Getting through Security
Now that the situation with Cho was sorted out and Harry had finished his homework, he actually had some time to think about what had happened the last night with Hermione. She said that I dumped her. How could she think that? It was her who seemed as if she didn't like me; I just wanted to preserve our friendship! I figured if we weren't going to date then we could at least stay friends! But what does it matter what my side of the story is!! What really matters is that she doesn't think I like her, maybe even love her. But how do I get her to understand? She won't even talk to me! Maybe I could try again? Harry thought about it for a moment. Yah, I guess it's worth a try.
He started slowly towards the bathroom, the nervousness growing inside of him. What if she won't listen to me? What do I do then? What if she kicks me out like she did last night? What if she hates me even more for coming back? What if we become worse enemies than even Malfoy and I are? What if...
Oh shut up, Harry! he thought almost out loud.
He walked apprehensively into the bathroom and paused a minute in front of the door to Hermione's room. He heard snatched bits of conversation from the other side of the door.
"Don't worry, 'Mione... it'll be okay... just focus... NEWTs."
"I know... too hard..."
She's having a hard time with her NEWTs? he thought to himself. Maybe this is a bad time then...NO! No excuses! Just knock, Harry. If she's busy, leave. Shaking, he lifted his hand and knocked softly on the door.
The conversation stopped suddenly, and for a moment it was so quiet Harry could hear his heart beating. Then he heard someone say, "Here's the jerk now." Oh God! he realized. They were talking about me! There were footsteps towards the door and he could make out the sound of the door being unlocked. Suddenly it swung open to reveal Lavender Brown.
"What do you want?" she asked practically glaring at him.
"Um...is Hermione there?" he asked, not sure what to say.
"Yah. So? Why would you want to see her? Just to break her heart again? Or are you going to ask her to strip for you?" Lavender replied sarcastically.
Harry was a bit taken aback by her answer. Lavender was a fellow Gryffindor that he had seen around the common room a few times, and from what he had seen, she wasn't at all like the person glaring at him in the doorway.
He had paused for so long thinking that Lavender was starting to close the door on him. I am not going to get kicked out again, he thought.
"Wait!" he exclaimed frantically.
"What is it?" she asked giving him a wary look.
"I just... well... I came to apologize."
Lavender turned and looked at Hermione. "What do you think? Should I let him in?"
Harry heard a faint "I guess so" and Lavender opened the door wider to let Harry in.