DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS. THOUGH I WOULD LOVE TO OWN DRACO! REVIEW'S WOULD BE GREAT!!

When McGonagall announced that there would be an end of the year Beach Bash, she thought that it was a brillant idea. A perfect opportunity to promote House unity, even the Slytherins didn't object. Not that anyone would listen, considering the defeat of Voldemort over the previous summer. Many of his follower's were sent to Azkaban, unfortunately the Malfoy's, Parkinson's, and the Zabini's were amongst the Purebloods who bore no mark. Therefore in the Ministry's eyes, they were innocent of any crimes. Many of the Order members were outraged upon learning that none would serve time. She herself was enraged since she knew that Malfoy Senior did have that mark back in her fifth year. Her internal musing were cut short when someone sat down on the bench next to her. Glancing over she saw that it was her best friend, Ginny who was looking way to happy.

"We need to go shopping."

Shopping with Ginny was an all day event, something she'll avoid at all costs.

"For what Gin?"

Ginny's jaw dropped open slightly before she recovered.

"For the perfect swimming suit 'Mione!"

She waved her hand dismissively at the idea.

"I've already got one Ginny, you know that."

Ginny rested a hand upon one of her own and slightly patted it.

"Hermione, as your best friend. I cannot let you wear that hideous one piece to the Beach Bash."

She opened her mouth to protest but got cut off.

"Besides, you want to look hot for tall, pale, and handsome don't you?"

She knew that telling Ginny her secret crush would come back and bite her in the ass.

"Gin-"

"No Hermione, you need to step up you game if you want to catch his eye."

Just than, the guy in question came strolling through the open doors. his silver eyes swept quickly around the room before he crossed the room to sit down next to Blaise Zabini.

"Gin, I'll be fine."

Ginny opened her mouth to speak but there was movement in the doorway again. This time revealing the two most popular girls in school. Pansy Parkinson, a girl who (in her opinion) resembled a pug. Her cropped dark brown hair was just reaching her chin. She was only popular because of two reasons. One, she had a lot of money. The second reason was the girl walking beside her. Victoria Spellman, a transfer student from Salem Insitute of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Long wavy jet black hair that looks purple if the light hits it just right, dark blue eyes, perfectly straight teeth, and a body that many girls here in school were envious of. Victoria walked like she owned the place, must be a Pureblood thing. Hermione noticed that Ron stopped eating the chicken leg to watch Victoria. Her own eyes narrowed as she followed Ron's line of sight to Victoria's ass. She watched as Parkinson gave Zabini a kiss on the cheek, wait wasn't she with Malfoy? Spellman sat down on the opposite side so her back was facing the Griffindor table.

"So what about that shopping trip?"

she looked at Ginny and nodded her agreement. Ginny was right, she would have to step up her game if she was going to compete with girls like Victoria Spellman. Dinner was over too soon and thanks to her luck, both her and Ginny were walking behind Parkinson and Spellman.

"It's unforunate that the Griffindors have to attend the Bash. I hear that none know how to party."

Spellman gave a small shrug with her right slender shoulder.

"The Griffindor's don't matter to me Pansy."

The two girls were silent before Parkinson spoke again.

"I wonder if the bookworm even knows what a bathing suit is?"

"Her defintion probably would be something her grandmother would wear."

Both girls laughed and Hermione stopped dead in the middle of the hallway. Ginny stopped a few paces ahead before facing her. something her grandmother would wear her ass!

"Hermione?"

She looked up at Ginny.

"What time did you say we were leaving in the morning Gin?"

"Nine."

"Make it eight."

Ginny nodded and than the two girls continued their way back to the Griffindor Common Room. Soon enough morning came and they were on their way to Hogsmeade. They spent several hours in numerous different stores until Hermione found the perfect suit. It was a black tankini. The top came to just aboce her belly button and the skirt was about mid thigh, much shorter than her school skirt's. The suit had two deep purple streaks running down one side. Ginny, even though she was pushing for a bikini, even approved of it. Satisfied, they exited the clothing store and headed towards the Three Broomsticks to have something to drink when a store caught her eye.

"I'll catch up Gin."

That said, Hermione entered the store. Immediately a woman came up to her smiling.

"Good morning Miss, can I help you?"

"Yes, I would like an appointment."

The witch look down at an open notepad before nodding.

"You're in luck. I had a no show. Right this way Miss."

Hermione followed the petite blonde back and sat down on a stool.

"So what exactly are we looking for today?"

"Do whatever you want with it. Just not too short."

Forty-five minutes later she walked out of the salon feeling like a new person. Her hair fell in soft curls to just past her shoulders and brought otu the natural highlights. Her mind was lost in its own thoughts when she ran into someone. She stumbled a few steps before a hand reached out and steadied her. Looking up to say her thanks, she literally froze and her heart began to race. She ran into none other than Draco Malfoy. His gorgeous silver eyes widened for a split second before they narrowed, and his trademark sneer came upon his face.

"So you finally figured out what a hair brush is for Granger?"

"Have a nice day Malfoy."

She smiled at him and walked away, heart still pounding. As she entered the Three Broomsticks, her heart felt heavy. Was blood still so important that he feels the need to insult her constantly? She sat down next to Ginny, not paying any attention to who was nearby. Ginny fussed over her hair for a few minutes. Hermione was just taking a sip of Butterbeer when Malfoy walked in. He scanned the room and his eyes settled upon her. A small smile came upon his face causing her heart to flutter. He came closer still smiling. She paid no attention to Ginny, who was kicking her under the table trying to get her attention. When he was close enough, his smile widened a bit more.

"Hello gorgeous."

Her heart nearly stopped and she sat shocked before recovering.

"H-H-Hey."

He was almost right next to her. Couple more steps. She set down her glass and lifted her head as he walked right passed her. Stunned, she turned in her seat in time to see him kiss the hand of none other than Victoria Spellman. Who was sitting behind Hermione with Zabini and Parkinson. Numbly, Hermione faced forward and quickly finished her drink.

"Gin, I'm not feeling so good. I'm going back to the castle."

Ginny nodded and followed her as she left the tavern. They surprisingly didn't see Harry nor Ron, thankfully. How could she have been so stupid? Who knows how many people saw her. Oh Merlin, what if Draco figured out that she has the biggest crush on him? It would give him new material to torment her with. She knew that Ginny saw the whole thing and thankfully has't said anything yet. They made it to the Common Room with no difficulties. She curled up on her armchair near the fireplace, Ginny disappeared to who knows where. She was in the middle of a book when the protrait slammed open. She turned in her chair, wand ready, as Harry and Ron came in. Actually it would go as Harry came in supporting Ron. Holy Moly, Ron was as red as his hair. Harry led them to a nearby sofa and plopped onto it. She marked her spot in the book, closed it and faced the boys.

"What's the matter with him?"

Harry grinned but shook his head.

"Not my story to tell."

She looked expectantly at Ron who's mouth flapped open and shut like a fish.

"Ron?"

He looked at her, turned even redder, jumped up from the couch and fled the room. Hermione stared after him as he took the stairs two at a time to the dorms. After hearing the door slam she faced Harry.

"Harry?"

Harry shook his head again before standing up himself.

"Have you seen where Ginny went?"

"No, sorry."

"That's alright. I'll go find her."

With that, Harry left Hermione sitting there confused about what went down to one of her best friends. The answer came soon enough when the three of them went down for dinner that night. The Slytherins were laughing throughout the entire dinner while sending looks their way. It was nearing dessert time when Spellman stood up from where she was sitting next to Nott and made her way over to the Griffindor table. Students nearby went silent as she approached. She smiled at Neville and Dean who both blushed.

"Excuse me."

She leaned forward between the two blushing boys before focusing her eyes upon Ron, who once again was the shade of his hair.

"I don't believe you gave me a chance to answer your question Mr. Weasley."

Hermione shot Ron and Harry (he was sitting on Ron's other side) a look before responding on behalf of her speechless friend.

"What question did he ask of you?"

Spellman looked at her.

"He asked me to the Beach Bash."

The Griffindor table went silent for two seconds before the guys shouted their encouragement at Ron.

"I am here to inform Mr. Weasley that I wont be able to attend the Bash with him since I am already going with someone else."

"And that would be who? Mr. Egotistical Ferret?"

Several of her housemates laughed and Spellman locked eyes with Hermione.

"I know your secret Miss Granger."

Hermione paled as Spellman continued.

"I just want to remind you that you stand no chance with him. He is with me and I protect what is mine."

Did this girl actually think that she could beat her? She is the brightest witch of their year, she could outduel this girl with ease.

"You may be the brightest witch of your year but that was before I came here. I have seen your duels Miss Granger and I wasn't impressed."

They continued locking eyes until someone came up beside Spellman and laid a hand upon her shoulder. Without even looking to see who it was, Spellman relaxed as the rest of the table stiffened. She broked eye contact with Spellman and saw that it was Malfoy.

"All done here?"

Spellman gave Hermione one last look before nodding. The two of them walked away and joined up with Parkinson and Zabini. She stopped watching them when she felt several pairs of eyes on her. Looking she saw that Ron and Harry were looking at her curiously.

"What?"

Harry spoke first.

"What did she mean about you standing no chance with him?"

She didnt answer.

"Hermione, who's him?"

"Just a silly crush on a boy. You know how people get with hormones."

Harry laughed.

"That I do. Just a good thing she didn't mean Malfoy. There wouldn't be enough hormones for someone to have a crush on that!!"

Both him and Ron burst out laughing at this. Hermione looked up and saw that Neville was still staring at her.

"What?"

He just shook his head and went back eating. She suddenly had no appetite so excusing herself from the table, she left the Great Hall. Halfway back to the Common Room she was pushed from behind with enough strength to send her flying down to her knees. Quickly turning around she saw that it was Spellman, Parkinson and several other Slytherins girls. Spellman had her wand out and pointed at Hermione.

"Get up Miss Granger."

Hermione slowly did and faced the girls.

"Pull out your wand."

"Why?"

Spellman gave a chuckle before smiling at her.

"Why, we are going to duel."

Hermione closed her eyes and calmed down her breathing.

"Who is your second? Mine of course is Pansy."

"I am."

Ginny stepped forward and took her spot behind Hermione. She gave her a grateful look before facing Spellman.

"So what are the terms and conditions of this duel Victoria?"

"Anything goes but we cannot kill each other. I win, you resigned from your position as Head Girl and name me as your replacement. If you win, I step back as Draco's girlfriend and as Slytherin Queen I'll grant you immunity from all teasing/pranks from Slytherins. Do we have a deal?"

She thought about this for a moment. She worked hard the past six years to get the position of Head Girl. She even gets her own dorm and she shares a common room with the Head Boy. When she won this little duel, the path to Malfoy would be open. There would be no more teasing from the Slytherins, who are very cruel. Finally coming to a conclusion she nodded her head.

"I'll do it."

A cold smile broke upon Spellman's face and Hermione had a nagging thought that the smile looked strangely familiar. She didn't have much time to ponder this thought as a jet of red light came flying at her.