One brick at a time

A.N Apologies on the rather lengthy delay, no excuse except real life got in the way, and a hint of writers block didn't help.

hope you enjoy! X

Chapter 9

Hermione stood in front of the mirror in her room, mentally going over everything she had on and what remained in her wardrobe. Again, mentally praising Ginny for her diligence in teaching her hair charms, Hermiones hair was styled into soft curls, softly pulled back from her face. The clothing portion was not as simple. Hermione finally decided on a black denim skirt that sat mid thigh, a simple grey fitted tshirt and a cardigan incase it cooled down, paired with her light brown sandals. She was trying for the 'casual but got my shit together' look. But honestly, she was excited to have a few drinks, do some trivia and relax in general. No threat of death eaters showing up, dementors lingering or danger in general, just waiting around the corner for her. 

Hermione wondered if Draco was going to actually come, or if he had just said it to throw her. She couldn't imagine him partaking in something so below him as trivia. 

'Stop it' she told herself, 'you promised yourself, no more judging Draco'.

With one last look at herself in the mirror, Hermione took a deep breath and headed to the main entrance of the castle to meet up with the others.

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She'd forgotten how much fun just hanging out could actually be. That and the alcohol she'd consumed tonight had defiantly transformed the trivia from a bit of fun into a good night. She may regret those shots of firewiskey in the morning, but for the moment it helped her to really let go, breaking into fits of giggles at her non-existent contribution to the Quidditch portion of the trivia night. Draco had turned up to the trivia night, walking into the pub with a few of the curse breakers from Hogwarts. The real surprise was when he took a seat at the table she was already sitting on, thus joining the unofficial team. 

"Come on Granger, if I'm going to do this, I want to at least win" he said to her, winking at the end.

"What makes you think I'll be good at trivia, Malfoy?" She replied, taking a long sip from her drink, a cocktail of some description. Draco raised an eyebrow in mock horror,

"Really Granger, don't tell me I've found your weakness," he asked "after all this time, I should have just challenged you to trivia?" 

Hermione had to hold back from snorting into her drink.

"Lucky we're on the same team then, just incase I turn out to be amazing." She raised her gaze, making eye contact with her childhood bully, raising her left eyebrow mocking his earlier move. "Wouldn't want you to loose now would I"

Draco opened his mouth to reply when a wizard in his late 20s moved to the front of the room. 

"Welcome one and all, to The Three Broomsticks Trivia evening. Tonight's event is sponsored by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!" he called, wand pointed to his throat "In a moment a series of questions will be asked, and each team will fill in their responses on the form provided. An anti-cheating charm has been placed on each table, provided by our sponsor this evening, so as you can imagine, the consequences may vary". He proclaimed, barely hiding the laughter about to erupt from his body. 

"Okay, lets get to it, Question 1: Name three primary ingredients used to make...."

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Hermione laughed energetically at the story one of the Curse breakers, by the name of Faux, was telling about a thick, stinky substance that had erupted from a cursed object. CIn turn it had sprayed over a trainees body. Luckily it hadn't been anything too deadly, but it had caused the trainee to grow an unnatural amount hair all over their body. The story left Hermione almost gasping for air, from laughing so hard. Once she had gotten herself under control she noticed Draco too had been listening to the story. He looked so young and relaxed laughing, like he didn't have a care in the world. At that moment he met her gaze, his eyes meeting hers, neither of them looking away. 

"Hermione, I'm sure you have some real crackers" Crockford called out to her, pulling her away from her heated stare off with Draco. She stiffened, wondering what area in her sorted magical history he was referring to. 

"Being a Gryffindor and such good friends with the Weasley's! I heard the twins were developing most of the stuff for their joke shop while still at school".

Although she was glad that it wasn't about her time with Harry and Ron for once, it still pained her to think of Fred. 

"Urrrghh," she groaned and brought her hand to her forehead "yes they were, and there were many an unsuspecting first or second year who tried them out." She found herself giggling, despite her lingering sadness. 

"I have to admit it was rather hilarious in hindsight". She managed to get out i between giggles. 

"The firework display that chased Umbridge from the Great Hall was spectacular" added Draco, laughing to himself "I don't think she'd ever run so fast in life". 

They returned to the castle red cheeked, from the abundance of drinks and the laughter, as everyone shared what they'd heard occurred the day the Weasley twins left Hogwarts. Fred would be proud that his reputation proceeded him in the wizarding world. She hoped that eventually she'd be able to share this story with George and see him smile and laugh at the fact that even Draco Malfoy admired their hilarious show, when their fireworks display chased Umbridge out of the Great Hall. 

Everyone departed in different directions, calling out goodnight. It was getting rather late and they all still had work in the morning. Hermione and Draco arrived back to their quarters together, with Hermione headed to the kitchenette area, getting herself a rather large glass of water, hoping to avoid a hangover the next day. 

"You know you can just take a potion in the morning" 

Draco commented, leaning on the bench in the kitchen, watching her diligently drink her water. 

"They may help with the hangover, but I find myself hazy for a few hours after". She replied, finishing her first glass of water and reaching over to fill another.

"So you drink the water to what, sober up before bed?" 

"No," she looked over her shoulder at Draco, trying to ignore the warm feeling that flushed her whole body, just from the look he was giving her, "merely to lower the effects they have tomorrow. I'm still hoping the drinking lets me let go tonight." She looked through slightly hooded lashes, at Draco's face, noticing his slightly hitched breath. 

"Is that right Granger" he looked directly into her eyes now, "tell me did you drink so much tonight to let go a little? Or was it to use the drinking as an excuse for your actions?"

"Does it matter?" She replied, turning her body fully around to face him, glass of water forgotten on the sink.