A/N: The last 2 chapters go up on Dec 19th and then we'll be at the end of my little story! And thank you to all of you who commented and reviewed and favorited and gave kudos and in any way told me that you're enjoying this story! Your support means the world to me!

Ginny played through the scene in her mind again and again as she laughed at the way her previous evening had played out. Harry's proposal, her mother's cry of happiness, Mrs. Potter's excitement, her father's tears, the nervous cast to Harry's face as he stepped out with her father and his to discuss everything that needed deciding, Harry openly kissing her hand as he bid her goodnight.

It was a dream, a dream made reality. She couldn't wait to tell Ron and Hermione. If she and Harry hadn't started their engagement so late into the evening, she would have insisted on imposing on her brother. But by the time Harry had returned with their fathers, it was late and their mothers wanted to celebrate; after all, Harry was an only child, and Ginny was the only daughter, there was a lot to celebrate.

"Ginny, darling," her mother stepped into her room and smiled. "Ah, I remember how I was the morning after your father proposed. I must have stayed in bed until noon, I was so happy."

Ginny laughed, but she did push herself up and out of bed. "It's hardly noon, Mother, it can't be much past the seventh hour."

"True," her mother sat on the bed, "but there is a great deal to decide today for you and Mr. Potter, along with your brother's wedding two days hence, so I suggest we don't allow the day to dwindle away from us."

"Of course, Mother," Ginny stepped out of her bed. "I wouldn't want to miss breakfast, or rather the company."

Her mother laughed before calling Adair into the room.

A little while later Ginny was admiring how Adair had styled her hair to look so nice with her gown when there was a knock outside her open door.

"You look beautiful, don't stop admiring yourself on my account." Harry smiled at her.

"I'm more so admiring the looking glass," Ginny smirked at him. "I've never seen one so large as this."

"We'll have to secure one for you then," Harry held out his hand to her. "But at the moment, I was hoping to accompany you to breakfast."

"I suppose that wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience," Ginny moved from the mirror and took his hand. "I'm sure my mother would be thrilled to see us walking together."

"Your parents have left already." Harry brought her hand to his lips. "Your father asked that I ensure you make it to breakfast."

Ginny stepped closer to Harry, kissing his hand in turn. "How very kind of you to see to it."

Harry released her hand to cup her cheek. "Believe me, it is no trouble." He closed the space between them further, and Ginny was sure that too deep a breath would bring their chests to touch.

"Ginny?" He tilted her face up just slightly.

"Harry?"

"May I kiss you?"

"Only if I may kiss you in return," she smirked up at him as he laughed.

"That's a fair arrangement," and then he leant down to bring his lips to hers.

Ginny felt her breath lodge in her chest. Harry's kiss was soft but there was a possessiveness to it that left her seeing stars as he pulled away.

"Harry," she brought her hands to his jacket to try and pull him back to her.

"There's plenty of time, Gin," though he did give in to her firm tug on his lapel and kissed her again.

But Ginny wasn't sure how much time they really had. After all, there would be a time that he'd leave her for some adventure or another, and she'd be left behind to wait for his return. So she kissed him, determined to enjoy what time she did have with him.

"I suppose that shall have to be enough for now," she pulled back regretfully, "Let us go put on a show of propriety."

"A show of it?" Harry laughed and offered his arm.

"I think we must put on a show of it now," Ginny smirked up at him, "For make no mistakes my Harry, your kiss has robbed me of any propriety, and I now feel everything to be a charade of what I once was."

Harry's green eyes seemed to grow darker as he leant in and kissed her once more but this time with searing lips that stole every last wisp of breath from Ginny's lungs and left her gasping when he paused to speak.

"No, my darling," he whispered against her, "everything before now was the charade. This is the world without a mask."

"Then may everyone be so lucky," Ginny leant in and captured his lips again, "For the world was a dull place indeed."

Harry smiled against her, "Indeed, but I have a surprise for you, and we shouldn't keep them waiting."

"Them?" Ginny laughed and pulled back, "My surprise is a person?"

"Alas, I have said too much," Harry laughed, "Come, before you think on it any longer and guess my surprise before we've even sat down to breakfast."

Ginny took his proffered arm as she laughed with him. She was still preparing her heart for the day he would leave, but until he did, she was certain there would be a great deal of laughter, and if she had anything to say in the matter, his kisses as well.