Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and make no profit off of this story. This story was intended to be read following "Mirrors" but does stand alone.
Ron does not have the emotional range of a teaspoon
Ron does not have the emotional range of a teaspoon. Maybe he did when he was younger, but he's an adult now and, while he'll never be as smart as Hermione or know all the things girls seem to know, he's observant.
He knows why Harry's still hanging around Malfoy and he doesn't say anything because, well, Malfoy hasn't done anything recently and Harry seems more or less happy. More or less, because with Harry it's hard to know if he's ever truly happy and Ron knows this too.
Sometimes, sometimes Ron knows about the shadows in Harry's eyes and what they mean. He likes to pretend he doesn't, because, really, how could he know about that with the family he's got? But he knows what it means anyway and doesn't say anything because it's over now and what would he say anyway?
He's not completely useless though. He can make Harry laugh and he does his best to keep Harry safe.
"You might want to lay low for awhile, mate." He tells Harry. "Mum's been talking about trying to fix you up again. I think she just wants to get some grandkids to smother."
"Thanks." Harry laughs. "Can you imagine me with kids?"
Ron thinks about it for a minute. "Actually…yeah, I can."
"I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what to do with them!"
"I think it's one of those things you pick up as you go along. Besides, you're great with the kids from Malfoy's shelter."
Harry shrugs, uncomfortable, and Ron knows what he is thinking. That because his own childhood was far too screwed up, he would screw up any kids too.
"Hey." He calls and Harry looks up at him. "You'd be great. Really, all kids need is to be loved and you wouldn't have any problem doing that."
Harry makes a nasty face. "Yeah, well, thanks. But I'm not having kids to make your mother happy."
"You'd kind of have to find a girl first, wouldn't you?" It's a rhetorical question.
Harry laughs again. "Shut it, prat. Anyways, I don't see you trying too hard to get her some grandchildren."
"Have you heard the names Hermione wants to saddle the children with? I'm waiting until I can convince her that our children would not be happy with the names Iphigenia and Winston."
"Winston?" Harry's voice is strangled between disbelief and more laughter.
Ron gives a long suffering sigh. "Winston." He affirms.
"Well…Iphigenia's not too bad."
"Think about the nicknames. Genie. Ippy. Sounds like a bloody house elf!"
Harry snorts. "Right. Not Iphigenia then. Anyways, we'd best be going or we'll be late."
And Ron thinks, he laughed almost three times. I'll do better next time. And Ron also knows that someday he won't have to count how often Harry laughs.
Author's Note: I hope you liked this. Review and let me know what you think!