Valentine's Day at Hogwarts

The Apprentices

"You were right, Sarah," said Penny, as they hurried back to the Floo Station. There definitely wasn't enough time to look around; Lockhart's talk had lasted until 9:00. "Lockhart's announcement was about himself."

"I don't know about this apprenticeship," said Talbott. "It's more than I signed up for."

"I guess it'll be nice for us to throw a party on Valentine's Day," said Sarah.

"Maybe I had other plans," he muttered.

"You're late," said the man at the desk when Andre handed back his ticket. He sighed. "Fireplace three is open."

One by one, the students stepped through the fire. Sarah remembered she was still wearing Talbott's cloak, and gave it back to him.

"Thanks."

He smiled. "Anytime."

When Sarah appeared back in Dumbledore's office, the other students were already explaining the reason for their lateness.

"An apprenticeship, eh? That should be most informative."

"So you think we should do it, Professor?" asked Penny.

"You should do as you see fit, Miss Haywood." He looked at Sarah. "Do keep me informed. I believe this adventure will turn out to be most amusing."

They left the office and returned to their respective dormitories. Rowan was delighted to receive the autographed book and excited to hear about the apprenticeship.

"You'll be getting to learn straight from the master himself," she said, still clutching the book to her chest.

"By planning a party for him?"

"Look at it this way, at least you're solving your little problem."

"What little problem?"

"Well, Barnaby is an apprenctice too, right? Looks like you'll have no choice but to spend Valentine's Day with him."

Sarah threw a pillow at her.

The next morning, Sarah received another message from Gilderoy Lockhart. This one informed her to meet him and the other apprentices at Madam Puddifoot's as soon as they were let into Hogsmeade.

After lessons, she bundled up and joined the other students who were going to Hogsmeade. She quickly found the other apprentices. "Does anybody know how to get to this Madam Puddifoot's?" asked Talbott. "I've never heard of it."

"It's kind of hidden away," said Sarah, her cheeks flushing at the memory of her rather awkward first date there. "I know where it is."

"Lead on," said Andre.

They arrived at the tiny tea shop to find Mr. Lockhart already there. He was sipping a cup of tea, Madam Puddifoot fretting about him as if her were the Minister of Magic.

He stood up when he saw them. "There's my team," he said. He gestured around the quaint shop. "What do you think? Isn't this the perfect place for my party?" Madam Puddifoot beamed.

The others looked around in varying states of confusion. "Is it...a small party, Mr. Lockhart?" asked Penny. "There's not a lot of seating."

"Oh, yes, it's an intimate little gathering," he said with a wave. "And while it's already charming, it must be elaborately decorated to capture the spirit of our theme--Voyages, Vampires, and Valentines!"

He threw his arms wide and bowed. Madam Puddifoot applauded. "Anything you need, Mr. Lockhart!"

"So are we celebrating Valentine's Day or your book tour?" asked Sarah.