Troublemakers • Weasley & Jordan

The Red Stripes

"I say 'don't you know?' You say 'you don't know'." – Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand

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George jogged down the stairs as he made his way to the courtyard, passing by a few friends here and there. That's how it always was during the day; he usually ran into several "hey, Weasley!"s and "there's the man", and he returned it with a smile, making sure to keep up the friendly appearance.

It may also have something to do with reputation, but... he never truly admitted that to himself. It was just easier to be friends with all of them... to be the guy people liked. Life was easier that way. Nothing complicated.

Entering the courtyard, he spotted the crew: Fred, Harry, Ginny, and Angelina. Angelina waved as he stepped out into the warm September air.

"Alright," Fred said as George sat down, "we're all here. We've got some serious work to do."

"What do you mean, 'serious work'?" George scoffed. "We've done the same thing every year." Merlin... maybe Lee's mindset was getting to him.

"This is our last year, George," Angelina said. "Fred has a point. We need to select two winners to add onto our team that will guarantee us a chance at that cup."

"Nearly forgot how intense we are about this," George inhaled, "but... fair point. A Chaser and a Keeper with serious skills."

"I know Ron is trying out," Harry pointed out.

"He's been talking about it all summer," Fred replied. "We've never seen him play..."

"Yeah, not once," Ginny agreed. "Unless you count that one time during the summer after my second year when we forced him onto a broom just for shits."

"Language," Fred scolded.

"Well, he gets a fair chance, like everyone else," Angelina said. "And no bias, you redheads."

"Fair enough," George said, holding up an innocent hand.

"What about Chasers?" Harry asked the group. "We lost Alicia to preparations for a Ministry internship after graduation. Anyone know some Gryffindors who've taken interest?"

"Dean wants to give it a shot," Ginny said.

"Yeah, you would know," Angelina teased, poking her arm. "You seem to have 'taken interest'..."

"Shut up!" Ginny snarled. Harry was picking at his sleeve. "I do not– fancy Dean! Don't be stupid."

"That's the charm that gets the boys in line," George grinned.

"Anyway, getting back to the actually important subject matter here," Ginny huffed, "he's the only one I've heard is interested, but I'm sure there's more."

"Katie Bell, too," Fred said. "I overheard her and her friends on the train over the candy trolley. She's got her heart set on that Chaser position."

"She tried out a few years ago," George recalled. "She didn't have the skills to beat our previous player, but maybe she's improved. I see her reading the magazines all the time– I can smell some passion there."

"Well, those are two guarantees at the tryouts," Harry said. "Now, as... captain... let's talk strategy."

"Why do you always get so awkward about calling yourself the captain?" Ginny laughed. "You're so embarrassed about giving yourself credit."

"Yeah, I made you captain this year for a reason, Potter." Angelina nudged the boy's shoulder. "You've got the guts– and the leadership."

"Alright, let's not get his head too big before the first match," Fred teased.