Valentine's Day at Hogwarts

Part 7

Sarah looked up from her notes on countercurses to see Tonks and Charlie join them at the long table, Charlie looking weary, Tonks looking smug. "Where have you two been? I feel like I haven't seen you all day."

"Don't ask," said Charlie as he pulled quill and ink from his bag.

She glanced from him to Tonks in amusement, the latter of which couldn't resist saying, "I feel like next week is going to be very interesting."

"You're right about that," said Penny. "I heard that Professor McGonagall's giving an announcement on Monday about Valentine's Day."

"What about Valentine's Day?" asked Andre.

"Supposedly something about getting into the holiday spirit with Valentine's Day themed lessons and a guest speaker?"

This news was met with mixed reactions. Sarah, Tonks, and Andre looked excited, Bill didn't look up from his book, Ben looked concerned, and Rowan groaned. Barnaby didn't move. He was sound asleep.

"You don't like Valentine's Day Rowan?" Sarah asked. She had never paid much attention to Valentine's Day at Hogwarts before; she'd always been too busy tracking down cursed vaults. With the trail gone cold, however, she seemed to be free to partake in any festivities that might be going on.

"It's never been my favorite holiday, no," said Rowan, stretching the muscles in her right hand. "I just hope the teachers aren't wasting our time with frivolous themed lessons when we should be preparing for O.W.L.s."

Sarah sniggered. "That's what they call her, old frivolous McGonagall."

"The teachers know how important your studies are, they aren't going to throw a day away just because it's Valentine's Day," said Bill.

"I think the lessons will be fun," said Sarah.

"Oh, really? Why is that, Sarah?" asked Tonks with a knowing grin.

"Everybody's been so stressed out lately because of these exams, as well as everything else that's going on," she said. "I think it would be nice to take a break and have fun. You know, get into the Valentine's Day spirit."

She tried not to, but she couldn't stop herself from stealing a quick glance at Barnaby. He didn't notice, as he was still dozing.

"Well said," said Penny. "I've always loved Valentine's Day!"

"Who is the guest speaker going to be, Penny?" asked Andre.

"No idea."

"Someone who has something to do with Valentine's Day?" Sarah suggested.

"Celestina Warbeck?" said Rowan excitedly.

"Guess we'll find out Monday," said Penny.

Sarah rubbed her face in her hands, then noticed her watch. "Oh Merlin, I'm about to be late for detention." She scrambled about, collecting her things and stowing them in her bag, then rushed off with a quick goodbye to the others.

"Poor Sarah," muttered Penny.

"Such is the life of the cursebreaker," said Andre.

"She deserves a break, doesn't she?" put in Tonks. They all nodded gravely.

Suddenly Barnaby spoke. "Where'd Sarah go?"

"Detention," said Ben with a shudder. "With Snape."

"Aww, I was going to ask her something."

"What?" said Penny.

"What, what?" said Barnaby.

"What were you going to ask her?"

Tonks watched as Barnaby's face went blank as an empty sheet of parchment.

"I don't remember," he said. Charlie had no idea if he was acting or if he was being genuine. Right then, he didn't really care. He just wanted to get through his Transfiguration notes so that he could go to bed. 

He was doomed not to rest easy. After a few minutes of silent studying, Tonks slipped him a note.

We tackle Merula in the morning.