Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Scott Fellman.
Serena POV.
The time for the ritual to begin arrived more quickly than I expected. I was inside my tent, sitting nervously.
"Relax, you know Ravel and Lucius have everything under control," Enid said beside me. I just breathed heavily.
"I know," I said wearily, trying to calm myself down. It had been a couple of hours since I'd finished setting up everything at Glastonbury Tor. The girls had finally taken charge and locked me in my tent while pushing Bella into hers so we could both get ready.
Ravel and Lucius were acting as the receptionist, along with Horn. To my surprise, Horn, despite having had little time to adapt to the underworld and the existence of other worlds, had adapted remarkably well and followed Freya's orders with ease.
Lucius was in charge of receiving and greeting all the 'distinguished' guests, while Ravel and Horn were making sure that everything was in its place.
The Blacks had arrived first, almost simultaneously with the girls, as the girls got everything ready. Luckily for me, they'd decided to stay out of it, though I did see Bella's mother pacing back and forth before they pushed me into the tent.
"Are you ready, dear?" Narcissa asked as she entered the tent.
"There wasn't much to do," I said curtly, glancing at myself briefly. The clothes were exactly as expected: terribly simple—a short-sleeved t-shirt and long pants, both completely white, light and thin, made of linen. I had removed all my accessories: my rings, necklaces, tattoos. I wasn't even wearing shoes or sandals; I was simply barefoot, and even less so, underwear, and I would remain that way throughout the ceremony.
We had to use natural, simple things; unfortunately for Aria, that meant real clothes rather than the shroud of death, so she was still grumbling in a corner of the tent.
"You look perfect. Now, come here, let me show you what I made for you," Cissy said mysteriously, though a little anxiously. She started bouncing as she headed toward an open space, then moved her hand, and a huge box appeared in front of us.
A box bigger than me, as if it were covering something really big. I watched curiously as Cissy slowly moved her wand, as if creating suspense and anticipation.
The box began to dissolve from top to bottom, and I froze, my eyes widening. I was speechless as the garment, innocently placed on a mannequin, crumbled away.
"Oh, Cissy, it's beautiful," Enid said. It was truly moving. I felt a lump in my throat as I took a step forward and looked closely at what was in front of me.
It wasn't a dress; Cissy knew we couldn't use a dress. Instead, she had made a hooded bridal cape entirely of lace. On the mannequin, the cape draped softly and elegantly, its wide fabric falling from the shoulders, flowing smoothly and delicately, trailing gently on the floor.
In addition to the cape, there was a hood resting on top of the mannequin; its wide shape framed the area around the mannequin's head.
The entire cape was made of delicate lace patterns that made it appear translucent, framing the mannequin's figure while enhancing its shape. But most importantly, it was the color.
The bridal cape was completely white, at least the hood. Then it flowed down over the shoulders and remained white and normal until finally reaching the middle of the cape, where it almost seemed to transform.
The Light. They were made with the threads I had given to Narcissa. The threads imbued with The Light were iridescent, capturing light and reflecting it in hundreds of colors like a supernatural rainbow.
It was delicate, elegant, and majestic, a bridal mantle made with The Light, custom-made for me.
"It's beautiful," I mumbled as I approached and gently touched the bridal cape with my fingers.
"I'm glad you like it," Narcissa said, putting her arm around me. "I knew a dress was out of the question, so the bridal cape was a safe bet. You can wear it for most of the ceremony and then take it off when it's time for the ritual." Narcissa said, and I nodded.
"Yes," I murmured distractedly as I continued to admire the bridal gown.
"Let's put it on you," Narcissa said, gently pushing me again. I could only nod distractedly. "Enid, help me," Narcissa said. Enid practically moved immediately and followed Cissy's orders. She grasped the bottom of the cape and delicately lifted it while Narcissa removed the top part of the bridal gown from the mannequin. "Bend down, you're too tall."
My body obeyed Narcissa without hesitation; I bent my legs slightly so that my shoulders were at Narcissa's height. She gently placed the bridal cape on me and then adjusted my shoulders and hood.
I could feel Enid gently drop the bottom part before turning to face me. I could see her bounce in place with excitement as Narcissa smiled at me.
"You look beautiful, Serena, ready for a wedding," Narcissa said, completely proud.
"You're amazing, Cissy!" Enid squealed excitedly, then she walked over to a large, full-length mirror that was magically floating and dragged it in front of me. My eyes widened slightly as I saw my reflection in front of me.
"Oh," I couldn't help but say. The bridal gown was beautiful, and I was beautiful, to the point that I almost didn't recognize myself. The gown draped me delicately and elegantly, long enough to cover my entire height and still trail on the floor, translucent enough to allow a glimpse of my body while still looking stunning. "I'm really getting married," I said, almost in shock.
Because yes, it was as if I had just realized it, as if looking at myself in the bridal gown simply made everything feel right.
"You'll do it, and you'll look amazing," Narcissa said cheerfully, then stood on her tiptoes and placed her hand on my cheek. I glanced at her. "You're getting married, smile a little and don't overthink it," Cissy said gently. I just looked at her before smiling and nodding.
"I will." I said gently. Narcissa nodded and smiled before walking away.
"Alright, now I have to go help Bella get ready. I can't wait until you both see each other." Cissy said, winking at me. I just stared at her, still almost in shock. I looked in the mirror one more time and couldn't help but think of Bella in a bridal gown, and I sighed, almost breathless.
"You look so beautiful!" Enid squealed, bouncing on the spot. "Let me take some pictures of you," Enid said, pulling out her camera. I just nodded absentmindedly and looked at Enid as she started snapping dozens of photos of me while I posed, almost absentmindedly.
"Go to Bella's tent, take pictures of her," I said without hesitation. Enid looked at me in surprise, then looked around and bit her lip.
"But I have to go with you," Enid said almost stubbornly. I just looked at her.
"I can be alone for a moment, Enid, what I can't do is not have photographs of Bella fully clothed," I said without hesitation. Enid almost seemed to give up before we heard a laugh as Lucius entered.
"Go on, Enid, I'll take care of the future wife," Lucius said slyly. Enid gave Lucius a grateful look and nodded quickly before darting outside. "You look spectacular, my dear," Lucius finally said, looking at me intently.
"Cissy did a wonderful job." I said honestly, and Lucius nodded.
"She did, yes, but it's also your fault, you know. You're radiant, you look really in love," Lucius said mischievously, giving me a sharp look. "And I would know, I'm excellent at reading these things," Lucius said playfully to himself. I snorted, amused.
"How's everything outside?" I asked casually, more to fill the silence than anything else. Lucius hummed.
"Normally I'd say a world of people, but compared to Distracted Globe, it barely counts as a crowd." Lucius shrugged, and I rolled my eyes while smiling.
"That could be anywhere from a dozen people to a few thousand," I said dryly. Lucius laughed.
"Exactly," Lucius said slyly. "Everyone who was supposed to arrive has arrived, and then some. Ravel and I have already taken care of things, especially the reporters and the Ministry. There are some people sent from other countries, and Rebecca and Lucyna are keeping everyone in line." Lucius shrugged before looking at me gently. "So, really... don't worry. Ignore them, ignore them all. This moment is yours and Bella's." Lucius said softly.
"Fine." I sighed wearily, unable to resist glancing at myself in the mirror one last time. Lucius just laughed.
"To all wizards, witches, and creatures at Glastonbury Tor, the union ceremony between Serena Prince and Bellatrix Black is about to begin. From this moment on, please ensure you remain silent and do not draw your wands at any time unless granted permission. Anyone who breaks this rule will be expelled from Glastonbury Tor, regardless of who they are. Thank you for understanding." I heard Ravel's voice echo throughout the hill, even inside our tents, which had been blocking out all the noise from outside.
"Ready to marry, my dear?" Lucius asked gently before extending his arm. "My Lady, it would be an honor to escort you to your wife," Lucius said softly. I sighed fondly as I looked at him.
"Of course, Lucius." I gently placed my arm around his elbow and… it felt right. Lucius was the closest thing… no, Lucius was my brother in every way except blood, and it was nice that he was giving me a ride. "I'll let you walk me to the edge of my tent and meet Bella right there, five steps away," I said playfully. Lucius laughed.
"Even so, it's an honor," Lucius said playfully. I shook my head while smiling; yes, it felt right.
"Dear family, friends, and all those who have come to witness this great event, thank you all for attending the union ceremony between Serena Prince and Bellatrix Black on this auspicious day. My name is Syr Flova, priestess of the goddess Freya, goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and magic, and today, I am fortunate to officiate this rite of union, and I will be the one to perform this sacred ritual to unite two people in holy matrimony."
"Today, we gather with the full moon and the dawn as our witness, in this sacred time of Imbolc, when the earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber and the first signs of spring are announced. Imbolc reminds us that all new life begins as a spark, a small light that grows with patience, care, and trust."
"But we are not here just to enjoy The Light, no, because the Darkness is just as precious; the Light can find in the Darkness the courage to explore the unknown, and the Darkness will find in the Light a refuge to which it can always return."
"Let neither renounce who they are. Let both be strengthened precisely by their differences. Because love does not demand that two people be the same. It demands that they fully recognize each other and still choose each other every day."
"Today is a celebration of beginnings, of rebirth, and of renewed hope. The love we celebrate today is not only about what you have experienced up to this moment, but also about everything that is yet to come: the shared dreams, the challenges you will face together, and the countless springs that still await you."
"And may this day, blessed by the spirit of Imbolc and the goddess Freya, mark the beginning of a life filled with growth, harmony, and shared happiness. With joy and gratitude, we celebrate your union."
"Please, a big round of applause for Serena Prince and Bellatrix Black, the Brides!"
I listened to Freya's grandiloquent speech and sighed with pleasure; it was beautiful. I wanted to comment on several things about it, but it wasn't the right time; now… now I had to get married.
"Let's go," Lucius said gently and started walking towards the tent exit. I followed obediently, my bare feet touching the wooden floor before stepping onto the grass of Glastonbury Tor.
We left the tent, and my gaze fell on Bellatrix, who had just emerged with her father. My eyes widened when our eyes met, and we looked at each other.
She was so beautiful.
Bella was wearing the same clothes as me; they were black, light, and slightly loose, made of natural materials. She wasn't wearing anything else either—no accessories, rings, boots, or shoes—just the same light clothes, only in black, which contrasted sharply with mine.
Then there was her hooded bridal cape. It was almost identical to mine—long, large, elegant, majestic, and completely black. The hood draped her face softly, and the cape fell over her shoulders and right at her midsection. The Darkness tightly enveloped the cape; it seemed as if smoke were rising from it, and as if she were trying to exist in multiple versions of herself at once, it was almost painful to look at her.
But it wasn't like I was focusing on the cape, no, my gaze was completely fixed on her face, on Bella's bright and happy eyes, who was smiling softly, and I was left breathless.
Lucius had to drag me along, reminding me to walk and even breathe. Both Lucius and Bella's father guided us toward each other. The idea was that Bella and I would walk toward the ritual circle I had prepared so that they couldn't take us to the altar, but they could give us to each other.
We reached the middle of the path and stared at each other. I looked at Bella with all the love I could muster, gently released Lucius, and took a step forward.
"You look... beautiful," I said to Bella lovingly. Words were truly inadequate; there were no words to describe what I felt seeing Bella like this.
"You look beautiful too," Bella said softly. I glanced at Bella's father, who nodded with a gentle smile as he offered me Bella's hand. I took it gently, as if afraid the magic would break tonight.
Bella didn't even hesitate to intertwine her fingers with mine. We moved even closer and continued gazing intently, almost without blinking. I could barely see Enid taking pictures with her camera; most of my vision had been erased as I stared at Bella, mesmerized. I let my Six Eyes memorize every last mark on Bella's face.
"We should continue with the ritual, it's almost dawn," Bella said softly, but she didn't look away or make any effort to move.
"We should." I agreed, but I still stood there.
"ehem." I ignored Lucius and just continued staring at Bella.
"How disrespectful of Lucius to interrupt such a beautiful moment," I said to Bella playfully; she just smiled even more.
"I know, whose idea was it to invite him?" Bella asked mockingly, both of us ignoring Lucius's pained sigh. I just sighed and looked at Bella.
"I love you," I told her.
"Me too," Bella repeated happily. I squeezed her hand tighter.
"We're going to get married," I said. She finally nodded. We looked at each other one last time before turning away and getting comfortable.
"Let the rite of union begin!" Freya exclaimed joyfully. I took a deep breath before smiling. It was time to get married.
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Author's Notes: I've got pictures!
First, these two are the references from which I got the idea of the bridal command.
https://imgur.com/a/W9VlFLe
https://imgur.com/a/nPwF3G0
And now, pictures of Serena and Bella with them! It was difficult to do! It has many small errors; the AI doesn't handle too much lace well! Luckily, I was able to create something I was happy with. I hope you like it.
There are different versions: solo, together, simple bridal capes, or magical ones, or without them; these are the ones that turned out best, out of several dozen!
https://imgur.com/a/dV7yx8A
A/N: If you liked the story, join my patreon, patreon.com/Camellya_Addams, there are up to 10 chapters in advance, thank you. Or you can also visit my Ko-Fi, ko-fi.com/camellya_addams.