Signum Vitalis (a dramione story)

Purebloods and Muggleborns

On Friday Hermione decided it was time for her to try the volunteer work that Daryn had found for her. She flooed to the location and went to check with the front desk lady to see if all her paperwork had checked out. The receptionist was actually a youngish girl with heavy blond highlights, black nails, and a tie over her camisole. She affirmed that the paperwork had gone through and directed her to the next room.

"Just ask the guy in the purple shirt what to do. He's running things today."

Hermione nodded and followed her instructions. She located him quickly enough as everyone else in the room was several feet shorter than him.

"Malfoy. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. So, you are in charge of everything today?"

Malfoy looked up from the desk he was leaning over. "Granger. Give me a minute."

Hermione nodded. Malfoy turned back to the desk and continued muttering to the child who was sitting at it. Malfoy pointed to a few things and then said, "Now show me."

The little boy scribbled madly and then presented it to Malfoy.

Malfoy leaned down, inspecting it, and then patted the boy on the head. "You've figured it out. Do the rest the same way." Malfoy then turned and walked over to Hermione.

"I've decided to come back," Hermione informed him, folding her arms in front of her chest.

"Want a pat on the head?" Malfoy asked.

"No," Hermione answered through clenched teeth. "Just tell me where you need help."

Malfoy shrugged and looked around the room. "Mainly it's just supervision until something bad happens."

Hermione rubbed her forehead. "Great, worse than Prefect duty."

"You could see if anyone needs help with homework. You actually have taken these muggle courses."

"Oh, good." Hermione clapped her hands together, relieved to not being doing nothing.

As she moved towards the table, Malfoy grabbed her shoulder.

"Granger, just remember they aren't in middle school yet. Use small words, okay?" Malfoy gestured with his other hand to denote a small amount.

"Middle school?" Hermione asked.

"It's a school in between primary and secondary school in the United States. It includes children from 11 to 14 years old."

"Oh. How do you even know that, Malfoy?"

"I work with them every week." Malfoy rolled his eyes. "It's enough to pick up the lingo."

Hermione nodded and went past him to the table. The children were working on simple math problems, filling out worksheets, or coloring.

"Hi, guys. My name is Hermione. Unlike Malfoy I actually have taken these Muggle classes. Ask me if I have any questions, okay?"

"Just because Draco is a pureblood doesn't mean that he doesn't understand this stuff."

Hermione looked up to see the black-haired boy from her birthday party. "Ari?"

"Yeah, my name is Auriga."

"Like the constellation?"

"Family tradition," the boy muttered.

"Like the Blacks?"

Ari looked up sharply. "How do you know that?"

"I'm... I've known a couple Blacks."

Ari shrugged. "Yeah, like the Blacks. Draco isn't stupid, though."