┏ ೋღ : 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂. : ღೋ ┓

𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞-𝖘𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓:

┗━━ ೋღ : ©-𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒄 : ღೋ ━━━┛

𝓥ALENTINE'S DAY DAWNED OVER HOGWARTS WITH A ROSY HUE, casting a soft, pinkish glow through the windows of the Ravenclaw tower. You stirred in bed, blinking away sleep as the light caught on the frost-rimmed panes. Pushing your bed curtains aside, you were met with the sight of your roommates already being awake and getting ready for the school day.

Today, Valentine's Day, was a day to indulge in a little romantic daydreaming — a day to imagine what it would be like to receive a secret love note or a single enchanted rose that wouldn't wilt. You were a hopeless romantic at heart, though you kept it hidden. No one knew how you cherished the thought of gentle gestures or soft-spoken words shared in hidden alcoves.

It was a dream you kept close, like a secret wish whispered to the stars.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Luna exclaimed brightly, smiling as she handed everyone a small chocolate heart. "I figured we could all use a little something sweet." As she neared you, you quietly raised your hands and she gently placed a chocolate into your palms.

"Thank you," you replied, grateful for the gesture. Even though it wasn't the grand romantic surprise you'd often dreamed of, it was a kind reminder that you were surrounded by friends who cared. You smiled at her, popping the chocolate into your mouth as its sweetness spread, warming you a little.

Moving around your dormitory in the morning felt like a dance, rushing around the room as your roommates similarly clamored around you. Marietta shot an extra hair tie over to Cho over your head, Kyra flew around the room trying to find her comb, and Luna sat on the floor as she tied her shoes.

"Whose is this?" Marietta questioned, raising a box of chocolate for all to see. "If it's not someone's, I'm gonna eat it."

"That's mine," Kyra responded, catching it effortlessly as Marietta tossed it to her.

"Who's it for?" Cho inquired curiously.

Kyra smirked mischievously as she tucked the box of chocolates into her bag. "Wouldn't you like to know?" She teased, earning a playful groan from Marietta and an amused grin from Cho.

"Oh, come on," Cho pressed, leaning against the bedpost. "You can't just leave us hanging like that. Is it a secret little crush of yours?"

Shrugging, Kyra clearly enjoyed the attention. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. A little mystery never hurt anyone."

You smiled faintly, listening to their banter. It was always entertaining to watch your friends unravel the drama of Valentine's Day, even if you preferred to stay out of it. Your own hopes for the day were modest and kept deep in the depths of your heart — a quiet moment, perhaps a smile from someone unexpected today would've been enough to make your week.

Luna stood, brushing herself off and turning to you with her usual dreamy expression. "What about you, (Y/n)? Do you have someone special in mind today?"

Caught off guard, your cheeks warmed. "Oh, no. I don't—" You stumbled over your words, shaking your head as you tried to get your thoughts off a few people who flashed across your mind. "I mean, no one's really... interested, I think."

Tilting her head, Luna's gaze remained thoughtful. "You never know. Surprises have a way of finding people on days like today."

Her words hung in the air, and you quickly busied yourself with checking your bag for quills and parchment. The idea of being surprised was both thrilling and intimidating, but you pushed it aside.

After finishing up in the dormitory, you and your roommates made your way down to the Ravenclaw common room. The blue and bronze accents of the room seemed to glow more warmly than usual, bathed in the soft morning light streaming through the arched windows. A few students were already gathered near the fireplace or perched on armchairs with their noses buried in books, but the air was abuzz with whispers and excitement for the day ahead.

Luna skipped ahead, her movements light and carefree as she hummed a soft tune under her breath. Marietta and Cho trailed behind, still teasing Kyra about her mysterious box of chocolates.

"You'll crack eventually," Marietta chuckled with a grin, nudging Kyra. "You can't keep secrets from us forever."

Kyra smirked but kept her silence. Her eyes found Indie's and a cheeky grin began to spread across Kyra's face. "Oh, Indie," Kyra called out in a singsong tone, skipping over to her while you trailed behind. Cho and Marietta seated themselves by the fireplace with some of their other friends while Luna continued out of the common room.

"Hey, Kyra," Indie responded, though seemingly less enthusiastic.

"What're your plans today with Nott, hm?" Kyra teased, her hands neatly folded behind her.

Indie shrugged, a slight frown tugging at her lips. "Nothing."

"Nothing? Come on, Indie, it's Valentine's Day. Surely the boy has something up his sleeve." Kyra raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She leaned closer, her grin growing. "Or are you just playing coy?"

With a sigh, Indie crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm serious this time, Kyra. I mean we have no plans, because there is no 'we'." Her frown deepened as she raked a hand through her hair. "At least, not anymore. Not since last week."

Her words caught you off guard, causing you to subtly flinch. Your heartbeat quickened, but you internally cursed at yourself for being curious. You were a bad person, weren't you.

Kyra's teasing grin faltered, replaced with a look of genuine surprise and concern. "Wait, what? What happened?" She asked, her voice softer now.

"He said that I was nice and pretty, but he wasn't sure if he even liked me like that," Indie grumbled, rolling her eyes. "What a waste of my time."

"You're kidding me," she muttered, her voice low with indignation as her eyes widened in shock. "He said what? Nice and pretty but unsure? What a load of rubbish!"

"That's ridiculous," you muttered, your brows furrowed. "He's such an idiot."

Indie shrugged, her tone bitter. "I don't really care. I'm not going to waste time on someone who can't even figure out what they want.

You bit your lip, the words "I'm sorry" on the tip of your tongue. Yet, you hesitated, unsure if it would come across as genuine or intrusive. Instead, you gave her a small nod of understanding, hoping she could see the support in your eyes.

Kyra wasn't quite ready to drop the subject, though. "Well, his loss. You're a catch, Indie. And honestly, someone way better than him is bound to see that soon enough."

Indie rolled her eyes again, though her lips twitched upward ever so slightly. "Thanks, Kyra. You're always so subtle."

"Subtlety is overrated," Kyra quipped, flashing her a cheeky grin.

The corridors of Hogwarts were alive with Valentine's Day festivities as you made your way toward the North Tower for Divination class. Floating pink and red hearts trailed through the air, enchanted by mischievous students, and the walls seemed to hum with excitement. You adjusted your bag on your shoulder, keeping your gaze low to avoid the bursts of fluttering parchment delivering love notes to eager recipients. The holiday felt like a daydream you weren't quite part of — lovely in theory but distant in reality.

As the staircase to the North Tower loomed ahead, the sound of familiar voices reached your ears. You slowed, hesitant, as the trio of Gryffindors emerged from a side corridor. Ron and Hermione were mid-conversation while Harry trailed slightly behind, his hands stuffed in his robes' pockets. He looked up and his blue eyes lit up as they landed on you.

"Oh, hey, (Y/n)!" Harry called out, stepping forward with a sudden energy that surprised not only you but also Ron and Hermione, who stopped and turned to look at him with matching expressions of confusion.

Blinking, you clutched the strap of your bag tighter. You didn't think that helping him with his Potions essay in the Clocktower Courtyard was enough to make you guys friends, especially when you two practically never talked.

"Hi, Harry," you replied softly, your voice nearly drowned out by the faint giggles of students further down the hall. Your eyes flickered to Ron and Hermione, sending them a slight nod and a smile. "Ron, Hermione."

"Hey," Ron answered, giving you a smile before side-eyeing Harry.

"Hi, (Y/n)," Hermione responded and gave you a slight wave.

"You're heading to Divination, right?" Harry asked, his voice warm and uncharacteristically eager.

"Yeah..." You answered, tilting your head slightly. "...Don't wanna be late, y'know?"

"Us too," Harry responded quickly, ignoring the curious look Hermione shot him. "Mind if we walk with you?"

"...Um, sure?" You said, albeit a bit hesitantly with confusion laced in your tone.

As the four of you started climbing the staircase together, Ron fell in step with Hermione behind you, his voice low but not quite low enough to escape your ears. "What's he doing?" Ron whispered incredulously. "He never cares about being on time for Divination."

Hermione huffed, her tone both amused and exasperated. "Oh, honestly, Ron. It's obvious."

"What's obvious?" Ron asked, his confusion palpable. "What are you on about?"

Harry glanced back at them, his ears tinged with pink. "Stop it," he muttered under his breath before turning his attention back to you. "So, uh... do you like Divination?"

You gave a small shrug, glancing at him from the corner of your eye. "It's... interesting, to say the least. Sometimes, anyway. The dream interpretation parts are cool, I suppose."

"I'm terrible at that stuff," Harry admitted with a sheepish laugh. "I usually just make things up as I go."

You couldn't help but smile slightly at his honesty. "Professor Trelawney never seems to notice," you chuckled, your tone soft but amused.

"She does love her drama," Harry replied, grinning.

Behind you, Ron let out a faint groan. "What is happening?" He whispered to Hermione. "Did Harry get hit in the head with something?"

"Shush, Ron," Hermione scolded, though her lips twitched as if suppressing a smirk. "Let him be."

As you reached the door to the Divination classroom, Harry paused, motioning for you to enter first. "After you," he muttered, his voice unusually gentle.

You hesitated, glancing at him for a moment before nodding. "Thanks."

As you walked into the classroom, you couldn't help but wonder why Harry had gone out of his way to talk to you. You'd rarely interacted before helping him with his essay last week. And yet, something about his smile lingered in your thoughts as you settled into your usual spot next to Dean.

The hustle and bustle of students finding their spots filled the room as you slid into your usual seat next to Dean. Dean glanced up from arranging his Divination textbook and a set of battered tarot cards. His dark eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed Harry taking a seat a few rows behind you — closer than he normally would, given how little he seemed to care about Divination.

Dean turned back to you, his eyebrows lifting curiously. "Okay, what's going on there?" He asked in a low voice, leaning slightly toward you.

"What do you mean?" You asked as you blinked at him.

Nodding subtly in Harry's direction, Dean commented, "You and Harry. I didn't know you guys even talked."

You fiddled with the strap of your bag, keeping your gaze on your desk as you started pulling out your notebook. "We don't, really," you admitted softly. "I just helped him with his Potions essay last week. It wasn't a big deal."

Dean raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair before dropping the topic.

The castle felt strangely quiet as you made your way through the halls, the usual chatter and laughter replaced by the faint echo of footsteps and the occasional flutter of enchanted Valentine's decorations. Heart-shaped confetti swirled lazily in the air, and soft hums of magical serenades floated faintly from the Great Hall, where most of the students were already gathered for lunch.

You hugged your bag close to your chest, the soft leather strap pressing into your shoulder. Despite the cheer around you, the hollowness in your chest was hard to ignore. Valentine's Day always carried a strange weight, a hopeful ache that you tried not to acknowledge.

As you rounded a corner toward the main staircase, someone called out, "Hey, (Y/n)!"

Startled, you paused mid-step and turned. A Hufflepuff boy you vaguely recognized as Ernie Macmillan — tall with sandy hair and a nervous smile — was jogging toward you.

"Hi..." You greeted hesitantly, glancing around to make sure he wasn't calling for someone else.

"Hey," he said, stopping a few feet in front of you and rubbing the back of his neck. He looked down at the parchment in his hands — a folded heart-shaped card — and then back at you. "I, uh... I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second..."

Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt your cheeks flush. No, no way. Surely, this wasn't... was it possible?

Someone had actually noticed you, maybe even liked you?

You swallowed hard, trying to keep your voice steady. "Sure..." You muttered softly, clutching your bag tighter.

He took a breath, his words coming out in a rush. "So, um, I know you're good friends with Kyra, and I was wondering if you'd—"

Your chest tightened. "Kyra?" You interrupted, your voice quieter now. The initial flicker of hope inside you fizzled out like a snuffed candle.

Of course it was Kyra. Why did you think it was about you?

"Yeah!" Ernie exclaimed, oblivious to your disappointment as he held up the card. "I made this for her, but I'm kind of terrible at this sort of thing. I thought maybe you could... you know, help me out? Let her know how I feel?"

You blinked at him, biting the inside of your cheek as you tried to mask your sinking mood. "Um..." You shifted on your feet, searching for the right words. "Sure, but... Kyra doesn't, uh, like boys..."

His face fell, a mix of confusion and embarrassment washing over him. "Oh." He looked down at the card in his hands. "I didn't... Uh, I mean, I didn't know that."

You hesitated, unsure of how to ease the awkwardness. "Yeah," you mumbled, giving him a small, apologetic smile.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that's... not ideal," he muttered, then glanced at you with a sheepish grin. "Guess I really should've asked around first, huh?"

"Maybe..." You chuckled awkwardly, your tone light as you tried to diffuse the tension.

For a moment, he looked at the card in his hands, then back at you. "You know what?" He sighed suddenly, holding it out to you. "You should give it to her anyway. She deserves to know someone thinks she's amazing."

"Huh?" You stammered, looking at the card like it might bite.

"Yeah," Ernie asserted, nodding with a grin that was almost self-deprecating. "I mean, what's the harm, right? Just... maybe don't mention the part where I didn't know."

You couldn't help but laugh softly, taking the card from him with careful hands. "I'll give it to her," you promised, tucking it gently into your bag.

"Thanks, (Y/n)," he chuckled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day," you repeated, your cheeks burning in slight embarrassment, though you thanked the universe that he didn't notice.

As he walked away, you exhaled deeply, your earlier hope replaced with a bittersweet warmth.

You had gotten a valentine, but it wasn't for you.

The hum of laughter and chatter filled the air, but here, on the moving staircases, it was quieter — a strange little bubble amidst the day's festivities.

You adjusted your bag on your shoulder and took a tentative step forward as the staircase aligned itself with a new landing. Just as you reached the midpoint, you took a seat on the steps and another groan reverberated through the air, signaling the start of another shift.

A voice called out, breaking the silence. "Mind if I join you, (Y/n)?"

You glanced up, startled, to find Lorenzo Berkshire standing a few steps below you, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. His dark hair fell across his forehead in its usual effortless way and his Slytherin tie was slightly loosened.

"Enzo," you greeted with a smile, your voice soft but steady. "What are you doing here?"

"Same thing as you," he replied with a slight smirk, stepping closer before taking a seat beside you. "Finding some solitude between classes."

You gave a small nod, unsure how to respond. His gaze lingered on you, dark eyes warm with something you couldn't quite place, and you found yourself looking away, suddenly self-conscious.

"Big plans for Valentine's Day?" Lorenzo asked, his tone light but curious.

You let out a soft laugh, shaking your head. "Not exactly. It's not really my kind of day."

"Really?" Lorenzo's eyebrows lifted slightly, as though the idea surprised him. "I figured you'd be all about the romance and whatnot."

"Why would you think that?" You questioned, glancing at him with a mix of curiosity and embarrassment.

He shrugged, leaning casually against the steps behind him as the staircase shifted again. "I don't know. You've got that... dreamy look sometimes. Like you're imagining something straight out of a fairy tale."

You blinked, heat rising to your cheeks. Was it that obvious?

"Maybe," you admitted softly. "But fairy tales don't really happen, do they?"

"Not often," he agreed, his