Taming The Beast

Chapter 20

Marriage, Monsters, and Ministers

THAT EVENING

It was practically all-out war. Voldemort's strategy, at least for the initial assault, appeared to be to strike at soft targets, places where civilians would be, preferably Muggles. Dumbledore was surprised at the attack on Durmstrang, if any school would be likely to support Tom, it would be Durmstrang. Or perhaps it was to throw the Aurors off? Albus picked up and considered the parchment that had been laying on his desk when he had returned after the funerals of his students...

Albus,

We are at war my friend, and not just with The Dark Lord. The Provisional IRA has claimed responsibility for the attacks in London. Hamas and Hezbollah have claimed responsibility for attacks in Europe and America, along with at least one White Supremicist League. Several of the reports are redundant, some contradictory. Our fears are all but confirmed that Lord Jerk has made some agreement with a number of Muggle malcontents and is augmenting his forces with them.

That being the case, I have contacted the Muggle Prime Minister with these findings. Tony has agreed that one SAS (Special Air Services) platoon will be sent to Hogwarts to recieve familiarization training in magical methods, with your approval of course. The student body of Hogwarts in return will be taught the strategy and tactics of Muggle warfare and as much self-defense as they can be given, if they elect to participate.

The Ministry of Defence has also allocated four commissions for those students who have the leadership skills and willingness to become officers in the Army. Though the lower age limit is 17 and 9 months, under the circumstances, I think it would be foolish to exclude one lad who has shown so much...so the age limit is now 16.

We shall coordinate our efforts. Three days from now, we will go to Washington to brief the President of the United States, he is keenly interested in our situation and finding a quick solution to the problem.

Sincerely,

Cornelius Fudge

P.S. Looks like you were right about Mark McGwire

Dumbledore stroked his beard. THAT would certainly fill out the announcements in the morning. A wedding and the arrival of forty soldiers and officers. He frowned. It wouldn't be a bad idea, the students could use the confidence given by mastering Muggle means of combat as well. But shouldn't that time be spent wielding a wand rather than an LA8581? On the other hand, the ruthless efficiency of the rifle could turn the war in their favour.

Dumbledore got up and opened a seldom used drawer, and pulled out a small black and brown pistol. A Luger Parabellum, a gift from a young Nazi officer who helped him in the battle with Grindelwald...who went back to what was left of Dresden in 1945, and who was killed attempting to escape to the West. He had two days to decide, he thought. For now, let's fervently hope for no more violence and ensure that Ron and Hermione enjoin safely.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING

It was a somber mood as students filed into the Great Hall for breakfast. Ron , Harry, and Hermione sat together as usual. When all were seated, Dumbledore spoke:

"Friends and students, I thank you for your outpouring of sympathy towards the friends and families of the young men and women we have lost. It is greatly appreciated. Since the war is not being fought merely in the wizarding world, Hogwarts have been asked if it would provide training. I have not yet decided, but I will consider this. Additionally, in three days I will be traveling to Washington with Cornelius Fudge and our Prime Minister to brief the President about Voldemort. Professor McGonagall will act as headmaster in my absence."

"Repairs have been made to the Hogwarts Express Line, and any students wishing to depart may do so tomorrow morning. Your parents have all been notified about what may be going on at Hogwarts, and those students who leave will be notified by owl when this crisis is over."

"As you may now know, Miss Hermione Granger was attacked by a werewolf over the summer. She is unfortunately now a werewolf herself, a rather friendly and adorable one as I understand, and the bravery she has shown has reflected well on the traditions of Gryffindor. Her courage is matched only by the nobility and character of Ronald Weasley who has supported Hermione in every way possible, including offering to become her husband."

"I am pleased to announce then, that in two days, we will have the pleasure of seeing Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley joined in holy matrimony. Ron, Hermione, could you please stand?"

The last announcement was greeted by stunned gasps, followed by loud applause. Ron grabbed Harry by the shoulder, "I want you to be my best man of course." "You can bet on it!" Harry exclaimed.

Hermione was smiling, thoughtful. Harry would be the best man. Harry would also be the godfather for their children. Ginny would be CHIEF bridesmaid...but who else to include? Cho Chang maybe? Luna? Han----no....but of course!

"I feel strange about asking you for this under the circumstances, but would you do this for me, Padma?"

Tears welled up in Padma Patil's eyes. "Oh Hermione, of course I will!! Parvati would hate to see me turn down a chance like this!!"

The tables had been cleared from the Great Hall, leaving only the benches arranged as pews. A massive pipe organ had been brought in, and Madam Hooch was carefully tuning the instrument.

Only two dozen students had chosen to leave Hogwarts, the rest chose to defend their fair school to the death. The wedding of Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley would do well as an inspiration. People milled about making small talk.

Hermione stood alone in the bathroom. Within two hours she would be Mrs. Hermione Weasley. A solitary tear rolled down her cheek. It was eight days before the full moon, but with her being pregnant, she was already slowing changing. Her ears had become softly pointed, thankfully hidden under her hair. Her fingernails were strong and dark...concealed by nail polish. Her teeth had lengthened and become sharper, but it wasn't obvious if she was careful about flashing a smile. She could do nothing about her eyebrows though, no spell or amount of plucking could stop them from growing long and thick, so she kept her bangs down. The hair on her lower legs and belly had gotten to the point where she could no longer see her skin in places. "Ron will love me anyway, but still..."

"Hermione. It's time dear." Hermione, Padma and Ginny walked to the Great Hall

Hermione choked back a happy sob as Madame Hooch began playing the wedding march. Her father took her by the arm, and Hermione willed her feet to move. Ron stood, a gentle welcoming smile on his face. Albus Dumbledore began to speak.

"Dearly beloved. We gather today in public affirmation of the union of love, trust and intent that exists between Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Any true union does not and cannot come from a mere ceremony, but must start and end in the hearts of the persons involved. Ron and Hermione are already connected by bonds of love, trust and intent. You are here as representatives of the wider commuinity of man to bear witness to their public acknowledgement of their love for each other."

Hermione's parents sat with Ron's. They had never met except through post until after the attacks, but the good natured Weasleys quickly befriended the Grangers. Arthur Weasley was delighted to have finally made the aquaintence of a pure Muggle, and John Granger was thrilled to meet someone to whom dentistry was a novelty. Dumbledore continued to speak.

"Over the past years, I have watched these children grow through trials and tribulations none should ever have to witness, but they persevered. The bonds between them were often tested, yet never broken, and through that testing they have strengthened into love. I am convinced that the bond betwen this young man and woman shall remain till the end. However, if there is anyone here who thinks otherwise, let he or she speak now...or forever hold their peace..."

Silence. Harry brought out two golden rings, handing one to Ron and one to Hermione.

"Very well. The time has come where Ron and Hermione declare their love and make their promises to each other."

Ron turned to Hermione. "I, Ronald Bilius Weasley, take you Hermione Granger to be my wedded wife, and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live. With this ring I thee wed." His voice cracked slightly towards the end, Hermione giggled slightly. Ron, was so Ron.

"I Hermione Granger, take you, Ronald Weasley to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part. With this ring I thee wed."

Dumbledore spoke now. "By the power vested in me by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and before God, I pronounce you Man and Wife." He rested his hand on Rons shouldder, his eyes twinkling. "You may kiss the bride."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you Mister and Missus Ronald Weasley. And fifteen points to Gryffindor. Each."

.

.

Author's Notes: Like Dumbledore, I haven't yet decide on whether I want to go along with getting the Army involved, I would appreciate hearing suggestions on whether Dumbledore should accept or not.

- Lest any of you are wondering, no, Hermione remains adorable as a wolf, nothing like that thing Lupin becomes in the movie. I tend to picture Lupin as having long, slightly greying hair, and clean-shaven. Speaking of the movie, did anyone notice the similarities between "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and the movie "The Day After Tomorrow"

- I suppose I did understate the deaths of two key characters didn't I? Hopefully the funeral scene made up for that.

- Yes, they WILL have a honeymoon before the full moon.

- It is not the end. It is not the beginning of the end. It is the end of the beginning.