Chapter 3: Disappointment

Poppy was soaring through the air, catching every single quaffle thrown her way. She could feel the wind in her hair and see a lot of tiny people on the ground. The tiny people were watching her and judging her every move. Poppy grinned to herself, she had done great, it was practically flawless. She flew to ground level, got off her broom and smiled cheekily. Marcus was looking at her with amazement which turned into a sneer. Poppy had gotten used to this look and hadn't been expecting a warmer welcome, even if he'd been acting more a human being and less a monster lately.

"So?" Poppy asked, wiping sweat from her forehead. "What'd you think?"

"To be completely honest, and it hurts me to say this, you were good. I'm not gonna put you on the team, though," Flint answered and turned around to face his team members. Poppy tapped him on his broad shoulder and he turned back again.

"What? Why not?" she asked, slightly annoyed.

"No girls on the Slytherin team," Flint said simply. Now Poppy was truly annoyed.

"So that's just your own rule, then?"

"Slytherins have always preferred that girls cheer in the stands and have fun at the afterparties", Flint said and was about to turn around again.

"There hasn't been much partying after Potter came along," Poppy remarked.

"Is there anything else or can I go on with my life now? No girls on the team, end of discussion," Flint said. He was clearly cross with Poppy.

"Put me on the team," she demanded.

"Why should I go against tradition?"

"Because I'm a better keeper than whoever that guy over there is. Hell, I'd probably be better at any position than the team you have now. Which isn't much of an accomplishment, since you apparently choose your players based on size and not skills!" Poppy ranted. Flint's smug look was fading a little.

"Insulting my team isn't going to get you very far, little girl," Flint said raising his raspy voice a little. He didn't scare Poppy, even if he was the biggest and baddest Slytherin. All the first years always described him as that and told warning tales of what he'd done to those who got too close. Poppy was sure most of those stories were false but Flint certainly enjoyed making them seem true and it was easy to see why he was feared. He was tall, taller than Oliver, and wide, more muscular than chasers usually. Physically, he would have been better suited as a beater. His rough playing tactics were widely known, and Oliver had told Poppy whenever he had to shake Flint's hand, he'd end up with nearly crushed fingers.

"Look, I get that you have to act tough in front of them," Poppy said lowering her voice a little, nodding in the team's direction. "But just put me on the team and maybe you'll win for a change."

Flint laughed. It wasn't a friendly laugh, no, it was definitely a laugh that was meant to mock and belittle.

"You think we're friends now? Because I said I liked your hair? That doesn't make us friends, you don't get to talk to me in that way. You're just another pretty thing to look at," Flint said loudly, with his signature sneer.

"No, we're definitely not friends. But you are going to put me on this team, I'm sure of it," Poppy said. She tried remaining firm but was certain her voice was shaking. "Once you realise your keeper can't even catch his own thoughts, you'll come looking for me."

She turned on her heels and headed for the edge of the pitch. Grace was waiting, she'd come to see Poppy try out.

"How was that?" Poppy asked nervously.

"Very good, very firm," Grace replied with a smile. "And your playing was just top notch!"

The girls headed back to the castle so Poppy could shower and change before they headed out to the lake to study. On their way, they ran into Oliver. He spotted them, Poppy's broom and her sweaty clothes and headed towards them in a decisive manner.

"You're in trouble now," Grace whispered.

"Poppy! What've you been doing? I thought you spend Saturdays studying?" Oliver quizzed. Poppy thought maybe she should tell a little lie but decided not to. She always thought lies should be saved for bigger things, then people will believe them.

"I tried out for Quidditch," she replied. Oliver's brows furrowed. "And I know what you're going to say so don't."

"Oh, you're not getting out of this that easily. What were you thinking? Flint is still here, he's a vile captain and a poor example of a human being!" Oliver ranted.

"I don't care who's captain. I just want to play," Poppy tried to reason. "I didn't even make the team... Yet."

"What do you mean you didn't make it? You're almost as good as me!" Oliver shouted. "Wait, you're trying to change the subject! I don't want you on that team, a few months, no- make that a few minutes playing with Flint and you'll come running to me in tears."

"Oliver, shut up. I'll get on the team and there's nothing you can do about it. Now, I'm going to go shower and then we're off to study. I will see you later," Poppy said and walked away. Grace waved faintly at Oliver, who smiled weakly before waving back.

"So why do you want to play?" Grace questioned.

"What do you mean? I love Quidditch," Poppy said.

"You do, I know. And you've been wanting to play ever since you got to Hogwarts but you always said you'd wait until Flint's gone."

"Yeah, I know. But-"

"You fancy him!" Grace interrupted.

"I do not!" Poppy yelled. "I mean... That's absurd!"

"It's obvious," Grace said. "He forgets your name and suddenly you're all 'Ooh, let me on your team, let's play Quidditch together and snog.'"

"That doesn't make any sense," Poppy said with a puzzled look.

"Of course it does, you got so mad when he didn't remember you and now you want to prove you're unforgettable. Everybody loves a bad boy and that's how they get you," Grace said.

"You're way off with this, I have no interest in him," Poppy said firmly.

"Why not wait until next year, he can't still be here then," Grace quizzed.

"Because this was supposed to be the year I got on the team!" Poppy snapped. Grace looked genuinely confused. "I have a plan and I won't let anyone stand in my way. I want on that team."