The sun had begun to shine weakly over Hogwarts.
Perhaps it was because there had not been an attack in so long, or perhaps it was because of the comfort the holidays had brought the young wizards.
The rumors around the castle about Harry being the Heir of Slytherin had faded considerably, except that Peeves still kept sneaking into the corridors, singing, "Potter is a nasty little brat." He had even devised a set dance routine to accompany his song.
Seamus's good friend Ernie Macmillan-yes, the Hufflepuff who had once used fans with Su Er to send Nearly Headless Nick to the Hospital Wing.
He still believed Harry was the culprit, because he had witnessed Harry "showing his true colors" in the corridor that day.
For that reason, he kept reminding everyone not to forget the poor people still lying in beds in the Hospital Wing.
But everyone had stopped jumping at shadows, and Ernie's reminders always went in one ear and out the other.
In fact, the main reason was a piece of even more encouraging news that had emerged from Professor Sprout's Herbology class:
The mandrakes had begun to grow moody and withdrawn, which meant they were about to leave childhood behind and enter maturity.
In other words, their schoolmates lying in the Hospital Wing would soon return safe and sound.
"I've invited some very adorable little fellows. On Valentine's Day, February fourteenth, they'll deliver surprises to everyone on my behalf." During a Dark Magic Defence Against the Arts class, Lockhart flashed his standard eight-toothed smile and spoke with an air of mystery and absolute confidence.
"Trust me, you'll like them. Nobody would dislike house-elves bringing them good wishes on Valentine's Day, would they?"
Thanks to Lockhart's reminder, Su Er remembered that Valentine's Day was coming up that