Not Just Our Story

Chapter 16: Not As Romantic As I Thought

February 14, 1993

Draco Malfoy

Just when I thought Lockhart couldn't get any worse, he did.

Come Valentine's Day, he decorated the Great Hall with gaudy pink flowers, and heart-shaped confetti fell from the ceiling.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart shouted. "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!" He clapped his hands and through the doors to the entrance hall marched a dozen surly-looking dwarfs wearing golden wings and carrying harps. "My friendly, card-carrying cupids! They will be roaming around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fun doesn't stop here! I'm sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion! And while you're at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I've met, the sly old dog!"

Professor Flitwick buried his face in his hands while Snape looked as though he would force-feed the first person to ask him for a Love Potion with poison. All day long, the dwarfs kept barging into classes to deliver valentines, much to the teachers'dismay. 

Lucky for me, I never sent Potter a Valentine card. Otherwise, she'd know I fancy her... or maybe she already knows. I cannot give her the satisfaction of knowing I'm attracted to her. I must keep a level head and---

"Draco?"

That brought me skidding to a halt... again. Doing my best to keep an impassive expression, I said, "Yes, Potter?"

"Can I have a private word with you?"

"Er, s-sure. Why not?" Damn it. I practically stammered. Don't blame me, she's wearing her hair loose. No scrunchies, no butterfly clips, just thick gorgeous black locks---okay, I should stop. I turned to my friends and told them, "I'll see you at class."

Goyle winked at me. "Go get her, mate." He and Crabbe chortled as they left. 

I rolled my eyes at them before following Potter. She led me to an empty corridor before facing me. I cockily tilted my head. "So, Potter. Is there any particular reason why you need me on this Valentine's---Ack!" 

Without warning, she had grabbed my necktie and pointed her wand at me. In a dangerous whisper, she said, "Why did you send Dobby?"

Whatever I was expecting, it was definitely not this. "What? No, I didn't send anyone," I nervously laughed. "Why would you think that? I wasn't---AH-OW-OUCH---" She had pulled my tie, nearly choking me before releasing me. I massaged my neck as I asked, "How did you know?"

"Gellert told Hedwig, and she told me." 

"Ah, right..." I quickly made a mental note to never say anything in front of Gellert. "So... was Dobby doing his job?"

"Why yes, in fact, he did a great job. Was he your birthday gift to me?"

"Er... why'd you ask?"

"He appeared on my birthday."

"Wait---he did what?"

"Oh, so it's pure coincidence. What exactly did you tell him to do?"

"I just told him to keep you safe from the Chamber of Secrets." 

She let out an uncharacteristically high, cold laugh that didn't suit her and made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. "Safe?" she repeated. "Didn't he tell you what he did?"