MTL NOVEL Chapter 52: February 14 - Sunny (Part 1)
The arrival of Sirius Black sent the Gryffindor table into a frenzy of cheers. Even students from other houses couldn't help but glance over, intrigued by the handsome newcomer. Professor Snape, however, looked dazed, while the other professors smiled warmly at the lively scene.
"Ding ding!" Dumbledore tapped his glass, and the Great Hall fell silent. "Since our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor has... dispersed into the wind this year, the Ministry of Magic has recommended a new professor to me," Dumbledore announced, pausing for dramatic effect. "That professor is none other than Sirius Black, who will serve as a substitute teacher for the remainder of the term."
The hall erupted in cheers.
"He's so handsome!"
"His classes are going to be amazing!"
No one could resist a professor who was both charming and skilled in practical magic.
Sirius, after reuniting with Harry, made his way to the staff table, where Professor Flitwick graciously gave up his seat. "Thank you, Filius. You're a true friend," Sirius said, sitting down.
"Just don't provoke him today," Flitwick whispered, nodding toward Snape. "He's not in a good mood."
Sirius smirked and turned to Snape. "I heard you're feeling under the weather. Is it because Voldemort's back?"
Flitwick groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Merlin, here we go."
Snape's hollow eyes focused on Sirius, his expression twisting into one of disgust. "Why are you here?"
"Oh, that's a long story," Sirius said, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe we can share a drink and catch up sometime."
"No need," Snape snapped, cutting his steak into precise pieces.
Sirius, undeterred, stole half of Snape's steak. "I'm also one of Hogwarts' school governors now. Even Malfoy greets me with a smile. Isn't the world wonderful?"
Snape's grip on his knife tightened, his knuckles turning white.
Flitwick, sensing an impending disaster, grabbed a piece of bread and fled. "I'm done! Enjoy your meal!"
Despite the tension, Dumbledore's watchful gaze kept the two men from escalating their feud. However, Snape later deducted 30 points from Gryffindor for "excessive noise" as he passed Joey and Fred bickering in the hallway.
---
Valentine's Day arrived, and this year, Joey refused to collect love letters for Ryan. In exchange for a peaceful Valentine's Day, Ryan had already completed all his third-year essays for her in early February.
"Look at those disappointed girls. I almost feel bad," Joey said dramatically, lounging on her bed.
"Hopefully, it's not because of the chocolate," Angelina replied, applying conditioner to her hair.
Joey sighed. "Having a friend who knows you too well is annoying sometimes."
"So, where are you and Fred going tomorrow?" Angelina asked with a wink.
Joey rolled over, setting down her copy of *Quidditch Star Records*. "Why? Want to tag along?"
"Please, I don't want Fred to murder me," Angelina laughed. "Flami and I decided to avoid your date route entirely. We don't want to be hated light bulbs."
"Fine, we can pretend to be strangers for a day," Joey suggested.
"You're ruthless!" Angelina laughed. But the idea sounded fun.
The next morning, Joey dressed carefully in her favorite red coat, her long brown curls cascading down her back. Angelina had even helped her apply a touch of blush and lipstick.
"Perfect!" Angelina declared. "Fred's eyes are going to pop out of his head!"
Joey dabbed a bit of her Lily Magic Perfume behind her ears and leaned in close to Angelina. "Do I smell good?"
Angelina giggled, pushing her away. "Save that for Fred!"
Fred, meanwhile, was pacing the common room in his new outfit. Thanks to their booming business, he could finally afford clothes that weren't hand-me-downs. George, lounging on the sofa, watched with amusement.
"Are you nervous?" George teased.
"Shut up," Fred muttered, though his pacing betrayed his excitement.
When Joey finally appeared, Fred didn't recognize her at first. "Who are you waiting for?" she asked, standing beside him.
"My girlfriend," Fred replied absently, only to yelp when Joey pinched his ear. "Ow! Joey, you're so beautiful!"
"But I'm not your girlfriend," Joey said, feigning indifference.
Fred pulled her into a hug, kissing her forehead. "Joey Forester is my girlfriend! Everyone, remember that!"
The common room erupted in laughter and cheers.
---
At the school gates, Filch's inspection was unusually quick for Joey, though Fred wasn't so lucky. While waiting, several boys approached Joey, offering to accompany her to Hogsmeade.
"She doesn't need a companion," Fred said, appearing suddenly and grabbing Joey's hand. "She's got me for life."
The boys laughed, teasing Fred about his possessiveness. Joey joined in, joking about breaking heads in the next Quidditch match.
As they walked into Hogsmeade, Fred noticed Shafiq watching them from a distance. His cold gaze lingered on Joey, and Fred instinctively moved to shield her from view.
---
Shafiq, meanwhile, was growing impatient with the boy beside him. "Shut up, Warbel," he snapped. "If you've got time to chatter, go keep an eye on the Weasley twins."
Warbel, eager to please, nodded and scurried off. Shafiq's eyes remained fixed on Joey, his mind racing. She had never smiled at him like she did at Fred. But one day, he vowed, he would have her. She would wear the Shafiq name and the most exquisite silver gowns. And he would make sure she was his.