Ron's Decision

Madame Pomfrey released him from the infirmary the next evening before dinner. Having given him a complete exam, she pronounced him back to normal, with his internal organs back where they were. She also pronounced Anne to be in perfect health.



While Severus carried the baby’s bag, Ron carried Anne and they headed back to his school quarters. The evening would be spent packing, it wouldn’t take long since they had castle elves to help. Tomorrow they would leave for Spinner’s End.



As they entered, Ron could already see the preparations. His personal effects were notable gone, and the furniture was covered with clothes. Ron’s room was empty with the exception of a single rucksack. His other possession having been moved to his new home. The baby’s gifts and furniture were also absent, the bassinet from the infirmary had been moved for the night. Severus held Anne while Ron changed, preparing for his last dinner at Hogwarts.



“Bring the carrier, will you?” Ron asked, as he took Anne in his arms again. Severus grabbed in and together they headed to the staff room, when dinner was waiting for them. The Great Hall always went through a thorough cleaning during vacation, and it was pointless to use it for so few people.



The staff oohed and aahed over the baby. She was passed around, but didn’t seem to mind the attention. It allowed Ron a chance to eat, and he savored the delectable meal. Now that he was able to eat his fill, his notorious appetite had returned.



Harry and Hermione took the chance to say their goodbyes. They were leaving to get settled for auror training. Now that Ron had delivered they could focus on their ambition. They engaged in a long chat, knowing it would be some time before they would be together again. Owls would have to suffice for the moment.



Severus had understood his desire for them to be the godparents. They had proven their friendship by taking his abuse when he was in labor. Dinner lasted longer than usual tonight, but Severus knew he was saying goodbye and socializing while he could.



Several of the teachers had given Anne Gringott’s Drafts, and Ron made a mental note to talk to Severus about a visit to Diagon Alley. He had been given drafts for his graduation and he needed to open an account. They could also do some shopping. There were still several things the baby needed.



As they walked back, Ron mentioned it and Severus agreed it was a good idea. He needed to restock his house anyway. They needed to get groceries and such, along with basic supplies. They could do it all at once and have it sent home.



That night Ron slept alone for the last time. At Spinner’s End, Severus had put his things in his room. The spare room he was using for a library was turned into a nursery. The still needed a crib and a changing table, a baby bathtub, and clothes. She had been basic sleeping wear and one pieces, but not actual clothes, and it was all plain which was fine, but he would love to decorate her in reds and pinks.



He smiled to himself. Tomorrow he and Severus along with Anne would begin their lives. They had a full year to themselves to get started and he couldn’t wait.







The next morning Ron woke to find breakfast waiting. Severus ordered two trays and they were delivered and set on a transfigured table. Severus finished eating and fed Anne while Ron dressed and ate his own. They had a full day ahead of them, and he wanted an early start. They had said their goodbyes when they had dinner with the staff, and the elves knew to seal his room when left through the floo.



Anne was fed and dress, Ron was feed and dress. The last two ruckssacks and Anne’s bacg were packed. Severus shrunk down her bassinet in case they couldn’t find a crib right away, and gathered everything. The flooed to Spinner’s End, and Ron got his first look at his knew home.



It was a small house, but nice and cozy. There were several boxes sitting about and Ron recognized some of his things as well as his trunk. They put Anne in her carrier, and proceeded to wave their wands here and there. In less then an hour they were unpacked, but far from settled in.



Severus never bought food for this house, since he was rarely in it. The kitchen was bare and while the castle elves had cleaned the place, they still needed things like candles and oil for the lamps, shampoos and soap, shaving foam, even dish soap and such.



They had made out a list of things to do and places to go, starting with Gringott’s. They would have lunch at Diagon Alley, and then make dinner at home.



Ron settled Neville’s gift blanket, now pink, into the pram lifted Anne into his arms. Severus shrunk it along with her bag of nappies and charmed formula bottle, slipping the bundle on his shoulder. Ron took the floo first, then Severus. Once Anne was settled for the ride they started out.



Ron’s pregnancy was old news by now, and he got a few looks but most people had tried to sneak a peak inside the stroller. Severus’s look and stance prevented anyone from getting close, and for once Ron was glad. They could carry on in peace without being bothered, as they had at Gringott’s.



Finding the baby store they were looking for, they settled on a pale wooden crib, with green vines and leaves. Ron thought it was appropriate considering how this all came about. Severus merely nodded and they found the matching dresser and changing table, then found a bathtub. They items would be delivered to his home later that day. They also found baby clothes, and Ron eagerly gathered a pile of pink and purples. Severus added his own green to the pile as well, but Ron liked green no problem. He didn’t like yellow in any shade though, and neither did Severus.



The clothes they packaged up and took with them. The packages were shrunk down and slipped into Anne’s bag. As they finished getting household supplies, having them delivered later, they decided to get lunch.



“Can we be seated over in the corner?” Severus asked the server.



“Of course.” She brought them over the table and left menus for them.



“Why the corner, Ron asked, taking a bottle out and lifting Anne into his arms.



“I like having my back to the wall. That way nobody sneaks up on me.” He said, glancing at the menu.



“Paranoid?” Ron asked, lifting his eyebrows.



“I hate it when people sneak behind you and cover your eyes. The whole guess who game is irritating. I also have gossips who snoop around listening for gossip.” He said.



Ron could only chuckle. The server came back and took their orders. They mentally went though what food they planned to get but decided on simple things, and basics.



As they ate, they traded off holding Anne. Just as they were enjoying themselves the mood changed with the arrival of Rita Skeeter. “The famous Snape child.” She said with a smile.



“The famous Weasley-Snape child,” Severus confirmed, “and we would like to finish lunch in peace.”



“Now why would you be keeping your child a secret?” She titled her head, the quill floating behind her was scribbling rapidly. Ron lifted Anne into his arms and tossed a blanket over her head. It was all the clue Severus needed.



“We are leaving now Skeeter. You would do well to stay clear of us today.” He tossed several coins on the table and gave a nod to the server. She understood and held the door open as they exited.



“That woman needs a real job.” Ron said, quickly walking away.



“She thinks she has one.” Severus looked around and noticed several people looking in their direction. “The public still has an interest in us. A male pregnancy, a male male offspring. They want to know something about it. The why’s how’s and all that.”



“It’s nobody’s business.” Ron said firmly. He eased Anne into her pram and together they entered a market. Severus filled up a basket with food, always watching over his shoulder for Skeeter. Her and that photographer of hers always caught people at the worst moments.



They began to relax as they paid for their shopping, and left the market. They made it to the floo and Ron had just removed Anne from her pram when a flash went off. Skeeter and her photographer smiled. “She is a darling, isn’t she?”



“Ron, go.” Severus said, and in a mere second Ron and Anne were through the floo. Severus lifted his wand and sent a blast to the photographer. His camera exploded into bits on the ground, the film melting from the heat.



“You will pay for that camera.” He cried out.



“Do you really think you can avoid the public desire to know about something like a male pregnancy” She asked, standing to her full height, but she still looked up.



“No, in fact I can imagine the public will be informed soon enough. It just won’t be through you.” Fury covered her features. “You, Ms. Skeeter do not write objectively, and you twist words and circumstance. If me and Ron decided to speak about out daughter, then it will be with a reporter of talent.”



He apparated from where he was into the front room of his house. Ron was putting Anne in her basinet. He had to speak to him about this, and make a mental note during dinner to do just that. For the moment he focused on quickly assembling Anne’s furniture. A few incantations and the nursery was set up. They filled in the dresser and put sheets on the crib, the whole time Anne was sleeping peacefully in her carrier. When she was put in her crib, she twisted about a few times until she found a comfortable spot, then continued her dozing.



Ron arranged everything the way he wanted it, then took one of the orbs Dumbledore had given him, nesting in in her crib, then brought the other with him to the kitchens. Severus had waved his wand when he first came in sending everything that needed to go to the cooler, off to a shelf inside.



As they put the rest away by hand, Severus spoke. “It might be a good idea to consider an interview.”



Ron sighed. “I know. I just didn’t want Rita Skeeter to have it. She would have focused on what me and you are doing, rather then Anne. She would have twisted it around into something overtly sexual and that’s not what my decision was about.”



“I know that. But if everyone curiosity is allowed to grow, then they will gawk at her and stare every time we take her out. The more they know the less secretive it sounds and the less interest it will generate.” He leaned against the counter, facing Ron.



Ron ran his hands through his hair and let out a sigh. “I don’t want her to become some publicity aspect.”



“I know that Ron, neither do I, but logic says otherwise. The more we hide her the more in demand she will be. Besides we cant keep her from the real world. Eventually she will go to Hogwart’s and she will succeed far better if she is prepared.” He moved closer, forcing Ron to look at him.



“I know. I agree.” He took delight in his nearness. It didn’t cease his train of thought however. “I’m going to send an owl to Luna. Her father can run an article. As outrageous as his cover stories get he won’t try to turn it into something it’s not.”



“If that’s what you want.” He let out a chuckle. “Can you imagine Skeeter’s face when a picture of Anne appears in the Quibbler.”



Ron joined in the light laughter, until their eyes met. Severus moved closer, but just as they were about to connect, the orb went off and Anne Weasley-Snape let her presence be known.



Ron gave him an apologetic shrug and went to fee her. Severus lifted his eyes to the ceiling, then began dinner.