First of I want to thank dracohermioneshipper, Andufeniel, Aquaria, Anonymous, and Sour x Child. Thanks for reading!
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Previously on Sphinx: "C'mon, Harry," said Hermione. "He isn't worth it. Save your energy for the next Quidditch match. It's against Ravenclaw."
"Yes, Potter is going to need his wits about him. After all, his little crush is flying against him."
"You take that back, Malfoy!" shouted Ron.
"Why should I? Potter would never let his little girlfriend down. I would lay any amount of money down that Potter will lose it on purpose."
"Shut up!" shouted Harry, dropping his broom.
"Ooh, is big, bad, Harry Potter going to beat me up? Save me! Save me!"
"Malfoy, Harry would never lose on purpose. Cho is just a friend. You should know that," Hermione said.
"I say we propose to bet. I bet Potter will lose the next Quidditch match."
"I accept!" shouted Hermione.
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Draco smiled at Hermione.
"Fine, then. Now, what shall we bet? And who shall be your second?" he said.
"Second?" Hermione questioned.
"Wizard bets work the same way as wizard duels. If one person cannot meet the obligations of a bet due to illness or death or something of that nature, the second steps in and does or gives what the first was supposed to."
"Okay, I choose Ron."
"Mine will be Pansy. That nitwit would do anything for me. Well then, we obviously can't bet money. If you would die, there is no way that Weasley would be able to fill the payment."
Ron's face turned a scarlet that matched his hair. Whether it was out of anger or embarrassment, Draco couldn't tell.
"That was low, Malfoy," Hermione retorted.
"It's the truth. All right, I've got it. Harry loses the match to Ravenclaw in three days, and you owe me a month of servitude. You obey my every command, see to everything that I need or want, and do it all peaceably. He wins, and I do the same for you. Fair enough?"
"Works for me."
"Good. Stick out your right hand."
Hermione did so, but kept a good eye on him. Malfoy whipped out his wand and grasped her hand in his. He muttered a quick spell and their fingertips glowed gold for a moment. After the gold faded away, Malfoy threw Hermione's hand away from his.
"It's sealed then. Prepare for servitude, Mudblood," Malfoy said icily.
"Oh, I'll be polishing the chains for you, Ferret Boy."
"Funny, Granger. Really witty."
With these words, Malfoy spun on his heel and walked out of the corridor. Once he was gone, Hermione gave an exasperate sigh.
"Harry," she said. "You had better win that next match! I don't want to be enslaved by a ferret."
"I'll do my best," Harry answered.
"He will," said Ron. "Count on it, Hermione."
Hermione smiled.
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Harry walked out of the boy's lavatory on the fourth floor the last day before the match against Ravenclaw. Tomorrow was going to be a good game. He would win the match for Gryffindor, and Hermione would pay Draco back for all of his past cruelty. Suddenly, a hand whipped out from the corridor and grabbed Harry. He was shoved against the wall and had the wind knocked out of him for a minute. Once he had regained his breath, Harry looked up. It was Cho.
"Oh, hey, Cho. How are you doing? Ready for the game tomorrow?"
Her dark eyes swept over Harry. She smiled.
"Fancy you would bring up the game. That is what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Really?"
"And, a few more things."
"Okay, then, shoot."
"Well, I was reading over that letter that you sent to me at the beginning of the year. You remember that one?"
Harry colored slightly, and then nodded.
"Well, I realized last night how much I have been denying my feelings for you. I do feel the same way."
"Y-you do?"
"Yes, and I would like to take you up on your offer to be your girlfriend. But, I would like you to do something for me before we go out."
"Y-yes?"
"Harry, I want you to lose the next Quidditch match. Ravenclaw hasn't had a lot of glory when compared to Gryffindor, and before I pick another boyfriend from another House, I want to give them some honor."
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Cho covered it with her finger.
"Don't give me your answer now. Give it to me at the end of the Quidditch match. Till next time, Harry."
Cho quietly gave him a short kiss, and with a final smile, walked off.
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Dragonfires