Fall into Madness

Luna arrived right on time, as he knew she would, and together they apparated to the clearing. Luna had brought with her the same gorgeous dress and it looked perfect. Just as Ron had imagined a slight breeze let it flow gently, even giving her hair a wispy look as it was caught in faint wind.



She sat on the rock staring off into the distance moving this way and that, taking Ron’s direction smoothly. After an hour he had four rolls of film used up. She had no idea how he would choose or even why he took so many pictures, but she had learned never to question an artist’s methods. He would chose one that suited him.



She apparated away, leaving Ron to pack away his camera. “Do you honestly need that many photos?” He looked up to see Severus leaning against a tree.



“How long have you been standing there?” He waved his wand, sealing the camera bag before he shouldered it.



“Long enough.” He said, shifting the basket he was holding on his hip. “I can be very quiet when I want to, particularly is someone is involved in work.”



“So I see.” He slipped his hands in his pockets and came closer. “Gathering again?” He asked gesturing to the basket of jars.



“Yes.” He said, standing upright. “Roots this time.” He picked up a spade, long and pointed for dislodging water plants.



“Can I help?” Ron offered, seeing that he had about four jars ready and waiting.



“Do you remember how?” He challenged, lifting an eyebrow.



“I’m sure I can manage if I follow the master.” He gave a smart grin, but followed Severus to the lake bank. They each removed their shoes and socks, rolling their jeans up to mid calf.



Severus was very specific in showing Ron how to remove the roots. “Make sure you dig deep enough to extract the entire root and when you scoop, twist your wrist that way it comes out intact. Otherwise I can’t use it.” He demonstrated on one and gave Ron the tool, watching as he copied perfectly.



Together they worked, Severus keeping his eye on Ron. He was well built, strong but not too strong, and he imagined he was soft to the touch. He knew the general opinion was that man were rough and hard, but Severus found that men had smooth, creamy skin just as much as women. Ron, from the looks of his hands and what he could see of his neck and ankles, took care of himself and that was an attraction to Severus. He liked a man who maintained himself well. He had a feeling that part of it came with his work. Washing off paint and such would dry out his skin if he didn’t have a regimen to counter it. He knew all about that, from gathering his own supplies.



He seemed to have grown into his own, but Severus knew as well as anyone that making a mark for yourself in a career could build up a man’s self image. Having his art used on book covers, and requested by personal buyers had given him a certain something extra to his carriage. He moved, walked and talked differently. Not only had he come into his manhood, but he had managed to find himself a niche doing what he loved.



He focused his mind back on his roots and soon all four jars were filled with fresh, thick roots. The obvious pleasure on Severus’s face was a joy to Ron.



“Would you like a cup of tea?” He asked.



“I would love one.” Ron answered without hesitation, but not without wondering why.



He reached out and rested a hand on the arm Severus held out, trying not to be impressed by what he felt. Together they apparated to a small house in a quiet neighborhood. Ron took the time to notice the peacefulness of what a sign depicted to be Spinner’s End as Severus found his key. Holding open the door he walked in, and found the house matched the professor he once knew.



Books lines three of the walls on built in shelves. The room was decorated in dark colors and warm browns and looked inviting. The furniture was also in varying shades of dark browns and look comfortable indeed. He never would have thought his imposing teacher would have such a welcoming abode, but then again, he didn’t know him personally until now.



It was to one of his comfortable looking armchairs that Severus gestured. “Have a seat, I won’t be a moment.”



Ron eased into a chair, glancing at titles in the shelve near him. It seemed that in addition to nearly every academic text known to man he was also fond of mysteries and adventure novels. He recognized a few authors because he had been commissioned to paint for covers.



He also noticed several biographies. He seemed very interested in historical figures and what Hermione and Harry mentioned as the monarchy in the muggle world. Since he was half muggle if made perfect sense that he would know all about it. Several names were showed on the spines but Ron didn’t know that some of them were foreign kings and queens as well as English ones.



“Sugar?” He turned and found Severus standing with tray floating behind him. They each took a cup and relaxed. “What will you do with the painting?”



“I actually like the idea of a calendar. It’s a forte I know well, since I have several, but it will let me branch off the way I want to.” He said, shifting slightly.



“Landscape is your specialty so you could easily add something to it.” Severus reached under the table between them and pulled a book out. “I’m sure you remember this.”



Ron took the book and smiled. The woods and shadow figure was very familiar indeed. “My first book cover job.” He handed it back. “He wanted something very specific, almost pictured it himself, but he couldn’t draw for anything.”



“I imagine this new one will work out well enough.” He put the book back and took a sip of tea.



“Well I would like to get an idea and basic sketch, along with ideas for the remaining months before I mention it to my publisher.” He set down his tea suddenly more relaxed.



“Chances are you already have other ladies in mind.” Severus sent the tray floating to the kitchen.



Ron grinned. “I was thinking of six ladies, giving each two different looks in two different seasons. I have to admit, when it comes to painting figures, ladies are always an inviting subject.”



“Really?” He lifted both eyebrows.



Ron let out a chuckle. “Just because I don’t want them sexually doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate them. Women have gorgeous bodies and fabulous to paint. Luna is trim and tone, from walking all over the place. He skin is smooth and her hair is just beautiful. I can’t wait to paint her.”



“How many pictures did you take?”



“Each roll carried 25 shots and I used all four.” He admitted.



“You really need 100 choices?’ Severus seemed genuinely shocked.



“Well I had something in mind, but there is always the off chance that I would change my mind. Having Luna there to pose allows me to see how she looks in different poses and the more choices I have the better.”



“I suppose the selection process is a religious experience.”



Ron let out a laugh. “I’m not that bad. I will be able to find what I need quickly once I get started.”



“I’m sure of it.” He reached for a chocolate from a nearby dish, offering one to Ron. “Is there a partner?”



“Why do you ask?” Ron grinned, lifting an eyebrow.



“I’m trying to find out personal information under the guise of small talk.” Ron let out his laughter again. He was surprised and delighted by this sense of humor he was seeing.



“There isn’t anyone anymore. We split not too long ago, however it was only a matter of time.” Ron said when he stopped laughing.



“Not a harmonious pairing then?”



“Nor a harmonious parting.” Ron let out a sigh. “For all that he was handsome and smart, he was also possessive and in some ways still is.”



Severus sat up straighter. “Is he giving you problems?”



“Yes. I’ve had to bring Harry into it. He doesn’t seem to think it is over, still deluding himself that we merely had a fight and all will be well. It’s getting annoying because he showed up at Hermione’s shop and I’ve been needing Harry to handle it now.”



“Has he been like this with previous men?” Ron stopped to think at his questions and then found that he really didn’t know.



“Dorian never really talked about his prior boyfriends. I guess that should have been a signal but I just assumed that they had ended badly and he didn’t want to visit bad memories.”



“That’s nothing new, a lot of people feel that way.” Ron was opening up and he liked it. This young man had grown to someone of character and he was drawn to it.



“Yes, a lot of people also understand why a breakup occurs.” The tilt of his head was saying a lot.



“He doesn’t?”



“No. He says that I am overreacting and that I am too serious at times. He says that we have something special, even though it was very one sided. He always pressed his viewpoint and failed to even put merit into mine.”



“A man who argues like that couldn’t have been very feeling on a day to day basis.” Severus surmised, thinking that Ron must have been denied a lot.



“He wasn’t. He wanted things to be his way and that’s it. That’s not a good basis for any relationship.” Ron spoke with a maturity and knowledge that only came with experience.



“Was he the first serious relationship?”



“No, there have been casual dates and a few flings, but only one other serious relationship. William received a very good opportunity to study creature healing with a respected healer in America. He couldn’t pass it up. We parted as friends though.” Ron smiled as he spoke, and it was plain that while he missed the man he spoke of, he had moved on. He looked up at Severus, and smiled wider. “I think you would like him. He’s very smart, and read on this level.” He gestured to the veritable library that surrounded them.



“I like him already.” Severus teased, but in a way he was half serious. He liked readers. “Do you see him at all anymore?”



“I see him when he comes to visit his parents. We always manage to have lunch or dinner, depending on his schedule.” He let out a chuckle. “Dorian hated that too, always refusing to join me and trying to keep me from going. Do you see your exes sir?”



“Severus.”



“Pardon.” Ron felt his heart speed up.



“My name is Severus. I’m not your teacher anymore.” His eyes stayed on his, never wavering for a moment.



“Do you see your exes Severus?” His smile was charmed and innocent.



“Like you, I have some that ended badly and some that ended well. I do once in a great while also have lunch with a few. The few that parted on good terms that is.” He didn’t volunteer too much, but Ron didn’t mind. He was just making conversation.



Silence filled the room and for a moment Ron wondered what to do, then Severus spoke. “I wonder if you wouldn’t mind joining me for dinner tomorrow night.”



Ron felt his heart pound in his ribcage. His whole body felt warm and he swallowed hard to combat the dry throat. “I would love it. Can I bring anything?”



“Just yourself.”



After tea Ron left through the floo. Severus relaxed in his chair thinking out dinner. He planned to cook for the handsome ginger. It was one of his talents, along with brewing the perfect potions.



Ron had become a fine man, and from what he had learned from their talk, he had become a man of principle. He had been raised by a man of principle after all. He had expectations for a relationship and wasn’t willing to compromise. He smiled to himself. He shouldn’t have to compromise for something he felt was important. He knew there was more to the story then Ron was letting on, but they had time to talk about the past. His own as well. In time he would share with Ron, just as he had shared tonight. He knew there was curiosity in his eye, but he didn’t pry.



He decided on chicken parmesan and grilled vegetables. He had a nice white wine to go with it. He smiled to himself again, hoping Ron had the same appreciation for good food that he showed at Hogwart’s. He thought he would, seeing as how his physique was still healthy. Severus didn’t have a liking for skinny men. He liked men who ate, as he did. He appreciated a good meal and fine wine. He enjoyed deserts and while he wasn’t one to gorge, he didn’t deny himself. His gathered his own potion ingredients and as a result was in motion and active, instead of lazy and sluggish. He could tell Ron was the same way. He probably still took the shy and wondered if a broom flight might be something to suggest.



He laughed at himself. Here he was, planning a simple first dinner and he had thoughts to another date. He knew it was thinking too far, but he liked what he saw. He liked the man Ron had become and he was highly attracted to it. He admired men who didn’t try to become someone else. He liked men who were honest with themselves and had integrity. Ron had all of those and his had proven it with his admissions here.



He thought about the man he had split with, and how Ron was saddened about being treated without consideration. Severus knew what that felt like, and for a man as emotional as Ron, it must have been devastating to be forced to end it. He wondered how aggressive he could be without scaring him off. He would have to pace himself if he wanted to make any headway with him.



He stood and pacing his front room, as he usually did when thinking. Ron wouldn’t want to rush into a relationship again after recently ending one. He didn’t know how long ago Ron had broken up with his ex, but it couldn’t have been too long ago. He could date Ron casually, but Severus was the casual type. He wasn’t shy about commitment, but if Ron was cautious he would have to adjust what his normal instinct told him.



Given what little information he had at the moment, he decided it would be better to hold back then too be aggressive. He would let Ron show him what he was comfortable with.