Writing prompt - Soup Kitchen

Hermione was busy organizing the staff delegating their duties for the day. It was going to be a busy one as an impending storm was on the horizon bringing freezing rain and blistering winds. The shelter that she ran in her parents honor hosted about fifty to sixty beds and served hot lunches and dinners to those less fortunate. She also helped with housing as well as job placements. It was a tough job but the reward was worth it in the end.

Though the shelter was in the Muggle world, Hermione had a floo connection in her office. As she was walking through the door out stepped Draco Malfoy. His sudden appearance startled her as she jumped at the sight on him clutching her heart.

"Jeeze Malfoy, you scared me and you are late." She stated settling into her desk taking a beat to collect her nerves.

"Good day to you too Granger, besides my appearance is not as unsightly as your hair or that sweater." He snuffed at her, dusting off floo powder from his clothes.

She glared at him for his comments, letting out an agitated sigh she said. "I don't know how I let Harry talk me into you helping here. Couldn't you sweep the floors at the joke shop."

"Yes, well it's no picnic for me either Hermione (saying her name in a sing song manner) Potter has this righteous idea that I need to 'earn my keep' if I am to stay at Grimmauld Place. The bloody house belongs to my family, I have Black blood the wards recognize that..." Hermione cut off his rant.

"Seriously Malfoy can you not complain about how hard you have it when we are about to serve people who really have no place to go in this world." She said in an annoyed tone.

Draco stood a bit taller, staring intensely at her, he then closed his eyes to internally count till his rage subsided. Letting out a breath so that his nostrils flared a bit he said in a low tone. "I have been fucking disinherited and kicked out of the only home I have ever known. It may seem like a first world problem to you but it is still a problem that affects me whether you care or not."

Hermione was taken aback by his admission, she sat up straighter in her seat and observed Draco. She really had not considered his situation, she comprehended the words but never really felt true empathy towards him until now. Standing from her desk she walked over to him and said. "I'm sorry, I was being incredibly insensitive towards you. I'm sure what you are going through is not easy for you but it will work out in the end I'm sure of it."

"Fine, let's get this day over with." Draco muttered as he followed Hermione out of her office and down to the kitchen area. Once there, she introduced him to the rest of the volunteers then she proceeded to get him 'geared up' for food prep.

"I need you to peel five pounds of potatoes." She said.

"But before you start, here is an apron so your clothes don't get dirty. A set of gloves, make sure you change them if you touch any other surface, we don't want any cross contamination, oh... and a hair net." She concluded.

Draco looked aghast. "I am not wearing that!"

"You are preparing food so you have to." She said simply with a cheeky grin on her face as if daring him to defy her.

Draco scowled as he took the apron, violently tying it to his person then he begrudgingly took the hair net, tucking his platinum locks safely inside. Last were the gloves. Hermione stood back and tried not to chuckle at his appearance. "They must have a double extra large one to hold your monstrous hair." He sneered at her amusement.

"Actually, no, I am a horrid cook so I don't usually touch the food. Besides I have to make sure the additional supplies arrived, the beds have extra blankets and the tables are set." She said matter of fact with a smirk, just then out of the corner of her eye she saw Draco about to draw his wand. Rushing close to him, her body almost flush to his she whispered. "You can't use your wand, the peeler is on the counter."

"Five pounds of potatoes by hand, ugh the indignity." He muttered then looking down to her he continued. "Is there another reason you are still invading my personal space Granger?"

Hermione gave him a curious look then quickly realized just how close she was standing to him. She muttered a hasty apology hoping he would not notice the blush on her cheeks. Draco did of course and when she turned back to catch a glimpse he flashed her a wicked smirk.

The End

Inspired by mouserzwuzhere: "I need you to peel five pounds of potatoes."