The cool autumn air felt like heaven on her skin. The backyard was quiet, an absolute rarity at the Burrow. Hermione stared at the tree, running her hand along the spot where she and Ron had carved "R+H" into the bark three months after the final battle.
She smiled, remembering how in love, how hopeful they had been then. Their love was so different now. Still strong, but solid and safe. Back then…it had been so intense, so unlike anything she'd ever felt before. It was a fire so strong that it bordered on dangerous. How times have changed. She blushed, remembering those many, many nights spend trying to quell the fire…
Her reminiscing was interrupted by the crunch of leaves. She turned to see Ron, Rose's little hand in his, walking toward her. Rose had only been walking for about two weeks, so her little legs were slow and unsteady. Her heart swelled to see Rose's smile match Ron's. Ron stooped to pick her up and kiss her on the head before appearing beside Hermione.
They turned their attention then to the sunset, oranges and reds and pinks melding together in the distance. The sunset never ceased to amaze Hermione. The day shifting to night, the dark swallowing the light, only to be burned away by the sun in a few more hours. It was comforting and hopeful. No matter how much things change, you can always count on the sunset.
She rested her head on Ron's shoulder, letting his arm wrap around her. Rose sighed and nestled deeper into Ron's arm.
He looked at Hermione with a smoldering look, a look of adoration, and she felt some of that fire rising in her again.
"Happy Birthday, Hermione."