A Certain Valentine

A Certain Valentine

Harry Potter's green eyes flashed with annoyance as he saw the stack load of Valentine cards, chocolates, gifts, and flowers gathered at the Gryffindor's common room. What is it with these people? He thought, glumly picking them up. He could not believe how heavy they weighed. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, his best friends, helped him to carry some to his dormitory.

"I can't believe this," said Harry. "I hate Valentine's Day. I always have to throw stuff out. Do you know a good Vanquishing Spell, Hermione?"

Hermione glared at Harry. "Are you planning to vanquish all of these? Harry, you should be grateful that you received Valentine cards..." she paused, looking away from him with an embarrassed expression on her face. For a moment, Harry felt sorry for her. Hermione, with her bushy brown hair, would probably not have a chance with anyone. Probably for a long time, Harry thought. Hermione was too uptight and serious; it was hard to be 'smooth' with her.

After a moment of silence, Ron spoke up, "Well, Harry, like Hermione said, you should be thankful. And please remember that my sister might have sent you a card. You can't burn it, or I'll hunt you down and burn you instead."

"Honestly Ron, you seem to think that I have feelings for your sister," Harry emphasized the last word strongly.

"What are you so worked up about?" asked Ron, arching his eyebrows.

"Sorry, Ron. It's just that Valentine's Day is giving me the headaches," said Harry, looking down at the floor guiltily.

"You surprise me, Harry. Don't you like any girls?" asked Ron incredulously, picking up a chocolate bar from amidst Harry's gifts.

"Of course he does, right Harry?" said Hermione, defending him as usual. "You're not saying that Harry's a..." she paused. "Uh, that he likes boys, are you?"

Harry's face changed. "Of course not," said Ron, spitting bits of chocolates as he choked. "Harry's way too smart for that."

"Of course," said Harry, annoyed at them both. "I am not some kind of poof, you know? And I am not stupid either," he added, giving Ron a pointed look.

Ron shrugged. "Well, Mr. Smarty Pants, be 'smart' and go indulge in your Valentine gifts,"

"Yeah, go ahead Harry. It's the least you can do. We don't have Potions class today--he ate a Canary Cream someone placed in his lunch," said Hermione, looking at Ron witheringly. Ron shrank back, whimpering.

"Okay," said Harry finally. "But can you guys leave me alone? Umm..."

"Yes, of course," said Ron, clearing his throat and glancing at Hermione. "Come on, 'Mione."

Harry sighed as they left the dormitory. He flopped on his bed and sighed once more. Why would everyone making a fuss over him every Valentine's Day? A scowl formed on his face. He wasn't a big deal. He was just Harry. Harry Potter. Bah, he thought, glaring at his many gifts. I doubt anyone who gave me these knows anything about me. All they care is my looks and my fame. But then again, Colin Creevey has already published a book entitled 'Harry Potter's Exclusive Biography'.

He opened a red, heart-shaped letter, and it began to sing. Ginny Weasley's antics, he thought, nodding fervently. He tried to ignore the singing voice and scanned the index of the card.

Harry, oh Harry,

Umm... how do I say this? Well, I've had a big crush on you ever since I saw you at King's Cross station when I was 10 remember? Remember? I hope you do... I really, really like you because you're so talented, so charming, so wonderful! Please be my Valentine... please?

Love,

Ginny Weasley.

Harry closed the card and the singing stopped. Ginny's card sounded very sincere, and she probably knew everything about him, since he was Ron's sister, and, according to Ron, she would read Harry Potter's Exclusive Autobiography every night before she went to sleep.

"Nah, too desperate," said Harry dryly, throwing the card aside.

He continued reading the cards, feeding his ego and eating the chocolates he received, he stopped when he came by Hermione's card! It wasn't a Valentine Card though. It was blue and 'Friends Forever' was written in a beautiful flowing script at the front of the card.

Harry,

I hope our friendship will last forever. Good luck on making through the day!

-Hermione.

Harry felt sorry for Hermione, and wondered if it was a good idea to 'hit' on her. But then again, Ron would kill him if he did. He shook his head. Why did Ron seem to love threatening Harry? One day, Ron would probably end up murdering him!

Yawning slightly, Harry opened another card, biting into a chocolate chip cookie.

Dear Harry Potter,

Ever since I saw you in my Potions class, I had a crush on you. Your gleaming green eyes have always made my heart flutter. I know you probably hate me for deducting Gryffindor points, but I want to know that I did that because I love you. Very much. And I know you love me too underneath my greasy personality.

Hugs and Kisses,

Professor Severus Snape.

"Oh, my God." Harry yelled. The idea of Professor Snape drooling over him was...disgusting! How could Snape even think about loving him? It was too disturbing. Harry pointed his wand at the card and shouted, "Explodia!"

Snape's Valentine card exploded with a loud 'bang' and turned into ashes. Trying to erase the memory, Harry opened a pink envelope and began to read the letter.

Harry!

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you!!!

Parvati Patil

The words 'I love you' continued down the paper, making Harry see stars. He threw the letter away and began to eat a chocolate cake. I wonder who sent this, Harry thought. The chocolate cake was delicious. It was somehow familiar, though...

Harry,

I am not good with words, but I hope you can meet me at my hut tonight at ten o'clock.

Love from,

Hagrid.

Harry shuddered. It was hard to believe that Hagrid was also falling in love with him! "What is this madness?" Harry cried out loud. He wondered if he was able to speak to Hagrid properly after this affair... Harry sighed and lay back on his bed. Why am I so unlucky? Why are all these stupid cards so--dumb? Why can't someone love me for who I am, not for whom I am recognized as?

"Am I too attractive?" he wondered out loud. He closed his eyes and began to feel intensely sleepy. Suddenly, the sound of an owl hooting was heard, and he immediately opened his eyes. He looked up and saw a familiar eagle owl resting on his chest. His leg was bounded on a green envelope. Harry wondered whom it was from.

Harry opened the envelope and began to read the letter.

Potter,

I'm don't want to say this, but I'll say it anyway. I hate you. I really, really hate you. You're a disgusting piece of garbage that doesn't belong in this school. But at the same time, I really like you. Uh... that didn't come out right. But I still hate you, though! You ignored me when I first tried to be friendly with you. I was so worried that you probably hated me. And I was right after all. If you had talked to me, then I would have been a little bit nicer.

Surely you remember the first time we met? At Madam Malkin's shop?

I hate the way you seem to look at me, as if I'm some piece of crap. I hate the way you talk to me, as if I'm not worth to be talked to. I hate the way you smile at me. It wasn't even a smile. More like a smirk. But I can't say I haven't smirked at you--but whatever! I hate the way your eyes gleam whenever you look at me, because it mesmerizes me. I hate the way your hair looks, so messy and yet sexy at the same time.

But I like everything I hate about you. Isn't that strange, Potter?

I hate you.

-Draco Malfoy.

Harry put down Draco's letter, his heart beating extra fast. He couldn't believe that Draco had feeling towards him. He thought he was only dreaming foolish dreams. But he wasn't. Draco actually loved him. A smile formed on Harry's lips. He took out a fresh new piece of parchment and wrote:

Malfoy,

I hate you too.

-Harry Potter.

He tied his letter on Draco's eagle owl's leg and let it go. Closing his eyes for a moment, he wondered what was Draco's reaction when he received Harry's response.

* * * *

"I am glad Valentine's Day is over," said Harry, sighing in relief as he, Ron, and Hermione made their way towards the Great Hall to have their dinner. Ron and Hermione looked at each other for a moment, a little smile on their faces.

"What's up with you two? You look--happy," said Harry, raising his eyebrows.

"Um... nothing, nothing," both of them said at the same time, blushing furiously.

Harry shrugged and they went over to the Gryffindors' table. He sat down next to Ron and as he began to eat his mashed potatoes, he glanced timidly at the Slytherins' table. Draco was talking animatedly to Goyle, and he wasn't even glancing at Harry's way.

Harry sighed and looked down, feeling gloomy. Maybe Draco didn't have feelings for him after all. Maybe Draco was playing some sort of joke. Harry clutched his fork tightly, afraid that he might lose control of himself. That's it. Next Valentine's Day, I'm going to burn every gift, card, flowers, chocolates and cookies. Well, maybe not the chocolates and cookies.

He looked up and to his surprise, he was meeting Draco Malfoy's gray eyes. Draco was looking directly at him, and he wasn't shifting his gaze either! Harry smiled slightly and Draco smiled back. He turned away, talking again to Goyle and Harry turned to Hermione, giving her a goofy smile.

"What is it now, Harry?" asked Hermione in a slightly irritated voice.

"I can't wait for next Valentine's Day."