Life and Love After Voldemort

Ron's face was everywhere one could turn in Hogwarts' Quidditch stadium, as the existing sponsors for the Cannons were permitted to display advertising space in exchange for charitable contributions to the school's rebuilding fund. A prominent ad for Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes featured Ron exploding, melting, and burning at an alarming rate depending on the product displayed at the time. At the end of each ad, Ron emerged unscathed with the words 'Long Live the King' appearing behind him as he flew away. The ad that caught Harry's eye was for a temporary Animagus charm, under which Ron had transformed into an otter with a crown and scepter. Harry remembered that Hermione's Patronus was an otter and hoped that was a positive sign of things to come. Before the exhibition began, team captains Ginny and Ron met at the center of the Quidditch pitch.

"Don't be too hard on me, little sis!" Ron said, winking at Ginny and turning away before seeing the look Harry was waiting for shoot across Ginny's face. Before Ron knew what hit him, the Hogwarts All-Stars had put 50 unanswered points on the board, 40 of which were scored by Ginny and the other 10 coming when Ron fumbled a Quaffle he saved back through a hoop. Ron bore down from that point and started playing extremely well at Keeper, but the Cannons could get nothing going offensively, and Ron was literally getting bombarded by the opposition's Chasers led by Ginny, whose energy was infectious. Harry patiently waited for a glimpse of the Snitch, and finally spotted it when the scoreboard showed an 80-20 margin in favor of Hogwarts. Harry tore after the twittering orb, but found himself driven less by the love of the chase and more by a desire to get the match over with and get a chance to talk to Ron before Ron met up with Hermione. A couple of twists, turns and loop-de-loops later found Harry gripping the Snitch and clinching a decisive victory for the Hogwarts All-Stars. Harry rushed over to Ginny and they kissed each other passionately.

Man, I LOVE me some Quidditch! Harry thought, remembering their first fiery embrace when Ginny rushed into his arms in the Gryffindor Common Room after winning the Quidditch Cup in Harry's sixth year. Scanning the stands after their lengthy snog, Harry saw Ludo with a radiant smile as he congratulated Professor McGonagall. At least he's being a good sport.

Harry then spotted Ron and walked over to have a word with him. If this defeat didn't humble King Weasley, nothing would.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry made the traditional postgame gesture to shake hands with the opposing side, but Ron turned and stormed off towards the locker room - only he headed into the locker room being used by the Hogwarts All-Stars rather than the visitors' quarters. Fuming, Harry caught Ron, forced him into an empty training room, and slammed the door.

"Listen up, mate!" Harry bellowed. "You've got a load more worries than you think, your majesty! You pull this stomping off crap again, and it's goodbye Hermione!"

"Watch what you say about Hermione, 'mate!!!'" Ron yelled back. "You listen here, Potter --"

"NO, RON, YOU listen here! You're THIS close to losing Hermione for good, did you know that? I do, because she's been pouring out her heart to me and Ginny ever since you ditched her! AGAIN! And it's all because of your damn temper. Look, I've got a temper, you've got one, and she's got one, but she's almost lost hope that you'll ever grow up enough to rein it in and deal with it instead of lashing out at her and then not staying around to work things out. Here's a bit of charity from me to you, mate: She still loves you. She says she loves you with all her heart and wants to spend the rest of her life with you. But she also let us know that she's done putting her heart out there only to have it crushed by the hurt and sadness you both put each other through on a regular basis."

Ron's mouth was open as a tear trickled down his cheek, but he didn't make a sound. Harry took that as a sign that he might be getting through, and he softened his tone. "As much as she loves you, she's ready to leave you forever tonight if you can't get through to each other, so remember that when you feel yourself reaching your boiling point. She's going to be trying hard too to control her emotions, so give her the benefit of the doubt. Just realize that you're both on the same side before you tear into her, even if she's started in on you without realizing it, using that 'Ronald!' tone of hers and unleashing her barrister-like argument style, both of which always seem to set you off."

Harry unclenched his fists and put a hand on Ron's shoulder. "And for Merlin's sake, shut up about 'King' Weasley or anything to do with the Cannons. Talking about autographs and stretch carriages and bachelor pads won't help convince her that you're striving towards maturity."

Ron hung his head and leaned against the training table for support. After what seemed like ages, he spoke up. "Your dad... how did he convince your mum that he wasn't such an immature ego-maniac anymore?"

Harry remembered what he had heard about his parents. "From what Remus and Sirius told me, Mum was about the only person who ever spelled out to the great James Potter what an "arrogant toe-rag" he was being with his boasting and constant showing-off. She made it clear that she wasn't impressed by Quidditch trophies or fancy wand tricks. Dad apparently thought about what she'd said and eventually took it to heart, because he cut out the arrogance and cast away the façade he'd built up trying to impress Mum. Once he'd done that, she was able to see the special person he'd matured into."

Ron smiled and pulled Harry into a quick hug. "Thanks for sticking your neck out for me, Harry. I know you don't like to get in the middle of people's business, but I really could've blown it with Hermione without your heads-up."

"Anytime, mate. I've said my peace, so the rest is up to you," Harry said, exhausted from his latest on-the-fly stab at couples counseling.

"Yeah, guess it is up to me..." Ron said, a concerned look forming on his face. "Say, do you think Hermione will think my new robes and those dragon-hide boots are too immature and egotistical?"

"No, they all look brilliant and a damn sight better than the train wreck of a gown you wore to our first formal affair here," Harry assured him. "Just... please... don't say 'King'!"