Treacherous | Hermione Granger Book II

|47| Chapter Forty-Seven

F O R T Y  S E V E N

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The rest of Valentines Day was just like any other day for Saffron on her own personal level, but that didn't mean that she was oblivious to the commotion that was going on with the rest of the students.

Rather, the commotion going on courtesy of Lockhart. As when Saffron and Parvati made their way into the Great Hall, it was as though they were walking into a room that had previously never existed in Hogwarts. The hall was lined with massive pink flower and heart-shaped confetti was raining from the beautiful sky above them. 

"What is going on?" Saffron let out, attempting to resist the urge to giggle at the scene, though her efforts were futile. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before and the reactions of the students - a mixture of amazement and horror, was highly comedic. "Who did this?"

"Oh, I wonder," Parvati jerked her head in the direction of Professor Lockhart who was standing at the top of the hall, looking on happily at the scene in front of him. "Merlin, this makes me sick, can we leave now before anyone notices?"

"I would but I'm starving," Saffron placed a hand on her grumbling stomach. "It shouldn't be too bad, just try and block him out,"

Neither girls were keen on Lockhart, it was something they shared in common. Just like how Lavender and Hermione, who, were sat gesturing the pair of them over to the Gryffindor table, shared admiration for Lockhart in common.

Parvati sighed bracingly. "Fine, but if I accidentally swallow some confetti I'm blaming you,"

"Fair," giggled Saffron, as she and Parvati made their way over to their year group who sat together at the Gryffindor table. Just as they did so, Lockhart took it upon himself to make a speech. He called for silence, walking to the centre of the staff table, blocking Professor Dumbledore from view wearing robes that matched the apparent colour theme of the day; bright pink. Everyone in the hall remained silent, listening intently. Saffron figured some were genuinely interested in what he had to say whilst others were hoping he'd perhaps cancel classes for the day or give them all sweets.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart said aloud. "And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all - and it doesn't end here!"

When Lockhart clapped his hands, a dozen or so dwarfs came stampeding into the room, all wearing matching golden wings that fluttered rapidly. Saffron briskly took a seat between Lavender and Dean, watching the scene unfold.

"He's such a tosser," Dean remarked when she sat down. He and Saffron had had many extensive conversations in Charms about their distaste for Lockhart. 

"Tell me about it," responded Saffron. "Couldn't the Heir of Slytherin do us all a favour and get him instead?"

"Stop moaning, you two," Lavender, in typical Lavender fashion had been listening in to what they had to say. She was a staunch supporter of Lockhart and wasn't going to let anyone speak negatively of him in her presence. "Even if the monster tried to attack him it wouldn't stand a chance,"

"Oh, and what would he do to stop it?" Dean asked her rhetorically. "He can't handle a cage of Cornish pixies, let alone a monster,"

"Keep being jealous, Dean," Lavender spat back. "It suits you,"

Dean rolled his eyes and exchanged a look with Saffron, who merely raised her eyebrows exasperatedly. Lavender turned away and listened in to Lockhart who was talking again.