All's Fair in Truth or Dare

5

News of Lavender's recovery and release from the infirmary spread rapidly throughout the students. She was constantly question as to what happened and who had cast the spell, but whether out of pride or shame, Lavender revealed the true story to no one other than Parvati.

Needless to say, Hermione wasn't extremely pleased to hear of this news and had spent most of her time in the library to avoid Lavender until she thought up a strategy, as Hermione was sure the note was from her. Wars needed strategy, and because of this, Hermione had strangely become smitten with wizarding chess.

The sky was a dull shade of gray one Saturday morning as Hermione walked down to the Quidditch pitch. Harry had scheduled practice every Saturday, no matter the weather to make sure the team was ready for anything, and this morning was no exception.

As she neared the pitch, Hermione watched as the Quaffle was shot expertly at a very ready Ron by the hoops. He had improved immensely over the summer and was almost as good as Oliver Wood had been.

Hermione walked into the stands and stopped in her tracks at the sight before her. There, sitting in Hermione's usual spot was none other than Lavender Brown, wearing a Gryffindor scarf, and watching the practice intently. She looked at Hermione. "Oh, hi! I thought I'd watch the practice for once since our team's supposed to be really good this year." Hermione became instantly suspicious; the team hadn't played a game yet.

"You're in my spot," Hermione mumbled. It irked her less that Lavender was in her spot then the fact that she was at the Quidditch pitch at all. She was worse than the entire Slytherin team, with her not-quite-so-subtle insults.

"I'm so sorry. Can't you sit there, though?" She pointed to one of the worst seats in the stands. "First come, first served as they say. Besides, my hair gets messed up when I sit down there on days like this; the wind always blows water from the lake over here. But you could sit there. I'm sure your hair couldn't get wor...I mean wouldn't be effected by it."

Hermione snorted and plopped down right next to Lavender. "The best view's here, and I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I sat next to you." Lavender didn't reply.

The girls continued in silence, hardly even paying attention to the practice. Hermione sighed inwardly. Look, Hermione, she thought. You can't let Lavender control this fight. If you're going to do something, do it. Just then, the team landed, and Lavender went rushing and squealing out onto the field.

"Oh, Ron! You did so well! I can't believe how much you've improved," Lavender purred as the team exited the field. Hermione got up from her seat in the stands to follow their progress.

What is it that Lavender could want from me? Hermione thought. Why declare War? She jogged a bit so that she was next to Ron, Lavender on his other side.

"Oh, hey there, Hermione. Did you see that last save that I made? It has to have been one of my best ever!" Ron exclaimed, tugging a bit of Hermione's hair.

Before Hermione could respond, Lavender butted in. "I know! It looked just like a professional, er-" her smile faded for a moment, but it quickly returned. "Keeper!" Lavender was practically on top of Ron as she said this.

"Let's just hope you do that in a game," Hermione said, trying to keep her voice level. Ron, she thought. Is Lavender after Ron? Why would she be after Ron?

"Oh, Ronald can do anything to help out the team. He's a great player." Lavender brought up her hand and messed up Ron's hair a bit so that it looked even more windswept then before. Hermione was furious with Lavender and Ron and stomped away up the path, but even in her furry, she had to admit that the messed up hair made him look sexier.

Why do you keep on running away? There's no reason to run! Just because Lavender's beautiful and can get any man she wanted and....Hermione shook her head to clear her thoughts.

She didn't stand a chance.

* * *

"Vengeance is sweet, Parvati," Lavender smirked while laying on her four-poster. It was later on Saturday night, and she was enjoying a lazy day. "Hermione Granger will be nothing when I'm through with her."

"I know, Lavender, and because of that, I've been looking up some spells to help," Parvati offered helpfully, holding up a book.

Lavender propped herself up with her arm. "You went to the library? Parvati, wow! I can't believe you'd do something like that just for me!"

"It's what friends are for, Lavender. All you're going to need are a few of these vanity spells. There are ones for straight or curly hair (personally, I'd say your hair looks better straight and kind of shiny), radiant skin, and pretty much every spell you can think of to make you glow like a goddess," Parvati handed her the book.

"Even more so then I do now?" Lavender asked suspiciously, slowly taking the book from Parvati.

"Even more so than you do now. Whoever this guy is, he will bow down to you and you'll have him literally eating out of your hands and wrapped around your finger. Hermione will be helpless." Parvati gave a delighted laugh.

Lavender flipped her hair and tilted her head proudly. "She doesn't stand a chance."