Valentine's Day at Hogwarts

The Announcement

After breakfast, the food, the plates and goblets, and the silverware all vanished. There was a clamor of excited chatter among the long tables; the students had all remained in the Great Hall to hear Professor McGonagall's announcement. 

"Your attention, please." She stood at the podium, Dumbledore behind her left shoulder. "As I'm sure you all know, this Saturday is Valentine's Day." The hush of whispers rose again, like waves beating on a shore. McGonagall waited for it to break up with a severe look before starting again. "Valentine's day is a time-honored celebration at Hogwarts, but students generally need to be reminded how to celebrate appropriately. For example, sending eight hundred Valentine's to yourself, causing a commotion in the Great Hall from a tirade of owls and shutting it down in order to clean up their droppings, is certainly not appropriate," she said, her eyes narrowing at them.

"Do you think that really happened?" came Rowan's whisper from behind her.

Sarah thought of Emily Tyler, the snobbish, self-important Gryffidor seventh year that had broken Bill's heart and was always seeking attention. "I wouldn't be surprised," she said.

"To keep up the holiday spirit and to encourage this appropriate celebration, the teachers have all agreed to have Valentine's Day themed lessons throughout the week."

The hush rose again briefly, as students imagined what their themed lessons would be like. "Furthermore," said McGonagall, quieting the whispers once more with her shrill voice, "we will be having with us today a guest speaker. After the final bell, kindly proceed to the Great Hall to listen to the speaker. Gilderoy Lockhart...silence!" For the hall had burst into loud chatter at the name. "Gilderoy Lockhart is a Hogwarts graduate and successful author. Valentine's Day also happens to be Mr. Lockhart's favorite holiday. The afternoon promises to be most...enlightening." Sarah noticed that some of the teacher's expressions became very strained at that. Snape even rolled his eyes. "That is all for my announcement," said McGonagall. "You may all proceed to your first lesson, and--" Sarah knew she must be imagining things, but it looked as if McGonagall's strict expression softened into the ghost of a loving smile, "--happy Valentine's Day."

But of course, there was no rush to lessons, as nearly everyone was eager to discuss McGonagall's announcement. "Gilderoy Lockhart!" Rowan squealed, as they were joined by Penny and Tonks. "That'll be really excellent. He's a really great wizard, you know. He's the reason we know as much about trolls as we do.  And he's dealt with ghouls and dark wizards--"

"I think my mum reads his books," said Charlie.

"Everyone should!" said Rowan. "I've read them all. They're fantastic!"

Andre had joined them by now. "He certainly is an icon," he said. "He's got great style! He's been featured on Witch Weekly's Best Dressed list more times than I can count."

"Well, I for one am more excited about the special Valentine's Day lessons," said Penny. "Everything will be so romantic!"

Tonks nodded. "All this mushy stuff should be perfect for setting the mood," she said rubbing her hands together and peering around.

Sarah gave her a wicked grin. "Going to ask someone to be your Valentine, Tonks?"

"Of course not. But I know plenty of people who are," she said with a wink toward Penny and Andre, who both looked away, embarrassed. Sarah decided not press the matter; if she wanted to keep her romantic fancies secret, she had to let her friends do so as well. 

The conversation turned into a debate about whether or not Valentine's Day is a good holiday. Penny, Tonks, and Andre were all for it, but Rowan and Ben were still skeptics. 

"What do you think, Sarah?" Penny asked.

"I like Valentine's Day," she said. "I've never done anything romantic for it before, but it's a great time to show your mates some love and eat sweets."

"I don't understand what all the fuss is about." Barnaby had come to stand by her. She fought off a shudder as his strong arm brushed against hers. "It's just like any other day."

"How's that?" asked Charlie.

"You know, everyone giving you cards, asking you on dates, bringing you chocolates..."

He was met with stunned silence.

"I don't think that's a regular occurrence for most people, mate," said Charlie.

"Oh." There was a pause as he considered what to think about this. Then he grinned broadly. "Then I like Valentine's Day. Everyone should get cards and chocolates!"

The bell rang. "Hurry, we're all going to be late!" said Rowan, already taking off.

Sarah followed, Barnaby striding alongside her. "Where are you headed?" he asked her.

"Herbology."

"Great. See you in Potions." He set off up the stairs.

As she headed toward the greenhouses, Penny caught up with her.

"You ready for our first Valentine's lesson?...Sarah?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, sorry."

Penny smirked at her. "What's in your mind?"

"I was just imagining Barnaby receiving so many love notes that he didn't notice a difference on Valentine's Day."

Penny laughed. "I know, right. Must be nice."

Sarah didn't think it was nice at all. She knew Barnaby was popular among boys and girls alike at Hogwarts, and she understood why. He was good looking, strong, and incredibly sweet for a start. But she'd had no idea that many people were interested in him. How many students had asked him on dates? How many had he agreed to? Was he still interested in any of them?

It looked like Barnaby had the opposite problem that she had. While she was struggling to find one person to be her Valentine, it looked like he would have to choose from hundreds. Perhaps there was a benefit to being unpopular. She couldn't imagine the stress of dealing with more than one potential Valentine.