The Alternative to Matrimony

Hermione had suggested he wait until Sara had finished her search of the contract. She was concerned that if Ron offered her something before her search then she might try and negotiate the amount.



He sat at home now waiting for Draco‘s response to a letter, reading the fan mail he had brought from Pansy’s. He laughed at the lewdness of some of them. Normally he would have been upset but he was now assured of her love and new she would not leave him.



“Ron.” He looked up and was surprised to find his wife.



“Yes?” He said going back to the letters.



“I would like some funds.” She said. It surprised him. She had stopped asking him for money when he refused the last few times.



“Why?” He asked, still not looking up.



“I wish to go see my mother.” She said quietly. Her mother lived in France.



“You and who else?” She normally took friends on trips with her, but had not been to see her mother in some time.



“Nobody, just me.” She seemed sad. Ron looked up at her. It was unusual for her to go anywhere alone. She stood at the door waiting.



“When?” He asked her.



“As soon as possible.” She answered.



“How long will you be gone?” He asked. Wondering how much money she would need.



“Until I make some decisions.” She said. He looked at her again. She wanted to speak with her mother on her marriage. And she wanted to do it away from Ron and the media.



He got up and walked to his desk. Pulling out a leather-bound book, he made out a Gringotts draft. “Is this enough?” She walked in and looked at the draft.



“It’s very generous, thank you.” She turned to leave, but Ron stopped her.



“Sara, sit down, we need to talk.” She took a seat in the armchair facing him.



“What do we need to talk about?” She asked.



“I’m sure you have questions.” He stated.



“Like why you took a mistress. I think her article made it pretty clear. Like why you have denied me money or access to the accounts. I thought that was made clear as well, you are either trying to get revenge for going to the media about your woman, or you are trying to make me leave.”



“You think I was wrong. I’m not claiming it was the right thing to do, but I needed something. And as for the money, you‘ll notice that I haven’t refused you anything. It was when your taking out and treating about fifteen of your friends that I refused. But like I said, I needed something you didn’t want to give me.”



“I am your wife. I am everything a wife to a successful man needs to be. I am a perfect hostess and know how to deal with events and give them if need be. I am always the perfect image on your arm when you need to be seen. I grew up in that element.”



“I didn’t. I grew up seeing a loving marriage. I wanted that.”



“Love is overrated. Love can make people do stupid things. It is no guarantee. In this world, image is what makes a difference.” She honestly believed it and Ron felt sorry for her.



“That’s true in some cases, however I think it’s worth the risk, and I thought you did to. I thought you felt the same as me.” He spoke calmly.



“I believed it because you wanted a wife to believe it. I made myself what you wanted, that’s what wives do, we become who you want.” It was as if she was teaching him a whole new culture.



“I thought it was real.” They had reached an impasse. Neither spoke.



“Nothing in life is real Ron, There is only comfort, and companionship.” He had never realized just who he married.



“That’s a sad viewpoint of life Sara.” He said a bit too sharply.



“It may be, but I’ll never be hurt.” He thought of her mother, twice divorced and now living with another man in Paris. For her to have the viewpoint that she did, she had either seen her mother cry or she had cried herself.



“Well, it is your life.” It was all he could say. She got up to leave and then paused.



“While I’m away, will you bring her here?” She asked.



“No.” He said. The thought of bringing Pansy to his home had never entered his mind. Even if it did, he knew Pansy would never set foot in his home while he was still a married man.



“Thank you.” With that she left. Ron knew she would be fine. She would no doubt find a husband if she chose to leave. One who needed a wife to act a certain way. He’d find the perfect wife in Sara.