Post by Smaug on Jun 30, 2008 1:17:06 GMT -5
Entrancing Enchantments
Dedication: For Saki, my wonderful, talented friend who I have loved writing for, regardless of the writer’s block I suffered.
A/N: I couldn’t make this complete angst, it’s against my nature and it didn’t seem to end well without something hopeful. Inspired by Saki’s favourite spell and how it appears in the book. Story set during CoS on Valentine’s Day.
*~*~*~*~*
“… Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I’ve ever met, the sly old dog!”
Professor Flitwick buried his face in his hands.
From Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Pomona Sprout stirred her tea absentmindedly as she stared out into the evening darkness. A bitter February wind seeped into the warmth of her greenhouse, whistling under the door. Pomona paid it no heed and remained lost in thought. Putting down her spoon she sipped her tea, counting the lights which appeared in the castle windows. She smiled softly, yet sadly, as a fire flickered to life in the rooms belonging to Filius Flitwick. She returned her attention to her greenhouse and began to tidy up. It wouldn’t do to dwell on thoughts such as this, especially when she needed to make it to dinner on time.
She washed her hands in her tiny sink, but failed to drag her thoughts back to the present. Had what Lockhart had said that morning been true, then? She didn’t think so; Filius had been so obviously embarrassed. But was he embarrassed because it was true? No. No, she was just being silly, Fil wasn’t like that. He wasn’t like that at all. He didn’t win over his love interests in that way, she was sure. It wasn’t like he needed to after all. She gave a heavy sigh, and left her greenhouse, locking it behind her.
It wasn’t fair, not at all. She hated being like this. Miserable and pining and it was all down to this ridiculous, stupid, miserable day! Pomona rarely got so bothered by silly little things like this, but she stamped her feet all the way up the castle doors crossly. Her face was probably a picture of resentment, a far cry from her usual cheery outlook but she couldn’t bring herself to care. She didn’t understand herself why she was so bothered by it all. She was perfectly aware that what Lockhart had said was nonsense, but that wasn’t making it any easier to deal with.
Pomona had had feelings for Filius for longer than she cared to imagine, and she tried to avoid doing so at all costs. The two were good friends, and incredibly close. There had never been even the slightest hint of a rumour that they could be more. She was a little younger than he was, and he had been married once upon a time. When he and Pomona had met, the year she became a teacher he’d been very happily married. Pomona, determined not to fall for someone who was so clearly spoken for, had buried herself in teaching. It wasn’t until a few years later, when the feelings had been successful trodden down that they became more than just colleagues and acquaintances.
When Filius’ wife left him Pomona had been one of the few who had seen how much her dear friend was hurting. She was there to pick up the pieces, and in the following months their friendship had deepened. It was years later when Pomona finally realised how trapped in this friendship they were, and they remained so to this day. She dated. He dated. They broke up, and each time it was renewed hope that maybe something would or could happen. It was a rare time when they were both single, hoping for more. They would go out more often, but always to safe ‘just friends’ places. There had never been a time when her friends had asked if she would ever do anything about it; her feelings were too well hidden.
It was with a heavy heart, but a happy smile that Pomona sat down at the staff table to eat. Sighing slightly she banished some of the pink confetti still falling onto her plate and attempted to take a bite of her food. Filius was seated next to her and he smiled slightly at her before drawing his wand with a flourish and casting a repelling charm around her plate. Pomona smiled and thanked Filius as the heart-shaped confetti now floated down around her plate, but not onto it. They shared a quiet conversation throughout the meal, though afterwards Pomona could not recall what either had been saying. She had been too absorbed in the sound of his voice, and the look in his eyes to pay enough attention.
Filius left a little before Pomona and it gave her chance to observe the people around her. She repressed a truly happy smile at the sight of Minerva and Albus. Minerva kept her usual professional mask in place, though Pomona could see that her lips were quirked up slightly in a smile. She had spent all of breakfast sending steely glares towards the Headmaster due to him allowing Lockhart to create the monstrosity that was the great hall today. It seemed however, that she had been won over in the course of the day. Not with a singing Valentine, or at least not one in public. She smiled properly as she watched Minerva take Albus’ arm and the two left together.
Pomona stood to leave herself, ignoring the flare of jealousy she felt and scolding herself to behave. She was beyond happy for her two friends. And she was fine as she was. She and Filius had been friends and happy long enough, she did not pine over him. And she wasn’t about to start to due to a stupid, pointless day. A good nights rest was all she needed. A long bath and a good nights rest. Just to set her priorities in order. As she reached her rooms the fire flared to life with a wave of her wand. She allowed the door slam closed behind her and she leaned against it with closed eyes, composing herself. No need to be sad, it wasn’t the time or the place. She swallowed past the lump in her throat, trying to hold back tears, though she wasn’t sure why.
When she opened her eyes they shone brightly with tears, and a gasp escaped her lips as her eyes focussed on the table. She walked towards it slowly, and reached out with shaking hands to touch the beautiful blossoms. On the table was a tiny tree. A Bonsai Wisteria tree to be exact. Wisterias were her favourite flowers and her favourite plant. The tears she had tried so hard to hold back slid over her cheeks. It was so beautiful. Whoever it was from much really know her… Really love her…? Pomona picked up the note propped against it carefully, a little half laugh of joy escaping her lips when she saw the instantaneously recognisable handwriting.
Mona,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I know how much you love them, and how you wish a tree was tall enough to reach your high windows. I hope this suffices as a substitute.
All my love,
Filius
Finite
A/N: I found this picture when I was looking up Wisterias and I knew it was a perfect gift: www.bonsailearningcenter.com/Gallery/Galleryphotos/wisteria1.jpg
