Pansy heard the shower turn off as she rolled over to face a shut bathroom door. She had to stop doing this, she threw the blanket off her and got out of bed. Picking up what little clothing was hers, she put on her dress. She took another look back at the door and apparated.
Draco paced his study, it was only 8 am but in 10 hours time he'd be having a date with Hermione. It had taken every part of him to muster up the courage to ask her out. Worried she might laugh at him when he found her with her nose in a book in Florrish and Blotts, but instead her accepting with a smile on her face.
Ginny tried to get Harry's attention, but he only ignored them. "It's Valentine's day!" She said. "Uh huh." he grumbled. She sighed, feeling defeated, she got up from the table, Harry didn't even look up from the paper when she said she was going to work. When did everything change?
Lavender stared at the ring she found in the dresser drawer. It was beautiful and it sparkled. She didn't mean to find it, and besides everyone knows not to hide things in their sock drawers. She could hear Luna calling for her, her voice getting louder. She quickly put it back and stuffed it back into the draw sitting back on the bed just as Luna entered the room.
"Happy Valentine's my love." Luna said bending down to kiss her.
Neville stirred outside of Theo's apartment. This was their first Valentine's together, he was going to tell him he loved him for the first time. He bit his lip and tapped on the door. He waited what felt like forever untill Theo finally opened the door, wearing nothing but a towel.
"Hello handsome." Theo chimed.
"Hello to you too." Neville said looking him over.
"I can't believe she doesn't want to go out! It's Valentine's for bloody sake!" Ron said annoyed.
"Well maybe if you stopped being a royal arse she'd want too." George said shrugging.
Pansy landed in her living room, her black hair a mess, eyes dark. She had to get out of this mess too, living with Blaise was getting tiring, especially since they stopped sleeping together. It was also Valentine's Day, not something she was keen on. Couples in love, barf.
"That bad?" Blaise said walking into the room.
"I left while he was in the shower, I know Longbottom would be there soon."
"Pans, I say this with love, but there are better men out there than Theo, or what about Daphne?"
"I'm not dating or fucking anyone who refuses to leave the closest, I spent way too much time in there. And Theo matches my energy, I don't want a relationship, just sex but he's too into Longbottom."
Blaise rolled his eyes, he knew she was lying. Pansy flopped onto the couch, conjuring herself up a very strong drink.
Theo kissed Neville, pulling him into the apartment. Neville's hands found their way to Theo's hips, trying to untie the towel from his waist.
"Sorry mate, Pansy wore me out." Theo said stepping back.
Right, Pansy. Theo didn't hide her and Neville knew that she was also involved. That was the tricky part about wanting to say I love you. Theo claimed Pansy was just a good lay and Neville claimed not to care, he was the one who agreed to the open relationship. Only today was Valentine's and he was slightly jealous.
Ginny sighed as she shuffled through the curse division. It was Valentines Day, she should be excited. She stopped to read labels and turned slightly when she felt eyes on her. Out of the corner of her eye, Blaise was watching her, pretending to shuffle around the papers in his hands. Ginny blushed, Blaise? No way, she had Harry (barely) but it was nice to know she still caught someone's attention. She turned and gave a small wave.
"Ginny!" Blaise said walking towards her.
"How are you? Happy Valentines, any plans?"
"Oh..uh yeah, Harry and I are going on a double date with Hermione and Draco."
"Right..we'll you look lovely. Potter is a lucky man." Blaise said stepping close to her.
Ginny blushed again as Blaise brushed up against her. Blaise was handsome for sure but again she had Harry (mostly). She could smell the cologne Blaise had on as he stepped closer to her, he moved a piece of her fiery hair behind her ear. They dazed at each other.
"Ginny!"
Ginny turned to see Hermione looking at them. She blushed and mumbled an apology to Blaise as she walked off.
Blaise watched as Ginny left the curse department with Hermione. He was right, Potter was a lucky man but he'd do anything to take Ginny out..it's not like the two were married. At lunch he floo'd to Draco's, who was more nervous than ever.
"Dude what if I mess this up?" Draco said anxiously.
"Least you get a chance! I'd do anything to take out Ginny."
Draco stopped to stare at his best friend, who had never mentioned the Weasley girl before. He could tell Blaise didn't mean to slip up.
"What do you mean take out Ginny.."
"Erm..we'll I see her all the time at work and she's beautiful and if I could I would ask her out, but she's with Potter.."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, she probably doesn't know but Potter has a wandering eye. I saw him getting a bit handsy with Romilda a few weeks back at The Three Broomsticks."
"What..dude..someone's gotta tell her."
"Dude not today, it's Valentine's and I can't have Hermione cancel if Ginnys not there."
Lavender stood under the hot water of the shower, eyes closed mid daydream. This time it was about her and Luna, getting married. They'd been together 4 years and they talked about marriage before, but it never seemed like Luna was for sure about, but seeing that ring must mean something right? She heard the door open, and Luna asked if she was almost done, that had an hour before their lunch reservation. Wear something nice, Luna said being shutting the door again. Was this it? Was Luna going to propose. A million thoughts raced through Lavender's head as she shut the water off.
Theo and Neville stepped through the floo at The Leaky Cauldron in matching red Valentine's shirts, Theo's idea. Neville was still nervous, Theo could tell as Neville's hands were sweating. He asked him earlier what was wrong and all Neville said was he has a surprise for him once they got to where they were going. Theo hated surprises. They stopped at the bar for a drink, greated by a very pissed of Hannah Abbott, swearing about how much she hated this bloody holiday. She looked the pair over and rolled her eyes, she was very unsupportive when Neville came out to her as bisexual and broke things off immediately. She found it laughable that he was now dating the biggest of man whores. They got their drinks and headed for a table, passing a very non discrete Harry who was nuzzled up to Romilda, whispering in her ear and making her giggle. None of their business both men thought as they sat down at a table.
"So tell me, what's this surprise?" Theo asked.
"Oh erm..Maybe not here.." Neville said sheepishly.
Pansy, dressed in all black, sulked around the apartment while smoking a cigarette. Fuck this day she grumbled as she poured herself another glass of wine. Stupid, happy, couples in love. Gross. Yet she was jealous. Jealous that Theo wanted to be with Neville, the man always wanted an open relationship never wanting to focus on one person. Mad that her relationship with Blaise had fizzled out and she was still living with him because hey cheap rent right? And besides he was bad at hiding the massive crush he had on the Weasley girl. Daphne was too busy hiding who she really was and Pansy had spent enough time doing that herself. So instead she'd spend Valentine's alone, drinking till she felt numb.
"I saw how he looked at you." Hermione said.
"Don't know what you're talking about." Ginny replied.
"Gin, please..he looked like he was going to kiss you.."
"Hermione, I'm with Harry and I would never stray from him."
"Maybe you should..I overheard Romilda bragging to Hannah that she's been getting together with Harry..Gin I know it's Valentines and I'm sorry.."
Poor Ginny looked like she was going to cry, was Harry really cheating on her? They'd been together 6 years but that would make sense for his behavior. Coming home late, ignoring her, claiming he was too tired to ever do anything. She wanted to cry but she was stronger than that.
Luna stood in front of her mirror while Lavender showered. She whispered to herself, 100 different ways on how she was going to ask Lavender to marry her. They'd been together forever and it was time. Luna was anxious and excited all at once. She was never so sure about anything in her life. She went to the bathroom door and opened it. "Wear something nice. " She said before shutting it and slipping the ring into her purse. Looking in the mirror she gave an awkward smile but she was ready.
Harry wasn't sure why or when he started to cheat on Ginny. Maybe he was just bored. Although that wasn't an excuse, was it? He knew it was wrong and that he should be honest with her, but 6 years was a long time. He also knew that others knew, he saw the look Theo and Neville gave him when they passed. Or the whispers from Hannah anytime he showed up with a different girl. Harry couldn't help that woman liked him.
Draco and Blaise sat round the den, bullshitting ideas on how Blaise could win over Ginny. Draco was convinced that Blaise just ought to show up to dinner with him and say fuck it and screw Potter. Besides Blaise needed to get out there, he had Pansy sulking around the apartment, denying the jealousy she had towards Theo and Neville.
"She needs a good lay too. Theo's never gonna pick her." Blaise said lighting a cigarette
"Wel you know Theo, never a one person kind of man."
"Right..so you really think I should just come to dinner?"
"I mean yeah what's the worst that could happen? Boy wonder tries to fight you? That'd be cute for the occasion."
Lavender and Luna. Luna and Lavender. Best friends and lovers. Luna had sheepishly kissed Lavender 5 years ago at a party, swearing she drank too much, but Lavender assured her it was okay. After that they didn't talk for almost 6 months because Luna fought with herself to understand her feelings. When she finally came around she showed up at Lavenders job and telling her she felt in front of everyone. Ever since then it was Luna and Lavender, Lavender and Luna. And today Luna was going to propose. She had double checked half a dozen times that the ring was still in her purse. She was extremely nervous and yes she knew it was cliche to propose on Valentines but it felt right. She double checked her purse one last time and looked up just as Lavender walked into the room in a dark blue dress with black boots and a black shawl to match. Her hair curled wearing Luna's strawberry earrings. She looked absolutely beautiful.
Leaving the bar, Neville mentioned he wanted to go into the potions shop. He figured it would ne quite in there and that would be a perfect place to tell Theo he loved him. Of course when they got there, the shoppe keeper was brewing a batch of Amortentia , because it was Valentine's of course. They circled around it, stopping briefly to smell it. To Neville it smelled like after shave, fine leather and citrus. To Theo it smelled like expensive perfume, freshly painted nails and tobacco. Fuck. That definitely wasn't Neville..more like..Pansy. Neville kissed Theo on the cheek and they walked around the shop in silence. Neville stopped abruptly in front of some empty viles, turning to look at Theo, he smiled
"So erm..I have something to say." He said nervously.
Harry got up from the booth with Romilda and headed to the door just as Hermione and Ginny were stepping out from the fireplace. Fuck. Harry spotted them, he ushered Romilda out and lingered at the door
"Harry Potter! Don't you even dare!" Ginny said making the whole room stare
"How dare you, how dare you cheat on me! If you don't love me you should of just said it!"
Harry didnt even try to look sorry, he knew this was a long time coming.
"Sorry Gin." he said shrugging his shoulders
The whole bar stared as Ginny walked right up to Harry and slapped him hard axross the face leaving a bright red mark. A few peoppe clapped.
"Happy Valentines you piece of shit. Enjoy whoever you want!" Ginny said turning back to Hermione who smiling, proud of her friend.
Theo knew what was coming, he could sense it. He didnt need to hear it to know Neville was in love with him. Unfortunately Theo wasn't in love with him and the Amortentia brewing pretty much proved that. Of course it would be Pansy. They were one of the same but Theo wasn't the settle down or date just one person type. Did he love Longbottom? No, but he defintiely cared deeply for him.
"And what might you have to tell me dear?"
"Okay..well..erm..I love you!" Neville suttered.
Theo's face said it all. Neville looked devasted.
"Neville..you're brillant but I'm just not there yet..uhm..I know this isn't quite what you wanted to hear.." Theo trailed.
"It smells like her doesnt it?" Neville blurted.
Theo looked down at his shoes, Neville let go of his hand and stormed out of the shop.
"That felt great, Hermione! Oh my gosh! I can't believe I did that!" Ginny chimed excitedly.
Hermione and Ginny sat at the bar as they took shots. Hermione mentioned that now Ginny was free to see Blaise and should invite him to dinner. Ginny agreed and after a couple of drinks and some fries the girls left to go back to Hermione's.
Luna and Lavender sat next to each other in a booth in The Three Broomsticks. They talked about their upcoming trip to Barcelona, it had been on their travel list for years. They sipped their drinks and shared a plate of nachos.
"You look beautiful, my love." Luna said kissing Lavenders cheek.
"As do you. I love you " Lavender replied.
Luna smiled. She squeezed Lavender's hand and turned to fidget with her purse. Lavender was busy watching the other couples to notice what Luna was doing in her purse. Luna took a deep breath as she pulled the ring box out, turning back to Lavender who was engrossed by another couple playfully arguing.
"Lavender." Luna said just loud enough for het to hear.
"Yes?" Lavender said turning back to look at Luna, her eyes immediately looking at the open box with the ring from earlier.
"Oh Luna, oh my god."
"Lavender, I love you. Today and every day. You've made me the happiest woman these past few years and I want to grow old with you and love you untill we are old and senile..will you be my wife?"
"Luna! Oh my god! 1000% times yes. Yes I'll be your wife!" Lavender said crying
The two girls kissed and Luna placed the ring on Lavender's finger.
There was a crack somewhere in the hallway and Pansy jumped up spilling her wine. She tried to steady herself. Fuck. Where was her wand? She stood in the middle of her living room looking like a moron waiting for whatever the sound was. Her mouth dropped when she saw a furious Neville storm into her living room
"You fucking bitch! How dare you. You take the one thing I want the most!"
"Longbottom, the fuck are you on about. And how the fuck did you manage to apparate here?" Pansy said curiously
"Like you don't know! Come on Pansy! You just couldn't stay away and I just looked like a fool telling him I love him!"
"This is about Theo? You expected him to love you? You really are the fool then! Theo doesn't love anyone but himself! Learned that lesson a long time ago!" Pansy said sitting back down.
"Not true! He definitely loves you! You should of seen the face when he smelled the Amortentia!"
Pansy just stared at Neville. Dumbfounded. Poor Neville. But Theo truly only loved himself there was no way amortentia smelled like her to him. She shook her head.
"Neville, I'm sorry. I never ment.."
"Save it!" And he was gone.
Blaise was going with Draco, he didn't care if he had to fight Potter it would be worth it. The pair admired themselves in the mirror. Blaise in a green shirt and Draco in red. Looked more like Christmas than Valentine's but who cares. They were getting the girls. They'd be meeting the girls at apparation point in muggle London.
Theo lingered in the potions shop. He definitely broke Neville's heart but there was no way that he was in love with Pansy! He walked slowly back over to the Amortentia and leaned in. There was no denying it. Expensive perfume, nail polish, tabacco. Pansy. Good grief of course. But it couldn't happen. Pansy?! No absolutely not. He crossed his arms and huffed out of the shop only to come face to face with her.
"Pansy..what are you doing here?"
"You broke Longbottom, he showed up yelling at me that you don't love him and blah blah blah." she said rolling her eyes.
"Pansy, stop!" Theo shouted making others in the alley turn and stare.
Pansy blinked, no man had ever raised their voice to her. Theo stood facing her, he was nervous. She didn't dare to move.
"Pansy listen..Longbottom is great but I'm not into serious dating but there's a Cauldron of Aromentia brewing in there, and when I tell you I almost fell over when I realized that you were what I was smelling. And I know that's what you want, but that's confusing for me. Pans you're amazing but I can't be settled down to one person and I hate to break two hearts today but I'm sorry."
Pansy didn't bother to hear another word, she was use to this, she flicked her cigarette at him, turned around and headed down the street, middle finger in the air. Theo stood dumbfounded as she disappeared.
People around Lavender and Luna noticed the moment Luna put the ring on Lavenders finger. Everyone was clapping and congratulating the girls. Lavender was over the moon! Engaged! On Valentine's day to the love of her life! Luna couldn't believe it either. She never dreamed of being here and being this happy! Everything was absolutely perfect. The girls kissed again and scooted out of the both, they were going home to celebrate.
Ginny and Hermione held hands and bounced back and forth while they waiting at the aparation point. It was cold but it was also February, there was snow on the ground. Ginny almost regretted her choice in outfit but when Blaise and Draco appeared and Blaises face lit up when he saw her, she need she made the right choice.
"Hi. You look lovely." Blaise said to her softly. Ginny blushed, she took his hand as Draco and Hermione gave a look to each other. Draco also gave Hermione a soft kiss on the cheek but taking her by the hand. The four of them walked from the spot into the busy street. Shops and restaurants were lit up and crowded, thankfully Hermione had made a reservation. Blaise and Draco both pulled out chairs for them and sat next to them.
Ron had tried to convince Harry to go with him to the bistro but Harry no longer cared. He had left to go meet up with some other unknown lady. Ron had no idea that Hermione was going to be having dinner with Draco, he only knew she'd be on a double date with what was suppose to be Harry and Ginny. Ron quickly grew angry as he watched from across the street as Draco placed his hand on top of Hermione's. Draco freaking Malfoy of all people! And his sister! Sitting with Blaise Zabini! Good grief! He marched hastily across the street, making his way to the front of the line.
"Sir you can't come in without reservation. We are full!" Said a large man at the door.
"Bloody hell! It's under Granger!" He argued.
"Sorry sir, that reservation as already been seated with all of it's party."
Ron frustrated tried to push through but the bouncer kept him blocked. Ron stumbled back to the street. He was pissed. Fuck this stupid holiday!
For whatever reason, Pansy feeling like the absolute idiot and sap she was, went to Neville's. Might as well drink her sorrows away with someone heartbroken by the same man. Neville pouted about the greenhouse, crying and heartbroken. He damn near cursed Pansy to hell when she appeared in the greenhouse door.
"You've got some nerve, Parkinson."
"Oh shut up. I'm here to grieve with you. He doesn't want me either. Falling for Theo is literally the worst thing a person can do and look at us! Idiots in love with the same man whom doesn't want neither of us!"
Neville sighed, she was right. No wonder Theo was into her, fiery, beautiful and usually right. He put down the watering can and walked over to her. He held out his arms and she melted into him for a long hug. When they broke apart, they walked in silence back up to Neville's house. She asked if he smoked and he figured why not. They sat on his patio, sharing a joint just as it started to snow.
"Fuck love." Pansy said exhaling blue smoke.
"You can say that again." Neville said with a sigh.
Maybe not lovers, maybe not even friends but at least they wern't alone on Valentine's.
Back at the BrownGood residence, Luna opened a bottle of champagne. Lavender enchanted the ceiling so that it shimmered with glitter and hearts. She turned on the record player, At Last by Etta James began to bellow from the player filling the room. Luna handed a glass to Lavender and took her by the hand to the living room in front of the fireplace.
"To us!" Luna said.
"To us!" Lavender said.
They clinked glasses, taking a sip before putting the drinks of the table and taking each other in their arms and slowly swaying away to the music. Happy Valentine's to the BrownGoods.
The restaurant buzzed with many happy couples, there was one big fight with a couple storming out. Draco and Hermione were engrossed in conversation about traveling. Ginny and Blaise were cozzied up next to each other, switching off, with having one another try the different appetizers.
"So, Potter, what did you tell him?" Blaise asked quietly.
"I slapped him hard! I knew something was up but I didn't know what. Thankful to let him go!" She giggled.
"I love a woman who stands on business." Blaise said into her ear.
"I also love a woman who isn't scared to just be herself. I mean this when I say it, Ginny you're lovely and absolutely beautiful. Definitely no rush but I'd love to get to know you better."
Ginny stared at him. She deserved to be happy. She looked to Hermione out of the corner of her eye and Hermione gave a small nod.
"I'd like that, I'd enjoy getting to know you." Ginny said blushing.
"Amazing. Ginny, you're amazing!"
What amazing Valentine's it turned out to be.
Draco was so impressed by all the places Hermione had been too. She was well versed with travel and knowledge. He couldn't believe he was even on this date, he'd been crushing on her for years. She was breathtaking, her curly brown locks bounced as she spoke excitedly about some new books she had picked up at Florrish and Blotts. He could see Blaise and Ginny getting on great and he was happy for them.
"Hermione..you are wonderful. Tell me..would you be interested in more dates after this?" Draco asked nervously.
"I thought you'd never ask." Hermione said with a smile.
Draco gave a sigh of relief. Happy Valentine's to him. He got the girl.