Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

Despite the chill of February lingering over the Hogwarts grounds, the Great Hall was practically melting with pink.

As Cael stepped through the towering double doors one morning, he froze in place—blinking in stunned disbelief. The ceiling, enchanted as always to reflect the sky, now showered down slow-drifting heart-shaped confetti, and the entire hall had been transformed into a nauseating explosion of pink roses, fluttering banners, and shimmering ribbons. The long house tables were wreathed in silk garlands, and glittering heart-shaped candles floated above the students' heads.

Cael furrowed his brows as he made his way to the Gryffindor table, where Fred and Lee Jordan were already seated, watching the scene with amused smirks.

He slid into his seat and leaned toward Fred. "What in Merlin's name is going on? Is there a wedding happening that I wasn't invited to?"

Before Fred could answer, Lee Jordan leaned over, grinning. "Not quite. Our beloved Professor Lockhart has decided that Hogwarts must celebrate Valentine's Day in style."

"He did all of this?" Cael asked, incredulous, gesturing at the blindingly pink spectacle.

"Oh, it gets better," Lee said with a chuckle. "There's a rumor going around that he's hired a bunch of dwarves—yes, actual dwarves—dressed as Cupids, to deliver singing valentines all day long."

Cael's lips twitched as he looked around. Sure enough, several students were already sneaking glances at their crushes, whispering nervously, and clutching bits of parchment and quills like they were love-struck poets. The atmosphere was thick with awkward anticipation—alongside a good deal of dread.

Of course, Cael thought. Leave it to Lockhart to turn Hogwarts into a second-rate romance festival.

At that very moment, the heavy oak doors swung open, and Gilderoy Lockhart made his grand entrance.

Draped in robes of blazing fuchsia with a swirling pattern of enchanted hearts, Lockhart marched confidently to the front of the hall, his perfect curls bouncing, his dazzling smile turned up to full brilliance. A hush fell—partly from anticipation, mostly from horror.

Lockhart raised his arms dramatically, the confetti shimmering in the glow of the enchanted candles.

"My dear students, esteemed colleagues, and all you young romantics of Hogwarts!" he declared, his voice amplified by a charm. "**Welcome to a day that celebrates the most powerful magic of all—love!"

A few groans rose from the Slytherin table, but Lockhart pressed on.

"Yes, today, Valentine's Day, I—Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award—have taken it upon myself to fill this castle with the spirit of amour!"

He gestured grandly. "Behold! Pink roses from my personal enchanted garden… and charming Cupids, hand-picked by yours truly, who will deliver heartfelt valentines to each and every one of you!"

"Why, in my own adventures, I've found that a well-timed gesture of affection can tame even the wildest of banshees—yes, as recounted in my book, Gadding with Ghouls! So, let us cast aside gloom and embrace the joy of this day! Send your valentines, share your smiles, and let love guide your wands!"

He flashed a blinding grin, then winked flamboyantly at the Hufflepuff table.

"Now, let the festivities begin!"

With a dramatic wave of his wand, the doors at the side of the hall burst open. A dozen dwarves wearing golden wings, Cupid sashes, and toy bows marched in with small harps and scrolls, ready to serenade the student body with embarrassing declarations of love.

Cael sighed, watching the chaos unfold as students began scrambling for parchment and digging through their coin purses.

"This guy is clearly trying to fix his reputation," he muttered, shaking his head. "And this… stunt is his latest attempt. I seriously don't understand why Dumbledore lets this happen."

Around them, the Great Hall descended into a strange mix of chaos and courtship. Some students eagerly wrote letters and paid the Cupids to sing them aloud. Others blushed and ran from the hall before they could be caught. A few tried to act casual, pretending not to notice the singing dwarves chasing them down. And some—especially the unfortunate recipients of off-key serenades—sank into their robes in shame.

That's when Fred nudged Cael with a wicked grin.

"I think," he whispered, "today might turn out to be very entertaining."

George, sitting across from them, leaned in and grinned like a devil. "Are you guys thinking what I'm thinking?"

All four of them—Cael, Fred, George, and Lee—exchanged glances.

Then, simultaneously, they nodded. Slowly. Evilly.

The twins began whispering to each other, already planning a dozen hilarious pranks and fake love notes. Cael leaned back in his seat with a crooked smirk.