Chapter 3 - Lavender's Advice
Harry walked out of The Great Hall just in time to let a tear fall down his face. Luckily, no one had seen him. He walked weakly down the corridor, feeling heartbroken. He had heard, straight from her himself, that she was in love with a wizard, and he didn't want to know who it was anymore. It didn't matter because that wizard wasn't him. While on his way to the Gryffindor common room, he stopped by Professor McGanogall's room. She was inside preparing for a class.
"Professor?" Harry said, still walking weakly toward her.
"Mr. Potter, why aren't you in the Great Hall with all of your friends?" she asked sternly.
"Professor, I don't think that I'll be attending classes today"
"And why not!?"
"I-I don't feel too well Professor. I just-I just need to lie down for a while." said Harry. After all, he wasn't lying. Professor McGonagall, who was usually a very strict teacher, now showed sympathy toward Harry.
"Do you need to go to the hospital wing Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"No Professor," he answered, "I just need to lie down."
"Very well Mr. Potter. You may rest in the privacy of your dormitories. If you are feeling better, you may attend classes when you are ready."
"Thanks Professor."
Harry walked slowly until he came to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Hello Harry," she said happily. But her smile faded when she saw the depressed look on Harry's face. "What's wrong dear?"
"Sick," Harry simply put. "Emerald Fire!" and the portrait swung open. He walked in and closed it softly behind him.
The trip seemed long up to the boys' dormitories. It took Harry great effort to even pick up his feet. He was ready to crash right on the floor in the common room. The thought of Hermione with another wizard haunted Harry. He was getting sickening pictures of her happily holding the mystery wizard she liked. He just plopped on his bed and closed his eyes. He wasn't lying to Professor McGonagall or The Fat Lady. He felt very sick indeed.
***
It was nearly dinner time when someone tried to wake up Harry.
"Harry, what happened to you?" Ron said after Harry had woken up. To his surprise, Lavender was with him. "We were worried when you wouldn't show up for classes."
"I feel sick," said Harry.
"Why?"
"Well," said Harry, his eyes looking at Lavender.
"Oh!" said Ron looking at Lavender too. He leaned in toward Harry so that he could whisper to him. "What's wrong Harry?"
"It's Hermione," he whispered. "She…she likes someone…"
"And?" whispered Ron, looking unusually hopeful.
"It's not me…" Harry said unhappily.
"Oh, I'm sorry Harry," said Ron.
"Ahem!" said the voice that was Lavender behind them. "Ron, let me talk to Harry alone."
"But…"
"No buts Ron," she replied. "Let me talk to Harry."
Ron resentfully walk out of the room. When Lavender was sure that he was gone, she turned to Harry.
"Harry-"
"You heard us whispering?" interrupted Harry. To his surprise, she smiled.
"Yes I did Harry."
"Some whispering skills we have," said Harry angrily.
"It's ok Harry," Lavender said. "I heard that Hermione told you that she likes some guy."
"Please," said Harry, "don't make me feel worse."
"Sorry Harry. But the thing is, you're not the only one that knows that." said Lavender. Harry raised an eyebrow. "She talks to us girls too!"
"Oh right!" said Harry unthinkingly. "So what about it?"
"Well, um…all the girls were shocked when she told us that. And well…I know that you like Hermione. Don't ask how," she said, looking guilty.
"What!" exclaimed Harry.
"Well…" Lavender continued, ignoring Harry's reaction, "she said that she just noticed him so…"
"So…what?"
"Well, ask her to the Valentines Day Ball," she simply put. "Since she just noticed the guy, it's just a small crush. You've known her for what…6 years, she can't say no to you. I'm sure she'll forget all about that other guy after she ends up with you."
"Thanks Lavender," said Harry. "That makes me feel much better."
"Any time Harry," she said, giving him a hug. "You better hurry and ask her though. Before someone else does."
"Right!" said Harry gratefully. "Thank again for your help."
"Sure Harry, anything for my boyfriend's friend," she said winking at him. Harry grinned and she walked out.
Harry didn't bother going down to dinner. His head did seem to still spin with pain but after his talk with Lavender, he did feel a little better. He just slept through the night and hoped for a better day the next morning.