The Alternative to Matrimony

Pansy and Ron settled into a routine during Sara’s trip to France. Ron didn’t bother going home in the evenings. He allowed his house elves to maintain the upkeep and only when there to see to paperwork.



He had been taking his evenings at Pansy’s house. He kept clothes in her closet and supplies in her bathroom. Pansy was a delight. She made him feel complete. This was the union he wanted, and he wished it was the marriage he had.



He wanted Sara to make her decision. He intended to marry Pansy, but he didn’t know how she would take it. They had never mentioned marriage, but he wanted her opinion. He loved her and wanted her to be his wife.



He made the decision then and there that if Sara left him, he would ask Pansy to marry him. The media had already began wondering if they would marry in the future.



She came back from the loo and sat beside him. “I have an idea, lets go out. I know you love ballet.”



“Ron, we couldn’t.” She said picking up her tea.



“Why not?” He was surprised. He thought she would love to go. “You love the ballet. Look at what you did with one of the guest rooms.” He was referring to the empty room he had renovated into a practice hall. He loved watching her in her ballet shoes and tights, all grace and elegance. He especially loved it when she gave in and danced naked for him.



“Ron, you are still legally married, and with your wife away it would be an outright slap in her face.” Pansy explained.



“I’m getting really tired of people worrying about image. I don’t care what people think of me.” He said getting irritated. Pansy saw the signs but knew how to diffuse him before he began turning red.



“Ron, she is still your wife and I am just the other woman. It would be right. Ron, she might not give a shit about me, but I am not going to stoop to that sort of that behavior.” Ron calmed down. “I may be what I am, but I can still act like a lady.”



“You’re right, I’m sorry. I just want to be able to take you out when I want.” He said.



“Yes, love, I know. But don’t worry, things like that don’t matter to me.” She told him.



“I know, even more reason to take you. It’s not like you expect it, you would enjoy it for what it is.” She smiled. The she saw his expression turn serious.



“What is it Ron?”



“You love me don’t you?” He asked.



“Yes, of course I do, you know that.” She wondered what he was getting at.



“What do you want to do if Sara decides to leave me?” He asked with a serious face. Pansy knew that when he looked serious, he had something on his mind.



“I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.” She looked away. “I guess that would depend on you.”



“I want to know your wishes.” He said softly.



“I suppose I’d want to keep on like this for awhile.” She said. Ron lifted his eyebrows.



“You want to stay here?” He asked.



“Well, I admit I had hoped we would be able to live together, even thought I thought it might not happen for awhile,” Ron smiled ,“but I think we should wait for awhile before discussing marriage.” She said the last word quietly.



“Why?” His voice was still gentle, and warm.



“Well, for starters, if she left, it wouldn’t be right to rush into another marriage. Then, it would give us time to see how we like living together. You never know we may end up at each others throat all the time.” She said with a smile.



“Your neck is a delightful place to be.” He said brushing his fingers along her nape. “Any other reasons?” When her face fell and she looked away, he grew concerned. “Pansy, what is it?” He moved closer and slid an arm around her waist. When she looked up he saw that she looked slightly afraid. “What is it?” He held her closer.



“I don’t want to make you angry.” She whispered.



“You could never make me angry. Just be honest with me about how you feel. That’s all I ask. We can discuss anything can’t we?” He leaned in and brushed his lips against her temple. She took a breathe and spoke.



“I don’t want to end up like your wife Ron.” She said in barely a whisper, afraid of her words. Ron remained calm and told himself to listen.



“How do you mean love?” He asked, holding her gently in his arms.



“Ron, your wife eventually became just a woman. She might have only cared about her image, but it would crush me if you went to a pub and found a woman. I don’t think I’d want to live after that.” A tear slid down her cheek, and Ron felt a pain in his chest. “If you marry and divorce five times I wouldn’t care as long as I remained the one you go to.” She couldn’t hold it in, and by now several tears had fallen as her voice broke.



“Calm down love, please don’t cry.” Ron always had issues with tears. “Please Pansy, stop now.” He picked up a hankie from the table and dried her tears.



“I’m sorry, I just……” Ron quieted her with a kiss.



“Don’t be sorry. Never be sorry to tell me your fears.” She nodded and composed herself. “I won’t mention it again, until it’s a more appropriate time love, when we can discuss it seriously.” She nodded and leaned on his shoulder.



Leeky served dinner and they spoke of other matters. Ron decided to not to mention marriage until after he was divorced. If that ever happened.