Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor do make money.
Critical
Ron didn't understand why everyone thought Smith's confession was so critical to the case. Pansy's memories, his and even Hermione's should have been enough for the trial - to get a conviction. A Veritaserum-laced confession shouldn't have been need at this stage, because from where he sat, he wasn't sure who Smith's confession hurt more - him or his beloved wife curled up into his body sobbing as that bastard cruelly went over not only his intentions but motivations for all to hear.
And with every word that dribbled out of that bastard's mouth, Ron's temper seethed a little more. His mind constantly plotting devious ways to make Smith pay. To force him to pay the price for not only destroying what little innocence he and his friends had but the even smaller amount he had come to realize that Draco and the other Slytherins had. They had been pawns set up for a sacrificial slaughter their entire life without having a choice or even a say in the matter.
Most of all he hated Smith for truly destroying Pansy. It was moments like these that he wanted to simply kill the monster.
However, the only thing that stopped him was the moments he remembered that Smith wasn't the only one who had had a hand in destroying his wife: her friends and family had done their fair share. Smith may have started the job but they finished it with their abandonment.
Instinctively, he squeezed Pansy who was clinging to his robes tighter. He knew he couldn't take way the pain she was feeling but it didn't make his desire to try to any less. In fact, the reason he agreed to so readily to move away from England at her request was because he saw it as a quick and easy way to shield her further; to maybe protect her a little more and a little better from everyone who either unknowingly, unwittingly or unintentionally hurt her.
She was the only thing that really mattered to him. Well her and the baby but as far as he was concerned they were inseparable.
When silence was the only sound to be had in the courtroom, he felt her sit up. She looked at him, ever so briefly, before looking at everyone he had only realized were staring at them. He watched as she stood up - her back straight, her chin almost defiant - and walked away.
Not a half-second had passed before he also got to his feet. He understood exactly what she was telling all of those who watched - that she was done.
What they hadn't realized, as he got to his own feet, was that he was done too.
He had his family to worry about now.