Author's Note: Yes the very last line is from "A Very Potter Sequel"
Who could forget the year Gilldory Lockhart controlled the Valentine's Day celebration in Heidi's second term? The Great Hall was decorated with hearts and ribbons and little ugly cupids running around passing out Valentines. Lavender Brown, Hermione and the rest of the female population at Hogwarts thought it was a wonderful idea and casted many dreamy sighs in Professor Lockheart's direction who was of course wearing his "Most Charming Award" smile.
The only girl besides Professor McGonagall who thought all the decorations and nonsense was silly was Heidi, who sat next to Harry and Ron at the breakfast table, as Hermione chatted with Luna Lovegood about possible admirers.
"It makes you sick doesn't it?" croaked Ron, starring at the girls.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" shouted Lockheart. "And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this surprise for you all with friendly carrying cupids who'll be roving around the school delivering your valentines!"
He beamed, "I'm sure my colleagues will want to help 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 anyone I've ever met, the sly old dog!"
Proffessor Flitwick held his head in his hands. Snape was looking as though the first person to ask him for a love potion would be force fed.
"Please Hermione tell me you weren't one of those girls," said Ron as they left the Great Hall for their first lesson. Hermione suddenly became very involved in finding her schedule.
"Oi Arry Potter!" said an ugly and rather fat winged cupid. "I ave a singin Valentine for ye."
"Not here- not now!" Harry yelled frantically trying to shove past some of the taller students. Despite the pushing and shoving, Harry advanced no farther in his desperate escape plot. The cupid was causing a lot of attention and Heidi noticed the slicked back hair of Draco Malfoy appear from around the corner.
"What's going on here?" his cold drawling voice asked just as the cupid grabbed Harry's bag strap.
"Potter has a Valentine? Oh this should be good," he laughed. Crabbe and Goyle mimicked him and started laughing as well. "Go on read it then."
"Thank you sir," said the cupid. He started singing in an off key tune:
His eyes are green as a fresh pickled toad,
His hair is as dark as a blackboard,
I wish he was mine he's really divine,
The hero who conquered the Dark Lord.
Malfoy started slow clap. "Very good, very good. Though I have to say whoever to give Potter a Valentine must be mad or Weasel's sis"—
"Stop it Malfoy," said Heidi angrily. "You're just jealous."
"J-jealous – me?" said Draco. He starred at Heidi and started to smirk. "No, Walsh I'm not jealous. In fact if you've been hearing the rumors, most girls in my House have or had a crush on me," he said snidely. His grey eyes searched her face for a reaction of envy.
"Yes, because you're in a House of morons," muttered Heidi. Ron and Harry started to chuckle.
So clever with her comebacks he thought. "Walsh I wouldn't speak, after all who'd send you a Valentine?"
Heidi scoffed and started to walk away. She knew this could get ugly and she didn't want to start crying in front of Malfoy, they were not in the same childhood world any longer.
Malfoy watched them walk away and the butterflies in his stomach subsided. Why did he care so much about her reaction? He could have anyone he wanted. And so could she a voice said to himself.
Was it just his start of puberty or not, Draco had noticed the shy Gryffindor as someone his mother would say is "a rose waiting to bloom." She'd have Valentines coming her way all right.
So why did the idea of her courting make him so furious? They were only twelve after all and when he wasn't making fun of her they never spoke.
Ginny Weasley passed by heading off to class and Draco decided to let out his frustrations.
"I don't think Potter liked your Valentine."
Ginny's eyes started to tear and she ran away from the scene. Crabbe and Goyle started to laugh but, Draco only gave a fake smile. Nothing could ease this feeling.
Draco's mind was immediately brought back to reality with the sounds of the Minister of Magic's voice.
"Mister Malfoy you have excellent credential s and connections for this position," said the Minister. "You'll certainly be making an excellent salary my boy."
Draco smiled. Hopefully enough to build my own Manor he thought to himself. The idea of going back to his mother depressed him. Who knew what her reaction was when he chose Dumbledore over her husband?
"Excellent my boy," said the Minister. "I'll send you an owl tomorrow and perhaps we can make time for contracts."
"Yes, Minister," replied Malfoy.
The Minister and Draco shook hands with Draco exiting his office. A high position in the magical government was the chance of a lifetime!
He wondered how Heidi was making out in the Daily Profit building on Diagon Alley. Leaving the Minister's office hallway, Draco walked down to the crowded main room where many witches and wizards were arriving and disappearing in the black chimneys.
I wonder how Heidi's doing? He thought.
His floo powder brought him to the bustling street of Diagon Alley which was packed more than usual due to the continuous celebrations. It was good to not have to fear being taken out while out running errands anymore.
He passed the stone building by Gringott's with the latest headlines written on the walls like a giant movie screen. It was as if Draco could touch the newspaper on the building but, of course it was just a magical illusion.
As usual a few older men in well-tailored dress robes were watching. Suddenly a woman with a sweet smile appeared on with the morning profit announcement. Draco was proud to say it was Heidi.
"The owner of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans is being held on charges today for his new flavor that caused a multitude of children to throw up continuously. I guess they didn't know it's called vomit flavored for a reason," said Heidi with a slight smile. "I'm Heidi Walsh and this is the Daily Profit."
The wall turned back to the Daily profit headlines. Draco smiled to himself thinking how much it meant to her to finally have the job she always wanted as well.
Realizing he was late for class, Draco evaporated back to Hogwarts. The two would meet tonight for their Valentine's day plans.
In the Gryffindor Common room, Hermione couldn't stop talking about how the Ministry of Magic loved her idea of S.P.E.W and House Elf Liberation Front. Heidi was happy for her and happy for herself as well that they got the jobs they wanted.
"I mean it's completely amazing," said Hermione. "I can't wait to start!"
"Me neither," said Heidi looking at herself in a floating hand mirror. She wore a light rose dust dress which was very flowy at the arms but, rather tight at the chest, and came back down to a flowy skirt.
"Heidi that's a beautiful dress!" Hermione gasped. "Draco is going to have a cow when he sees you."
Heidi smiled shyly and looked away. She placed the mirror on her nightstand next to her Gryffindor lion. She adjusted her emerald snake ring and smiled.
"I've been meaning to ask you where you got that ring?" said Hermione.
'Draco gave it to me- isn't it beautiful?" she said.
"Gorgeous," agreed Hermione. "I was wondering who'd give you a green emerald with a snake band."
"Always observant huh Hermione?" Heidi laughed.
"Where are you going tonight?" asked she suddenly.
"Ron, Harry, Ginny and I are going on a double date to Madam Leona's," giggled Hermione.
"Oh no not that kissy place!" Heidi exclaimed. Madam Leona's was a 'date spot' tea haven in which many couples who went it tended to have long make out sessions soon after.
"Hey you could come with us," said Hermione with a wink. "I'm sure Draco would love to have you"—
Heidi held up her hand playfully and interrupted. "Why Hermione I'm surprised at you!" she said laughing. "My little bookworm is now a seductress."
Hermione blushed a deep red. "Heidi I was not talking about that," she said still deep red. "Have you and Draco because Ron and I never"—
"No no no No," said Heidi furiously starting to blush as well. "I want it to stay that way until marriage."
Heidi's memory took her back to her bath in Malfoy Manor with Draco saying, "I wouldn't be able to help myself."
"That's good," said Hermione. "I want to wait for the same thing. I was only asking because erhm the night of the battle Harry and Ginny well – got it on – shall we say."
"WHAT!" Heidi exclaimed again. "And he didn't tell me! How romantic! He told you- why didn't he tell me?"
"Heidi please slow down," said Hermione. "Harry didn't tell me; neither did Ron so pretend not to know anything. I overheard Ginny telling her best friend at lunch the day after."
"Merlin, I guess we're not little first years anymore," joked Heidi.
Hermione sighed. "No, I guess not. I can understand why he wouldn't tell us I mean it is personal."
"Hermione please don't put these images in my head," said Heidi. She watched Hermione zip her teal colored dress up.
Hermione smiled, "I guess I'll be seeing you later. I wonder what Malfoy – I mean Draco has to surprise you with tonight."
"And a lovely night to you as well Miss Granger," said Heidi opening the door with a bow. "I hope carrot top treats you well."
Hermione and Heidi started laughing down to the common room. "You're so goofy," she said. Waving goodbye, Heidi left Hermione to Ron, Harry and Ginny who were all in good spirits and attire.
She left the portrait hole and trotted over to the entrance of the tower where Draco asked to meet her. She found him in dress robes, alone in the pale moonlight.
"You look beautiful," he said softly.
"So where are we going Draco?" asked Heidi. "It's been killing me not knowing."
"Ah so the suspense trick worked as planned," he said smirking. "Have you ever been outside of England before – to another country?"
Heidi shook her head no unsure of where he was getting at.
"Hold onto me tightly," he commanded. She grabbed his shoulders and closed her eyes, for the evaporation rush.
They landed in a cobble stone street with old buildings and French architecture.
"Where are we, France?" she asked.
"Yes, France but, Paris to be précis," said Draco taking her hand.
"It's nice of you to be my Valentine Draco, after all who'd ever send me one?" she asked thinking of the same memory Draco reminisced this morning.
"A foolish boy said those words; he did not anticipate the pretty bud to become a beautiful rose," said Draco in a serious tone, his skin flushed.
Heidi squeezed his hand as he led her to a restaurant named," Sous les étoiles." Draco opened the door and she walked through to wizard and witches dressed in their finest robes dinning in French dialogue.
A waiter approached the mahogany front desk, and Heidi stared at the crafted detail of the desk wondering why someone would even spend so much money for a desk.
"Puis-je vous aider?" he said. "May I help you?"
"Table pour deux s'il vous plait," said Draco. 'Table for two please'.
Heidi looked at Draco and raised her eyebrows smiling. Draco grinned. "What? I've been to France about a dozen times."
The waiter led them past a fountain to their seats next to the window. A candle was lit in the center and gold ware served as the utensils.
Heidi looking at the menu whispered across the table, "Draco, I can't read anything it's all in French."
Draco chucked and started to translate the menu for her.
There was a tap on the window, a scrawny owl stood on the window sill with an yellow envelope in its beak. Heidi opened the window and took the later from the bird. It stared at her expectantly.
"Sorry I haven't got anything for you," she said. The owl took off into the night sky.
Tearing off the seal Draco asked, "Whose that from?"
"Mum," she answered unfolding the letter.
Heidi,
Congratulations on your new job – I'm so happy for you! I can't believe you'd get a reporter job. I heard about the Battle of Hogwarts and how that Lucius Malfoy was put in jail- the scoundrel. You'd think they'd lock his son up with him and throw away the key. Are you still seeing that boy?
Anyways, you'll be graduating very soon and I need you here. Now that you're working and not adding an expense to our debt with school bills, I could use your paycheck to fix up this house and of course repay me for attending Hogwarts.
See you in a few months and Happy Valentine's Day!
Mum
"What does it say?" asked Draco sipping his water goblet.
"She said Happy Valentine's Day," said Heidi with a forced smile.
When the waiter came over to place their orders, Heidi was consumed with her thoughts about her mother and her orders.
Go back there! I promised myself last year would be the last summer I – No; I can't just leave my mother. But, give up my salary for that when I could go on my own? Do I really owe her money for Hogwarts?
"Heidi," said Draco "Wake up please and tell me what you're thinking about."
They were interrupted by the waiter pulling out their food. The scrumptious platter of entries and French cheeses and breads was made her stomach growl.
Draco inhaled the food slowly and said, "Let's discuss this after dinner. I have much I want to talk with you about."
While the food was delicious- and the chemistry of romance was there, Heidi couldn't help but, feel as if Draco was trying to read her mind for possible clues as to what was bothering her. He locked eyes with her often, sending pleasure shivers down her spine.
I wonder if Draco knows occlumency? She thought. His father must have taught him some. Harry actually mentioned Draco knowing the practice better than Harry did after his teachings with Snape.
However, Draco paid no attention to her ponderings and continued to eat his dinner in a classy style.
When they were finished, Draco paid the waiter and pulled Heidi with him. But, instead of taking the front entrance he chose the back exit.
Outside, the cool winter night was iced over in the backyard where a small lake and gazebo covered in snow stood.
"Why don't we talk over here," he said leading her in the new fallen soft snow. He dusted off snow off the wooden bench with his arm and they sat down.
"Heidi, what do you want to do after Hogwarts?" he asked suddenly.
A cold breeze chilled the air causing her to shiver. He wrapped his arms around her; the shaggy blonde hair flew into his face.
"To be a reporter," she said. "To be free without the old burdens."
"What were the old burden's?" He purred into her ear, running a few fingers through her hair.
Heidi felt lightheaded by stayed grounded, for she was smart enough to know that Draco was trying to butter her up and tell him what her mother wrote. She wanted to keep it to herself and deal with it on her own but, he was just too good at making her feel relaxed.
"She-she wanted me to go home with her," she said gasping because Draco was slowly starting to nibble on her neck.
"Why?" he asked oh-so- innocently between kisses. "I thought you weren't going back there."
Heidi chose not to respond and kissed him back. He then took a different approach, nipping her neck and asking again, "Tell me Heidi."
"Because I owe her the expenses of Hogwarts," she answered softly. "And pay the bills at home."
Draco stopped kissing her. His grey eyes bore into hers. "Why do you have to do all that? You're allowed to go on your own."
"Yes, Draco, you're right. I can't be held back by the past any longer," she said. Heidi raised an eyebrow at him and said, "What do you want to do Mr. Malfoy."
Draco smiled inwardly when she inquired this. "A well paid ministry job, a manor of my own."
"A big manor like the one you live in now?" she asked. "Oh I'd imagine it'd be lonely up there all alone in that big place."
Draco smirked. "Funny, I didn't plan on being alone. I want to get married someday and have children."
Heidi blushed feeling rather stupid for saying that. "Oh?"
"It's a Malfoy family tradition to wed – not long after Hogwarts," he said boldly. "Of course I'd have to wait until my girlfriend is ready first."
"Me? – you want to marry me?" she croaked, her cheeks were enflamed and her hands shook.
"Trust me there would be no greater pleasure than to take you as my bride," he said starring at her intently. "Unfortunately this isn't the time, but believes me when I say you will be mine -one day."
Heidi slowly nodded her head unsure of what else to do. Was this a dream? Is this what she wanted so soon? How soon would he pop the question or was this just a typical thing for a boyfriend to say. Every girl has had some man at some point in their life promise them wonderful things, I want to marry you, there'll never be another, I want your babies, and yet they end up alone. Heidi already experienced that horror story and decided in that moment that although she loved Draco, she needed to keep her heart safe.
"Let's go back to school," he said softly. A rush of cold air blew past them and they were gone.
Two rats scurried on the old pipes of a very high ceiling. The pipes were as moldy and dirty as the brick walls, which held the screams of the captives inside. Though no one could hear them amidst the cold night, they knew why they were there. Below in one small cell was a middle aged man depressed and petrified, for the dementor's walked past his cell for the second time in ten minutes. The hairs on his back stood up and a long shiver went down his spine, as every horrid memory of that day racked his brain.
Potter, he thought miserably.
The war was over and his master was defeated. Initially, the Ministry decided to just throw them all in Azkaban and let them rot. But, due to the past escapes of Sirius Black and Bellatrix, more Death Eaters were being sent to trial and even more were sentenced to the wrath of the Dementor's kiss.
A voice cried out from one of the cells. "We're here and Harry Potter lives on?"
"Yes I know –He marries Ginny – They live happily ever after - There's no way to move on from this point," responded Lucius to no one in particular.
He looked around the horrid conditions of filth he sat in and smashed his foot on a particularly ugly bug. He wouldn't be in this stint if he wasn't brought in by his only son.
"He's no son of mine," he said to aloud. "That boy will learn a lesson he'll never forget."
Just one problem. He was in Azkaban and Draco was out in the real world snogging Potter's best friend, Walsh. How could he get to him?
Just one thing to remember. Bellatrix may be dead but, she passed years of experience to her brother-in-law. Lucius laughed coldly. It's not over yet.