Chapter 11

Lavender stayed up late that night writing a letter. She sent her owl out right after midnight and went to bed. She didn't hear from Graham and she didn't hear him go into his flat. She hoped she'd get a response from her owl before she saw him again. She hoped she hadn't sounded so desperate, but she was looking for answers and to her mind there was only one person who would tell her the truth.

Lavender awoke to a soft tapping on her door. She dressed quickly and opened the door expecting to see an owl, but she was surprised to see Harry Potter standing outside her door.

"Hello, Lavender," he said pleasantly. "I understand you have some concerns about Graham."

Her face turned a bright shade of red. "I didn't want to bother you and I certainly didn't expect you to come all the way over here."

"I was in the neighborhood," he said casually. "May I come in?"

"Absolutely," she said, stepping aside so he could enter.

"I'm sorry I'm here so early, but I wanted to drop by before I went to work. Your owl sounded rather urgent."

"Please sit down. Would you like some tea?"

"If you have some made," he said graciously.

Lavender led him into her sitting room and ran into the kitchen and quickly magicked a pot of tea. He waited patiently as she poured him a stout cup.

"Thank you," he said and took a sip. "Now, about Graham."

"Do you think I'm being silly?"

Harry looked at her oddly. "No, of course not. I understand your concerns. Graham is definitely a different sort of fellow."

She nodded and took a sip of her tea. Grimacing, she added two scoops of sugar to her tea. "You trust him, though?"

He nodded, waiting for her to finish her thought before replying.

"Ron doesn't like him at all," she said.

Harry laughed. "Ron doesn't like the competition. He was always protective of you, you know."

"No," she sighed. "I didn't know. We were boyfriend-girlfriend for such a short time and I always knew he loved Hermione, not me."

"But he did care for you, Lavender."

She shrugged. "Maybe." She took another sip and watched Harry as he set his cup in its saucer and place it on the table.

"He did." He smiled again. "But we're not here to talk about Ron, are we?"

Lavender blushed again and shook her head. "No."

"Do I think Graham is sincere in his affection for you? Yes, I do. He was upset when I asked him to 'deal' with your uncle. His only concern was what you would think of him. I needed him, Lavender. He has a special talent that the Ministry desires in order to deal with those who decide to take the law into their own hands. The Minister wants this matter settled with as little collateral damage as possible. I believe that your uncle's heart was in the right place; it's his methods that we couldn't condone. I didn't see sending him to Azkaban to serve time with death eaters; he wouldn't have lasted a day there, so that's why I made the decision to utilize Graham's talents for the good of the Ministry. It was totally my call." He looked at Lavender. "And I stand by my decision."

"I don't know what to think about Graham; I'm worried that he is too 'out there' for me. I don't know if I can trust him. His ability to manipulate the mind frightens me, Harry."

"I understand completely. I can tell you that it frightens him, too. His relationship with you is a first for him. He's never reached out before because of who he is and what he can do."

"Would you hate me if I chose Ron?" Lavender asked. She held her breath.

Harry looked at her surprised. "I didn't realize you had to choose one over the other. Ron is my best friend and so is Hermione."

"But aren't they separated?" Lavender asked, knowing that Harry would tell her the truth.

Harry shrugged. "It's not my place to gossip, Lavender, and I refuse to speculate. You're going to have to ask Ron that question yourself. I don't want to get into something that isn't my business. You asked me about Graham and I'm being honest with you. He has a lot of demons, and I honestly believe that he needs someone who will love him and show him the patience he needs for a relationship." Harry looked at his watch and stood up. "I have to go," he said. "Go deep inside yourself and ask how does Graham make you feel? Do I think he is worth the effort? I think you'll have your answer."

He walked to the front door and Lavender followed behind him. He turned and kissed Lavender kindly on the cheek and smiled. "I hope I've been some help. It was great seeing you and I hope to get to see you again soon."

"Thanks, Harry. I appreciate your candor."

Harry laughed. "I'm not really sure I was any help."

"Oh yes. You answered all my concerns." She giggled. "Well, most of them any way. Thanks for coming by, Harry."

"My pleasure." And then he was gone.

Lavender stared at the door wishing the bell to ring. She wanted to talk to Graham and let him know that she wasn't scared of him. She wasn't sure if she could ever have a relationship with him, but she felt it was worth a try. That is, if he'd ever speak to her again. She was afraid that he'd make up his mind never to talk to her again. She sighed as she cleared away the tea pot and cups. Why did life have to be so damn complicated? It was going to be a very long day.