Chapter 102 - Wedding Invitation Ⅱ (1/2)
Reginald waited by the main fireplace as he glanced at the antique clock on the mantel to tell the time. A quarter till four, the wedding would start soon. Footsteps cause him to glance up to see the twins in matching dark trousers, gray silk sweaters, and fitted silk robes. Severus's hair had neatly been retrimmed, while Rowan's was neatly pulled back into a bun.
Nodding Reginald says, ”Now, I know neither of you has traveled by floo before. So, let me give a brief description. Taking a pinch of glitter power from a silver case on the stand, Reginald says, ”You'll want to throw the pinch into the fireplace and clearly shout out the destination, before stepping through the emerald green flames. We'll be going to the Filch family home, so please clearly say, Filch Hall. Is that clear?”
Both twins nod as each of them reach into the silver case and grab a pinch of glittering powder. ”Ladies first,” Severus said with a speck of humor.
Rowan snorts and tosses the pinch of powder into the flames. With a roar, the fire turned emerald green and rose higher than her. The green fire felt like a warm breeze as she stepped into the flames and shouted, ”Filch Hall!” It felt as though she was being sucked down a giant green drain as everything seemed to be spinning very fast, while the roaring in her ears grew deafening, causing her to close her eyes lest she spews her lunch.
With a loud pop in her ears, Rowan's eyes blinked open as she somehow stepped through into a carpeted hallway. Almost tripping over her own feet, she stumbled to the side knowing that Severus was coming. ”I'm going to throw up,” Severus gurgled as he slumped weakly to the ground. Not even a second later, Reginald calmly appears and coolly steps out of the fireplace.
”Gather yourselves together, children,” Reginald rather good-natured said as he hid his smile of amusement at their green faces. ”You'll get used to it soon enough.”
”Never,” Severus burbled as Rowan privately nodded in agreement. Wizards and witches must have stomachs made of steel to be able to take that wild ride each time. Then again, maybe, they grew numb and accustomed to effects after a period of time. The mind and bodywork in mysterious ways for self-preservation.
”May I have the invitation, sir?” A polite voice said causing the twins to glance at the female hostess, a pretty, young witch with freckles sprinkled across her nose. Reginald held out the now non-crinkled wedding invitation for the hostess to take. The young woman nods as she reviews the name on the invitation and says, ”Right this way, please.” The three of them follow the hostess as she says, ”You've made it just in time sir, the wedding is about to start.”
The hostess leads them out to the decorated grounds in a large white tent where elegant chairs are filled with guests. Pointing to the empty back row, the hostess says, ”We were forced to move a few of the guests around and as a result, we were forced to move your seats, sir, as you had yet to arrive.”
”No matter,” Reginald said as he waved the hostess away and took their seats. The twins crane around to study the supporting poles of the tent wrapped around with violet and blue ribbons. Severus tugs slightly at his collar and says, ”It's a bit hot with these robes on.”
”It's a wizard wedding, Sev. There isn't much of a choice,” Rowan grumbled.
”Still, if they can enchant floating flowers and ribbons across a tent, why can't they cast a cooling charm to keep the tent cool?” Severus argued.
”Excellent point,” Rowan acknowledged. ”Lack of common sense I guess.”
”Shh, now children,” Reginald said as the crowd grew quiet. Despite the fascinating wizard crowd of guests that included a witch with spiky moving hair, the twins turned their gaze towards the aisle.
With a quiet flourish, the groom walks down the violet carpeted aisle. A bit taller than Argus, Roderic Filch though slender had broad shoulders. A fair complexation with a slightly crooked nose, but overall, much better looking than his brother with a head full of salt-peppered hair.
Behind him marched his best man and groomsmen with trailing at the very end, Argus Filch. Looking much better than usual, Argus Filch wore sleek robes and collar. The men quietly lined up as they waited for the bride.
A soft melody begins to play as Severus and Rowan's eyes widen at seeing their mother in silvery robes. Her raven hair was cleverly woven with flowers that it appeared as though she was wearing a crown of flowers. But most surprising of all, there was a happy smile on her face causing her to appear much younger than her years. It was probably the happiest the twins had ever seen their mother.
Reginald closed his eyes as if unable to bear the sight of his daughter as the bride continued up the aisle without noticing the three of them. Keeping his eyes closed, Reginald felt two hands gently reach for his causing him to glance at the worried faces of his grandchildren. Gently squeezing them, Reginald returns his gaze to the front.
A small, rather young tufty-haired wizard clears his voice to gather their attention. ”Ladies and gentlemen,” the wizard said in a slightly singsong voice. ”We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls….”
”She looks so happy,” Severus softly whispered.
”That's because she is,” Rowan sadly murmured.
”I suppose this really means goodbye, doesn't it?” Severus whimpered.