Burning Eyes

Not the owner, merely the temporary operator.
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The last thing I expected at that moment was a head floating in the fireplace. No, scratch that. The last thing I expected at that moment was Lucius's head floating in the fireplace. For Merlin's sake, the grate wasn't even lit. But there he was, in all his snarky glory.

"Draco."

"Father."

"I've been hearing the most disturbing news. You've quit your position at the Ministry, no one's seen you for days on end. What in the world is going -" Lucius was shocked into a rare moment of silence as he caught sight of Hermione sitting there.

"You did it."

"I did." I couldn't help the tiny bit of pride in my voice. It's not everyday that one puts a stopper in death, to quote Severus Snape.

"That potion you got from Borgin worked?"

"Yes."

"Merlin on a bicycle. I always knew there was more in that head of yours besides hair gel." I could hear the awe and pride that I'd always longed for in Lucius's voice.

"You doubted it?"

"There were times my boy, yes, there were times..." His voice trailed off. "You, girl. Come here."

I saw Hermione's face tighten in indignation and I knew that she was just itching to wipe the imperiousness from Lucius's face. However, she got up, albeit slowly and moved to stand with me before the fireplace.

"So. My son thinks you're worthy enough for him to risk his life for."

"So it would seem," she replied coldly. Good girl, Hermione. No intimidation there.

"You've certainly gotten better looking since the last time I saw you. No wonder Draco's in such a huff to shag you."

If I could have kicked the interfering old bastard, I would have.

"I must say," he continued, "I'm relieved you worked out a way to stay alive and have the Mudblood. I didn't fancy trying to have another heir. Your mother's a bit long in the tooth to have to go through that again."

"Please. Spare me the details." I made no attempt to hide my disgust.

Lucius smirked at the two of us, pulling faces at the mental image that conjured up. "As you're looking rather fetching in that garment, I believe I shall leave you to it." And with that he was gone in a puff of smoke. I quickly pulled my wand and deactivated the fireplace. No more interruptions.

Except for the clock chiming half-past 6am. Sunrise. The faint beams were beginning to peek through the closed curtains. I looked to Hermione. Her face was stricken, yet faintly hopeful.

"Open the curtains. I want to see it." That was the Hermione I knew - steely, resolute.

I did her one better. I drew back the curtains that hid the French doors from sight. Through the panes of glass pink and purple rays of dawn came streaking over the rooftops of the City. She rose slowly to stand before the rising sun. I opened the doors onto the chilly autumn morning. Hermione tipped her face up to meet the sky and I watched her drink in the first sunlight of her renewed humanity.

Her face was bathed in rosy light until the sun was fully arisen. The pale yellow light brought out the pink of her cheeks and picked out the new blonde streaks in her hair. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. They still burned, but instead of malevolence, they now glowed with joy. Each brown fleck in those orbs shone like gold and resembled nothing so much as fall leaves in a silvery pool. I knew I would remember the sight for as long as my heart beat in my chest.

And yes, I knew that I was being maudlin as well. Forgive me. It's not every day that you get to witness a birth.