't enough to cheer him up.

*****

The uneventful week passed at a snail's pace, but Saturday morning finally arrived, and Severus could hardly wait to see Sienna again. She was the only bright spot in his otherwise dreary life. Dumbledore's portrait went back and forth between the two of them to arrange the time that Severus and Winky were to arrive. Sienna's mother had already been informed of the wedding on Sunday and had been invited to spend Saturday night at the ashram to help Sienna prepare. Winky would fetch her in time for Saturday night's rehearsal dinner.

Severus had finally gotten used to the idea of a locket acting as his Best Man, and Sienna was, of course, delighted with his choice. She had planned to wear the locket open around her neck anyway, so Dumbledore could see the ceremony and participate in any way he could.

After breakfast, he called Professor McGonagall into his office to let her know he would be absent for the weekend.

"Where are you going?"

"None of your business!" he replied curtly.

She puffed herself up in defense. "So what do you need me for?"

"You are, after all, still the Deputy Headmistress, are you not?"

"I suppose I am." She raised an eyebrow. She obviously had not expected anything like this when she was called.

"Then, you shall be in charge during my absence. I don't foresee any problems, but one never knows in times such as these."

"Are you sure you want me in charge? I would have expected Alecto or Amycus to be your choice."

"They know nothing about running a school such as this. They can barely run a classroom," he admitted with irritation. "But they are aware of my plans, and they will be keeping a close watch on your actions for me. So don't try anything foolish." His eyes turned to slits as he regarded her with suspicion.

He then swept from the room and headed for Hogsmeade, his long black cloak billowing behind him. He had prearranged to meet Winky with the clothes he would need in the back room of the Hog's Head so it would appear that he was Disapparating to points unknown in the usual manner.

When Severus and Winky arrived in Sienna's quarters, she sent Winky to the kitchen to help with the rehearsal dinner and led Severus around to Babaji's quarters to get the final counseling session out of the way; something that Severus figured at this point was simply a waste of his time.

The mud hut stood where it had the last time, looking as shabby and simple as ever. They knocked and entered after hearing his "come in" float out through the window. But instead of a mattress on the dirt floor with a dresser, which is what Severus thought he had seen through the door last week, the floor was covered in tile, and Babaji sat behind a desk in a comfortable chair with two inviting padded chairs in front of it for them. He stood as they entered and came around the desk for the usual hug. Again, Severus noticed Babaji's look of concern when he hugged Sienna. He wondered what sort of look crossed the guru's face when he was hugged.

"So good to see you again, Severus Snape," exclaimed Babaji. "Please, have a seat."

Severus felt Babaji's penetrating stare and knew he was doing more than reading his mind. He was looking into Sev's soul, the way Dumbledore used to do. He hoped that the guru would come to the conclusion that he had truly changed, deep down, from the selfish, insecure young man who had foolishly joined the Death Eaters so long ago, to the man who sat before him. He was such a different person now. But was he worthy of Sienna? Her heart was so pure, not tainted like his. She didn't have his emotional baggage, and she was so much more forgiving. The world had not had the chance to harden her heart. Perhaps Babaji had tried to talk her out of going through with it. A flood of doubts and worries began to fill Sev's head when Babaji spoke again to still his fears.

"We meet here today to be sure that you two go into this union with the proper attitude. I only feel this is necessary because neither of you are used to sharing your world with anyone. You are both loners to an extreme. It will not be easy to share your bed or living quarters. There will need to be compromises, concessions. Things will not always go as you wish. I am here to help you put the small irritations of life into proper perspective. Learning the arts of communication and compromise can mean the difference between a successful marriage and a failed one.

"When you find yourselves picking at each other over insignificant issues, ask yourself this question: will this matter five years from now? If the answer is 'no' then it should not matter now either. Give in; let it go, because it is a small thing and not worth creating bad feelings between you.

"I believe that you have already come across such an issue, yes?"

Sienna looked at Severus, a bit puzzled. Then she smiled. She knew he was thinking about the mind reading issue and could have provided the answer but took Babaji's advice and kept her mouth shut.

Severus furrowed his brow and regarded her suspiciously. "Oh, go ahead, say it. Or perhaps I'm the only one here that requires speech at all." He scowled back and forth between the two of them, irritation spreading strongly across his face.

"Case in point, Severus Snape." Babaji chuckled at his reaction. "Since her death and resuscitation, Sienna can read your thoughts. I have always had that ability. It is just the way we are. We can no more change that about ourselves than you can change the fact that you are a wizard. I imagine that your father found it very disconcerting to learn that your mother had such power. And although it will be a source of irritation for you at times, I can also see how her unique ability will be used to your advantage on several occasions in the future. Before your life is over, her ability to read others' thoughts will become something you are grateful for. Trust me. It may take some getting used to, but it will be worth the trouble in the long run.

"And as for you, young lady..." He looked scornfully at Sienna. "... flaunting your powers is greatly frowned upon. You know better. For the sake of your husband's comfort, I expect that you can extend him the common courtesy of letting him speak before you respond to his concerns. Eventually he will get used to the idea of your telepathy, but until that time comes, you must remember to use restraint."

"Yes, sir," Sienna responded meekly.

They continued their discussion about compromise and tolerance and not letting the small stuff get in the way of their love for each other. Babaji warned them that maintaining a good marriage was a lot of work, and they should not expect it all to come from the other side.

Later that evening at the rehearsal, the vows were modified to fit their unique situations with Lily and Albus. Severus sat next to Sienna's mum at dinner and couldn't stop apologizing for setting her house on fire. She had no problem forgiving him, however, since it completed the illusion of Sienna's death, insuring her safety from a relentless Voldemort.

She had also brought a blank marriage certificate for them to fill out. Once the war was won and Sienna could come out of hiding, it could go on file at the Ministry. It surprised Severus to learn than many people chose to marry on their death beds, for various reasons, so it was necessary for the hospital to keep such forms handy.

As Severus walked Sienna back to her quarters at the end of the night, they kept the conversation light. "So you've got a dress?"

"Yes, Winky made one for me. It's simple, but very elegant. I think you'll like it."

"I'm sure it will be fine. I have your ring. Aberforth actually made the purchase in Diagon Alley for me a couple of days ago. I popped over there Tuesday afternoon and had a look in Nitaarzine's Jewelry store, then went back and told Aberforth what to get and gave him the money. It's goblin made. Hope you like it." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. She opened it cautiously, and he watched with delight as her eyes grew wide with wonder.

"Oh, it's beautiful." She paused for a moment. Severus thought she might start to cry. It sat up proudly in its box, all shiny and glittering of white gold, with a filigree pattern etched along the outside and a modest diamond solitaire sitting in a low profile setting. Simple, yet elegant.

"It isn't much, but it's all I could afford on a headmaster's salary," he apologized.

"Oh, no, it's perfect. Anything ostentatious would get in my way." She looked deep into his coal black eyes.

Hers sparkled like moonlight on water. As usual, he wanted to get lost in them. Soon, he thought to himself. Tomorrow night is almost here...

"It has an inscription inside," he informed her.

She gingerly removed the ring from its box and looked closely. In tiny script she could just make out the message. "To S and A, with love from S and L." She chuckled and gazed again into his eyes.

"I have no money to buy anything," she admitted, but Mum recovered Dad's ring from the fire. It is also goblin made, so the fire couldn't hurt it. Here, let's see if it fits." She ducked into her quarters and returned a moment later with her father's ring. Thick and yellow gold, with no obvious decoration, it suited Sev's minimalist taste and, as luck would have it, fit perfectly. He took it off and handed it back to her. "Wait! Look at your inscription," she insisted.

He held it up to the light to read the miniscule letters on the inside. "S & L + S & A forever." He smirked at her. "Did you know what I was going to write in yours?"

"No!" She became adamant. "I swear I had no idea."

He still eyed her suspiciously. But then his face softened as he remembered Babaji's lecture from earlier. "Doesn't matter. It's perfect as well."

"It's getting late. I guess we'd better get some sleep. Do you know where the guest quarters are?"

"Yes, over there somewhere." Severus pointed off into the darkness. "I'm sure someone can show me. By the way, where do you want to go for our wedding night?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Babaji offered to let us use his quarters."

Severus scowled at this thought. Even with the newly added tile floor, there was no bathroom, no curtains on the wall. It was tiny and dusty, probably overrun with insects at certain times of the day... Not his idea of a good time. "You've got to be kidding! I'd rather just go back to the castle!"

"Oh, don't worry. He'll fix it up for us. It will be perfect. You'll see." Her smile became devilish.

Severus still felt extremely apprehensive about it but let the matter rest. The amazing Babaji was always full of surprises.

He reached down and took Sienna into his arms, one last time as a single man. Her passion filled his heart, mind and body with thoughts of tomorrow; then he easily found his way to the guest quarters with a bounce in his step and a glow in his soul.

*****

The morning sun shone through the tiny window of the guest house after what felt to Severus to be only a few short hours. He assumed his internal clock had not yet adjusted to the four and a half hour difference between Great Britain and India, but since he didn't sleep well last night, he forced himself out of bed anyway. He busied himself with a shower, breakfast, and continually getting in the way of the ashramites as they set up for the wedding and reception. No matter who he asked about helping, they all told him to go relax and get ready. But he had nothing to do and no one to talk with, and he was not allowed to see Sienna until the actual ceremony. As he wandered the grounds he finally ran into Winky as she took Sienna's breakfast dishes back to the kitchen. She had eaten in her quarters, where her mother was now helping her get dressed. Did it take two hours to put on a wedding gown?

"Winky, is there anything I can help you with?" he begged for an occupation.

"Headmaster Snape sir wishes to help Winky?" Her tennis-ball eyes grew even wider. "Oh no, sir, Winky is helping Miss Sienna ma'am and her mum. Headmaster Snape sir must not see Miss Sienna until the wedding. It would be bad luck."

"I know that, Winky..." He thought for a moment. "Then could you do something for me, just something quick?"

"Winky will be glad to take time out to help Headmaster Snape sir. What does Headmaster Snape sir need from Winky?"

"Could you please go get Sienna's locket and bring it to me? It seems that will be the only thing I am left to do. At least I can talk to Dumbledore to pass the time." He felt quite left out and forlorn about this whole ordeal. No one would let him help with anything. It would only take a few minutes for him to don his dress robes.

"Winky will be right back, Headmaster Snape, sir. Don't go away!"

At this point, Severus felt that he could disappear, and no one would notice until the ceremony started. He was beginning to think this whole big deal was a big mistake instead. Perhaps it would have been better if they had just eloped...

"Here is the locket, Headmaster Snape, sir."

"Thanks, so much, Winky," he said with a sincere smile.

She bowed and ran off back towards Sienna's quarters.

Severus opened the locket. The picture of Dumbledore was empty. All he saw was himself, smiling benignly, then looking down. He wondered if he could enchant the picture so it would come alive for Sienna if anything should happen to him. He was Headmaster now, after all, and someday his portrait would hang in the office, just like all the others. He made a mental note to research the enchantment when they got back to the castle.

He walked leisurely over to the temple and sat on one of the many meditation pillows positioned in nice neat rows all over the floor. "Dumbledore!"

"Ah, there you are. I've been wondering when you would get here."

"But I've been here."

"Yes, but I couldn't see you. So from my point of view, you just got here."

"Whatever." Severus pursed his lips in irritation.

"Merlin's beard, man, you don't plan to wear that to your wedding?"

"And what's wrong with this?" he asked indignantly, looking down at his usual black clothes.

"It's a wedding, not a funeral, for Merlin's sake! Lighten up! If I were still alive, I'd loan you one of my finest lavender dress robes."

Severus snorted with laughter. "Lavender? I don't think so. But if you must know, lots of men wear black to weddings. A black tuxedo is very classy attire for the groom. And I have a bow tie that will go under my collar here..." He indicated the placement around his neck. "... and my finest silk dress robe. It is black, of course, but with the faintest hint of iridescence."

"Iridescence?" Dumbledore couldn't help but poke some fun at the former Potions master. "Severus Snape, clothes horse, always on the cutting edge of the fashion world."

"Very funny." Severus smirked. "I haven't had 150 years to collect unique dress robes and interesting cloaks like someone else I know."

"A lot of good they do me now that I'm dead. What did you do with them all, by the way?"

"I have no idea. By the time I became Headmaster, all of your clothes and personal items had been cleaned out of your quarters."

"Pity. Well, I hope they went to a good cause."

"I could always ask Minerva when I get back. She would know what happened to them."

"For that matter, I could ask her. She's sitting at the desk right now..." and Dumbledore walked out of the frame before Severus could voice an objection.

"Great. Alone again." Severus sat and stared at the locket, waiting for Dumbledore's return.

"How can you say you're alone in an ashram full of people?" came the startlingly clear voice of Babaji from behind him.

Severus twisted around to see the guru dressed as usual, in only a loin cloth. He had a glowing radiance about him, also as usual, and his presence lifted Sev's spirits considerably.

"You are not alone, I assure you," the guru said with a smile. "In fact, you are united in spirit with all of humanity, only you are not aware of it."

"Then why do I feel so isolated most of the time?"

"Probably because you have been afraid of getting hurt again. But now that you believe you have an 'invincible gift,' you don't have to worry about losing her."

"You know about the prophecy?" Severus once again became amazed by Babaji's omnipotence.

"Of course. And it has so far been misinterpreted by everyone who has heard it."

Severus' face mirrored his inner confusion.

"Let me explain... You assumed that when she came back to life she must have reached her full potential."

"Well, of course – she must be invincible if she can bring herself back from a deadly curse."

"But she has not yet reached her full potential. And even when she does, it will not mean that her body is indestructible, nor will it mean that the organization that holds her loyalty will be invincible."

"I don't understand. Then what does it mean? And what will it possibly take for her to reach her full potential?"

Babaji sat down on the cushion closest to Severus and put his hand on his shoulder. Severus could feel a vibrant transfer of joyous yet tranquil energy. It was infectious.

"It is a spiritual prophecy, not a physical one. She will reach her full potential when she becomes fully enlightened. And with that will come an awareness that the energy of spirit can never be destroyed, hence the awareness of being invincible."

"But her body can still die?"

"It can, and eventually, it will. She is not meant to have a perpetual existence on this earth like I am. Not in this life anyway."

"So the prophecy only refers to the eternal nature of her spirit?" Severus became obviously disappointed at this less dramatic interpretation.

Babaji smiled. "...only refers... I guess that's what I should expect from someone like you."

Severus pulled his shoulder away from Babaji's hand and scowled. "What do you mean by that?" he asked defensively.

Babaji shook his head and laughed, making Severus even more incensed. "I don't mean to insult you. Please, let me explain"

Severus' scowl began to fade, but he still needed more information before he could let go of his defensive posture.

"When I refer to 'someone like you,' I mean only that you, like most of humanity, are deeply rooted in the mundane physical world. Notions of the spirit are considered trifling and unimportant, when in fact, we all come back here lifetime after lifetime with one goal: to advance spiritually. Unfortunately, most people forget that when they are reborn and plug away at only the things that their five physical senses tell them are important. So when you said 'only refers to the eternal nature of her spirit,' it showed me just how far behind her you are, because from my point of view, as well as hers, nothing is more important."

Severus began to feel quite small and insignificant. Doubts of his worthiness began once again to creep into his mind.

"Please don't infer that I think you will hold her back!" Babaji assured him. "She loves you – she needs you, more than you know. Your life together will help her advance spiritually. In fact, it already has. And hopefully, she can return the favor by helping you learn to be more forgiving, by letting go of your hate. She was correct when she told you it was a waste of energy."

Severus thought back to one of their conversations about Potter when she urged him to let go of his negative feelings. He searched the universe in Babaji's eyes and nodded. "I'll try."

"Good. Eventually it will happen. And you'll feel so much better for it."

Just then, Dumbledore reappeared in the open locket. "Is this the infamous Babaji I have heard so much about?"

"Why, yes," answered the guru with a toothy grin. "And you must be the Best Man!"

"Albus Dumbledore, meet Babaji; Babaji, meet Albus Dumbledore."

"The pleasure is all mine!" stated Dumbledore enthusiastically. "I only regret I did not get to meet you when I was still alive."

"Perhaps in your next incarnation," suggested Babaji. "Well, I will leave the two of you to get ready for the ceremony." He stood up and nodded his head. "Two o'clock will be here before you know it," he called over his shoulder as he walked away.

After that uplifting conversation, the time flew by. Severus added the bow tie and black silk robe to his outfit, then took the locket out to the gazebo where the ceremony would actually take place. He conjured a high stool to set the locket on and found a rock to prop it up against, so Dumbledore wouldn't be looking straight up at the ceiling. He took a hanky and wiped the dust from his finest black dragon skin boots, and they waited.

The ashramites began to gather around the gazebo, leaving a path for Sienna and Winky to walk through.

Sienna's mother approached and took her place in the gazebo across from Severus. Babaji joined them, dressed this time in a bright white cotton tunic, but it only came up over his left shoulder, and Severus noticed that his feet were still bare. His long black hair shone in the bright sunlight and had been loosely tied back, reminding Severus of the way Dumbledore used to tie his beard. His lip curled as he glanced down at Dumbledore on the stool, who winked at him with a broad grin.

The sparkling headwaters of the Ganges rushing over the rocks joined the whispering wind and singing birds to create the joyous music for their ceremony. Just then, Winky appeared around the corner of the building which housed the ashramites. Her brand new pale pink pillowcase tunic looked clean and neat. Severus noticed that pleats had been ironed into the fabric so that it looked much more like a dress than a pillowcase. When she had covered about half the distance from the corner to the gazebo, Sienna appeared.

Severus could barely catch his breath because of her stunning radiance. Winky had outdone herself on the dress. Its tastefully elegant lines emphasized the fitness and perfect proportions of Sienna's body. The neckline plunged to reveal a hint of cleavage that, until now, Severus never realized existed. He hadn't thought much about her body before. He loved her for other much more important reasons. But the fact that she was suddenly so sexy didn't upset him in the least. In fact, the thought of exploring that beautiful body excited him almost to the point of embarrassment! He felt himself blush as he turned away and concentrated on calming himself. He glanced at Babaji for reassurance, but Babaji gave him a devilish grin instead, having read his mind as usual.

Winky took her place beside Mrs. Kaolin, and Sienna stepped up between her and Severus. Their eyes met. He thought he would burst from joy at this moment – a moment he had assumed for so many years, would never come.

"We are gathered here today, my friends," began Babaji, "to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, a union of a sacred and spiritual nature, that, if nurtured properly, will last until death and beyond. If there is anyone present who objects to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

"I OBJECT!" excliamed a stern voice from the tiny locket on the stool.

"WHAT?!" barked Severus as he spun around, swirling his iridescent cloak around his legs.

"Albus, how could you?" cried Sienna.

"Calm down, both of you," urged Babaji. "It's not what you think."

They both looked from Babaji to the locket with relief, but Severus still harbored just a touch of resentment for ruining his long awaited moment.

"I can't see squat from here! All I have is a lousy view of the back of your funeral cloak!"

"It's not a funeral cloak!" Severus hissed with growing irritation.

"Couldn't you find something better than that? You look like a giant BAT in that thing!"

Severus rolled his eyes and was about to retort when Babaji intervened.

"It's alright, I have a solution." He reached over and lifted the open locket over Sienna's head and hung it around his own neck. "There. Is that better, Albus Dumbledore?"

"Perfect, Babaji. Thank you." He looked back and forth between Sienna and Severus, smiling like a spoiled child who had finally gotten his way after throwing a tantrum.

"I love your cloak," Sienna whispered reassuringly. "It's very classy and so... you. Any other color simply wouldn't have been right." She gave Dumbledore a quick reproachful glance, then gazed back at Severus full of love and joy.

He could tell that this moment meant as much to her as it did to him. They clustered their four hands together between them as Babaji continued.

"I believe that the two of you wished to say something to each other before the exchange of vows, yes?"

They both nodded.

"Well, now's the time. Severus, you go first."

"Sienna..." Severus gazed into her sparkling, silvery green eyes, "... for so long I was afraid to open my heart. I had become comfortable in my misery. After all, how could I expect anyone else to love me, when I didn't even love myself? But you made me realize that I was worth loving. You have renewed my life, my sense of purpose. You have removed my sorrow and my loneliness. I humbly offer you my hand and my heart, and I will endeavor always to deserve you."

Babaji nodded his approval then turned his shining face to Sienna.

She gazed into the depths of Severus' glistening black eyes. He felt her love wash over him like a gentle wave. He felt that wave undulate back and forth between them, uniting their spirits in pure bliss and making him feel almost dizzy. He had to hold her hands tighter to steady himself. He had never felt anything like it before. Did Babaji have something to do with this? A sideways glance at the guru made him realize that the answer was yes. Severus felt overwhelmed as Sienna began to speak.

"Severus, my love, I knew from the moment I first saw you that I would someday be your wife. It was my destiny to love you. You didn't always make it easy for me, but my spirit urged me to keep trying, assuring me that, someday, you would open your heart to me. And what a beautiful heart you have, with so much love to give. I offer you my hand and my heart in return for yours, and I promise to always strive to be worthy of your undying love and devotion."

"Beautiful..." mumbled Dumbledore as he dabbed his eyes with a lacy lavender hanky.

"Very well." Babaji looked back and forth at them once again. "Do you, Severus Snape, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, during good times as well as the difficult times which surely lay ahead, forsaking all others still living, until death and beyond?"

"I do," Severus stated clearly and without hesitation.

Babaji repeated his question to Sienna.

"I do." She smiled and swallowed hard, trying to hang on to her composure. Severus knew that she tended to cry from joy almost as easily as she cried from sorrow.

"Rings, please." Babaji looked at Winky and then from Severus back to the stool.

Sienna held out her left hand so Severus could gently take it in his.

"Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made from an indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed." He slipped the elegant diamond solitaire onto her finger. Then his hand moved up to her glowing face and wiped away a lone tear. He smiled and shook his head, then held out his left hand for her.

She retrieved her father's ring from Winky then repeated his words and slipped it on his finger. More tears rolled down her beautiful face even though she was smiling from ear to ear.

"May your love for each other be always unconditional. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Severus bent down and planted a conservative kiss on her lips. He had never been comfortable showing affection in public. There would be plenty of time for that later.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape!"

A huge flock of birds had taken up residence in the branches of the surrounding trees during the ceremony, and with this statement, they all began to chatter and sing, as the small crowd of ashramites applauded and cheered. The sudden noise startled Severus and Sienna, for they were concentrating so hard on each other they had almost forgotten about everyone else.

As they walked, arm-in-arm, towards the gardens where all the food had been set up, the birds continued to sing. Some people in the crowd threw bird seed at them as they passed. The birds must have seen weddings here before. No wonder they were singing. A free meal awaited them as soon as the crowd dispersed.

The sumptuous spread of food seemed even more impressive to Severus when he reminded himself that no magic was used in its preparation. They all stuffed themselves on colorful and flavorful vegetarian dishes, and once again, he was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed them, never once missing the meat.

Several ashram residents doubled as musicians. An accordion player, a reed player, a sitar and some bongo drums rounded out the ensemble, and although the music was rather eclectic, it livened up the atmosphere considerably. People were dancing and singing. They began to form a circle and pulled Sienna into it, but Severus refused.

"It is your wedding day," explained a little old man. "It is bad luck not to dance!"

Sienna pulled herself out of the circle and leaned against him in an attempt to change his mind. "You heard the man. It's bad luck not to dance on your wedding day."

"If you think I'm going to go out there and flail around like some deranged wild animal just to placate some archaic tradition..."

"You're a stick-in-the mud at your own wedding reception." Sienna shook her head in relenting disbelief.

"I have a reputation to consider," Severus informed her proudly. He had always felt that dancing was a useless waste of energy. "But you go right ahead, my dear. I have no doubt that the spectacle will be very entertaining."

Sienna gave him a quick kiss. "Have it your way," she called back to him as the dancing chain scooped her up and dragged her away.

Through the entire party, Sienna's open locket remained around Babaji's neck. He and Dumbledore seemed to be enjoying each other's company. As the party finally began to wind down, Sienna asked to relieve him of the locket, but Babaji smiled down at Dumbledore. "No, I think I'll keep him for the night, so the two of you can have some privacy."

Sienna giggled and blushed slightly.

"Oh, that reminds me, would you like to see your honeymoon suite?"

The idea of that mud hut passing as a honeymoon suite made Severus laugh out loud. "This ought to be good."

"You continue to underestimate me and my 'Muggle magic,'" Babaji chided him. "Come and see my wedding gift to you both." He led them around to the other side of the dormitory where only the shabby little hut had stood just a few hours ago. In its place now they found a beautiful stone cottage protected on three sides by a thick stand of trees. The exposed front faced the rushing Ganges with the Himalayas rising in the background. A covered front porch came equipped with two chairs and a table where they could enjoy a serene cup of tea in total privacy with a picture postcard view. As Babaji led them inside, Severus' heart skipped a beat. Babaji must have pulled this place right out of my imagination, he thought. It was everything he ever dreamed it could be.

A king-sized four poster canopy bed stood proudly on one wall, a fireplace with a roaring fire graced the other. A Muggle sound system played soft romantic music from the built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace, while books and three-dimensional art pottery, glass and sculpture filled the remaining places. A loveseat with ottoman sat in front of the fire, flanked on both sides by end tables.

Under a window near the front door sat a table for two with a beautiful view and, on the back wall, a wardrobe for clothes and the entrance to the bathroom. Severus assumed it would be very basic, but Babaji insisted on leading them in there as well to complete the tour. To their astonishment, they found his and hers sinks, the necessary commode, a bidet, a walk-in shower large enough for two people and, best of all, a huge whirlpool tub with all the bells and whistles. Plush linens lined the shelves on the wall between the shower and tub. Babaji had thought of everything.

It was all too good to be true. Severus' jaw had dropped when they entered the cottage. He just now realized that his mouth was still agape when he began to speak. "I can't believe it! How did you do this – when did you do it? The mud hut was here this morning, in this very spot. I remember seeing it."

Sienna's face beamed. She seemed to already know the answer, but she let Babaji do the talking.

"How quickly you forget, Severus Snape. This place is no different from the apple. All of the atoms and molecules needed to create it were already here. I only rearranged them"

"But the trees? How did they grow so fast?"

"I created them fully grown. It's quite a time saver."

"But how did you know what I would want? I wasn't thinking about it."

"Somewhere, at some time in your life, you imagined this place. I found it in your memories. Perhaps you had dreamed of taking Lily here, many years ago."

The idea that someone could access every thought he had ever had brought a momentary shiver of paranoia to Severus. But he shook it off quickly. He knew that this man would never use such power against him.

"If you need anything to eat or drink while you are here, just call Winky."

"Of course," Severus replied.

"Now I believe that your mother needs to get back soon. So before you get too comfortable here, perhaps you should take a moment to say goodbye."

"Oh, Severus, can we show her the place? And Winky?"

"Certainly," Severus replied with a smile.

They found Mrs. Kaolin and Winky and joyfully gave them the tour. Sienna was obviously delighted with all their oos and ahhs. But it was getting late, and Hazel had to work the next day. So they said their goodbyes, and Winky took her home.

Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape were alone...