So, due to all the new stuff added into previously posted chapters, I had to break them down a bit. So while it's a new chapter, the story is not completely - just a bit expanded and such. Anywho, enjoy!
An hour later, Harry sat at the Gryffindor table next to Ron as excited conversations filled the Great Hall. The sorting had just been finished, and all were excited about the new term and seeing old friends. One main topic of conversation was the new faces at the head table. Iris sat talking to Professor McGonagall, trying nervously to ignore the eyes that kept settling on her. It felt odd for her to be sitting in her forest green robes with a hat slightly tipped over her right eye, her now blonde hair pulled half up in thick, blonde waves. She was officially a part of the wizarding world once again and the thought terrified her. There was absolutely no way anyone could get to her at Hogwarts, and no one outside the Order even knew who she really was, but Iris still couldn't help feeling vulnerable. So many eyes watching her at that moment. So many people growing close to her and she was afraid. But she hid all this behind a smile and cheerful conversation, hoping against all hope that she was beyond those dark times.
Harry could sense Iris' nerves all the way across the room. He was impressed that she hadn't bolted yet, but knew that the tense woman could only handle so much. It was a lot for her to be seated in front of so many watching eyes.
"She seems to be doing well," Hermione whispered to Harry. Harry shrugged, still watching Iris.
"At least that's what she wants you to think. She's terrified right now," he said softly. Hermione looked back at Iris.
"How can you tell? She looks like she's enjoying herself," she said. Harry carefully watched Iris as she looked down at her plate, then slightly pulled her hat down a bit more.
"We're connected through blood. I can sense her thoughts and emotions when they are heightened or when she chooses to let me, and she can sense mine all of the time," he said. Hermione nodded, looking back and forth between the aunt and nephew.
"What's this? Does Harry Potter fancy the new professor?" Seamus said with a laugh from across the table. Harry quickly looked at Seamus, unsure of how to respond. He couldn't tell anyone that Professor Baker was actually his aunt, so he just let the accusation alone. "I knew it. You haven't taken your eyes of her all evening. No worries, though. I think half of Hogwarts fancies her." Harry looked around the room and notice that he wasn't the only boy studying the new professor.
"Oh, dear," Hermione murmured as she shook her head. At that moment, Dumbledore stood up to the podium and raised his hand to signal silence.
"I would like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts for another year. There are some changes. First of all, there is some added precautions because of the return of Voldemort," he boomed.
There was a collective shudder throughout the students at the mention of his name. Dumbledore paused before continuing.
"Your heads of houses will discuss these changes with you when you go to your houses after dinner. Next, I would like to tell you about some class changes and introduce a new professor." All eyes automatically turned to Iris. She squirmed slightly in her chair and tried hard to stop the blush that was threatening to crawl up her face.
"This year Professor Snape will be taking over Defense Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore said. Snape sneered as he acknowledged the general disgust coming from many of the students. Harry groaned slightly. Defense Against the Dark Arts had been his favorite subject, but now it seemed like it would slide into his most loathed. "And taking over his potions classes will be Professor Baker and Professor Slughorn." Iris stood slightly and nodded quickly before sitting back down about the same time as an older man on the other side of Snape. "Professor Baker will be providing classes for years one through three while Professor Slughorn will be teaching the upper years.
"Now, that is all in the way of announcements. Please, feast and enjoy yourselves," he said. Dumbledore turned to sit down as food appeared on the tables across the Great Hall. Harry glanced up at Iris and smiled at the look of amazement that was on her face. He forgot that all she knew about Hogwarts was from stories told to her by his parents. Well, a few from Wood, most likely. He only wished that he could be sitting up there now, enjoying this moment with the only family he really had left.
"It's just like the stories," Iris said as she picked up her goblet full of pumpkin juice and peered into it. Professor McGonagall laughed at her childlike exclamation, marveling at the fact that the young woman was truly there. Dumbledore had informed both herself and Snape of who she really was, though most of the other professors had been kept in the dark.
"I forgot that this is your first time here," the older woman said as she reached for a hot roll.
"Yes, but I've heard so much about it that it feels like I've been here before," Iris said, glancing up at the enchanted ceiling where thousands of candles floated in a starlit sky.
"I'm sure your family delighted you with many stories. I taught them, you know," she said. Iris looked at her in astonishment.
"Really? What were they like," she asked, careful not to mention names.
"Well, your sister was quite the smart witch," she responded. "Her husband, on the other hand, was a bit of a handful."
"Handful is putting it mildly," a voice droned from the other side of Iris. She turned and looked at Snape. To be honest, she had been dreading their first meeting after the others' opinions. He had been mostly quiet until now, at the mention of her family. "He was a terror and quite fond of torturing other students. Did he mention that?" Iris was a bit taken aback, but of course she wasn't going to just sit there and let him say rude things about her family.
"I'm sure stories like that were inappropriate for a child - seeing as I was a child the last time I saw them," she said with an edge in her voice and eyes flashing. Snape looked up at her, his gaze flinching slightly. "They did their best with me. Wasn't easy to take in a young girl at their age."
"I see," he said after a moment's silence. "Seems you possess the same devote loyalty to people you barely know as your nephew." Iris took a deep breath. Now she see why everyone seemed to loathe him.
"I think nine years is sufficient time enough to know someone. As I said, they did their best and they were very loving substitutes for parents," she said, willing her voice to stay strong. Snape watched her out of the corner of his eye, trying to figure her out. He could sense part of Lily there - she had her spirit it seemed - but there was something else there. A cold harshness that didn't exist in Lily or the Potter boy. He would have to keep an eye on her.
"I will be stopping by frequently to monitor your progress. I was concerned when Dumbledore suggested that an untrained witch as yourself should take over some of the potion classes. Especially one as volatile as yourself. Mark my words, Miss Baker, I will not stand for sub-par work," he warned.
Snape then turned back to his food, no longer acknowledging her presence. Iris sat stunned for a moment before turning back to her plate. He seemed to be every bit as harsh and loathsome as the others had said, though for whatever reason, she felt that it was personal. Though she was unsure why. She had just met him. Not to mention it did put a damper on her arrival at Hogwarts. Even though she also felt she had no right being an educator, she was excited to have some sort of purpose. But now it appeared she would have this morose prick breathing down her neck the whole time. Iris no longer felt hungry. The urge to get away was almost overwhelming.
"She's not much like her at all," Iris heard him think sadly. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, confused. She figured he must have been acquainted with her sister as they were both part of the first Order, but she didn't think it had been that close. Close enough that he would now be exhibiting sadness that she wasn't much like Lily. Either way, she didn't want to dwell in his mind. She had too much going on in her own at the moment.
"If you'll excuse me, I think I've had enough excitement for tonight. I'm not quite accustom to so much activity. Good night, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape," she said, skillfully hiding the quiver that was threatening to take over her voice.
"Good evening, Lauren," McGonagall said as she smiled at her, then turned to glare at Snape. Iris quickly exited through a side door, wiping at the tears that had started to trickle down her cheeks.
"You didn't have to be so harsh," McGonagall said once Iris had disappeared. Snape looked up at her, no emotion in his face. "The poor girl has been through so much. It took a lot of strength for her to come out of hiding."
Snape raised an eyebrow as he looked at McGonagall. He didn't answer as he looked back out to the students. What did it matter to him what had happened to the girl? All she was was a walking reminder of Lily but yet wasn't her at all.
His eyes met Potter's as the boy glared at him, then left the room to follow the girl, no doubt. Snape went back to his dinner, thinking that someone should remind Potter not to act so chummy around the new professor.
Iris quickly walked through corridors and up the stairs until she reached a large door in a slightly deserted tower of Hogwarts. While most of the professors' quarters were located somewhat close to the houses, she had requested a room far from others so she could have a safe haven to her own. Luckily, Professor McGonagall had picked out a set of rooms that she thought would be just right. Iris had to admit she did well when she toured them before dinner. She walked down a hallway, but then stopping in front of a door and sighed.
"I know you're behind me, Harry," she said quietly. Harry walked up to her side.
"Are you alright? I saw you leave and I was concerned," he asked. Iris looked at him and smiled. Of course he would be protective of her. Hogwarts was his territory.
"Yes, I'll be fine. Just a little tired. It's been a long, overwhelming day," she said. She opened the door and stepped into the room. Harry watched from the corridor. "Well, aren't you coming in?" she asked. Harry stepped in and shut the door. He was standing in large, brightly lit sitting room that had pale lavender walls and two large windows decorated with airy white sheer curtains and wood floors. A candelabra hung from the high stone ceiling. While it was open, it still felt homey with a vase of flowers sitting on a table to his left and a large beige sofa in front of the fireplace that looked modern, but comfy. It sat on a large lavender rug with a coffee table in front of it. To each side sat matching armchairs. In the corner to the left of the large rock fireplace was a magical radio sitting on a table. On the other side of the fireplace was a cabinet that had a tea service on top that sat in front of the window. Double doors to the right opened up to a slightly smaller, but still roomy circular bedroom that was illuminated by the moon's glow through another large window. Iris' truck sat unopened at the foot of the bed. Harry walked over and sat on the sofa while Iris walked over to the cabinet and leaned against it, looking at Harry.
"Would you care for some tea?" she asked. Harry nodded. "Very well." She looked at the fireplace next to her, barely catching herself. Her eyes widened as she clumsily pulled her wand from her pocket and pointed it at the fireplace. Seems she was making mistakes all over the place lately. A fire began roaring as she silently scolded herself for letting Snape's words affect her so much that she was forgetting to use her wand. She turned and held the wand over the teapot, causing it to fill with hot water.
A curious look came across Harry's face as he watched her fumble. Once the pot was full, Iris nervously picked up the tray with the teapot and two tea cups on it, deciding it might be better to transport that the muggle way for the time being. She walked over and sat it on the coffee table in front of her and Harry then sat in the arm chair.
"Well, now that that's finished. If you don't mind, I think I've had quite enough of being Professor Baker for one day." She closed her eyes as her facade began to fade away and Iris appeared. Satisfied with her appearance, she took her hat off and let it fall lazily to the floor then looked to the small tin of tea packets, reaching to pull two out.
"Are you alright? You seem to be having trouble there," he asked again. Harry realized that this was the first time he had seen her actually do magic or had a wand in hand. Iris sighed and looked at him. She couldn't hide anything anymore it seemed.
"Not really, but I will be." She groaned as she set the packets down. "I just wish I wouldn't let him get to me like that," she said while massaging her temples.
"What did Snape say to you?" Harry asked as he sat up in his chair.
"Just a bunch of hogwash. He is every bit as deplorable as you all said. Called me volatile and untrained," she said. "And he had the gall to call me Miss Baker rather than professor." Harry grit his teeth, thinking certain thoughts of animosity directed towards the professor. Iris glanced over at him, sensing his anger.
"It's nothing to get all worked up about, Harry," she warned.
"But, he had no right to say those things," Harry said emphatically. Iris looked up at the ceiling, leaning back in her chair.
"Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I've been underestimated," she said offhandedly. Harry looked over at Iris, his anger settling down. Her emotions weren't strong enough for him to feel, but he could sense that while she was upset, she wasn't about to back down. She looked over at him and smiled. "Opinions like Snape's just make it all the sweeter to prove them wrong." He smiled as she remembered the tea.
"Ah, right," Iris said as she sat up poured the water then put in some tea packets into each cup. Harry watched her and laughed. "What?" Iris asked, curious as to what was amusing Harry.
"I'm sorry. It's just, I'm so used to professors using tea leaves here," he said. Iris shrugged as she placed the kettle down.
"I blame it on too many years living as a muggle," she said.
"Is that why you aren't used to using a wand?" Harry asked lightly, hoping that Iris' improved mood would allow her to answer some questions that had been bugging him. He had really wanted to ask about the shield she created the first night he saw her and if she really truly needed a wand for her magic. She hadn't done any in front of him since saving his life and he was curious. Though he had heard that sometimes it was possible. Iris glanced up at him, unsure how to answer the question.
"What makes you think that?" she asked, hoping to deflect the question. She held out one of the cups to him.
"Well, it's just, you seemed to be fumbling with it tonight," he said accepting the cup from her. "And well, I hadn't seen you do much magic until now."
"Unfortunately, that is the more the effect of my interaction with a certain professor we both despise," she said brusquely as she picked up her own and dunked the tea packet in it. She could sense Harry's anger starting again. "Please, Harry. Control your temper. It's not your battle." Harry sighed and took a sip of his tea. "Though, he does certainly know how to put a damper on one's first night in Hogwarts," Iris said before taking a sip of her own tea, pulling her legs up under her in the chair. They both sat in silence for a moment, before Iris smiled mischievously and an evil glint appeared in her eyes.
"What is it?" Harry asked. Iris shrugged.
"Oh, nothing really. I was just thinking of a few potions I'd like to show Professor Snape," she said. Harry laughed loudly, picturing Snape with multi-colored hair.
"You wouldn't? He would know it was you," he said. Iris shrugged, the glint gone from her eyes, but her smile still lingering.
"You are right. He would know it was me. And it wouldn't do for the new professor to pull pranks on her fellow staff. I have to be responsible now." Harry nodded as they both fell into silence again. Iris turned to look at him. "I think a toast is in order," she said. She lifted her tea cup. Harry follow her actions. "To a new year at Hogwarts," she said loudly.
"To family," Harry said with a smile. Iris smiled warmly.
"Yes, to family," she said softly. They clinked their cups together and took a sip.
"It's a shame I won't have you in potions," Harry said finally. Iris nodded.
"'Tis a shame, but probably for the best. And well, even if you were in potions, Slughorn is more adept at teaching the older students," she said.
"Dumbledore wants me to get close to him," Harry said. "He has… something he wants me to get." Iris studied Harry a moment before answering. Dumbledore had filled her in a bit on what he had up his sleeve. Namely that Harry would need to help him on some business, though he was quite secretive about it.
"Well, just be careful. I'd help if I could, but Dumbledore seems keen on leaving me out of it. Plus, most of the other professors are not aware of my… circumstances," she said.
"He seems quite enamored with me. I would assume if he knew who you were he'd want nothing more than to collect you as well. Especially since you have a knack for potions," Harry said with a laugh.
"Most likely. Even though I won't have you in class, you can still come visit. Perhaps I could manage to arrange some potions tutoring sessions with you," she suggested. Harry grinned.
"I'd like that," he said. Iris nodded and the two continued sipping their tea.
After a moment, Iris sighed and set her teacup down.
"As much as I hate to make you go, I think it's best that you return to your dormitory. They'll be going over the new procedures soon," she said. Harry nodded and set his cup down. They both stood and walked towards the door. "Now that you know where I am, feel free to come visit anytime," Iris said as she opened the door. Harry nodded before giving Iris a tight hug. It still shocked Iris a bit to receive affection from others after so many years of nothing.
"I'll stop by tomorrow," Harry said when he released her.
"Good. I would like to hear all about your first day back." Harry walked out the door and Iris pushed it shut. She leaned against the door a bit before pushing off and walking to the bedroom. The room automatically lit up as she walked in. While it was fairly modest, to Iris it was a palace. In the center of the room was a large, four-postered bed covered in a soft, plumb white comforter, with a large bay window on the wall to the left. Just next to the window in the corner sat a white vanity. To the right of the bed, there was a large oak armoire in a corner, with a set of drawers nearby along the wall. Next to that, there was another door on the right wall that led to a large, private bathroom. She walked in and noticed the usual sink, toilet and mirror, but the joy of the bathroom was the large ornate bathtub. Iris walked in and stared at it, wondering if she'd ever figure out how to use all the knobs and such. She had never had anything so grand in her life. It was large enough that she could get in and stretch out. Above it, hanging from the ceiling was a spout for a waterfall shower.
She was seriously indebted to whoever designed and put together her room. Never had Iris felt more happy to call a place home.
Iris quickly turned away and walked back into the room, seeing her truck. Another carrying her chemistry set and various potions supplies had been taken to her office near the potions classroom she would be using.
"Suppose I should unpack," she muttered. With a wave of her hand the truck and both the armoire and drawers opened. She looked from the trunk to the furniture and suddenly all the clothing, shoes and accessories moved of their own accord, either folding or hanging themselves. Iris walked over to the vanity where a soft, new terry cloth robe had draped itself on the back of the chair. She pulled off her robes and slid on the robe, turning to the bathroom.
"Let's try out this tub," she said. About 10 minutes later, she had finally figured out how to get warm water flowing and even some scented bubbles. It was full fairly shortly after that. Slipping the robe off, she gently climbed in and reclined, allowing all the stress and tension from the day to flow out of her body. She sighed.
"Welcome to Hogwarts and your new life, Iris," she said to herself and the empty room.