Chapter 4

Though practice was cancelled, Ginny rose early in the morning because Hermione wanted to start moving into her flat as soon as possible. Ginny followed her bushy-haired friend out of the Burrow and let her apparate them both to Diagon Alley. They walked through the deserted street until they arrived in the small byroad where Hermione's new flat was situated.

Ginny saw how happy and proud her friend looked about having her own place. They ascended the steps to the third floor and Hermione unlocked the wooden door with an ancient silver key, chancing a nervous look at Ginny before pushing open the door.

Ginny entered the flat, looking around curiously. It was a small two-room-flat which provided more than enough space for one person. Huge windows flooded the rooms with light and gave the flat a warm atmosphere.

"The white walls look a bit sterile but I want to change them into warmer colours like beige or light yellow," Hermione said anxiously, watching her friend.

Ginny turned around. "This is great. I like it and I'm sure when you're done with it, it's even better."

Hermione's expression brightened and she nodded eagerly, chatting away about all the plans that she had for her flat.

Ginny couldn't help but smile about the enthusiasm of her friend. She was a bit anxious about her own living arrangements. So far she hadn't seen the flat of her team mates and she could only hope that it wasn't some small, dank place without any windows.

The two young women started her work- changing the colours of the walls, and casting Cleaning Spells at every corner of the room and at the windows. Both of them weren't adept with household spells so they just used Scourgify for everything, though Ginny knew that there were different spells for each surface.

"I noticed how Flint has been watching you yesterday," said Hermione while they were fixing pictures at the walls.

Ginny stopped in her movement, staring at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well, he just seemed particularly interested in you."

Ginny frowned in thought but then she shook her head. "Don't be silly, Mione."

Hermione shrugged. "I know what I've seen."

Ginny bit her lip, trying to remember if Marcus had acted strangely. She had to admit that he'd been staring at her quite some time but she couldn't explain herself why.

"So you really want to live with three of your team mates?"

Ginny shrugged. "Yes. I don't see a problem. Marcus, Eric and Adrian won't rip my head off, you know."

"I'm rather worried that they'll try to rip your clothes off."

"Mione!" said Ginny. "Please don't turn into my mother."

Hermione blushed. "I'm not trying to act like your mother. I'm just worried about you. I've heard a few things about those guys that were – to put it quite frankly- a bit disconcerting."

"I know that they are incorrigible playboys, all of them, and I know that at least Adrian will move heaven and earth to get into my knickers, but don't you think I'm capable of dealing with them? I'm not a stupid, little girl."

"I'm sorry, Ginny. I know that you're capable of handling those guys. You've spent all your life with Ron, so I owe you some respect," said Hermione with a small, apologetic smile.

Ginny got more anxious as evening approached. She was actually excited to be finally presented as an official member of the team but she dreaded the inevitable confrontation with Ron and Harry. They would cause a scene. She could only hope that Hermione's presence would keep at least Harry under control as he still seemed to listen to what she told him, but Ron on the other hand, he was a lost cause. Especially when he was drunk his temper got out of control, and Ginny was sure that there would be plenty of firewhiskey on the ball. She could only hope for the best.

xxx

"Don't look so nervous. I'm sure everything will be alright," Hermione said.

Ginny folded the dark-green cocktail dress her friend had given her and put it in a bag. "I wish you could attend the presentation of the teams."

Hermione hugged her. "I'll be at the ball. Speaking of ball, where will you change into the dress?"

Ginny glanced down at her grey-white Quidditch uniform with the falcon on her chest. "I guess there'll be changing rooms in the Ministry." She slung her bag over her shoulder. "I need to go now."

Hermione grabbed her arm and apparated them to the pitch in Falmouth. Boisterous laughter carried over to them. Ginny spotted her team mates in front of the changing room.

"I'd better go," Hermione said hastily and disapparated with a short smile. Ginny couldn't help but wonder if her friend was intimidated by the guys. She hurried towards them and was greeted by Adrian's usual lewd grin and Flint's scowl. They were all wearing their Falcon's uniforms and Ginny wondered where their suits were.

"I'm on time," she said immediately.

"Barely," Marcus said. "Let's go before we miss the show."

Adrian, Eric, Christopher, Miles and Cormac disapparated with soft pops. Marcus wrapped his arm around Ginny's waist before apparating them to a hall in the Ministry. Even when he removed his hand, her skin still tingled. "Put your bag away," Marcus told her.

She didn't like his commanding tone but he was the captain. She shrunk the bag magically and stuffed it into her pants pocket – not an easy feat considering how tight they fit. She had a suspicion that the guys had given her a smaller size on purpose so they could stare at her legs and ass. "Show time!" Adrian pounded his fists against his chest like a gorilla and reached for the double door that probably led into the room where the annual presentation of the teams would take place.

"One moment," Marcus said, his eyes focusing on her. Ginny had to stop herself from squirming under his gaze. "We have a reputation to uphold."

Ginny'd heard of their reputation. She wasn't sure if a game with them had ever ended without a broken bone. "I won't damage your reputation."

Miles snorted and exchanged a look with Cormac. She'd noticed that they were the two guys who hated having her on the team the most.

"You don't look very brutal and don't quite fit into the picture," Eric gestured at himself and the others. Broad chests, muscled, all at least a head taller than Ginny.

"All teams have a girl on their team because of the law," she said defensively.

Flint looked fierce. "That's true but I want to convey a certain image."

Ginny raised her eyebrows at him.

"We're a unit and you're under our constant protection. I want the other teams to be scared shitless of approaching you on the field because we'll be there to kick their ass."

"I'm not a damsel in distress."

"I didn't say you were but you're not going to argue when we protect you. I want to convey a message today," Flint said.

Ginny nodded reluctantly. She could feel the air charged with nervous energy. Her team mates looked only too eager to get in a fight for her.

"Let's go." Flint straightened, putting on a scowl. "And you stay in our middle."

Ginny didn't argue. She positioned herself between Adrian and Eric, Marcus in the front and Miles, Cormac and Christopher building the rear. Marcus pushed open the door with so much force that it collided with the wall behind it. Together they walked into the crowded hall. Sometimes Ginny caught sight of people staring at her but she was mostly shielded by her team mates. The Ceiling of the huge room was decorated with the banners of the 13 teams of the League. When she spotted the grey-white banner with the falcon, her chest swelled with pride. She was on the most feared team.

When she looked at the scowling faces of her team mates, it didn't surprise her that they were feared. She tried to catch a glimpse at other players when they finally came to a stop in the middle of the hall. A flash of orange moved by and she held her breath. That was the color of the Chudley Cannons. But it wasn't Harry or Ron.

"What happens now?" she whispered, wishing she had a better look at what was going on.

"We wait until it's our turn," Eric Montague said. Today his brown hair was even spikier than usual.

Ginny stood on her tiptoes to catch a glimpse at the stage but she only saw the top of the head of Minister Shacklebolt.

An arm wrapped around her waist and she stiffened. Adrian leaned down, his mouth inches from her ear as he moved her against his body. "See, now it's better." It was true, pressed against his body, she now had the perfect view at the stage.

"Adrian," Flint's voice held a warning.

But that moment Shacklebolt spoke up, welcoming them and then introducing the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports Jonathan Quigley. The man stepped forward and everyone clapped, except for the Falcons. Ginny's palms froze an inch from each other. Adrian winked at her sideways and Flint gave them a death glare.

Quigley called the first team up, the Appleby Arrows. She didn't know anyone on the team. The Wimbourne Wasps booed loudly. The two teams had been enemies for centuries.

Ginny knew that the Arrows wouldn't fight for the Quidditch Cup. They weren't good enough. Quigley announced their weight and height. Ginny felt almost sorry for the female team member, a wide shouldered, square jawed girl with short hair who tried to look tough but failed.

"They should be disqualified!" Adrian shouted.

Ginny glanced at him, confused. Flint suppressed a smile, apparently he knew what was going on it that pretty head of Pucey.

Quigley frowned. "Excuse me?"

"They're supposed to have a girl on the team!"

Quigley looked over his shoulder at the Arrows, his eyes resting on the girl, Mefalda, if Ginny'd heard correctly.

"They have a female team member," Quigley said.

"I don't see a girl," Adrian shouted, staring right at Mefalda. Ginny's team mates snickered.

Quigley ignored him and the Arrows hurried off the stage. The guys on the team hadn't even tried to defend their team mate.

"That was cruel," Ginny said quietly.

Flint turned to her, face hard. "You knew our reputation. Quidditch isn't for sissies. If that girl can't stand insults, she'd better leave her team fast."

Ginny looked away from his dark eyes and focused on the stage. The Chudley Cannons stepped up and she froze. Harry and Ron were among the seven main players. They hadn't spotted her yet. She was shielded by the tall bodies around her and she was glad. She took a step back. Adrian glanced at her but he didn't comment.

A small part of her felt perverse glee at the prospect of rubbing it under Ron's and Harry's noses that she was playing for the Falmouth Falcons.

It wasn't as if she liked to spite her parents or her brothers or Harry. Well, not generally that is. But sometimes they deserved it.

"Ron Weasley," announced Quigley.

"Bloodtraitor!" "Sissy!" "Fag!" screamed her team mates.

Ginny flinched, especially the first insult was like a stab. She felt heat rise into her cheeks but squared her shoulders. She reminded herself of Flint's words. She needed to get used to insults or she wouldn't survive in this League.

Ron's ears turned red. She was glad that she was hidden behind Marcus.

Harry was called to the front next. The announcer shouted his stats, then it was Katie Bell's turn. She was two years older than Ginny, a former Gryffindor and had been one of the best Chasers in Hogwarts.

"Nice ass!" Cormag shouted.

And other teams gave appreciative hoots. Katie lifted her chin and Harry grabbed her arm, giving her a smile. Ginny felt a small stab of jealousy but pushed it down at once.

"Falmouth Falcons!"

Ginny swallowed as she followed her team mates up on stage. A hand on her lower back guided her to the front of the team so everyone could see her.

"That's my sister!" Ron screamed. Harry looked dumbfounded.

Ginny tried to ignore them but it was hard when Ron stormed towards the stage. "You won't play for them!"

"Fuck off, Weasel, or I'll smash your face in." Flint stepped up beside her.

"Silence!" Quigley shouted. Ron and Marcus kept up their staring contest but at least they didn't start fighting. Ginny knew this wasn't over.

She was called to the front and hoots sounded in the hall. Some guys made lewd gestures. Flint wrapped an arm around her shoulders protectively and she had to stop herself from flinching in surprise.

They made their way down from the stage after their team photo had been taken and she could feel the eyes of her brother and Harry on her the entire time. This was far from over. As soon as Quigley was done with his presentation, all hell would break loose.

The tension in her body was almost painful.

Puddlemere United mounted the stage with Oliver Wood as their captain. Alicia Spinnet, a former Gryffindor, Ginny could barely remember, was their female seeker.

"Isn't that the girl you hexed in Hogwarts?" Adrian asked.

Miles shrugged. "Made her eyebrows grow so much that she couldn't see anything and couldn't play against us."

Ginny had to stifle a laugh. Marcus exchanged an amused look with her. The first time all evening that his expression had softenend a tad but it was already gone and the scowl was back.

"They won the cup for the last two years; if I have to endure Wood's stupid grin when he gets the trophy one more time, then I'll scorch my eyes out," he growled under his breath.

"And that would be such a shame, considering how beautiful your eyes are," said Adrian in high-pitched voice, batting his eyeslashes playfully.

Ginny giggled, causing the members of Puddlemere United to glare at her.

"You think you're funny, don't you?" muttered Marcus, glowering at his friend.

"Occasionally," replied Adrian good-humouredly. "That's why the ladies like me."

Markus cracked his knuckles. "I've never seen you with a lady."

The Holy Harpies were the last team that was introduced. The seven women held their head high, ignoring the insults and lewd grins thrown their way.

Ginny felt excitement bubble up in her. She'd been a fan of this team for ages. She couldn't wait to talk to the girls, especially Angelina Johnson who'd been in Gryffindor and was dating George.

"Let's get going," Marcus said when the presentation was over. "The ball begins in 30 minutes." He took Ginny by the arm and apparated with her. The last thing she saw was Ron's furious face as he hurried towards her.

She stumbled when her feet hit the ground in the changing room of the Falcons. "Why are we here again?"

"Because we need to get dressed and I don't think it's wise to use the Ministry facilities," Marcus said.

"Why not?"

Adrian grinned. "Because there'll be a fight between us and the Cannons. And a fight should always take place in public."

"You want to get in a fight on the ball?"

"Who said want?" Eric said and bumped chests with Adrian.

Ginny rolled her eyes.

"If your brother keeps provoking us, he'll get what he deserves," Marcus said in a low voice.

Adrian pulled his shirt off and the other guys started undressing as well. Ginny pulled her shrunk bag from her pants, cast a Disillusionment Charm around herself, so they couldn't see her while she changed. She pulled her dress out. It was dark green – the color of the Harpies she realized now. She wasn't sure if the guys would like that. But their team colors weren't that pleasing to the eyes. She slipped into the green dress. It ended a few inches over her knees and had a corset that showed quite a bit of cleavage. It was strapless and embroidered. She put on black high heels and curled her hair magically before applying make up. When she was done, she hesitated a moment. This dress was very sexy, so she knew what would happen. She removed the Charm around her body and immediately the hooting started.

She sighed. The only one who wasn't whistling was Marcus. He was staring at her strangely. She had to admit that the guys looked hot in their tuxedos. She wasn't surprised that they didn't have any problems getting girls into their beds.

Adrian walked around her like a jaguar prowling its prey. "Whoa, Ginny. Do you want to give me a boner even before the evening has really started?"

Ginny's skin flushed. "Eww, Adrian. You're disgusting."

"Hot," Eric said, his eyes trapped somewhere near her chest. "But the color is wrong."

"He's right. They'll think you're one of the Harpies."

Ginny shrugged. "Grey isn't the best color for a dress."

"Then turn your dress white," Christopher suggested. He was the most silent of the team.

"I'll look like a bride."

Marcus flicked his wand and her dress was white.

Adrian grinned. "You look like a virgin about to be sacrificed. Isn't that symbolic?"

Miles snorted. "As if there are any virgins left in the world."

"Definitely not around Adrian," said Eric. The guys laughed and Ginny smoothed invisible wrinkles in her dress. She wouldn't tell them that there was a virgin in their team.

Marcus glanced at her curiously but she straightened and looked away. "Can we hurry? I promised my friend Hermione that I'd meet her at 8."

"Will you introduce me to her?" Adrian wiggled his eyebrows.

"She's a mudblood," Miles said matter-of-factly. Before Ginny knew it her fist connected with his jaw. He didn't even stumble but at least he touched the red spot.

Marcus grabbed her arms. "What's the matter with you?"

Ginny ripped from his grip, glaring at the guys. "Don't ever use that term around me."

Miles gave her a cold smile, his teeth covered in blood. "But she is one."

She pointed a shaking finger at him. "She's worth more than you. Without her I'd be dead. She saved my life in the Final Battle while you lounged your pampered pureblood asses in your daddy's mansions."

A moment too late, Ginny realized that it might not be clever to insult every single of her team mates. They could throw her out. She stormed out of the changing room, furious and terrified. Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut? Because they'd insulted her best friend and everything she'd fought for in the Final Battle.

Strong hands grabbed her arms and stopped her. She struggled but was turned around and Marcus picked her up like she weight nothing and pressed her against the wall of the changing room.

His face was tight with fury. "Listen, we have no time for this shit. We're a team and we have to attend the fucking ball or we'll get in trouble. I won't allow that we get disqualified because you can't keep your emotions in check."

Ginny felt trapped in his grip. She was like a puppet. "Let me go." Her voice was choked and small like she'd start to cry any moment and she hated herself for it.

He set her down at once and sighed. "I usually deal with men. If I'm too rough-" He trailed off like he didn't know what else to say.

Ginny shook her head. "No. I don't want to be treated differently. And I'm not sorry for hitting Miles. I hate the word he used."

"You'll hear worse from our mouths in the future. I can guarantee you that."

"No. For me that's the worst insult there is."

Marcus stared towards the open door where Adrian was waiting with raised eyebrows. "We won't always agree on our political views but you shouldn't make assumptions about us pampered poorbloods." With that he walked back into the changing room.

Ginny took a deep breath before she followed, worried how she'd be treated now. Some of her fear evaporated when Adrian threw his arm over her shoulders. "I like them fierce. I hope you're as wild in bed as you are around us."

Ginny blushed and nudged her elbow against his ribs. "You'll never find out, Adrian. That's a promise."

"Okay, gentlemen, we've had worse fights, so let's get past this shit," Marcus said.

Miles extended his arm and Ginny shook his hand. He didn't look particularly happy but she didn't think he was the type to hold a grudge. As one they disapparated. This time it was Adrian who took her along and Ginny thought Marcus' face had tightened at that.