Love and Curses (Hogwarts Legacy)

Ch. 24

There was a romantic atmosphere within the castle. Nearly every corridor and classroom had been adorned with flower arrangements. The Great Hall's ceiling was covered in soft, pink clouds. Throughout the day, students had been gifting cards, candies and flowers to that special someone that had caught their eye. If the date wasn't a dead giveaway, then the abundance of love in the air certainly was. It was officially Valentine's Day.

Classes had concluded early to give students time to celebrate. Raven knew she was in for a treat when she reached her dorm. There was a large, thin box on her bed with a letter on top of it. She picked up the letter to read what it said.

My dearest Raven,

I have planned an evening full of surprises just for you. Meet me at the Three Broomsticks at 6:00 pm. And please, wear the dress I bought for you.

Love,
Ominis

Imelda and the other girls in the room were smiling and giggling upon seeing Raven's joyous expression. Setting aside the short letter, she opened up the box to find a beautiful red gown waiting for her. It was long and made of silk. It fortunately had long sleeves to account for the chilly weather, although the square neckline still showed a tiny bit of cleavage. It was beautiful.

"Well are you going to gawk at it all day or are you going to put it on?"

Raven looked up at Imelda who wore a smirk. "I was admiring it, is all. But you're right. Mind helping me?"

Raven got changed, with the other girls helping tie her corset and her dress in the back. "Honestly, I wish I had someone like Ominis taking me out tonight," one of the girl's said.

"Me too," another replied. "He and Raven are the sweetest couple in the school."

Raven blushed, pulling her hair into a bun and straightening her necklace. "I-I wasn't aware anyone noticed us."

"Are you kidding?" Imelda snorted. "For the past month, you two have practically been attached at the hip. I rarely see one of you without the other."

It was true. Ever since the events of a month ago, Ominis and Raven had begun to spend more time together. It seemed having so many burdens lifted from them had brought them closer together. Not to mention after the heart attack she nearly gave Ominis, it was no surprise that he'd been hovering around her as much as possible. It was as if he was trying to cherish as much time with her as he possibly could to make up for the years they'd been apart, and to be sure she didn't wind up in some kind of trouble again.

"Well, I hope you girls manage to enjoy your evenings," Raven concluded rather quickly. "I'd better go before I end up late."

She was out of the door rather quickly, still hearing the amused giggles of her roommates behind her. It wasn't a bad thing for their relationship to be known, of course. But it was the light teasing that flustered her a bit. It was different to have her serious facade shattered in the eyes of so many classmates. In the past, she might've hated it, but now, she'd grown and matured since the school year began. She honestly didn't care how others saw her anymore.

Taking the Floo Network to arrive at the Hogsmeade square, Raven already noticed all the happy couples out and about along with quite a few families spending the holiday together. There were couples enjoying tea and snacks, others walking and shopping, and children running and playing. It made the girl daydream a little, wondering just what Ominis had planned. She also had a surprise for him, but she would have to save it for the end of their evening.

"Raven, you look beautiful!" a girl's voice gushed.

Peeled from her thoughts, she found a familiar pair walking arm in arm toward her. "Anne, Sebastian," she greeted with a smile. "I didn't expect you two to be out today."