Luna's victory in the Wizard Card Club championship—and the fact that she would get to dance with Albert at the ball—spread through the school like wildfire. Compared with that, news about the Wizard Card Club's Activity Room seemed to have been overlooked.
For Luna, who did not care about other people's opinions, it was nothing much. Hermione, however, was furious at losing to Luna. She had come so close to winning.
"Yeah, what a pity. You were so close. That was ten Galleons." Ron also regretted Hermione missing out on the Wizard Card championship.
But the two of them were lamenting different things.
"Harry, have you decided who you're taking to the ball?" Hermione ignored Ron and turned to ask Harry.
"Not yet." Harry's face reddened again at the mention of it.
"Looks like there's someone you want to ask. I suggest you hurry up, or the girl you want to invite might get asked by someone else first." Hermione noticed Harry's unusual reaction and could not help sighing. Ginny probably had no chance.
After checkmating Harry's king with his knight, Ron looked up and said, "Harry, Hermione's right. We ought to make a move too."
"Who are you planning to ask?" Harry asked curiously.
"I don't know. I hope I can find a pretty dance partner. Is there anyone you want to ask?"
Ron was just as lost over the matter. He wanted to ask Fleur, but he did not have the courage.
"A pretty dance partner?" Hermione asked sharply. "You mean the Beauxbatons Champion? That's not a bad idea, if she's willing to say yes."
As though someone had exposed his secret thoughts, Ron flushed and said, "I'd rather go alone than end up dancing with some ugly girl."
"Ugly girl?" Ron's words made Hermione so angry that