Ron's Decision

Ron managed to make it through graduation without passing out. His lungs had been pushed so far up his chest by the baby that he could only take a few steps before he needed to rest. He found himself sitting nearly all day. Even rising from his char was a trial.

He walked across the great hall platform to get his certificate and practically collapsed when he reached his seat. Severus was waiting at the steps to assist, letting his rest his head back and cradle his body as he let himself go limp, panting for air.

His back pain was stronger and by far the most horrific symptom of all, and the only comfortable position to be in was laying down on his side. The ceremony passed on without meaning anything to him. He was just glad to be able to move from the seat he was in. He had practically claimed one of the armchairs in the common room, but nobody seemed to mind. Severus had a charmed armchair in a similar design in his quarters waiting.

Ron’s parents were throwing a party for him, Harry and Hermione, so they all went to the Burrow after the ceremony. Severus went along, staying by Ron’s side the whole time. He was concerned about Ron’s comfort, knowing that his back was more and more of a problem,

He was right to be concerned. Not twenty minutes into the party, Ron was winded again. “Severus let’s go back to the castle.” He said, leaning on his arm.

“You don’t want to stay for the presents or dinner?” He asked because it was polite, but he was already standing and waving his and for their cloaks.

“No, I’m exhausted, I need to lay down.” He was panting even as he spoke, the morning ceremony and goodbyes to everyone were obviously too much for him.

Severus took a moment to tell the Weasleys they were leaving, when he returned Molly was fast on his heals. “Ron, are you alright? You can lie down upstairs you know.”

“I won’t make it up there, mum. I’m fine, just too tired right now.” He took Severus’s hand and stood with a lot of help.

“Alright then. We will visit you soon.” She kissed his cheek, and he accepted a hug from his father.

He got hugs from Harry and Hermione as well, saying they would see him when they returned to the castle, and they would bring his presents.

He was too tired and aching to pay attention to anything so he just agreed to and let Severus take him back to Hogwarts. He had been in Severus’s quarters only once to bring some of this things there, but was too tired to look around now. He only wanted to get to his bed and lie down. Severus slipped both arms around him and half carried him to this room.

Ron hadn’t been in his bed for a minute when he was sleeping soundly. Severus left him in peace closing the door behind him softly.

Ron was alone when he woke, but he saw light coming from under the door. He eased himself up and walked into Severus’s common room. He was sitting in an armchair reading.

“Feel better?” He asked, setting aside his book.

“Much,” he settled himself in a matching chair and sighed, “I wish I didn’t have to leave though. Mum and Dad were disappointed.”

“Yes, but they understood.” He rose from his chair. “Can you eat something?”

“Yes, please.” He stretched out and let his head fall back for a moment. Severus ordered dinner for them both and waved his wand, bringing over several presents.

“Harry and Hermione brought these?” He halfway remember them mentioning presents.

“Yes, they have been given staff rooms and a list of chores to do while they are here. Closing classrooms, putting some items in storage and such, nothing to interfere with preparing for their training.” Dinner arrived right away and as they leisurely ate, Ron opened his gifts. His parents had bought him a cloak, not a used one, a new one, thick and warm, in the deepest black.

His brothers had given him broom care supplies and, knowing his plans to design them, gave him supplies and tools used in maintenance. His sister had given him a Cannons pendant. He also received some clothes from Lupin, Hagrid and Dumbledore. Other family friends had sent Gringott’s drafts. He decided to open an account and put all drafts in it. He’d get Severus to take him tomorrow.

“My turn.” Ron looked over at Severus as he handed him a small box.

“You didn’t have to do this.” He took the small box, feeling the velvet in his hand.

“It’s not everyday that someone graduates from Hogwarts.” He said, lifting his glass in a mock toast.

Ron opened the box and nearly swallowed his heat. It was a signet ring. Gold with the Weasley family crest on one side and a broom in mid flight on the other. In the center was a bright ruby. The Weasley signature stone. “This is amazing.”

“I spoke to your father to get the crest. It seemed fitting that you should have one.” He said.

“Thank you Severus. This is fantastic.” He slid the ring onto his finger, and waited as the charm sized it for him. He took several moments to admire it.

He had only finished half his plate but that had been a normal occurrence lately. His insides were shoved aside due to the baby and along with this lungs going down, his stomach couldn’t only hold so much food before he was full. As a result he was eating small amounts every few hours. Some days he would eat every hour, even if it was a mere snack. Severus had one of the castle elves stay close to them incase Ron needed anything from the kitchens at a moments notice.

They settled his new gifts in his dressers and sent the others to Spinner’s End through the floo. Relaxing while playing chess, Ron was soon tired again and went to his room. With the end of school came the end of schedules. He would be able to lie down when he wanted, and nap when he wanted. Severus normally began prep for next term, but since he was taking a year off, he spent leisure time reading for enjoyment. He was also able to remain at Ron’s side all day, incase labor started early.

Madame Pomfrey said it was a possibility since Ron’s body wasn’t stretching out and his waist line had grown only by about 2 inches, labor may start because there was no more room. She was confident in the fact that if he did, go into labor a little early, the baby would have grown enough to still be born healthy and with no problems.

Ron woke at 1 in the morning, starving. He called to a house elf who brought him a tray and he settled in front of the fireplace to eat. “You’re eating at this hour?” He turned and found Severus in sweat pants and a white tshirt, standing in his bedroom door. He had said he normally slept in his shorts and nothing else, but if anything happened during the night, he knew Poppy wouldn’t like him showing up more than half naked.

“I’m sorry if I woke you,” he said between bites, “I was starving.” He continued eating as Severus came to sit with him.

“I can see that,” he said with a laugh, “I’m glad to see it. I wonder at times if you are getting all the food you need.”

“I wonder too sometimes, but I’m always hungry, since I can’t eat that much.” He finishing the plate and let the house elf take it away.

“Are you scared?” Severus asked.

“A little. I don’t know what will happen, I suppose that’s the scariest of all.” He admitted.

“Poppy told you everything she would do.” He leaned closer.

“Yes, but there is no guarantee that everything will go according to plan.” Talking about his fears had eased them somewhat, and he was glad Severus was taking him seriously.

“That’s true, but you won’t be alone.” Ron looked at him and smiled.

“Thank you. For everything.”

“Ron, for whatever reason you have for choosing me, I am honored that you did. To be told that you are wanted when it comes to creating a child is the best of compliments. Thank you, Ron for asking me, and for giving me this gift.” He said.

The look in Ron’s eyes was clear as day. He was touched by the words he heard and Severus felt a sudden connection that hadn’t been there before. Ron was special, just as his father said, and Severus had him in his life. Together they had made a child who would join them shortly. It was just too much to resist.

He rose from his chair and walked over to Ron, kneeling in front of him. Ron’s eyes were locked with his, trusting and giving. Severus had never seen such a welcoming expression. Lifting his head, he moved closer and closer until their lips met. Ron felt a jolt through his body. Severus was as tender as anything he had felt. Barely touching his lips and kissing him without pressure.

He lowered his head and titled it to the side, pressing closer. He felt Severus’s arms slide around him. He eased to the edge of the seat, his legs parting naturally around Severus’s ribs. He opened his mouth and was immediately awarded a warm, skilled tongue. He kissed like a master, plunging and withdrawing in perfect rhythm.

Ron lifted his arms and let them rest on his shoulders. Leaning in, he let his weight go as he responded to a kiss like no other. Ron had some experience, but not much. He had only been with one other person and he was just as inexperienced. He knew from this kiss though, that Severus would make this right. He would take charge and show Ron what to do. He would continue to teach him.

As much as he wanted to continue, Ron found it hard to breathe. He quickly lifted his head and let it roll back, opening his mouth and panting. Severus held him, rubbing his back until he had enough to pull his head back. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have pushed that.”

“It wasn’t unwanted you know.” Ron joked. “I just needed air.”

“And now you need rest. We will have plenty of time to finish what we started won’t we?”

Ron grinned brightly. “Yes, we will.”