Enchanted Parchment

Oh my, my boys must have stopped writing! No, I am joking, it's just me. I'm back, though. Although - it seems this story now has a companion named 'Cursed Parchment' to feed what is known as Lucifer's Muse - whoever said Severus was Voldemort's favourite? Some woman named JKR, I think… *grins evilly* The two stories do intertwine at various points, so if you read one, you may wish to read the other - but it's not a requirement for either of them to make sense.

Have no fears, I shall never abandon Albus and Severus. He's rather fit - and Severus ain't bad either!

~ SS19

Severus! Did you know today is February 14th? How about it, my boy? Be my Valentine?

I am going to pretend I did not hear that.

'Read' it. You 'read' it. It's parchment.

Headmaster. Today is February 14th. Do you know what this means?

You may finally declare your undying love for Sybil?

…Have I ever told you how much I detest you?

Several times, Severus - and I ignore you because I know it's just a lie. What is February 14th, Severus? Enlighten me.

We are in a school of hormone-controlled teenagers, and today is Valentine's Day. All we will have is hearts being broken and arguments and students sobbing in class. Why have you not yet banned this … lurid … event?

Everyone has to fall in love, Severus - and for all the broken hearts, there will always be one or two success stories! And it does generate much entertainment for us, as members of staff! Have you put any Galleons in this year's sweepstakes, Severus? I hear much money has been put on Miss Granger and Harry.

How blind you are - that will become a brother and sister relationship. It is not love - or lust - for that matter. They are also eleven years old. It's inappropriate.

You really are a constant downer, aren't you, my dear boy? Of course, I could ask you about your love life, Severus.

You could.

Would you answer?

No.

I think you are a romantic at heart, Severus. Flowers and chocolates and nights spent in each other's arms just listening to breathing and two heartbeats, forever beating in time…

Is that so?

Absolutely. I am thinking back to you as a student - in your sixth year - I saw you with a card on Valentine's Day.

Indeed.

Who was it from?

As if I would divulge that information.

Oh but Severus! You stunned us all that day - you and your secret admirer - was she in your year?

…And what makes you so sure it was a she?

Pardon?

I shall leave you to think on that, Headmaster, while I attend to the Slytherin common room. I have to remind them that Slytherins are not romantic - in any way.

Lucius Malfoy clearly is.

Not quite, Headmaster - and please, do not mention that around Lucius - he is rather self conscious about the subject.

Then who? If not him - and he certainly lavished much attention on you - then who?

I'd love to pretend it was your golden boy.

Ah no - by then - I seem to remember he was delivering Valentine's Day cards to a red-headed girl.

Indeed.

Tell me - who was it who signed the card?

It was not a proper Valentine's Day card - it was a practical joke.

Are you sure?

Yes.

So why did you smile?

Because it was a joke. Good day to you, Headmaster - enjoy the many sweets that seem to swarm Hogwarts on this day.

Happy Valentine's Day, Severus - it does not have to be about love, you know - it can be about friendship, too.

If you give me a single red rose, I will hang you from the chandelier by your beard and take your wand away.

It's tempting just to see the look on your face…

Good day.

I think I might wear magenta and red robes today…or perhaps red with little white hearts...are you still there, Severus?

...No.