Valentine's Sweethearts Errand

Banner created by the wonderful charlie jacobsen

═══════════════════════════

═══════════════════════════

═══════════════════════════

═══════════════════════════

I had always hated valentines day. It was a day of lovey dovey-ness that couples loved. And I didn‘t have a boyfriend or a girlfriend. I could never even get a date to a ball but most of my friends had easily gotten a date. How come that every time I tried to get a date the guy already had a date or didn‘t want me.

I mean, it bothered me a little, but not much. Well… maybe it bothered me more than I thought.

✰✰✰

I knew that Hogwarts was doing something for Valentine’s Day but I didn’t know for sure. I was sitting in the common room staring at a blank piece of parchment paper which is also known as doing history of magic homework, when I heard it.

“Did you hear that there are three valentines events!?”

“Really? What are they?”

“Ok, there is a letter writing event that takes place tonight where you write letters or valentines to people, then the speed dating event which takes plays tomorrow, and last but not least is a ball which is actually student run!”

I couldn’t help not butting in, so I asked the girl a question. “Hey, the letter writing thing is tonight, right? Also where is it?” I asked.

“Yep!” The girl responded. “It’s in the ballroom. I’ll wait for you if you like,” she added.

“Thanks so much! You can go on without me though.” I told the two girls.

As soon as they left I hurried into my dorm. I still didn’t have a date or anything. For the letter writing I threw on my hockey jersey and sweatpants and wandered downstairs. When I passed the ballroom it was pitch black and empty. No one was there, I thought. I knew the girls were liars now, so I also knew that they would not have waited for me. I kept going, thinking it was in the great hall, which it was. There were already a few students there, making letters and leaving.

I found a pretty empty spot at the table, which of course was surrounded in colored papers and parchment. There were pens, quills and pencils of all shapes and colors. I selected a plain paper, that was white, with a dark blue pen. Very basic, but I didn’t care.

I began writing a letter to my friend Ava, who I hadn’t talked to since before she got well… suspended. The rumors, which I had verified with a teacher were true. Ava had attempted to stab a boy in the boys dorms while he was sleeping. When I heard the news I well… was so mad at myself. It wasn’t even my fault, but Ava was my best friend. She was so innocent when I first met her, and there was no way I would have believed her if she told me that she was planning to do this.

Dear Ava,
I’ve meant to write to you sooner but… lets be honest. I was so mad at you when I heard the news, I thought that I would never talk to anyone again. If I would have seen you, then when I left, you would definitely have a few bruises. If I owled you sooner, there was no way you would receive a letter that was still in one piece and not shredded to bits.

Now that I’ve cooled down, I decided to owl you. Classes with out a good friend… honestly suck. Like a lot. I have another friend, but it’s not the same as having you here with me. I’m in the great hall as I write this, at a valentines errand. Now, I’ll never forgive you for what you tried to do to a boy (even if he did slightly provoke you) so you’re not off the hook yet. I still hate you. But I miss you. I wish you were here. If you were… I would probably shove you in the lake about 1,000 times for payback because… you deserve it.

Hoping you respond, and actually receive this,
Your friend
Charlie


When I was done with that letter I felt about a million times better. I don’t know why, but I did. Now there was one thing left to do. Write a letter to the only boy I knew without a date and ask him to the ball. Again, I chose a plain paper, but this time I folded it in half and drew a heart on the front.

Dear Bernard,
I have no idea why I’m asking you this, but you do technically owe me. Will you go to the ball with me? The one on February 17th of course.

Awaiting your answer,
Charlie


When I was done, I placed Ava’s letter in an envelope and addressed it to her. I had no idea where she was staying, all I knew is that she was staying at St. Mungos. I hoped her name was enough.

The for Bernard’s, I put it in an envelope and addressed it to him. He would receive the owl today, and hopefully accept my request.

I left the great hall and ran to the owlery to send these letters away.

Date: Feb 13/2023
Location: Great Hall
Character(s): Shay

Shay was really being one of the school spirit people by this point. First, he had gone to see the birds yesterday, and now he was doing a letter writing thing today. Of course, he wasn't planning to go to the Valentine's party or whatever was happening tomorrow. He hated celebrations with their loudness, crowds, and dizzying amount of activity... it was like having a thousand bumblebees buzzing around your head when there were so many people talking all at once... but his father had told him he needed to practice his letters. Stupid old man. Saying 'oh you don't have to write' and then criticizing him whenever he did.

Whatever. Shay had come prepared to write a really good letter this time; he'd gone to the library to get a dictionary and everything. Out of all the places they were forcibly crammed into, he did have to admit he enjoyed the Great Hall the most. When there weren't any activities, it was spacious enough that he could settle against a wall by himself and be far, far away from everyone while he did his homework. The library was alright too, but all the shelves could make it feel too crowded by omission of open space.

Today he picked a seat far from the majority, setting up everything he needed. Quill, dictionary, creamy white paper he'd gotten as a birthday gift, and a cool rock he'd found exploring near the lake. It was a lucky one, he figured, since the day he found it he'd also been able to catch a massive frog, the likes of which he'd rarely seen.

But he was getting distracted, daydreaming about frogs. He needed his full concentration for this. He needed to pick someone in the school to write a letter to for the event, so he'd chosen Blond Adam from the reunion. From what he'd heard, giving letters to a girl might mean you liked them like a marriage or something, so that was off the table. And the only other boy had been Brunette Reid, who looked like he could flatten Shay. He couldn't do anything about that until he was older.

For now, he hunkered over his dictionary and painstakingly wrote, checking and double-checking everything. He decided not to try any apostrophes because it was already taking long enough, and by the time he was finished he figured it had been about three hours. His head hurt from concentrating so long, and he didn't think he'd have the energy to his homework until tomorrow.

But he was pretty proud of his letter. Everything was definitely spelled right, and it even included poetry. Holding it up proudly, he let the ink dry before tucking it into an envelope and adding the rock as well. Adam was so lucky Shay was writing to him. Speaking of that... he couldn't sent it or give it to anyone in this hall without knowing a last name, so he decided instead he'd keep it then give it to either Adam or someone else from the group to deliver next time he saw one. Either way, the hard part was over.

Letter (for @Adam Harringtom):

Reducio

For: the blond guy whose name is Adam but I do not know his last name

So I am going to write a letter for Valentines Day.

I am not very good at writing so I am using a dictionary and it is very slow and taking a long time. Words do not look like spelled right with how they sound. There is no g sound in right for example so I think it should be spelled rite. But apparently that IS a word but a different one and it means something like sacrificing animals and I do not like that.

Valentines Day is about love and should be spelled with capital letters because it is a special day. I do not love you. I am writing this to practice my writing because my father says I have to. Why is write spelled with a W now that makes no sense. I do not know if I need to capitalize father because I capitalize Ma but she is more important than father and you are supposed to capitalize only important things. I do not know if father is important enough to warrant this.

I learned the word warrant in a thesaurus which sounds like a type of dinosaur. Warrant is also a legal paper but I am not asking you to come to court. Apparently Valentines Day you are supposed to tell someone a poem. I do not read poetry because I think it is stupid so I cannot tell you a poem I have read. What is poetry you might ask. Well it is a fancy words that are written in little lines and sometimes rhyme but sometimes not. Sometimes it is only three words then a paragraph then another three or something and usually one like that does not rhyme. By the way I do not know when paragraphs are supposed to end. Apparently they are supposed to end when you are done writing about something specific but this whole letter is about Valentines Day so it would all be a paragraph. But I think that would look weird so I will just put in paragraphs and hope that I am doing it right. I will write you a poem now so you see what it is. All the words like right and write and rite are making my teeth hurt.

I do not
Know what a
Poem really is.

Apparently it is
Usually about something
That is beautiful.

I do not
Think that lots
Of things people
Do are beautiful.

I see people
And they hurt
Everything around them.

When they are
Happy they still
Are not happy.

I think that
They would be
If they saw

A bird flying
A mama fox
With her cubs.
A firey tree
An ant hill.

The way that
The sun sets
On nice nights
Because everyone knows
Nice nights always
Turn skies red.

A fish jumping
Baby deer together
Worms after rain
A frog chirping
The morning mist
Stars without fog
A round moon
Their Mas smile.

But you know
People do not
Look very often.

They are too
Busy with things
That do not
Matter as much.

Ma usually said
If you bend
Your head always
To read or
Write about things
Then you miss
When those things
Are actually happening
Before your eyes.

But I am
Only twelve so
Maybe this is
All pretty wrong.

I hope that
In the future
I will always
Remember to look
At things anyway.

I do not
Love you but
I do love
All the grass
And everything outside
In the world.

There my poem did not rhyme but I used only three words per paragraph so it counts as a poem. I do not know how to end a letter properly but I know you are supposed to say goodbye at the end of talking so goodbye. Oh and this is Shay by the way. Goodbye.

Postscript: I put a cool rock in the letter because other people are getting gifts and I did not want to send you a flower because that is for girls and I did not want to send you chocolate because it will make your teeth rot out of your head so this is a very lucky rock

WC: 1237

None

House Colours: Gryffindor

Writing up Valentine's cards? Oh-ho-ho... how interesting. You know... come to think of it...

While the boy himself had nobody to 'woo', the kid quickly realized that if he played his cards right, he could really make things work between his brother and a certain growing love interest that the Britalian had noted in the form of Valentin Schnell. He had also noticed how awkward his brother got even when so much as discussing the pale Quidditch captain... You really had to just be an idiot (or maybe simply just blind to it) to not see any chemistry. Fortunately, Piérre knew how awkward his brother could be about such touchy feely matter such as love. He wanted to help out.

So what better way to do so than to simply take matters into his own hands and to attempt to sway the scales in his brother's favor? To not only let him see such things, but to sort of give him a friendly little nudge into the arms of the obviously pining Valentin? Maybe, with just the right push, the right plan...

And thus "Operation Wingman" was born.

It was devilishly simple, and it had five very simple steps... provided that Piérre was able to play the game well enough to leave both parties confused and running in circles while they were absent from Hogwarts as foreigners. Once they returned back to Britain for the Hexwizard tournament, the kid would make his move.

• Step One: Obtain Amortentia. Easy enough; with the help of a Tergeo spell cast upon those garish, Amortentia-infused Valentine's cards that were being sold at Hogsmeade's Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, the boy now had more than enough of a dose for two individuals in a single crystal phial that he had hidden in his room. The dosage would not be severe enough to cause pining or any other crazed/negative effects... but it would likely be just enough to bring out above average amorous tendencies from both. Of the two, his brother would likely need the bigger dose. Bigger body, after all, eh?
• Step Two: Send them both letters hinting at being interested in meeting sometime to "bond" or otherwise "hang out". Preferably, this would be Hogsmeade... but in all honesty Piérre was more than capable of improvising and playing the mediator if either side got suspicious over the course of this initial process.
• Step Three: Get their guards down. Here is where the boy would have to be clever and sneaky. While they discussed odds and ends, the kid would be keeping an eye on them from the background... when the time was right, he would...
• Step Four: Spike their drinks with Amortentia. Paid for by him, he would dose each with the Amortentia and would subtly pass them to the two soon-to-be lovebirds. The sparks would fly and the boy would be there to make sure that nothing too severe happened under his watch.
• Step Five: Profit.

It was perfect... and the boy was more than willing to put himself out there and play the Wingman just so that he could help the two of them see eye to eye. Maybe, just maybe, if the two of them were in a similar state, some level of true feeling or confession would come from either or both... and then of course... well...

Finally his brother could be happy about not bottling himself up anymore. It was high time that he saw that someone really held true passions for him. If it meant that a little Amortentia had to get thrown into the mix to form a slightly hormonal cocktail; you know what they say about choosing the lesser evil, right?

So... let's get to writing, shall we? First, off to trick his brother.

To: Romeo Marchonné ~ Delivered via White Barn Owl

Reducio

Romeo,

I hope that you are having a pleasant Valentine's day, and that classes are treating you well. During this time of the year, it seems to me only natural that people remember and recall good memories and pleasant experiences that they have had with the people that they love and cherish the most. For some, it is a family member; for others a friend; and for others still, it is a love.

For me, it is you.

Ever since our victory at London's Quidditch Stadium, I have wanted to tell you in the right way how much you mean to me. After the Fall Ball and the first Hexwizard Task, I realize that perhaps the best way to approach it is to be outright and honest as I know you are with me. If you would like, I'd like to spend more time at your side. Perhaps just as simple as tossing the Quaffle around after Quidditch practice or doing homework together. You mean a great deal to me, and I want to show that to you.

Maybe when the Horde returns to Hogwarts for the next Hexwizard event we could go to Hogsmeade; I hear they have many curious things there that most certainly could interest both of us.

Please forgive me if this came off as too needy or unexpected, but something wouldn't let me keep quiet about this any longer. Please let me know if I overstep myself, or if you would also like to simply do homework together. I just want to make sure that you are happy with whatever you choose.

For Always,

Valentin

Of the two, this was the one that Piérre knew was going to be harder to sell authenticity to. Without previous written examples of how this Valentin wrote or his style of speech other than some letters that the boy had managed to perform some "scouting" duties for over the course of the past few days, the Britalian would have to try his best to mimic the aesthetic of the Durmstrangian Hell-chaser and pray that his brother would not be able to see through his ruse until Piérre had him exactly where he wanted him. If he timed this right, and as he gave the owl he had delivered it by the instruction of; "If the letter Romeo gives you is for 'Valentin Schnell', deliver it to me (Piérre Marchonné).", Romeo's reply would not only come back to Piérre so that he could keep the stable contact, but would also arrive by the morning of Valentine's Day, same as Valentin's...

This brought him to the process of writing Valentin's letter, though. Fortunately Piérre hand Romeo had had frequent correspondence even as recently as a few months ago, so the boy had ample material to attempt his forgeries with. Reading Romeo's pattern of speech and writing, the boy was fairly confident in his ability to make good on this little deception. That being said, he needed the right owl for the job... and that would be the handiwork of the slighter of the two eagle owls that his brother had received for Christmas from the albino star seeker. Kupalo was the one that Romeo liked to send to Piérre more than Kostroma/Cora (evidently she had a bit of an attitude problem, from what the boy had heard). Cor (as Piérre had named the bird) was a pleasant owl, polite and yet docile despite his owlish intelligence. He was easy to work with, eager to please, and rather acted more like a dog than a flying creature if treated well. With the instruction to deliver this letter to Valentin Schnell directly, Cor as on his way... and the albino would receive this letter (hopefully) no later than the morning of Valentine's Day (oh how ironic). Just as he had with the owl that had sent Romeo's letter, Piérre made extra sure to urge the owl that if Valentin wanted to send something back... that it would come to him directly instead of to his brother, the real Romeo Marchonné...

To: Valentin Schnell @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood ~ Delivered via Cor/Kupalo

Reducio

Valentin,
I know that this request may seem somewhat out of the blue, but with the next Hexwizard tournament event and subsequent return to Hogwarts quickly approaching us, I realize that as a former student of Hogwarts I've probably never had the chance to show you (or the rest of the Horde for that matter) around one of the places that Hogwarts is known for; the attraction of Hogsmeade.

If you would like, the next time we go to Hogwarts I could get us a weekend pass to Hogsmeade so we could walk around, see the sights, and maybe have a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. It's world famous, from what I hear. It could be a team bonding exercise, or an excuse to unwind and simply enjoy ourselves.

Ciao,

Satisfied with himself, all that Piérre had to do now was wait.

He had to wait for those foreign students to come back to Hogwarts, and when they came he would be more than ready. He would see to it that the two of them would finally see eye to eye, even if it was with a bit of a boost from one of the most potent love potions known to the wizarding world.

So what if there were a few strings to pull in order to make things happen! That's showbusiness (and sometimes love...) baby!

1,558 words

Reducio

Valentin,
I know that this request may seem somewhat out of the blue, but with the next Hexwizard tournament event and subsequent return to Hogwarts quickly approaching us, I realize that as a former student of Hogwarts I've probably never had the chance to show you (or the rest of the Horde for that matter) around one of the places that Hogwarts is known for; the attraction of Hogsmeade.

If you would like, the next time we go to Hogwarts I could get us a weekend pass to Hogsmeade so we could walk around, see the sights, and maybe have a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. It's world famous, from what I hear. It could be a team bonding exercise, or an excuse to unwind and simply enjoy ourselves.

Ciao,

13 Feb 2023
The Great Hall
@Siodhachan Rosewood

The thing is that Dymphna isn't actively thinking of Siodhachan. He is a strange little child that tags along with Maxwell, and then she starts noticing him around Hogwarts (now that she's been officially introduced to him). Digging around in the dirt and whatever else it is that kids do these days.

He seems to be everywhere. Dymph swears she spots him in the library once or twice, reading something or other but she's hurried on by her roommates and doesn't have the chance to speak to him. There's a part of her that just wants to leave him be, even if Maxwell does drag him along to another outing, but another part of her remembers being eleven and lonely. Away from home for the first time without any friends. Homesick.

It must be that the boy is Maxwells cousin. There's been a variety of new students over the years and she avoids them when she can. Dymph doesn't entirely close herself off to them but she isn't likely to get too chummy with them either. It's nothing about them exactly; they could be sunshine and rainbows and she still thinks that she should steer clear. It's easier to avoid them than end up emotionally invested when if something happens to every single one of them.

The school can get dangerous afterall. Dymphs had experience with that firsthand.

The fact that it's Valentine's Day is irrelevant. A happenstance that she's able to look past. Dymph has always given out Valentine's to friends, even the boys, and only now it's started to mean something more. Which is why she hasn't given out any this year, except for this one. She'll make an exception. For her fellow Irishman who is perhaps lonely in this rather large castle. For a child that might need a bit of guidance.

Writing the letter is easy. She chooses to start off like she would any typical letter, with a common Irish greeting. My friend. Her penmanship is excellent albeit a bit fancy for a letter to an eleven year old. Briefly, Dymph wonders if he'll be able to read it. Sometimes her cursive letters tend to look too similar. But she leaves it for him anyway, trusting in one of the Professors to pass it along; the Chocolate Frog card tucked neatly inside.

Reducio

A Siodhachan, a chara,

When I was a first year, like yourself, I loved to collect these cards. Now I have a lot of them so I wanted to pass one along to you for your own collection. It's always fun to see what you'll get when you open a Chocolate Frog.

I do hope that you're settling into your house okay. Over the years, I suspect they'll become like your family away from home. That's what happened to me anyway. I always miss Ireland when I'm away but Scotland isn't too terribly different, is it? They both have a lot of farmland, not that we see any of it here at school.

I always love looking out of the window during the train ride. Did you enjoy your first experience with that? I get a pumpkin pasty from the trolley every time I'm on the train; I'd live off of them if I could. They remind me of my Mamaís baking. Our house always smells really good. She sends treats sometimes; I'll share with you if you'd want to try them.

Anyway, I know this is a bit unconventional but Happy Valentine's Day. Hopefully this isn't too strange to get a letter from me but we did meet that one time. Have a good one.

Dymphna Teague

Mentions: @Adam Harringtom, @Reid Kovacs, @Dymphna Teague, @Phaedra Stavrou, and @Serena Towers

Reducio

Adam

Dymph

Reid

Phaedra

Serena

-

Dialogue: ✕ Thoughts: ✕ Quotes: ✕

@:Interacting With Mentions @June Selwyn @Lucian Mornstern @ Beatrice Langstreth @Kim Sato @Aurelia Notresvace

-

Monica strolled her way to the Great Hall, her heart fluttered as she entered the space, the decorations, the atmosphere, it was so exciting. Not only was she thrilled to participate in this little 'task' to support a fellow Slytherin and Prefect, but Monica had wanted to write Valentine cards anyways, and this was just the perfect motivation and space to get them all done in one go. As she entered, the room had already filled up, many students busily writing out heart felt cards to those they were close to. Giggles engulf the space as people shared snit-bits of their writing to each other. However nice all of that was, Monica preferred to do this alone. She had very specific cards she wished to write, and wasn't looking to be distracted, or discovered doing so. She wanted these cards to be a surprise. Being in her second year at Hogwarts, she had developed so many good friendships, and this year has been significantly difficult, and all Monica could think is how grateful she was for the people in her life right now, and she wanted to express that to them.

Finding a table a little off from the main crowd, Monica pulled out a parchment, her plan was to write simple cards, but make the envelope the art piece rather than the letter itself. Dipping her quill in the jar of ink, she began to write.

Dearest Beatrice,
Hard to believe we have become so close in so little time. I am so thankful that we were tentmates over the summer, and now I really can't imagine going through the school year without you. Your joy and outlook on life is so precious, and I appreciate you being there for me during hard times. You are an incredible friend, and an amazing duelist!

Happy Valentines day dear Friend!
Yours,
Monica Evans.

Bea, one of the closest people in Monica's life, nearly like a sister. Monica couldn't help but smile just thinking about giving her this letter. She set it to the side, letting the ink dry and moved on to her next letter.

To my Big sis Auri,
Words cannot describe how grateful I am for you! You had come into my life at the most varlnurable time, and to learn of our shared bloodline brought some comfort to my shaken life. You are such a well of peace, and security, I am so thankful for you! I love you, and thank you for welcoming me in your life with open arms...

With Love,
Monica Evans

This letter brought a tear to her eyes. Auri was just what she needed in this time, and in general, at Hogwarts. She was the solid stone, the safe place, the family that Monica missed so much. Monica whipped her face, setting the letter aside to dry, and moved on to her next letter.

Dear Hiro,
You might have thought I have forgotten about you, but I haven't! I wanted to say that I miss you, I miss hanging out with you, and I loved our time at the ball! I hope you are doing well, and having a great valentines day yourself! I would love to hear all about it.
P.s. Can't wait till my next hair styling appointment!

Sincerely,
Monica Evans

Her head was buzzing, it had felt like so long since she had talked with Hiro... she truly missed the boy, and the friendship they were building. And still now, just the thought of him set her heart a blaze. She wasn't sure if she would hear back from him, but hoped this letter found him well anyways. And hopefully he was thinking of her too.
On to her next letter.
Pulling out the parchment, and dipping her quill she paused for a moment. This letter was for June Selwyn. Normally Monica wouldn't think to send a letter to Miss Selwyn, the two of them clearly came from different upbringings, and no one has ever confused Monica more than this blonde haired Slytherin. However, she was the one that was there the day of the letter. The first one to share in the Knowledge of Monica's adoption, and sat with her on that dingy lavatory floor, while she cried. The two since then had had more pleasantries, and because of this, Monica felt it right to let June know how much she appreciated her.

Dear Selwyn June,
You may be shocked to receive this Valentine’s letter, but I assure you this wasn't a mistake. I just wanted to say thank you. I know we might not fully understand each other, but I really appreciate the person you are. You are someone who cares for people, deeply. Willing to sit with those in tough times, and put on a smile even if your own life isn't going so well. Thank you for being with me that day, and I do really hope that we can get to know each other more, because you truly are an amazing person, smart, funny, and a heck of a good racer. Anyways Happy Valentines day!

Sincerely,
Monica Evans

Monica set the letter aside, this one she dare not give to June herself, she still didn't know how to act around the girl... she would give this to Miss Greer, hopefully it would be a nice surprise for June.

Lastly, Monica pulled out another parchment, with a curled smirk on her face. Luci, a young firstie, that Monica had had some back and forth 'pranks' or banters with. She was planning to set the young boy spiralling, wondering who might have a crush on him. It was perfect! She would enjoy watching him sweat, wondering who liked him.

Dear Lucian,
I hope it doesn't scare you to receive this... but I am too scared to tell you in person. But I just wanted to say how much I admire you. From the first moment I saw you on the Hogwarts Express, I just wanted to get to know you more. You are so funny and smart, but I'm not sure you would like someone like me. Hopefully one day I will have the courage to reveal who I am to you, but for now just know that there is someone who has a little crush on you...

With love,
Your secret admirer.

She had finally finished all of her letters. She decorated them all individually. and tucked them into envelopes covered in glitter and hearts. She strolled up to Miss Greer, and handed her two of her letters, "This one is for June Selwyn, And his is for Lucian Mornstern. Um you don't say who they are from right?" Monica felt it best to make sure that neither of them knew who gave them the letters. June would eventually find out, but she didn't want Luci to know anything.

Feeling happy with her work, she set off, keeping her hand delivered letters for the following day, when she would send them out, or hand them to people. What a fun activity this was!

STA 8 • EVA 8 • STR 8 • WIS 5 • ARC 6 • ACC 5
Slytherin Prefect

My dear friend Tesla,

Happy Valentine's day, Tes! This season is full of love and fun, so I hope you are doing well. I've been a bit busy with Quidditch practice, schoolwork, and the holiday season in general.

The funniest thing happened recently. A barn owl, (who I've named Faux) landed on my Astrology homework last week, while I was studying for a test. I don't know whether it was from the Owlery, but it let me pet it before some Ravenclaw scared it away. Anyway, it made me think of you and the first time we met, so I figured it was a sign from the universe that I should write you a letter.

I don't know whether I told you, but I made it on the Quidditch team! First string keeper! I am beyond excited, and can't wait to show you all the new stuff I've learnt. In other news, Transfiguration has gotten really difficult, well for me at least. If you excel at it or are at least half decent at it, I'd love it if you could tutor me.

That's about it on my side, but do tell me about how things are for you!

Sincerely,
Zoe ♡

Dear Emma,

I hope this letter finds you well in this lovely Valentine's day season. It feels like it's been ages since we last spoke! I've been thinking of you lately and I wanted to take the time to write to you and catch up.

So, what have you been up to lately? I'm sure you've been busy with school and the holidays. As for me, things have been pretty good. I've been quite busy with Quidditch practice and keeping up with schoolwork.

Speaking of Quidditch, have you been practicing to get on the team? I remember we used to talk about both of us getting on the team. Maybe we should plan a weekend where we can get together and practice flying.

Anyway, I don't want to make this letter too long. I just wanted to let you know that I miss our conversations and I hope we can catch up soon.

Take care and talk soon!

Best regards,
Zoe ♡

It was still up for debate how Adam had wound up sitting in front of two finished Valentine's Day cards. He hadn't been planning on celebrating the holiday this year — honestly! No more than usual, at least, and "usual" usually meant buying leftover sweets for cheap during his next trip to Honeydukes. Yet here he was. And he was pretty happy about it.

It might've been his stomach that had brought him to the Great Hall out of pure force of habit, leading him towards his regular spot at the Ravenclaw table. Although it wasn't quite time to eat, Adam, like plenty of other seventeen-year-old boys, was nearly always hungry. If that was the case, then his stomach was out of luck. There were no dishes on the table. Instead, someone had spread out boxes of arts and crafts supplies, encouraging students to move from table to table in search of glitter or colored ink. He'd thought about turning around, as cute as the idea was, because he'd never been the artistic type. But then... he hadn't.

He'd grabbed some things on his way over to his house's table: a quill or two and a few different colors of ink. (The glitter, not to be trusted, had been left behind.) Sliding into the comfortably familiar seat, he'd spread his supplies out in front of him and gazed down at the blank sheet of parchment. It was just waiting to be filled, wasn't it? Unfortunately, he hadn't thought about what he was going to write. He'd tried to catch a glimpse of his neighbors' work before realizing what he was doing: cheating on a holiday card. With a quiet groan, he'd knocked himself on the back of the head. Could he really not think of one person he cared about? Come on!

It wouldn't arrive in time, but he could always write one for Edmund to deliver to his mother. He wondered if she'd appreciate the gesture or just think it was childish. When he was younger, she used to have flowers and chocolates waiting on the kitchen table every Valentine's morning; as they'd stumble in, half-awake, for breakfast, he and his brother would discover them with delight. In return, they'd buy her some small thing, a box of candy or a stuffed animal, that their dad had picked up on their behalf. Of course, with time, his brother had grown out of the ritual; soon after, Adam had too.

He missed it, though. He missed it like hell. He missed it enough to have gotten halfway through the "m" in Mum before changing his mind, balling up the piece of parchment, and tossing it away. In a year and a half, he'd be graduating Hogwarts. No Hogwarts graduate that he knew still sent their mum a Valentine's Day card.

Moving on, Adam's thoughts had wandered to his friends. It would be awkward to send most of them a Valentine's card out of the blue — not that he didn't love them, because he did, just not like that — but he could think of two exceptions. He and Cecily Quinn had been close friends and housemates since their first year at Hogwarts. Out of everyone at the castle, she probably knew him best. He wasn't afraid of one little card altering the course of their relationship at this point. Similarly, he and Rosie Parker had shared tons of good memories, including the practice date that they'd gone on at the beginning of fifth year. He thought she was the kind of person who'd appreciate a handwritten note, even if it wasn't anything special. Plus, he knew she'd been through a lot recently. Something like this might help. With his mind made up, he dipped the tip of his quill into a red-colored inkwell and got to work.

About half an hour later, he leaned back to observe his finished creations. Both cards read "Happy Valentine's Day" in red ink on the front, with a half-decent drawing of a heart and the name of the recipient underneath. The messages inside were more personalized. Each one was signed with his neatest signature. They weren't shiny or sparkly, but he was proud of them anyway. He couldn't wait to hand them off to Rosie and Cec the next time he saw them.

Adam got up from the table with his cards in hand, preparing to put away his things and get back upstairs to the common room. On his way out, however, he realized he'd been wrong: there were snacks after all! He took as much as he could carry in one hand and, holding a biscuit between his teeth, waved goodbye to the Slytherin prefect who seemed to be overseeing the room. What a nice break from studying! And what a way to get him to celebrate Valentine's Day again.

WC: 813 (+ letters in reducio) | mentions @Rosie Parker & @Cecily Quinn

For quite a while, Colin sat quietly. He got his quill and ink set up, turned the parchment sideways and began to write. First, he smiled and wrote to Clair:

Reducio

Dear Clair!

Happy St. Valentines! I'm really glad we met and that you decided to like me! Whoa. When you said that to me, it felt like I'd been flipendoed right across the great hall!

And then you took me down to the lake side for a picnic. I really liked that Clair! You picked a really nice spot. And then we had the argument about me swimming down to look into the Slytherin common room from the outside. Um. I know it's kind of daft to do that. It's kind of deep. Anyway, you said that if I got eaten or something, you wouldn't know what you'd do.

You didn't say it, but I know what you meant when you said that. I know I feel the same!

I just want you to know that won't do anything that stupid! Cos, you know, !

I hope you like this necklace, Clair. I made it myself from a stone I found in the lake!

Love, Colin

After he finished with his message for Clair, he rummaged around in his satchel and pulled out a sealed envelope. He wrote a quick note for AngelFyre:

Reducio

Hey Fyre Angel!

I want to know what Seanmamó said! We need to talk some time soon. There're things I need to talk to you about. Last time we talked, you really lifted me out of the despair I felt. I'm happy you were there and that I listened to you!

Love, Woofie

The letter from Colin's Seanmamó:

Reducio

My Dear AngelFyre!

I so enjoyed meeting you here last summer! Colin always spoke very highly of you, and when I saw you, I knew that he had found not just a dear friend but a girl who shall become a wise counselor. I am sure that he shall need such!

He wrote to me some while ago that you helped him considerably with arrangements regarding a Ravenclaw girl. He was being needlessly cryptic in that letter, but I am certain that if you approved of that arrangement, the young lass must be quite alright!

But to business at last, my curiously perceptive lass! I shall not mince words. I gave Colin a book last summer. Tis an old book. Colin found part of it at school last year some time, and the other half of it was here in our library. It is a sort of family heirloom. It is nothing more, really than a thick blank book that several generations of McCoire boys have written notes and doodles in over the many years of its existence.

It is a most curious book, I thought, because there is a page where a large portion has been cut from the rest of the book. Not torn. Not cut straight as with scissors. But cut in a peculiar pattern. Lass, I know you have seen whatever it is that was cut from that book. My Eyes are not blind, and I know yours aren't either. You are young and, perhaps, can not yet See clearly; but I know that you saw something important. Something that Colin has hidden from us.

You are young, dear girl, but wise beyond your years. You know what you need to do. I pray that you counsel him wisely regarding that bit of parchment.

Do know that I pray for you and your own young man, as well as Colin and his mysterious lassie!

Yours aye,
Esme

When he finished writing, he looked up at the two girls across from him. He pushed the notes across the table, then fished around in his satchel again. He drew out a wad of carefully knotted string and a smooth blue stone. He blushed deeply. He put that on top of Clair's note.

Colin fidgeted slightly. "Um. Clair? Do you want to go to the ball with me?" He hoped that no one else had already asked this time!

@Clair Fernandez | @AngelFyre McCubbin