If He Only Knew

A/N: I know that in CoS, the event in this fic happened before the events in the chapter 1 of If He Only Knew- so consider this a prequel of sorts. On with the show.

Steely silence. My response to what I feel is an incredible blow to my inner sanctum of sanity. While that idiot Lockhart is making a fool of himself in his ridiculous robes, his stack of valentines has been staring me in the face. Of course he would carry them around with him. Arrogant bastard. What's this? Something draws me towards the pile of gaudiness that has penetrated my personal space on the table. I imperceptibly lean in closer for a better look. It's not like he wasn't practically asking us to ask about them in the faculty meeting.

Hers is on top. Love, Hermione Granger. Shame on me for falling for a schoolgirl with schoolgirl crushes. She is so much wiser than her years, but still can't see how annoyingly false this man is. Lust makes us blind, love makes us realize. I know that one day we will have each other. You know, I bet Minerva would kill me for my thoughts if she weren't so put off by Lockhart at the moment.

I notice that I'm clenching my teeth. It hurts, but then I have grown used to concealing my torment. I hope no one tries to talk to me, I cannot control my actions. Oh wait, here comes grandiose Gilderoy with his announcement. I 'm mildly surprised Dumbledore agreed to this.

Wait, no I'm not.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart shouted. "And may I think 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 clapped his hands and through the doors to the entrance hall marched a dozen surly-looking dwarfs. Not just any dwarfs, however. Lockhart had them all wearing golden wings and carrying harps.

"My friendly, card-carrying cupids!" beamed Lockhart. "They will be roving around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fin doesn't stop here! I'm making sure my colleagues will want to enter the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion!"

Oh, he did not just say what I think he did.

"And while you're at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I've ever met, the sly old dog!"

There are going to be heads rolling at the next faculty meeting. As I'm looking at the short man a few seats down from me, irrevocably embarrassed, a figure catches my attention from the corner of my peripheral vision. There goes Hermione, red-faced and dashing out of the Great Hall, with Potter and Weasley looking at her retreating back with a mixture of disgust, and disbelief. Methinks that they asked her about this sugary valentine with which I've become obsessed. I know all too well that when I go back to my classroom, there will be no heart-shaped monstrosity with my name, signed with a loopy signature. But I can wait for her to mature, and I can wait in general, because I know she will be worth it.