A/N: Lilac won two polls so I guess that means I have to update. Tumblr law

Her teammates were still in a good mood from their win last night so as they met up in front of the venue, her mood lifted again as well. She had spent the remainder of the day worrying about Harry and she had not heard from him since the morning. But as the rest of the Harpies were hyping each other up and showing off their outfits, it was easy to join in.

This annual party was the last civil moment between the teams. In a few weeks, the games for the National Cup started. It was a good event to meet other Quidditch players and mingle before the bloodshed started.

Gwenog stood in front of them. "I want you all to behave, you are representing the only all-female Quidditch team in the league. This is something you should be proud of and I will not have any of you ruin our reputation in one night." She breathed in deeply with her eyes closed, as if she didn't want to say what she was going to say next. "If you cannot keep it in your pants..." Her lip curled. "You better not be caught by reporters."

Ginny's hand shot up.

"Yes, Weasley. You're allowed," Gwenog sighed. "But his name better be Harry Potter and you better actually keep your pants on."

Livvy snorted and Ginny quickly shoved her so she'd hide her laughter. "You hypocrite. You know that was about you."

Livvy laughed behind her hand. "Can't believe you lied to Gwenog. If she finds out..."

"She asked if we were dating. We aren't! And if you keep your mouth shut, she never has to find out," Ginny argued in a whisper.

Livvy pretended to zip her mouth. "Silent like the grave."

Ginny shook her head and followed the rest of her team inside.

Ginny had spotted Harry sitting with his team. She couldn't tell if he was actually in a better mood or if he was just putting up a mask to get through the evening. If it was the latter, she'd head home with him and then split there secretly, so she didn't bother him further.

They were seated per team for dinner so for now there had been no mingling yet. That wouldn't start until the music came on, which quite frankly sounded like asking for trouble. Ginny wondered if she could convince him to dance with her—if he was a dancer at all. From the previous editions of this evening, she could not remember him being on the dance floor much, but she had not paid as close attention to him then.

There was a break between the main course and dessert. Ginny's eyes were dancing across the room when she noticed Harry looking at her. When she paused and locked eyes with him, he nodded towards the door. She was surprised at it but she nodded in reply and then excused herself with her team and told them she was heading to the restroom.

She walked out of the dining hall to find Harry waiting for her. He didn't speak as he headed outside into the garden of the venue. He walked until he found a bench and then sat down. Ginny thought this was all still odd behaviour, but she did not comment on it. At least he wasn't wearing that deep frown anymore. She settled down beside him.

"I am sorry for my behaviour last night. I get into those moods and..." he swallowed.

Ginny chewed her lip and didn't reply.

"I know you're only trying to help but I know how bad I get." He glanced at her. "And I don't need to worry you."

"You think I didn't worry?" she shot back.

"I—It would have been worse if you stayed, trust me," he said.

She groaned. "No, it wouldn't. I spent all day wondering if you are okay. I know I can't fix all your problems." She looked at him. "Or I can't pretend I understand what you are going through. But I can hold your hand, or hug you or distract you. Whatever you need. I worry about you and you're not making it better by pushing me away."

Harry looked at his knees for a moment as he contemplated her words. She pushed against him softly and he looked back up at her.

"I am a bit more like my mum than I care to admit. I want to help; it makes me feel better too." She took a deep breath. "If I am worsening your mood, by all means you can tell me to leave. But I don't think I do, I just think you are convinced you are better off moping on your own because that's what you're used to."

He nodded. "Sure. And I will continue being used to it." He looked at her as though he was making an excellent point. "Why bother you with all this mess and then we'll split up and then you know all this sad junk about me and I get to adjust again to dealing with it alone."

"You don't get it, do you?" Ginny told him. "I am not suddenly going to leave your life. Do you think we get to know each other and then just... stop talking?" She shook her head in disbelief. "You are not getting rid of me that easily. We are going to be friends, whether you like it or not."

Harry smiled softly. "You're forcing me to be friends with you?"

She nodded decisively, looking out into the garden. "Absolutely. You need it." She looked back at him. "Just because you are used to being alone, doesn't mean you have to go through everything alone. I won't suddenly stop caring about you when some grey-haired man in management thinks they've puppeteered us enough."

A silence fell and they both looked at the garden for a moment.

"I did tell you brooding is my flaw."

"It's not a flaw," she let out with a sigh. She felt bad for him. "You've gone through some heavy shit and you found the best way to cope." She turned to him. "I know it can be difficult to let someone in if you're not used to it... but I am actually an excellent listener, believe it or not."

She smiled softly and he returned it.

"I really thought not involving you was for the better. I didn't want to force you to be around me," he said then.

She laughed. "As if I have not been forcing you to be around me the whole time." She patted his knee.

"I just didn't want you to feel obliged." His hands folded in his lap.

"Harry. When have you ever known me to do anything I didn't want to do?" she asked.

He smiled, his whole face brightening. "Good point."

She settled against the backrest of the bench. "You look very handsome tonight."

Harry looked down at himself in surprise. "The dress codes always confuse me. What does semi-formal even mean? Are we supposed to know?"

"Just walk into a fancier store and ask for a semi-formal outfit and they'll be happy to dress you. You've got the money for it." She looked him up and down again. "I think you nailed it by the way."

"The real question is, am I nailing you later?" he said with a cheeky smile.

She let out a loud laugh and then slapped her hand in front of her mouth. She eyed him and lowered her hand. "You may," she said. "I got special permission to go home with a man from Gwenog. I just had to verify his name was yours."

"Why is she so strict on it?" Harry asked her.

"All-female team in an event where the very big majority is handsome, fit men who think they're invincible." She shook her head. "I personally despise the idea of dating one of those cocky bastards."

"Ahum?" he let out in objection.

"If you recall I assumed you were a douche too, but I've been proven wrong since." She plucked an imaginary piece of lint off her dress. "Our reputation is on the line, while men's often is not. You're allowed more. Not that it stops people like Livvy..."

"Right. I meant to ask... what happened with Ethan last year? I felt like there was some embarrassment there but he has never said anything."

She bit her lip. "He got drunk and then came over to our group to see if anyone was interested. It was bloody embarrassing, he was not being subtle... So after Gwenog told him to go... Livvy went after him."

"Is that it?" Harry said.

"Oh no." She smiled. "Not at all. So they went back to her place, had more drinks. By the time they got into bed, he was so drunk he couldn't get it up anymore."

Harry's eyebrows raised. "I don't think I've ever been that drunk."

"He pretends not to remember but I think he does. When I meet him, we both pretend we don't know... It's just easier." she ended with a smile.

"No wonder he didn't want to come here," Harry said. "Poor dude."

"Livvy wants to find out if he gets it up tonight," she admitted.

He shook his head. "Don't think Ethan will go for it."

"Maybe if you tell him sneakily..." Her eyebrows wiggled. "What do you say?"

Harry seemed to think about it. "I will try... but no promises."

"Thanks. Then Livvy owes me one."

"Okay," he said. "We should get back inside before everyone starts thinking we're off having sex somewhere."

"I mean... we could find a secluded spot and..." She grimaced. "Gwenog did instruct me to keep my pants on. Better not."

"You go back in first," Harry said. "I'll follow in a minute."

She stood up and started to walk away but then she turned back around. Harry's eyes flew up to meet her face. She bit back a grin, trying not to sound too pleased. "I wanted to say no more brooding in the meanwhile, but looks like you weren't planning on that."

Harry looked the tiniest bit embarrassed. "No brooding," he promised solemnly.

She continued walking and glanced over her shoulder, now he was watching her shamelessly. She grinned at him and disappeared through the door.

She tried to make her way to the table as casually as possible but Livvy was watching her.

"How was it?" Livvy asked as soon as Ginny's ass hit her seat.

She shook her head. "We just talked."

Livvy looked at her more closely but then she nodded. "You disappoint me, Weasley."

Ginny leaned in closer. "What if I told you that I am helping you out with Ethan?" she asked in a whisper.

Livvy perked up. "Really?" She glanced over at Harry's table. "Is Harry going to talk to him?"

Ginny nodded. "Yep. It's all sorted."

"I don't know." Livvy shook her head, crossing her legs as she looked over at Ethan. "He was thoroughly embarrassed last time."

"It's worth a shot at least," Ginny said with a shrug. "Having Harry talk to him may be more successful than a direct approach."

Livvy squinted at her. "Why are you doing this for me?"

"If I am getting some," she said with a smug smile. "You can too, I suppose."

"How is it going, lads?" Ginny asked as she walked up to the group, coming to stand beside Harry.

"Is it me," Michael asked her. "Or are you the only one who has permission to talk to a man tonight?"

"Correct," Ginny said with a smile. "That's not exactly what she said but you know..."

"Ah, Gwenog. She rules with an iron first." Michael shook his head warily.

"Weasley!" Livvy said and then jabbed her in the ribs, making her jump almost a foot into the air.

Harry stabilised her with a laugh. "Careful."

"There he goes," Robert commented dramatically. "That girl falls and suddenly we don't exist anymore."

Harry scoffed. "Come on, Robert. Can you blame me?"

Ginny shared a look with Livvy as she came to stand beside her. This was a planned attack to get to Ethan and as long as Ginny was with Livvy, Gwenog would not be suspicious about them standing with that group.

Louis caught her eye. "Did you think about me?" he said, pulling his shoulders back.

Michael quickly turned around to Louis, his expression stern "It was funny once, now you have to quit it," he said firmly. "I don't want fights between my players over women, and I won't have you harassing other team's players. This is a socialising event, let's keep it that way."

Ginny's arm snaked around Harry's waist. She squeezed his side. "Well, it's obvious he doesn't have much experience talking to women, so I'll let it slide."

Louis turned red, his mouth snapping closed. She could see Harry stifle a laugh.

"And if you want to complain about that, you can take it up with Gwenog," Michael said with a wink towards Ginny.

Harry's arm came around her too. "I wouldn't advise it. Scares the shit out of me."

"Ethan, how is your experience talking to women?" Ginny said, determined not to get their mission derailed.

Ethan looked like a deer in headlights. She almost felt pity.

"He is a smooth talker if he wishes," Harry supplied easily.

She was going to have to thank him later for helping out.

"I think so too," Livvy added, her eyes not straying from the poor guy.

For a moment it looked like he was going to make an escape.

"Livvy, weren't you just getting another drink? I think Ethan was headed that way," Harry spoke and then he turned to Ginny.

"And we are off to dance," Ginny added. She took his hand and they quickly walked to the dance floor.

"I was thinking of another escape, I hate dancing," Harry muttered as she pulled him along.

"It's okay, I'll lead," Ginny said lightly. "That was brilliant." She looked to the side and noticed the two walking to the bar together. "We do make a good team."

Ginny grinned and bumped against Harry. "Guess who Livvy just took home..."

Harry turned away from the table to look at her. "Great job, partner."

"I'll report back to you on Monday after I've talked to Livvy," she said as she continued looking over the guests.

Suddenly he sat up straighter. "Did you also talk about me?"

"Maybe?" she said. She smiled weakly. "That's why she wanted to take a bite out of you the other day. I gave a good review."

Harry seemed to be making up his mind if this was a good thing or a bad thing. "How many lies did you tell?" he asked with a frown.

"Zero!" she defended herself. "That's the first rule of sisterhood."

Harry snorted. "Right." He paused. "Really?"

She nodded happily. "She had me rank you against other sexual partners. Not sure why she thought I'd had ten, but... had to rank you against them." She offered him a teasing smile.

"Where do I rank?" he asked curiously. He frowned. "Or do I not want to know?"

Her smile grew wider. "You definitely want to know. And I am not telling you." She checked if anyone was looking at them and then slid her hand over his thigh. "Let's go home and see if you can still get it up."

His hand came over hers on his leg. "Don't test it here if you want me to get up any time soon," he told her. "I've been desperately trying not to ogle you in that dress all evening."

"Let's go then," Ginny said, taking her hand back. Her eyes danced over the remaining guests. "Gwenog is about to leave, and I think Michael is heading out soon too. That means it's a polite hour to go."

"Tell me something unsexy first," Harry said with a sigh.

"What?" She glanced down.

His hand tilted her chin up before she could look. "My eyes are up here, Weasley." He shook his head. "You ladies think about one thing only."

Her gaze dropped down a little more subtle. "Flex the muscle in your thigh."

Harry frowned at her.

"Trust me, just do it." She glanced away and then after a moment, she looked back at him. "And?"

"How did you know that would work? And why didn't I?" He shook his head. "Let's go before you put your hands anywhere else."

When the door closed, she pulled her heels off, letting out a happy moan as her bare feet made contact with the floor. She caught Harry looking. "You wouldn't understand," she said. She righted herself and then walked to Harry.

He licked his lips as she came closer, his hands in his pockets. She looked up at him and his eyes trained on her softly. She caressed his side and then one hand travelled to his butt, caressing it softly before giving it a little squeeze. She pushed herself up against him, her eyes never looking away.

"Kiss me, Harry," she whispered.

He moved. His hand came to her face and kissed her deeply. He walked her back until she was pinned against the wall and his hardon pressed against her hip. He took her lip between his teeth and pulled gently. She moaned softly as his lips found hers again. She pulled his shirt out of his trousers and quickly started working at undoing the buttons. Then her hand dipped into his shirt and softly moved up his hot skin.

"We should maybe make it upstairs this time," she muttered.

He swallowed hard and pulled away from her. As he turned to walk up the stairs, she quickly reached under her dress and pulled her underwear down and stepped out of it. She balled it up and threw it at him. He turned around and caught it easily. He looked at it. "Weasley, that was mine to take off."

"Was it?" She walked past him and made it up the stairs first. She waited on the landing for him.

He took her hand and pulled her inside his bedroom, quickly pulling her close. He pulled on the zipper of her dress, his hands exploring the skin of her back under the garment.

She opened his trousers. "Would you believe it if I told Livvy you're number one in my ranking?"

Harry froze, her hand palmed his bulge over his underwear. Harry let out a groan that sounded almost like a growl. She was lifted off the ground and then moments later she landed softly on the mattress. He hovered over her, eyes dark and breathing heavily.

"Harry, I am so wet for you," she moaned, bringing her legs around his waist to bring him in closer.

"Fuck."

Ginny opened his closet for a shirt to wear when she noticed the shirt she had left on the floor was on a pile together with a shirt of hers. She looked at him.

"It's yours to wear, you seemed to like it," he informed her.

She beamed at him. "Harry..."

"Are you about to tease me? Ask some question about feelings?" he let out, sounding unimpressed. "Go on, don't hold it in."

She took the shirt and pulled it on. She stepped back into bed. She met eyes with him. Her heart ached for him in a way she couldn't clarify. "You'd make a good boyfriend."

He snorted. "Thanks?"

"No, you are very considerate. And you cook." She put her feet under the covers and scooted in beside Harry.

"Yes, such attributes for a man. Gives a fuck and knows his way around the kitchen." He shook his head warily. "The bar is on the floor!"

"Excuse me, I have very high standards!" she defended herself. "It's in the details, you wouldn't understand."

Harry turned onto his side and propped his head up on his hand. He raised an eyebrow. "Then explain it to me."

"I can't tell if you are genuinely curious or if you want me to elaborate on why you'd make a good boyfriend so you'd feel good about yourself," she said, crossing her arms. "Now I've said it out loud I realise it's the second."

"You take that back right now!" He grabbed onto her and tickled her.

"No!" She laughed and tried to squirm out of his hands. "Stop it!"

Harry put his leg over her hip to stop her from moving. "Take it back," he said, continuing his tickle attack.

She made a good attempt at wriggling free but then his weight shifted as he pinned her down. She grabbed his hands, trying to keep in the worst of her indecent laughs as his fingers kept tickling her side. "I take it back, I am sorry!"

Harry froze, lifting his hands from her body, bracing himself instead and she caught her breath. She locked eyes with him still on top of her. She lifted her eyebrow. Her hand caressed his side and he let out a breath. His hips settled against her.

Her hands changed direction, now travelling to take off his underwear again. "Pants off, Potter."

He laughed, his gaze dancing over her face. "You know, I think I am starting to like it."

"I knew it." She arched her back and he pressed closer as his lips found hers.

A/N: Love how you're all so concerned about our brooding little Harry. I'm sorry you didn't get all the answers this chapter, I promise we'll slowly find out more as he learns to open up to Ginny. It takes time! Be patient ;)

Thank you for all the lovely comments last chapter, I woke up up to like 10 new comments, it was amazing!