Life and Love After Voldemort

jdvalk2

Story Summary:
H/G, R/Hr story focusing on how career paths are finalized, life choices are made, and rings are exchanged. There's a goodly amount of romance, humor, action, adventure and mystery, as the quartet find that the post-Voldemort world holds its fair share of challenges.

Chapter 25 - Chapter 25

Chapter Summary:
The Cannon Fodder Choir
Posted:
02/25/2009
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204


Harry's reconnaissance work documenting weak points in the magical identity protection network around Chudley and the surrounding vicinity proved invaluable once the area had erupted with Cannons fever following the team's historic victory. The interest from the wizarding world had continued to mushroom after the casino scandal and the developing Cannons saga, and DOMLEE had its hands full keeping the magical population off of the Muggle radar. (Minister Shacklebolt had wisely arranged for the Muggle P.M. to schedule war games at a local army installation to mask the series of magical cannon blasts that intermittently disturbed the Muggle peace.)

While all of the 'Magnificent Seven' starters had been accorded legendary status in the area, none of the players were more fervently embraced and admired locally than Ron and Harry. Word had gotten around of Ron's fanatical devotion to the team that had been passed to his friend, and the tales of scandal, intrigue, and heroism surrounding the pair vaulted them to a special place in the hearts of the community. (As it turned out, the most popular names for local newborns for the next few decades were Harry, Ron, King, Rex, Queenie, Harriet, Veronica, Henrietta and Ronita.)

The victory parade ran from the stadium through downtown Chudley and out to the Chudleighton Hotel and Casino just beyond town, where the team and associated family and friends would later gather for a private celebration. The team waved genially at the parade-goers from its float. Ron had invited Hermione to be by his side and share the once-in-a-lifetime experience with him. In return, she desperately tried to enjoy the occasion while struggling to keep the results of her internal law-and-order radar to herself.

How can they allow dwarves to be fired from cannons? And is that a Skrewt blasting away on top of that townhouse? "Harry, you're sure that DOMLEE's on top of this?"

"Relax, Hermione. They're not going to let the festivities get out of hand. Even the Cannon Fodder section is accounted for and under control."

As the most loyal of Cannons supporters through the mostly bad times, the Cannon Fodder fanatics had been accorded a place of honor in a special section of bleachers situated on the parade route. The group proceeded as if they were at a game, hurling objects from the stands (though mostly harmless items like stuffed animals and puff-balls shaped like Chudders) and singing loudly and proudly. Harry enjoyed their latest warblings:

Here's to our Seeker, here's to our King!

They bagged themselves a Bagman, then bagged themselves a ring!

Harry noticed that the lead word changed from 'Here's' to 'Cheers,' 'Beers,' and back again with each recitation. Their float paused in front of the Cannon Fodder section for a good ten minutes, giving the revelers the chance to release their appreciation in the most audible form possible.

Finally, Ron stepped forward with Hermione's hand in his and motioned for the throng to quiet themselves. "Thanks for helping me work up the courage, guys! Now if you'd please do the honors..." The entire section rose to their feet and picked up signs that had been on their seats. They raised them in unison, forming one giant sign that read: "WILL YOU MARRY ME, HERMOINE?" The section then joined in song:

I love you truuuuly, truuuuly dear;
Life with its sorrow, life with its tear
Fades into dreams when I feel you are near;
For I love you truuuuly, truuuly dear.

There wasn't a dry eye on the float. Chucky Farkas buried his head in Quigley's shoulder to cover up his trembling sobs. Hermione fervently nodded yes with a look of surprise and delight as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Harry squeezed Ginny close to him as they watched Ron and Hermione embrace, sending the impromptu Cannon Fodder Choir into raucous cheers. "I'm amazed that Ron could put together something this romantic," marveled Ginny.

"I'm amazed he was able to silence Hermione in the process," added Harry as Ginny groaned. Well done, you two!