Nothing could have prepared Nott Manor for Seline Nott's baby shower.
A tiny queen arriving into a home where love would never be in short supply.
Theo had spared nothing. Not money,time, nor pride. The moment he learned Luna was carrying a girl, something shifted in him. It was quiet at first, then absolute. By the time the celebration arrived, he had already promised the universe to a child who had yet to open her eyes.
And Theodore Nott did not do things halfway.
The summer sun bathed the estate in warm gold as guests arrived to find the manor transformed. The cobblestone path had become a floral promenade, archways of enchanted wisteria curving overhead while roses in every shade of pink climbed the stone columns. Each bloom opened slowly as guests passed, as though the garden itself acknowledged the occasion.
Gold trimmed parasols floated gently above silk cushioned seating areas, charmed to follow the sun. Champagne appeared almost instantly in crystal flutes. Even the air carried sweetness, hints of honey, vanilla, and warm sugar drifting from the dessert tables.
The gardens looked reborn. Orchids and peonies cascaded from hedges, fairy lanterns glowed between the trees, and fountains ran with faintly pink water that smelled softly of strawberries. Everything felt celebratory, almost ceremonial.
At the center stood a grand pavilion draped in pale silk that moved like clouds in the breeze. Crystal chandeliers woven through curling vines hung overhead, scattering soft light across gold rimmed china and lace runners embroidered carefully with Seline's name. Silk bows adorned every carved chair.
The food could have fed royalty. Tea sandwiches with cucumber and lavender cream, scones with rose butter, honey glazed pastries shaped like flowers, towers of macarons and éclairs, and cakes so intricately designed they seemed like artwork.
At the very center stood a towering cake crowned with handcrafted sugar roses, each layer infused with delicate summer flavors.
No one could mistake this for a simple gathering.
It felt like a coronation.
Theo had not organized a party. He had made a statement.
His daughter had not yet taken her first breath, and already the world knew exactly how adored she would be.
The manor hardly looked like itself.
The dark woods and heavy velvet that usually defined Nott Manor had been softened beneath layers of pale silk and pastel drapery. Gauzy fabric veiled the walls where old tapestries once hung, catching the light with a soft pearled shimmer. Overhead, ribbons of blush and ivory floated gently between crystal charms, scattering faint rainbows across the ceilings.
The air was thick with flowers. Peonies, roses, and baby's breath overflowed from golden vases, their perfume blending with lavender, vanilla, and the warm sweetness of honeyed pastries from the dessert tables. Even the foyer, once quiet and restrained, buzzed with laughter. The polished floors reflected the drifting colors above so that guests seemed to walk through a haze of petals.
Friends gathered easily, years of shared history settling into relaxed conversation. There were no shadows today. Only warmth.
House elves in ivory robes moved quietly through the crowd, tiny golden crown brooches pinned to their chests. Silver trays offered delicate hors d'oeuvres and sparkling goblets of honeyed wine or bright summer nectars dusted with flecks of gold.
In the banquet hall, silk draped tables overflowed with carefully arranged delicacies. Enchanted roses opened their petals slowly at the center of each table while a small quartet played near the fountain, their music threading gently through the room. At the very heart stood an ice sculpture of a sleeping infant beneath a crescent moon, a tribute to the little girl who had already claimed every heart present.
Every candle, every ribbon, every carefully wrapped gift spoke of devotion.
This was more than a baby shower.
It was a promise.
A quiet declaration from a father who had already built a kingdom for the daughter who had not yet smiled at him.
Blaise and Ginny were the first to arrive, stepping into the manor with effortless composure. Grand affairs were nothing new to them, though this time they brought something far more important.
Ginny held little Valerius in her arms, wrapped in the softest fabric money could buy. He wore a tiny silk outfit of deep sapphire trimmed in gold, a choice that had Blaise written all over it. His dark curls caught the sunlight as he blinked slowly at the bright room, entirely unimpressed by the spectacle around him.
Subtle charmwork shimmered around his blanket to keep him warm and calm. He slept through it all, blissfully unaware.
Ginny adjusted the gold trim at his sleeve with gentle care, smiling down at him while her hair glowed in the light. Blaise stood close beside her, one arm resting at her waist. His usual polished confidence remained, though fatherhood had softened something in him. His fingers brushed absently over Valerius's curls, pride unmistakable in his gaze as he took in the transformed manor.
They moved through the room together with quiet grace. There was strength in the way they carried themselves as a family, shaped by everything they had survived and steadied by the peace they had built.
Pansy and Neville arrived fashionably late, exactly as expected. Pansy did not walk into a room quietly. She entered like she owned it.
Her emerald gown clung at the waist before falling in a clean, elegant line to the floor. The fabric caught the candlelight with every step. A faint smirk played on her lips as her eyes swept across the decorations, clearly amused and entirely unsurprised by the extravagance.
Neville followed close behind, calm where she was dramatic. His hand rested at the small of her back as they joined the gathering, a steadying touch she never shrugged off. She studied the room with sharp approval.
Theo, it seemed, had delivered.
The nursery soon filled with conversation and laughter. Glasses clinked softly as friends drew closer, the earlier hush giving way to warmth.
Blaise had taken control of the storytelling.
"And then," he said, shaking his head with theatrical despair, "the man stared at the nappy like it had personally betrayed him. I swear to Merlin he looked ready to challenge it to a duel."
Ginny laughed, shifting Valerius in her arms. "That's because Theo has never faced an enemy like that before."
Even Luna laughed at that, brushing a tear from the corner of her eye as Blaise continued his reenactment.
"Honestly," Ginny added, grinning, "the great Theodore Nott has turned into a complete sap. He checks on Seline every five minutes like she might disappear if he stops looking at her."
The conversation drifted into the sitting room where the celebration softened. Firelight flickered against polished wood. Shelves of old books lined the walls, and the air carried cinnamon, mulled wine, chamomile, and lavender from the hearth. House-elves moved quietly between guests, refilling cups without interrupting the flow.
Hermione sat near the fire with a throw over her legs, a teacup warming her hands. Her eyes found the bassinet in the corner.
Seline slept beneath pale blankets, her small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm that somehow held the entire room in place.
Across from her, Theo and Luna sat close on the velvet loveseat. His arm rested along the back of the couch, fingers brushing her shoulder without thought. Luna leaned into him easily, her hair spilling over his arm.
"Seline and Lysander," Hermione said softly. "They sound like they belong in a story. Something timeless. Something people will remember."
Luna smiled and reached for Theo's hand. "We wanted names with meaning. Names that remind them who they are. Names tied to the stars."
Theo's thumb traced her knuckles. "Seline is our little moon goddess," he said quietly, glancing toward the bassinet before looking back at Luna. "And Lysander… he's our bright star. Curious about everything, always reaching for more. They've brought more light into my life than I ever thought possible."
He hesitated, then added, "But Luna… she remains my greatest treasure. My Moon."
Warmth spread across her face. Theo leaned in and kissed her cheek, slow and certain.
A small sigh came from the bassinet. The cradle creaked softly as Seline stirred.
Luna was already on her feet. She crossed the room and bent over the cradle, brushing her fingers gently against her daughter's cheek.
"She's magic," Luna whispered.
Theo joined her, his arm settling around her waist.
"She is," he agreed, pressing a kiss to her hair. "She's everything."
Little Lysander wobbled across the room with fierce determination, his chubby legs carrying him forward in a clumsy rhythm that balanced between confidence and disaster. Each step landed with a small thud against the floor, his arms swinging wildly for balance as if enthusiasm alone could keep him upright. His fingers stretched out toward anything that might steady him while his cheeks glowed pink from the effort.
He looked like a tiny explorer determined to conquer the room.
When he finally reached Hermione, he collided with her knee in triumph and grabbed onto the fabric of her dress with both hands. His bright eyes lifted to hers, wide with pride and mischief, his mouth stretching into a huge grin.
"Mimi!" he chirped happily.
Before she could respond he attempted to climb her like a very small, very determined mountain goat. Hermione laughed softly and helped guide him as he scrambled into her lap, his movements chaotic but committed.
Within seconds he was wedged comfortably against her, his small hands patting her arm with affectionate enthusiasm.
"Hello, my love," Hermione murmured warmly.
She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the top of his head. The familiar scent of lavender soap and something faintly sweet clung to him. His curls brushed her cheek as she smoothed them gently with her fingers.
Lysander melted happily against her shoulder with a tiny sigh, content for a moment to simply be held.
Then inspiration struck.
His whole body suddenly straightened and he pulled back with wide eyes.
"Kitty!" he gasped.
He twisted around dramatically in her lap, clutching her sleeve with urgent determination as if the topic required immediate action.
Hermione laughed softly.
"Crooks isn't here right now, little love," she explained gently, rubbing his back. "But you'll come visit tomorrow, and then you can see the kitty. How does that sound?"
Lysander blinked at her seriously.
His small brows pulled together while he considered this information with deep concentration. A long pause followed as he processed the plan with great importance.
Finally he nodded once with solemn authority.
"Tomorrow," he declared confidently.
Clearly satisfied with his own decision, he released a dramatic sigh and collapsed against her again. His arms wrapped around her in an uncoordinated but very committed hug, his face pressing into her shoulder.
Hermione began swaying gently without thinking, her hand moving in slow circles along his back. His breathing gradually softened until it settled into a quiet rhythm, his body relaxing fully against her.
Across the room Theo watched Luna with the same expression a general might wear while anticipating a battlefield disaster. His arms crossed over his chest as if that posture alone might help him hold his ground.
It would not.
The moment Luna had that particular glint in her eyes he already knew the outcome.
"Love," he said carefully, the voice of a man attempting logic against an unstoppable force. "We are not getting a cat."
Luna reclined gracefully on the velvet chaise, looking completely peaceful. She tilted her head and studied him with innocent curiosity.
"Well, we are," she replied lightly.
Theo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"No," he said firmly. "Absolutely not."
Luna sat up slowly, her loose waves falling over her shoulders.
"Yes," she answered with perfect confidence. "A Maine Coon, specifically. I've already decided."
Theo groaned and dragged both hands down his face.
"Luna…" he warned.
She lifted her chin and crossed her arms, mirroring his stance with quiet defiance.
"Theodore," she replied sweetly.
Silence stretched between them.
They stared at each other in the unmistakable stalemate of a married couple who both knew exactly how this story would end.
Theo would argue.
Luna would remain calm.
And eventually Luna would win.
The evening eased into quiet. Laughter faded as friends gathered coats and children, offering lingering hugs and soft goodbyes before stepping into the night.
When the last door closed, the manor exhaled. The celebration still clung to the air, though the rooms had returned to their familiar calm.
Every child had surrendered to sleep.
Lysander lay curled on the chaise with a pug pressed against each side of him. Valerius slept with his tiny fist wrapped around Blaise's forgotten pocket square. Even Pansy had dozed off in an oversized armchair, her head tilted back, one hand resting over her belly.
Theo and Luna shared a quiet look and moved through the room together. He adjusted a cushion beneath Lysander's head while Luna draped a blanket over Pansy's shoulders. They worked without speaking, careful and gentle.
When everything was settled, they stepped back toward the center of the room. Candles flickered along the walls, casting a warm glow across polished wood and scattered blankets.
Luna stretched and leaned into Theo with a soft sigh. After a moment she looked up at him.
"Why is Lysander not jealous?"
Theo smiled. "Because he's an angel."
He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "And I saw him earlier. He put his stuffed dragon into Seline's crib. Just to protect her." He let out a quiet breath. "He's a gentleman, Moon. He's already looking out for her."
Luna's fingers tightened around his hand. "My beautiful angel children," she murmured.
Theo pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. They stood there in the soft candlelight, surrounded by sleeping children and the fading warmth of the evening, holding each other in the stillness of the family they had built.
~~~~~~
Pansy had always claimed she trusted no one but herself and her husband. It was a rule she wore like armor, shaped by years that had taught her caution.
There was one exception.
Luna.
Their friendship had never made much sense to anyone else. Pansy, sharp and composed, moved through the world with precision. Luna drifted through it with quiet calm. Somehow they had found each other in the middle, their bond built on small gestures and an understanding that never needed explaining.
So when Pansy had news, she knew exactly where she was going.
She arrived at Nott Manor without warning, heels striking the marble with sharp purpose. House-elves scattered as she swept through the hall, pugs tucked under one arm like indignant accessories.
She had three goals.
Luna, Lysander and the tiny girl who had already claimed a piece of her heart.
She burst into the drawing room in a swirl of silk and urgency. Lysander lay on the floor, fiercely focused on a drawing only he understood. Luna sat nearby, rocking Seline gently while humming.
The door flew open.
"Auntie!" Lysander shouted, dropping his parchment and running toward her.
Pansy set the pugs down and pressed a hand to her chest in mock shock. "My little love! How I've missed you!"
She scooped him up and spun him until he shrieked with laughter. The pugs barked and circled their feet in excitement.
Luna shifted Seline in her arms and sighed fondly. "Pansy, are you ever capable of entering my home like a normal person?"
"Absolutely not," Pansy replied, settling Lysander on her hip. "And frankly, I'm offended you'd even ask."
Luna shook her head, smiling.
Then Pansy saw Seline properly.
The baby rested against Luna's chest, tiny and warm, her fingers curled loosely. Pansy stepped closer and brushed her fingertips through the soft curls.
"How's my darling little princess?" she murmured.
Seline blinked up at her and reached for the gold charm at her necklace, gripping it with determined fingers.
Something in Pansy's chest gave way.
"Do you want to hold her?" Luna asked gently.
Pansy nodded at once. She set Lysander down and sat beside Luna. When the baby was placed in her arms, she adjusted instinctively, supporting Seline's head with careful hands.
As Seline settled against her, Pansy felt it clearly.
Her heart had already made room.
Luna watched her closely, something knowing in her expression.
"You look good like that," she said softly.
Pansy rolled her eyes, though her fingers kept tracing Seline's cheek. "Oh, don't start with that."
Luna leaned back, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "So, what brings you crashing into my home at full speed today?"
Pansy hesitated. The confidence she had arrived with slipped for a moment. She looked down at the baby resting against her chest and drew in a steady breath.
"I have something to tell you."
Luna's brows lifted. "Oh?"
Pansy continued stroking slow circles along Seline's back.
"Oh no," Luna said gently. "Are you about to drop another bombshell on me?"
Instead of answering, Luna reached for the small tray beside her and lit one of her hand rolled spliffs. She took a brief puff, then held it toward Pansy with a playful look. "Want some?"
Pansy shook her head, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. "We might need to skip our hobby for oh… ten months, give or take."
Luna went still.
"Are you—"
"I'm pregnant."
The words came out softer than usual, her voice catching just slightly.
The spliff slipped from Luna's fingers onto the carpet as she let out a sharp, joyful scream. She threw her arms around Pansy without thinking, nearly crushing Seline between them. The baby squirmed and giggled.
"OH MY GOOOOOD!" Luna cried.
She pulled back, eyes shining. "I'm so, so happy for you!"
She grabbed Pansy's shoulders, glowing. "Oh my love, you wonderful, wonderful woman. This is the best news!"
Still smiling through tears, Luna reached for her wand and sent a gentle cooling charm through the room to settle the sudden burst of noise.
Lysander peeked over the sofa arm, wide eyed at the commotion. Seline blinked sleepily in Pansy's arms, unaware that another tiny life had just been welcomed into their already growing family.
Luna's laughter softened into a bright smile as she watched Pansy hold Seline. "I'm absolutely bursting with happiness for you. And you're right, no more smoking for you. And you'll have to eat properly, and rest, and—" She stopped herself and gave a sheepish look. "Sorry. I'm spiraling."
Pansy smiled, excitement and nerves flickering together in her eyes. "Trust me, it's a bit daunting, but I'm ready. Well, as ready as I'll ever be. I just can't stop thinking about the future. The baby will change everything."
Luna squeezed her arm gently. "Yes, but in the best possible ways. You'll see."
Lysander edged closer, curious, while the pugs lay nearby with wagging tails. Pansy looked down at Seline, who was busy tugging at her bracelet.
"In a few months, I'll be holding one of my own," she said quietly. "I can't wait for them to meet, to grow up alongside all of your children."
"They'll be best friends, just like us," Luna replied. "And don't worry, we'll be right here every step of the way."
Pansy let out a breath she had been holding, something inside her finally loosening.
Luna noticed Lysander hovering and said gently, "It's okay, love, you can kiss her."
He nodded solemnly and stepped forward on careful tiptoes. He pressed the softest kiss to Seline's forehead before pulling back, proud of himself.
Pansy placed a dramatic hand over her heart. "And I? I don't get a kiss? Have you truly outgrown me so soon? How cruel, how utterly heartless—"
With a small huff, Lysander leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her cheek, then darted away before she could trap him in further affection.
Luna shook her head, smiling as she adjusted Seline in her arms. "I swear, this child is more possessive than his father. Guards her crib like a tiny soldier, watches every little thing she does. Theo isn't even allowed to kiss Seline unless Lysander is in the room to oversee the whole operation. It's getting ridiculous."
Pansy smirked. "Must be in his DNA. It's exhausting, being an offspring of a Nott."
Luna sighed in agreement.
Pansy carefully handed Seline back, reluctant but steady. Luna took her with ease, settling the baby against her chest. As Pansy stepped back, Luna caught her hand and held it.
"I'm truly over the moon for you," Luna whispered.
Pansy swallowed. "Thank you. I'll need you now more than ever, you know. To show me how to do this whole motherhood thing, to remind me how to breathe when I inevitably start freaking out."
"You can count on me," Luna said without hesitation. She squeezed her hand and nodded toward Pansy's stomach. "And so can that little one, whenever they decide to arrive."
Something inside Pansy finally eased. She let out a slow breath and bent to stroke Lady and Princess.
"Guess we'll be adding another pup to the pack, though at least this one won't have a tail."
Luna laughed brightly. The pugs barked in approval, Lysander clapped with delight, and Seline answered with a soft, happy coo.
°°°
"So obviously this will be the event of the century," Pansy announced, already pacing across Luna's living room. Her dress swirled around her legs as she talked, the words spilling out faster than Luna could follow.
Luna sat behind her desk with a cup of half forgotten tea, watching the performance with growing fatigue. She had seen this before. Pansy in planning mode was a force of nature.
"I'm thinking live performers, enchanting illusions to represent the different stages of gestation, and special potions catered to everyone's tastes," Pansy continued, gesturing wildly. "We'll need a carefully selected playlist. Perhaps a veela choir in the background as I…"
She paused with a dramatic hand over her stomach.
Luna rubbed her temples, already remembering the chaos of Pansy's wedding preparations. Neville had survived those months with saintly patience. Luna still had no idea how.
"Pansy," she said carefully, "you do realize childbirth involves screaming and bodily fluids, right?"
Pansy waved a hand as if brushing away dust. "Mere trifles. We'll have illusions to camouflage that. And spells to dull the pain. A string quartet, perhaps. People can watch from a respectful distance. Unless they want the front row seats, which we'll obviously charge extra for."
Luna stared at her for a moment, somewhere between disbelief and laughter.
"Luna, darling, don't laugh," Pansy said sharply. "I'm serious. This is my child's entrance into the world. There must be elegance, meaning, romance. An unforgettable experience for everyone involved."
Luna rose slowly from her chair and walked toward the fireplace, the familiar sense of defeat settling in. She had tried to stop Pansy's wedding madness once and failed completely.
Pansy's excitement was impossible to ignore. Beneath the drama there was something sincere in her eyes, a fierce love for the life growing inside her and a need to celebrate it in the grandest way she could imagine.
Luna rested a gentle hand on her arm. "Look, I know you want this to be special. I'm not telling you to let go of your vision. But do remember your own well-being comes first, especially after the third trimester. There's a reason you seldom see pregnant witches cartwheeling down the aisles."
Pansy's eyes sparkled with defiance. "Oh, I'll do more than cartwheels if I have to. But your concern is noted. Neville's been fretting over me enough for the both of you anyway. If there was an award for supportive husband, he'd have it in the bag."
Luna laughed softly. "No argument there. He has the patience of a saint."
Pansy straightened, energy returning in full force. "Anyway, the first step is securing the location. The second step is drafting the guest list. And the third is finalizing the illusions that will run from dawn to midnight." She fixed Luna with a determined look. "And I'll need your help to manage them all. I can't exactly be weaving illusions while I'm in labor."
"Of course I'll help," Luna said with a resigned smile. "But I reserve the right to keep a mediwizard or two on standby, in case your illusions don't handle all that screaming."
Pansy laughed brightly and linked their arms, pulling Luna toward the writing desk. "You see? Everything's coming together. It'll be glorious, I promise."
Luna picked up a quill and glanced at the blank parchment with quiet amusement. Another one of Pansy's grand plans had begun, and somehow she already knew it would work.
~~~~~~
Hermione had just settled onto the sofa with a cup of tea when the front door burst open. Pansy and Luna's voices carried down the hall before they appeared in the doorway, moving with clear purpose.
Pansy strode in first, dressed in a tailored green cloak, every inch the composed pureblood socialite. Luna followed in a flowing sunflower yellow dress, calm where Pansy was pure momentum.
"Granger," Pansy said immediately, "I have something to say to you."
Hermione blinked and set her tea down. "What happened? Is everything okay?"
Pansy placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. "As you may know I am pregnant," she announced grandly. "Since this will undoubtedly be the event of the century, I felt it only right to deliver the news personally."
Hermione's face lit up. "Oh, Pansy, that's wonderful!"
"Thank you, thank you," Pansy replied as if accepting applause. "Naturally, you'll all be hearing about it endlessly until the baby is born. And possibly afterward too."
Before Hermione could respond, Luna tilted her head. "Mimi, I think there's something you're not telling us."
Hermione hesitated, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "Well… I think I might be pregnant soon, too."
The room went quiet for a beat.
Luna clapped her hands softly. "Oh, how wonderful!"
Pansy turned toward Luna with a smug smile and held out her palm. "Pay up, Lovegood. I told you."
Luna sighed and pulled five galleons from her pocket, dropping them into Pansy's hand.
Hermione stared at them. "Are you two betting on whether or not I'm pregnant?"
Pansy pocketed the coins. "Granger, darling, we are bored at home. Of course we bet on things."
"Pansy, that's hardly appropriate," Hermione said, though she was already fighting a smile.
"Oh, come off it," Pansy replied. "You've been glowing lately. It was obvious something was brewing."
Hermione touched her cheek. "I didn't realize I was that transparent."
Luna reached over and squeezed her arm. "It's a beautiful thing, Mimi. And we're so happy for you."
"Thank you, babe," Hermione said, shooting Pansy a pointed look.
Pansy dropped onto the sofa with dramatic flair. "You're welcome. And might I add this will be fabulous? Five babies in the group. I cannot wait to watch Draco trying to change nappies. That alone will be worth everything."
Hermione groaned, laughing despite herself. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you love me," Pansy said with a wink.
Hermione slowly swirled the wine in her glass, staring at it as if the answer to something heavy lived in the dark red liquid. Firelight flickered across her face. After a moment she set the glass down, the soft clink breaking the quiet between them.
She took a breath and looked up.
"Babes," she said softly.
Luna turned to her at once. "Yes?"
Hermione's throat tightened. "I don't think… I don't think I've ever properly thanked you."
Pansy, lounging across the sofa with her glass in hand, lifted a brow. "What's this, Granger? A thank-you speech? Are we in for one of your heartfelt monologues? Should I grab a tissue?"
"Shut up, Pansy," Hermione muttered, half laughing through the tears already spilling down her cheeks. She turned back to Luna. "Luna… you saved my life."
Her voice cracked as she spoke. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. You didn't just heal my body. You gave me my life back. You gave me a second chance."
Luna set her glass aside and reached for her hand. "Oh, Mimi. You don't have to thank me for that. You're my friend. My family. I would do it a million times over."
"That's just it," Hermione said, gripping her hand. "You didn't hesitate. You stayed with me when I was falling apart. You fought for me when I couldn't fight for myself. I'll never forget that."
Pansy shifted on the sofa and dabbed her eyes with a napkin. "Bloody hell. You two are going to ruin my reputation. If anyone hears I cried, I'm blaming both of you."
Hermione gave her a watery smile. "You're part of this too. I didn't thank you properly either. Not for what you did when Draco was kidnapped."
Pansy waved a hand. "Oh please. It was nothing. You'd have done the same for me."
"No," Hermione said firmly. "You didn't have to help. But you did. You kicked down walls until we brought him back."
Pansy smirked, though her eyes still shone. "Well. I do look fabulous saving the day."
Hermione laughed softly and wiped her cheeks. "For a long time I thought Draco was the only one who loved me enough to fight for me. But you two proved I was wrong."
Luna squeezed her hand. "You're our family, Mimi. Always."
Pansy lifted her glass. "To the unlikeliest trio in the wizarding world. The brightest, the quirkiest, and obviously the most fabulous."
Luna smiled and raised hers. "To us."
Hermione lifted her glass too, warmth spreading through her chest. "To us."
Luna leaned back in her chair, cradling her wine glass in her delicate fingers. The glow of the firelight played off her serene features as she gazed at Hermione with a gentle, knowing expression. "Mimi," she began softly, her voice carrying the warmth of a sister's love, "you do realize you're forgetting someone from this quartet."
Pansy, lounging with her usual air of dramatic elegance, groaned and threw her head back in exaggerated frustration. "Oh, for Merlin's sake, Luna, please don't bring Red into our fabulous trio," she drawled, swirling her wine theatrically. "We're finally having a civilized evening without her fiery dramatics."
Her lips curved into a small, reluctant smile, but the tension in her shoulders was unmistakable. She avoided Luna's gaze, her eyes flickering to the flames in the hearth. "Ginny and I…" she began hesitantly, her voice faltering.
She tilted her head, her gaze unwavering yet gentle. "Have you talked to her since your falling out?"
She sighed, her fingers tracing the stem of her glass. "We spoke," she said quietly. "At your baby shower…"
Pansy snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, yes, because exchanging pleasantries over tiny sandwiches and onesie decorations really counts as talking, doesn't it?"
Luna ignored Pansy's quip, her focus solely on Hermione. "No, Mimi," she said patiently, "I mean talk talk. Not a polite 'how are you?' when saving Draco. I mean an actual conversation. One where you both say what you're feeling."
She winced, the weight of her words settling heavily on her chest. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not really," she admitted, her tone tinged with regret.
She leaned forward, her expression kind but firm. "Mimi," she said gently, "you and Ginny were once inseparable. She's been a part of your life for so long, through so much. Don't let pride or fear keep you from mending that."
Pansy raised an eyebrow, crossing her legs elegantly. "Look, Granger," she said, her tone softer than usual, "I'm the last person to advocate for emotional heart-to-hearts. But even I know that holding onto grudges isn't worth it. Especially with someone like Red. She's fiery, yes, and annoyingly stubborn, but she cares about you. You two just… lost your way for a bit."
Her shoulders slumped, and she buried her face in her hands for a moment before looking up. "It's not that simple," she said, her voice cracking slightly. "We've hurt each other. And sometimes, it feels like we're on completely different pages—different library, even."
She reached out, placing a comforting hand over Hermione's. "That's what makes friendships worth fighting for, Mimi," she said softly. "They're not perfect, and they're not always easy. But they're real. And when you care about someone, you don't give up on them just because things get hard."
Pansy sighed dramatically, through her eyes held a glimmer of understanding. "Fine, I'll play devil's advocate," she said, sitting up straighter. "Ginny's been through a lot too. She's not perfect either, but she's loyal to a fault. And if you two were close enough to fall out so badly, that means there's something there worth fixing."
She bit her lip, the tears she'd been holding back finally spilling over. "But what if I don't know how to fix it?" she whispered. "What if I say the wrong thing, or it's too late?"
She leaned closer, her ethereal calmness radiating like a soft glow. She squeezed her hand, her blue eyes filled with quiet conviction. "It's never too late," she said softly. "You don't have to have all the answers. Just start with honesty. Tell her how you feel, and listen to how she feels. If you both want to make this right, you'll find your way back to each other."
Her breath hitched, her emotions threatening to spill over again. "You really think so?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know so," she replied, her tone unwavering. "Friendships like yours and Ginny's don't just disappear. They may get tangled and torn, but they're never beyond repair."
Suddenly, She straightened in her chair, determination flickering in her tear-streaked face. "We should go. Right now!"
Pansy, who had been half-reclined in her seat, wine glass dangling between her fingers, groaned loudly. "Oh, for fuck sake, Granger. Why must you ruin my perfectly pleasant evening of beverages, firelight, and not dealing with Weasleys?"
She looked at her pleadingly, her voice shaking with desperation. "Because I can't do this alone. I'm scared."
She tilted her head, her lips curving into a soft, encouraging smile. "You're not alone, Mimi. You've got us. And besides, Pansy loves a bit of drama—don't you, Sassy?"
Pansy rolled her eyes dramatically, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh yes, nothing brings me more joy than revisiting my least favorite ginger," she drawled. "And before you say it—no, Luna, Charlie doesn't count. He's the exception."
She clasped her hands together, her gaze locked on Pansy. "Please, Pansy. I need you both. You might pretend you don't care, but I know you do. You've been there for me when I needed you most. Don't let me face this without you."
Pansy let out a long-suffering sigh, setting her glass down with a clink. "Fine. Fine! I'll come. But if she starts throwing hexes, I'm apparating straight back here and finishing this bottle of non alcoholic wine without either of you."
She smiled through her nerves, her gratitude shining through. "Thank you. Both of you."
She stood, brushing invisible wrinkles from her dress. "Well then," she said with an almost mischievous glint in her eye, "off we go. Let's mend some bridges, shall we?"
Pansy grumbled as she stood, grabbing her cloak with dramatic flair. "This better be worth it, Granger. I swear, if she's still in one of her moody, self-righteous fits, I'll hex her myself."
She chuckled nervously, grabbing her own cloak. "She won't be. I hope."
~~~~~~
The words "And I love you too…" had barely left Ginny's lips before the three chaotic demons masquerading as witches tumbled through the Zabini residence fireplace like they had been hurled through the very gates of hell.
A fine, suffocating cloud of soot exploded into the air, settling over the expensive Persian rug like the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. The scent of burnt magic lingered, and standing in the middle of the mess, looking entirely unimpressed, was Hermione, Luna, and Pansy—covered in ash, looking like deranged pyromaniacs.
Hermione coughed dramatically, brushing a layer of soot off her pristine navy cloak, her curls frizzing with betrayal. "Why does this always happen when I Floo?" she muttered, stomping her boot against the floor in frustration. "It's a magically regulated system. Why the fuck does it still hate me?"
Pansy, who had been too busy dramatically fanning herself like some scandalized duchess, was the first to pause mid-motion. Her dark eyes widened to the size of Galleons, her painted lips parting into a gasp of unfiltered glee as she took in the sight before her.
Because what a sight it was.
Blaise Zabini. Shirtless. Wearing a violently neon-green face mask. Glowing.
His hands were firmly gripping Ginny's hips, his mouth still attached to hers, and judging by the sheer ferocity of the kiss, they had just interrupted something entirely too intense for their delicate sensibilities.
Ginny, blissfully unbothered, wiped her lips with all the grace of a queen who had just conquered a nation. "Oh! Hello, girlies! Lovely of you to drop in!"
Blaise, however, looked like he had just been violently betrayed by the gods themselves.
He practically threw himself off Ginny, spinning around with all the grace of a man caught mid-orgasm in the middle of war. His face shifted through about seven different stages of mortification in the span of two seconds.
"WHAT. THE. FUCK." he hissed, arms flailing like a man possessed. The drying face mask cracked as his mouth fell open in absolute horror. "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
Pansy, thrilled beyond belief, clutched her chest like a society matron about to faint from scandal. "This," she breathed, voice filled with unholy amusement, "is going to be my core memory of you, Zabini."
Hermione, who had just begun recovering from her initial Floo-induced trauma, took one look at Blaise's neon-green, half-dried face and completely fucking lost it.
Her entire body collapsed into uncontrollable laughter. "It's… it's the neon green for me," she wheezed, gripping her stomach.
Pansy joined in instantly, doubling over, wiping a completely fake tear from her eye. "You are stunning, darling. Like a very expensive Slytherin goblin."
Blaise looked five seconds away from committing murder.
Ginny, as if she wasn't the reason he was currently experiencing a complete mental breakdown, patted his arm soothingly. "Don't worry, tesoro. I'll make sure they never mention this again."
Blaise eyed her suspiciously. "Somehow, I doubt that."
Ginny only smiled sweetly. "Now, why don't you go check on the baby?"
Blaise, still visibly rattled, wiped his hands on his sweatpants and groaned in pure defeat. "Fine. But next time, WARN ME before your friends come bursting into my home like uninvited demons."
He turned to leave, but Luna, as composed as ever, smirked. "Oh, Blaise, do not talk to me about vulnerability. You personally witnessed me completely naked, mid-shag, with my husband. So spare me the dramatics."
Blaise recoiled. "Luna, WHY would you bring that up?!"
Hermione, who had just barely recovered from her laughing fit, had the unfortunate luck of hearing Ginny, completely nonchalant, add: "Well, Ferret saw me getting railed right on this dining table."
Pansy's jaw hit the floor. "WHAT?!" she screeched, her voice an octave higher than usual.
Hermione sputtered, looking personally victimized. "On this dining table?!" she whispered, looking at the elegant, very expensive, very polished mahogany like it had personally betrayed her.
Luna, unphased, merely nodded. "Oh, that's… quite normal in my household."
Blaise, who had been mid-step toward the nursery, froze, turned right the fuck around, hands in the air. "GOODBYE. I'M DONE."
As he stormed off, muttering about zero privacy, uninvited house invasions, and needing a fucking drink, Ginny collapsed into absolute laughter, delighted by the chaos she had just unleashed upon the world.
Pansy, still looking deeply offended on a personal level, slowly turned back to Ginny, her nose wrinkled as if she had just been forced to endure some unspeakable trauma. "Honestly, Ginevra, there are BOUNDARIES. Some of us prefer to eat our meals at furniture that hasn't been defiled."
Ginny, still wiping away a tear of laughter, grinned without a single ounce of remorse. "Oh, come on—what's life without a little excitement?"
Luna, ever the ethereal optimist, clapped her hands together as if she had just witnessed a truly enlightening religious experience. "Well, I personally think this was a lovely visit. Very… illuminating."
Hermione, who looked several shades too pale, dragged a tired hand down her face, still processing the unholy violation of the dining table. "I am never sitting there again. Ever."
Ginny smirked. "Suit yourself." She took a leisurely sip from her wine glass before adding, "More room for me and Blaise."
Hermione whimpered.
Ginny, finally simmering down from her reign of terror, turned back to them, her smile softening just a bit. "But seriously," she said, her voice warm now, her teasing edge melting away. "What's up? What brings you all here?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling a bit foolish for the way she had dramatically stormed in like she was on an Auror raid. She shot a silent glance at Pansy and Luna, clearly begging for backup, before clearing her throat. "We… we were thinking about you," she admitted, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, looking oddly vulnerable. "And we came to talk."
Pansy, already beelining for Blaise's bar cart like a woman on a mission, muttered under her breath, "I'm just here for the candy. Where's the good stuff?"
Ginny chuckled and wordlessly flicked her fingers toward the top shelf of the cabinet. "Knock yourself out."
Luna, the only one remotely behaving like an actual adult, stepped forward with a gentle smile, her presence as calming as ever. "What Mimi's trying to say is… we miss you. And we wanted to see Valerius." She clasped her hands together, her voice kind but firm. "You've been on our minds. And we're here to make amends."
Hermione nodded quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "And I… I want to make things right between us."
Ginny blinked, clearly taken aback. The room stretched into a heavy silence, just long enough for Hermione to start visibly squirming under her gaze. Then, finally, Ginny exhaled, and to everyone's relief and minor shock, she broke into a warm, genuine smile.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice tinged with something real, something unguarded. "That means a lot, coming from you."
Pansy, who was already pouring herself an obnoxiously large glass of firewhisky, sighed dramatically. "Alright, now that we've gotten the mushy part out of the way—where's the baby? I came to drink and judge Zabini's parenting skills."
Ginny rolled her eyes, grabbed a throw pillow from the couch, and hurled it directly at Pansy's head. "Vali is sleeping, you menace! You are not traumatizing him."
Luna giggled, ever the voice of reason. "He's not even two, Pansy. Give him a chance."
Pansy, unimpressed, swirled her drink with a bored flick of her wrist. "Fine. But for the record, I do miss you, Red." She paused, making a face like she'd rather eat nails than be sentimental again. "I'd just rather hex myself than say it out loud again."
Ginny grinned, stepping forward to pull Hermione and Luna into a tight hug. "You lot are ridiculous," she murmured, her throat tightening slightly despite herself. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."
Pansy, watching from the sidelines with her drink, lifted it lazily into the air. "To the unlikeliest and most dramatic friendships in wizarding history."
Ginny smirked. "And to never discussing Blaise's face mask again."
Luna sighed dreamily. "Oh, but it was such a lovely shade of green."
As the laughter finally settled into something comfortable, Ginny eventually cast a glance toward the dimly lit hallway, where the nursery was tucked away. Her expression softened, her fingers idly twirling her wine glass, lost in thought.
"You know," she murmured, her voice a touch quieter now, more contemplative, "Blaise has been telling me for months that I should just invite you all over. Said I'd regret it if I didn't."
Pansy arched a perfectly sculpted brow, her lips curling in amused disbelief. "Wait, wait, wait—hold on. Are you telling me that Zabini—Mr. 'I Have No Emotional Investment in Anything'—was actually advocating for reconciliation?" She leaned forward, her dark eyes gleaming with scandal, her voice taking on a tone of pure mockery. "The same man who once said, and I quote, 'If it's not my problem, it's not my concern'? That Zabini?"
Ginny snorted, shaking her head, her smirk betraying just how ridiculous she found it, too. "Yeah, well, he's full of surprises, isn't he?" Then, turning to Luna with mock-seriousness, she added, "Speaking of surprises—you, my dear, are next in line for babysitting duty."
Luna, as if she had been waiting for this very moment, clasped her hands together in delight, her face lighting up like she had just been offered the greatest honor known to wizardkind. "Oh, I would love to! Babies are tiny vessels of curiosity and wonder." She sighed happily, her faraway gaze softening as she continued, "And I have been wanting to introduce Valerius to my collection of enchanted gemstones. He should be acquainted with the natural energies of the earth as soon as possible."
Pansy groaned, flopping back onto the couch like she was the tragic heroine in a dramatic stage play, one hand thrown dramatically over her forehead. "This is exactly why I don't babysit. I refuse to compete for attention with a teething child. Do you know how humiliating it is to be upstaged by a baby?"
Luna, completely unfazed, merely took a calm sip of her drink, her smile knowing, serene. "Pansy, please. You practically live at my house, babysitting Lysander and Seline." She tilted her head, watching Pansy over the rim of her glass. "You're obsessed. So, kindly, fuck off with your dramatic monologues."
Ginny cackled, crossing her arms, eyes dancing with mischief. "Parkinson, riddle me this: why are you in my house, drinking my firewhisky—which, by the way, I suspect you've corrupted into non-alcoholic swill?"
Pansy rolled her eyes, the deep, exhausted roll of someone forced to explain something painfully obvious to mere peasants. Swirling her drink for emphasis, she let the words drop like a bomb.
"Ugh, fine. I'm pregnant."
Pansy sighed dramatically, waving a lazy hand in the air like this was old news. "And since this is going to be my entire personality for the next eight months, I suggest you all get used to it." She took a measured sip of her wine-that-was-no-longer-wine, and muttered, "And for the record, I happen to like the little tingle non-alcoholic wine gives me." Then, narrowing her eyes at Ginny, she added, "Say something nice, Weasley."
Ginny blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before her face split into a wide grin. "Well, congratulations, Pansy! That's amazing news!"
Hermione, who had been sitting unusually still, suddenly cleared her throat, the action far too forced, her entire demeanor shifting. Her cheeks flushed as she smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from her skirt, fidgeting like she was about to confess something monumental.
"And, um…" she hesitated, voice just a bit too high-pitched, fingers twisting in her lap. "Draco and I… we're… well, we're planning to start a family soon, too."
Her words tumbled out all at once, like she had been holding them in too long, like she wasn't entirely sure what kind of reaction she was expecting.
The room froze. Again.
Ginny's grin faltered, just slightly, her gaze flickering over Hermione with something almost unreadable—nostalgia, warmth, maybe even something deeper.
Then, with genuine sincerity, she murmured, "Oh, well congratulations to you too, Hermione." A pause, a breath, a moment that stretched between them. Then, with quiet conviction, she added, "You and Draco… you're going to be amazing parents."
Hermione exhaled, her entire body relaxing, like she hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that until now.
Luna, ever the sensitive one, sensing the shift in the air, suddenly grabbed Pansy by the arm and started dragging her toward another room. "Come on, Sassy. We have much more interesting things to gossip about."
Pansy dug in her heels, like a stubborn hippogriff, glaring at Luna with outright betrayal. "But I want to stay and be part of the shouting! This is my evening too, Lovegood!"
"No. Absolutely not," Luna said, eerily calm, yanking Pansy along with mystical, otherworldly strength. "You're coming with me. Be a good girl now."
Pansy sighed like a woman carrying the weight of the world, casting one last, longing glance toward Hermione and Ginny, as if she were leaving behind a great battle. "Fine," she muttered, allowing herself to be dragged, "but I better get some actual gossip out of this, or I'm hexing you both in your sleep."
Luna merely patted her arm, her voice light, knowing. "Yes, yes. We'll find you some scandal."
They apparated away, finally landed on the living room. Luna shot her a sidelong glance. "Oh, stop this nonsense. I know you're dying to hear the shouting, but this is Hermione's moment. Give her some space."
"Fine," Pansy sighed dramatically, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "But seriously, do you think there'll be actual shouting? Because if Draco finds out Hermione announced their baby plans without him—hoo boy, I don't want to miss that explosion. I live for that drama."
She rolled her eyes fondly. "Definitely. Now, come on, let's give them privacy and focus on something less chaotic."
Pansy's smirk faltered slightly as they entered the next room, the playful gleam in her eyes replaced by something more serious. "Darling," she began hesitantly. "Do you think… do you think we'll ever have a fallout? Because you're my best friend, and honestly, I can't even—oh gods, babes—" Her voice wavered, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
She stopped walking, turning fully to face Pansy. Her expression softened, and she placed both hands on Pansy's shoulders. "Sassy, don't cry. Come here." She pulled Pansy into a tight hug, her voice soothing. "We will never have a fallout, you know that, right? You're my best friend, and nothing's ever going to change that."
Pansy sniffled against her shoulder. "But what if… what if one day you hate me? What if you leave, and all I have is Nevie and my baby, and I'll be alone and miserable and probably die in some ridiculous accident because I thought I could outrun a basilisk or something."
She pulled back slightly, holding Pansy by the arms. "For Merlin's sake, Pans, stop being so dramatic. You're not going to die alone, and I'm not going to hate you. You're just a little emotional right now."
"But what if—"
She cut her off, her voice deadpan. "If I didn't hate you when I found out you were secretly making poison for a living, why would I suddenly start hating you now?"
Pansy's eyes widened in panic, and she let out a strangled yelp. "HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?"
Luna raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Why does everyone always assume I'm oblivious? It's absolutely insulting. I can smell dark magic, you know. And every time you make one of your little concoctions, your face changes, and your demeanor gets all… broody. Also, Theo may have snitched a little when I asked too many questions."
Pansy's jaw dropped. "That sneaky little shit! Unbelievable!"
"Do not say things like that about my husband," she said primly, though her lips twitched in amusement.
Pansy huffed, wiping at her eyes as if annoyed by her own outburst of emotion. "Fine. But seriously, how long have you known?"
"Immediately. Like I said, you're not exactly subtle. Besides, we're friends. I pay attention."
Pansy stared at her for a moment, then shook her head, muttering, "I need better friends who don't go around figuring out my darkest secrets."
"You're stuck with me, Sassy," she said cheerfully, linking their arms. "And you know what? I think 'poison-making Pansy' has a nice ring to it. Very edgy."
"Oh, shut it," Pansy muttered, though she couldn't hide the small smile that crept onto her face. "I still deserve more wine after all this emotional turmoil."
"I'll get you some," she promised, dragging her toward the kitchen. "But only if you promise not to brew anything deadly for the next hour."
Pansy laughed softly, though there was a bitterness in her voice that matched the sharpness in her eyes. "No promises, babes."
The words hung in the air, the weight of them almost more than they were meant to be. She tilted her head, watching Luna with a look that could've been curiosity or perhaps something more elusive. "So, are you not mad at me for, you know, hiding that from you?"
"All of us have secrets, Pans. We all do horrible things... or things we wish we hadn't done. I don't think I'm any different." The words hung in the air like they had the power to shatter the very world Pansy thought she understood.
Pansy raised an eyebrow, surprised by the tone of her voice, that undercurrent of resignation she could almost taste in the silence that followed. "Horrible things, huh?" Pansy mused, folding her arms across her chest. She leaned back, a trace of amusement curling at the corner of her lips. "Pray tell, what's yours?"
She was half-expecting her to deflect with one of her usual cryptic responses, or a whimsical remark that would send them spiraling into some other nonsensical conversation about bizarre creatures or otherworldly oddities. But Luna, in that moment, didn't play to her usual eccentricities.
She paused, her eyes darkening for a split second before her lips parted, as if she were speaking to herself more than to Pansy. "I killed my grandfather."
The words hung in the air for a heartbeat. Pansy's breath caught in her throat, the world around her freezing for just a moment. Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward instinctively, not sure if she had heard right. "Sorry?!"
Luna, unflinching, didn't meet her gaze at first. She was looking off into the distance, her face unreadable, as though what she had just confessed wasn't the bombshell it should have been. "Like I said, Pans. Everyone has secrets. I know I'll be judged when I die in front of my creator, but… I'm okay with it."
The room seemed to shrink, the air thick with the weight of her confession. Pansy was speechless for a moment, caught between disbelief and concern.
Luna, the purest soul she knew, had done something so dark? The shock of it knocked the wind from her, and she found herself instinctively wanting to reach out, to hold her friend, to tell her that it wasn't possible.
But she wasn't finished, and it was like the floodgates were opening, each word like a rush of cold water to the face.
She turned to Pansy now, meeting her gaze without hesitation, her eyes steady but filled with a quiet, unspoken pain. "He was abusive toward my grandmother… toward my mummy too. After she passed away, I couldn't take it anymore." Her voice was soft, but there was a certain finality to it that left no room for argument. "So I did it. I killed him. And I don't feel sorry for it."
Pansy's heart clenched at the words, and a pit opened up in her stomach. She could feel the weight of her confession pressing against her chest, the impossible gravity of it dragging her down into something far darker than anything she had ever expected to hear. She could never have imagined that the girl who lived in dreams, who was soft as the clouds and full of stars, could carry such a burden.
Pansy swallowed, her voice shaky as she leaned closer, all the teasing and deflecting gone. She could see it in her face now—the rawness, the lack of remorse that she wore like a second skin. "Oh, love… What… what happened?"
She closed her eyes briefly, exhaling a shaky breath as if she had only now fully let the words out into the open. "It's complicated, Pansy."
She paused, her gaze flickering to the floor before looking back up. "I don't expect you to understand. Most people wouldn't." Her lips curled into a faint, almost bitter smile, but there was no joy in it. "I just couldn't take seeing him hurt them anymore. I couldn't stand the thought of him ever laying a hand on them again. After she was gone… it was like I couldn't keep pretending everything was okay. I had to protect them. I had to make it stop."
The words hung between them, the silence deafening in its weight. Pansy felt a lump form in her throat, her mind racing with a thousand questions, but there was no easy answer, no comforting words that could undo what had been done. And maybe that was the hardest part: nothing could change it.
"Luna…" Pansy whispered, her voice raw with empathy. She didn't know what else to say, and for the first time, she felt utterly helpless. Her usual sharpness, her usual bravado, didn't matter now. Nothing could fix this.
She shook her head, her eyes glistening with something that might have been regret, but more likely was the hard shell of someone who had buried the pain so deeply that it could no longer be reached. "It's okay, Pansy. I'm okay with it. I had to do it. I don't regret it."
The two women sat in silence for a long time, the world outside their small, dimly lit corner of the house feeling distant and far away. Pansy didn't know what to do, but she knew one thing for certain: Luna was right. Everyone had secrets. And some secrets were darker than others.
Pansy nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in her throat. She reached out and placed a hand on her arm, the gesture quiet but meaningful. She couldn't fix what had happened, and she knew Luna didn't need her to. But she could be here. And for now, that was enough.
She sighed deeply and stood, her usual whimsical self beginning to return. "Anyway," she said, her tone shifting back to something lighter. "Enough of all this serious talk. We've got a baby to spoil, right?"
Pansy allowed herself a small chuckle, relieved to see the familiar sparkle returning to her eyes. "Right. Let's focus on the fun stuff."
And with that, the weight of the moment lifted, if only for a while. But the shadows of their shared truths remained, lingering in the space between them, and Pansy knew that no matter how much time passed,her secret would never leave her..