A/N: This is what I would call the "come-on-and-let's-hurl-because-it's-full-of-fluff" chapter. Waste bins? Check. Warm water? Check. Okay, you can read this chapter now…

BTW, the whole Potterverse is Ms. Rowling's, and I'm just a lowly dirt-crawling creature in it.

Chapter 29: The REAL Engagement

Viktor and I agreed to stay awake until the grandfather clock chimed midnight. Maybe something might have gone wrong with my fruit tart because we engaged in some heated snogging sessions wile waiting for midnight. Darn Firewhiskey!

"Open my gift," Viktor handed Ianthé a small box. They were sitting on a thick fur rug in front of the fireplace.

Ianthé opened the box. She found two gleaming gold band rings inside.

She looked at Viktor, her sparkling eyes reflecting the firelight, her dark brown hair shone.

"This would be our wedding rings when we get married."

"These are goblin-made rings. These are expensive!" Ianthé gushed.

Viktor smiled, "I saved the money, especially for our wedding."

Ianthé picked up the smaller band. There was something etched on the inside part. She squinted her eyes to read them.

I am yours forever.

"Oh Viktor!" Ianthé hugged him tightly.

He kissed her intensely.

When they broke apart, Ianthé handed him a wrapped box.

"Here's my gift."

Viktor tore the wrapper and opened the box.

It was a cloak fastener. It had a dragon with glittering ruby eyes.

"I thought it would look good with some of your robes…"

Viktor smiled, "This is a very wonderful gift. Thanks."

He kissed Ianthé again.

One more kiss like that and my legs and arms --- or all of me --- would turn into jelly.

"You really like it?" Ianthé's eyes sparkled.

Viktor kissed her deeply.

"That much, huh?" Ianthé giggled.

I fell asleep on the couch as we watched the flickering fire. I felt Viktor carrying me upstairs. Strong arms… not bad… must be from Quidditch training… The world darkened around me.

Ianthé felt a finger caressing her cheeks. She saw Viktor, already dressed, beside her.

"You slept through out the morning," Viktor kissed her forehead.

"Yeah?" Ianthé stretched her limbs, "I think I would continue my sleep then…"

"No, you won't," Viktor pulled her arms up.

"But I like it here… It's warm, soft and I just want to snuggle and sleep…."

"I planned something for us today, after you eat your lunch."

Ianthé suddenly stood up, "Alright, I'm up." She sprinted to the bathroom.

A sound of falling water was heard.

"So, what's your plan?" Ianthé yelled from the bathroom.

"We're going to a place that is very special for both of us, I think."

"The plantation?"

"Yes, but Father and Mother have no clue we're going there."

"A surprise?"

"Sort of…"

They landed on a snow covered hilly meadow.

"We're here."

Ianthé gasped, "It's even more beautiful in wintertime!"

Viktor grabbed her hand, "Come on!"

They walked for several minutes until they reached a glass-made structure. Viktor led Ianthé inside the greenhouse.

"What are we doing here?"

"What do you think about this?"

"Pretty brilliant, actually. I mean, how did the greenhouse maintain the right temperature for flowers to bloom. It feels like summer in here."

Viktor smiled secretly, "Exactly. Now, close your eyes."

He covered her eyes with a black velvet ribbon. He led her through a thick row of rose bushes.

He removed the ribbon, "You can open your eyes now."

Ianthé slowly opened her eyes. In front of them was the largest rose she had ever seen on her entire life. It was also the most fragrant and it had the most vivid red color.

That wasn't the only thing astonishing about the flower. There, on the middle of the blossom, lay a diamond ring.

"But we're already engaged, aren't we?" Ianthé looked at Viktor, looking puzzled.

"We officially are engaged, but I wanted our engagement to be real…. Real for both of us, and not something that was arranged by our parents."

Tears fell from Ianthé's eyes.

"Ianthé Morgaine Herze, will you, once you become of age, marry me?"

Ianthé hugged him tightly, "Yes, yes, yes! You idiot! I want to marry you!"

"I love you."

Ianthé half-laughed and half-sobbed, "I love you too."

We went back to Sofia that night. I felt like our moments together was enough to keep me going through these dark times. He is my only strength, and I, my family's only hope in this war.