Only The Beginning...

The first thing Hermione saw when she woke up was the small square of pink card, which had been bewitched to float a few centimetres above her head, and seemed to be sparkling slightly, as if dusted in glitter.

She blinked, letting her eyes adjust to the light, then reached up to snatch it out of the air. She flipped it open to see the writing on the back.

Rose are red,
Violets are blue,
In the garden for breakfast,
I'll meet you.

Below that were three words that meant the same no matter who had said them, whether it be a muggle, witch, wizard or house elf. I love you.

Hermione smiled to herself, his name jumping immediately to her mind though he hadn't signed it. Ron.

She rolled out of bed, running a hand through her hair and glancing in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with excitement. She smiled at her reflection briefly, a warm feeling rising in her as she wondered what Ron was planning. She looked around the little room that she had been sharing with Ginny, noticing that Ginny was already up, probably off celebrating Valentine's Day with Harry.

She was a little surprised at herself at getting up this late, but as her eyes fell on the book at the end of her bed, she remembered that she'd stayed up late reading a book on the treatment of house elves during the industrial revolution. S.P.E.W may not still be running, but she hadn't given up. When she'd re-done her last year at Hogwarts, she was planning on getting a job in the ministry working in the care of magical creatures department... much to the amusement of Ron and Harry.

She leaned down to rummage through her suitcase, looking for something to wear. There was no point unpacking seeing as she was only visiting the Burrow for a couple of nights so that she could spend Valentine's Day with Ron. She picked out a pair of jeans and a light, floaty purple top with a warm cardigan, hoping that she looked nice but would stay warm, especially if she was going into the garden for breakfast.

Then she glanced once more into the mirror, smoothed her hair, and hurried out of the room and down the stairs in her anticipation to see Ron, almost bumping into Mrs Weasley at the bottom.

"Ah, Hermione, dear... can't wait to see Ron, I suppose?" she beamed. Hermione laughed and shook her head with a shy smile. Mrs Weasley smiled knowingly, then disappeared up the stairs with a basket of washing. Without stopping to contemplate what Mrs. Weasley looked so pleased about, Hermione hurried outside, pushing open the door and stepping into the garden eagerly.

Her mouth fell open with an audible gasp. In the middle of the garden was a small round table with two chairs, laden with a delicate lace tablecloth, and several plates with as many of her favourite breakfast delicacies as she could think of; croissants, pain au chocolait, crêpes and toast, with an assortment of different spreads and a plate for each of them. In the middle of the table were two red roses in a crystal vase.

But all of this paled as she looked past the table at the person standing behind one of the chairs, a huge grin lighting up his freckled face. His blue eyes sparkled at her reaction as he waited for her to speak.

"Ron," she breathed, running forwards to wrap her arms around his neck and press her lips to his immediately, "It's perfect."

"Just like you, then." he replied. Hermione swatted at him playfully, then stepped back. She was about to tell him that of course she wasn't perfect, when a snigger from the bushes made her look round suddenly. There was a frantic rustling sound, like someone realising they were going to be spotted, and she just caught a glimpse of red hair.

Ron had seen it too. His ears went bright red as he stormed towards the bushes. "George, if that's you, I'll-"

There was a muted sigh as George stood up and revealed himself, smirking at Ron's enraged expression. "Sorry, sorry, I just had to see this... it's not my fault you're so soppy."

Ron spluttered, trying to form words through his obvious fury. George laughed, rolling his eyes, and stepped over the  bushes, staying out of Ron's reach as he jogged back to the Burrow, where he descended into a laughing fit. When he had disappeared into the house, Ron turned back to Hermione, his ears flaming red and his expression apologetic.

"Sorry about him..."

Hermione shook her head, "It's fine. Come on, where were we?"

Ron smiled slightly, "Hmm.. I think you were just repaying the compliment I gave you?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and reached forward to take Ron's hand and tug him back towards the breakfast table. "Yes, yes, you're perfect too."

Ron pulled out a chair and gestured to it grandly. "Ladies first."

Hermione laughed and sat down. Ron followed suit, and then they tucked in, chatting, laughing and flirting easily as they ate as much as they could before sitting back. Ron smiled at her across the table.

"You liked it, then?" he asked.

Hermione shook her head and leaned towards him. "No, I loved it."

A breeze blew across them and Hermione shivered involuntarily. Ron leaned towards her and took her hand under the table.

"Good, because this is only the beginning."