A month later to the day Walburga's floo went to work. The Order of the Phoenix had their first meeting post First Wizarding War at 12 Grimmauld Place. The members arriving had pulled it together after their initial shock and had once again found their courage. When Bellatrix glided in there were a few audible gasps. That was when the danger they all faced truly became alarming. That there were dark Pureblood's who thought a threat to their world so dreadful they were prepared to risk their own lives fighting alongside the light against it cemented the seriousness of what they were facing.

Dumbledore stood at the front of the room. He cast his eyes over them. They had all arrived and had taken their seats around the large round table and were talking softly to each other. Two of the infamous Black sisters were here. Ted Tonks sat nervously away from Bellatrix who was eyeing him with some derision. Kingsley Shacklebot and Mad-Eye Moody were glancing around the room. No doubt remembering the fiasco the last time they were both here. Walburga Black sat patiently with Gareth Greengrass and Augusta Longbottom on either side of her. Amelia was gazing around the room at the others. Sirius Black was avoiding eye contact with both her and an inscrutable looking Severus Snape as he made small talk with Remus Lupin.

Arthur Weasley and his wife Molly sat quietly next to them. Bill and Charlie, their sons, were babysitting their younger siblings at the Burrow. Hagrid sat on an expanded sofa in the corner with a cup of tea and his snoring great Dane, Gnashers, who was flopped out by his feet. Minerva sat quietly in the corner. She was very unnerved by being in the Black home. She was resolved, however.

Sirius had arrived with apprehension. The house held very few good memories, but even he could feel a shift in the atmosphere. The elf heads had gone from the wall. Walburga had mentioned they upset Iris. Sirius didn't respond. He didn't ask about Iris. Walburga pursed her lips. Then just like that, she walked away from him. Sirius was surprised by this. His mother always liked to row with him. He shrugged and made his way to sit with the others. Everything just felt lighter and cleaner. The little elves had been doing a marvellous job. Sirius was charmed by the little family of elves. He ignored Kreacher, who glared at him, then ignored him back.

Remus seemed a little tired but overall happy to be back with one of his Marauders. He was stunned at Sirius' decision regarding Iris and Hayley but Sirius was stubborn. Remus thought with time he would come around. He had noticed a shift in Sirius. He seemed more mature, 'Or bitter,' he thought with trepidation. Pettigrew's name had been dragged through the sewer and back. Like Sirius, he was still coming to terms with the deaths of Lily and James. They were both still angry about Frank and Alice's tragic fate.

Bellatrix was still seething but had stopped shouting and screeching. This was progress. She had allowed Dumbledore inside her mind. She needed him to see she was free of Riddle's influence for her own sanity. This also gave Dumbledore a much lighter heart in regards to her presence here. He had seen more than enough. Bellatrix genuinely truly wanted Riddle dead and would use any means at her disposal to accomplish this. Albus had arranged a meeting between Bellatrix and Augusta. It had been angry and unpleasant. They had thrashed it out and eventually had made some sort of peace with it. Bellatrix had been horrified by what she had done under the effects of Tom's dark magic. Augusta needed to let off some steam. It had been cathartic for them both.

Dumbledore looked around at those gathered in the room and raised his arms as they all quietened, 'Hello all,' he said in that calm collected way he had, 'Like you all, I had hoped that we would not be having to meet again so soon, but alas, fate has made other plans. I would very much like to thank each of you for having found the courage to attend. For your bravery, I would like each of you who have not received one at phoenix port key of my own design for yourself and your children. Hold it tight and say Hogwarts. It will take you to my office if you are ever in dire need of escape. It is the least I can do to say my thanks to each of you and to show you how grateful I am,' he waved his arm and out of nowhere, the remaining members of the Order without one were granted this life-saving device which hovered gently in front of them. With small smiles of thanks, they put the chain around their neck. They did actually feel a bit safer immediately. Molly scooped all hers up and popped them in her handbag.

Those of them in the room nodded their thanks politely. Bellatrix eyed her own warily. After the last object she wore round her neck, she wasn't in any hurry to replace it.

Dumbledore took a deep breath and began, 'The situation is dire. There is no denying this. In truth, if there comes a time when all Tom desires become a reality, there will be none of us left to protect. We shall all be dust. All of you I can trust. Each of you has your reasons to be here. Some are common knowledge. Others not. Do not ask each other why, if it is not volunteered. Take a good look around. The people around you are going to be your shield and wand in the coming years. You will need to trust each other. I trust each of you. This is not going to happen overnight, but it will happen in time. I know many of you have a history with each other. Not all of it is good. The manipulations and cruelties of Tom Riddle created tensions and anarchy between us all. The cesspit of a Ministry is proof of that.'

Amelia nodded grimly. As did Kingsley, Aurthur and Mad-Eye. The ICW had evidence of all the corruption. All of them on the finalised list had done a moonlit flight. They didn't even attempt to offer any defence. Dumbledore suspected they had left for a sunnier climate to rejoin their old boss. On the bright side, Amelia had replaced their positions remarkably quickly with far better quality workers and progress was being made. Arthur had finally got his long-overdue promotion and was working directly for her as her assistant. Amelia needed people she could trust implicitly and Arthur was a smart man. His open rejection of Pureblood supremacy had held him back for years.

Dumbledore continued, 'Tom is going to take his time to return. He will pick and choose with careful precision who is going to enable him to achieve his goals. He wants the world shaped in his image. There will not be whispers for a long time. All of this will be deep underground for now. I have decided that for now none of you is going undercover. Tom will be the one doing the choosing. He will go to them. I suspect in a few years, Tom will make contact with Severus. We will have a better grasp of his plans at that time. The escape of Gellert leads me to suspect Riddle's ambitions are grand and potentially an alliance with the Nazis will be an option for him. Any alliance Tom forms will no doubt end up with him betraying or superseding the other eventually.'

Those in the room looked very nervous at this. The second world war had touched everyone's lives in Britain.

'I'd like to address the Ministry staff here specifically. You are the eyes and ears in this country. The Ministry is undergoing a massive clean up thanks to our International friends. This is true. However, we all know how the seeds get sown for the next generation,' A few rueful expressions on their faces told him they knew all too well, 'We are in the very early days. Tom is likely to infiltrate the Ministries slowly. We have time to prepare also. We will need to gradually make people aware of the dangers. We can't risk a panic by blurting things out. That is when mistakes happen. If there is anything suspicious let me know. I have some useful books about the rise of fascism in Germany in the thirties.'

The mood in the room was sombre.

Dumbledore looked at them all with intent blue eyes, 'I want all of you to study them for now. Recognise the signs. You need to know how a Nazi operates. It is not for the faint of heart. They operate with clinical precision. They could be anyone. They are well trained. In time I may ask some of you to infiltrate Muggle areas and groups where they operate. Ted. Your knowledge of the Muggle world will be vital. I will need you to train the Purebloods who are not familiar with the day to day life of the actual Muggle world. That absurd class at Hogwarts is about a hundred years out of date. The board of directors kept blocking me from modernising it. Under the circumstances, they will be made to reconsider. I'll hire an actual competent teacher who has a proper curriculum. Our own fates are tied into the non-magical world now. The students need to know what they will be up against, regardless of the side they choose. Any magical is as vulnerable to a gun and a bomb as a Muggle. A Protego won't stop a bullet. The statute of secrecy is vulnerable if Riddle gets his way.'

Ted nodded as Andromeda squeezed his hand.

Dumbledore had grappled with the subject of Tom's immortality. He decided to tell them some information that would show them he trusted them.

'Tom has found a way to cheat death, this is true,' those in the room made various noises. Their eyes fixed still on Dumbledore, 'I have my suspicions on how he has done this. If I am correct it is the darkest of magic,' he made a motion with his arm around the room, 'Even the House of Black would not do what he has done.'

Walburga and Bellatrix went very pale.

'If he has done what I suspect, then he has been the first Wizard to go as far as he has with it. It is completely uncharted. The ramifications of this are unpredictable. The butterfly effect if you will. Needless to say, he has defied the laws of nature and the universe. There will be repercussions from those forces.'

Augusta spoke, 'Is there any way to stop him?'

'There is. It will take a great deal of time and research to achieve, however.' Dumbledore replied.

They all breathed a sigh of relief they hadn't realised they had been holding.

'He can be killed then?' Amelia spoke up.

'Yes. He can be killed, but it will not be easy. At this point, I'm looking for needles in a haystack. I need to find a starting point. Speak to many people. This can't be done anytime soon. It could take years,' he was as honest as he could be.

Those in the room were looking at him with renewed hope. It wasn't impossible. That was the best they could hope for at this point. A start. Kill Voldemort. Kill this insane plan.

'He will come back to this country in time. Harry is in grave danger due to a prophecy. He will be hunted. I suspect Tom will also want to hear the full prophecy. It is being kept at the Ministry.'

They perked up with interest, 'No. You shouldn't hear it all. It can be pulled from your minds easily by Tom. I will only say it spoke of Harry having power the Dark Lord knows not. This gives me immense hope.'

'Do you have an idea of what this power is Albus?' Kingsley asked. The others watching eagerly.

Dumbledore had considered not answering this. If the situation wasn't as desperate he may not have. He decided to speak his thoughts.

'I cannot be certain. I can only speculate. I had a vision a while ago. I believe I was in the spiritual world. The astral plane. I was guided through the forests to a cliffside. Harry was there. He was trying to blind a giant snake. Iris was also there. Trapped in the mouth of an enormous lion. She hit that lion so hard it yelped. A voice told me that she would be Harry's power that the Dark Lord knows not. From Rita and Walburga's memories, he only sees her as a blood bank for a dark ritual. Who knows how Harry will see her?'

Many of the faces looked uncertain. Sirius looked angry. Walburga nodded her head gently. Gareth looked deep in thought.

'I think you simply had one too many whiskeys. Gave you a funny dream. That is all. I doubt very much she'll be fighting on our side,' Sirius said sardonically.

Albus just raised his eyebrow at him.

Gareth spoke up then after glaring at Sirius, 'This power. Do you think this has anything to do with the dreams she has? She talks to me sometimes about them. They give her great comfort.'

'I think these dreams have everything to do with this power. What Tom has done is unheard of. He has tampered with forces that should never have been tampered with. He has unlocked Pandora's box to be clear. Iris is not having actual dreams. Her conscious mind and spirit are able to leave this plane of existence and travel to the other side. She can go past the veil and return. Her mother has the gift but it is weaker. You said only Greta would only be able to visit her and that was rare and she could barely speak to her.'

Gareth looked nervous as he nodded, 'Iris said she sees them every night. That she has met a lot of people there. She talks of Angels. I put a lot of it down to her being so young. But she said her mum cuddles her and tells her stories before she goes to sleep. Greta too. Hayley said she will be back, but not for a long time. Her body absorbed horrendous levels of dark magic. It will take her earthly body time to recover fully.'

Gareth looked nervously at Sirius and Remus.

Sirius was looking agitated with the direction of the conversation.

'What is it Gareth?' Dumbledore asked softly as all eyes were on the nervous-looking man.

'It's rather sensitive,' Gareth said quietly. A few of them gestured to him to continue.

'Iris is only little so she's not so good with names yet, but she told me that there is a woman with red hair called Lily and a man called James who visit her too. She told me they are friends with Hayley. She remembered them from when she was a baby.'

The room was silent.

Sirius's voice made people jump when he spoke out sharply, 'I don't know what games you and her are playing but this stops. This stops now.'

'Sirius. Be reasonable,' Albus raised his voice a little.

'I am. This is some childish nonsense. Or some trick. She's trying to manipulate people already,' he was adamant.

Walburga snorted, 'She is not even two, yet you assume she is already an evil mastermind. You're a fool, Sirius. I think it best if you leave if you can't refrain from your rants about Iris. Remus can fill you in on anything you miss.'

Sirius growled at her.

Breaking the uncomfortable silence Andromeda spoke, 'Do you think she is sincere Albus?'

'I do. Greta managed to survive a killing curse. Hayley's blood absorbed dark magic and somehow her blood succeeded in destroying Tom's magic. I have a theory on how he managed to regain his magic,' Dumbledore thought back to the diary he had found in Tom's cell, 'These are impossible feats even in magic. Harry survived through old magic. His mother protected him. Greta was alone at the time. However, she survived and this came from her alone. Hayley and Greta are connected through Tom. I think Tom has somehow created a link to the next plane through his lineage. This was a mistake he doesn't even realise he's made. If he suspected anything at all about Hayley, he would not have used her in this way. This is a very valuable gift to have.'

Many in the room were convinced. A few looked sceptical.

'Iris is two in a few weeks. Already she has a stronger link to the other side than her mother had. I think as she grows this power will grow. Think of the potential possibilities,' Albus told them.

Severus had sat looking dumbfounded since Gareth had informed them of this. Lily. If what Dumbledore was saying was true, then there may be a time he could make contact with her. He needed so much to apologise. He loathed himself. He was utterly destroyed by his past. His actions. If he hadn't been so quick to tell the Dark Lord the prophecy all this may have been prevented. He should have at least thought it through. He hadn't known about Lily. But then, it would have been some other child. Another family. He had been so obsessed with the madness of the Dark Arts. He hadn't considered just how deep he was in it. Pettigrew. He glowered. If only the rat hadn't been such an utter piece of shit. All the seductive gloss had come off Tom the moment Lily's name had passed his lips. The Dark Arts, the lure of power. Revenge. It had all meant nothing in the end to Severus.

It had awakened Severus's humanity. He knew the moment he had pledged allegiance to Dumbledore, he was back on the right path. He would atone. It was the only way he could find it in himself to carry on living. He had contemplated poisoning himself. The guilt had been insufferable. His regrets. If only he had a crystal ball. He would never have joined Tom.

Like the others, he had been putting the pieces together. When Dumbledore had sat him down and explained what he believed to be the plans of Tom, Severus had not been shocked. It made sense that Tom would align himself with the most vicious, powerful and cruellest of Muggles. Severus had more of an awareness than the others about how far the non-magical world had progressed. He had a bond with Walburga. She had become something of a surrogate mother to him after the death of his own and they spoke at great length about the issues their world faced.

They actually understood each other. He was ignoring Sirius to the best of his ability. Even Severus with his limited emotional range could not for the life of him understand why Sirius was showing such apparent dislike for his own wife and daughter. If Dumbledore was right Iris could very well be vital in defeating the Dark Lord. Fair enough, he could understand being slightly wary of the granddaughter of Tom Riddle. If she was older and they caught her decapitating house-elves for fun and torturing bunny rabbits, Sirius would be wise to distance himself, but this soon?

Dumbledore seemed to think Iris was part of the prophecy. If that suspicion was good enough for Albus, it was good enough for him. Time would tell. Severus was keen on meeting Iris. Unless she had glowing red eyes, he at least would give her the benefit of the doubt. Still, even he was hearing rumours from the Wizarding world about Iris. All cock and bull stories, but still. A Dark Lord's descendant and Slytherin's heiress. People would naturally jump to assumptions. Not that Tom had shown any other interest in her other than using her for ingredients for a dark ritual. That inconvenient little fact seemed to have gotten buried. Why ruin a good story. 'Bloody gossips,' he sneered in his mind. He refocused on Dumbledore.

'Due to the difficult circumstances, both Harry and Iris are being raised in their extended families. I would appreciate it, Sirius, if Harry and Iris were to spend some time together growing up to get used to each other,' Dumbledore did request this politely but Sirius reacted with an icy response.

'No. Absolutely not. I forbid it. Harry is not to go near her. I don't trust her. She will poison his mind. Harry has too much on his plate already. No,' Sirius looked around at the shocked faces, 'If I find out any of you so much as put them in the same room together I will have you charged with child endangerment. Don't think I won't.'

'You are being hysterical Sirius,' Bellatrix stood up, eyes flashing, 'This is for all our own good. You've heard him,' she motioned towards Dumbledore, 'Harry and Iris could very well be the key to the bastard's downfall. They need to be together. She has a gift. She could be the one to actually protect Harry.'

Sirius paused for a moment. The ludicrous announcement that Bellatrix of all people was calling him hysterical made him pause. He shook his head.

'I think Dumbledore has got it wrong. You said she was punching a lion in your dream. That could mean a Gryffindor. She is the one who is going to get Harry hurt.'

'No Sirius. She was defending herself from a vicious animal that was trying to destroy her,' Dumbledore tried to placate him, 'Harry and Iris were fighting together against these threats.'

'I'm not going to risk Harry over your loose definition of a dream. Look, I think there has been enough talk. In conclusion. Everyone has eyes and ears open in the future and report back any whispers of crazy Nazi scum and Death Eaters. Dumbledore is going to deal with Tom's annoying coming back to life habit. In case I haven't been clear, keep Voldemort's granddaughter away from Harry and me. I'll raise Harry the best way I can and keep him safe. That's my job. Any developments, owl me. I'm going now. Goodbye. Till the next time,' he gave a short bow and strode out of the room.

'I wouldn't have been as curt about it but yes. That is the meeting in a nutshell,' Dumbledore said. He was quite weary at this point, 'I'll ensure you all have the relevant literature by tomorrow. Anything you think useful can be reported to me or Amelia and her team at the Ministry. I don't expect another meeting like this for several years. It was important for you to meet each other so you can recognise your allies. Tom will begin to prepare and will start in the shadows. The less we see of each other as a group the better. When we meet we need to be discreet. We don't want to draw any attention to the Order. But the Order will endure. Of that I am certain,' Albus gave a gentle smile as many of them got to their feet.

Amelia, Kingsley, Aurthur and Mad-Eye left. They needed to get back to the Ministry. They had given the excuse of a budget meeting. Things were still so hectic at work it had been difficult just to get this short slot of time.

Remus had looked a little awkward and after a short chat with Hagrid, he left. Andromeda approached Bellatrix with Ted.

Bellatrix looked him up and down briefly and then seemed to lose an argument with herself. With great force of will, she held her hand out to him, 'I still think Dromeda married beneath her, but I suppose we have bigger problems to deal with. I'm prepared to bury the hatchet, so to speak. Eventually, I intend to bury a hatchet in the back of Riddle's head and I need all the help I can get. I don't care who from,' Bellatrix looked at Ted imposingly.

Andromeda simply looked bewildered at this bizarre olive branch that was being offered. The two sisters had met the week previously for a somewhat uneventful, stilted conversation that hadn't lasted long. They were still getting used to each other again and were treading carefully. Ted decided to shake the offered hand. It was going to take time to mend the bridges, but for his wife's sake, he was prepared to try.

They shook hands and he didn't feel a curse being fired at him as he released his trembling hand. Baby steps.

Bellatrix spoke in a curious tone. 'I take it you are both supporting Sirius through this difficult time with Harry?'

'Yes,' Andromeda answered her. Ted still looked a little nervous, 'Harry is still with us actually. Sirius asked us to wait till he was in a better frame of mind. Remus has been dealing with him mainly. He's better than he was. Remus is good for him. Before you ask, I don't agree in the slightest with how he is treating Iris and Hayley. You can't choose your family. Merlin, the links all of us have throughout history to some very wicked Wizards and Witches. We'd be disowning each other all over the place if we all went down that path.'

'Remus is hoping he'll come around to the idea,' Ted added, 'The longer this goes on for the worst it gets, however. Walburga is adamant Iris will be told the truth. I suspect if what Albus says is true her mother already has. The thing is, even if Sirius relents and Iris is the perfect child Sirius is always going to have doubts. If she does the slightest bad thing he's going to be pointing a finger at her calling her a Demon. I think it would be unhealthy for Iris to be raised in that environment. Besides, Gareth has already become her temporary guardian while Hayley is recovering and Walburga has made her the heiress of House Black. I think they both would have a lot to say if Sirius wants to return to her life. As far as they are both concerned the law says Sirius is to be considered a stranger to Iris. By law, they can tell him to get lost.'

Gareth had heard his name mentioned and had wandered over. Augustas, Severus and Walburga were talking to Dumbledore. Molly sat with Minerva, Hagrid and Gnasher. Kreacher and Dobby were being fine waiters and made sure everyone had a drink. During this strange transitional time, they were each making an effort to get used to the nearness of Witches and Wizards who they formally had issues with. They needed to trust each other. They each needed to put in the effort. Their very futures depended on it.

'Gareth,' Andromeda politely greeted him, 'How are you feeling?' they had both been very good friends for years. Gareth had been in regular contact with her since Dumbledore had informed them of Tom's plans. He felt very relieved to have her standing by his side in this.

'Out of my depth to be perfectly frank. But, determined. Twenty-five generations and the Greengrass family have finally picked a side. We have no other choice now,' Gareth answered honestly, 'We have to unite. Pull together. He must be stopped. The danger he poses to the entire planet cannot be underestimated. All of us are in great peril. There may not be a world left for our children. Our grandchildren will cease to exist if he is allowed to thrive.'

Molly, who had her ear wagging to the side sidled over. She greeted the group stiffly, 'Hello. Um...I just needed to say that I agree. completely. I just want us all to put the past behind us. This isn't about just us anymore. Blood status... It all seems so juvenile now compared to this. All those who died, on both sides. We could have done with their strength now.'

Even Bellatrix nodded, 'There are bound to be dissent in his ranks,' she said, 'Most of them would not have signed up for this level of insanity. Pettigrew and Barty perhaps. The others initially joined to be part of a hostile takeover of Britain's Ministry and make some money on the side. Riddle's followers have sadistic impulses, but if Dumbledore is right then this is suicide. A global holocaust. What this alliance between Tom and the Nazis means for all of us is ruin. Exposure to our world will be inevitable. Nuclear power will be used in time. They are all terrified of him. I fear they will be forced to go along with this whether they agree or not. Their families' lives would be threatened. Their dark mark means he can track them down. Even without it, he has his ways. Severus has balls of steel joining Dumbledore,' her hand went to her own arm as she scowled.

They all nodded in agreement.

Andromeda decided to change the subject to a less morbid one, 'How is Iris, Gareth?'

'You can see her for yourself soon. Dawn is bringing her here. Iris loves visiting her Grandma and the elves,' he gave a smile, 'She's here at least a couple of days a week.'

'Dawn is Amelia's cousin, isn't she?' Andromeda asked.

'Oh, yes,' Gareth told her, 'They look very alike. More like sisters than cousins. Dawn's a blonde version of her. They are great friends too. After that awful business with Amelia's brother and his wife, well, Amelia took her niece in, Susan. Dawn looks after her a lot when Amelia's at work. They make it work. Daphne and Iris seem to get along with Susan well enough. Kreacher spends most of his time babysitting them with our other elf Mitty. It takes a lot of the pressure off Dawn.'

'I'd like to meet her,' said Bellatrix, 'She's family after all. What does she look like?'

'A girl version of Sirius in miniature,' said Gareth, 'Black hair and grey eyes. A little like you all in the face now I come to look at you. Same cheekbones although she has Hayley's nose.'

Dumbledore had moved over to Hagrid, who was currently being well fed by the two elves. Dobby had been giving him plate after plate of lemon cake, 'There you go, Master Hagrid. Got to keep your strength up,' said Dobby happily. He had certainly landed on his feet here. After the awful time with the rat Pettigrew, life had improved immensely for Dobby and his family when Iris and Walburga had walked into that shop. The fact that every Witch and Wizard he came into contact with also hated the rat cheered him immensely.

Even Kreacher liked to rant about Pettigrew and they had bonded over it. Yes, Dobby had finally found a home for his wife and daughter that was safe, respectful and with so much lovely work to be found for each of them. Dobby had been terrified of being separated from his family. In his new home always something that needed cleaning and maintaining. Such bliss. Mistress Iris and Mistress Walburga couldn't be more different from Pettigrew.

Starry, Merry and he would sit in the drawing-room with Walburga for those long winter evenings. Sometimes talking, sometimes just watching the fire in peace listening to the radio. They had landed in an Ancient and Noble house too. He couldn't help but brag a little to the other elves in his social group at this. They had been so pleased for their odd little elf friend though. It had been a tough road for his family, but they had finally reached their destination. They had their home. He saw Dumbledore approach and gave him a quick smile that was warmly returned. Walburga had informed Dumbledore of the little elves' plight with Pettigrew. Dobby went off to see if any of the other Order members required anything. He thought them all so brave to be fighting against such wicked evil to protect their world.

'Hagrid, my old friend. How are you?' Dumbledore said warmly.

'Better than I 'ave been. Jus worried about all this Riddle business. He jus don't know when ta stop,' Hagrid answered honestly.

'To be sure Hagrid. It preys on all our minds. Still, there is always hope.'

Hagrid smiled back and popped some more delicious cake in his mouth. Gnasher slept on. He was an old dog now. He spent more time spent asleep than awake.

Dumbledore looked over to the others. They had all slowly gathered together around the table again and he noticed them talking more freely than they had been. They were truly making an effort to put the past behind them. If only Sirius wasn't so headstrong. Though he wouldn't be Sirius if he wasn't.

'He has picked the wrong battle here to fight though,' Albus thought with sadness. He glanced at Severus. There had been a noticeable shift in Severus's magical aura since the meeting. It didn't feel so heavy and oppressive. Dumbledore assumed correctly that this was due to the news about Lily. Just knowing she existed somewhere. That there may still be a connection to her. Maybe in the future a possibility to make amends for what he had done, even if was not intentional. Dumbledore was a very astute man. He had seen the very real affection Lily and Severus had held for each other when they were young. He had a strong inkling that Severus's upbringing had been one of neglect and violence and that Lily was one of the few good people in his dark life. Severus refused to discuss his childhood. He had watched how Severus had fought his darker impulses for Lily's sake but had been pulled away from her. He knew the driving force behind James' antagonism towards Severus was simply jealousy that had consumed the young man. James had seen the love Lily held for the young Slytherin and that it had been returned. Dumbledore had mused that if the circumstances had been different what could have been.

Severus was talking quietly to Bellatrix. Dumbledore was pleased he had a few more of Slytherin house in the Order. Each house brought valuable skills. They would need to combine all of these attributes to stand a chance of defeating Riddle. Molly and Andromeda were in deep conversation. Walburga, Augustas and Ted were also making polite conversation. There was still tension between Augustas and Bellatrix but the older woman knew a dark object which was pure evil had been driving Bellatrix.

He watched Bellatrix rub her arm where he knew the dark mark was. It was driving her mad. He had looked at it himself, but to no avail could he find a way to move it. It was tied into Tom's magic. She had told him it had faded when she was in the cells but had come back gradually to full strength right before the trial.

The door opened then as Dawn walked in with Iris. Iris was still a little unsteady on her feet, but she was getting there. They looked a bit surprised at all the people still left, but looked more curious than anything. Dawn picked up Iris and put her on the table so people were a little more at her eye level.

Walburga smiled at her Granddaughter. Unnecessarily she explained to the others this was Iris. Iris gave Walburga a smile and a hug, then looked expectantly at all of them.

Molly was the first one to approach. Molly had always had a great love of children. She was a natural mum. If a little overbearing. She was also insanely interested in this particular child.

'Hello, Iris. I'm Mrs Weasley. You can call me Molly,' she said softly.

'Hello,' Iris reached out and softly stroked Molly's hair, 'Lovely red. Like Lily's.'

Molly's face crumbled a little at that. 'Yes, like Lily's,' she smiled, Severus clenched his jaw. Minerva looked wistful.

Hagrid ambled over. Iris had to keep looking up higher to see him, 'Ello Iris,' came his loud voice. Normally small children could be intimidated by Hagrid at first. Iris just giggled. The rest of the people in the room looked astonished.

'Ello Agrid,' she responded with a smile on her face.

'How'd you know my name?' he asked. Genuinely perplexed. This was his first time meeting her.

'Others said. You big softie. And to say no rock cakes. Bad for teeth,' she said to him cheekily.

Hagrid looked a little bewildered at that. Severus felt elated. The others. That must mean...

Iris reached out her hand and took one of his giant hands in hers, 'Pleased to meet you Mr Agrid.'

Hagrid looked down at the little girl and his face just crinkled up, 'Right you are then Iris. Pleased to meet you too,' he shook her hand gently. He stood back to let Andromeda and Bellatrix through. Walburga spoke to her.

'You know I said I have a brother. These are two of his daughters. They are your family too.'

Iris gazed at the three of them as they gazed back, 'Family. Like you?'

'That's right Iris. Same blood,' Walburga stated, She looked between the four of them. Now they were so close she could see immediately the resemblance between each of them. Bellatrix had smiled broadly after she had taken a closer look at Iris.

'You have the same eyes as Draco,' she said to Iris, 'He's your first cousin, my dear.'

'Cousin,' Iris said slowly, 'Family?'

'Yes, that's right. Family,' Bellatrix said bitterly. She had tried to meet with Narcissa but was rebuffed. Narcissa was a lost cause. Only Lucius, Draco and wealth mattered to her.

Iris smiled back at Bellatrix at that. Evidently pleased to hear this. She looked at Andromeda and Bellatrix. Smiling softly at Andromeda and then her eyes locked with Bellatrix. Iris's face started to frown.

'Are you alright Iris?' Walburga asked.

'Bad magic,' Iris whispered so low they had to strain to hear her.

'I was under a spell,' Bellatrix told the agitated girl gently. Dumbledore was watching this scene very intently. He watched Iris reach out and hold Bellatrix's arm and push up her sleeve, showing the tattoo of the dark magic.

'Mummy showed me what to do with bad magic,' she said a little louder.

Walburga went to pull the little girl away, but Dumbledore stopped her.

'What is that Iris?' he asked the girl in a conversational tone.

'Can't 'plain. Show you,' her grey eyes looked up to Dumbledore. He contemplated as he looked to Bellatrix for her permission. She looked as wary as Walburga.

'I cannot remove it,' he said to her, 'It is tied in with Tom's magic. If I do this it could kill you. Iris may be able to do more for you than I can Bellatrix,' he thought back to his vision.

Bellatrix looked down at the taunting tattoo, 'Do it,' she whispered. She took the seat next to Iris. Putting her arm on the table. The room had gone quiet. Dumbledore nodded to Ted and Kreacher to be on standby if this backfired. They could get her to the hospital quickly. He could see Bellatrix's desperation. She would never truly be free of him till this was gone.

'I'm ready,' Bellatrix told the little girl flatly.

Iris looked at this woman who was sitting on the chair nervously, 'Family,' she thought. She felt a warm glow at that word.