…'You thought what was going to be McGonagall?'
Ginny could hear blood rushing through her ears, pounding to the beat of her rapid heart. There had been too many near misses so far, and now they were totally busted.
"That rat that ran past, you'd think first years could keep better control of their pets already, wouldn't you." Harry lied fluently. Ginny didn't dare let out a breath yet-it was still so close.
"Oh goodness yes I know Potter but- oh hello Miss Weasley!" McGonagall started with a smile. "I didn't even realise you were here!"
'Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit' was all that was going through Ginny's head stopping her from producing any sort of reasonable response.
Harry, sensing her panic stepped in quickly again.
"Yeah Ginevra was just discussing some homework with me weren't you Miss Weasley?" he asked looking her dead in the eye
. Catching on she stammered. "Ye-yeah, good thing I caught him before curfew otherwise I would have had to wait till' tomorrows lesson."
"Ah yes well that's all very well then. But are you struggling with your lessons Miss Weasley?" McGonagall asked looking concerned.
"Professor Vector told me you were in a world of your own today, I understand how difficult N.E.W.T. level can be, but you're a very bright student."
"Actually Professor Ginny's doing exceptionally well in my lessons, excelling above other students-I think the problem lies with the fact that she sits next to Marlene Prattle. It has come to my attention that she likes a good gossip." Harry stepped with a false laugh.
Now this, Ginny thought, was utter bullshit. Ginny had never once had to ask a teacher for help with homework or rarely even lesson work. Yes, Marlene could talk for England but she was also a fairly good student- even if Ginny did sometimes have to help her out; infact the two could probably talk through a whole lesson and still finish the work before everyone else.
"Well please make sure that she sees her work as a priority Mister Potter." Asked McGonagall.
"Of course Professor," he answered with a charming smile.
"Don't hesitate to come see me whenever you need Miss Weasley." McGonagall said in a kind voice before bidding her goodbyes.
"Yeah thank you bye…" Ginny replied a little too late looking dazed.
Harry waited until McGonagall's footsteps had died down before turning quickly round to Ginny placing a tender hand on her cheek.
"Bloody hell that was close!" he laughed in a whisper. "Can you imagi—"Harry stopped short to look into Ginny's face. Silent tears began pouring down her cheeks as she bit on her bottom lip.
"Hey Gin, don't cry, don't worry babe its fine." Harry soothed wiping away the tears with his thumb.
"I can't do this," Ginny whispered to him. "I can't lie to people; I'm risking everything you have, your job, and your reputation for my own selfishness. Harry I totally understand if you want to end this with me- what you have is too important." She whispered her voice cracking.
"Hey now," he soothed with a small smile. "Ginny you're the one that's too important. Yes this is a risk but you have no idea how much you mean to me. If you're having any doubts Gin this can stop, just tell me and we can just be friends, or teacher and student; whatever makes you happy." He told her sincerely.
She shook her head at his words, "This. This is what I want Harry." She told him. "But I just can't risk what you've built up—"
"Shh" he interrupted her. "Come here," he said pulling her into a hug, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Don't worry Gin, it'll all work out." He whispered to her in the moonlit corridor.
