Disclaimer: I own nothing of J.K Rowling's.
A/N: ...Ahhh! This is officially the last chapter of the first book. But guess what? Obviously this ain't the end of this book! (Cuz I dragged on too much, but it's almost done..then I can go onto the third book.)
Chapter 27: A Very Valentine Venture
"...As long as Merve the Cupid guy doesn't show up, we should all be fine." Hermione spoke loudly to me as we entered the Great Hall for breakfast. Today was Valentine's Day, and tonight was a Velntine's Dance.
As we sat down, tiny floating hearts scattered about our heads, covering my curled hair. I shook the hearts off, and they floated away to another table. Rumours spread that more cupids would be flying around the school, visiting classes and whatnot. No way I was going to watch some ugly, old guy named Merve almost have his diaper fall off again. That was a litle too much for my taste last year. Plus, I think Gilderoy Poptart had enough as well, so no visitors in our class today.
Valentine's is still, in my little mind, a waste of time. However, I respected people's love for it today and wore a pink t-shirt with jeans. Besides, ever since I mocked Snape as a dare, I haven't been into wearing black at all.
Seamus gleamed with smiles at me, "You up for a date to the dance tonight? I know we're only friends, but everyone has a date tonight. Neville is going with Melisa Knowles. He finally got the courage to ask her after I pretty much pushed him into it. So, what'ya say, Manic-Mara?"
"You know what?" I grinned at my change of heart, "Why not? I'll be your date. It could be really fun!"
At this point Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Neville stared at me in awe. Seamus only nodded and went back to his toast after saying, "Great!"
Ron shot me an angry glance, "You're lucky to have two damn study periods. All because you fell off of your broom and got amnesia.."
"Why'd you bring that up now?" I questioned and added, "I know I have two study classes, but it's not my fault my broom caught on fire. I'd probably have a different class right now, but I wasn't placed in one. Besides, I'm not the only student who has more than one study period. Pleanty of students have two or three because they are in advanced classes, and have already finished the required lessons."
"I brought it up," Ron retorted, "because you get extra time to prepare for the dance tonight."
He was correct, for my study periods never went back-to-back, but my day ended with one. "Too bad, Red-Head. Least I'll be ready!"
"Oh Come On!" Neville shouted as he struggled to push a cupid away from him.
The tiny cupid shouted, "But I have some candy for you!"
Finally shoving the cupid away, Neville grunted, "I don't want dumb candy right now. It's too early for this crud."
At last, as we were all anticipating, the bell rang for first class. McGonagal's class was first, but she wasn't in a good mood. When everyone was inside, sitting down, she locked the door shut.
"I'm not putting up with any interruptions today, class. We shall get right to work, and not let any cupids come in until the end of class. It seems like they become worse each year..." McGonagal went on, talking about our work for today and throwing in a few angry remarks at a cupid who peeked through the window. Maybe they were getting worse.
Wow, it feels like everyone is getting annoyed with Valentine's Day. Or at least the teachers are. Snape was annoyed by them last year, but that's just because he is Snape. I don't think he's ever loved before..Not by the way he acts or talks to anyone female. I know I've thought about this previously, but has Snape even had a girlfriend? Maybe he really had something in common with me. I don't believe in true love, and Snape doesn't seem to either. I wonder what his reasons are.
My reasons? I just don't want to waste my time looking for someone who will break my heart. An example that my theory is right: Draco Malfoy.
Gilderoy Lockhart sighed as three cupids entered our classroom when the next class bell rang. He quickly kicked them out and threatened to take their arrows if they didn't wait for the end of the period to visit people. When Transfiguration ended, a cupid approached Hermione and said she would find love tonight.
Can someone say, annoying?
Lessons passed one by one throughout the day, and the next to last class made me wonder what would happen. Snape's Potion class felt drab and morbid like always, but the Snake himself didn't seem too intimidating today for some reason. In fact, he acted really...err...calm.
"Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!" His usual cold voice was replaced by an inviting, warm one. Snape was not himself.
No one spoke, we all feared that the whole amiable act was a trap to give out detentions. In an instant, Snape shook his head frantically and groaned. The hell was going on with that man?
'Mione blurted, "Snape's gone buggy.."
Head shaking stopped and Snape sneered once again after he pulled an arrow from his lower leg. I know I hadn't noticed it. Without any words, Severus ran out of the class and shouted at a nearby cupid. Apparently, the cupid hit him, even after the warnings not to do it. On entrance back into Potions Class, Snape glared at us, readying himself to talk.
"Sorry for that," His normal Snapey voice was back, "Cupid doesn't listen very well to threats. That's beside the point. Take your books out..Class will not be interrupted again."
I had to internally laugh at Snape; His pride wasn't the slightest bit disturbed from the happy-go-lucky second he had. However, I knew he was not letting his guard down. With my book in front of me, I made it seem like I was getting straight to work when, in reality, I was thinking to myself and spacing out.
Last class came, which didn't bother me, for it was my study period. I had already had my first one earlier, in which I read in the library. That's what I normally do on study periods. Yet, this one seemed lucky enough to be right next to the dance, that started at seven. Supper was going to be combined with the dance tonight. A buffet was already spotted on the side of the Great Hall, and a few small tables were lined around the walls of the room. I couldn't help but peek at the decorations either. Not many were seen at the moment, for a few professors were setting them up.
Reaching the Gryffindor Common Room, I realized I was the only one present at the time. So, I took the alone time for granted and took a shower in the girl's lavatory by the dorm rooms. At night the showers were packed, so you'd have to literally take a number to have a turn. That's why I always woke up bright and early this year to shower in the morning.
Rummaging through my trunk of clothes, I at last found my dress. About a week ago, on some free time, I had sewn a gown for the Valentine's Dance. I knew I was going, but I didn't know I'd be going with Seamus. I'm thrilled to be going with a date, as long as Freckle-Face doesn't try to be my boyfriend again. The trouble with him is, even if I liked him, our friendship would be runied if we were in a relationship. I think Seamus is kind of desperate though, not in a bad way, but maybe he thinks I'm the only one he has a chance with. He dosn't really have many friends that are girls.. I don't know..Maybe I'm just assuming too much. Not that I'm assuming anything bad; My thoughts are just revolving around a theory that perhaps Seamus has no confidence in himself, and that's why he has no girlfriend, or girl friends.
A rose colored dress ended just above my ankle. The waist line showed a ribbon wrapped delicately around me, tied in a bow on the back. Spaghetti straps in a darker shade of rose resided on my shoulders, and the fitted top accented the flowing bottom. My dress was very, very cool. I was a happy camper...Without the camper part.
"Magnificent, Maranda! Marvelous!" Seamus tried to make me blush as we walked into the Great Hall side by side. Hermione had a very pretty red gown on, and Ron sadly matched her in his red suit. I'm sorry to laugh, but Ron was red enough with his hair, and now with his clothes? HAHAHAHAHA!
The Great Hall was dimmed, only lit by floating candles in various Valentine colors. Roses floated about, spinning and swirling with each other to resemble a dance. Pink, white, and red paper hearts were noticed on the walls. On the tables that I had seen earlier, there were tiny candles surrounded by rose buds as a centerpiece. The buffet table was loaded with food, and hungry people too. Professor Snape stood in front of a non-alchoholic mini-bar, accompanied by Professor Lockhart. How does Snape put up with the Poptartiness of Gilderoy?
Dumbledore was in the front of the Great Hall, putting on the music from an enchanted boombox. A much bigger, better looking boombox than the one I used last Halloween.
"Shall we dance?" Seamus asked me with an innocent smile.
I nodded, "Let's go."
A techno song was playing as my group, The Kerfuffles, danced together. So far the dance was awesome, and I had a feeling it would stay this way. During one part of the song, clapping was heard. Everyone in the Great Hall joined in merrily, giggling and enjoying the fun interaction. More music blared from the stereo, which only encouraged us to dance continuously.
Dancing with Seamus was an experience within itself. I had danced with him before, but this time was different. It felt a little more interesting than the other times, for this time we danced as a date. This caused a little less friction between us, and we could have fun without worrying about being too close for comfort. I still would not consider him a boyfriend, but dating wouldn't hurt. At least not this time.
"...I can't believe Harry and Veronica are back together.." Hermione mumbled to me while we got a drink.
My smile faded, "I know. After what she and Draco did, you think Harry would stick up for himself and know better the second time around. Especially since Veronica is known to have boyfriend troubles."
"Yeah I heard that after she threw her old boyfriend a birthday party last year, she took it upon herself to cheat on that guy too. I don't know what Harry sees in her.." My words disappeared as Harry and Veronica approached the mini-bar. Hermione and I decided to get back to the dance floor.
Lockhart was searching the Hall, making sure everyone was abiding by the rules, and staying out of trouble. He soon came over to our group and began dancing with us. I've never seen a dancing Poptart in my life! Hahaha I love making myself laugh...Anyways, Gilderoy didn't move that bad for a fruity food.
After the Poptart left our sight, Neville chuckled, "Well, I thought he was never going to leave. I don't think that's happened in the past dances I've been to."
Melisa Knowles, Neville's date, smiled, "Never have I seen Professor Lockhart move like that. He was trying to dirty dance with all of us females!"
She noticed it too, the wrong way to dance with a student. Gilderoy hadn't done it much, but he attempted to dirty dance with Hermione, Melisa, Vernoica, and I. Thank Fried Vegetables it lasted for only a few seconds. I think Gildy realized that it was wrong to grind with a student. I have to admit though, it was quite amusing.
Within a minute or so after the Lockhart incident, Snape started sauntering about, trying to intimidate people enough to stop having fun. Too bad Sevvie only sneered as he walked by our group, for it would have been so humorously out of character if he started to dance with us. He was probably still pissed at the cupids for attacking him earlier today.
"Snape checked you out again, Maranda!" Ron exclaimed when our intimidating professor was out of view.
My response was, "Too bad you didn't notice him checking you out, Ronnie Boy. I could have sworn Snape stared at your crotch for a moment or two." Of course this didn't really happen. I just wanted a reaction from Red-Head.
"That," Ron raised his eyebrows, "was really disturbing. I think I shall throw up now.."
Hermione grabbed him as a slow song came on, and Seamus and I held onto each other as well. We swayed to the ballad, ignoring Snape as he walked by again. When was this man going to stop being so...so...Snake-ish?
Oh I got it..When is this man going to stop being so slimey?
No...no...So stalker-ish?
Sneaky?
Yeah, that's it, sneaky and a little annoying.
"Maranda," Seamus took my attention back from La-La-Land, "are you having fun so far?"
My grin broadened, "This couldn't be better. Thanks for asking me."
"My pleasure. At least Draco hasn't bugged you yet."
"That's the keyword," I frowned, "...Yet..."