It would have been difficult to ignore how his and Hermione's relationship had changed in recent weeks. Knowing that they were going to be parents, and that the fateful day was drawing ever closer had served to bring them closer more than anything else. One thing that had started to annoy Ron in recent days, though, was just how little time he was finding the Darrow police department was willing to let him request off of work. He was quickly realizing that his desire to head out and try to keep the city safe was being overshadowed by how much he would have rather spent time with Hermione or with planning for the baby's inevitable arrival.

He'd gone completely mental.

Yes, he knew they still had months yet for all that. It didn't stop him thinking about it. He hadn't told Hermione, but he'd even been doing a bit of reading on his own, hiding a copy of a book some Muggle shopkeeper had recommended-- What to Expect When You're Expecting-- at work. It was the most reading he'd done of his own volition in ages.

Lost in his own thoughts a bit as they walked, Ron was snapped out of it at Hermione's suggestion. The weather hadn't turned too cold for being about in it for a while yet, though it likely would soon.

"You've always got the best ideas," he replied, and wished he'd thought to bring something along as well.