Don't Tell Me

Don't Tell Me

Despite the fact that their date was coming to an end, Ginny did not mind so much. She liked it when Michael walked her back to the Common Room: they would wander slowly along, hands entwined, walking in time, not necessarily talking, but with an easy, comfortable silence between them. It made her feel so warm and secure, as Michael always did. She was scared about the impending war. It might not be upon their doorstep, but it certainly seemed to be getting close to be marching up the drive ominously. One night Michael had found her in tears, not wanting to think of any of her friends suffering or, heaven forbid, dying. But Michael could make her happy again. He would kiss her in that way that only he could, and everything would somehow seem sunnier.

You held my hand and walked me home, I know,

Why you gave me that kiss,

It was something like this, and made me go oh oh.

You wiped my tears, got rid of all my fears.

Why did you have to go?

"Michael," Ginny said suddenly, realising that they were veering away from the Gryffindor Common Room, "where are we going?" He made shushing noises, and led her into a deserted classroom.

"We should be alone for this," he said, kissing her softly.

"Alone for what?" Ginny asked, the hairs rising on the back of her neck for all the wrong reasons. Michael was now kissing her neck, and his hands were moving -

SLAP!

Guess it wasn't enough to take up some of my love,

Guys are so hard to trust.

"What was that for?" Michael cried indignantly, backing away slightly with his hand on his scarlet cheek.

"We've talked about this, Michael!" Ginny said, angrily. "Can't you just accept what I want?"

Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl?

The one who gives it all away.

"Come on, Ginny, you can't keep hanging around for this. We've been going out for ages, and we've not done anything more than a quick snog here or there!"

"Is that all I am to you?" Ginny asked indignantly. "I thought you were supposed to love and respect me? Did you really think I'd go for it this time?"

Did you think that I was going to give it up to you this time?

Did you think that it was something I was gonna do, and cry?

Don't try to tell me what to do,

Don't try to tell me what to say,

You're better off that way.

"I'm your boyfriend, Gin," Michael protested. "Aren't I entitled to a little action?"

"Do you want another slap?" Ginny shouted, furiously. Michael stepped back. Clearly the Weasley temper initiated painful violence, even in its youngest member. "You may be my boyfriend, but that does not give you a backstage pass!"

Don't think that your charm

And the fact that your arm is now around my neck,

Will get you in my pants,

I'll have to kick your ass,

And make you never forget.

"The other girls never made this much fuss," Michael yelled back. "What makes you so special from all the others? You think you're so righteous and proper!"

"If I'm so righteous and proper then why do you still go out with me, Michael?" Ginny asked, her brown eyes burning. "Why don't you finish it? No, don't bother! Because I'm going to!"

"You're going to what?" Michael asked, a smirk playing around his mouth.

"I'm finishing it, Michael. It's over. I don't want to see you again," Ginny said, determinedly.

I'm gonna ask you to stop,

Thought I liked you a lot,

But I'm really upset.

So get out of my head,

Get off of my bed,

Yeah, that's what I said.

"If you think that's all I'm worth, then there's no point carrying it on," Ginny told him firmly, though trying to push back the stinging tears. "If you don't respect me and you just want me to be like all the rest then we're finished."

Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl?

The one who throws it all away?

"Nobody's going to want a frigid kid like you!" Michael yelled after her as she strode towards the door. Ginny turned to face him as she swung the door open.

"I'm worth more," she told him, before hurrying from the room, no longer able to stem the flow of tears.

Trying not to think of what he had just said, Ginny made her way slowly back to the Gryffindor Common Room. She was in no hurry: there was bound to be someone in there who would ask her why she was crying. So instead, she took a detour, and ended up by a window seat overlooking the dark courtyard. She sighed and pressed her forehead against the glass.

Why should she care what Michael said? He clearly was an egotistical, big headed prat, Ginny thought, trying to think of worse insults. Come on, Ginevra Weasley. Not like a Weasley to go crying over someone worthless. This isn't your fault; you did the right thing. This could be the best thing that ever happens to you. Fate works in mysterious ways. Ginny wiped her eyes, and wandered heavily back to the Common Room.

This guilt trip that you put me on,

Won't mess me up, I've done no wrong,

Any thoughts of you and me have gone away.

Ginny reached the Fat Lady's portrait, aware that there were probably tear tracks still shining on her face. The Fat Lady looked kindly down at her, and smiled.

"Password?"

"Mimbulus Mimbletonia," Ginny sighed. The Fat Lady swung open and Ginny began to climb through. As she did, however, she was sure she heard the kindly portrait lady say, "You're better off alone, dear."

And she was right, Ginny thought as she hurried upstairs to her dormitory, changed quickly and shut herself behind her curtains. She didn't need Michael.

I'm better off alone anyway...