Valentine's Day sweetness filled every corner of Hogwarts. Students gathered in groups, excitedly discussing date locations. Whispers in corridors brimmed with anticipation.
So as usual—school only scheduled half-day classes. Gave students time to enjoy the holiday.
Of course, none of this concerned younger students.
Professor Snape mercilessly assigned massive homework. Agonized wails filled the Potions classroom.
Holiday restlessness? Weigh it down with knowledge. Simplest, most effective method.
"That's it?"
Under Draco and others' admiring gazes, Tiger casually pulled out five parchments. Smiled contemptuously.
For him—homework he could finish before noon. Nothing worth fussing over.
As for research materials? With Miss Know-It-All around, didn't even need the library. Could handle everything right here.
"Hermione, I need..."
"Hermione?"
Tiger turned to look at her.
She clutched her bulging bag tightly. Head lowered. Lost in thought. Whole world seemed hidden beneath those thick lashes.
Normally, Tiger's ears filled with her chattering, energetic voice. Now—unusually quiet. Made him feel strangely uncomfortable.
He leaned down. Roughly tousled her bushy hair. Frowned:
"Hermione, feeling unwell?"
Sensing familiar presence suddenly close, Hermione snapped back. Looked up—fierce features filled her vision.
"No... no... I..."
"I was thinking... about the holiday..."
She stammered.
Usually steady gaze darted around. Blush crept up pale ears. Fingers gripping bag turned white. Extremely nervous.
"Holiday?" Tiger raised eyebrow. "Right, today's Valentine's Day."
"Yes... yes..."
"But..."
Hermione's throat seemed blocked. Panicked heartbeat accelerated like drums.
Mind went blank.
Words she'd rehearsed—could only produce difficult, meaningless syllables now.
[Say it, Hermione...]
[Open the bag!]
[Take it out!]
[The scarf! Chocolate!]
Not far away, Harry and Ron's eyes widened. Trying to send signals. Lavender Brown and roommates so anxious sweat covered foreheads. Leaned forward. Wished they could rush up, say words for her.
However—Tiger's palm on her head felt like scorching flames. Rapidly burned away courage.
Miss Know-It-All suddenly stood. Violently trembling lashes flashed panic, timidity.
"Right, wonderful holiday!"
"Perfect for homework!"
Before words finished—fled like startled deer. Clutching bag tightly. Rushed out of classroom. Left only hurried silhouette and bewildered Tiger.
"Smack..."
Face-palming sounds rose and fell.
Girls' thoughts always delicate. Hermione's barely concealed shyness—obvious to them.
Watching her flee—not just Lavender and friends. Even Pansy Parkinson and Slytherin girls showed frustrated, unwilling expressions. Like breath stuck in chests...
Lunchtime.
Great Hall buzzed with activity.
Lavender Brown and others clustered around Hermione. Offering suggestions.
Hermione kept shaking head. Face flushed. Head almost shrinking into plate. As if this could help escape panic-inducing reality.
Just then—Gilderoy Lockhart's voice from staff table. Students turned to look. Lavender and others quieted.
Without terrible suggestions buzzing, Miss Know-It-All finally breathed relief...
"Everyone, Happy Valentine's Day!"
Gilderoy Lockhart's pink robes especially gorgeous. Enthusiastic smile increasingly dazzling. Waved, signaling quiet.
"Look, what wonderful day."
"And more importantly..."
"I've seen many of your little secrets. But won't deduct points."
Sly, humorous wink drew laughter.
Despite Lockhart's fraud reputation—handsome appearance, stunning performance ability always made people overlook that.
"Love—how beautiful!"
"During my student days, once received over eight hundred love letters on this day. That day..."
"Ahem!"
Professor McGonagall cleared throat darkly. Interrupted Lockhart's habitual self-promotion.
Yes, eight hundred love letters. But that year—Hogwarts only had eight hundred students total.
Mass of owls stormed Great Hall like attack. Left droppings, feathers everywhere.
Always meticulous McGonagall had no desire to recall that disaster.
"Oh, sorry..."
Lockhart immediately understood. Flash of embarrassment crossed brilliant smile.
However, recovered instantly. Turned to students below. Stylish golden hair swung.
"Of course, not trying to brag."
"Just want to say—my charm may not be what it was. Today only received fifty-one cards."
"Thank you for your love, but don't forget my life's greatest regret..."
Before finishing—looked toward Slytherin table with fawning smile.
CRACK.
Exceptionally thick black table corner expressionlessly snapped off by Tiger. Ground into sawdust in palm.
As if struck by electric current—Lockhart quickly withdrew gaze.
Formed fist covering lips. After slight, embarrassed cough, continued:
"Uh, to show thanks—prepared surprises for my lovely students. They'll help fulfill wishes today!"
Mysterious tone rose gradually. Like musical climax. Lockhart suddenly raised finger. Pointed toward entrance.
Rows of dwarves wearing pink-white dresses, carrying harps entered Great Hall.
However—as if forced. Every dwarf's face looked exceptionally grim.
Students' exclamations rose and fell.
"Welcome our little cupids!" Lockhart clapped excitedly.
"On this special day, they'll wander throughout castle. Help deliver love letters."
"If... you have words you can't say in person... but must say..."
As meaningful words slowly fell—students' eyes gradually brightened.
Hall silent only moment. Then thunderous applause erupted.
Like star receiving flowers—Lockhart spread arms. Smile growing radiant.
"Hermione! Hermione!" Lavender shook her excitedly. "Did you hear!"
"Of course..."
Looking at dwarf just one step away, Hermione murmured thoughtfully:
"Lavender."
"I'm suddenly starting to appreciate this fraud."
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