LOVERS- Bliney AU (HP)

She had been visiting Hermione as much as possible, ever since Draco had given her the all-clear. But no matter how many times she saw her best friend, the weight of what Hermione had gone through gnawed at her, filling her with an unshakable sense of dread. The Hermione she knew—the bright, brilliant, always-on-top-of-everything witch—had been pushed to the edge, to the point where she had tried to end it all.

And it killed Ginny inside.

How could someone so strong, someone who had survived war, betrayal, and loss, be driven to a decision as drastic as attempting to take her own life? The question haunted her, and no matter how much time she spent with Hermione, she couldn't seem to understand what had truly happened.

Today, they were having lunch together at Hermione's cottage. It was a quiet afternoon, the sunlight filtering through the windows, casting warm shadows across the wooden table. Crookshanks was lounging lazily by the fireplace, keeping one eye on the two women as they ate in silence.

She couldn't take it anymore. The tension between them was unbearable, like a thick fog that refused to lift. She had to know.

She set down her fork, her eyes locking with Hermione's across the table. "Love," she began carefully, her voice gentle but firm, "What happened? I need to know. I can't keep pretending like everything's fine."

Hermione froze, her fork halfway to her mouth, before setting it down shakily. She didn't meet her gaze right away. Instead, she stared at the table, her hands trembling slightly. For a long moment, it seemed like Hermione wouldn't say anything at all.

"Gin…" she whispered, her voice barely audible, laced with hesitation. There was a pause, an agonizing silence that stretched on, thick with unspoken fears. How could she tell Ginny the truth? How could she reveal that she had done something so dark, so unforgivable, that even she couldn't fully comprehend it?

Her stomach churned at the thought, her heart heavy with guilt. But there was no running from it anymore.

"Something terrible happened," Hermione finally said, her voice shaky but resolute.

Her heart pounded in her chest. "With Draco?" she asked, her mind immediately jumping to the worst. If something had happened to him, that would explain everything. Hermione wouldn't have been able to handle that loss.

But Hermione shook her head vehemently. "No, gods, no. He's perfect. He's been nothing but amazing. It's not about him."

Her furrowed her brow, confusion swirling in her mind. If it wasn't Draco, then what could possibly have driven Hermione to this point?

"Please, Hermione, I'm begging you," she said softly, her voice tinged with desperation. "You can trust me. Whatever it is, I'll be here for you."

Hermione's breath hitched in her throat, and she finally looked up, her brown eyes filled with fear and something else—something darker, something that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I need you to make a vow," Hermione said, her voice low and urgent. "An Unbreakable Vow. You cannot tell anyone. Not anyone except Blaise. And even then... I'm almost certain he already knows."

Ginny's heart skipped a beat. A vow? What could Hermione possibly need to hide that required an Unbreakable Vow?

"Is it that bad?" she whispered, her stomach twisting with anxiety.

Hermione nodded slowly, tears brimming in her eyes. "Gin, I… I did something unforgivable."

Her mind raced, her thoughts spinning out of control. What could Hermione have done? The Hermione she knew wouldn't have hurt anyone, wouldn't have crossed any line, no matter the cost. But the look on her friend's face—the sheer terror and guilt—told her that something unimaginable had happened.

"I'll do it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her throat tight with emotion. "I'd do anything for you, love. You know that."

Hermione swallowed hard, her hands shaking as she stood from the table. She walked over to the fireplace and took out her wand, her movements slow and deliberate.

"Come here," she said softly, not looking at her as she approached.

Ginny stood up, her legs feeling like they might give out beneath her as she walked to stand beside Hermione. She knew what this meant. The gravity of an Unbreakable Vow wasn't lost on her. If Hermione was asking for this, it meant whatever she was about to reveal would change everything.

As Hermione raised her trembling wand, Ginny mirrored her, heart pounding so violently she feared Hermione might hear it. The air between them seemed to thicken, the gravity of what they were about to do pressing down like an invisible force. Neither of them spoke as Hermione drew a shaky breath, her eyes locking with hers—pleading, desperate, but resolute.

She swallowed hard, her hand barely steady as it hovered over Hermione's. "Are you sure about this?" she whispered, though she knew the answer already. There was no going back, no undoing what had already been set in motion.

Hermione nodded, her voice tight and barely audible. "I have to be."

With those words, she extended her fingers, touching Hermione's palm, and instantly felt the magic surge between them. The heat of it was almost overwhelming, wrapping around them both like an unseen thread, binding their lives together in this unbreakable promise.

"I Ginerva Molly Weasley-Zabini, vow that," Hermione began, her voice trembling as she uttered the ancient words, "that I will not tell a soul—about what I'm about to reveal. Repeat it."

A thin, silvery wisp spiraled from the tip of Hermione's wand, winding its way around their joined hands. Ginny's breath caught in her throat as she spoke, her voice shaking with the weight of the commitment she was about to make.

"I Ginerva Molly Weasley-Zabini, vow that,"... "that I will not tell a soul—about what you are about to reveal. Ginny whispered, her eyes never leaving Hermione's.

The silver tendril tightened around their wrists, glowing faintly, binding them tighter. The light flared once, bright and searing, before settling into a soft pulse, like a heartbeat shared between them.

"And if you break it," Hermione added, her voice thick with emotion, "the consequences will be fatal."

Ginny felt her stomach twist, but she nodded. She knew what an Unbreakable Vow entailed. If she failed Hermione, if she broke the promise, her life would end. There was no room for hesitation now. Not for either of them.

The vow sealed itself with a final glow, the magic binding their words, their lives, their loyalty to each other. She felt a sudden rush, like ice and fire all at once, coursing through her veins. The sensation faded as quickly as it had come, leaving behind a cold heaviness in her chest.

It was done.

The magic faded, but the weight remained. Her hand fell to her side as she stared at Hermione, whose face was now etched with a mixture of relief and sorrow. She felt the world shift, the burden of her secret settling heavily on her shoulders.

This was it. She couldn't turn back now.

The silence that followed was thick, suffocating. Her chest ached with the knowledge of what had just transpired, of what she had just vowed to keep hidden.

Hermione's hands shook as she lowered her wand, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She turned toward the window, staring out at the garden, but Ginny knew she wasn't really seeing it. Her mind was somewhere far darker.

"I killed Lucius," Hermione whispered, her voice barely audible. "I killed him, Gin."

Ginny's blood ran cold.

The air seemed to leave the room, and Ginny could barely comprehend the words that had just left Hermione's mouth. Killed him? Her heart pounded in her chest, her ears ringing as she tried to process what Hermione had just confessed.

Lucius Malfoy. Dead. At Hermione's hands.

For a long moment, she couldn't breathe. The world tilted, and she had to grip the edge of the table to keep herself upright.

"Her mind was spinning, her pulse pounding in her ears. "H-Hermione," she stammered, the words barely making it past her dry throat. "What—how... how?" Her voice was a whisper, thick with disbelief, a mix of shock and confusion tangling inside her.

Hermione looked away, her eyes clouded with the weight of her confession. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them in her lap. "We visited him in Azkaban," Hermione began slowly, her voice low, as though saying the words aloud would make the truth more bearable. "I poisoned him."

She blinked, processing the information, the heaviness of Hermione's words settling in the room like a physical weight. For a moment, she couldn't breathe. Then, something unexpected escaped her lips, surprising even herself: "Good girl."

Hermione's head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What?"

Her mind reeled, but a strange sense of clarity washed over her. "Did you have a good reason?" she asked, her voice steady, though her heart was racing. Somewhere deep inside, she already knew the answer. This wasn't just Hermione acting out of spite or recklessness. Hermione wasn't capable of that.

Hermione's expression softened, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction. "He abused Draco," she admitted, her voice barely more than a breath. "For years. Severely. All of Draco's life, Lucius tormented him, broke him down until he was barely more than a shell of himself. I had to stop it." Her eyes filled with a sorrow so deep it hurt to witness. "I needed to free my husband from his demon."

She exhaled slowly, her chest tight with the weight of Hermione's pain. She tried to process what Hermione had done, and yet, something inside her clicked into place. She understood. Maybe more than she wanted to admit, but she understood.

"I… actually understand," she said softly, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

Hermione stared at her, a mixture of shock and disbelief coloring her features. "You... you do?" she asked, her voice breaking with the weight of her guilt, her fear that Ginny might hate her for what she had done.

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She could see the desperation in 

Hermione's eyes, the pain and anger that must have driven her to such an extreme act. "Are you not mad?" Hermione asked cautiously, her voice fragile, as though she was bracing herself for Ginny's judgment.

She took a deep breath, sorting through the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She felt shock, sadness, maybe even a touch of fear—but anger wasn't one of them. No, anger didn't have a place here. Not after what she had heard.

"Honestly, Hermione... I feel a lot of things right now," Ginny admitted, her voice soft but unwavering. "But anger is not one of them."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of her words hung between them. Hermione's lips trembled, her composure slipping just slightly as the tears she'd been holding back finally spilled over. Ginny watched as the dam broke, the guilt and fear that had been pressing down on Hermione for so long now pouring out of her in a silent wave.

She reached out, placing a hand on Hermione's, squeezing it gently. "You did what you thought you had to do," she said softly. "You protected Draco. You saved him."

Hermione's eyes met hers, full of gratitude and regret all at once. "I didn't know what else to do," she whispered, her voice breaking with the weight of the truth. "I couldn't stand by and let him continue to haunt Draco. Lucius… he wasn't just in prison. He was still here, in Draco's head, in his nightmares. Every day, Draco was still his prisoner."

She felt her heart ache for her friend, for everything Hermione had carried alone. She couldn't imagine how difficult it must have been, to make such a choice, to take such a step for the person she loved. "You did it for love," she whispered, the words soft but filled with understanding. "And I get that."

Hermione let out a shaky breath, her shoulders trembling as she wiped at her tear-stained cheeks. "I thought you'd hate me," she admitted quietly. "After what I did, I thought… I thought everyone would hate me."

Her hand tightened around hers. "I could never hate you, Hermione," she said firmly, her voice stronger now. "You're my best friend. And after everything we've been through, I'm not going to turn my back on you now."

Hermione looked at her, her lips quivering as a small, grateful smile broke through the tears. "Thank you, Gin," she whispered, her voice fragile, but filled with a deep sense of relief.

She nodded, her own heart heavy with the shared burden of the secret they now carried. "We'll get through this," she promised. "Together."

And as the room settled into a fragile calm, Ginny knew one thing for certain: no matter what happened next, she would stand by Hermione's side.

Finally, Ginny took a shaky breath, her voice barely steady as she spoke. "You did what you had to do to protect him. And yourself"

Hermione let out a sob, collapsing into her arms. She clung to her as if her life depended on it, the weight of her actions finally crashing down around her. Ginny held her tightly, her own emotions swirling in a chaotic storm of disbelief, sorrow, and a fierce, protective love for her best friend.

But deep down, she knew things would never be the same. Hermione had crossed a line, and no matter the justification, the weight of what she had done would haunt her. Stain her soul forever.

The bigger question that gnawed at hee was why she wasn't bothered at all. 

Hermione had just confessed to murder, yet Ginny felt no shock, no moral outrage. Hermione had done what she believed was necessary to protect Draco, to rid him of the torment that had haunted him for so long. And when she looked deep into her own soul, she realized with startling clarity—if Blaise had a demon like that, one that relentlessly preyed on him, she wouldn't hesitate either. She would do whatever it took to free him, even if it meant crossing lines she never thought she could.

In that moment, she understood something profound about love—its fierce, untamed nature. It wasn't always about right or wrong. Sometimes, love was about survival, about doing whatever it took to save the person who meant everything to you, even if it meant sacrificing a part of yourself in the process.

And that's why she felt no guilt. No judgment. Hermione had done it for love, and she knew she would've done the same.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The news came like a breath of fresh air: Luna had given birth. She could hardly contain her excitement as she replayed the announcement over in her head. Lysander Nott—a beautiful baby boy. The name felt right, magical even, and perfectly fitting for Luna and Theo's son.

She beamed, her heart swelling with joy as she thought about how wonderful it must feel for Luna to be a mother, and for Theo, a father. They had all been waiting for this moment, and now, it was here—a little life, a new beginning.

Blaise, for his part, was beside himself with joy. "Godfather," he had repeated when the news came, his grin spreading wider with each repetition. It was a title he had secretly yearned for, and now that it was real, it seemed to bring out a side of him Ginny hadn't often seen. He moved around the house, unable to sit still, talking about all the things he would do for Lysander.

"Unicorns, Gin. He'll be obsessed with them, just like Theo was when we were kids," he had said, his voice alive with excitement. Within an hour, he had sent a stunning flower arrangement to Luna, crafted in the shape of a unicorn—a magical creation that stood proudly among the many gifts that had already begun arriving at the Notts' residence.

She couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. It warmed her heart to see him so animated, so utterly immersed in this new role. Watching him, she realized how deeply connected they all were—this web of family and friendship that had grown over the years. Lysander's arrival felt like a new chapter, not just for Luna and Theo, but for all of them.

As the days passed and the excitement built for the baby shower, she found herself thinking back to her conversation with Hermione. The juxtaposition of life and death, of new beginnings and old secrets, hung heavily in the air. Yet here, in this moment of pure joy for Luna and Theo, it was as though the world had found balance again. Life had brought them all full circle.

Blaise, now preparing to officially take on his duties as godfather, could hardly wait for the celebration. "I've already picked out his first broomstick, you know," he said one evening, his eyes alight with glee as she shook her head, amused at his eagerness.

"Blaise, he's barely out of the womb and you're already planning his Quidditch career," she teased, but inside, her heart softened. The love and protectiveness Blaise radiated for their friends and their new child reminded her just how deeply he cared, how loyal he was to the people he loved.

The baby shower was bound to be a magical affair. She couldn't wait to see Luna, to hold Lysander in her arms, and to share in this moment with her closest friends. It was the perfect way to bring light into their lives after the difficult times they had faced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Nott estate, nestled among the rolling green hills of the English countryside, had never looked more inviting. The manor's grey stone facade stood elegantly against the vibrant splashes of color from the blooming roses that climbed along the walls, their sweet fragrance carried on the cool autumn breeze. It was a place of old-world beauty, but today it seemed to glow with a renewed sense of life—a warmth that cut through the crisp air.

She couldn't help but smile as they approached the front entrance, Blaise by her side. The air was still, peaceful, as if the world itself had paused to honor this special day. Every step forward filled her with a blend of excitement and nostalgia. The grounds were familiar—how many times had they gathered here for moments both joyful and somber? And yet, this time, it felt different.

A new life was waiting for them inside. Lysander Nott—beautiful, perfect Lysander—had arrived, and it was hard to believe how much had changed in such a short time. It seemed only yesterday that Luna had shared the news of her pregnancy, and now, here they were, ready to celebrate the birth of the little boy who had already brought so much joy into their lives.

As they walked, dhe found her mind drifting back over the months that had led to this moment. The turbulence of their lives—Hermione's struggles, the whispered secrets, the tensions that had frayed the bonds between friends—all of it seemed to fade, at least for today. Here, at the Nott estate, surrounded by beauty and serenity, they were afforded a rare opportunity to celebrate something pure and hopeful. Today wasn't about what had been lost or the challenges they had faced—it was about welcoming the newest member of their makeshift family.

Blaise, too, had a renewed energy about him. He had been buzzing with excitement since they first heard the news of Lysander's birth. She had watched him pour over gifts and meticulously plan for the baby shower, the thought of being a godfather filling him with pride. His face lit up as they reached the grand doors of the manor.

"You're smiling," she noted, nudging him playfully.

"I'm just happy," he admitted, his eyes gleaming. "Lysander's going to have the best godfather ever."

She laughed softly, her heart warmed by his sincerity. "He's lucky to have you."

"And lucky to have all of us," Blaise added, his voice growing thoughtful. "We've been through a lot, Gin. But today... it feels like a fresh start, doesn't it?"

She nodded. It truly did. There was something almost poetic about this moment—a day to honor life, renewal, and the bonds that had kept them all together through the darkest of times. It reminded her of what truly mattered: family, both born and chosen.

As they approached the door, her heart swelled with joy. Today was about Luna and Theo, about Lysander and the future they were building. But it was also about the unshakable ties between them all—ties forged in both love and hardship. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And for now, that was enough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As they stepped inside the manor, the warmth enveloped them, and Luna greeted them with a warm smile, Lysander nestled comfortably in her arms. His tiny face peeked out from the soft blankets, his little fingers curling instinctively. "Ginny, Blaise, so good to see you again. Come in, come in," she said, her voice a soothing melody that resonated with happiness.

They were the last to arrive, slipping in quietly as the gentle hum of conversation filled the room. The scene before them was one of serene happiness—a stark contrast to the emotional rollercoaster they'd all been riding for so long.

Pansy and Neville were standing near the crib, gazing down at Lysander with the quiet awe of new godparents. Luna had just laid her newborn son down, and the soft glow of love in the room was palpable. Pansy, who could often be sharp and witty, now looked unusually tender, her eyes soft as she reached down to brush her fingers over the baby's tiny hand. Neville stood beside her, a quiet smile playing on his lips, his arm resting protectively around her waist. It was clear that they were already completely in love with their godson.

Nearby, Hermione and Draco stood together, their usual air of composed strength replaced by something softer, almost reverent. Draco's typically guarded expression had melted into one of pure wonder, his silver eyes fixed on the tiny bundle of life before him. Hermione, leaning gently against him, looked equally mesmerized. They both stared down at Lysander as if he were the most magical thing they had ever seen—a symbol of hope and light after everything they had endured.

She felt a lump rise in her throat. This moment, this quiet shared joy, was exactly what they all needed. After the months of turmoil, secrets, and struggles, Lysander's birth felt like a fresh beginning. He was a reminder that life could be beautiful, even amidst the chaos.

Blaise squeezed her hand gently, pulling her attention to him. His smile was radiant, pride and love shining in his eyes as he looked at the tiny baby who had already stolen everyone's heart.

"Look at them," he whispered, nodding toward their friends. "It's like he's healed something in all of us."

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. Lysander wasn't just Luna and Theo's son—he belonged to all of them, a beacon of hope for their found family.

Ginny bubbled with enthusiasm, her cheeks flushed with joy as she stepped into the room, her heart racing at the sight of the warm, glowing faces around her. In her hands, she cradled a wicker basket overflowing with homemade cookies, their tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, mingling with the soft scent of baby powder. Nestled among the treats was a selection of adorable baby clothes, each piece meticulously crafted and infused with magic. "I couldn't resist bringing these!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They're all enchanted to grow with him, of course!"

The atmosphere around her was electric with pure delight, a vibrant celebration of new beginnings and cherished friendships. Laughter and soft coos filled the air as everyone gathered around the crib, drawn to the sweet bundle of joy that was Lysander. The sight of him, so small and perfect, melted her heart, a reminder of the beauty that could emerge from the chaos they had all faced.

In that moment, she allowed herself to dream. She envisioned a future filled with laughter and love, where joy blossomed like the flowers in the garden outside. She smiled to herself, knowing that every day was a new opportunity to nurture the love she was building with Blaise, each moment a stepping stone toward the life she yearned for. She could almost see it—a home filled with laughter, love, and the pitter-patter of little feet.

With a renewed sense of hope, she looked around at her friends, each one a vital part of this beautiful tapestry they were weaving together. Today was a reminder that they could create a life marked by happiness, even amidst the trials they had faced. As she handed over the basket to Luna, she felt a warmth swell within her—a promise of what was to come, a future bright with possibility.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple, she and Blaise made their way back home from the Nott estate, their hearts buoyed by the joyous occasion they had just shared. The air was crisp, filled with the sweet scent of blooming roses from the garden they had left behind, but all she could focus on was the warmth radiating between them.

"Can you believe how tiny he is?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling over with enthusiasm as they walked hand in hand down the stone path leading to their front door. "I mean, I thought all babies were a bit squishy, but Lysander is just so perfect!"

He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "He really is, isn't he? I can't wait to see him grow up. It feels like just yesterday we were all worried about Theo and Luna navigating parenthood. Now look at them!"

She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips as she recalled the way Theo had held Lysander with such tenderness, a stark contrast to the often aloof persona he projected. "It's amazing how love can change a person. He looked so… vulnerable. It's a side of him I didn't know existed."

As they reached their front door, he paused, turning to face her. "It's the same with you, you know. I see how much joy you bring to our lives. You're incredible, Ginny."

She felt her cheeks flush at his compliment, warmth flooding through her. "You're not so bad yourself, darling. I mean, you're going to be the best godfather ever. Look at how thoughtful you are!"

He grinned, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "Well, I have to keep up my reputation. I can't let Lysander grow up thinking his godfather is anything less than amazing."

She laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. They both stepped inside their home, the familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon enveloping them like a warm embrace. The cozy ambiance was a stark contrast to the excitement they had just left behind, but it felt just as welcoming.

Blaise poured two glasses of champagne, his movements fluid and graceful as he worked. "Just think—this time next year, we could be hosting a party for our own little one," he mused, glancing over his shoulder at her with a hopeful smile.

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought, and she felt her cheeks warm again. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice slightly breathless. "That we'd be ready for that?"

"Why not?" he replied, leaning against the counter, his expression earnest. "We've talked about it before, and seeing Draco and Hermione with Lysander made me realize that we could do this. We'd be amazing parents, Ginny. Just look at how we already support our friends."

She smiled softly, her heart fluttering at the possibilities. "You're right. I mean, I want that too. Just—" She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to voice her feelings. "Just with everything that's happened, it feels like a big step."

He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "It is a big step. But we're in this together. We've faced so much already. Whatever comes next, we'll handle it as a team. Just think of the love we could bring into this world."

She felt a surge of emotion as she looked at him, realizing how truly lucky she was to have him by her side. "You're so right. I want that— A family with you would be everything I've ever dreamed of."

He stepped closer, taking her hands in his, the warmth of his skin grounding her in that moment. "One day at a time. We will get there."

The air between them was charged, filled with an unspoken promise, and she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand.

They shared a sweet, lingering kiss, and as they pulled apart, Ginny could see the excitement reflected in his eyes. "Now, let's enjoy this celebration of life," he said, gesturing to the bubbling champagne. 

She laughed, a lightness filling her heart as they settled at the dining table, the warmth of their home wrapping around them. With each bite of their delicious dinner and sip of beverage, they exchanged stories, laughter, and dreams, the future unfolding before them like a beautiful tapestry woven with love.

At that cozy moment, she couldn't help but think that happiness was not just a fleeting feeling but a state of being, nurtured by the connections they shared. The joy of the day lingered in the air, and as they continued to talk and dream together, she knew that this was just the beginning of their own beautiful journey—a journey filled with love, laughter, and the promise of family.

Finally sickeningly in love.