A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't updated in so long! I've been really busy the last month. Here's the next chapter, there are only a few more to go. Just a random side note - my birthday is this week, so everyone review! lol

Disclaimer: British X RichXX J.K. Rowling XXX (I own nothing...)

Chapter 29 – Broken Bet

"Really Ron it's nothing to get worked up about," said Hermione, "Filch nearly caught me in the library, so I hid in the closet and Malfoy was hiding there too."

"So nothing happened?"

"No."

"Fine, but I still don't trust that ferret," said Ron as he made his way to the boy's dormitory, "Are you coming Harry?"

"I'll be up in a minute," he replied. Once Ron was gone he continued, "Are you going to tell me the truth?"

"The truth about what?" Hermione lied as a blush rose to her cheeks. Harry raised his eyebrow. "Okay I'll tell you, but don't tell Ron he'll freak out. Remember over the holidays, when I came to the Burrow?"

"Yeah, you said you wanted to surprise us."

"Well before that I got trapped in a cottage with him…" Hermione continued telling him about the events of the past months. When she was finished Harry watched her for a while.

"You really like him, don't you?" he asked her quietly. She nodded. "If you feel so strongly about him don't give up, but if he hurts you I'll kill him."

"Thanks Harry, you're a great friend," said Hermione as she headed to bed.

"Don't worry about Ron, I can handle him."

"But you promised no to tell him!"

"Its better if he finds out from one of us then if he finds you in a broom closet again. 'Night."

"Goodnight."

February's cold days became milder as the weeks passed into March. The Hogwarts grounds became slushy with melting snow. Draco returned to the common room one morning, mid March, with two letters that he had received at breakfast. He opened the first, which was from Madeline.

Draco,

The engagement is cancelled! Apparently Severus talked both our fathers out of it. They think its best we see other people. They have discussed other winnings for the bet, I think your parents will know more about that then I do. Also Fleur Delacour and I bumped into Viktor Krum. You won't believe this, he asked me to attend a ball with him. I'm so excited!!

Please write soon,

Madeline Dolohov

Draco's heart raced when he read her letter. The engagement was over; he didn't have to marry Madeline. This was his chance to be with Hermione. Hermione, his father would not approve. He slumped back over in his chair and opened the next letter.

My son,

I am writing to you from France. Your mother and I have decided to separate, we have been having marital problems since your engagement, which has been ended. Antonin and I have changed the terms of the bet, so I owe him a great deal. He is not pleased with me and ordered me out of London in exchange for the engagement. I am living in our summer manor for now. I don't believe I will be coming back soon, your mother has already sent divorce papers for when the separation period is over. I will try to keep in touch.

Your Father

If father was in France it wouldn't matter if he approved. His parents were getting divorced. Draco must have done something right for all these good things to happen in one day. He wasn't upset at his parents divorce, he hated his father and his mother wasn't happy being married to him.

Sunshine flooded the window and filled the room with light. Hermione groaned and turned over trying to get more sleep. Fifteen minutes later she was dressed and in the common room waiting for Ron and Harry.

So what were you talking to Hermione about last night?" asked Ron.

"Now, don't lose your temper. Hermione fancies Malfoy."

"WHAT?"

"I said not to lose your temper," called Harry as followed Ron into the common room.

"What's wrong?" asked Hermione as Ron stormed over.

"You fancying Malfoy is what's wrong," he raged. Harry gave her an apologetic look.

"I don't see any problem with it," said Hermione, she was not going to fight with him on this. He had no say in the matter; it was her choice.

"What do you think about this Harry?"

"I think that if Hermione likes him, then I'm okay with that. We're not going to be best friends, but we can be civil towards each other." Ron growled then stormed out of the common room.

"That went well," said Harry.

Ron came back twenty minutes later followed by an angry Ginny. "How could you Ginny, he's a Slytherin?"

"So? Do you really think that matters? Or are you just jealous I have a boyfriend and you haven't had a girlfriend since Fleur dumped you."

"Hey, that was a mutual break up."

"That's what all dumped people say."

"Fine! Have fun with Zabini, maybe you can double date with Hermione and Malfoy," He yelled before storming up the stairs.

"What does Zabini have to do with this?" Harry asked looking at Ginny.

"Ginny has been dating him in secret," Hermione explained.

"So what happened?" Harry asked.

"Ron caught us in a broom closet," she said smirking, "ironically it was the same one he found you and Malfoy in. He thinks it's jinxed."

The three laughed, but Hermione was still hoping that Ron would come around for both her and Ginny.