In fifth year. Ron's POV.
Whoever thought up a holiday entirely based on love deserves a fork in the eye. What could have inspired them? February is a frigid, blistering cold month where people are still trying to recover from the torment that is Christmas. Some blithering idiot decided that the stretch between Christmas and Easter is too long. Why don't we create a holiday to fill the gap? Better yet, let's name this holiday after an ancient Roman martyr.
So now, I walk through this freezing castle trying to ignore Dumbledore as he prances around the halls in obnoxiously pink robes, tossing muggle candy hearts that taste like cinnamon at unsuspecting students. Unfortunately, even the headmaster's candy assault could not have distracted me from what I saw just down the hall. It's only the 12th and Cupid is already out of his frame. Every year, this little minion of love flies around Hogwarts and shoot arrows at people who are "in love." His victim is not only left with unpleasant pain, but also a sparkling pink heart with their crush's name inscribed in a fancy script that would make even Lockheart proud. I had an unpleasant run in with him last year, everyday I thank the gods for Ginny's obsession with concealer.
Cupid's not the only thing you have to worry about around Valentine's Day. When I reached the Great Hall I was reminded of the second. Roses. "Send a rose to your sweet heart!" the banners declared. Professor Sprouts excuse to start growing roses in the middle of January. I decided not to think about it as I joined my fellow Gryffindors for breakfast. But of course, people could not leave well enough alone.
"Oi Ron! Have you figured out who you're going to invite to the Valentine's Day dance yet?" Seamus chirped through a mouthful of eggs.
Number three of the things one should be wary of around Valentine's Day.
"No Seamus… I hadn't given it much thought." I said, resting my head in my hand. Dumbledore had had the brilliant idea of making dances mandatory to increase inter-house socializing.
"Well you'd better; Padma is not going to go with you again after what happened at the Yule Ball." Harry said smugly.
"You're one to talk! Should I remind you of your wonderful date with Pavarti?" That should shut him up, fear my wrath Potter.
"Personally, I don't mind the dances…" chimed a wispy little voice that could only belong to Luna. "But the roses are so impractical, what can you do with a rose? It'd be much better to send radishes! Yes, express your feelings to your love and give them a tasty snack, that's the way to be."
The entire table was silent. Harry glanced at me and mouthed what? We decided it was best just to not say anything at all. I think it was one of the few times I was glad to hear the bell ring.