Boycotting Valentine's Day

Chapter 3: One Little Peak

Thinking I had escaped mortal peril, I sunk into my seat, deciding to deal with the fact that I was stuck next to the number one member and President of the Harry Potter Fan Club.

I am completely serious. Colin started it our third year during the Tri-Wizard Tournament and my nerves were just so frazzled that I didn't bother to care. But you would think that this obsession would have ended by now.

Hmmm, maybe Colin's...nah that would never happen.

"Goodness Ginny, you're lucky you made it. Snape was just about to close the door when you ran in. What happened?"

"Nothing of importance, Colin."

"I know what happened," replied a sneer from the opposite side of the classroom.

Millicent Bulstrode. Hmm. My FAVOURITE Slytherin. She literally likes to make my life a living Hell and she's been doing a pretty good job of it up to date.

"Bugger off, Millicent," I seethed. "It's none of your business."

"Well, can I help it if I saw you stumble into the little broom cupboard to get away from the Big Bad Mister Potter? Seriously Weaslett, I thought that you were in love with Potter."

"Shut..."

"That will be enough ladies."

Why does Snape always have to cut in right when I finally get enough nerve to stand up for myself? Honestly, do you think he has a courage meter and right when it gets to that little line he decides to cut in and take all the glory?

"Class since today is...Valentine's Day, we will be researching love potions. Although the brewing of these potions is strictly prohibited on Hogwarts grounds, the staff feels that it is necessary for sixth years to be able to recognize the effects of the different types of love potions. They also believe that it will keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Take out your textbooks and turn to page 379 and begin reading. A three-foot parchment is due at the beginning of our next class covering the general properties, the range of effects and the common misconceptions of love potions. That is all."

LOVE POTIONS! Is Snape serious? Love potions? Oh, why me? What did I do to deserve this? Count to ten. If you count to ten then everything will be ok.

One: Why does this always happen to me?

Two: You'd think that considering how my luck has been so far today I would get a glimmer of sunshine.

Three: Snape let me down!

Four: I did not just think that.

Five, Six, Seven: Love potions...why love potions?

Eight, Nine, Ten: Why does everything have to do with love?

As you can see, my mind really wasn't on the topic at hand during class, so I didn't exactly get much work done. Thankfully, however, Potions was my last class of the day.

Soon enough, it was time for me to make my way to the Great Hall for dinner. I walked slowly through the corridors and dropped my books off in the dormitory, taking my time in order to give myself some time to think.

When I arrived for dinner I could see that the Valentine's Feast was already in full swing. I made my way toward the Gryffindor table and quickly noticed that there was only one seat left. By whom may you ask? I'll give you one guess! Harry.

Drat, just my luck! Oh well.

I begrudgingly took my seat and started to eat dinner while desperately trying to ignore all communication and refrain from making any contact with the person seated directly at my left. But, have you ever realized that when you tell yourself not to look at something you only want to look at it more? Through the entire meal, I continued to remind myself that I was not to look at Harry; however, I got this prickling sensation on the back of my neck. You know, the kind you get when you think someone's following you or, more importantly, staring at you. Taking a huge bite of my mashed potatoes, I continued to weigh the pros and cons of looking. Was Harry really looking at me or was it all my imagination?

I had to know and what could one little peak hurt? Your sanity! Your resolution! Don't look! I looked.

Well, I was definitely surprised. I guess that I turned my head at the same time Harry decided to whisper something into my ear, most likely about Ron and Hermione's current fight, because our lips came in contact.

Oh dear Merlin. Was this really happening? My lips are currently connected with Harry Potter's. Oh! My FIRST KISS WITH HARRY POTTER! AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! Wait, this isn't how it is supposed to happen!

Our eyes immediately grew to the size of saucers as we truly realized what had happened. Once the initial shock had worn off, we pulled away very, very fast! All chatter around the table ceased as everyone began looking in our direction. They all knew. They all saw. I could feel their pity and see their shock. Everything was wrong! I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes and the heat starting to rise up my neck and into my cheeks. Unwilling to let anyone see me cry, I did the first thing that came to mind:

I ran.

I ran as fast as I could. I ran until I reached the dormitory, refusing to even stop for breath. When I finally collapsed upon my bed, I gasped for breath as I continued to will away the tears. A large sob finally broke through my resolve, as the tears finally started to come. Drawing my pillow to me, I squeezed it to my chest and began rocking back and forth. It felt as though my heart was breaking into a million pieces. Everything was falling apart. My plans, my hopes, my heart. For one millisecond, I was at bliss and I knew I'd never reach it again.

Stupid boys! Stupid Cupid! Stupid holidays! Stupid Valentine's Day! I say boycott them all! I can't take it anymore!

Ergh!

Could people possibly be more intrusive on my space? Why can't everyone just leave me alone! Well, obviously they aren't going away...who could possibly be knocking at the door? Honestly!

"Come in..."