Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter

Chapter 21 - Victory

Harry's POV

"Do you think there's something wrong with Ginny?" I shouted over the roar of the crowd to Ron. The Harpies had just scored another goal making it 210-190 to them.

"No why?" he frowned.

"I don't know she just looks a bit distracted."

"She's got her head in the game mate, I wouldn't worry," he said. I nodded my head but wasn't convinced, she hadn't even glanced my way since the game had started an hour ago. As always it had been an eventful one so far, play had stopped five times through various injuries, arguments and a fight. Normally nothing would stop a game of Quidditch, especially a final but the referee was incredibly old fashioned when it came to the rules and stopped play for every little thing.

"Oh what now?" Ron shouted to the ref who was holding his hands up for the teams to stop what they were doing. "He can't keep doing this, Quidditch is meant to be brutal you idiot."

"Ronald," Hermione chastised from his other side.

"And it looks like Weasley's being told off for flying too close to the ref whilst chasing the Snitch and wait she's answering him back, oh dear watch your mouth Weasley or he'll send you off," Lee said through the mic.

"Don't piss him off Gin," I mumbled to myself.

"I thought they weren't allowed to send them off?" Chantelle asked me.

"Technically they aren't but this ref likes to impose what he calls a "ten minute time out". Basically if Gin's of the pitch during this time and the Snitch appears then there's nothing they can do about it, it's been argued about within the league," I explained.

"And what was the outcome?"

"That all refs have their own ways of discipline."

"And we've resumed people," Lee said. "Weasley doesn't look too happy, the Snitch has disappeared again."

"Why was she going for it anyway?" Charlie asked from behind me. "They aren't sixty points up."

"Who knows," I shrugged. "She's going to get sent off if she doesn't watch her mouth, the refs on at her again."

"I can't watch this," Bill said pacing nervously behind me.

"They have to win," Fred and George said in unison.

"How much have you had on them this time?" I asked.

"You don't want to know," Fred groaned.

"And the Harpies have scored again but wait the ref has stopped play again," Lee sighed. "It looks like Ali might be sent off for aiming a Bludger at the ref."

"What's gotten into them all today?" I asked Ron who shook his head at me with disbelief.

"They want that cup," Arthur said.

"A ten minute penalty for Ali and now she's gesturing some quite rude hand actions at the ref, poor Katie will have to defend the team alone whilst Ali takes a break. Wait now Weasley is getting involved again and the ref has put a ten minute delay on her too; let's hope that Snitch stays out of sight whilst she's gone."

"Why was Gin interfering anyway?" Hermione frowned.

"I'm telling you she doesn't look herself today," I answered.

Gin and Ali flew of the pitch and disappeared from the game, the tension was rising now as everyone hoped the Snitch wouldn't appear. The Harpies scored eight more times during the ten minutes and if there was any time to catch the Snitch it was now.

"Weasley and Adams are back out on play but Adams isn't looking too happy about everything and wait Weasley's seen the Snitch and she's charging towards the North end whilst Mason tries to catch up with her but she's no match for him on that broom-"

"Come on Gin," everyone was screaming around me, I had one eye closed with a grimace as Gin collided into the stands missing the Snitch and watching it disappear into the sky.

"So close," Neville grumbled.

"I hope she's not hurt," Hermione worried.

"-but now the ref is telling Weasley off for causing potential harm to the crowd and Weasley is yelling at him again-"

Lee's commentary was drifting in and out of my ears as I watched Ginny like a hawk arguing with the ref, her hands were echoing her angry words and hair was working its way lose from her bun making her look more beautiful by the second; I was transfixed by her.

"Haaaaarry," Hermione was saying with a smile.

"Hmmmm."

"I said would you like another drink?"

"Oh no I'm good thanks," I said raising my bottle of beer to her and turning back to the match.

"What are you smirking at?" I heard Ron ask Hermione.

"Nothing much darling, just your best friend hopelessly besotted with your sister."

"Ever wish you'd not asked a question," I heard Ron grimace.

"Harry do you know where the toilets are?" Chantelle asked me.

"Yes they are just at the bottom of these stairs," I smiled briefly at her.

"Could you come with me? I'm not very good with heights and stairs," she said.

"Erm sure," I answered.

"Careful mate," Ron muttered in my ear as I walked past him. We headed down the stairs slowly as Chantelle clung to the rail for dear life; I was desperately trying to listen to what was going on in the match but Chantelle was making a commotion now about there being too many stairs.

"Hold my hand Harry," she pouted stretching out a perfectly manicure hand to me. I looked down at it then back up at Chantelle's hopeful face, I didn't want to lead her on again by taking her hand but at the same time I didn't want to be a bad friend.

"Thanks," she beamed as I went against my better judgment and took it. "You are such a good friend to me Harry; I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Thanks," I mumbled as we finally reached the toilets.

"I won't be a moment," she grinned before disappearing behind the door. I waited patiently for a couple of minutes hearing parts of the game and hoping Gin wouldn't catch the Snitch without me seeing.

"Harry," Chantelle called from the other side of the door.

"Yeah."

"Can you zip me back up please?"

"Huh?" I said dumbly wondering what needed zipping up.

"My top," she said opening the door and turning around to show me.

"Oh ok sure, hold this," I said handing her my beer and fastening the zip slowly notching she wasn't wearing a bra.

"Your fingertips feel amazing against my skin," she said softly.

"Are we ready?" I asked completely ignoring her comment.

"We could always stay down here and have some fun," she smirked.

"We could but then we could also go back up there and watch the rest of the game that my fiancé is playing in and hope to Merlin she never finds out that you propositioned me outside a toilet," I grabbed my beer from her and headed back up the stairs not even bothering to see the look on her face.

"Everything ok?" Ron asked me as I stood back next to him.

"Yeah its fine mate," I smiled.

"Are you sure?" he pushed. I turned to find him frowning at me with eyes full of concern.

"I'm positive, let's just hope Gin never finds out that Chantelle is still after me," I sighed and he shook his head with disbelief.

"I bloody knew it."

"Don't worry though I can handle her," I said my eyes now on Ginny who was circling the pitch slowly.

"You need to cut her off Harry or else she never be out of your life and always cause a threat to you and my sister."

"I know Ron; I'll sort it I promise."

"I can't believe we won," Ginny beamed as she ran towards me and jumped into my arms causing me to laugh with delight.

"I knew you would," I said as I held her close to me, her legs wrapped tightly around my waist.

"Put her down Potter," Jodie laughed as she walked past us and over to the bar. It was an hour after the match and the Harpies had won 480 – 390 against Puddlemere after two and a half hours. After countless laps of celebration and photos the team had joined us all at the Screaming Banshee in Godrics Hollow, Gwen still clutching the cup and crying with joy.

"You seemed to be on edge a bit today," I frowned at her and she shrugged her small shoulders.

"Yeah there was a bit of a pre match argument but it's all sorted now, nothing to worry about."

"That ref had it in for you," I said as she jumped down and took her drink from Bill.

"Cheers Bill, I know he was an arse and in the end me, Ali and Kate were going out of our way to upset him," Gin grinned evilly. "So much did you two win?"

"Five thousand galleons," Fred smirked.

"Wow that's not bad between you," Gin nodded.

"No Gin that was each," George laughed.

"Bloody hell why didn't you let me have little bet on with you?"

"Because you were playing in the team we bet on," Fred sighed.

"So, I still could have had a little flutter that money would have come in handy towards the wedding."

"Yes because you and Harry are so poor," Charlie said sarcastically.

"Ha ha," Ginny rolled her eyes.

"You could have at least had a shower before joining us Weasley," Snape said sarcastically as he walked over and hugged her tightly, "well done."

"Thanks Severus and we were that happy in the changing rooms we just danced around for ten minutes then grabbed our stuff," she laughed.

"Hey Gin come here a minute," Bridget shouted over from the bar.

"Excuse me for a moment."

"I bet they end up doing some shots," I shook my head with amusement.

"They'll be out until seven in the morning," Ron said.

"It's so good to see her happy isn't it," Percy said all eyes now on Gin who was choosing a flavoured shot of Vodka to down in one.

"It is," I agreed. A few moments later my heart sank as Chantelle walked in through the door and made a beeline straight for me.

"Oh great," I mumbled.

"Harry where did you get to?" she asked innocently.

"I was at the game just like you," I answered.

"I know but after our little liaison I thought you might have ditched ginger and come out with me-"

"Excuse me," Ron said in shock. "Ginger? You do realise you are surrounded by a load gingers at this precise moment."

"I know I am but it's only that one over there that offends me," Chantelle said.

"Chantelle what's gotten into you?" Charlie asked with a frown.

"Hang on," Fred said cutting everyone off. "She's just said she had a liaison with Harry and all you took from that was ginger?" he asked as his eyes practically bulged from his head.

"Don't be daft Fred, Harry wouldn't do anything of the sort with her," Ron tutted.

"Wouldn't he?" Chantelle smirked.

"You and I both know nothing happened Chantelle so stop making out it did," I replied.

"Fine you deny it all you want Harry but eventually the truth will come out and-"

"And what they will all see what a lying little scumbag you really are?" Ginny asked from behind her. Chantelle froze at these words and turned slowly to face a bemused Ginny. "Well?"

"I, er-"

"What's the matter Chantelle cat got your tongue? Or do you only ever feel brave when I'm not around?" Ginny asked.

"I'm not scared of you," Chantelle said finding her voice a little and straightening up.

"You're not?" Gin said as Chantelle shook her head. "Well more fool you because you should be."

"Gin-"Charlie began but Ginny held her hand up to silence Charlie and he obeyed.

"Let's get one thing straight right now Chantelle, if I ever see you within ten foot of my fiancé again I will personally hex you into a oblivion myself do you understand? And don't think I won't do it because I will, you've become far too comfortable around Harry and you need to realise that he loves me and not you. The rings on my finger darling not yours," Ginny scowled at Chantelle who squirmed uncomfortably before her, the whole pub was listening now.

"That sounds like a threat-"

"Oh trust me it is a threat," Ginny said. "Now step away from Harry and get out of my sight before I follow through on that threat right now."

"You can't speak to me this way, Elisa tell her she can't talk to me this way."

"It's nothing to do with me Chantelle; everyone knows you don't cross a Weasley and most especially not Ginny. If she's confronting you it's most usually for a valid reason."

"Elisa?" Chantelle said with shock.

"I'm sorry."

"Well I can see that I am not wanted here unless you want me here Harry?"

"I don't think we should be friends anymore Chantelle and I don't want you here," I sighed.

"I think its time you left before I see you out myself," Gin warned, Chantelle cast me a dangerous look before turning on her heal and walking out of the door. The pub burst in to loud cheers and applause, Ginny had a row of drinks lined up before her in seconds and I couldn't help but feel relieved that Chantelle had finally gotten the message about the two of us.

"I'm telling you Harry there, there, fuck where's my beer gone?" Ron asked looking at his empty hands and frowning.

"You finished it about ten minutes ago," I reminded him.

"Oh," he said dumbly. "Anyway we have to be up for work in four hours."

"Uh don't remind me," I grumbled with a roll of my eyes. We were still in the pub celebrating the Harpies victory, I had a feeling the night was only young.

"Weasley," Kingsley barked from behind Ron making us both jump.

"Yes boss?"

"Where is that wonderful wife of yours, I wanted to talk to her about a little project she would be perfect for."

"I have no idea?" Ron shrugged.

"She's over there talking to the twins," Ginny said joining us also. "Merlin those girls can drink."

"And you," I corrected her as she swayed dangerously on the spot.

"Hey Potter I can handle my drink, now where did I put my broom?" she asked looking around.

"What do you want that for?"

"We're going for a little fly," she grinned.

"Oh no you're not," I shook my head.

"Why not?" she demanded to know.

"Because you aren't meant to drink and fly, especially when the Minister for Magic is stood beside you," I answered.

"Kingsley," she said placing an arm around him. "You wouldn't mind me and the girls going for a little fly would you?"

"Sadly I would mind Ginny; you are far too drunk to be getting on your broom."

"Oh," she said simply before shrugging and returning to the team at the bar for more shots.

"Potter," Perks said as he approached us. "Congrats man on being engaged to one of the hottest Quidditch players in the league."

"Thanks," I laughed as Ron pulled a face.

"Don't you think my wife is hot Perks?" Ron asked.

"Of course I do Weasley but not as hot as your sister."

"Well that's annoying," Ron said.

"I think he has a thing for red heads," I mocked whispered to Ron who grunted.

"Better watch myself then hadn't I," he smirked.

"HARRY," Liz yelled from the bar, "COME HERE."

"Be back soon guys," I said heading over to the bar.

"Where have you been all night?" Amanda asked as soon as I joined the team.

"Admiring from a distance," I grinned.

"You have to do some shots with us Harry," Gwen ordered whilst thrusting a small glass filled with green liquid into my hand.

"Fine," I shrugged hoping this wouldn't taste disgusting.

"1… 2… 3…" Jodie said before I downed the apple flavoured vodka in one.

"Wow that's strong," I shuddered.

"Ha come on Potter you have to do at least three more with us before we return you to the normal folk," Katie grinned.

"I'll do as many as you want me to," I said cockily instantly regretting my words. The girls all cheered and ordered another round this time with red liquid.

"Wait before we down this one I have something I want to say," Heather began.

"Don't go all sentimental on us now," Gin warned.

"I'm not but I just want to say that you guys are the most amazing friends to me and well I value you more as family," she sniffed loudly. "When one of us hurts we all hurt and I personally just want you to know Gin that after the horrible year that you and Harry have had I am delighted to see the both of you so happy again, you deserve it and I can't bloody wait for your epic wedding next year."

The girls all raised their glasses to me and Gin before we all downed the strawberry vodka, Ginny looked over me with a smile and I couldn't help but return one.

"You guys are so sweet," Ginny burst out before a group hug took place.

"Alright who has their hand on my arse," I asked as nearly every face looked guilty.

"Ok one more," Emma said before ordering another round.

"Gin I think we should be heading home soon," I said quietly in her ear.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because I want you all to myself for a while, don't forget I was gone for such a loooooooong time," I mocked whined.

"Another hour," she promised but it was another three before we walked through our front door.

"Oh Merlin you have to be at work soon," Ginny said to me with a pout.

"Kingsley has given us all the day off," I smiled.

"He's a good, good man Harry," she said as she stumbled down the hallway and into the kitchen.

"Gin," I said as I watched her look in the fridge for some food.

"Hmmmm."

"I've been thinking," I began. "I'd really like us to adopt after the wedding."

Ginny slammed the fridge door shut and looked at me with huge, round eyes. It seemed to take hours before she answered me.

"I'm not sure if that's what I want Harry, I know, I know I want you, you but I don't think I want to adopt sorry," she smiled sadly. I felt like she had slapped me around the face with those words.

"Ok, I see," I said nodding my head and trying not to look disappointed. She slowly walked over to me and placed her arms around my neck.

"Please don't be mad with me, it's not what I want right now but who knows after the wedding I might feel differently," she offered.

"Yeah you might," I said unconvinced.

"Oh Merlin Harry please don't be like that with me I've just fucking won the Quidditch cup and you're asking me whilst I'm drunk if I want to adopt or not. Don't ruin this for me," she said taking a step back from me.

"I'm not trying to ruin anything for you," I said. "I'm just merely telling you what I want."

"And I'm telling you what I want."

"But it's not the same thing," I answered.

"So what now then?" she asked. "Is it over because we want different things?"

"No and why on earth would you even say that?"

"Because you're being an arse and we are drunk and I'll be dammed if we are going to argue over this tonight," she snapped.

"I'm not an arse," I muttered causing her to burst into laughter.

"Yes you are and you know it, now close that mouth of yours and just accept that tonight is not the night to be discussing this topic and take me to bed," she pouted.

"Fine I'm taking you to bed but this isn't over," I threatened with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh I know it's not," she sighed before I picked her up into my arms and carried her to bed.

Hey everyone.

I just want to start by saying how sorry I am for taking a life time to upload a new chapter, things have been quite stressful & full on lately. But here it is all sparkly & new & just because it's been so long I have also uploaded the next chapter too...

Please enjoy & don't forget to follow & review if you get the time. Thanks for being so patient with me :)Krystal xx