Signum Vitalis (a dramione story)

In which Hermione is confronted

"I am, so listen. I think I know something that might help. Are you available tomorrow after school?"

Hermione hesitated, "I guess."

Daryn smiled and left.

Hermione rolled the vial of sleeping draught around in her hand, its inky depths had become synonymous with peaceful sleep for her. The guardian of her nights. Her healers had said she couldn't take any potions so her systems could normalize but she was scared what might happen if she didn't take anything. It had been months since she hadn't taken a potion before bed.

Although the anecdotal potion had taken the edge away, Hermione still felt slightly sedated. Maybe, she thought, it would be enough to help her fall asleep tonight. Luna had to stay out late that night for her job again and Hermione also worried Luna's quite entrance might wake her even if she could sleep. In the end, Hermione cast a silencing ward around her room, made sure to block the city's lights from filtering through her window and settled among her sheets, hoping sleep would not elude her.

...

That Friday Hermione woke to an unusual lack of foreboding. She was used to shaking off a sense of malaise by diving right into studying. Puzzled, she continued her routine, only remembering to cancel her wards when Luna walked past and Hermione couldn't hear her usual humming.

After school, Hermione flooed with Daryn to his mysterious location. He had been rather tight-lipped about it when she asked. Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, dusting her clothes off, and looked around. There were several children running around. She saw a young child sitting with on the floor, the toys around them moving on their own.

"Is this a magical baby-sitting place?" Hermione asked.

"Pretty close." Daryn replied as he came out after her. "It's basically the equivalent of a wizarding Boys and Girls Club."

"Oh," Hermione's head buzzed with curiosity.

"Listen," Daryn said. "When I was going through a tough time in my life, it really helped to have someone who needed me. I was thinking that volunteering might help you with... you know."

"But why didn't you say anything before?" Hermione asked.

"Daryn," someone called from behind Hermione. It was a civil tone, but Hermione was almost positive she knew who it belonged to. She turned to face him.

"So we-" Malfoy trailed off as he saw her, his face changing slightly. "Oh. Granger." Malfoy sounded resigned.

"Why?" Hermione rounded on Daryn.

"I don't know wizarding New York very well so I asked Draco," Daryn said defensively under her glare. "Besides, you two have gone through similar experiences..." Hermione snorted. "I thought..." Daryn trailed off into a sigh. "You can still help her sign up, right Draco?" he finished.

"When you asked about volunteering I thought it was for you," Malfoy accused.

Daryn shrugged helplessly under Malfoy's scowl. "I'm just trying to help."

"Help?" Malfoy repeated incredulously.

"Both of you don't like each other, I understand, but wouldn't it be better to bond over your shared experience instead of focusing on whatever divides you?"

Hermione let out a high, disbelieving laugh.

Malfoy glowered.

"Do they run any sort of background check?" Hermione asked.

"Um... not that I know of," Daryn responded, nonplussed.

"Hermione," Malfoy suddenly said saccharinely, putting his arm around her shoulder. All of her muscles tensed. "Dear, I think we can discuss some of the finer details outside, alone." Hermione stepped out from under his arm but her curiosity got the better of her and she still followed him as he moved towards an exit.