"Good morning, Altair." Gemma smiled brightly at him when he stepped out onto the Sky Platform, and he smiled back.
"Good morning, Lady Dumbledore." He took her hand, bowed, and then kissed her knuckles.
Once again, she tensed at being addressed as Lady Dumbledore. All her life she had been called Miss Fawley, but now she was a Dumbledore. With that name, and her position as Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Dumbledore, she felt the weight of responsibility press even harder upon her shoulders.
"Please..."
"Yes?"
"Please just call me Gemma, Altair," she requested, and he gazed into her beautiful wine-coloured eyes.
"Don't run from your reality, Gemma. Everything will be fine. Be strong." He gently squeezed her hand, and for some reason, his reassuring words made the weight in her heart instantly melt away.
A smile formed on her lips, and she looked at him curiously.
"So, may I now ask why you called me here so early in the morning?" she asked, glancing at the night sky. There was still a long time before dawn.
"I owe you a birthday gift, don't I?" he asked, and she beamed at him.
"Yes, you do, Heir Black," she nodded.
"Well then, let's get going," he said, and the next moment his House-elf popped up at his side and teleported both of them away.
Gemma tensed slightly when she saw the Hogwarts Castle in the distance, and when she looked behind her, she realised they were standing on a cliff, right at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
She stayed quiet, waiting for Altair to speak, and when she did hear his voice, it was a question that pierced her heart and laid bare all her worries.
"Did something happen at Gringotts yesterday?"
She lowered her head and took a deep breath.
"Yes."
"I doubt the Dumbledore vaults lack wealth or are in debt."
"No, that's not it."
"Some binding contracts?"
"No."
"The will of the last Head of the Dumbledore Family?" he asked, and she froze.
Altair glanced at her, saw her nod, and smiled.
"What is it?"
"The Will states that I must take a Consort before the age of twenty. A Consort, not a husband who marries into the family, as that would mean sharing family assets with him and also granting him substantial and legal influence in family matters. The Will makes it clear I need to take a Consort who is... already married and hails from another Noble and Most Ancient Family."
"I see. Is it the idea of finding a consort that troubles you, or do you have someone you like?"
"No, there is no one in my life, Altair."
"Good." He smiled and then looked at the sky, which was still dark, with clear patches shimmering with stars. Even the half-moon was visible.
"Marry me, right now. I will be your Consort, and you can relax and focus on your goals with peace of mind," he said, and she looked at him in stunned silence.
Altair smiled when she didn't answer, then turned to meet her eyes.
"It's fine if you don't want to marry me. I would never force you."
She instantly became anxious at his words, wanting to say something, but then simply kept looking at him.
Moments later, she took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Is that your idea or Lady Altaira's?"
"Mine. It is I who wishes you would marry me," he answered honestly. "And I have already informed her about my decision."
"She agreed?"
"Yes, and she could not refuse it either. I am not just a Black," he said lightly.
"She is not happy?" Gemma frowned.
"I never said that." He smiled. "She trusts me, but she is sceptical about whether you are as special as I believe you to be."
His words caused her to blush a little.
"She also asked me to deliver you some words."
"Yes?"
"It's an offer. An opportunity to become the youngest Minister in history." Altair chuckled when he saw the surprise on her face. "It won't be easy, though."
"What do I have to do?" she asked, determined, clenching her fists.
"You will need to achieve Outstanding in all your subjects in your NEWTs, win this year's Ancient Runes Decipher Dash and the Tri-Spell Relay, win the British Duelling Circuit later this summer or in 1992, and the European Duelling Circuit the year after. You also need to remain at Hogwarts for another two years as the Apprentice of Professor Fairwind, and achieve an Outstanding in the Ministry's Exam for Advanced Magical Laws and Contracts. You will then apply at the Auror Office once you are the European Duelling Champion. Perform exceptionally at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and you shall become Minister one day, by my mother's blessing."
"Auror Office? Not the Office of Magical Law?"
"Auror Office."
"Won't I be put under mentorship first, even if I am the Duelling Champion?" she asked, already feeling nervous, as it was not an easy quest.
"I'm sure arrangements will be made. You just need to apply at the Auror Office."
Gemma nodded, falling silent, then frowned.
"Are you married?"
"Magically? Yes. The Gringotts wills, and matters that concern internal House laws and contracts, are only accepted if they are magical."
She already knew these things and nodded after taking a deep breath.
Altair smiled as she took out her wand and closed her eyes, preparing the Sacred Flame.
Minutes passed, and he waited, watching her in intrigue. When she opened her eyes, he drew his left hand forward, and she laced her left fingers with his.
Her wand floated up as it produced a stream of beautiful golden flame that surrounded them, providing comforting warmth. Since he was to be her Consort, she had to initiate the wedding vows.
However, before she could do so, she needed his full magical name.
"Altair Cillius le Noir Morvaine-Slytherin-Black."
Her mouth dropped open in shock at the revelation, her eyes trembling.
"I am Lord Slytherin, Gemma," he nodded, and she felt the weight of his words.
Yet it also made it easier to accept him as her Consort, as he needed no Guardian's permission.
Taking a deep breath, she recited her vow:
"By blood, by magic, and by name,
I, Gemma Porpentina Dumbledore, standing before the sacred flame,
Swear upon my wand and soul,
To bind my fate with thine,
Altair Cillius le Noir Morvaine-Slytherin-Black, making our house whole.
I accept you as my Consort, my husband in name and deed.
You shall be the father of my children,
My legacy, who will bear the name Dumbledore.
With wand in hand and heart in trust,
I pledge thee loyalty, wisdom, and love that will not rust.
May the Magic witness our troth,
Let none unbind this oath, save death alone."
"By blood, by magic, and by name,
I, Altair Cillius le Noir Morvaine-Slytherin-Black, standing before the sacred flame,
Swear upon my wand and soul,
To bind my fate with thine,
Gemma Porpentina Dumbledore, making our house whole.
I accept to be your Consort, your husband in name and deed.
I shall be the father of your children,
Your legacy, who will bear the name Dumbledore.
With wand in hand and heart in trust,
I pledge thee loyalty, wisdom, and love that will not rust.
May the Magic witness our troth,
Let none unbind this oath, save death alone."
As soon as he finished reciting his vow, his wand floated from its holster and cast a beautiful emerald and silver flame that intertwined with the golden flame.
Their bodies began to radiate, and invisible threads started binding their left hands.
The two gazed into each other's eyes as they recited their silent vows and smiled when their bodies shone even brighter.
Next, they recited the final vow together:
"So do I vow beneath star and on the stone,
By the secrets of our house and the powers we own,
Let our magic be entwined, our destinies as one...
Now and forever, till all is undone."
The flames around them suddenly grew wildly excited, then exploded, exuding a brilliant light almost as if someone had cast a Patronus upon the cliff.
A deep, resonant magical hum spread into the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake, and even reached Hogwarts Castle, standing far in the distance.
When the light faded, Gemma stepped forward, leaned in, and kissed him, and he kissed her back.
As their lips parted, they felt the invisible threads take root, and the light retreated into their bodies.
Only their hands glowed, and they reluctantly let go to retrieve their wands.
Smiles touched their lips, but suddenly, Altair grabbed her hand and turned them both invisible.
He pulled her with him towards the trees, and moments later, they heard a sharp crack as a figure appeared on the cliff where they had just stood.
Gemma panicked when she saw it was Professor Dumbledore, but then frowned as his eyes swept the area and failed to notice them.
She glanced at Altair, and her eyes widened as she saw something glinting beneath his shirt.
The next instant, a few more figures appeared by the Headmaster's side: Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Professor Sinistra, and Professor Flitwick.
"What was that, Albus?"
Their Transfiguration Professor looked around at the visible specks of magic, sensing the refreshing feeling that suffused the entire cliff.
"Aurora?" The Headmaster did not answer but looked to the Astronomy Professor, who examined the magical specks, then the moon and stars in the clear patches of the sky.
"A union between two very powerful Pure-blood Magicals, Professor. The pair took their vows here." She frowned. "This magic... is ancient, pure, blessed... and overwhelming. Undoubtedly, an extraordinary wizard and an extraordinary witch."
"Wedding vows?" Minerva asked, in surprise.
"Yes, Professor. The Ancient and Sacred Wedding Vows that only the pure of blood dare take. They are the only ones who never suffer a backlash from this magic." Aurora Sinistra smiled.
"Here?" Professor Snape looked about, frowning, and Professor Flitwick stared at the scene and the castle in the distance.
"It's a beautiful spot indeed," he said. "Perhaps a pair of former Hogwarts students who wished to take their vows within the school's territory."
"That must be it. Even if not, it is indeed a beautiful spot. I have never been here before..." Professor Sinistra smiled as she gazed at the castle.
"Why did they run away?" asked Professor Snape, but no one answered.
"Well, whoever they were, may Magic bless their union." Professor McGonagall sighed and sweetly clasped her hands. "Would you like some tea, Aurora? I would love to chat about these magical vows."
"Of course, Professor."
The two ladies Apparated away, leaving the three men behind.
Professor Dumbledore stared into the woods, then Apparated away as well, and both Snape and Flitwick followed.
"Altair..." He placed his hand gently over her mouth to keep her silent, and she complied for the next half hour.
She did not know why he was being so cautious, but then she finally saw some shadowy figures moving through the distant trees, heading deeper into the Forbidden Forest.
"What were they?" she eventually asked when he removed his hand from her mouth.
"Werewolves."
Her heart skipped a beat and she froze, but then her eyes widened as he kissed her, and within seconds she was lost to his taste.
They were both clumsy, lacking experience, and in Gemma's case, she had never kissed anyone before. However, they simply followed their instincts, drowning in this newfound joy, and let out a chuckle when they parted.
"That was fun."
"Agreed." She nodded, then followed him back onto the cliff. "It's not safe here, is it?"
"Not really." He shrugged, though he did not seem worried. "Rinky."
The moment he called her name, the Hogwarts House-elf appeared before him and bowed politely.
"Master Black."
Altair gave her a gentle pat on the head, washing away her drowsiness.
"Forgive me for waking you so early."
"Master Black must not apologise to Rinky." The House-elf shook her head stubbornly. "Rinky would rather die than hear Master Black apologise to her."
"Hey, hey, don't be so dramatic." He chuckled, and Gemma giggled at the House-elf's antics.
"What can Rinky do for Master Black?" the little elf asked expectantly.
"Do you know of any House-elves who are searching for a new home and a new wizarding family to serve?"
"Master Black needs new House-elves?" She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled.
"No, Rinky. I don't. I have my House-elves, and I have you at Hogwarts."
She seemed very pleased and relieved to hear his words, then fell into deep thought.
"Rinky shall ask everyone," she said, disappearing. Gemma finally turned to look at Altair.
"House-elves?"
"Yes. Does Dumbledore Hall not need House-elves?"
"It does, and it is something I have been quite worried about. I cannot claim Dumbledore Hall without registering House-elves to care for it."
A few minutes later, Rinky reappeared at his side, followed by an elderly Hogwarts House-elf.
"Gibbon."
"Master Black." The old elf bowed to him and then to Gemma. "Gibbon knows of a House-elf family who served at Ross Fort. The Ross family died some years ago, killed by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers. The Fort was passed down to the next kin, but he recently passed away too, without any children. Bippo, his wife and children are now without a home. They have been considering joining Hogwarts, but old Bippo is stubborn. He wishes to see his family serving a noble house."
"They don't wish to stay at the Fort?"
"The Ross Fort now belongs to the Avery family. The last Master sold it to them."
Altair and Gemma exchanged a surprised look.
"It was an Avery who killed the Ross family."
"Yes, Master Black. Bippo and his family do not wish to serve the Avery family. They are not bound to the Fort, and since the Ross family is extinct, they are without a home."
"Perfect then. Can you send us to their location?"
"Of course. They are in Ireland, in the Glanteenasigg Forest." Old Gibbon bowed and then clicked his fingers, sending them directly into the woods, hundreds of miles away.