True to her word, Madam Pomfrey let me and Hemione out on Monday, the first day of February. Luckily I hadn't missed any classes, so other than a couple of questions about how I was doing, or if I was alright, everything was normal.
Well almost everything.
Harry was still carrying around that random diary we found in Myrtle's bathroom. He seemed to think it meant something, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. The only thing that that was remotely interesting was the fact it was fifty years old, meaning the same student who used it was at the school when the school when the Chamber was last opened. Both Harry, and even Hermione were convinced it had to mean something, so much so that they came up to me, Anthony, and Lisa on Tuesday during break in the Library.
"Guys." Harry said eagerly as they approached.
"Harry." I replied, as I noticed him subtly take the diary out of his book bag. Hermione looking eager. Ron, like me, agreed that it meant nothing.
"Anthony, do you know who this is?" Harry asked, showing him the T.M Riddle on the diary.
Anthony thought for a moment, then shrugged. "No, sorry. Why?"
"We found this diary a couple of weeks ago, and realized it's from fifty years ago." Harry began, explaining for Anthony and Lisa.
"Really?" Lisa asked. "How do you know that?"
"Because this Riddle has a special award in the trophy room that Ron cleaned back at the first of term." Harry replied. "And you know what else happened fifty years ago?"
Both Lisa and Anthony were silent for a moment, their eyes widened in realization. "That's when the Chamber opened." Lisa said.
"Yeah." Hermione replied. "And we figured it has to mean something."
"That's why we came to ask Anthony if he had every heard of T.M Riddle." Harry added. "We knew it was a longshot, but we hoped..."
Anthony again thought. "No, I've never heard of him, or why he has a special reward in the trophy room." Anthony replied, gritting his teeth, clearly annoyed he didn't know something. "Have you tried looking at the award?"
"Actually, we were about to go look at it." Hermione answered. "If you three want to come along."
For my part, I had no interest in another wild goose chase. But Anthony instantly nodded, as did Lisa who just seemed curious. In the end I went along. Though both me, and oddly enough Ron, thought it was a waste of time.
"It doesn't mean anything." Ron said, clearly not wanting to go back to the trophy room where he'd spent a night from hell scrubbing over and over again. "I'm telling you, if this Riddle fellow mattered, me or Anthony would have heard about him."
"I don't know about that Ron." Anthony replied thoughtfully. "Despite both of us growing up in the magical world, theirs always something new to learn. Heck it seems like I learn something new every couple days..."
"Yeah, but you're a Ravenclaw, knowing random fact's about useless information is kind of your thing."
Me, Anthony, and Lisa shot Ron looks, and he held up his hands in defense. "I'm just saying...remember when you went on that long lecture about Star Grass, and the effect's it has on Goblins." Ron replied, looking directly at Anthony. "At the end of it, even Hermione didn't know what you were talking about."
For a moment Anthony tried to come up with a response, but it was quickly clear that he had none. "Okay, I can get a little obsessed sometimes..."
"You can say that again." Lisa replied with a smirk.
"But that doesn't mean this diary isn't important." Anthony responded. "The fact the student was here the same time the chamber opened is a huge red flag."
"It's a diary." I finally interjected. "I mean, how can a diary do anything?"
We all shot quick glances at it. "You never know, that's why were checking out the trophy room." Anthony replied.
"I guess." I replied, still not able to comprehend how a diary could have anything close to do with the chamber, or the attacks.
The six of us finally arrived in the trophy room, and Ron showed us over to the corner where a large golden shield was sitting on a corner cabinet, and the name T.M Riddle was indeed scribed into it.
"But it doesn't say anything about why he got the reward." Hermione said in a disappointed tone.
"Good thing, too, or it'd be even bigger and I'd still be polishing it." Ron said, as we a looked at each other.
"Well, what now?" I asked, and Harry sighed.
"Just looked around, see if you can find anything more about this Riddle." Harry suggested, we all nodded and began to look around the different trophies and rewards. My heart sank when I saw the Quidditch cup, knowing we had a very low chance of winning it now.
After several minutes Ron called us around, and pointed onto a wall in the far end of the room. "There."
On the wall were hundred of small medals, each labeled "Medal for Magical Merit," on the third row, and towards the center right of the collection, was a medal with the name T.M Riddle.
"Well, we know he was good at magic." Anthony surmised. "But still nothing about the reward."
"Or how his diary ended up laying in Myrtle's bathroom." Ron added, and both Anthony and Lisa turned to them in disgust.
"That's where you found it?" Lisa asked in disgust.
"Yeah, did Sarah not tell you?" Harry asked. Both Lisa, and Anthony shook their head, then turned to me.
I could shrug. "I didn't know it was that important. I still don't think it's that important." I defended, as both Lisa and Anthony again looked at the diary.
"I'm not touching that." Lisa grimaced.
"Me either." Anthony added.
"You don't have to." Harry replied. "Just keep looking."
And we did. For another couple minutes we wandered the trophy room. I saw Dumbledore himself with several rewards to his name, as did several other prominent witches and wizards I had heard about. Finally, Hermione motioned us over, and we all gathered around her as she showed us a T.M Riddle on the list of head boys.
"Well I'll be." Anthony replied. "He was a really good student."
"He sounds like Percy," Ron added, as his face contorted into disgust. "Prefect, Head Boy… probably top of every class —"
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Hermione said, her voice sounding almost hurt.
"Yeah, their nothing wrong with getting good marks, and staying out of trouble." I said the last part with a particular focus towards Ron and Harry.
"Hey, most of the stuff that happens isn't our fault." Ron defended.
"Really, taking a stolen, flying, muggle car halfway across Britain instead of just writing the school wasn't your fault?" Lisa asked with a smirk, and Ron pointed his finger to respond.
"...Okay, that was our fault, but not every time is." Ron replied, and Lisa shook her head.
"Take everything else out, and that's still more trouble than Fred and George have made this entire year."
"I don't know about that." Harry interjected, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Before we could discuss any further, the bell chimed, signaling the afternoon classes were about to begin. The six of us quickly made our way out of the trophy room and separated, the Gryffindor's heading for History of Magic, while we headed towards Charms. All of us still not any closer to finding out who T.M Riddle was, and how his diary randomly ended up in the school.
Over the next several days saw no more mention of T.M Riddle, as their was nothing to be found. Anthony had gone looked in the library everywhere for the name and found nothing, and neither Harry, Ron, or Hermione had found anything either. Harry still carried the diary around, though as the days passed he stopped mentioning it as often, clearly frustrated by the lack of information.
As Friday dawned I groaned in anticipation. Today was our first potions lesson since the Quidditch game, and knowing Smith he was going to be on a high, and would use every chance to poke fun, and annoy me.
What joy.
"We all know Snape is going to chew him out." Lisa said. Trying to comfort met as we made our way down the stairs. Into the dungeons, and towards the potions classroom.
"I know." I replied. "It doesn't mean Smith is not going to take every shot he can."
"You've dealt with him well every other time." Anthony assured me. "This time will be no different, just ignore him."
I sighed. "I'll try."
The three of us turned the corner to see the Hufflepuff's, as usual, all ready waiting by the closed potions classroom door. I saw the worried faces of Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot, Ernie Macmillan was still looking at me like I was about to order an attack. The worse of all was Smith, whom I had so far managed to avoid since the game. When he saw me a massive grin spread across his face.
"Well look who it is!" Smith said excitedly, almost jumping up and down in joy. "The fabulous diving Potter!" Smith finished, and I couldn't help but groan.
"Oh, shut up Smith." I spat back, which clearly only made him happier.
"What, sad that your beginners luck ran out huh?" Smith asked, a faux frown spreading throughout his face. "Ah, poor Potter, finally her spoiled, pampered, life came crashing down in her face..."
"Oh merlin, shut up Smith."
I turned in surprise to see Susan Bones standing up for me.
"Bones? Why are you defending her?" Smith replied, turning to Susan in shock. "We all know she's the heir, or at least a collaborator of the heir, and let's not forget that she cheated her way onto the Quidditch team in the first place, and..."
"Oh merlin Smith, stop ranting, please. You're giving me a headache." Susan replied in a annoyed tone.
"Why are you defending her?" Ernie asked stepping forward. "It's obvious her brother is the heir, and it's strongly possible that she is also involved?"
"Because I think it's wrong to bully someone who got knocked off their broom during a Quidditch match. Despite how I feel about her making the team in the first place, I never want to see anyone hurt. And their also no solid proof that either she or Harry are the heir, and to treat her like filth just because you're jealous is horrid." Susan replied, and with every word I looked at the girl more shocked, a Hufflepuff was defending me?
"Proof?" Ernie asked. "How about the fact that Harry is a Parselmouth."
"And yet their is no proof he's actually done anything, and let me tell you, my auntie has told me a lot about proof over the years."
Auntie?
"Her aunt, Amelia Bones, is head of of Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Anthony whispered in my ear, noticing I was confused, and my eyes widened in realization.
Thinking back since the attacks started, Susan had been one of the few Hufflepuff's who didn't look at me or Harry in a suspicious way. And though she hadn't stopped it, she had never actually been a part of the accusations against me. Be they about the heir, or Quidditch.
"I can't believe you Bones." Smith said, clearly in shock one of his housemates wasn't backing his rants one hundred percent. "After everything she's done..."
"Everyone please calm down." Hannah Abbot said, stepping forward, and placing herself between Susan, and Smith and Ernie. "Let's not fight, if Snape sees us..." She whispered the last part looking around worriedly. "...let's not give him any more reason to take points."
Smith just growled in fury, Ernie sighed but nodded, while Susan did the same.
The Hufflepuffs all huddled closer to the door, and started talking in much quieter voices. Clearly they didn't want us to overhear them...
"Well that was interesting." Lisa said, watching the group with suspicious eyes. "I wonder what made Susan finally snap?"
"I don't know." I replied. "But I'm glad she has some common sense."
"Who has common sense?" Michael asked as he, Terry, Padma, and the rest of our year mates came up behind us.
I waved him off. "It's nothing."
"Well, it's surely not you two." Padma said, making both Terry and Michael make sounds of protest. We all chuckled, as the door to the potions classroom flew open, and we all quickly made our way inside, and took our seats.
"Now." Snape began in his usual slow soft voice. "After last terms disappointing results when attempting to brew the Swelling Solution." Snape glared at those who hadn't done as well, including Smith and Ernie. "I have deduced that it is time for a couple simpler lessons. Today, and for the next few weeks, we shall be going over a couple of revisions for the Wiggenweld Potion."
I noticed Anthony frown in disappointment, as did Padma, and Susan. All of whom were disappointed we weren't learning something new. Still, we all got out our all work on the Wiggenweld potion, as Snape started to try and improve our work, as he made us brew it again.
For most whom had paid attention last year, the potion was easy to make. However for those who hadn't, it was another difficult session, with Snape standing over your shoulder and spitting directions at the worst possible moments. Smith and Ernie were especially targeted. Strangely enough Susan, whom Snape always went after, saying the niece of the DMLE director should know more, was not targeted as much today. When class ended me, Lisa, and Anthony made our way up from the dungeons.
"Do you notice that Susan..." Anthony began.
"Was left alone by Snape today. I did." I replied thoughtfully.
"And you don't think it's odd that on the same day she stood up for you...Snape was nice to her?" Lisa asked, and I shrugged.
"I don't know."
"Oh come on." Lisa continued. "Clearly he heard her standing up for you, and since you're his favorite..." Lisa teased.
"Oh Merlin, not this again." I rolled my eyes.
"Still." Anthony interjected. "It's odd...how he treats people in relation to you. Ernie accuses you, he insults him the entire class. Susan stands up for you, he actually let her work in peace. It's strange."
"I don't know. I just don't." I sighed, my mind still confused. "I wish I knew why Snape doesn't treat me like everyone else. Heck, he hates Harry, he hates my family. It, doesn't make any sense." I finished.
"Hmm." Anthony thought. "Well, no use dwelling on it."
"I guess not." I replied. "Anyways, lets get to the library. I really need to find a book on the homework McGonagall assigned us yesterday..."
Finally, after what seemed like weeks of snow, the sun was again shining upon the castle. It really was a reflection of the improved mood around the school. There had been no attacks since Justin and Nearly Headless Nick, the longest period without one.
And the Mandrakes were nearly done...
"The moment their acne clears up, they'll be ready for repotting again," Me and Harry overheard Madam Pomfrey tell Mr. Filch one afternoon, as the two of us walked the corridors together. "And after that, it won't be long until we're cutting them up and stewing them. You'll have Mrs. Norris back in no time."
Me and Harry shared a look
"Finally some good news." I said with a small smile.
"Yeah." Harry nodded. "Maybe those attacked will be able to tell everyone who the heir is?" Harry continued hopefully.
I nodded. "You'll be cleared."
"Hopefully." Harry sighed. "I just want things to go back to normal."
"Me too."
"Do you think the heir lost there nerve?" Harry asked quietly. "I mean, everyone has there guard up now. Maybe they know they'll get caught? Or what if the monster is only awake once every fifty years? What if it's hibernating."
"Maybe." I replied thoughtfully to both suggestions. "Still, I'm not letting my guard down again...better to be safe than sorry."
"Agreed." Harry nodded. "Still, I hope this is all over soon."
"Me too Harry." I sighed. "Me too."
The two of us turned a corner, and into a busy corridor. I noticed Harry looked sad as multiple people pushed away from us against the walls. I simply rolled my eyes, the idiots. All because Ernie...
"There you are Potter!" Ernie said in a accusing tone, while Smith stood quietly behind him and smirked...even if he hated me he still wouldn't act when Harry was around. "Back from the Chamber with your partner in crime?" Ernie asked us in a accusing manner.
"Oh merlin." I rolled my eyes, while Harry tried to simply ignore him and keep walking
"Come off it Ernie." I heard Susan say. "There's no proof that he's the heir."
"He can talk to Snakes!" Ernie replied firmly. "Clearly he's given himself away..."
"Who's given themselves away?"
Everyone turned to see Professor Lockhart, his light blues robes flowing perfectly behind him, step forward. He wore his usual grin, but when he noticed me and Harry alone in the middle of the corridor, most other students huddled against the walls, and Ernie pointing at us accusingly, he instantly frowned.
"Tsk, tsk." He shook his head. "Again with the false accusations Mr. Macmillan? That will be twenty points from Hufflepuff, and a night with me in detention." Lockhart said.
"Sir, it's obvious that he's the heir..." Ernie tried to reply.
"Mr. Potter is not the heir." Lockhart replied confidently. "Take it from me, famed hero, Gilderoy Lockhart. Now, move along, all of you."
Ernie grumbled, but began to walk away as the entire corridor finally started to move again. Harry looked a mix of relief, annoyed at Lockhart, and embarrassed that we needed Lockhart's help...
"You alright Harry?" Lockhart asked as he walked up to us and flashed a big grin.
Harry nodded. "Ye...yeah." Harry replied softly, looking down at the ground.
Lockhart simply turned to me, still grinning. "And you Sarah?" He asked.
"Fine sir." I replied, trying to push down the butterfly's I was feeling in my stomach.
"Good. You two needn't worry. For I, Gilderoy Lockhart, am here." His grin widens even further.
"Thank you sir." I reply.
"Yeah, thanks." Harry adds, with much less enthusiasm.
Lockhart gives us both a wink, then strides forward and out of view. As soon as Harry was sure he was out of earshot...
"He's-so-annoying." Harry says slowly, in a annoyed tone.
"He just helped us Harry. Be thankful." I replied with a frown.
"We don't need his help. Sarah he's...obsessed with us. I sometimes get the feeling that he's always watching us." Harry continued, looking around like he suspected Lockhart of watching us.
"Harry, that preposterous." I reply, waving off the possibility. "He's our Professor, he's simply trying to look out for us."
"Then why are we the only two he steps in to help? I mean, I saw two seventh years going at it the other day, and he just stood there, seemingly entertained by the whole thing."
I shrug. "Maybe he wanted to see how good the two were at magic."
Harry didn't look convinced.
"You're never going to convince me there's not something...off with him." Harry said softly.
I sighed. "Whatever, let's get to lunch." I said, deciding it was best not argue over something that clearly neither of us where going to back down on."
Harry nodded. "Yes, lets."
The two of us made our way to the great hall. Half way there, Peeves found us, and started dancing over the two of us. Singing "Oh, Potters, you rotters…"
Finally the two of us made it through the annoying Poltergeist, and to the great hall. We finally separated as we sat at our respective tables.
"So, how'd you walk with Harry go?" Lisa asked curiously as I sat beside her and across from Anthony.
"The usual. People gawked." I replied, not really wanting to get into details about Peeves. "Anyways, are you two ready for Charms this afternoon?"
Anthony nodded, while Lisa groaned.
"Can you check over my essay one last time?" She asked.
I nodded, and spent the rest of lunch eating, and going over Lisa's essay. After telling her it should be good, the three of us and the rest of our year mates all stood and made our way towards Professor Flitwick's class room, on the way we passed Professor McGonagall's transfiguration classroom, which Harry and the other second year Gryffindor's were lining up outside off. Both me and Harry nodded, while Professor Lockhart was talking to Professor McGonagall...
"Don't think for a second, that just because there hasn't been any attack's lately, that there won't be any more trouble, Minerva," Lockhart said in a stern tone "I think the Heir is still out there somewhere, biding there time." He continued. "However the culprit must know that I am hot on his trail, and has only stopped to try and throw me off the scent. Of course it won't work." Lockhart's serious look then changed to his usual grin. "You know, what the school needs now is a morale-booster. Wash away the memories of last term! Even if just for a while. I won't say any more just now, but I think I know just the thing…"
Lockhart strode off, as us Ravenclaw's continued down the corridor towards Professor Flitwick's office.
"What do you think his idea of a morale booster is?" Lisa asked curiously.
"Something incredibly stupid." Anthony replied surely.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, come on. Lockhart's right. The school could use a lift. And I'm sure whatever he has planned, will be brilliant."
Anthony sighed. "I guess we'll see."
"I guess we will. "I finished as we turned into Professor Flitwick's office, wondering what Lockhart's morale booster was.
For almost the next two weeks me, Lisa, and Anthony tossed ideas back and forth about what Lockhart was up to. From a surprise visit from the popular wizarding band Weird Sisters, to Anthony thinking that Lockhart was simply going to give everyone a signed picture of himself because, and I quote Anthony. "He's that vain."
Still, nothing had happened so far...
"So. Do you have your History of Magic essay done?" Lisa asked one morning as we made our way down from our dorm into the common room.
"Yeah. I'll let you check yours with it at breakfast." I replied as we entered the common room. "And I'll need to check my transfiguration homework with you too..."
"Both of you stop!" Penelope's voice echoed through the common room, as me and Lisa turned to see she was currently yelling at two fourth years, a boy and a girl, who had...lipstick on each other.
Anthony saw us and rushed over. "They were kissing." He said softly.
Lisa grimaced. "Really...kissing? Why?"
"Because todays..." Anthony began but was cut off by Penelope.
"Everyone!" She roared. "Just because today's Valentines day, doesn't mean rules don't apply." Penelope warned us all. "Me and the other prefect's are watching."
And with that she stormed out of the common room, as me, Lisa, and Anthony all shared a look.
"The two were kissing because its Valentines day." Anthony continued. "Penelope saw them...and you saw what happened."
Lisa couldn't help but chuckle. "Aw, even on the day of love you can't kiss?"
"Apparently not." I smile.
The three of us laughed about what had happened all the way down to the great hall. However when we opened the door...
"What in the world?" Lisa asked, staring into the great hall in shock.
I couldn't answer, even I couldn't really understand what was happening in front of me.
Large pink flowers covered every wall everywhere, while heart shaped confetti rained from the rooms enchanted sky. Soon enough I was forced to wipe off several strands of it from my robes. As we made our way over to the Ravenclaw table, the reaction was mixed. Some were disgusted with all of it, while others thought it was the it was the cutest thing ever...
"Isn't this amazing guys?" Mandy asked excitedly. "All the hearts...love is literally in the air!"
"Yeah." Anthony replied in clear disgust. "Literally." He finished, pulling a heart off from his biscuits and gravy.
"Oh, you aren't impressed Anthony?" Lisa asked with a smirk.
"No. I'm not." Anthony replied firmly.
"Here, here." Michael replied.
"This is absurd." Terry agreed.
Lisa could only laugh, before turning to me. "And what about you?" She asked me. "As one of Lockhart's biggest fans, you must love this."
I gritted my teeth. "I...no." I admitted. "This...while thoughtful, is a little to much." I replied. Lisa simply raised an eyebrow, while Anthony looked like I'd seen the light.
"Thank you, finally." Anthony said.
"Don't get me wrong, I still like Lockhart as a Professor, and his other talents...but at the same time...I don't need confetti in my breakfast." I finished, pulling some off of a piece of sausage.
"Well, at least you admit he's not perfect." Anthony teased.
I rolled my eyes and made myself a plate as I noticed Harry arrive late. I remembered him saying something about a late night Quidditch practice Wood had planned for him, and realized that was probably the reason he was late.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his shock as he entered the Great Hall, as he sat down new to a sick looking Ron, and a clearly very happy Hermione...
Before I could enjoy Harry's reaction further, we heard someone calling from the head table. I turned to see Professor Lockhart, clad in pink robes that matched the decorations, calling for silence. Behind him, the other professors all looked, for a lack of a better word, furious.
Professor McGonagall, while usually stern looking, looked truly mad. It looked like a vein was about to burst in her cheek. While Snape looked more furious than I'd even seen him, he looked like he wanted to strangle someone.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart beamed. "And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all—and it doesn't end here!"
Lockhart suddenly clapped and motioned to the entrance to the Great Hall. The doors swung open, and in marched a dozen or so unhappy looking dwarfs. All of them were carrying golden harps, and all of them had wing attached to there backs.
"My friendly, card-carrying cupids! "Lockhart continued, grinning ear to ear. "They will be roving around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fun doesn't stop here! I'm sure my colleagues will want to enter into 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 any wizard I've ever met, the sly old dog!"
Neither one of them looked eager to fulfill Lockhart's promise. Flitwick simply buried his face in his hands, while Snape looked like he'd poison anyone who asked.
"Snape looks like he'd even kill you today." Lisa teased as we all stood up to leave the hall.
"Yeah...I don't think I'm going to be requesting any love potion today."
The three of us met up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione as we exited the Great Hall.
"Well that was fun." Anthony said sarcastically as we joined the trio.
Both Harry, and Ron nodded. "Incredibly." Harry agreed in a annoyed tone, while Ron turned to Hermione.
"Please, Hermione, tell me you weren't one of the forty-six," Ron pleaded, and suddenly Hermione became very quiet as she searched through her book bag.
Ron groaned, while Harry turned to me. "Sarah, please tell me you didn't send Lockhart a Valentine."
I shook my head. "No. To be honest, I forgot the holiday even existed before this morning." I replied, and Harry looked relived. As Anthony turned to Lisa.
"Did you..." Anthony began.
"No." Lisa replied firmly. "But I will admit, I do find your horrified expressions to all of this amusing." She told Anthony, Harry, and Ron. A smirk on her face.
Harry shuttered. "It is horrifying. Do you not understand how annoying these dwarfs will be?" Harry asked.
"Oh come on Harry. It's just a bit of fun." I replied. "Surely they can't be that annoying..."
As it turned out, the dwarfs weren't that annoying.
They we're far worse.
All morning long the dwarfs would barge into classes and give student valentines. It was especially bad during my morning Transfiguration class, when in the middle of me trying to turn poor Uric into a water goblet, a dwarf barged in and handed Padma a valentine in song. Poor Uric...luckily Professor McGonagall fixed him, and promised I would be able to retry during the next lesson.
I was still annoyed about what happened at Lunch.
"Poor Uric." I said annoyed as I wiped a heart off my arm.
"It's okay." Lisa tried to comfort me. "Professor McGonagall told you he's fine."
"I know, but still...my poor pet...stupid dwarfs." I muttered angerly.
"Well, at least you can finally see what Lockhart really is." Anthony interjected. "An annoying, self centered..."
"Oy, you! Sarah Potter!" We all jumped as a angry looking dwarf shouted as it approached the table. And I could feel my cheeks turn red.
"Oh, no." I muttered as Lisa snickered.
"I've been looking all over for you." The Dwarf said angerly as he pulled our a card. "Your eyes only." He roared, as he slammed a card down in front of me, and stormed off.
I looked at the card in shock.
"Someone got you a Valentine?" Lisa asked curiously before her smirk widened. "Oh my god, someone got you a Valentine! Open it, let's see what is says."
I simply looked between Lisa, and the card for a moment. The entire table had had turned to me. Mandy and Morag whispering between each other and giggling, wondering who it was. Michael and Terry looking up from there meals in curiosity. While Padma's eyes widened.
"Go on open it." Lisa said eagerly. Finally, after realizing that indeed someone had sent me a valentine, I picked up the card, and opened it.
The card wasn't what I expected. Instead of large pink hearts and flowers, the card was a simple dark blue, and a bronze edge. I quickly realized the card was supposed to be for a Ravenclaw.
I then opened the card, and my eyes widened. Inside...was a Lily.
I quickly picked it up, it was beautiful. I then looked down to the card to see who had sent it...
You are a gifted, talented, witch. Proud to be a year mate. With much regard.
"That's it..." I said frowning.
"Who was it from?" Asked Padma curiously.
"I don't know..."I said as I turned back to the Lily, admiring it. "...still, whoever it was, at least did there homework."
"Homework?" Terry asked confused. "Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful flower, but what makes it so special?" Terry asked confused.
"Her mother was named Lily" Luna interjected suddenly, making almost everyone jump. "I mean, it's common knowledge." Luna finished before returning to her magazine.
Terry's eyes "Oh." Terry said in realization. "Sorry...I should have remembered..."
"It's okay. "I replied still admiring the Lily. "It's...it's odd though. This is the first time anyone's ever gifted me a valentine..." I quickly scanned the card again. "...Yet I have no idea who sent it..." I quickly scanned the table, seeing if anyone looked suspicious, though no one did. "No one here sent this?" I asked.
"No." Michael replied in what seemed like a truthful tone. Everyone else around the table shook there heads, and I frowned.
"Hmm. I'm going to go put this stuff in the common room before herbology." I said as I stood. "I'll see you all later." I told the group as I grabbed my things and exited the great hall.
"Who could have sent you?" I asked myself quietly, as I made my way through the corridors, lily and card in hand.
This wasn't the first time either. Last year with that ring at Christmas, then this year, with the Nimbus 2001. Someone had been sending me gifts for a while now. And yet...I had no idea who?
No one in my house seemed remotely interested in me romantically. I felt we were far to young for that anyways. The only boys in my year were Michael, Terry, and Anthony. Anthony, was simply a friend, I had never caught a hint of anything more from him. And both Terry and Michael...couldn't lie if they wanted to, they were being truthful.
Then who?
I shook my head as I reached the common room. No I could think of had ever given me the impression they liked me. Maybe it was simply someone being friendly? In any case...best not let it bother me. If whomever was sending me gifts wanted to remain anonymous, so be it. Hopefully, someday, they would come forward.
I finally reached the common room and entered my dorm. I neatly placed the card at the bottom of my drawer.
"In any case." I told myself as I pulled out my wand. "You need a home." I said looking to the lily and found a small piece of parchment. With all my focus I pointed my wand at the parchment.
"Ad aquamia." I incanted. The parchment didn't transform. "Ad aquamia" I again incanted and still nothing. After slightly cursing my utter lack of Transfiguration talent I took a deep breath. "Ad aquamia" I again incanted, and this time it finally worked, as the parchment was transformed into a vase.
"Finally" I said as I pointed my want at the vase. "Auguamenti." I incanted I filled the vase about half way with water, put the Lily inside, and placed the vase filled lily near my window.
"Perfect." I said...the lily really was beautiful. After taking in the sights for several minutes, I realized afternoon classes would be beginning soon. With one last glance at the lily, I turned and walked back down into the common room and into the school.
Gilderoy Lockhart was not having a good day...
Not that you could tell. He smile was still bright, he teeth were still shining, and the girls still swooned. To all the world he was a hero, a defender of the light, a defeater of evil, and five time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award.
But none of that mattered now.
So far this school year, he'd had two objectives. One he'd started the year with, which was to befriend the Potter Twins, especially Harry, and earn there trust. The second was to find it...something he'd be searching for since Halloween. Yet so far, it had remained illusive. All the while he needed to continue with his duties as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.
The first objective, gaining the Potter's twin's trust, had been the easier of his two objectives. The girl had instantly taken a liking to him, as most of the female student body had. But the boy...was not. Harry Potter clearly didn't like him, or to be precise, he was annoyed with him. No matter how many time's he'd helped Harry during class, stopped the student body from going after him because of him being a Parselmouth, Harry still didn't trust him...it was disheartening to say the least.
And his second objective, finding it...was even worse. He hadn't been able to locate it. He'd looked, searched, kept a eye out. And yet nothing...
Lockhart leaned back against the wall as he watched the students pass him near the Charm's classroom. All these thoughts, yet no action...all he needed was a break...
"Oy, you! 'Arry Potter!"
Lockhart's eyes instantly widened as he saw one of the dwarfs he hired say Harry's name, Lockhart scanned the crowded corridor and saw the dwarf elbowing students out of the way, and sure enough Mr. Potter and his friends were there, Harry looking horrified at the whole situation.
Lockhart frowned. Why wouldn't Harry want a Valentine? Damn, this would only make the boy dislike me more...
Lockhart watched as Harry tried to escape, yet the dwarf was stubborn. Lockhart even happened to notice Miss Ginny Weasley standing with some other first years off to the side, how cute. I mean, it was pretty obvious. that Miss Weasley had been the one to send the valentine Harry was now receiving.
"I've got a musical message to deliver to 'Arry Potter in person," The Dwarf told Harry as he prepared his harp. Harry, for his part, looked as if he wanted nothing to do with this.
"Not here," Harry pleaded to the Goblin, as he tried to get away. Lockhart smiled. In just a few minutes he would intervene, and maybe Harry would finally come to trust him.
Then again, the dwarfs were here in the first place because of him...
"Stay still!" The dwarf replied, grabbing ahold of Harry's book bag so he couldn't get away.
"Let me go!" Harry growled as he tried to rip his book bag away from the dwarf.
Lockhart heard a loud rip as Harry's bag tore, having his wand, multiple books, and other school artifacts spill onto the floor. Followed by his ink bottle, which broke and began to douse all of Harry's school supplies in ink...
Lockhart winced, maybe he'd wait just a few more moments before approaching Harry.
In the meantime Harry had started to try and gather his school supplies, clearly trying to get away before the dwarf began to sing. All of this had caused quite the jam of students in the corridor.
"What's going on here?" Lockhart heard the cold voice of Draco Malfoy shout, and Lockhart's hopes were reignited. All he had to do was let Malfoy and Potter get into it, and then come to Harry's defense, maybe Harry would finally start to trust him!
Lockhart continued watching as Harry began to quickly pick up his school supplies. Clearly he wanted to get away before Malfoy arrived and heard the Dwarf sing.
"What's all this commotion?" Lockhart heard another familiar voice call, as Percy Weasley arrived on the scene. Lockhart frowned, now the boy would come to Harry's rescue...
At the sound of Percy's voice, Harry attempted to make a run for it. However the dwarf grabbed him around the knees so he couldn't escape. Harry came crashing to the floor, and Lockhart again cursed his idea to hire these damn dwarfs in the first place.
"Right," The dwarf said as he sat on Harry's ankle's, pinning him in place. "Here is your singing valentine:
"His eyes are as 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."
Lockhart watched as Harry grew red as a tomato, and most of the students started to laugh. Harry finally stood up, as Percy Weasley tried to control the crowd.
"Off you go, off you go, the bell rang five minutes ago, off to class, now," Percy directed, trying to order some of the younger students away. "And you, Malfoy—" Percy said as he turned to Malfoy.
Lockhart turned to Malfoy. And froze when he saw what the boy was holding...
"Give that back," Harry told Malfoy quietly.
Again Lockhart's eyes widened. It did make sense, seeing as how Potter had been at the scene of every attack. But...Lockhart had been keeping a close on on Harry. How could he have had it?
"Wonder what Potter's written in this?" Draco asked, ignoring Harry's demand, and not noticing that the diary that he was holding had someone else's name on it.
Lockhart watched in shocked silence. The students all watched silently too. However they did so for school age drama. None of them had any idea...
Why did Ginny Weasley look terrified of the diary? Why was she looking back and forth between the diary and Harry in horror?
Lockhart then realized. She must of had it, and tried to get rid of it.
One quick glimpse in Ginny's mind via Legilimency confirmed this, and one quick glance in Harry's mind confirmed he had no idea what that book really was.
"Hand it over, Malfoy," Percy ordered Draco sternly.
"When I've had a look," Malfoy replied, looking over the diary and almost taunting Harry with it.
Lockhart for his part was so tempted to confiscate it now. To retrieve it as he'd been ordered to. But...he would look suspicious. and miss Weasley knows what it is. Would she go to Dumbledore? That couldn't happen. For now...Lockhart would continue watching to see how this all played out.
„As a school prefect—" Percy began, but was quickly interrupted as Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at the diary.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry roared. As a beam of red light at the book and it flew out of Malfoy's shocked hands, and straight into the Ron's, whom was grinning proudly.
"Harry!" Percy scolded Harry loudly "No magic in the corridors. I'll have to report this, you know!"
Lockhart noticed that Harry didn't seem to care. Malfoy on the other hand looked absolutely furious, and as Ginny passed him to enter her classroom, he turned to her.
"I don't think Potter liked your valentine much!" Draco roared at Ginny. Ginny covered her face and ran into the classroom, which made Ron angry, as he pulled out his broken wand. Only Harry pulling him away prevented Ron's wand from backfiring once again.
Lockhart watched as Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked away. Draco, furiously, followed suit, and finally the corridor began to flow again. Percy was the last to walk off.
Lockhart stood silently for a few more minutes, taking in all he had just seen. Finally he smiled, his teeth shining, and confidently walked down the now empty corridor. Finally having made some progress, finally having found the diary that he, for so long, had been searching for.
All that he needed to do now, was opportunity, to seize it.
Me, Anthony, and Lisa sat quietly in the common room. The rest of the day had come and gone, and I still had no idea who sent me a valentine.
"So...you have a secret admirer." Lisa says in a half teasing, half curious tone.
"So it seems." I reply as I look up from the essay I was working on. "Though I still have no clue who it is."
"Well...it's not Michael or Terry, so unless it's someone from another year it's not a Ravenclaw..." Anthony began.
"Or it was you?" Lisa asked with a smirk.
"It wasn't." Anthony replied firmly, and it was pretty easy to see he was telling the truth as he turned to me. "You're my friend. But I don't think of you like that."
"I know...I've never really gotten a sense that you did." I replied. "In any case, we know it's not anyone from Ravenclaw. If it is someone in our year, which the card said it was."
"So...it has to be a Gryffindor, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff." Lisa said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"That still leaves over ten possible people." Anthony shrugged.
"Well, we can cross out Smith..." I sighed.
"Are you sure? I mean, we still have a theory that he loves you." Lisa again teased, and I groaned.
"No. I refuse to even entertain the option." I replied. The possibility making me gag. "And it's most likely not Ernie, as he is openly against both Harry and I. So...Hufflepuff is most likely out."
"So it's either a Gryffindor or Slytherin. " Anthony surmised.
"Yeah, though, I don't think I can narrow it down any further from there. All the Slytherins, although not hating me like Harry, still aren't overly friendly with me. That leaves the three Gryffindor boys not named Harry and Ron, and I've never really talked to any of them. So..."
"You have no idea who it could be, do you?" Lisa asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No. And, in all honesty, I'm fine with that." I replied, and Lisa mouth hung open.
"Don't you care who sent all this? I mean this isn't a one time thing. First that Ring, then the Broom, and now a Valentine. Someone clearly likes you." Lisa said in a confused tone.
"And if that person wants to come forward, then I'm all ears. Clearly they don't want me to know who they are. So for now...I'll just enjoy the gifts and wait for when there ready."
Anthony raised his eyebrows. "Aren't you the least bit curious?" He asked.
"Of course I am. But I'm also not desperate to know. Like I said, if they want to come forward, I'm all ears. But for now, I'm content to go about my life knowing I'm doing something right."
Both Anthony and Lisa shared looks.
"If you're sure." Anthony said with a shrug.
"I'm still going to keep my eyes open." Lisa said crossing her arms. "Whoever this is. I'll make sure they are worthy of you." She smirked.
I shook my head. "Lisa, where twelve. Even if this person came forward, it most likely wouldn't be anything serious. I don't need you to vet anyone..."
"I'm still going to." She replied with a smirk.
"Well...good luck. If you can even figure out who it is." I said.
"Of course I will. I'm brilliant." Lisa responded half in confidence, half joking.
"Of course you are." Anthony shook his head.
And with that, the three of us turned back to our schoolwork. Valentine's Day concluded. With me curious, but not desperate, to know who this mystery person was.