Battle Royale
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated characters, places, and terms are property of J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 4: Round Three: Ginny & Luna vs Hannah
A couple weeks after Tracey Davis had eliminated herself from the contest, Luna Lovegood was wandering aimlessly through the hallways when she found Ginny pacing in an empty classroom.
"If you're going to keep pacing, I suppose I'm not needed," Luna commented from the doorway.
Ginny immediately stopped pacing and stalked over to where her friend was standing. She yanked her friend into the room and shut the door.
"We need a plan to eliminate the other contestants," Ginny said. "I think we should start with the easier ones, like Hannah."
"Have you forgotten that I'm also a contestant?" Luna asked. "And why Hannah?"
"Because I think Neville fancies her," Ginny said, ignoring Luna's first question. "I mean didn't you see the look he gave her after she fell on him that one day? I don't think it would be too hard to convince her to go after Neville."
"I think that is something that Lavender would be willing to help with," said Luna. "She has always seemed to enjoy that kind of work. And how do you plan to convince Hannah to go after Neville?"
Ginny sighed and shook her head. "I don't know yet…but that's why you're going to help me."
Luna gave her friend a small smile. "And let you get Harry while I'm preoccupied with Hannah? Nice try Ginny but it's not going to work."
A look of surprise came across Ginny's face. "That's not what I was trying to do," Ginny snapped.
Luna was glad that her oddities caused everyone to underestimate her, even her friends. Personally though, Luna could care less whether or not she helped Ginny eliminate the other contestants. When she got the invitation from Daphne to compete for Harry's affections, Luna had thought the idea was insane because it would be up to the guy to determine who he wanted to be with at the end of the day. It was for that reason that Luna never understood why other girls fought over guys. Still, someone had to keep an eye on her friend and make sure that she did not do something stupid – the same friend who was currently babbling on and on about what they could do to eliminate Hannah.
"Are you even listening to what I was saying?" Ginny said with a frustrated sigh.
"Yes," Luna replied. "You want to eliminate Hannah."
"I meant if you were listening to the details of my plan."
Luna gave her friend a clueless look. "Sorry, no. But I think it would be a good idea if we got Hermione in on this."
Ginny looked thoughtful for a moment before her eyes brightened up and she exclaimed. "I know! We'll get Hermione in on this. She'll be able to come up with a plan even if she's not part of the contest. It'll be brilliant."
Luna shook her head. Was that not what she had just said? Ginny could be brilliant but there were times when Luna thought that Ginny could be irrational, particularly when emotions ran high. It must run in the family, Luna thought.
Later that evening, Luna and Ginny had managed to kidnap Hermione from a protesting Ron who appeared as if he wanted to start a snogging session with his girlfriend. But once Ginny mentioned girl talk and Harry, Ron backed away looking a little apprehensive.
"So what about Harry?" Hermione asked the pair who had plopped her down onto a seat in the empty classroom they had just entered.
"Let's say, hypothetically," Ginny began, "that Hannah had a crush on Harry. What would you do?"
Hermione gave her friend a quizzical look. "I thought that you were going for Harry yourself, why would you want to set Hannah up with him?"
"I think she forgot to mention that Neville had a crush on Hannah as well," Luna added helpfully.
"Yes," Ginny agreed. "I was wondering if you'd help me set them up."
Hermione let out a tired sigh. "I think that playing matchmaker is something you should be asking Lavender and Parvati about, not me."
"Yes but Lavender knows nothing about Neville whereas you do," Ginny replied.
Hermione's eyes darted between the two girls standing in front of her. "Something tells me that you're not going to let me go until I agree to this."
"That sounds about right," Ginny agreed.
"All right," Hermione said, throwing her hands up in frustration. "I'll help you. What did you have in mind?"
"Actually we were going to ask you about that," Luna stated, much to Ginny's annoyance.
"You mean you don't even have a plan?" Hermione asked with a baffled expression on her face.
"Not exactly," Ginny replied. "I thought that we could try setting Hannah up on a date with Harry and then bring Neville along."
"And how are you going to do that?" Hermione asked.
"I'll be the one to bring Neville along," Ginny said. "I'll then offer to help him get Hannah if he'll make sure I end up with Harry at the end of the evening."
"So how do I fit into this plan?"Hermione asked.
"We'll need you to convince Harry to go on a date with Hannah," Ginny stated. "You're the only one he'll listen to."
"And me?" Luna asked.
"You'll be there to sabotage Harry's date with Hannah and with some luck, she'll see that Neville is the better match for her," Ginny replied.
It did not take long for Hermione to protest Ginny's plan. "I'm not going to manipulate Harry so that he goes on a date with Hannah! She'll end up with her heartbroken at the end of the night. Why should I give her a false sense of hope?"
"Because at the end of the day, she'll be better off with Neville. She'll be happy and Neville will be happy. Harry will also be happy because he'll be with me. You want Harry to be happy don't you?" Ginny said.
Luna thought that Hermione looked conflicted. She believed that it was because Ginny had invoked the one thing that would make Hermione do anything: Harry's happiness. There were times when she thought that Hermione would sell her soul to the devil if it meant that Harry was protected or if it meant that Harry would be happy.
"All right, I'll do it." Hermione said finally.
Ginny had a large grin on her face. "Great! How about we use the next Hogsmeade outing to put our plan into motion? I mean you're going on another date with my brother aren't you?"
"That sounds just fine," Hermione said dryly.
A week or so later, Luna had heard from Ginny that Harry had invited Hannah to go with him to Hogsmeade along with Neville and Ginny. On some level, Luna was surprised because she had not expected Harry to agree to go on a date with Hannah. However, Hermione was involved and that was all the explanation one needed.
At the moment Luna was on her way to meet up with Ginny in one of the empty classrooms lining the hall in order to discuss their plan to eliminate Hannah. As soon as she got in, she saw that Ginny was sitting on top of one of the desks. Once Luna had locked the door to the classroom, Ginny did not waste any time in getting down to business.
"So here is the plan," Ginny started. "Neville and I will meet Harry and Hannah at the Three Broomsticks. I'll order some tomato soup. When it arrives, you'll send the soup flying into Hannah."
"Why can't you do that yourself?" Luna asked with a tinge of annoyance. Even if Luna agreed to help Ginny, it did not give Ginny the right to treat her as a tool. However, Luna knew that when Ginny wanted something, she could be very stubborn.
"Because Harry will notice," Ginny replied. "He's much too observant now that he's going through that auror training of his. Plus it'll give Neville an excuse to comfort Hannah. She'll no doubt leave in tears because her date will have been ruined. I've already talked this over with him. With some luck, she'll warm up to him and she'll be eliminated from the contest in no time."
"So where am I supposed to be the entire time?"
"Just keep close to us," Ginny said. "If you want, you can even arrange for someone to come with you so that you don't get lonely."
"The things I do to help you…" Luna said, shaking her head.
"Suit yourself," Ginny said. "We're going to Hogsmeade this weekend so I hope that you're ready."
When Saturday arrived, Luna met Ginny and Neville at the front gate. Ginny explained to Luna that she and Neville were going to ride in the same carriage as Hannah and Harry but they would meet up with her later. Further down the row, she saw Hermione and Ron enter one of the carriages going to Hogsmeade. After Ginny and Neville had left her to meet with Hannah and Harry, Luna moved to enter the carriage immediately behind theirs.
"Hold the door please," Luna heard a voice cry out just as she was about to close the door to the carriage.
Just as Luna ducked her head out to see who it was, Daphne Greengrass attempted to step into the carriage and bumped her head against Luna's.
"Ouch," Daphne muttered, rubbing her forehead. "Sorry, I was hoping to join you in here since Tracey did not want to come along."
Luna merely shrugged her shoulders, motioned for Daphne to get in, and shut the door behind them. After settling into her seat, Luna pulled out a copy of the Quibbler and began to read it upside down.
"I don't see how you can read anything that way," Daphne commented across from her.
"It's all a matter of perspective," Luna replied vaguely. "Just like everything else in life, don't you think?"
"That is true," Daphne agreed. "But tell me, what perspective do you have of Harry's sudden date with Hannah?"
Luna had to admit that Daphne was making a good attempt to get information out of her even if it was a bit obvious. Unfortunately for Daphne though, Luna was not going to give her anything.
"I have the same perspective that you do," Luna replied.
Luna heard Daphne let out a small laugh. "You know that no two people see the same thing. Weasley is also your opponent in this little contest. Weren't you even curious enough to make your inquiries, or at the very least form your own theories?"
"So why did you start this contest? What do you have to gain from it?" Luna asked, ignoring Daphne's questions.
"Everything," Daphne replied. "Harry has to be the most powerful person in the Wizarding world at the moment but more importantly, in the time that I've spent with him he has also shown me that he cares deeply for his friends. If he cares so much for his friends, how much more care would he give to the girl lucky enough to date him? Is that not worth fighting for? But enough about my reasons, why did you agree to participate?"
That was not an answer that Luna had been expecting but for some reason, Luna felt like Daphne was telling the truth. "Nothing except that I hope to see two of my friends happier people at the end of it."
"I can imagine that one of those two would have to be Harry," Daphne said. "But who is the other? Weasley? Or is it Hermione?"
Luna almost dropped her paper at the mention of Hermione's name in that context. Hermione was dating Ron. Why would Daphne bring up Hermione?
"Why would you think it was Hermione?" Luna asked, putting down the Quibbler she was reading. "She is dating Ron and the two are very happy."
Daphne grinned at her, her eyes gleaming with delight. It was probably because she believed that she knew something that Luna did not.
"Well that would mean you are helping Weasley," Daphne said, the grin never leaving her face. "So what is the plan? Or better yet, let me see if I can figure it out."
"You're welcome to try," Luna said in reply. "Don't expect me to tell you if you're right though."
Daphne laughed. "All right, I think that because Neville and Weasley entered the same carriage as Harry and Hannah, the four of them have planned a double date. Somehow I expect Weasley to sabotage the date so that Neville ends up with Hannah and she ends up with Harry. Did I get that right?"
Daphne was not in Slytherin for nothing, Luna thought. Still, she would not give the Slytherin girl the satisfaction of being right so Luna told the girl to join her for lunch at the Three Broomsticks.
When the pair arrived at the Three Broomsticks, Luna suggested that they get a table close to where Hannah and Harry were. Daphne nudged Luna in the direction of a table a few feet down from where the two couples were sitting so that they could keep an eye on them.
The two girls had barely taken their seats when Luna noticed Hermione enter the Three Broomsticks with Ron in tow. Hermione's eyes swept around the pub until they settled on another table close to where Luna was sitting.
Hermione motioned toward the empty table and the couple moved to sit at the table.
"Now this will get interesting," Daphne commented.
"Why do you say that?" Luna asked.
Daphne motioned toward Ron and Hermione. "Because those two are here."
Luna shrugged her shoulders. "So what? They're on a date. Hermione is not going to do anything just because Harry is on a date with Hannah. I wouldn't expect much."
Daphne smirked at her. "I never said anything about Hermione doing anything."
Oops. Better try to get out of this, Luna thought. "Really? You mentioned Hermione in the carriage."
Daphne did not miss a beat. "I did but I thought Hermione was, to quote you, 'very happy' with Weasley. Doesn't look that way anymore. Might as well drop the act, your secret's out."
Luna decided not to respond but instead glanced over at Harry's table again where she saw that Madam Rosmerta was taking their orders.
"So how do we sabotage the date? Or is Hermione going to take care of that for us now?" Daphne asked.
Luna was torn between letting Daphne in on the plan and keeping her opponent at arm's length. At the end, she decided to do the former. Hannah was also a contender and that meant that Daphne would want her eliminated too.
"Ginny is supposed to order some tomato soup. When the order comes, I'm supposed to send it flying into Hannah. That will ruin the date and with some luck, Neville and Hannah will end up together," Luna quickly explained.
Daphne gave her an odd look and burst out laughing. "That's it? That's your brilliant plan to eliminate her?"
Luna gave her an irritated look. "I don't see you coming up with anything better."
Daphne's laughter died down slowly. "No, I suppose not but you might as well get your wand out now because here comes their orders."
Luna followed Daphne's gaze and saw that Madam Rosmerta was heading towards Harry's table with assorted beverages and meals, one of which was a bowl of what Luna assumed was Ginny's tomato soup.
The next few moments seemed to move in slow motion for by the time Luna pulled out her wand, Madam Rosmerta had tripped over a chair, sending the entire tray and its contents flying towards Harry's table. The soup, in particular, was sailing in the air at Ginny who had raised her hands above her head, but Harry was quick and he conjured a shield to protect her. The bowl shattered on the shield, splattering Neville, Harry, and Hannah with tomato soup.
Hannah was caught off guard by the series of events and could only sit there with a surprised look on her face, which was now covered in tomato soup.
Luna looked back at Daphne who was giving her a smug look. Daphne placed her right hand on the table which was now holding a wand.
"You tripped her didn't you?" Luna asked, regarding Daphne with suspicion.
Daphne shook her head. "No, that's the beauty of it all. I only sent the soup flying at Weasley because I think that her plan deserves to be ruined for being so stupid. I didn't expect Harry to protect her."
"You forget that he considers her a friend even if he isn't dating her anymore," Luna pointed out.
Their discussion was cut short by the sound of Hannah's crying as she dashed by their table. The two girls looked back at Harry's table where they saw Ginny urge Neville to go after the Hufflepuff.
"Come on, we can't let Weasley reap the benefits of her accidental victory," Daphne said, making her way toward Harry's table as Neville ran by to chase after Hannah.
Luna followed Daphne but she was a little surprised to find that Ron and Hermione beat them to the table.
"Are you ok Harry?" Hermione was asking. "We saw what happened, that was awful."
"Yeah mate," Ron agreed. "But quick thinking there."
Harry could only bury his face in his hands and groan. "Hannah must think I'm an absolute git for not shielding her too."
"I don't think you'll have anything to worry about, it'll all work out," Daphne interrupted.
Hermione did nothing but Ron spun around, drawing his wand in one fluid motion and pointed it at Daphne.
"Very good Weasley," Daphne commented. If Daphne was a little worried with Ron pointing his wand at her, Luna certainly could not tell.
"I think this is your doing Greengrass," Ron said accusingly.
"Brilliant deduction but I hate to break it to you, I had nothing to do with it," Daphne replied calmly.
Before Ron could retort, Hermione intervened. "I believe you Daphne."
Daphne seemed to be studying Hermione intently for a few moments but said nothing.
"Here, let's get you cleaned up," Hermione said, turning back to Harry and casting a cleaning charm on him and the table.
"I think we'll be fine now," Ginny told them. "You guys can get back to your date."
"You sure you'll be ok with her around?" Ron said, indicating in Daphne's direction. Hermione appeared that she would have nothing of it for she grabbed hold of Ron's sleeve and dragged him away to their table.
"Mind if we join you?" Daphne asked Harry, much to Ginny's annoyance.
"Yes!" Ginny exclaimed.
"No," Harry said shortly after, giving Ginny an odd look at her outburst. "Have a seat. We don't mind."
Luna could tell that Ginny was still irritated but Luna knew that her friend could do nothing about it.
"I think I should find some way to make it up to Hannah," Harry said once the two girls had seated themselves. "I know she was looking forward to having a good time but I think I ruined that one."
"Don't worry about her Harry," Ginny said, making an attempt to comfort him. "Neville will take care of her."
"But…" Harry began to protest.
"As much as I hate to say this, I agree," Daphne chimed in. "Given how fast Neville ran after her, I think that not only will he take care of her but he'll also get her to forgive you."
Harry seemed to be reassured by the support from his friends but Luna knew that he probably still felt guilty on some level.
"Perhaps I should lay off the dating for a while," Harry said. "My streak for the past three years has been horrible."
"Nonsense," Luna said. "I think that's even more a reason to keep dating. You'll only get better at it."
"Harry, there are plenty of girls who fancy you and this mishap isn't going to change that," Ginny added. "I mean even Daphne here fancies you. Is she someone you'd be interested in dating?"
Luna had to applaud Ginny for that move. It was definitely brilliant because Harry's answer could eliminate Daphne from the contest, leaving it clear for Ginny to go all the way since no other contender could really pose a threat.
"I think you're wrong there Weasley," Daphne replied before Harry could respond. "I never had the chance to get to know Harry before for obvious reasons. Now that those reasons are gone, I want to get to know him. What's wrong with that?"
Ginny glared at the Slytherin but Daphne continued. "I think you're jealous of our friendship, though I cannot imagine why, and I don't think I should have to put up with this anymore."
With that, Daphne tried to stand up to leave but Harry put out an arm to stop her.
"Stay," Harry pleaded. "Ginny didn't mean what she said and she'll apologize to you, isn't that right Gin?"
Daphne smiled at Harry and risked a glance in Ginny's direction to see her reaction. Daphne seemed to be even more pleased that Ginny was shooting a glare in her direction.
Luna almost burst out laughing. Her friend's plan had just backfired and Daphne was getting ahead of the pack.
"I will not!" Ginny said hotly. "It's true that Daphne fancies you and wants to go on a date with you! Why is that hard to believe?"
Harry turned to Ginny, his eyes flashing in anger at the redhead. "All right Gin, that's enough! Since you've been pressing the issue, I think I will just go on a date with Daphne."
All three girls were floored at Harry's declaration as none of them had expected that.
"So will you go out with me?" Harry asked Daphne, a shy grin now finding its way onto his face.
Daphne blushed prettily but she nodded her agreement.
"Wait! You can't go on a date with her!" Ginny cried out.
"And why not?" Harry asked slowly, daring Ginny to challenge him.
Ginny appeared to be frantically looking for a reason but when she turned to her, Luna knew that this would go badly.
"Because Luna wants to date you," Ginny blurted out.
Luna noticed that all eyes were on her now but Harry, in particular, did not look very convinced. "Is that true Luna?"
Luna thought about it for a moment and the first thing that came to mind was a feeling of betrayal. Ginny could have just as easily told Harry that she still fancied him and Harry might have gone on a date with her instead of Daphne. However, Luna was disappointed that her friend chose to throw her under the bus. Perhaps it would be better off if Ginny was on her own.
"No it isn't Harry. Ginny is just trying to pull your leg," Luna explained as she reached into her pocket for her list. She pulled it out of her pocket, dropped it onto the floor and kicked it under Ginny's robes. "But I would suggest you reject me properly anyway so that Ginny knows you're serious."
Harry merely gave her a baffled look.
"Humor me please. Just repeat after me," Luna said, now sounding playful. "Sorry Luna but I can't go on a date with you."
Harry slowly repeated the words that Luna had told him to say.
"Thank you Harry," Luna said as she stood up.
Luna began to walk away but she turned briefly to Ginny, gave her a wink and told her to check her robes.
Ginny let out a cry out surprise as she saw that her robes were on fire and she used her wand to douse the flames. As for Luna, she walked off feeling very self-satisfied.
A/N: Sorry this one took a long time but I've been busy. As usual, any feedback would be appreciated.