======Cherubs======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** Magical Messenger Service
  * **Owners:** N/A (This refers to a temporary service rather than a possessable object; see History)
  * **Maker:** N/A (The 'cherubs' are [[Dwarf|dwarfs]] hired to perform this role)
=====Description and Appearance=====
The so-called "cherubs" are in fact [[Dwarf|dwarfs]] hired and dressed for a specific occasion. In their only known appearance, they were described as a dozen "surly-looking" or "grim-faced" dwarfs. For their role as [[Valentine's Day]] messengers, they were outfitted to resemble a Muggle interpretation of [[Cupid]]. Each [[dwarf]] wore golden wings and carried a small, golden harp. Their demeanor was noted to be unpleasant and contrasted sharply with their festive appearance.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of the cherubs is to deliver Valentines. They are not a natural magical creature, but rather [[Dwarf|dwarfs]] performing a hired service. Their methods are notably aggressive and direct.
  * **Persistence:** They are extremely persistent in their duty, pursuing their assigned target relentlessly throughout the day until the delivery is made.
  * **Physicality:** To ensure delivery, a cherub will physically restrain the recipient. This was demonstrated when one tackled [[Harry Potter]] in a corridor, pinning him by the ankles to prevent his escape.
  * **Singing Valentines:** In addition to delivering physical cards, they are capable of performing "singing valentines," loudly reciting a verse for the recipient in a public setting.
=====History=====
The only recorded use of these cherub messengers at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] occurred on [[Valentine's Day]] in 1993. The service was arranged by Professor [[Gilderoy Lockhart]], the [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] teacher at the time, who presented them to the school during breakfast in the [[Great Hall]]. He claimed they were "card-carrying [[Cupid]]s" and that their purpose was to improve school morale amidst the tension surrounding the re-opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]].
The cherubs roamed the castle for the entire day, causing significant disruption as they delivered messages. Their aggressive tactics made them a general nuisance to students and staff alike; Professor [[Flitwick]], for example, was squashed against a wall by one. Professor [[McGonagall]] also showed clear disapproval of their presence.
=====Role in the Story=====
Despite their seemingly frivolous nature, the cherubs played a pivotal, albeit indirect, role in the events of Harry's second year. A cherub, hired by [[Ginny Weasley]], cornered [[Harry Potter]] to deliver a loud and embarrassing singing valentine. In the struggle, the cherub tackled Harry, causing his school bag to rip and spill its contents.
Among the scattered [[spellbook|spellbooks]] and his [[wand]], [[Tom Riddle's Diary]] fell to the floor and landed in a puddle of spilled red [[ink]]. This accident, which publicly revealed the diary to onlookers like [[Draco Malfoy]], was crucial. The spilled ink appeared to be absorbed by the diary's pages without leaving a trace, which later prompted Harry to test the book's properties by writing in it. This act initiated his first communication with the memory of [[Tom Riddle]], driving the central mystery of the [[Chamber of Secrets]] plot forward.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The entire subplot involving [[Gilderoy Lockhart]]'s Valentine's Day cherubs was omitted from the film adaptation, //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//. (film)
  * The term "cherub" traditionally refers to a type of angelic being, often depicted in art as a chubby, winged infant (a putto), which is likely the source for Lockhart's choice of costume for the [[Dwarf|dwarfs]]. This contrasts humorously with the surly and brutish nature of the actual messengers in the novel.