Ron's Decision

Ron relaxed on the cot in the infirmary. It had been a month and a half since he had been inseminated and Madame Pomfrey was very pleased with the rate of growth so far. “It looks as if you will carry this child to term Ron. That has to make you happy.”



“Yes, it does.” He was allowed to sit up as she sat down. Severus was beside him as they agreed.



“Now, I mentioned a cesarean delivery but I want you to be sure of what I will do and how magic will help. You do know that muggle women are technically cut open right?”



“Yes, that’s what you will have to do isn’t it?” He was nervous about it, but neither Severus, nor Hermione were overly concerned.



“Yes, however I will be using magic to make the incision and Professor Snape will be providing a potion to block the pain with rendering you unconscious, you want to be awake as I understand it.”



“Yes, I do.” He hated the thought of not seeing his baby right away. His feelings had grown stronger and stronger as each day went by. Hermione had made an off hand comment about his hormones changing but maybe she was right.



“The incision will be made, and the baby removed. Then I will use another spell to close you back up, then another to help your organs shift back into place. The entire are will be covered with a magical field to prevent infection. If the baby remains where it is, one of two things can happen. The baby will begin to grow outward, or the baby will push your insides upward.”



“I think that’s the case, because sometimes it’s hard to breathe.”



“How hard?”



“I get winded easily and have to take a moment before continuing what I am doing.”



“Ok, then I want you to halt any flying now.”



“Why?” He asked, noting that Severus had sat up straighter.



“If the baby is growing inward, then your lungs will be begin collapsing and cause diminished air intake. That will increase as the pregnancy goes on, especially if you are already feeling it. That can lead to dizziness and vertigo. If you are in the air when this happens then you may loose your senses and fall. That’s not a chance you should take.”



“I agree Ron. Fly after the birth.” Severus voice wasn’t commanding, but at the same time, he knew where his opinion stood.



“Alright then.”



“Any other symptoms?”



“It’s still hard to eat anything other than soup and salad. I have to force that down.”



“That’s common enough. Most women lose their appetites and some have in increased appetite. What about nausea?”



“No, a little queasiness in the morning but after I shower it’s usually gone.” He said. “I haven’t thrown up at all.”



“That’s good. When you get your appetite back, take advantage of it, living on soup and salad for a few days is fine if that’s all you can eat, but you should be getting your protein too.”



“Alright.” He took note of his neck appointment. They left the infirmary, Severus turning to his own classrooms.



Harry and Hermione were waiting for him, as usual before the fire, books and parchments spread out. Both were going to start auror training after graduation so they needed certain classes and high marks. He found his own bag waiting, although he had less of a load. Since he planned to design broomsticks, he didn’t need classes like Care of Magical Creatures or History of Magic. He also reluctantly dropped Herbology, because Madame Pomfrey wanted to keep him from any dangerous herbs or smells. He had dropped Potions last year anyway so that wasn’t any issue. He focused on Transfiguration and Arithmancy as well as Defense Against the Dark Arts, although he would forgo some of the practical lessons if they are too strenuous.



He opened his bag and took out his own work, letting them know about the procedure he would undergo. His nerves must have showed, because Hermione began to reassure him. “Ron, I was born through cesarean, there really is nothing to be afraid of.”



“She’s right Ron. The method of common in muggle hostpials and they don’t have magic to assist. Madame Pomfrey can mend broken bones, even grown they back, a simple incision will be no problem.”



“I suppose you’re right, but it’s still a bit scary.” He admitted, thumbing through his book without seeing the pages.



“Here I ordered this for you?” Hermione pulled a book out of her bag and handed it to him.



“’What To Expect When You Are Expecting’” He read out loud. “Thank you Hermione but I don’t have a uterus you know, and I doubt I have to worry about breast swell.” He commented as he glanced at a few chapters on the table of contents.



Harry chuckled, earning a nasty look from Hermione, although both of them knew she didn’t mean it. “It’s a good thing to know what women go through, in case the same thing happens to you. Lose of appetite and morning sickness are common among women too. This may give you an idea of what might happen to you.”



“Ok, I’ll go through it. Thank you.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss. “I wish you two could be here with me for this.”



“Well, we have a surprise for you.” Harry traded a grin with Hermione.



“What?” He asked, getting excited.



“We made arrangements with Dumbledore. Since auror training doesn’t begin until the fall, we have the summer free to study and prepare. He is letting us stay in the castle, and we can help with the upkeep in return for field usage and library time to research. Since you are due in the summer, we can be here when you deliver.”



“That’s fantastic.” He leaned in and hugged them both. “Thank you both.” Looking closely at them he spoke again. “You both are going to be the godparents right?”



“Of course.” Harry said, as Hermione eagerly nodded, hugging him again.



Later that night in bed, Ron leafed through the book. Hermione had been right. He had gone through a few, and knowing what may or may not happen was a wise idea. He wasn’t looking forward to back pain, or increased urination but since the baby was in his intestines rather than on top of his bladder maybe that wouldn’t affect him. The images of woman with swollen bellies disturbed him. He didn’t have the elasticity of a uterus and his body wasn’t soft and pliant, so what would happen to him? Would he have a huge belly? He had to admit the thought didn’t exactly appeal to him, nor did the hemorrhoids, swollen ankles, hot flashes, and gas. But when he saw the images of newborn babies he was comforted. They were so tiny and so helpless looking, but at the same time such a beauty to look at. It seemed worth it to him, to go through all of this.



Was this was his own parents felt? Even with the worry that had about making money last, did they feel this anticipation for a small bundle that was on it’s way? He set the book aside and reclined in bed.