Battle Royale
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated characters, places, and terms are property of J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 8: Final Round: Daphne & Hermione vs. Ginny
A few days before classes were to resume, Hermione and Daphne were sitting in the Head Girl's common room reading for their classes. Or at least Hermione was. Daphne was lying on the sofa staring up at the ceiling. Shortly after she and Hermione got together with Harry, the boy had surprised them with a dinner for three in the Room of Requirement. It was a nice gesture and Daphne had thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the company. Of course, now that classes were resuming, they would definitely have to deal with the youngest Weasley. When the redhead returned from the holidays it would not take long for her to figure out that Daphne and Hermione had snagged Harry for themselves. The question was how to eliminate her last competitor without alerting Hermione, or Harry for that matter, to the fact that several girls in the castle had made a contest over trying to win Harry's affections.
"You've been staring up at the ceiling for a while," Hermione commented, looking up from her book. "Given up on reading?"
"No," Daphne replied, turning so that her entire body was now facing Hermione. "I was just thinking about a certain redhead and how much trouble she'll stir up just to get a shot at Harry."
Hermione smiled knowingly at her companion. "I wouldn't be surprised if she tried, but we're not about to let her take him away from us, are we?"
Daphne was rendered speechless temporarily and only a laugh from Hermione brought her out of her confusion.
"No comment?" Hermione said, her smile broadening. "That's unusual for you Daphne."
"No, I didn't expect you to side with me," Daphne said.
"Yeah well, let's just say I have a different agenda," said Hermione with a smirk. "My priority is and has always been Harry. Did you think that's going to change now?"
"No, I don't suppose it would. I take it you have a plan?" Daphne asked.
The devious look on Hermione's face was the only reply Daphne required.
When Ginny returned to Hogwarts, she was very alarmed by all the rumors that were flying around the school. About half the rumors indicated that Harry and Hermione were dating while the other half indicated that Harry was dating Daphne. The former was not a new rumor and Ginny knew that it had to be false since Hermione would never betray her. The latter, however, disturbed Ginny greatly.
It was unfortunate for her when Harry left the Burrow for the New Year because that meant that she could no longer monopolize him. Ginny felt she was making some progress with him because they were able to discuss things like Quidditch or what Ginny planned to do after graduation. There were even times where she could also initiate physical contact and not have Harry attempt to run away. Her mother had refused to let her go to the New Year's party at Hogwarts because "she should be with family during the holidays." Her mother was adamant about having Harry stay at the Burrow because she wanted Harry to start dating Ginny again but Ron's stupidity put an end to her mother's requests.
Ever since Hermione had caught Ron kissing Lavender in the common room, Ron's friendship with Harry was very strained at its best. Pestering Harry for assistance in getting back with Hermione was not helpful either. Although the youngest Weasley siblings had agreed to keep the fact that Ron and Hermione were no longer dating away from their mother until Ron could patch things up with Hermione, their mother realized something was wrong the moment they left the two boys in the same room. The tenseness in the room elevated to a degree that was definitely unusual for two people who were supposed to be good friends. Then there was the incident where Harry had given Ron back his book on Twelve Ways to Woo Witches. Ginny was so infuriated that her brother would use such a book on Hermione that she hexed him with her trademark bat bogey hex. The incident also prompted questioning from her mother and eventually Ron caved in, admitting that Hermione saw Lavender kissing him. Molly Weasley was furious. Ron denied that he was a willing participant, but the Weasley Matriarch would have none of it. It was because of Ron that her mother stopped trying to convince Harry to stay at the Burrow for New Year's.
Ginny had hoped that Susan would keep Daphne distracted until she returned to Hogwarts but if her list was any indication, it was clear that the redheaded Hufflepuff had lost the battle. It was now down to Daphne and her. This was not a battle that Ginny was going to lose, not if her plan succeeded. But first she needed to track down Hermione and pump her for information.
Ginny found Hermione in the library at her usual place and took a seat next to the bushy haired brunette.
"Mind if I join you?" Ginny asked.
"Sure," Hermione replied, motioning to an empty seat next to her.
"So how was your winter holiday?" Ginny asked. "Did you enjoy the New Year's party?"
Hermione nodded with a bright smile on her face. "It was a lot of fun. Susan knows how to throw a party."
"Did Harry have fun?" Ginny asked.
Hermione's smile grew even brighter, if that was even possible to Ginny. "He did. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen him that happy since the end of the war."
"So I hear that he and Daphne are together now?" Ginny asked.
"Yes they are," Hermione replied.
Ginny scowled at the confirmation of the rumor, but she was not disheartened. Perhaps Hermione would help her break them up.
"Do you think they'll last?" Ginny asked with a hopeful look.
Hermione smirked. "Not if we have anything to say about it."
Hermione's response surprised Ginny but any help that she could get would be welcome.
"So what should we do?" Ginny asked.
"Leave that to me," Hermione replied. "Just come with me the next time we go to Hogsmeade."
When the next Hogsmeade weekend rolled around, Ginny met Hermione at the front of the castle where the carriages would take them to their destination. As she and Hermione entered one of the carriages, Ginny noticed Harry and Daphne get into one of the carriages ahead of them. The two were probably on another date, Ginny thought angrily, but those dates would be no more if Hermione's plan worked.
Hermione's plan involved them going to the Three Broomsticks where Harry and Daphne were going on a lunch date and basically interrupting it. Hermione had mentioned that Cho had become jealous after Harry had wanted to meet with Hermione when the two had gone on a date. The interruption would likely force Harry to choose between Hermione and Daphne. And if it came down to that, Ginny would be willing to bet that Harry would side with Hermione.
But, just in case that didn't work, Ginny had a backup plan that would break up Daphne and Harry. It was a variation of her earlier plan to sabotage what would have been Daphne first date with Harry. Before she left the Burrow, she made sure to stock up on some Wizarding Wheezes products, specifically love potions and some patented daydream charms. Although she could not use the love potions on Harry, there was no rule prohibiting someone else from administering the potion to Harry. According to the instructions, Harry would be under the effects for approximately 24 hours depending on the attractiveness of the girl, but that was all the time that Ginny required. She just needed someone to administer the potion and make sure that it could not be traced to her. The perfect person was right in front of her. Harry trusted Hermione and would drink anything she gave him. Ginny even managed to key the potion to Hermione. Since the potion would not last much longer than 24 hours, it was the perfect way of ensuring that Daphne broke up with Harry while not alerting anyone to Ginny's tampering.
At the Three Broomsticks, Daphne Greengrass was enjoying her lunch date with Harry. Daphne was animatedly telling Harry about a prank that Tracey had played on Malfoy in their potions class earlier that week. Tracey had melted down the half of a Weasley Wheezes Nosebleed Nougat that would cause nosebleeds and poured that into Malfoy's cauldron when he wasn't looking. The effect was a massive nosebleed for Malfoy when Slughorn instructed him to drink the potion to test its effects. The entire class had burst out in laughter when Malfoy ended up fainting from blood loss before he could get out the door, resulting in a bump on his head when fell to the floor.
Daphne smiled back at Harry as he laughed when she finished the story. She was glad that she could have that effect on the boy, especially after all that he had gone through. Hermione had filled her in on some of the abuses Harry suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, which made Daphne was even more amazed that Harry had turned out the way he did.
Daphne glanced briefly at the door before turning back to her meal and listening to Harry. Hermione had told her that she and Ginny would be interrupting their date. The plan was simple. Hermione and Daphne would basically monopolize Harry so that Ginny could not get in a word, thus essentially pitting Ginny against Hermione. Given Ginny's temper, Ginny would probably get frustrated that Harry was cutting her out and force him to pick between her and Hermione. And both girls knew that Harry would never side with Ginny against Hermione.
"Something wrong?" Harry asked. "You keep glancing at the door, are we expecting company?"
Daphne nodded. "I asked Hermione and Ginny to join us for lunch, I hope you don't mind."
Harry gave her a perplexed look. "I can understand why you'd invite Hermione but why Ginny? Aren't we on a date?"
"We are," Daphne replied. "I just thought that Ginny would be more inclined to leave us alone if she saw how close we'd become."
Harry burst into laughter at her statement, causing Daphne to glare at her boyfriend.
"Ginny's had her eyes on me ever since I started at Hogwarts."
"Yes and you had a year of stupidity when you decided to date her during sixth year," Daphne said sarcastically.
"Mmm, sassy today aren't we?" Harry said with a smirk.
"Today and every day," Daphne replied, leaning in to give Harry a kiss.
"Fortunately, Ginny isn't here to ruin this moment. I'm glad I came to my senses and broke up with her," Harry said before kissing Daphne.
Hermione and Ginny walked into the Three Broomsticks just in time to see Harry and Daphne kiss. Hermione noted that Ginny was seething with jealousy, bringing a sly smile to the brunette's face. This would be good and she could not wait to see how it turned out. Like her brother, Ginny was a hothead; it was a trait that Hermione was counting on to affect the redhead's judgment.
Hermione led the way to the table where Harry and Daphne were sitting. It would not do to let Ginny sit next to Harry so Hermione took that seat, leaving an irate Ginny to sit next to Daphne.
Harry gave Hermione a hug as soon as she sat down beside him and looked as if he were going to give her a kiss too but Daphne quickly put an end to that by kicking him under the table.
"Ow!" Harry cried as he quickly withdrew his arms from around Hermione and began to rub his shin with a free hand.
"Just making sure that you're paying attention to your girlfriend," Daphne said with a smirk.
"Jealous much?" Hermione commented off-handedly.
"Only when it comes to my boyfriend," Daphne replied playfully.
"And I'm his best friend," Hermione retorted with equal mirth. "I don't think he'd ever want to choose between us."
Ginny could not believe her eyes. The two girls were getting along? This was not supposed to happen. It was time to move on to plan B. Calling Madam Rosmerta over, Ginny ordered butterbeers for the table and one firewhiskey for Harry. Ordering firewhiskey for Harry caused Madam Rosmerta to pause for a moment, but since she knew that Harry was over seventeen, she was willing to bring some over.
"I thought we were sharing?" Harry asked with some confusion.
"We are," Daphne replied. "I just think that Hermione needed to be reminded of where she stands."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione said challengingly. Harry agreed readily and looked to Daphne for an explanation.
"It means that Hermione's just jealous, Harry," Daphne explained as if it were obvious to everyone at the table.
"WHAT!" Hermione screeched, causing Harry to cringe next to her. "Why would I ever be jealous of you? You're the one who's jealous of my relationship with him!"
Madam Rosmerta returned with the drinks that Ginny ordered and placed them on the table. Ginny subtly slipped some of the love potion into the firewhiskey and placed the drink in front of Hermione.
Daphne looked angry now. She stood up quickly as if making to confront Hermione. While she was at it, she intentionally elbowed Ginny in the side, knocking the redhead off the bench next to her.
Ginny was not expecting to get knocked to the ground, but her mission was accomplished. If everything went well, Hermione would drink the firewhiskey, spit it out, and hand it to Harry to drink. She retook her seat next to Daphne and was anxious to see what the results of her plan would be.
"All right, let's all calm down," Harry said, putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "We don't need to make a scene."
"You're absolutely right Harry," Hermione said, glaring up at Daphne. "I don't know what came over us, isn't that right Daphne?"
Daphne returned Hermione's glare with equal intensity but sat back down. "You're right dear, now be a good girl and order something."
"Actually, I've already ordered drinks for all of you," Ginny said, pointing to the drinks in front of them.
"How nice Weasley," Daphne drawled. "Did you spike my drink?"
"I wouldn't dream of it," Ginny replied insincerely.
"Might as well check anyway," Daphne said with a sigh and drew her wand. She cast a detection spell on her mug only to frown when it returned nothing.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Ginny said sarcastically.
"Considering how idiotic your brother is, you'd have to work very hard indeed to disappoint me," Daphne retorted.
While watching the exchange, Hermione reached for the mug with the firewhiskey and sipped on it. Realizing that it was firewhiskey and not butterbeer, Hermione spit out the beverage in disgust.
"Bad butterbeer?" Harry asked her.
"No, this isn't butterbeer at all, it's firewhiskey," Hermione said. "Ginny, why'd you order firewhiskey for me?"
"I did?" Ginny replied as innocently as she could. "I think that is Harry's drink."
"But he doesn't drink firewhiskey," Hermione commented while regarding Ginny with suspicion.
"I'll drink a little bit of it," Harry said with a shrug. "I should still be okay if I don't finish it off."
Hermione looked at her friend in surprise but placed the mug in front of Harry.
Ginny was now trying very hard to contain her excitement. In a few moments her plan would succeed and Daphne's relationship with Harry would be no more.
"On second thought, I think I'll keep the firewhiskey," Hermione said, snatching it from Harry's hands. "Stick with the butterbeer Harry. We don't need you getting drunk before you return to training."
Daphne seemed to catch on to what Hermione was doing. "Yes dear, you should do what Hermione says. It'll be good for your health in your long run."
Hermione then began drinking the firewhiskey in front of a protesting Harry and a wide-mouthed Daphne and Ginny.
Ginny could not believe it. In the span of less than a minute, her plan had gone to hell. Hermione drinking the spiked firewhiskey should not have any effect on her since it was already keyed to herself. Would it make Hermione attracted to herself for 24 hours? Ginny didn't want to think about what that meant.
"Wow, is it hot in here?" Hermione said suddenly, putting down her mug that had been drained a quarter of the way. Hermione then began to remove her robe.
"Uh, Hermione," said a concerned Harry. "Are you all right? You're turning red."
"I've never felt better!" Hermione giggled, but Daphne could tell that Hermione was really affected by the firewhiskey. "This is some good stuff!"
Hermione then took a long drink from the mug of firewhiskey while her friends looked on in shock.
"I think that's enough," said a concerned Harry, taking the firewhiskey away from Hermione. "Before you end up doing something silly."
Hermione giggled again and began playing with the buttons on her blouse. When she began to unbutton her blouse, Harry quickly grabbed her hand to stop her.
"Why are you stopping me? It's hot in here and aren't I good looking Harry?" Hermione said, giving her friend a sultry look and wrapping her arms around his middle.
Harry looked down nervously at her and attempted to gently pry Hermione off of himself, but Hermione refused to budge.
"I'm not letting you go Harry," Hermione muttered somewhat drunkenly to him. "Not until you answer the question."
Daphne merely smirked when Harry looked to her for help, while Ginny was worried as to what Harry's answer would be.
Seeing that neither of the girls would be of help to him, Harry took a deep breath and said, "Hermione, I think you're very good looking, if not one of the best looking girls in the school."
Hermione smiled in response, cupped Harry's face in both of her hands and kissed the boy gently on the lips. Daphne looked to see Ginny's reaction and was pleased to see a horrified look on the redhead's face.
When it registered in her mind that Hermione had just kissed Harry, Ginny let out an anguished cry.
Hermione and Harry were drawn out of their kiss by Ginny's cry and they regarded her with caution since they had no idea how she would react. Meanwhile, Daphne fingered her wand in case Ginny attempted to curse Hermione.
Ginny scowled in jealousy but she could do nothing at this point. Hermione was probably under the influence of the love potion, she thought. She would have to come up with a different plan next time.
Daphne was the first one to say something. "Something wrong Weasley?"
"N – No," Ginny managed to stammer out after the surprising kiss that just took place in front of her. Until she remembered that Daphne was dating Harry. That brought a smile to her face.
"Hah! I knew you were just using Harry for your own purposes Greengrass," Ginny said triumphantly. "Aren't you supposed to be upset because another girl just kissed your boyfriend? You aren't, are you? That just goes to show that you don't care much about the relationship."
"I don't see what the problem is," Harry said in response to Ginny's accusation. "Hermione and I are dating after all."
"WHAT!" Ginny shrieked, causing Daphne to wince next to her. "How is that possible!"
"You of all people should know that Hermione has always been first in his life and vice versa," Daphne told Ginny.
"And what about you?" Ginny said sharply to Daphne. "How can you both be dating him?"
"Oh but we are," Daphne said with a wide grin on her face. "Harry did resist at first, but we showed him the error of his ways."
"I don't believe this," Ginny said angrily. "We were supposed to be one big happy family! Hermione was supposed to be with Ron, but my idiot brother made a right mess of that one. And Harry was supposed to get back together with me!"
With that, Ginny stood up and stormed out of the Three Broomsticks.
"I think she took that rather well," Daphne deadpanned.
Harry wrapped an arm around Hermione. "A year ago I might have cared but after what happened with Ron, I stopped caring."
"I don't think she'll give up," Hermione pointed out. "She's had the idea of being with Harry drilled into her head since she was little."
"Then we'll just have to be prepared," Daphne replied.
"Whatever happens, you two will never lose me," Harry told them. "I would never ever date Ginerva Weasley, or anyone else for that matter."
"That will get you a kiss from each of us," Hermione said before doing exactly that. "Now how about we enjoy the rest of our lunch?"
"That sounds brilliant," Harry replied.
When Ginny returned to her dorm, she went immediately to the drawer where she kept the parchment listing all of the contestants. To her surprise and disappointment, all she saw was a pile of ashes where the parchment should have been. She had lost. Nothing had gone her way. Hermione had betrayed her and Daphne had actually won the contest.
However, if she could not have Harry, nobody would. If she could somehow tell Hermione about the fact that the girls had a contest over Harry's affections, Hermione just might turn on Daphne. And if she were able to plant a fake list of contestants with Hermione's name on it in a place where Harry would find it, he would dump Hermione. Then he just might come running to her. After all, the oath they took did not prevent the contestants from telling non-participants in writing about the competition; it only prevented them from talking about it.
The plan brought a smile to Ginny's face. She could go apologize to Hermione for her actions earlier today and then plant the lists in Hermione's common room.
Later that evening, Ginny went to Hermione's door and knocked. When she was permitted entry, Ginny put on her best apologetic facial expression and entered the room.
"Hermione? Do you have a moment?"
"What do you want Ginny?" Hermione asked. Ginny noted that Hermione's hand had gone immediately to her wand sitting on the table in front of her.
"I just wanted to apologize to you for my actions earlier today. I was out of line and I'm sorry," Ginny said, taking a seat on the couch.
"Apology accepted, but I think you'll also have to apologize to Daphne and Harry," Hermione said.
"Oh but I will! Do you have any suggestions on how I should go about it?" Ginny said as she stuffed the fake list she made in between the seat cushions of the couch.
"No," Hermione replied. "If you're really sincere about your apology, you'll find a way."
"Thank you Hermione," Ginny said as she stood up. "I won't let you down."
With that, Hermione saw Ginny out the door and, as the door closed behind her, Ginny grinned evilly to herself. Phase one was complete. It was time to move on to the next part of her plan.
The next morning, Hermione and Daphne were having breakfast with Harry in the Great Hall when the mail owls began to swoop down on the castle's inhabitants. Hermione was reading a letter from her parents when a burst of pumpkin juice came sputtering out of Harry's mouth and onto her letter.
"Something wrong dear?" Daphne asked.
"You could say that," Harry said, giving them both an unusually harsh look. "Would you two care to explain this?"
Harry handed Hermione two pieces of parchment. The first was a list which read:
Contestants:
Daphne Greengrass
Tracey Davis
Hermione Granger
Lavender Brown
Susan Bones
Hannah Abbott
Padma Patil
Luna Lovegood
The second was a handwritten letter which appeared to be from Hannah.
Dear Harry,
I wanted to write you about this sooner but I did not have the courage to do it. But, now that I am happily dating Neville, I feel that I should apologize to you for having entered this petty contest over your affections. It was wrong and I did not want this to hanging over my conscience. The list I've enclosed is a list of all the girls who have been competing over your affections this year. We swore an oath not to talk to anyone about it, but I realized that the oath did not prevent us from writing to anyone else about it.
I hope that you'll forgive me and know that I will always be your friend.
Hannah
The fact that Hermione's name was listed on the parchment was proof enough for Daphne that the list was a fake. And the most likely suspect was Ginny Weasley. Hermione apparently was of the same mind because she too looked in Ginny's direction. The redhead was looking in their direction and she had her hand in her mouth as if she were trying not to give away something.
"You know Harry," Hermione began. "I think Ginny is trying to get you to dump us. In fact, she's looking in our direction right now. No, don't look at her. It'll only make her suspicious."
"So the list is a fake?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded, pulled out another piece of parchment, and showed it to Harry. "I found this in my couch last night. I know it wasn't there before and the only people who came to visit were you and Ginny."
Daphne watched Harry's eyes scan the parchment briefly before he handed the parchment over to her. The parchment read:
The Future Mrs. Potter
Daphne Greengrass
Tracey Davis
Lavender Brown
Susan Bones
Hannah Abbot
Padma Patil
Luna Lovegood
"Interesting," Daphne commented. "The list is completely identical to one sent to Hermione but there is only one Gryffindor here. I think Weasley was hoping that Hermione would turn on me and that Harry would break up with both of us in anger if he thought that we were playing with his feelings."
"It does give me an idea though," Harry said thoughtfully. "But, I'll need to make a trip to the jewelry store first."
Both girls could only look to each other in confusion.
One week later, Ginny Weasley was reading for classes on her bed when she heard a tapping sound at her window. When she looked up, she saw an owl sitting outside with a parchment attached to its leg.
Ginny retrieved the parchment and saw with excitement that it was from Harry.
My Dearest Ginny,
It appears I've been such a fool. It has been brought to my attention recently that Daphne Greengrass has been toying with my affections this entire time. To make it worse, so has Hermione. Hermione! Can you believe it? My best friend for the past seven years! I can't believe that they both entered some dumb competition over who would be the future Mrs. Potter. Well I won't stand for it!
I think it's time we resume our relationship. And just to show Daphne and Hermione that they should never mess with me, I will have a very special surprise for you at dinnertime tonight. The entire school will know that we'll be together and I think your mum would be very happy.
Love,
Harry
It worked! Her plan worked! Harry had dumped both Daphne and Hermione. What's more, Harry wanted to resume their relationship. Looking at the clock, Ginny saw that it was only two hours before dinnertime – just enough time to make herself look good for Harry.
When Ginny arrived at the Great Hall, it was packed with students and she saw Harry already sitting at the table. It had taken her longer than usual to get ready but with the Great Hall as full as it was, the entire school would know that Harry was hers. Back off girls, he's mine! Ginny thought to herself. He looked in her direction, smiled, and waved her over. Ginny practically ran to sit next to him.
She also noticed with glee that Daphne was sitting back at the Slytherin table with Tracey and that Hermione was sulking off to the side, picking at her food.
"Ginny!" Harry said happily, putting an arm around her shoulder. "How have you been?"
"I've never been better," she replied with equal giddiness as she leaned in to kiss Harry on the cheek. "I can't wait for this surprise of yours."
"Oh, that!" Harry said, reaching into his pocket. "I have it right here."
Ginny glanced down at Harry's pocket elatedly. However, after several moments watching Harry rummage through his pockets, Ginny's excitement turned to confusion.
"Hmm, I thought I had it here," Harry said, looking rather perplexed at the fact that his pocket was empty. "Perhaps it fell under the table. Would you be so kind as to help me look for it Ginny? It's a small ring, very valuable."
Ginny perked up at the mention of a ring. Was Harry going to propose to her or something? Her childhood dream of being Mrs. Potter would finally come true. Mum would be so happy and perhaps Harry would finally forgive her idiot brother for snogging Lavender in front of Hermione. After all, Harry was under the impression that Hermione was playing with him.
With that, Ginny dived under the table and began to look around for a small ring. It didn't take her long to find it because it had fallen next to Harry's foot. Examining it under the table, Ginny saw that it was indeed an engagement ring and she scrambled up as fast as she could.
"OH THANK YOU HARRY!" Ginny squealed loudly. The chatter in the Great Hall suddenly died down as every head was turned in her direction.
"I can't believe that on the day we get back together, you'd propose to me," Ginny said happily to a grinning Harry Potter. "Yes I accept! I'd love to be Mrs. Potter."
However, when Ginny leaned in to kiss Harry on the lips, she was shocked to find him pushing her away with both hands. Looking back at his face, she also noticed that the grin had left Harry's face and a serious expression was all that remained.
"What are you talking about?" Harry said furiously as he angrily snatched the ring from Ginny's hand. "I wasn't going to propose to you! I just asked you to help me find the engagement ring I dropped under the table. What makes you think that I'd ever date you again, much less propose to you? Ever wonder why I never asked you out again after the war was over? Your mum has been pushing me to get back together with you that I've gotten sick of it. That's why I decided to find a good girl to date – one whose mum wasn't going to dictate to me who I should be dating."
Ginny's jaw dropped at that revelation. In her periphery, she heard one person suddenly burst out laughing, then another. Soon the entire student body was laughing.
"But – but we've done so much for you! You're basically family! We – we – " Ginny could no longer continue her sentence.
"And I'm grateful for what your family has done, but fate has given me two wonderful girls and I'm not about to throw that away," Harry replied. Although she could tell that Harry was trying to sympathize with her, Ginny did not want his sympathy. If anything, it made her angry. Angry at Hermione for betraying her, angry at Daphne for stealing Harry away from her, and angry at Harry for setting her up and humiliating her like this.
"This is all her doing!" Ginny screeched as she pointed an accusing finger at Hermione who was now smirking in her direction.
"No Ginny!" Harry retorted. "It's your doing. Did you think I wouldn't figure out that it was you who sent me that letter accusing Daphne and Hermione of toying with my feelings? Daphne is a kind and wonderful girl whose wit and brilliance I could never hope to match. And Hermione has stuck by me through everything, even when your idiot brother abandoned me. Where were you then? Hermione would never abandon me. Ever. Which is why I was going to propose to Hermione this evening."
The laughter slowly changed to cheering and she could vaguely hear some students chanting "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" in the background. A blushing but happy Hermione came into view and Ginny saw Harry take her into his arms and kiss her. Soon thereafter, an equally happy Daphne Greengrass came running up to the newly engaged Gryffindors and wrapped an arm around each of them. She gave Harry a rather passionate kiss and Ginny could have sworn that she heard the Slytherin girl whisper to the boy, "Enjoy the moment Potter. If you behave yourself, I just might have something special for you too later tonight. That kiss was just a preview. Maybe we could convince Hermione to join in?"
By then Ginny's mind had finally processed the information. And suddenly her world went black.
A/N: And the winner is Daphne (& Hermione). Any feedback would be appreciated. Sorry for the long delay. One final chapter to go.