Chapter 10 : Valentine's Madness

Gryffindor's victory over Slytherin carried out for weeks. Everyone was in high spirits, even Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Harry would constantly hear insults from Slytherins everytime he passed by them in the hall but he didn't care. For the first time since the holidays, he was happy.

A special announcement was posted on the notice board that Friday morning when they came down for breakfast.:

VALENTINE'S DAY TREAT

A special Valentine's day trip to Hogsmeade was organized to allow students to buy some sweets for their loved ones.

The trip will be tomorrow, Saturday at the same time Hogsmeade trips take place.

As a treat for everyone, a Valentine's Day party has also been organized by the Headmaster that will take place the following night, February 14. Everyone is invited—first years to seventh years. You are allowed to bring a date. There is no need to sign your name should you wish to come. It will be an open party for everyone.

The announcement added up to the high spirits. Everyone was excited and talking about the Hogsmeade trip and the party. Even Hermione and Ron were talking about it excitedly. Harry somehow, didn't find it that fun and inviting. But at least, now, he didn't have to worry about not having a date to the party. He was with Cho. He need not ask her. He wondered who Ginny was going with, though.

The day of the Hogsmeade trip came. Everyone went down to breakfast excitedly, talking about where to go and what to buy. Harry too had been planning on buying some chocolates and give them to Cho.

"Let's go Madam Puddifoot's. Oh please, Ron. Just once," Harry heard Hermione saying. "I heard she's got some sweets that's really good. I'd like to try some. Of course you can come, Harry."

"You two go on. I hate that place," Harry said grinning at Ron who can say no to Hermione at that moment.

As soon as they arrived in Hogsmeade, Ron and Hermione set off to Madam Puddifoot's tea shop and Harry headed to Honeydukes. He bumped into Neville on his way there and they set off together. As they entered the shop, they spotted Luna and Ginny at the counter.

"Hi Luna! Hi Ginny!" Neville greeted them as they approached. Both smiled at them.

Harry glanced at the bag Ginny was carrying and saw some chocolates she bought. He wondered whom she'll give it to and if he'll be lucky enough to receive some.

"I bought some candies. I intended on giving some to you both but only after I've wrapped them nicely," Luna said smiling both at Harry and Neville.

"Where's Ron and Hermione?" Ginny asked looking at Harry.

"Oh, they went to Madam Puddifoot's at Hermione's request. I bet Ron was enjoying himself right now. That place. Those were his type," Harry joked.

"Oh, I bet he sure does. Ron was really into cupids and falling hearts thing," Ginny said and they both laughed.

Luna and Ginny waved them goodbye and left the shop. Harry then proceeded to the chocolates section and bought a box for Cho. He noticed a display of imported ones that was a bit expensive and Harry contemplated but somehow took a box and bought it, too.

The next few days was overwhelming with sweetness. The school was soon filled with chocolates and flowers as students carry them around in the halls talking excitedly with their friends. Harry even witnessed some cheesy invitations to the party. He and Ron would oftentimes laugh about it as they passed. He had given Cho the box of chocolates he bought which earned him a kiss at the Great Hall. Several girls giggled excitedly and others even applauded. Cho then handed him the chocolates she bought for him and kissed him again. Harry felt embarrassed.

Even Professor McGonagall seems to be in a light mood since she wasn't that strict during Transfiguration. She even taught them, in Parvati and Lavender's requests, how to transform a twig into a blossoming flower. As the girls do so, the boys huddled at the back and talked amongst themselves. Dean, who was sitting beside Harry, was talking with Seamus about the party. As he took out a quill along with some chocolates. Harry recognized the chocolates. They were the same as the ones Ginny had bought from Honeydukes during the Hogsmeade trip. Harry pretended not to notice but kept listening to Dean and Seamus conversation. When Dean weren't saying anything about the chocolate and Harry was dying of curiosity and annoyance, he turned to Dean.

"I see you've got chocolates. You've got a Valentine, I guess?" Harry tried to sound as casual as he can.

Dean smiled. "Yeah. Ginny Weasley."

Harry's heart sank.