A/N: Thanks be to Falron for the review! This chapter will be rather long, as will the next one—I got carried away. Ha ha! Take that you bastards:Blank stare: I dunno. Just thought I'd put in my weirdness for the day.
Lock and Key
Chapter 24
Roughly two more weeks went by, coming to the middle of February. Harry and Hermione found that it was becoming easier to find time to themselves, and in more places. (Harry was relieved he had told Hermione about his lessons; it made their situation much easier with him not having to lie). They were getting the feel of Hogwarts' life and their friends habits schedules, and were able to plan their meetings around it all. Harry had yet to tell Ron about his training sessions and didn't exactly know why. He knew Ron had a right to that particular knowledge, seeing as how they were best friends, and he knew that the Weasley boy would be offended to learn Hermione had known about it, but Harry had merely not stumbled across the opportune moment.
As far as Hogsmeade went, numerous students were outraged upon hearing the news of no visits until March. Others did not care if they never saw the village again—good riddance to bad memories. The only fact everyone agreed upon was that Valentine's Day would prove to be a bit lifeless without the possibility of going into Hogsmeade.
"Since there's no Hogsmeade, what are we going to do? Stay in the ruddy castle," demanded Seamus during dinner on February 12th, "Some of us have girlfriends. They won't find it romantic."
"The Astronomy Tower will be full that night," smiled Dean.
"Maybe Professor Dumbledore has something planned," Neville thoughtfully noted, "Like a ball or something."
"I doubt it. He'd 'uv said something by now." Ron retaliated, taking a large bite out of a piece of chicken.
"You can ask Hermione to be sure. She is Head Girl." Dean said, gesturing with his fork.
"Well, something had better take place, because I'll have one angry Lavender to deal with if it doesn't," grumbled Seamus, moodily drinking from his cup. Harry glanced down to Hermione. She was speaking merrily with Ginny and Sandra Mack. It would be their first Valentine's Day together and he obviously wanted it to be something special. His first and February 14th two years ago had been terribly uncomfortable and he wanted to remedy, and rectify, it. Seamus, however, did have a point. Without Hogsmeade, things would indeed prove difficult. One would have to be creative if every couple in the school was to be staying within its boundaries.
Harry frowned and meddled with his shepherd's pie, starting to think. What could he do for Hermione that would be original and away from prying eyes?
"Oh, right," he muttered, looking at his watch. He grabbed three cookies, "I'm going to set up for the DA meeting. Be there in 15 minutes." The others all nodded or murmured their consent. Hermione saw Harry leaving the Great Hall mid-laugh. There was a DA gathering soon, wasn't there? She cleared her throat and, smiling faintly, turned her attention back to a rambling Ginny. A few minutes later she announced she was going back to the common room.
"I just need to get something from my room." Hermione told them.
"I'll see you there then?" questioned Ginny. The brunette nodded, knowing she was talking about the meeting. Hermione left the table, entirely flighty about the sudden chance of uninterrupted time alone with Harry. She was at the entrance when she heard Ron calling her name. She stopped as he came jogging up to her.
"Were you going to the Room of Requirement?" he wondered.
"Er, yeah…" Hermione admitted.
"Perfect! I'll come with you! I need to ask Harry about this one charm. I know I'm doing it wrong," Ron said, unaware of her faltering happy face.
"O-Okay," she stated. They left the hall. Well, there was one faultless opportunity thrown out of the window.
At the Slytherin table, the Head Boy had watched the whole exchange. He had seen Dumbledore's golden boy run off somewhere a couple of minutes earlier, and then that insufferable Granger get up not too long after, intent on leaving. The Weasel had followed her like a sick puppy and assumingly wanted to go with her. Draco Malfoy may have been unbearable to some, or to many, but he was a very perceptive person. He had begun to notice that things between Potter and the Mudblood were taking place, odd things. They were acting strangely, more than usual. It was as if they were trying to hide something, or simply just were. And as the Head Girl's smile fell just a smidge at something Gryffindor's Keeper had said, and her eyes flickered rapidly out of the Great Hall, Malfoy was strongly reminded of his assumption.
The next day was a Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff Quidditch game. It was to be held right after breakfast. Harry had used all of his free time during the DA meeting and half of the night to concoct some plan for Valentine's Day—he had come up with nothing. It bothered him through the morning meal, but as he walked towards the stadium with his friends, it all but left his mind. (Quidditch had that kind of effect on him). Harry sat in between Ron and Hermione, but had the lion Quidditch team and every member of the DA who wasn't flying in the match surrounding him. Ron was so busy noticing Luna sitting next to him that he didn't see his sister holding hands with Colin or Colin's frightened, anxious glances in his direction. In fact, most of their friends sat cozily next to their mates, albeit Harry and Hermione whom left the "cozy" part out. (Daniel Marx was happy with Parvati and essentially an outcast in the Slytherin House for dating a Gryffindor).
As Harry watched some of his friends play against one another in the sky, an idea came to him. He received it just as a Ravenclaw Chaser scored. Luna and Rebecca cheered, jumping up. Hannah, next to Neville and Susan Bones, clicked her tongue in disappointment. Of course… why hadn't he thought of it sooner? It had made his third year bearable, or rather they had. Harry decided, with a smile, one method that would make Hermione's Valentine's Day better would be to get her delicious, extravagant candy. To do this, he would use his Invisibility Cloak and the statue of the hump backed witch to travel to the cellar of Honeydukes. He figured he would sneak away that night and tell Ron about it. Perhaps he would like to join Harry….
Hufflepuff won the Quidditch game, which definitely went over well with the badgers. About five minutes before dinner commenced, Harry sat near the fireplace, hurriedly cramming supplies and books into his bag. He had decided to get half an hour's worth of work done before supper, but his time limit was over and he wanted to relay his plan to Ron.
"Harry, ready to go eat?" Ron asked, walking down the staircase.
"Yeah…. Hey, um, I need to tell you something." Harry replied, dropping his bag on the ground and kicking it under a chair. He'd retrieve it later, assuming it'd be safe.
"What is it?"
"I was going to go to Honeydukes later on tonight. Do you want to come?" the dark haired boy quietly wondered. Ron lit up.
"Sure," he exclaimed, "Wait, how?"
"Remember third year?"
"Oh yeah!" the redhead recalled, smiling.
"I reckon we'll go at 8:30, nine." Harry commented, inwardly grinning at how unprefectish and reliable his best friend was.
"All right, yeah. But… why do you want to go? You don't have a valentine do you?" The Boy Who Lived looked at his best friend before giving a dry, nervous laugh.
"No, no… I just have a craving for Honeydukes' sweets," Harry lied, "Why do you want to go?"
"You asked me!" Ron laughed.
"Yes, well, maybe you're thinking about getting something for Luna," he remarked, arms folded and grinning, "How are things with her?"
"Confusing. No, wait—nonexistent," he bluntly responded, glaring at Harry.
"Excuse me! I have an announcement," they heard Hermione call from near the portrait hole, "Before you leave I have something to say!" The common room silenced as Harry and Ron turned to study the Head Girl just like everyone else.
"Thank you," Hermione beamed, "Well, in observation of Valentine's Day, which is tomorrow, the heads of the school have decided to… make things more festive. Throughout the day, flying hearts will deliver sweets to selected people. And while we are not holding a ball, there will be a feast. If you want to send someone a heart, you can sign up on this sheet. A Vanishing Charm has been placed on it so the moment you write the name, it will disappear to keep anyone else from seeing your valentine." Hermione tacked the list on the bulletin board as students began lining up and talking again. It was all well that fluttering hearts would be traversing the castle the next day, but Harry was still committed to his original plan of stealing away into the cellar of the sweet shop. He wanted Hermione's candy to be unique and lavish.
"Hermione, are you coming to dinner with me and Harry?" Ron questioned as the two boys walked over to her.
"Oh, I'll be there shortly. I've just got to check something quickly in my Arithmancy notes," she answered.
"Okay, so we'll not be seeing you for about two hours." Ron nodded, beginning to leave the room.
"I didn't say that!" Hermione yelled after him, slightly offended and smiling. She looked to Harry and blushed a bit. Just the mere sight of him unarmed her.
"Well you might as well go after him," she said, not allowing her shade to intensify by turning on her heel. Harry smiled and left.
Ron told Neville, Dean, and Seamus about their plot of getting into Honeydukes while they all ate; they thought it was fantastic.
"I mean, the hearts are nice and all, but Lavender will expect more." Seamus mentioned.
"Can you two get us candy as well?" Neville pondered.
"Of course." Harry assured.
"And in return we'll cover for you, if you need it." Dean said.
"Just give us five knuts each for our trouble and we'll call it even," smiled Ron.
Harry checked his watch as Dennis moved his rook, or rather commanded it to move. It was 8:45 and time for Mission: V-Day to go underway.
"I win! I've got your queen!" the Creevey boy happily declared.
"Yeah, good game Dennis. Er, I've got to go, so, I'll see you later." Harry told him. He stood up and moved to the boys' staircase. Ron was already in their dorm and Neville would be waiting by the Fat Lady to let them out.
"Harry," Hermione hailed, rushing up to him and smiling, "Let's study!"
"W-What? Now? Study?"
"Yes! It's on the NEWT schedule! Go get Ron and let's get started!"
"Oh Merlin…. Look Hermione, I can't study. We c-can't study," he revealed.
"Why not?"
"Because… I've gotten behind on my Quidditch plays, and I really need to work on them. And Ron usually helps me so…"
"Quidditch," she sighed, "Fine. You do your Quidditch… thing. I'll just study alone. But don't think you'll always be able to squirm your way out of studying! The next time I say it I mean it!"
"Yes, of course," grinned Harry.
"And stop smiling like that!" Hermione ordered, trying to sound angry but falling short. He winked at her before whirling up the steps in a flurry of black robes.
"That boy…," she grumbled, walking away.
Harry and Ron made it to Honeydukes without anything going wrong. (Neville was there to let them out and all). They skewered the cellar thoroughly for the best sweets, but stealthily, so not to get caught. They did procure candy for their own delight, but mainly focused on Valentine assortments. (All of the sweets were put into their empty school bags). With the requests from their roommates, it was too simple for Harry to pass off Hermione's box as one of theirs. Ron surprised him by selecting something special, but he insisted it was for his mother. (He wanted to get blood-flavored lollipops and send them to Ginny, signing them from Colin). The two departed after 20 minutes with their bags full and money left on an empty barrel's top.
Breakfast on the 14th of February set a standard for how the day was going to unfold. All four House tables were adorned with red, white, and pink decorations, including confetti and garner. Many of the younger students were plagued with an unstoppable attack of the giggles. Professor Snape appeared just as disgusted as he had been five years previously when Hogwarts had gone through this with Lockhart. Potions was going to be agony because of it.
"God, today is gong to be unbearable." Ron muttered as the three sat down.
"No it won't." Hermione answered brightly, having caught the spirit of the holiday. She was smiling as she reached for the pink pancakes and trying her best not to look at her boyfriend. For the first time ever, she had someone with whom she could celebrate. Hermione desperately hoped she could find at least ten minutes in which she could be alone with Harry, even that small amount would suffice. She had no idea that Harry had spent a great deal of the previous night pounding his brain for something he could do for her, and had finally come to a resolution. It would take a little preparation beforehand, and require an empty classroom, but it would be worth it.
"When do those little heart things deliver the sweets to people?" Ron questioned.
"During classes. A lot of students signed up for them," she replied.
"I'm sure. Won't the professors be annoyed with them?" Harry said.
"Only the ones—"
"With brooms up their arses?" finished Ron.
"Ron!" Hermione angrily exclaimed.
"In others words, Snape," grinned Harry.
"And maybe McGonagall." Ron added.
"Hey!" she infuriatingly said.
"You're right—Higgins might be in that category as well."
When breakfast ended, Harry and Ron bid Hermione goodbye then made their way to Defense Against the Dark Arts. The redhead confessed to the Seeker that he didn't even have to worry himself with Colin's antics that particular day; he felt his threat still lingered in the boy's mind. (Harry personally felt Ron should be worried about Ginny's behavior but said nothing). True to Hermione's word, the valentines came drifting into the first class of the day 600 seconds into Sarai Higgins lecture. She didn't comment once throughout the entire lesson but it was evident she did not care for them. Padma Patil was the first person to receive one, and jumped when it stopped in front of her burst open, dropping a neat pile of confections. Ron received a heart from an anonymous source during DADA, to his surprise, and Harry had three hearts flank him. (Two of them bore names, one did not). Malfoy was stricken with competitive jealousy until he received four hearts. After that, he wore a superior grin.
After Defense, Ron had Divination and Harry had Charms with Hermione. Professor Flitwick, unlike Higgins, seemed to enjoy the valentines. This go round, four bursting hearts flew in for him. He grew redder with each one and Hermione's eyes grew wider. It would have made things much simpler, and more comfortable, if they had all come from Hermione, but he knew they hadn't. (The two with names told him that). Hermione only stared at the candy and remnants of the hearts for a moment before writing again, pretending she had never seen them.
At lunch it seemed as though numerous older students had caught the contagious giggles as well. Dean, Neville, and Seamus thanked Harry Ron again for their private trip to Hogsmeade, when Hermione wasn't paying attention and told them their female counterparts would love them. (They were going to give them to the girls before dinner). Ron awkwardly told Hermione and Harry that Luna had sent him a valentine in Trelawney's class while fidgeting with his silverware.
"Crazy huh?" he chuckled.
"Ron," Hermione began, "Stop with the act. You know Luna likes you. It's horribly obvious." Harry grinned widely as Ron' s jaw dropped. He moved it wordlessly three times before picking it up. He didn't really speak after that, but did wear a diminutive smile.
Potions turned out to be just as Harry had predicted: wonderfully awful. Snape was more spiteful than normal, and his students actually feared receiving hearts. Twenty minutes had passed when the first three came fluttering in the dungeon for Malfoy, Harry, and Pavati. Mercifully, they were silent and Snape had his back to them. Harry got another one fifteen minutes later from a girl named Otter, and this time, the Slytherin Head of House witnessed it.
"Potter," he started between clenched teeth, "You are supposed to be watching over your undoubtedly incorrect potion, not tinkering with useless objects! Twenty points from Gryffindor!" Harry heatedly glared at him, knowing how idiotic and scarring it would be to argue back. The Head Boy was smirking happily. Still, it wasn't as though Harry could control the blasted things! When Harry received his tenth one of the day, and third one in Potions, Snape lost it.
"That is your second interruption of the day Potter," he shouted, pointing his wand, "Finite!" Harry's heart exploded, along with the candy inside of it. Everyone watched, flabbergasted.
"Detention, tonight at eight," the professor snarled, "It's nice to know your fame hasn't dwindled." Harry shot up and began to protest furiously as Malfoy and others loudly laughed. He was vexed by the fact that Harry had gotten more hearts than he, but gloated in Harry's misfortune and embarrassment.
"SILENCE," Snape bellowed. Everyone, even Harry, quieted, "Return to your brewing, now!"
Harry fumed for the rest of the period, refusing to acknowledge his professor. The bloody bastard gave me detention on Valentine's Day, and for something that wasn't even my fault, he savagely thought, What about Hermione! At one point,Parvati moved from her spot next to Daniel in order to sit with Harry. He appreciated her gesture of empathy but said little to her. When the class was over, Harry curtly dropped his vial on the desk and left, feeling considerably better. He had decided that he was not going to serve Snape's detention and, momentarily, did not care how the greasy man would react.
The food at dinner was excessive and even more tantalizing than usual in the acknowledgment of the holiday. All of the desserts were red, pink and white.
"So, Harry," Ron grinned, having just heaped whipped cream on his pink pudding, "How many girls sent you hearts?"
"Um… well," he started, noticing that Hermione was inevitably listening, "Uh… ten, I guess. Well, really nine. Snape destroyed one."
"Ten! Dear Merlin!" Ron began to laugh. Hermione's mouth was pointedly ajar.
"Someone's the most wanted wizard in the school," smiled Neville. (Seamus and Dean were sitting with their girlfriends alongside many others with the same idea). Harry didn't want to be the most wanted wizard in the school; he wanted everyone to know he was taken and happy.
"Ten… wow. Can't say I'm surprised though," mentioned Ron. Hermione pushed her ice cream closer together with her spoon and wrinkled her nose in a rigid, concentrated manner as Luna Lovegood and Hannah Abott approached them.
"Oh, Neville, thank you for the chocolates! I love them! However did you get them!" cried Hannah, kissing him on the cheek. Neville blushed.
"And thank you Ronald for the flying, red muscle." Luna said. Harry quirked both eyebrows and Hermione gaped at Ron. He looked like a fish out of water again.
"But… I—how—there was… no… didn't," he sputtered, "I-I didn't sign any valentine!"
"No, you did not, but I am in Ravenclaw for a reason." She then drifted away smiling, leaving an elated Harry and pleased Hermione to grill Ron.
Standing by his conviction, Harry omitted his eight o'clock detention. Instead, he found a deserted classroom and transformed it to his liking. That took 20 minutes of his time, and he spent the next 10 in the common room waiting for a witch to walk up the girls' staircase. When a fifth year fulfilled that requirement, Harry hastily followed her, despite her inquisitive glances. When he stood in front of Hermione's dormitory, he prayed she was alone and knocked.
"Harry," she noted as she pulled the door open, shocked but happy, "How'd you get up here?"
"I walked behind someone as she was coming up," he replied, walking in and closing the barrier.
"So," Harry half smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Yes," started Hermione, "You too. I sent you a valentine. I signed it 'Otter', after my patronus."
"So that was you?" he grinned.
"Yes. You noticed it? I'm surprised, what with all of your others. Ten?"
"Hermione—"
"No Harry, I'm not mad at you, honestly. I just… I just forget how many girls have their eyes on you! It's madness! I mean, they think you're eligible…" She sat down on the bed warily.
"How many did you get today?" asked Harry, gazing at her.
"Three," Hermione told him, "One was a friendly gesture sent by David and the other two were anonymous."
"Hmm," Damn Rice, "So it seems a few people have their eyes on you as well."
"Maybe, but not ten," she said, looking fearfully up at him, "Maybe you should just be eligible. Maybe I…. All that competition…" Harry got down on his knees in front of her and took her hands.
"Stop it, stop doing that," he instructed, "Stop doubting, stop with the insecurity. It's not like you!"
"I'm sorry Harry, but it's so hard to ignore! I told myself for years I wasn't good enough for you! I mean, you… you—" Hermione remarked.
"Am with you," he forcefully pointed out. The Boy Who Lived then sighed as the Head Girl tried not to cry, "I just wish you could see you through my eyes." Harry then stood up and pulled Hermione with him.
"Come on, I want to give you your Valentine's gift," he said.
"My?… You did something for me?" she wondered, head spinning.
"Of course. Boyfriends are supposed to do that every once in awhile."
Harry and Hermione arrived to the classroom a quarter before nine o'clock. Numerous students were walking the halls talking and/or holding hands, before curfew or a perturbed Filch came.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now." Harry observed, quietly shutting (and locking) the door. He grabbed the elaborate Honeydukes' box of candy on the ground as she regained her vision. Hermione gasped. The room was dark but had light coming from the stars twinkling on the ceiling. The floor was soft and green: grass, with flowers strewn in it. The walls showed a lush terrain of hills and trees illuminated by more of the night sky. It was magnificent.
"You… you did this?" she whispered.
"Yeah, earlier this evening. It's a good thing I'm in NEWT Transfiguration and Charms, huh? I even conjured the classrooms' furniture into rocks." Harry explained, kicking one. She took the room in a little while longer before turning to him. Her face was full of immense pride, compassion, and adoration.
"Again, Happy Valentine's Day," he said, handing over the container of confections. She took it and stared at it, then back at him. Hermione was understandably speechless.
A/N: Eh. So it might not have been as long as once thought. Whatever! About Snape's incantation (Finite): I don't know if it had the right effect, or if it's even a JK Rowling spell. I was just too lazy to move for about two seconds and get the books and research it. So sue me:D I'll post again… Wednesday, perhaps sooner. We'll see what Fate has in store for me.