Thank you for all the reviews. I really appreciate and enjoy them.

Thanks also to Lord Jawblinneron for checking this chapter.

Ginny, flustered in her haste, arrived awkwardly at the function in a black Muggle dress Hermione lent her for the evening. The odd Muggle material fit the curves of her form snuggly, perhaps a little too so. Her hands kept trailing down her side to adjust some part in an effort to make sure it was still on. The black high heels, something she'd never worn before, furthered her problems as she nearly stumbled into a nearby plant.

Regaining her composure and balance, Ginny edged further along the plush red carpet and into the reception room. All the while her eyes desperately scanned the crowd for any sign of the Harpies; a small part hoped to find Harry. Thankfully it did not take long to find a group of women standing together. The wary wizards walking wide circles around them combined with the smooth swaggers of a few over confident ones further highlighted the Harpies. At least their dresses made Ginny's look tame. Tension she'd not realised had been there left her system rapidly, making her feel slightly light headed.

She took a step, a clumsy one, and her ankle twisted over the right heel for the tenth time since leaving the house. This time she knew her balance would lose the battle against gravity. Newspaper headlines flashed through her mind, but even as the fall began it stopped. A gentle but firm hand held her shoulder. "Easy there, miss." The familiar voice of Harry spoke from behind.

It took all her will power to not turn around and kiss him. His presence, however, removed the last vestiges of anxiety. Like having one of her brothers or father around; she felt comfortable and safe.

He slipped past, but his hand lingered slightly longer on her shoulder. "Take care. These events do tend to drag on." His green eyes flicked across her dress before returning to her eyes. A smile lingered on his lips.

She gulped, people were staring at them. "Thank you, Potter."

He gave a charming smile and held out a hand. "It's Harry."

Her arm extended towards him and he took it carefully. "Ginny."

Green eyes sparkled back. "Mind if I get you a drink?"

"They're free," Ginny countered. He grinned and shrugged, which made Ginny bite her bottom lip nervously. The lipstick felt odd, another thing she was not used to. All the while her entire team stood watching the exchange. "Perhaps later." Ginny forced a smile. She really wanted to stay with him, to be held in his arms. "But my team's waiting."

A few wizards, all trying hard to listen, came closer. "Of course, you were signed by the Harpies." His smile grew as he spoke loud enough for the few journalists around to overhear. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." A bright flash from a camera made her blink.

"Until later then, Ginny." He turned away slowly and made his way towards the bar. Immediately he was intercepted by a group of long legged witches. For a moment she found herself staring after them jealously. The feeling, lessoned, but did not vanish the moment he politely ignored them to make his way to Oliver Wood, the Cannon's captain.

"Ginny!" Katie shrieked loudly at her arrival. "Eyeing up the handsomest man in the place?"

"He came to speak with me." Ginny tried to regain her composure. Harry did have a way to flip her world upside down. "I didn't even know it was him until he started talking."

Katie just nodded as if she did not understand a single word. "Just try to remember that other man of yours while flirting with men."

"I did not flirt!" Her cheeks tinged red.

The rest of the Harpies began to laugh. "Well with all that eyelash movement and those longing puppy dog eyes. Ginny, I thought you were about to jump poor old lonely Harry there for a moment. And don't forget that all too subtle fall over your own feet."

"I was not," she harrumphed. "And it was not a planned stumble! I don't wear heels." But the looks of pity from her teammates made her sigh in defeat and decide to go along.

"Get this girl a drink," Samantha called out to the barman. "She might need a few to loosen up."

"Coming right up." The man behind the counter eyed Ginny. It made her skin crawl as she turned around shivering. The dress began to feel really tight.

"So?" Katie took a sip from her glass.

Ginny narrowed her eyes worriedly while the uncomfortable feeling of being studied slowly diminished. "What?" she asked in defeat.

"So… where is your guy? We were sure he'd be all over an event like this." Victoria nodded slowly at Katie's words, but said nothing.

Ginny glanced over Katie's shoulder to where Harry was still busy having an intense conversation with Oliver. The two men seemed lost in their own world. Their hands moved about as if mimicking the movements of Quidditch players.

"He's busy tonight," Ginny finally replied. The sound of her voice must have been convincing.

Katie frowned and then reached towards the counter where the bartender had placed Ginny's drink. "Here you go. Try to enjoy yourself."

She took a tentative sip from the drink. Her mind trying to recall her brothers' advice about accepting drinks. "Will try my best."

"That's my Harpy." She slapped Ginny on the back just as she took another sip. Naturally it caused her to cough embarrassingly.

Katie seemed only slightly ashamed as she moved away to talk to some other people who turned out to be a group of wealthy young wizards with egos to match their Galleons. Ginny frowned and turned away only to bump into Gwenog. "So what's this event all about?"

Her coach shrugged. "The same nonsense as every year. The Minister and all the witches and wizards of the Wizengamot trying their best to get people to love them. The rich and famous trying to draw even more attention. Teams glare at each other while trying to size up their opposition." She took a slow sip from her cocktail. "Other coaches move about trying to sign players or get information. In the end it's all just polite backstabbing really."

"Sounds like fun," Ginny tried to sound optimistic.

Angelina, who'd approached while Gwenog spoke, rolled her eyes. "Just wait 'till the speeches. Last year Minister Kingsley spoke for almost an hour."

"Don't remind me," Gwenog moaned. "I think Potter was the only one listening."

"Please, Gwenog!" Angelina laughed. "You were captivated by all that talk about the war and how Quidditch is paving the way for a new improved Britain."

Gwenog groaned, but caved in. "He was talking sense."

Angelina stopped enjoying herself at their coach's expense as she glanced over Ginny's shoulder. The woman's lips turned into a mischievous grin as she raised her glass to take a drink. It seemed all too casually.

"Miss Weasley." The warm voice of Harry sent chills up Ginny's spine. She gave Angelina a quick glare for not warning her. The woman just smiled wider.

Taking a deep breath, Ginny was determined to act calm. It was shattered, however, the moment she stumbled upon trying to turn. Harry caught her in his arms before she could fall. "Merlin!" Ginny said loudly. "I hate these shoes."

Harry steadied Ginny to the delight of the rest of the Harpies. Though a few wizards were glaring at Harry and numerous witches stared daggers at Ginny. "I doubt I'd do any better with those long thin things myself."

"I'm sure you could do better," Ginny replied.

He glanced down at her drink. "I was going to offer to get you a drink, but it seems your friends beat me to it."

"They do try to look after me."

"Yes, Potter," Angelina chimed in as she rested an arm over Ginny's shoulder. "We do take care of our own."

"I've heard as much." Harry quirked an eyebrow, but Ginny could see the unease growing beneath the surface. He really just wanted to talk with her.

"Perhaps after the speeches." She raised her glass. "And maybe if my drink is done."

He gave a grateful smile. "I look forward to it, Miss Weasley."

He bid farewell and went to join the Cannons. "He really does seem a bit taken by you." This time it was Victoria who spoke. "I don't think I've ever seen him walk over to another witch."

"Been studying him much?" Catherine laughed.

Victoria shook her head vigorously. "No, but he does tend to keep to himself at these events."

Ginny forced herself to not stare longingly after Harry. "He does seem nice though."

"I guess," Victoria shrugged. "I only really talked to him once, we traded scarves."

Ginny nodded and tried to clear her mind of Harry. The evening was going to be long enough without having to long after him.

Shacklebolt usually spoke well; his ideas both profound and daring. This year the speech droned on, and the seat became increasingly uncomfortable. In the past Harry'd been far more attentive, having family seats in the Wizengamot, but this year a certain redhead was on his mind; a very distracting redhead.

Leaning back carefully, he managed to sneak a glance in the direction of the Harpies table. Ginny sat looking as radiant as the moment he found her standing by the entrance. The black dress had and was still turning heads. A slight hint of jealousy, and a good doze of anger, had crept in upon hearing various wizards commenting about her. How could he blame them though? Ginny's athletic build and firm legs were driving him crazy.

It took a few seconds of clapping before Harry noticed that the speech had come to an end. He, of course, joined in until the clapping died down and people began to move about. With their stomachs full the real party was about to begin.

"Hanging about this year?" Oliver asked from beside Harry.

"Excuse me?" Harry replied distractedly while he searched for Ginny.

"Usually you are gone the second your hands stop clapping."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe I'll stick around and see what really goes on. It's not like I have to get a good night's sleep this year."

Oliver made no sign of understanding. He had always been slightly strange and obsessive. "Well I'm off. Alicia is waiting for me at home."

Glancing up at Oliver and away from the on-going search for Ginny, Harry was caught slightly by surprise. The man looked drained. "You alright there, Oliver?"

The Keeper smiled slightly. "I'm fine. Just busy you know; pre-season things and being captain and all."

Harry stood. "Yeah, but usually you are all fired up and roaring to go by now."

The Cannon's captain nodded. "It's just been a long few months, but I'm sure now that things are back in motion I'll relax again. Waiting for the games to begin has never been good for me."

"Sure?"

"I hope so." Oliver did not sound convinced of his own words. "But I need to be getting home." Harry wanted to help his friend, but there was little to be done here. In the end he shook Oliver's hand and bid him goodnight.

Standing alone and with no one else around to distract himself from Ginny, Harry tentatively touched the inside pocket of his jacket. The small rectangular box and its comforting weight were still there. His hand dropped away, trembling. Then he saw her, radiant and smiling. His heart quickened its pace as their eyes met.

Mechanically his legs began to move, he could not have stopped even if he willed it. Before a moment passed, or maybe hours had, he reached her. This close he had to take another deep calming breath while he forced his shaking hands into his trouser pockets.

"Miss Weasley, we meet again," he said trying to sound as calm and normal as possible. Behind Ginny, the rest of the Harpies were keeping a keen eye on things. They were getting really annoying.

"Three times goes beyond chance, Harry. I think you are trying to get more from me."

"I owe you a drink, if my memory serves me correctly."

"You sure do!" Katie Bell, a Harpies Chaser, called out from behind.

"Um… thank you, Miss Bell," Harry said over Ginny's shoulder. "And I promise to keep it to a single drink."

Ginny stifled a laugh as she glanced back to see a pouting Katie. "I'm sure one drink is more than enough time for me to talk to Harry properly, Katie. It took me nearly the entire speech to finish my first."

"Yes," the woman agreed mournfully. By the looks of things Katie was well beyond her first cocktail of the evening.

"Shall we?" Harry motioned towards the bar where there was an opening. Gingerly he touched his pocket again. It was still there. "So what can I get you?"

"Pumpkin juice." She replied.

Harry turned to the bartender. The man was quick to serve the Harry Potter while all but ignoring the unknown Ginny even though the man had been eyeing her earlier. In those moments Harry had learned a lot about restraint. "A Butterbeer and a pumpkin juice."

"Coming right up, Mr Potter." The young wizard blurred into motion.

"Did you enjoy the speeches?" Harry asked.

Ginny glanced about guiltily. "Honestly, I missed half of what was said."

"I barely remember two words myself." Harry laughed softly just as the man returned with their drinks. "Care to take a stroll to the balcony?"

"That would be nice." Ginny beamed up at him just before he began to lead them out. A few heads turned in their direction, but to most Ginny was just another unknown. Even the reporters ignored them; Harry had never been good for a scandal. The women he'd spoken to had always been just that.

Outside the air was fresh. Not quite the same as when flying, but with the street far below you could almost imagine yourself on a broom for a moment.

"It's so silent out here," Ginny said softly from beside. "The noise inside was getting to me."

He took a sip of Butterbeer, suddenly very nervous at being alone. The box in his pocket began to weigh a ton. "I know what you mean. Your chest gets all tight and it begins to feel like you just want to run away."

She spun around, looking beautiful in her dress, and leaned back against the stone wall of the balcony. The light reflecting off her hair made it seem alive, but even that could not compare to the warmth in her eyes.

"You seem very eager to get me alone tonight, Harry." She lifted her glass to her lips.

"And you're not doing a very good job of staying away from me." He countered lightly.

She laughed, it proved infectious. "Perhaps I like being caught." A comfortable silence surrounded them and Harry moved to stand beside her. The sky over London was bright and he missed being able to look up at the stars. "You alright? You seem a bit tense."

"Tense?" he replied quickly. "I'm not tense, why would I be tense? I've got nothing to be tense about. No, I'm not tense."

She eyed him critically. "Really?"

"Merlin." He groaned. "How can I not be nervous around the amazingly wonderful woman I love?"

Even in the soft light outside, he could see the blush on her cheeks. It really was easy to make her grow red. "Perhaps, but I still say you've got something on your mind."

"Perhaps," he agreed. "Forget about me. You've got your first game in a few days."

"I can't believe it's almost time."

"Believe me, once the season starts, you'll blink and then it's gone."

She nodded thoughtfully.

The air stirred around them and the noise coming from inside died down even more. They were alone high above the ground. His hand trembled as it moved up towards his pocket. "Ginny…"

"Ginny!" Angelina screeched from just outside the door. "I found you." She turned round. "Girls, she's outside."

Harry moaned slightly as not only Angelina, but a good portion of the Harpies began to exit out onto the balcony.

Knowing that tonight was probably not the night for it anyway. He resigned himself to the outcome. "Thank you for the conversation, Ginny."

"Thank you for the drink," Ginny replied knowing that the time had come to part for the evening.

With one last look at Ginny, Harry walked back inside. The little box would have to wait for another day. And if he were honest with himself it was not the right time to ask her.

Walking through the slightly less crowded reception area he made his way outside. As soon as he was alone he flipped the box open and stared at the sparkling diamond.

Ginny stood amongst the loud conversations of her teammates. The pounding in her chest lessoned slowly. It made her wonder how Harry did that to her. The thought made her ponder what a future with him would entail. Strangely, the idea only made her smile wider.

She took a sip and stared out across the rooftops from the balcony. Her pumpkin juice tasted bland now that Harry had left, while the view and her feelings could only distract her for a minute, the Harpies were relentless. Samantha pulled Ginny around and away from dreams of a life with Harry.

"So you ready to win us a few games?" Samantha asked loudly.

Ginny smiled shyly. "You know I'll be doing my best."

"Samantha!" Katie scowled. "Ginny is our girl!"

"Of course she is," Victoria chimed in a normal tone. Like Ginny, Victoria managed to remain sober throughout the event. The Harpies captain grinned. "I trust her to have our back."

"Well if you score enough like you should…" Ginny let her words hang in the air.

Victoria burst out laughing. "We'll send the Quaffle home enough for you to relax."

The confidence of her Captain set Ginny at ease. The pumpkin juice Harry had gotten her was almost empty so she swallowed the remainder. The action helped clear her thoughts. Some deep part wished Victoria's words would come true. A calm opening game was what she needed. Nothing extreme, just a comfortable Harpies win ending with her hand around the Snitch.

"It'll go well," Victoria whispered so that none of the other women or their dates could hear. Ginny tried her best to nod in agreement. The older Harpies hand rested on Ginny's shoulder. "And if all hell breaks loose, then we'll be there to cover your back."

A/N

So, just a nice short interlude. Don't know if you were expecting more… hmmm a proposal perhaps? No, I doubt that you were looking forward to that.