[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/219762.png[/img] Professor Brookvale set down her cup of Oolong and stood up, walking to the center of the gazebo. She smiled as she looked at the students enjoying themselves and then flicked her wand toward the instruments, causing them to lower in volume so that she could be easily heard.

"If I could have your attention for just a moment please." She gives a few seconds for the students to realize that something is happening and quiet down. "I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am.

Now that more of us are here I think it's time that we begin one of the planned activities. This is a particular favorite of mine that someone very dear to me introduced me to in the Muggle world. She called them Valentines and we exchanged them every year that we were together." The professor smiles softly at the memory and then continues. "Valentines are notes or cards that are given to those that we wish to express our feeling toward. They can be given personally, sent with a name or even delivered anonymously. Sometimes they are sent along with sweets or flowers or small gifts that you believe the recipient would enjoy."

She waved her wand toward a table covered in gold roses and they were instantly replaced with a variety of papers, cards, inks and all manner of embellishments.

"Take advantage of the supplied materials and design something special for someone that you care about, either here at Hogwarts or elsewhere. And remember, Valentines can be sent to anyone that we care about, not just those whom we think of romantically. We can express our feelings of friendship or love of family as well. Even your animal friends would enjoy a special treat!"

Professor Brookvale smiles and brings the music up to its normal level before returning to her place at a side table to keep an eye on the proceedings. At her place is a selection of materials that she has chosen herself to make a few Valentines for those that are special in her life.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/219762.png[/img] Professor Brookvale quiets the instruments again and waits for the chatter to die down.

"I hope everyone is enjoying their afternoon! I see that many of you are hard at work creating some lovely Valentines for your loved ones." She smiles and looks around at the variety of cards in varying states of progress on the tables. "I would like to introduce our next activity.

We will be taking some time to write poems that express our thoughts toward others or the day which we are celebrating. These can be given to someone, kept for yourself, or displayed here."

She gestures to one of the columns of the gazebo and several small golden clothespin style clips appear along the vines.

"Poetry is a refined art form that has existed for as long as history tells. Please enjoy both writing and reading some special verses."

Professor Brookvale returns the music to normal and moves to refill her tea, selecting a soft white blend this time.

((OOC: I'll post again for Lenore later on tonight!))

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/219762.png[/img] Professor Brookvale gets the attention of the students one last time.

"I hope you all have been enjoying yourselves! By now you should have plenty of teacups lying about and I think we should put them to good use!"

Waving her wand, a stack of crimson books appears on a side table.

"This is a copy of 'Tea Leaves for the Loved' that was recommended to me by Professor Palladino. Though he does remind us that putting such a small parameter on the view of our leaves could be less telling than looking for clues leaning toward all aspects of life" She smiles and something in her expression says that she doesn't put too much stock in divination, though she remains good natured.

"Feel free to take a copy and read a friend's cup. You just may find something interesting."

((OOC: This went a little longer than expected (and I ended up busy yesterday, sorry!) so we'll keep in going until Tuesday the 20th to finish up.))

Locking up. Hope everyone had fun! :)