Valentine's Day at Hogwarts

A Perplexing Party

Sarah slept in the next morning, largely due to the fact that she was dreading going to some of her closest friends and explaining that she couldn't be their Valentine's Day date. By the time she got out of bed, Rowan was gone and she had to skip breakfast to make it to Hogsmeade in time.

When she arrived, the others were already there. Part of her wanted to turn around and flee before they noticed her, but "There's Captain Valentine!" Penny rushed over to hang a string of flowers around her neck. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

"Happy Valentine's Day, Penny," she said shyly.

"Come on you lot, we can't take all day with these decorations," called Andre from a ladder as he hung a golden cherub to the ceiling. "I've got to have time to finish everyone's outfit before the party."

"Will they be done in time, Andre?" asked Penny, concerned.

"They will if we hurry up with this."

"What about dates? Has everyone had time to find dates?"

Barnaby looked up from the petals he was plucking. "I've asked someone special. I'm waiting to hear back." He smiled at Sarah, who found she couldn't meet his eyes.

"Same, here!" said Penny.

Andre hopped down from the ladder. "I asked someone as well, but I haven't gotten a definite answer."

Talbott looked embarrassed. "There's only one person I'd go with...I'm waiting to hear from her."

"I might have suggested to someone that they should be my date," said Merula rubbing the back of her neck.

They all looked to Sarah expectantly. She felt absolutely horrible. If she'd been able to give them all answers sooner, they could have found other dates. Now, they wouldn't have time to find anyone else. She should tell them now, but she didn't want to reject them all in the open, with everyone else listening.

"I....uh, well..."

Someone touched her gently on the shoulder. It was Madam Puddifoot. "Perhaps you should carry on with the decorations now, and continue this chat later?"

"Yes, brilliant! Let's do that!"

They all continued hanging photos of Lockhart and plastering roses to the walls. Sarah tried to think of a way to gently let them all down, but it would be difficult when they were all together in the small shop. It wasn't long before Madam Puddifoot pulled her aside.

"I've stalled for you enough my dear, you need to decide which of these people you'd like to be your date tonight."

"How did you know about all this?" Sarah asked in shock.

The woman smiled. "After years in this shop, I find it easy to read people's hearts."

Sarah glanced at Barnaby, who was sucking on his thumb after plucking it on a rose thorn.

"I'd like Barnaby to be my Valentine."

"I remember him from you date last year," said the woman. "All those broken teacups..."

"Sorry about that. My friends...were trying to help."

"You are lucky to have so many good friends, my dear."

Sarah nodded. "I really am."

"So let's not keep them waiting any longer."

Sarah thanked her and summoned the courage to walk over to Barnaby. He smiled at her when he saw her coming.

"I've just finished hanging up the roses," he said. "Or do you think we need more?"

"Barnaby, my answer is yes."