Iris Black

by Archer88

Alternate Universe. Voldemort regains his body sooner and an avalanche of woe befalls the Earth. Sirius Black's life comes crashing down when he realises just how close he and Tom Riddle actually are. His daughter holds the power the Dark Lord knows not. General Pairings. F/M F/F. This is the first story I've written. Also on AO3 if you prefer a different format and to see reviews.

7. Chapter 7

'Prisoner 1346. Breakfast,' Ernie's voice said as Tom sat up in the bed.

'Good morning,' Tom said smoothly.

'I'll just put it on the side for you.'

Ernie moved across the cell and placed the tray down, 'I spoke to the department that deals with prisoner requests and they authorised you your mirror, quill and paper,' he popped it on the table and with a quick wave of his wand both a stack of paper, a mirror and the leather-bound book appeared. With a flourish, he handed Tom the blood quill, 'It may help with the bloody boredom in here,' Ernie smirked.

Tom smiled a charming smile, 'Indeed McNair. I think it will certainly do that.'

Ernie left the room with a sense of impending joy.

Tom picked the mirror up and looked at his reflection, 'Good as new,' he smiled. Tom looked thoughtfully at the quill and book. 'Yes,' he thought, 'I had a most relaxing day yesterday. Feet up. No one has been in to ask me any questions yet. They must think they are letting me stew. Time to start penning my memoirs,' he reached over for the familiar book. 'Good old faithful.'

He knew Narcissa had been a wise choice. For some inane reason, she loved her husband. She wanted him home and Tom regaining his power was the best way to achieve this. Either through force or Tom's ability to escape and not testify. He would be correct to assume that any method, including the resurrection of a Dark Lord, decapitation and arson to achieve this would be satisfactory means to an end to Narcissa. She demanded Lucius back in her bed as soon as possible and would justify all and everything to accomplish this.

Tom did not understand this devotion she had for him. He thought Lucius a preening peacock. He was useful in financial matters, however. Tom had acquired much wealth through investments. Lucius's advice and networking had proved reliable and useful.

He opened the book and stared at the page. Holding the blood quill, he pressed down.

'Hello, Tom,' he wrote. He felt the tingles of quill run through his fingers.

Dumbledore made his way to the Ministry. He pondered what to say to Tom. Perhaps as little as possible would be wise. He wouldn't indicate any knowledge of his theories. Best to keep that close to his chest. He didn't want Tom to suspect anything.

His mind went back to his dream. It was clearly symbolic. A message from the other side. Harry and Iris had a destiny. It was clear Harry's fate was to be entwined with hers. Dumbledore was relieved somewhat that Harry was not to be alone in this. Then he felt guilty for Iris. It would be a heavy burden for them both, but at least they would have each other. He tried to look at the bright side.

He walked through the elegant building to the Ministry cells, giving a few nods and smiles to those he passed to both friend and foe. He knew the whole Ministry was steeped in corruption and getting worse every day. The last few years had proved the divided loyalties between Light and Dark. The purists and sadists were frequent here. It was one of the reasons he declined to be the Minister.

Insidious hypocrisy dripped off every wall. He was also wary of his own megalomaniac tendencies. He knew his magical strength was intimidating, even to Voldemort. He preferred to keep himself out of harm's way. He was very aware of the way absolute power could seduce him.

It would be his way or the highway. He was wise enough to know he would become the very thing he despised. Totalitarianism was not to be undertaken by any society for any reason. It bought only misery for the masses. Cooperation and compromise were the way forward. Dumbledore had never agreed with the bias in the Ministry either. The blatant unfairness and favouritism. In his role as Headmaster of Hogwarts, he tried influencing the younger generations to be more accepting and less biased.

This had actually worked in general. When he compared the attitudes of his peers from his school days to the present he could already see the vast improvements. However, the attitudes had been medieval when he was a boy.

If not for his impressive defeat of Grindelwald, Dumbledore would have been fortunate to have kept his simple teacher role at Hogwarts. Before that, if a Pureblood had decided they wanted his position he would have been instantly shoved aside and made unemployed.

'Yes,' thought Dumbledore, 'Still much to do.'

The so-called Pureblood rights rallies were nonsense. Half-bloods and Muggleborns were of no threat. The Purebloods had the entire system the way they wanted it. There was no compromise. The only real danger to their status quo was nature. Purebloods would have to resort to inbreeding to maintain the blood hierarchy status. Voldemort had taken away the veneer of politeness that many Purebloods held for the rest of their magical society.

It simply wasn't true to say this was the sole fault of Slytherins. It wasn't just the Slytherin's who propped up this system of abuse for their own benefits. They came from both Light and Dark families. Representatives from each of the Houses of Hogwarts maintained the status quo in the Ministry. It was ugly for a casual observer to look at. Voldemort's reign of terror had exposed just how deep the injustice and corruption in the laws actually were to the wider public.

Death Eaters who had murdered children were allowed to go free through apparent lack of evidence, rigged voting and obstruction of the law. There had been murders and rape. Crimes that had both victims and witnesses. If the victims were not of Pureblood, they had only to say they were under the Imperius to be able to walk away to freedom. No questions asked. No analysis or evidence required. No prosecution. There had been sham trials had barely lasted five minutes before the accused were cleared and walked out the courtroom free men and women, smug smirks on their cruel faces.

Muggleborns and Half-bloods had been sent to Azkaban for petty theft.

It was only the chaos of Voldemort's defeat that had led to the arrests they did have. The Ministry was in uproar and panicking.

He knew Amelia Bones was at the end of her tether. All those arrests and time and time again, no justice in the courtrooms. It reeked to anyone in the Wizarding World who had a shred of decency and caused a great amount of resentment. There was of course the general snobbery. No one who was not a Pureblood could expect any doors to open for them in regards to career advancements. They were bolted shut once you got halfway up the ladder. Many Muggleborns had returned to the mundane world in disgust. Any of them who opposed this treatment in public found themselves targeted by the more unpleasant Aurors and arrested on false charges.

The Half-bloods resided with a foot in both worlds. There was a ticking time bomb on this. Would the Purebloods forgo their sanity within three generations to maintain their monopoly of power and wealth? Nature would have the inevitable last laugh. It would be the Purebloods having to beg the Muggleborns and Half-bloods for marriage if they didn't want to marry a first cousin.

'They really should be treating them with more respect,' Dumbledore thought, 'When the Purebloods need something from them it may turn out the Muggleborns and Half-bloods have longer memories than they anticipate. They will be refused and their lines simply die out and become extinct.'

Albus was processed and then escorted to the cell that was holding Tom.

He knocked on the door and walked into the room with deep unease. Tom shifted on the bed and looked up at him.

'I've been expecting you,' he said to Dumbledore softly.

Dumbledore leaned against the table and peered at Tom. He looked at him properly. He had last seen him under the street lights. Tom looked young. Very young, he thought.

Dumbledore pondered. He had researched the Slytherin locket. Hepzibah Smith was the last known owner. She had been murdered in 1946. A house-elf had been arrested and charged. Dumbledore had known instantly that the elf had been framed. It was against their nature to hurt a Witch or Wizard they were bonded to. Yet again the Ministry elite knew less than nothing about anyone magical who wasn't a Pureblood. Magical creatures were looked upon with derision. Seen as little more than worms by many of them. He assumed Tom had been behind it. Tom would have been around 18 if he had used the locket for a Horcrux then. He looked around that age now.

Dumbledore spoke quietly, 'I can assume you are going to say the other prisoners being held here are guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt of the crimes they have committed?'

Tom just looked at him with a shadow of a grin.

'I used the Imperius on them all to do my bidding Dumbledore. That is what I have told the Aurors. They are all completely innocent of any wrongdoing. I take full responsibility. I've been a very busy man indeed. I even used it on Karkaroff. It was why he was so confused at his trial. It is such a shame that they lost all the evidence and reports. Don't you just hate it when that happens? The Pureblood Ministry has been very keen to review his case among others. They brought him and potentially several other innocent Purebloods back from Azkaban. They cannot find their trial reports either. Tsk, Tsk. They claim no due diligence to these cases. So amateurish. Barty Crouch has of course been insistent that each of the prisoners is to be given the benefit of the doubt due to the obvious inept performance of the legal department.'

Albus sat quietly.

Tom smirked, 'Apparently, Amelia Bones is being interrupted in her office every five minutes by various concerned Aurors and Ministers. They would all hate to see any miscarriages of justice. You know how strict they are about this sort of thing. Although, poor Amelia. She can barely get any work done. I will of course confirm all of my wicked ways under Veritaserum. I am merely a toxic Half-blood using my immoral, cheap ways to lure innocent and kind Pureblood witches and wizards into a life of sin and depravity. I bewitched them all.'

Dumbledore appraised him, 'What other tricks have you got up your sleeve Tom?' he asked simply.

Tom gave Dumbledore his most innocent, naive look. He made himself look vulnerable and kind. Dumbledore shivered.

'I know you, Tom. You're mocking me. If you're still playing these twisted games of yours, then I know for certain this is a long way from over,' he paused. 'How did you cheat death?'

Tom sneered, 'I am the greatest Wizard of all time. I have even defied death. I am immortal. I will do unimaginable things that you can only dream of. The world is my oyster. For a thousand generations to come, everyone in this world will know my name. They will forget yours. I will still be here. You will be gone.'

'How?' Dumbledore tried again.

There was no response from Tom.

'You cannot defy physical death, Tom. Not forever. Nothing can. This is the law of the universe. It is greater than us all. Even the stars die. Eventually, the Earth will cease to turn.'

Tom simply looked bored.

'I'm trying to warn you, Tom. This path you have chosen for yourself. Nothing good will come from it for you. The pied piper will eventually expect payment and I think for you, the cost will be enormous.'

Tom gave a dismissive wave with his hand, 'Go away, old man. Your time is coming to an end. You will die like all the others.'

'That is true, Tom. That is the natural way of things. Nature will always win in the end.'

Tom gave him a quick look of spite, 'I think you will find I can will nature in any direction I want,' he said coldly, 'You may leave.'

Tom turned around.

Dumbledore stood for a moment, looking at the young form of Tom. With a frown, he left the room.

He went to see Amelia. She was seeing one of the pompous Ministry staff out. She looked worn down.

'Amelia,' he said politely.

'Albus. Please, come in.'

Albus sat down opposite her, 'I assume you have spoken to Tom?' she said.

'Yes. As you probably know they are all going with the Imperius curse defence. Every last one of them is a kind and gentle soul who wouldn't have hurt a fly if they were not under it. Tom has said he will take full responsibility and claim this under Veritaserum,' Dumbledore said in a bitterly sarcastic tone.

'Well, of course, it all falls apart during the trial then. No one can lie under that. Not even him. He's just winding us up. He's insane,' Amelia said, 'I know the dark Pureblood bastards are doing everything they can do to discredit us. Reports and evidence have gone missing. They went behind my back and brought back Karkaroff, Lestrange and several others we had prosecuted successfully back from Azkaban. They are saying no one accused of being a Death Eater can be released to Azkaban until Tom's trial. They are starting to argue that his statement acquitting the Death Eaters should be enough anyway. They are saying that Tom being the Heir of Slytherin is strong enough to claim Pureblood status. That way he can refuse Veritaserum. They are planning on rewriting the law so any descendant of a Hogwarts founder is automatically a Pureblood, no matter the amount of their Muggle blood. If they can push that through before the trial, they may get away with it. They are obscene.'

Dumbledore stroked his beard. The duplicity of the Ministry was of no surprise to him, 'I can only advise you to bring the trial date sooner. Barty Crouch is proving to be very sympathetic to their plight. The longer Tom spends in that room the faster the Dark side can push through the bizarre twisting of their laws. The more time they have, the more evidence they can destroy. Witnesses going missing or intimidated into silence will be another tactic. I know you wanted everything to be done correctly and to gather all the information but they will sabotage all of it. We all know every last one of them in those Ministry cells is guilty of their crimes. There is more than enough evidence. Amelia, you know they will force through the changes to the law. You know how they operate. Everything will be behind closed doors. Having Barty Crouch onside will be enough to do this. He has the authority to arrange a session at two in the morning if they choose to and accidentally, of course, forget to inform anyone who may oppose them of this. Remember as well that half the Wizards and Witches in the Ministry who would have had the decency to have blocked this have been either killed or maimed in the last year. Milicent Bagnold is barely holding this circus together as it is. Tom's side was on the verge of total domination of the Ministry.'

Amelia knew he was right, 'I'll set the date for this Friday. That is the earliest I will be able to call a trial,' she said.

'Keep at least two Aurors you trust with you at all times till then Amelia. Tom's supporters will have no conflicted feelings about killing you,' Dumbledore told her softly.

Amelia raised her eyebrow. 'I'm not a novice, Albus,' she said somewhat aggrieved.

He smiled. He handed over the last tiny phoenix Portkey to her, 'Keep it around your neck. Hold it tight and say Hogwarts if you are in dire need. It will take you to my office. I truly hope you don't need to use it.'

Amelia patted him gently on the arm, 'Thank you, Albus. My, what a tangled web. A part of me wants to fire the killing curse at Tom. I know I shouldn't think like that. I was sure when I chose this occupation that I would never go down that road of appointing myself judge and jury, but I can't bring myself to go into that room when he is at his most vulnerable. To know I could. He has ruined so many people. I genuinely worry about what I would do given the chance. When I know he can't defend himself.'

Dumbledore looked at her in sympathy, 'Tom has found a way to cheat death, Amelia. Don't go in that room if you're feeling weak. Don't destroy your soul. Don't waste it for an evil that can come back again and again.'

She looked into his eyes, 'I won't ask what you know. I'm used to cryptic answers. Except, is there any hope Albus?'

He smiled then, his eyes twinkling, 'Of course Amelia. There is always hope. There is always Light,' he thought of his dream, 'It can sometimes come from the most unexpected places too.'

Amelia felt very comforted by that.

Tom had looked at the retreating figure of Albus with dislike. He was always meddling. After all this time he still always managed to unnerve him. Yes, Tom very much disliked Albus Dumbledore. He retrieved the diary from under the bed. He had barely written a few lines when McNair had told him Albus was coming. He smiled. He could feel the tiny bit of magic being drawn into himself. He raised his hand and focused on the small mirror on the table. It lifted from the table and hovered and then flew slowly into his awaiting hand. He peered into the mirror. His dark eyes reflected back at him. His body was absorbing his own magical self back inside him. He could see his face slowly reverting into his sixteen-year-old self. The diary. His first Horcrux.

Dumbledore would tell whoever he trusted in the Ministry to have the trial as soon as possible.

'That would be slim pickings then,' thought Tom with a relieved smirk. Three days would be the earliest they could officially call a trial at short notice. Friday then. Ernie had made sure to discuss all the Ministry dealings within earshot of his door.

He had been amused to learn they were trying to get him Pureblood status.

'Hypocrites,' he had sneered. 'Anything to save their own necks. Even tampering with blood status.'

He assumed evidence was being destroyed and vandalised. That was the usual procedure in these types of situations. He had three days to drain this Horcrux.

He settled back on the bed and opened up the diary again. Using the blood quill he resumed his writing.

Iris was now in her new home, Greengrass Manor. The hospital had given them the all-clear. Walburga had decided to leave Kreacher with her Granddaughter. Even her grumpy self had felt her heart soften a little when she saw how Iris was with him. He was like her big teddy bear. He would sit with her on the playmat with Daphne and entertain them with magic tricks.

Walburga had been invited to the Greengrass home to stay for a few days to recuperate. Gareth and she had spoke together about the future. He explained the dream Iris had. How Hayley used to have the same type of vivid dreams about her mother. Walburga had pondered. After watching Tom's rebirth she accepted that he had pushed magic too far. Like Dumbledore, she also agreed with always respecting the laws of nature. True, she was dark where he was light, but even so. Magic should be respected.

'There will always be far-reaching consequences when you abuse magic as he has,' she had told Gareth who agreed.

She listened carefully when Gareth told her about the little girl's dream. She was sure Iris was telling the truth.

'I'd keep it to ourselves for now, however. She is only young. She could stop having this link with her mother soon. If not, then time will tell. This gift could become useful. Let's hope it is simply not her imagination. Hayley dying would devastate her.'

Gareth agreed with this, 'Are you sure you are fine with Kreacher staying here with Iris?'

Walburga nodded, 'Absolutely. He comforts her. She has had a most atrocious week. It's the least I could do. I would like to ask if Iris can spend more time with me at Grimmauld on regular occasions?'

Gareth spoke in the affirmative. 'Of course. She seems to like you. You're her family now. After what...' he trailed off. He still could not quite believe what Sirius had done.

Walburga looked grim, 'Part of it was simply to spite me, I think. His sarcastic talk about following family tradition made that clear. Although Orion and I never went that far with him. Certainly, it had never crossed my mind to go to the Ministry and make it official. He was never cut off from the will. When I die the property had been going to him as the only eligible Heir left. I have made an appointment with Gringotts tomorrow to change that. Iris will be made the next eligible heiress of the House of Black. She has been cut off completely from him. Sirius already has plenty of money and property. I need to make sure she is secure before I die. We had Sirius and Regulus much too late. Orion and I had issues in that area. It led to an excessive generation gap, I think they call it. It was far too wide. We never really understood Sirius at all. Regulus was naturally more traditional so it was easier with him. We grew up in different times. I'm growing old. The time to say goodbye is coming sooner than I think. He will inherit if she passes away before him without leaving an heir herself. I would never have cut him off completely. He enrages me, I despise him, but he is still my son.'

Gareth smiled gently at her.

She continued, 'I feel a bit more at peace knowing about Regulus. He died with honour, opposing that bastard. That is the Black way. Bow to no one, especially uppity half-bloods. Even if he is Slytherin's Heir,' she gave him a grim look and cackled.

Gareth rolled his eyes and gave a rueful grin. Walburga was on the mend if she was insulting a Wizard's blood status.

She looked at him with a calmer look, 'I know in my bones that Iris is special. Not just because she is my Granddaughter. She has the strength of the noble blood of a Black, a Greengrass and of Salazar Slytherin himself in her. I'm not stupid Gareth. I know we Purebloods are losing our way. So many of them are weak-minded. Easily led. Too easily frightened. It would not have been that long ago that we would have all stood together and driven Voldemort and his gang out. The violent methods Tom and his followers are using against the innocent are a disgrace. They can't be allowed any more power. If anyone can help us get back on track then it may be her. Noble used to mean something honourable in the Wizarding World. We are proud of those titles. We were given them because our ancestors fought wars and defended the lands from our enemies. We contributed to the world's knowledge of science and medicine. Now they murder Muggle children for sport,' Walburga spat, 'No, this monster and his followers are to be despised, not followed by anyone with pride in themselves and their house. This 'gift' Iris has. She's been given this for a reason. I'm sure of it. I tell you this now, Gareth. She saw Angels. This power is most definitely not from Earth.'

Gareth nodded gently, 'I think you're right,' he paused for a moment, 'Let me buy you another house-elf, as a thank you for Kreacher. Grimmauld Place is a big house to keep well maintained. You and Iris can go and collect one you both like. Just put it on my account.'

'Thank you, Gareth. I'll trust Iris to decide. She seems to have good judgement of house-elves. We'll pick one up tomorrow on our way back from Gringotts,' she looked over as Kreacher and Iris were attempting a silly dance on the mat as Daphne had a big smile on her face.

The next day was bright and chilly. Iris, Walburga and Kreacher entered the Bank early. Walburga gave a curt nod to the Goblin on the desk who gave a curt nod back.

'Follow me,' he said gruffly.

They were taken to a small but elegant room at the back of the bank. They sat down and waited. Walburga had Iris on her lap while Kreacher held Iris's hand.

After a short amount of time, the Goblin Griphook came into the room. He smiled widely baring his teeth.

'Mrs Black.'

'Griphook,' she nodded back as Iris gazed at the Goblin.

They both kept it short and sweet. Business only. If truth be known, the Goblins preferred it like that. Of course, they didn't like obvious rudeness and disrespect, but they didn't like to be patronised either. They were utter bastards in many ways and they liked it when a Wizard or Witch recognised that nasty streak in them. Walburga knew their ways. Her mother had explained to her all she needed to know.

'This is the Iris Black the papers have been talking about?' he asked.

'Yes. I want you to ensure that she is the Heiress to Black House when I die. Sirius has made a terrible decision. He has relinquished all his parental responsibilities towards Iris. Her maternal Grandmother, Greta Greengrass was bankrupted by Tom Marvolo Riddle. Gareth Greengrass will ensure Hayley's sizable inheritance for his niece is transferred from the Greengrass vault to merge with her Black vault this week. Gareth will be responsible for now for Hayley's vault till she awakens. Hayley is currently in a coma, but I am sure this will be satisfactory to her. This will be available to Iris on her seventeenth birthday. He will also ensure a trust fund to pay her school fees, expenses and living costs till then. I need to ensure that she is financially secure when I pass on. If she has no children herself when she dies, then the property itself returns to Sirius if he is still alive. If not him then any future children he may have. I believe he will name Harry Potter as his natural heir. After him, then the next eldest child first. Iris can choose what to do with any other assets herself in her lifetime. That is the only stipulation to my will. 12 Grimmauld Place is to stay in the Black bloodline. Harry's Grandmother, Dorea, was a Black so this is satisfactory to me.'

She watched Griphook write down his notes.

Walburga continued, 'It is not to be sold or transferred to anyone without Black blood under any circumstances. If it has to go to a fifth cousin, so be it. If neither Iris, Sirius or Harry has any Heirs, then the property will transfer to my nearest living relatives, Andromeda Tonks and her children. Eldest first to take priority. I know Andromeda was very misguided and married a Muggleborn and it pains me greatly to do this, but I would still prefer that to any worshippers of that scum Tom Riddle in my own house. Bellatrix and Narcissa have quite lost their minds. It's personal now with that cretin they worship. That is how passionate I am about this. I, Walburga Black, would rather a bloody Muggleborn sit in my drawing room than any of them. That is how much I hate him. So, in a nutshell, anyone with Black blood who doesn't follow Tom will be eligible to inherit in order of the strength of their blood connection.'

Griphook nodded to Walburga, 'Indeed.'

He had read the Daily Prophet. He did not question her decision. If Tom had treated his family like that, then he would have denied his followers the same. The Goblins also had very clear ideas on whose side the Witches and Wizards were on. Personal bank accounts and vaults told them a great deal about their customer's true allegiances.

'We will need to do the blood test to establish her true parentage and family tree due to Sirius disowning her with his doubts.'

'Of course,' Walburga didn't argue. It was going to be with grim satisfaction that she would be sending her son a copy of the facts.

Griphook very gently took a pinprick of Iris's finger, then quickly healed it before she could react too much. Iris just looked a little wary of what was happening in the room. Lots of words that didn't make much sense bounded around. The Goblin had the large parchment on the table and dripped it down, muttering his incantations with a silver device that looked a little like a cube.

They all looked down as the spidery writing began to form in front of them.

Walburga saw the names begin to form above the name Iris Ursula Black. Mother, Hayley Greengrass. Of course, magic had already annulled their marriage. Father, Sirius Orion Black. Walburga closed her eyes. She never had any doubt, but to see it in front of her confirmed by magic herself caused her heart to clench.

'Oh, Sirius, you stupid bastard,' she whispered.

She saw her own name appear. Then her husband, Orion Black. Greta Riddle. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Magic had confirmed it all without a shred of doubt. The names continued further up. Plenty of Black and Greengrass in there. Gaunt. Prewett. LeStrange, Potter. Peverell. Interesting, thought Walburga. A descendant of the three brothers. She was well versed in magical folklore. Then they moved further back through time. It stretched back over a Millennium. And then, there he was. Salazar Slytherin. Walburga got a thrill obviously seeing it revealed. She had been a Slytherin herself. Even the Goblin looked impressed. Iris Black's official titles appeared.

'Magic has verified both Iris and Hayley as the true Heiress of House Slytherin and Iris of House Black,' he spoke this with some gravitas. Kreacher had his eyes wide. Walburga was suitably awed. She looked down at her Granddaughter to see if she was equally thrilled. Iris was sucking her thumb and dozing off at this point.

'She will appreciate this later on in life I think. When she is older and can understand,' Walburga said to the Goblin. Iris gave a soft hiccup. Even the Goblin gave a small smile.

'I will bring a copy of your assets and we can draft an updated will. I do regret to inform you that Slytherin's vault had been completely emptied decades ago. We have kept it more as a memorial. Iris will be welcome to activate it when she is older. Her Grandfather left it alone when he was informed there was nothing in there. It is assumed he deals only with foreign branches of magical banks. It is rumoured that in Britain, he deals only with the Muggle banks for his business deals.'

Walburga was not surprised there wasn't a knut left. The lavish spending of Salazar's descendants was common knowledge. Griphook left the room as Walburga gazed at the parchment. Seeing all of it in front of her made it all crystal clear. Iris had a purpose. She cuddled her granddaughter. Sirius had been right about one thing. She had always wanted a girl. She was going to teach her all the Black ladies secrets. It certainly contained much more than the much-coveted beauty spell as well.

Sometime later they left Gringotts with the business done. Walburga was feeling much revitalised. Regulus and Orion dying had caused her to feel so much bitterness and regret, but this has changed with Iris. Walburga had a purpose. She needed to educate and guide her. It would be difficult, but she would also tone down the blood extremism as well. Not too much. She was still her mother's daughter. But some. It had ultimately led to the likes of Tom Riddle dictating and decimating the Wizarding World. Besides, she had a feeling Hayley wouldn't stand for it.

Walburga had finally put her foot down, 'I will never bow to that Riddle monster. He would have to kill me first,' she thought with determination. The will had been drafted. All her Investments and shareholdings would transfer to Iris on her death. Iris had woken up after her nap and was tottering by her side slowly as Walburga used her cane to walk and held her hand. They only had one more job. Choose a new elf for Grimmauld Place.

Gareth was right. It was too much for Walburga and with Kreacher spending time at the Greengrass Manor even less would get done. Walburga had sent Kreacher back to Grimmauld to prepare for a new elf. There were not many people about. A lot of families were still hiding away until they were sure it was safe. Rita's article had pushed them back into their homes. Walburga didn't judge them. After what she had endured, she realised the extent of these Death Eaters brutality. Walburga didn't frighten easily, but she had been horrified by what she had witnessed.

They stepped into the shop. On one side were many household appliances and on the other, there appeared to be three house elves on display doing various demonstrations of household duties. One looked to be a male elf, the other female and a smaller elf. An elderly witch stood behind the counter reading a witch weekly. She looked up and then looked shocked. 'As I live and breathe, Walburga Black.'

'Nancy? Nancy Bones? Oh, it's so good to see you. It's been a while. How have you been?'

'We ended up having to put the shop under the Fidelius till last week. Didn't want any of those Death Eaters popping round for tea. Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those hippy-dippy bleeding hearts like Dumbledore, but I sure know what wrong uns are when I see them. They were getting far too close for comfort. Trying to get me to join. There isn't enough money in the world, I tell you, for me to do the nasty things they get up to.'

Walburga nodded in agreement, 'We're here to choose a new elf. This is Iris. Iris, this is Nancy. An old friend from school.'

Iris looked up and smiled. Holding out her hand, 'Hello, Ancy.'

'Hello, Iris,' Nancy shook the girl's hand, 'Would you like to meet the elves?'

Iris nodded shyly as Nancy walked her over to them, 'The little one is Merry, the female elf is Starry and the male is Dobby. You can talk to them if you like,' Iris nodded. Nancy walked back to Walburga as Iris cautiously went over to the little elves.

'I read all about what happened to you. Ghastly business. You can tell me to get lost if you like, but what has happened about Iris and Sirius?' Nancy looked awkward.

Walburga's mind thought quickly. She needed to get the news out and she was talking to exactly the right person. Nancy had loved a good gossip ever since they were at Hogwarts together. She kept to the facts and was the sort of Witch other Witch's went to when they needed the facts about someone without embellishment. Walburga made her decision. By tomorrow every magical in Britain would know Walburga had proof from Gringotts.

Nancy had seen the authorised parchment detailing the family tree from Gringotts that magic issued. Sirius was most definitely her father, despite him disowning her. No, she wasn't a Death Eaters bastard. Sirius had lost his mind. Yes, she was Tom Riddle's Granddaughter. What Rita printed was all true. First time for everything. No, Hayley didn't know. Gareth covered it all up to protect her. Hayley and Iris are the only other living descendants of Salazar Slytherin besides Voldemort. Walburga couldn't help but brag about that. There had to be a silver lining for Iris from being Tom's Grandchild. Tom was a very rotten apple on the tree, but Iris is adorable. No, they don't think Iris is harbouring any homicidal tendencies or plans for world domination just yet. She would let Nancy know if that changes.

Walburga got on very well with Rita Skeeter and they would be doing a full interview later in the month when everything had settled down to give the full details if anyone was interested. Nancy was very pleased with this information. Walburga had become so engrossed in her conversation with Nancy that she had taken her eyes off Iris. She looked across to where she was and immediately felt her mouth twitch into a smile. Iris was doing a little jig with the house-elf Dobby while the other two little elves clapped along. Walburga moved closer to Nancy, who smiled next to her.

'Those three are a family. They look quite taken with Iris. First time I've seen them properly smile since they got back here. In the elf world, those two are married. The little one is their daughter. Look, I know you and I'm not going to give you any nonsense. Dobby is a little unusual for an elf. He's got some funny ways. Their old master dragged Dobby and his wife and daughter back to the store for gross disobedience. When I got the story from Starry, he had been mistreating Starry and Dobby something fierce. Wouldn't let her have any sleep and would kick and punch Dobby. Dobby threw something at his head in retaliation when he punched Merry. It is unheard of for an elf to do that. Dobby was hitting himself when they got here. Took me a while to calm him down. This guy dragged them back here and demanded his money back. He threw a sock at each of them on his way out. Nasty piece of work he was. He was even rude to me when I told him to calm down. I know they are just elves, but even so, they have got feelings you know. People should treat them kinder.'

Walburga nodded. She always thought elves were very useful to have in the home. Good company for those quiet nights. And she had better conversations with Kreacher than she had with some people.

Iris was hugging Merry who was even smaller than her. Merry was hugging her back giggling.

Walburga shuffled over to the taller female, 'Hello, Starry.'

Starry looked up nervously, 'Hello, Miss.'

Walburga was curious, 'Can you tell me the name of your last Master please?'

Starry looked frightened, 'You not be sending us back, Miss? He was hurting my little one.'

'No, No, of course not,' Walburga calmed down the elf, 'I just wanted to know his name. It is most unusual for Witches and Wizards to treat their elves like that.'

'His name is...,' Starry stuttered, 'Master Pppeter PPpettigrew.'

'I see,' Walburga's lips went into a tight line, 'Of course, a snivelling shit like that would pick on creatures who can't defend themselves properly,' she said out loud to Nancy.

'That was Peter Pettigrew! And he was only in here last week. He must have been wearing glamours. He didn't look like his photograph. Wait till I tell them down the pub,' Nancy looked delighted.

Iris looked startled at this news, 'Bad man hurt them?' she asked softly.

Walburga nodded as Iris had tears in her eyes. She hugged her three new friends, 'He hurt my mummy too.'

The three elves and Iris were now in a weeping group hug.

Nancy had certainly brightened up in the last half an hour. She had a huge amount of gossip to tell all and sundry. She looked at how Iris and the elves were getting along. In good spirits, she had a brainwave.

'Tell you what. I think you and I could come to a deal,' she said to Walburga.

The next day in Nancy's shop window was a large framed moving photograph of Iris Black with her new friends. Merry, Starry and Dobby. All cuddled up together and smiling and waving at the camera.

Nancy had knocked off a chunk of money from the price tag for the three elves in return for Iris endorsing her shop. The curious people would no doubt come in for a peek and nose about Iris and would spend some galleons in the shop. Nancy was right in the long run. People did indeed come in, spent money and loitered with ears wagging and she spent many happy hours at work telling all her customers every morsel of gossip and details she knew about Iris. Her profits increased to impressive levels.

This was how Dobby, Starry and Merry all came to live together in 12 Grimmauld Place with Iris and her not so grumpy as she was Grandmother.

Walburga had grumbled a bit at first at Iris's insistence to take Nancy up on her offer of taking the whole family, but as the days went by and those elves gradually worked their way through the house restoring it to its former glory, she had to admit it was a wise decision. It also looked good for Iris's public image. When the public saw she didn't actually have horns and glowing red eyes it would help form their opinion of her.

Kreacher enjoyed the company of a happy little family when he came to visit. With his friendship with the elf Mitty at Greengrass Manor and helping raise the little Mistress Iris and her half-sister Daphne, Kreacher had certainly blossomed. Like Walburga, he was also starting to make peace with Master Regulus's early passing and the horrors of the locket were fading. Regulus had died with honour fighting for what he believed in. Like his ancestors had.

Walburga understood from Iris's perspective that this little family of elves was very happy together, which comforted Iris. She could see Iris look at the elves sometimes with a wistful look in her eyes. She was to in no uncertain terms by both Dobby and Starry that Iris was little and bad magic could hurt her. A curse breaker was discreetly called in for the really bad parts of the house the elves couldn't manage to clear for fear of imminent pain and death.

Small ripples of calm peace seemed to start to flow through the property.

Gradually the darkness lifted. Not completely, of course. The Ancient and Noble House of Black's history would never completely allow for that. The portraits on the walls seemed to have their spirits lifted too. The portrait of Aunt Elladora benevolently permitted Walburga to remove the house-elves decapitated heads from the hallway wall as Iris kept bursting into tears every time she saw them.

Walburga compromised by putting them in the basement as Kreacher had become quite attached to them. Walburga did keep most of her darker artefacts, but she kept them out of harm's way in her private room only for her that she forbid the elves from entering.

She had kept what she thought might be useful for Iris in the future and sold what remained to Borgin And Burkes for a handsome profit.

Late at night when Iris was at Greengrass Manor with Kreacher, Walburga would sit talking with Dobby and Starry, long after Merry had gone to sleep. They had turned out to be a very good company to idle away the hours with.

For Walburga was in the twilight of her years now. A time to reflect on her life. The good and the bad. What she had learnt. What she needed to pass on to Iris. With melancholy, Walburga had to admit to herself that Iris needed to be taught a great deal if she needed to survive in the modern Wizarding World.

There were ominous threats in the shadows.