"Happy wedding," Professor McGonagall offered her blessings.
"Oh, thank you, Minerva," Sirius replied, grinning.
At Hogwarts, quite a few students had stayed behind for the holiday. Upon hearing of a wedding taking place today, everyone was quite excited.
Especially upon learning that the main character of this wedding was the Minister of Magic, Mr. Black, their anticipation grew even stronger.
By nine in the morning, the guests began to arrive one after another.
Among them were many Ministers of Magic from various countries. On this important day—whether they regarded it as such or not—it was unanimously agreed that any day gathering the Ministers of Magic from various countries was indeed an important day.
On this day, the Ministers of Magic would reach many consensuses in private settings, which no meeting could compare to.
Is this marriage of his perhaps the greatest thing he'll do in his lifetime?
At ten in the morning, the wedding officially commenced.
The best man wasn't Harry, but Lupin—the only remaining friend belonging to Sirius among the Plunderers.
His outfit was selected personally by Nifadora Tonks, perfectly matching his style.
The maid of honor was Cassandra, who was also the most eye-catching woman present—her chin slightly raised, gray-blue eyes calmly scanning the crowd, displaying the typical pride of the Malfoy family.
Only when her gaze occasionally landed on Harry did it reveal a hint of warmth.
At this moment, Vivi sat in the guest of honor's seat, clad in a formal black robe, with a silver-green badge pinned to her chest.
Her golden hair was tied in a strict bun, and her violet eyes surveyed the crowd with a caution and authority befitting those at the pinnacle of power.
Harry sat beside her, and only when the two spoke softly did Vivi's expression melt like the thawing of snow in spring.
Pabi was much more lively, dressed in a fluffy cloak resembling the glossy black fur of a Niffler, holding a hibernating Pu Rongrong wrapped in a little scarf, eagerly whispering something to Annie beside her.
Wrapped in a thick robe, Annie's complexion was even paler than usual, but watching the occasion, a gentle and reminiscent smile played on her lips, as if through this wedding, she glimpsed an unimaginable peace of a century past.
At this moment, the music began to play.
It was the wedding march conducted personally by Professor Flitwick, perfectly suiting the current occasion.
The doors of the hall slowly opened, and Sirius walked in from the entrance, heading to the ceremonial platform.
He wore a formal black dress robe, with simple silver runic patterns embroidered on the hem.
After a moment, Miss Farley walked in from outside the hall.
Today, she wore a pure white wedding dress, highlighting her entire presence with a sacred and flawless aura.
As Miss Farley stood before Sirius, Professor Dumbledore stepped out from the side—the host and officiant of the wedding was none other than Hogwarts' headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
"Dear friends," his voice was gentle, yet it traveled clearly to every corner, "we gather in this castle that has witnessed countless love and growth, in the embrace of winter, to celebrate the union of two souls. The cold brings us closer, while the ice and snow make two true hearts even clearer."
He turned to Sirius, "Sirius Black, you've endured the harshest winters, yet the flame within your heart has never extinguished. Do you wish to form an eternal pact with this wise and resilient lady, Jemma Farley, who guides you like Polaris? Will you cherish and protect her through all seasons of life until the stars fall?"
Sirius took a deep breath.
"I do."
His voice was firm and undoubting.
Dumbledore then turned to Miss Farley, his eyes filled with the pride of an elder, "Jemma Farley, with your composure and capability, you've not only maneuvered smoothly across the complex political stage but have also warmed a heart once frozen by fate. Do you wish to form an eternal pact with this loyal, brave man worthy of all you have to give, Sirius Black? Through sunny paths or storms, will you accompany him, trust him, until the end of time?"
Jemma lifted her head, her gaze bright and clear.
She first looked at Sirius, then quickly glanced over Vivi, offering a silent nod of tribute and farewell to her former superior and friend.
"I do."
Her voice was clear and gentle.
Though there weren't dazzling magical beams, as Dumbledore declared them husband and wife, large, silent snowflakes began to fall from the enchanted dome above, passing through the barrier and transforming into soft, scattered specks of light, falling on the newlyweds.
Simultaneously, the ice-carved roses and hollies around the venue instantly bloomed with even more dazzling brilliance, and a wedding anthem echoed in the air.
Guests applauded in celebration of the couple's union.
However, it was hard to say whether some were celebrating the marriage itself or the fact that the feast was about to start...
The Hogwarts students were overjoyed, shouting in excitement for their alumnus Sirius's nuptials, as well as the forthcoming wedding feast.
Though the Hogwarts food was good, wasn't a feast even better?
The banquet was held in the castle's hall, the four long house tables replaced by several small round tables covered with thick white fur, decorated with magically formed ice crystals and candelabras.
The House-Elves prepared a sumptuous winter feast: golden and crisp roast turkey, rosemary-flavored garlic roast lamb chops, various stews suitable for the cold climate, and desserts shaped like snowballs and snowmen, all incredibly diverse and dazzling.
Ron scanned the surroundings, failing to find the drumsticks he wanted, and felt a bit disappointed.
After all, at such a formal occasion as a wedding feast, what's the point without drumsticks?
But the Hogwarts House-Elves clearly disagreed, insisting on not preparing such unrefined items as drumsticks for the wedding feast.
"I've decided," Ron quietly complained to Neville, "if I ever get married, I won't let Hogwarts House-Elves prepare the banquet!"
"Just because there are no drumsticks?" Neville looked at Ron in surprise.
Ron shrugged, remaining silent, reaching instead for the garlic roast lamb chops.
Harry, sitting next to Ron, was not with Vivi—because this wedding feast, for the politicians present, was essentially a private conference rather than a true 'banquet.'
She was with other countries' Ministers of Magic, discussing matters relating to the American Magic Congress and the threats of Voldemort and Lanlock.
Certain topics couldn't be discussed openly, but in such private settings as today, there were no problems.
The Hogwarts House-Elves were doing their utmost, giving it their all to supply the wedding feast's culinary delights.
Hagrid sat with the professors, and next to him was a sullen Professor Snape.
Yes, seeing Sirius getting married made it impossible for Professor Snape to say he wasn't upset.
Especially since the bride was none other than his former Class Prefect, and this only added to the old professor's discontent.
He held his wine glass, drinking expressionlessly.
As a result, he discovered what bitter wine truly means when it strikes the heart.
Pain, such pain!