A/N: Written for DramioneLurver's Reasons to Get Married challenge. My "reason" was "Getting married is 'romantic'."

When Harry had knelt before her and proposed after the war, Ginny had been overcome with girlish delight, the entire scene set instantly in her mind… White lilies everywhere; the soft glow of candle-like lighting; fairies adorning the bushes outside – just like at Hogwarts! The women all tearing up in sentimentality; the men all sitting so stoically, really only pretending to be bored out of their minds. Tinkling glasses of elven wine… And Harry twirling her around the dance floor in her lovely, rustling, white gown… Both of them looking absolutely radiant.

Oh how she'd squealed "yes" so excitedly, throwing herself into his surprised arms. And as he slipped the beautiful ring onto her finger – oh how it had dazzled – her mind began to drift to their future together. Candle lit dinners, long walks beneath the stars, waking up to each other each morning, Harry bringing her breakfast in bed… She just couldn't wait, and if a voice had whispered somewhere in the back of her mind, But do you love him? she certainly hadn't paid it any attention.

In fact she started planning the very next day, coercing a bewildered Hermione into helping her. And if Hermione had perhaps once asked whether she was sure she and Harry were ready to get married, she certainly hadn't paid it any mind. Of course they were; they were destined for each other.

Fate itself seemed to agree and everything had fallen just wonderfully into place. The flowers, the dress, the food, the decorations, the venue – everything was going to be perfect. She just knew it! If perhaps her mother had expressed concern about 'running headlong into such a big decision' well, she could hardly talk, could she?

Then the day arrived, and everything was just as she'd imagined. The location was beautiful; their vows were beautiful; she was beautiful… And if Harry twirled her around the room a little more awkwardly than she'd hoped, what did it matter? She just knew everything would be wonderful.

Their honeymoon was everything she'd dreamed it would be, too. So absolutely romantic. She was sure she was in heaven… She felt like an absolute princess, swept off her feet by her prince charming, and soon to reign over their kingdom of bliss. There were flowers, and dinners, and breakfasts, and walks; the perfect beginning to the rest of her life.

How very naïve, she thought wryly, looking across the table at her companion.

"You're thinking again, love. You have to stop that." There was a light tease in Blaise's voice, but she knew he was serious… Maybe even right.

"Mmm," she replied, noncommittally.

"I've brought you something."

She smiled. Blaise's gifts were always lovely – gifts of passion, of romance. He unveiled a small jewellery box and set it carefully on the table, gesturing for her to open it. She did so eagerly, revealing a delicate necklace that perfectly matched her favourite outfit.

"Oh, Blaise!" she exclaimed. "It's absolutely perfect." A strange look passed over his face as she fastened it around her neck – a look that had emerged several months before, and had become more and more common over the past few weeks.

"You know what would be perfect?" His tone matched his look and she realised he was finally about to explain.

"What's that?" She held tightly to the idealistic hope that perhaps he was about to say something sweet.

"You breaking it off with Potter. You telling him. Us actually being together, instead of just… pretending." Her eyes darted over his frustrated face.

"Oh, Blaise! That's ridiculous!" Ginny laughed nervously. "Besides, it's much more exciting this way, don't you think?"

His eyes narrowed. "Gin, I love you. I want to be with you… If this is just a bit of fun to you…"

"Is it so much to ask for a little fun? For a little romance? Of course I love you… But this is an affair, Blaise, don't you see? It's all just so impossible!" She felt tears flooding her eyes. "I'm married to Harry, and I love him, too, but you're the one that gives me what I need. The amazing dinners, the romantic walks, the nights out dancing. You're the one that makes me feel special. Loved. But I can't just leave him… I can't admit I..."

Blaise looked at her for a long time, his face a blank mask. "You don't love me at all, Gin," he said finally. "I'm just filling in for Potter's 'deficiencies'. Well, look, maybe it's time to realise they're not his problems – they're yours."

Ginny looked at him in horror as he stood from the table, dropping some cash on the table. "Blaise," she whispered, then more loudly, "You- You can't…"

A glimmer of sadness shone from his masked eyes. "No, Gin, you're right - I can't. I can't do this anymore."