Hermione Granger and the Chamber of Secrets (Completed)

Chapter 12 - The Eye

Harry was still interested in T M Riddle, so him, Hermione and a very grumpy Ron went to the trophy cabinet to find T M Riddle's trophy. They found it very quickly, as Ron had spent a long time cleaning that particular trophy during his detention (he kept vomiting slugs on it). Unfortunately, there weren't any details of what he got it for written on it.
“Good thing, too, or it’d be even bigger and I’d still be polishing it” said Ron grumpily. He still thought this was a waste of time

Through further investigation, they found 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' named on a Medal for Magical Merit, and on a list of old Head Boys
“He sounds like Percy” said Ron disapprovingly “Prefect, Head Boy... probably top of every class—”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing” said Hermione, her face falling
"No, no, I didn't mean that" said Ron quickly "It's just he sounds like a snob. You're not a snob"
"Thanks" said Hermione quietly, smiling at the floor

There hadn't been an attack for months, and slowly students were calming down (well, except Justin’s best friend, Ernie Macmilan). They had stopped travelling in packs and the prefects were allowed to actually sleep at night, instead of walking the corridors checking for unusual activities

Professor Lockhart seemed to have worked out why the attacks had stopped
“I don’t think there’ll be any more trouble, Minerva” he said to Professor McGonagall “I think the Chamber has been locked for good this time. The culprit must have known it was only a matter of time before I caught him. Rather sensible to stop now, before I came down hard on him"
“You know, what the school needs now is a morale-booster. Wash away the memories of last term! I won’t say any more just now, but I think I know just the thing...”
He tapped his nose knowledgeably and walked off

It became clear what Professor Lockhart had meant when Hermione and Ron walked into the Great Hall on Valentine’s Day. The walls were decorated with pretty pink flowers and pink heart shaped confetti was falling from the ceiling.

Ron stopped dead, apparently too shocked to speak. However for the first time in her life, Hermione had remembered that it was Valentine's day today. It didn't take Hermione long to spot Professor Lockhart, as he was wearing robes to match the walls

As Ron wandered over to the Gryffindor table, apparently in a daze, Hermione walked over to Professor Lockhart and gave him a handmade card
"Why thank you, Miss Granger" he said, winking at her. She blushed scarlet and when she got back to the Gryffindor table she was rather giggly. Harry walked over to them, looking just as shell shocked as Ron had
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Professor Lockhart said loudly, standing up and raising his arms for silence “And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards!" Hermione's heart sank. She thought she was the only one! "Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all — and it doesn’t end here!”
Professor Lockhart clapped his hands and about twelve dwarves stumbled in, wearing golden wings and carrying harps
“My friendly, card-carrying cupids!” grinned Professor Lockhart “They will be roving around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fun doesn’t stop here! I’m sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion! And while you’re at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I’ve ever met, the sly old dog!”
Hermione thought it was all very entertaining, but Ron wasn't amused
“Please, Hermione, tell me you weren’t one of the forty-six” he said as they left the Great Hall. Hermione decided not to answer and busied herself in finding her timetable

The dwarves kept walking into the classrooms to deliver valentines, much to the amusement of the girls and the irritation of the boys and teachers. During the afternoon when Hermione, Ron and Harry were walking to charms and Hermione noticed one of them walking towards them. She wondered if it was for her
“Oy, you! ’Arry Potter!” it shouted. Hermione's heart sank. Of course it was for Harry. Harry didn't seem to think that this was a good thing, especially since they were among a group of first years. Ginny was among them, looking apprehensive. Harry started to walk faster, but the dwarf caught up with them
“I’ve got a musical message to deliver to ’Arry Potter in person” it said
“Not here” Harry hissed, staring to walk away again. The dwarf grabbed Harry's bag and as Harry tried to get it back it ripped open, dropping his books and spilling scarlet ink onto everything