A large white gazebo has been erected on the Hogwarts grounds. Vines full of magical flowers in shades of soft pink and gold wind their way around the columns that support the roof and a soft breeze passes through. It's much warmer in the gazebo than would be expected for a structure so open to the elements. This seems to be due to a bright golden glow emanating from the ceiling.

As the students gather around, Professor Brookvale greets them.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/219762.png[/img] "Good afternoon students! I'm glad that you could join us." She smiles warmly. "In the spirit of St. Valentine's Day, I thought it would be nice to have tea and snacks in a place that was a little more intimate than the Great Hall. Here you are welcome to mingle with your fellow students from other houses and enjoy the love of friendship. And perhaps have a chance to talk to that special someone as well." She winks mischievously.

"We will also be taking part in a wonderful tradition that I came across in the Muggle world. It is customary for them to create small cards to give to those whom they care about, be they a romantic interest, friend, or even family. These cards are simply called Valentines."

She gestures to the space behind her where several small tables have been arranged, decorated in white and gold.

"I'm sure I'll have enough time to explain more about that later." She laughs good-naturedly. "For now, go and get yourself some tea and refreshments from the far tables and make yourselves comfortable. Oh, and I've been asked to remind you that while enjoying the romantic atmosphere you remember to behave yourselves."

With that Professor Brookvale waves her wand at a group of string instruments set up in the center of the space and they begin to play softly.

Schedule

Feb 10th - Start of Event Feb 12 - Valentine Craft Feb 14th - Poetry Feb 15th - Tea Leaf Reading Feb 17th - End of Event

First Activity Info

The Valentine Creation activity (as well as any others) are completely optional and just for fun.

Please feel free to design any Valentines that you wish, either digital or real life, and post the photos. These can be made for anyone that you wish for your OC to send a message to and you may create as many as you like. If you don't with to post photos, role-playing your design process is fine too.

Have fun and be creative!

((OOC: Feel free to bring your pets. Please keep any flirting/romantic elements fun and PG-13 or under. Also, Love Potions are forbidden so please do not brew/use them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me ooc, or in comments. This workshop will end the 17th.))

Merlin heard about the Valentine's event and thought it was the perfect opportunity to show River () his love and affection. He felt bad he has been so busy studying and didn't wanted her to feel like he has forgotten about her. "What do you say Spellz? Let's make sure River feels loved. He prepared a basket with gifts for her a few days ago but preferred to give her that in private away from prying eyes. When he arrived to the gazebo River was not there. "Spellz, just deliver her this note to make sure she is coming to meet me." Merlin handed the little owl a note for his love asking her to meet him at the Valentine's event.

River was taking a long time getting ready. She wanted to look extra special for this valentines day event-thingy. When Spellz arrived, she giggled. "Aww bless he's worried I forgot huh cute widdle birdy?" She tickled under the owl's beak. "Should we make him sweat a little? Nah..." She looking in the mirror one last time before declaring herself done and running out of the Gryff tower. She had a gift for Merlin as well, which she had slipped into her extendable bag so he didn't see it right away. She entered the gazeebo dressed in white with flowers and fake wings. "Hey Merlin," she said brightly. "Sorry to keep you waiting.

When Merlin saw River he almost choke on his tea, she looked stunning- like taken out of a fantasy fairy tale. "Riv..." He severely blushed and felt his heart beating fast. "You look incredible, you look like a goddess. You bless my eyes with so much beauty." He kissed her hand. "I...I got this flower for you. I have something else but when we are alone. Come sit with me - I have a table for two before they get taken." He couldn't stop staring at her and just stay still on the seat once they seated without another word.

Outfit Not Found lenore sighed she had decided to check out the Valentine's Tea even tho she was uncomfortable around all these couples. maybe there would be some dark chocolate pasties?

            proud hufflepuff in wizarding  

River smiled and blushed with his words. Her griffin, Quinn started scouting for food. "Aww thank you, I wanted to look especially nice." She loved the reaction. "Aww thank you. It's beautiful. Okay, we'll have to sneak off for a few then. I got you something as well--well two things. She dug in her bag and pulled out a cage with a green fwooper. Tamsin moved the license in you name. I got one for your mother two. Hers is orange. I sent it with an apology. You couldn't come to the Safari so I wanted you to have something. I figured her having one would soften the blow. Niall got a green one and Daddyo got the yellow. I got the pink one. I actually want to give you it earlier but we've been so busy. Your other gift I'll give later as well."

"You look much more than nice! You look perfect." Merlin was swooning. When he got the bird Merlin gasped. "Wow! Such a beautiful color! I will name you Clover, what do you think of the name Riv? Is that okay?" He took it out of the cage and saw her fly around his head. "I think she is inspecting me."

When River mentioned his mom he made a face. "Oh no, she might get upset. You know the no more pets rule- that rule sucks." He laughed. "Maybe her getting one will make her accept it, plus it is a bird! Mom adore birds." He laughed after knowing she got so many. "We all have one then, cool. I bet Niall and Gabriel are very happy." He took her hand and squeeze it. "Thank you River for bringing a piece of the safari to me. I really wanted to go."

"Aww," River said smiling, "you say the sweetest things." She beamed. "I'd thought you'd like a green one. Ooh that's a perfect name, I love it. Mine is named Lola." She watched the bird fly around. River waved off Merlin's fright. "I don't think she will. I bought her an orange one, should've arrived already and I wrote her a letter. Honestly, you don't see fwoopers for sale often and it was too good to pass up. Besides, at least its a quite bird. Hers and Daddyo's are male. I think the sales clerk thought I was bonkers." She nodded. "I'm expecting a call soon seeing their reactions. Magnus bought one as well. His is orange. And Drew bought one too." When he thanked her she smiled. "I know you were sad. I took pictures too! It was a lot of fun, but would've been better with you. Maybe we can go with everyone in the Spring?"

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/mF3XsnL.png[/img] Elizabeth carefully stepped out into the Hogwarts grounds, making sure not to ruin her dress. It was a bit cold and windy and she was about to take the path to Hogsmeade when she saw some students walking to a gazebo. She was quite curious and followed them, she still had some time.

As she entered the gazebo, Elizabeth was surprised by the temperature inside of the pavillon, but she was glad for it. She just arrived on time before Professor Brookvale explained the event they had gathered for. She blinked with surprise as she hadn't expected something like this to happen in Hogwarts. Actually, she and Corvus - who was on leave from Ilvermorny to sort out some things about his future profession at the British Ministry of Magic and stayed in London - had planned to meet in Hogsmeade on Valentine's day. Thinking quickly, Elizabeth reached for her wand and distanced herself a bit from the crowd. She was near the entrance and waved her wand in a small swirl, a happy memory in mind. A silvery great dane emerged from the tip of her wand and the smoky creature seemed very excited while waiting for instructions. Elizabeth smiled and softly touched the smoke nose of the dog. "Find Corvus. He just arrived at Hogsmeade. Lead him to this place here instead.", she explained quietly. As the patronus had understood, it disappeared quickly. In the meantime, Elizabeth went over to get herself some tea and a few cookies, before she returned to a small bench to enjoy her tea and cookies with some music while she waited for her significant other to arrive.

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/ILq2uNz.png[/img] Corvus arrived in the chimney of the pub 'The three broomsticks' and dusted himself down. As he left the pub, he looked around to spot the location where he would meet Elizabeth. He could feel some eyes of other people on him, perhaps because he was all dressed in black, but he had never been a fan of an explosion of colours. He fixed his jabot before he was about to go on when a silvery great dane. just stopped in front of him. First confused, then he remembered and smiled. He leaned down a bit so he could hear the message of the patronus. Corvus was asking himself why Elizabeth just altered their plans, but he assumed she had a good reason for it. Therefore, he followed the patronus. He raised an eyebrow when he came closer to Hogwarts, but went on anyways. As he arrived at the gazebo, the patronus disappeared at the entrance of the tent. A bit irritated, Corvus glanced over the flowers which were arranged at the place. It seemed very...cute and pink. He adjusted his hair before he entered the tent, staying close to the walls of it. When he looked around, he quickly spotted Elizabeth and smiled. She was dressed neat and elegant, as always. With a silent swish of his wand, Corvus conjured a bouquet of beautiful flowers and then stepped over to his fiancée. "Good afternoon, my fair lady", he said with a serious tone, but he sounded somewhat amused. Elizabeth, startled a bit, almost dropped her empty cup of tea before she looked up and smiled. "Corvus!", she said with delight, before getting up and hugging him, "you're already here. How was the past week at the ministry?" The young man grinned, hugged her back and then handed the flowers to her. "It was okay, I guess. I dare to say they are just to proud to offer me a position directly...they want to see me again next week.", he explained. "Thank you", Elizabeth said when she saw the flowers and smiled, "oh, so they're playing this kind of game. I'm curious what happens once I apply." She chuckled lightly. "I was thinking this here could be good and entertaining.", she added and looked over the crowd. She smiled when she saw the bright fwooper birds the girl with the rainbow coloured hair() gave to her housemate Merlin(). Corvus followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow when he noticed that he knew River from the Triwizard Tournament.

Outfit Not Found

Lenore walked into the gazebo and smiled. The decor was just breathtaking! Looking about she saw that a few other students had arrived. River () and Merlin () looked like they were getting comfortable and had that doe-eyed look that said they would be lost in their own world for a while. And... were those fwoopers circling their heads? Lenore shrugged. They were a unique pair.

Off a little ways was a girl in a brown dress () that caught Lenore's eye. She was pretty sure the girl was a Hufflepuff but hadn't met her yet. She smiled and gave a wave.

Noticing Liz () she turned to walk toward the Slytherin girl and stopped suddenly as a black shape moved past her. After it had passed, she realized that the black shape was Corvus wearing his customary color. She grinned, both happy to see the Ilvermorny student she had come to know during the Triwizard Tournament and glad that he and Liz were having a chance to see one another. Lenore decided to give them a few moments before joining in and went to get some refreshments instead.

Outfit Not Found (occ my characters name is lenore too.) lenore decided to get refreshments. hoping to find some dark chocolate pasties. she saw a girl in a white dress () had waved at her so she waved back.

            proud hufflepuff in wizarding  

"Well you know green is my favorite color. I love it. Maybe I can meet Lola later." Merlin was so into River that didn't noticed other of his friends arriving. "Oh, so we all have fwooper now! I like the idea of us all going in the Spring. Maybe Rupert would join us too, Niall would like that." Fog came out of Merlin's hair and took a biscuit from his plate. "He is hungry I guess. Want to eat something? I can bring you anything you want or we can just kiss." He smiled as she nods. "I wonder what the activity will be like, hope there is music for us to dance." Clover step into the table and flutter her wings to Spellz who quickly joined her. "Oh, they liked each other, sweet. Spellz is doing the same as Clover!" He laughed. "Thank you River, I will surely love this, hope Flair likes Clover too and Flight."

((Sorry River's not noticing anyone yet. I'll have Zoe come in soon))

River hadn't noticed anyone other than Merlin to be honest. She was too happy with his attention. "Yes, I do." Then she dug in the bag and pulled out a pink fwooper. "Here's Lola. She was nibbling on my potions homework." She smiled thinking of them all going on the trip. "I think that's a lovely idea. Rupert would enjoy it a lot." Fog came out for a biscuit and River giggled. "Bring me your lips." To the activty, River liked the idea of slow dancing. "I'm sure it'll be fun. You are welcome. I knew you'd love her."

"I didn't expect such an event, especially not organised by Hogwarts itself.", Corvus added and grinned. "Did you bring some tea for me as well?", he asked, pointing towards the empty cup in Elizabeth's hand. The young witch shook her head. "I wasn't aware when you would arrive. But I could use a new tea as well.", she replied and was already on the way to the table with the tea kettles. Corvus nodded and followed her, while he was wondering how many students from Ilvermorny and 4A had transfered to Hogwarts. Perhaps, if the tournament had started some years before, he would have done so as well...but with only one year before graduation, it didn't make any sense.

In the meantime, Elizabeth had already prepared two cups of tea for both of them. "Funny, isn't it? How everyone here is dressed sweet and some even colourful...and then, there's us.", she noted and chuckled lightly as she stroke over her black dress. "I'm rather dressed classical in black than looking like a rainbow unicorn or something similar bizarre.", was the answer of the black-haired wizard, and his tone was serious and even somewhat cold. "Charming, Mr. Montgomery. Have a tea.", Elizabeth replied unimpressed and handed a cup of tea to Corvus, who grinned now. One could have assumed they were having an argument, but it was in fact just their own type of humour.

Elizabeth took a sip of her tea while looking around. Merlin and his girlfriend seemed to be busy talking to each other and being cute, but then she spotted a witch dressed all in white with golden features. "Hello Lenore!", she said as she spotted her fellow Slytherin housemate and friend. () "That's a lovely outfit." She was looking really good in her dress; the light colours complimented her. Corvus, not being one for many words, waved at Lenore. He remembered her from the Triwizard Tournament very well - she was a competent witch with a bright mind and also pleasant company because she was a person with good manners, and as Elizabeth had told him, she came from a fine family, too.

( OOC No worries. :P I bet that will be interesting, with Mr. Standoffish(Corvus) around xD )

Poppy had been delighted by Professor Brookvale's invitation to tea. She tried on several outfits, laughing at how silly she looked in some of them. Finally, she settled on a bodysuit of all things. "It's got hearts, that works for a Valentine's Day tea party right?" Poppy giggled and was amused with her reflection. She topped off the look with a galaxy fascinator, unwilling to stick something too frilly on her head, though she was sorely tempted by some gaudy green feathers. "Maybe I'll be a showgirl for Halloween," the girl thought.

Making Valentine's Day cards sounded fun. Poppy smiled at Professor Brookvale and eyed the other students around her. It looked like socializing and art were on the docket. First she would fortify herself with a cup of Earl Grey and some Bourbon biscuits. The pink, white, and gold decorations and the gazebo itself were charming. Poppy appreciated the soft lighting and classical music too.

She looked around pavilion, noticing a couple almost kissing, another couple dressed to the nines, a girl in a cute red frock, and one of the Head Girls looking super elegant for tea. Pondering her peers' ensembles she mused ruefully, "I thought a fascinator was de rigueur for a tea party, but I wish had a parasol." Poppy took a sip from her cup while staring at the fashions, griffin, and fortunately silent fwoopers. She was thinking about what kind of project to make for Valentine's Day too. Truthfully, she was also wondering how many biscuits and sweets she could eat without undoing all the laps she swam in the Prefects' Bathroom.

[img=align left]https://i.imgur.com/zCWT0C1.png[/img] Sauvage walked eagerly beneath the gazebo, welcoming the change in atmosphere. She frowned a bit, noticing Fade had not arrived. She wondered if he even knew the event was occurring and shifted awkwardly on her feet, moving the small purse that contained Fade's gift between her hands. Seeing the makings for cards, Sauvage got an idea. She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, then walked up to the Hufflepuff girl she knew from the common room.

"'ello..." She said to the Hufflepuff () "It is Lenore, right? Would you like to sit wiv me?" As she asked it, Sauvage sat down at the nearest table and began working away. On the festive piece of paper, scented with raspberries, Sauvage wrote simply: "Meet me at the gazebo outside for a surprise." She folded the paper to take on the appearance of a butterfly - her signature messenger of choice. Cupping the origami butterfly in both hands, she then gently blew on its folded wings until they fluttered to life and drifted away on the wave of her breath, finishing its own journey by gliding gracefully to wherever Fade () may be. Now that was done, Sauvage turned back to face Lenore and by doing so noticed that Slytherin's Lenore was also here, seemingly alone. Sauvage waved to her (), motioning to join in, if she'd like.

lenore went to join at one of the tables. yeah its lenore she replied. smiling.

            proud hufflepuff in wizarding  

Niamh entered the large gazebo, pausing to admire the vines climbing their way around the columns. She wasn't really sure that St. Valentine's Day was her kind of thing, but she thought it might make for a good chance to chat to some other students. She'd not really wanted to bother dressing up too fancily, so she'd stuck to something she'd feel warm in. She recognised a couple of students, but everyone seemed deep in conversation already, so Niamh headed over to the refreshment table and selected a cup of tea, tapping her foot in time to the music.

---

Paddy hadn't encountered St Valentine's Day before and despite not even having a crush on anyone, she was intrigued to find out more about it. She'd picked out a longish dress, but felt it was a bit too fancy to wear without covering her shoulders, so she'd grabbed her favourite jacket before heading out into the grounds. She'd brought her Crup puppy along with her, mainly because he was in a chewing phase and she'd rather not leave him in the dorm where he could chew on her homework or worse, chew holes in her socks. "Behave yourself," she laughed as the Professor finished talking, "I think she meant that for you too," she added to the Crup. Looking around she realised that everyone seemed to already be chatting, so she headed over to the tables of refreshments and picked a cup of peppermint tea, handing her Crup a couple of treats to keep him occupied.

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/zCWT0C1.png[/img] Sauvage smiled and fidgeted with the sleeves of her sweater awkwardly. She had expected the girl to say more, but silence ensued after confirming her name. "Sooo..." Sauvage tried to think of something to say. "Are you excited for ze 'oliday coming up? Is zat why you came today?" Excitedly, Sauvage waved her hands upon noticing Poppy for the first time. "Join us!" She shouted with relief and made some extra room for her to sit down.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/406551.png[/img] Lenore was just returning from the refreshment table with a cup of black coffee that she was very grateful to have found provided. And, breaking from her normal routine, she had even opted to use one of the provided white and gold teacups rather than her own pink and gold one. As he passed near to where Liz and Corvus () were standing, she heard Liz address her.

"Thank you Liz." she smiled at her friend. "You look wonderful as well. Your necklace compliments your dress perfectly."

When Corvus gives her a wave in way of greeting, Lenore smiles up at him. She remembers that the Ilvermorny student is not the talkative type.

"It's good to see you Corvus. As always, you look quite dashing. Liz is a fortunate young lady indeed."

Just then, Lenore hears a voice from a few tables down. The French accent tells her immediately that it's Sauvage () and when she glances over she sees that the girl is motioning for Lenore to join her at the table.

"Be there in a moment." she calls, just loud enough to be heard without being too loud. She likes the Hufflepuff girl quite well and would like a chance to get to know her better. And the dark-haired student () that she had noticed earlier was at the table too. This would be a good opportunity to introduce herself.

Three more students entered the gazebo now. Poppy (), her fellow Head Girl, Paddy () the Gryffindor Prefect, and Niamh who had transferred to Hogwarts after the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The area was finally filling up nicely.