Iris put both her hands around the dark mark, feeling the insidious tendrils of darkness flicker against her own skin. She closed her eyes and thought of the other side. Bellatrix saw her eyes flash golden before she shut them again. Her Earth body went still. In her mind, she felt her other self lift and form into her much lighter body. She then opened her eyes when she felt the transition over. She looked down at herself. Then glanced around the room at all the people looking straight through her. As always she saw the golden veil.

She moved forwards and walked through the tall, wide doorway that shimmered, the structure made of a moving gold liquid. It would shimmer for her as she went through. It was the same veil she would walk through every night just before her earthly body went to sleep. She turned around and saw her other self sat motionless through the doorway holding Belalatrix's arm. She turned back around and walked onwards.

'Hello, Angel,' she called out. Her mummy had said if she was around bad magic to call for an Angel. One of the tall glowing people glided out to her. Iris looked up at them. The Angel looked a lot like a person, but not quite like one. Different. Their faces were shaped differently and their eyes were pure gold. They had beautiful big glowing white wings like birds. Iris felt much better when she was with them. She felt very safe and cosy.

'Mummy said to call you if I found bad magic.'

The Angel looked concerned at this as he moved forwards.

'I'll need to hold your hand little one,' the Angel spoke softly, 'This way I can move through to your Earth.'

Iris gripped the Angel's hand tightly as they exited the doorway.

'Don't be a frightened young one,' the gentle voice was soothing, 'I will help you. My name is Gabriel.'

Iris nodded, feeling more at ease. She looked into Gabriel's sublime golden eyes.

The Angel and Iris stepped into the doorway leading to the earth realm. Iris was invisible to those in the room, but the Angel was acknowledged immediately by the stunned faces of all those in the room.

Molly let out a gasp as she fell back onto the chair.

The people standing in the room were all watching with bated breath. When Gabriel opened up his eyes to show pure gold Andromeda had to sit down before her legs gave way. His eyes scanned the room and then moved down to Iris and her hands around the dark mark. Bellatrix looked gobsmacked.

A loud ethereal voice came out of Gabriel, 'Don't be afraid. I'm here to help. I am the Angel Gabriel.'

Silence greeted him as each of them gawped at him. Gabriel looked towards the one with the bad magic affliction.

'Goodness. You're Bellatrix Black. We've been aware of you for quite some time. Even in the Astral plane, you are notorious. Gave us all a giggle when you slapped him.'

Bellatrix looked a little put out over this. Dumbledore was finding it difficult to maintain his professional face. He was gaping along with the others. The others simply looked incredulous as an actual Angel stood in Walburga Black's drawing-room.

Those golden eyes scanned the dark mark, 'Iris says this is bad magic. She is right. She is highly tuned into Tom's dark magic.'

'Where is Iris?' asked Dumbledore shakily.

'Holding my hand,' Gabriel said, 'She can anchor me to this Earth as long as she does this.'

They all looked dumbfounded.

'Can you remove it?' Bellatrix whispered, finding her voice, 'I can't bear to look at it. It makes me sick.'

'I can. You will feel it pulling.'

Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief. They all looked down as Gabriel used one hand to hover over the tattoo. They watched as the Angel's hand began to glow white. Tiny little particles of the tattoo started to lift. Disappearing slowly into Gabriel's hand. Those tiny particles became larger. Bellatrix was looking with eyes wide as slowly the mark that had plagued her all this time was pulled out, leaving the skin on her arm clear and soft.

'You are free, Bellatrix. It is over,' Gabriel said to her gently. Bellatrix looked in awe of him.

The ethereal voice spoke again as the pure gold eyes flashed, 'Iris's magic is indeed able to create a physical gateway to our world. We will dispose of this darkness our way,' those golden eyes found Dumbledore, 'Albus. Very pleased to finally meet you in person. You are right in your suspicions. This is unprecedented. No Angel has ever known of this to happen. We know what he has done. Hayley is with us till her Earthly body recovers. She bought a part of Tom with her. We have not seen the like since Herpo.'

Albus grimaced. His suspicions were correct.

Gabriel nodded at the earthly body of Iris, 'I suspect the forces greater than us are at play. We shall help you in your quest to discover his secrets. Not all is known to us. I shall leave you now. I do not want to exhaust Iris. Her magic may be too young to sustain my presence for any length of time. We will speak again. For now, goodbye.'

At the veil doorway, Gabriel spoke as he released Iris's hand, 'You have done very well, young one. Always ask us for help with your troubles. It is very new for us to be able to help the souls on Earth. For so long we have only been able to watch. It has been heartbreaking for us sometimes being only able to stand by helplessly.'

'Tank you,' Iris said. Gabriel smiled gently.

'You get back to your family Iris. They will be worried,' spoke the Angel.

'Bye,' waved Iris.

She stumbled back through the veil and slid back into her body. She felt herself become heavier and opened her eyes. Her grey eyes peered around the room.

Silence. Sixteen faces were gawking at her. Even the elves had come to witness this, 'Hi,' she said shyly as she put her hands over her face. Overwhelmed by the attention. She felt Bellatrix pull her into a hug. Felt her tears on her shoulder.

'Thank you, Iris. You have done more good than you could ever know,' Bellatrix was sobbing.

'How?' spoke Walburga in a whisper.

'Mummy said bad magic get an Angel,' Iris said simply.

Dumbledore had the widest smile on his face. Walburga appeared to be in a state of shock. Severus looked the happiest anyone but Lily had ever seen him. It was very unnerving for everyone to see.

Hagrid had watched the whole thing gaping. As the talk of actual Angels progressed, he had sat down heavily on his big chair with dollops of fat tears falling down his face, 'They be real,' he whispered in shock, 'I'd always oped they were...'

Andromeda was staring at Bellatrix's arm, 'It's truly over for you with him Bellatrix. You're free of him,' she spoke reverently, 'Well, as free as any person can be.'

Ted, Minerva and Molly were still staring at Iris.

Molly spoke, 'I don't care what that idiot said. Magic wouldn't put power like that in the hands of evil,' she sounded adamant. Ted nodded with her.

The elves were staring at Iris in wonder, 'Mistress Iris is truly the bestest Witch in all the land,' whispered Kreacher as Dobby, Starry and Merry nodded in awe. They had never seen anything so unique in the history of the magical world. Angels. Legends from the next world. The messengers of the Gods.

Gareth was looking at Iris with compassion, 'It is a lot of responsibility for one so young. I'm worried about her.'

Dawn patted him on the shoulder.

'She has the Angels in her corner Gareth. I have a feeling little Iris is as safe as anyone on Earth can be,' Dumbledore said softly.

Augusta had a look of pure concentration on her face. She was staring at Iris in mute silence. Iris had taken her hands down by now and met the older woman's eyes.

'Is it possible...?' Augusta said quietly to Iris.

Iris looked confused.

Augusta put her hand to her mouth, then started again, 'Could you ask your mummy about Frank and Alice?' she could barely speak the words.

'I'll ask mummy next time,' Iris said gently. She could see the older woman was unsettled. Iris yawned, 'Can I go nap?'

'Of course, darling,' Walburga beckoned Kreacher over who took Iris to her room.

'If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it possible,' said Molly in wonder, 'Even the Angels themselves have never known for this to be possible.'

Bellatrix had tears in her eyes, 'I feel so much lighter. I hadn't realised the damage it was doing to me, and I'm famous. Even the Angels have heard of me,' a sort of hysterical sob of joy came out of her mouth. She looked down at her clear arm. She glanced at Severus, 'Freedom, Severus. It's yours if you ever need to cut the ties that bind.'

Severus had an expression of wonder on his face, 'I'll need mine for my mission. But, yes. Knowing that his dark magic can be destroyed gives me a feeling of great happiness.'

The others gaped at him. They hadn't realised that Severus was actually capable of that emotion.

'That golden colour of his eyes. They were so... beautiful,' Dawn couldn't properly articulate just how spiritual that moment was when she had looked into them.

Augusta spoke. Her voice was strangely small, 'Do you think there is a chance that they will be able to help?' Frank, her son and Alice were currently in St Mungos. Their minds had been broken by Death Eaters torture curses.

Bellatrix held her arm up to her, 'Dumbledore said removing this was beyond even his power so if I was a betting woman I would say there is hope Augusta.'

Augusta had a flash of light in her eyes, 'I had almost resigned myself completely. We have seen the best healers we can but no response. They have tried everything. I miss them both so much. My son. Alice is like a daughter to me. Neville is too young to understand fully but even he is starting to sense things are not as they should be. He is too quiet for a boy his age. The Manor feels so empty.'

Dumbledore held her hand, 'If the Angels can't help Frank and Alice nothing can Augusta. Be prepared to make peace with that. Maybe when Iris is older and stronger they could have a better chance. Don't give up hope just yet.'

Augusta smiled gratefully at Dumbledore's words.

Dumbledore stood up as all eyes went to him, 'This has been a most excellent day,' his twinkling eyes went around the room, 'I have real hope in the future. We have the Angels on our side. That is a considerable power indeed. I hope it goes without saying the Unspeakables must not get a whisper of this?'

There were firm nods all around. Iris would be sent away immediately if they ever found out.

Bellatrix deigned him one of her real smiles. It made her look very different. Kinder. All was not lost. They finally had a very real power to help them against what they were fighting against. They spent some of the day discussing what they had all witnessed. When it came to leaving they all left a lot happier than they had arrived.

Walburga promised to owl Augusta as soon as she had news. They all said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Bellatrix had been invited to stay at 12 Grimmauld Place by Walburga and she had accepted the invitation gratefully. She didn't want to return to the Lestrange Manor. Although it was almost taboo in the WIzarding World, Bellatrix had set the wheels in motion to divorce her husband. Due to antiquated Pureblood laws, this would take several years to be completed and she would not receive any Lestrange property. His desertion of her, the fact they had no children together and he wasn't able to return to the country to contest this would be enough to ensure a clear break, however. She was back to being Bella Black. It was time to start living properly again and forge her own path.

First, though, it was time to heal. Bellatrix was a strong woman but even she had her limits. When she had looked into those golden eyes, however, she had known true peace. When her arm had regained its former appearance, she had been so grateful. She couldn't put into words her relief. She had made a vow to herself to help Iris as much as she could. It was going to be a rocky road, that much was clear.

Augustas received an owl the following morning from Walburga. Iris had said her mummy had advised them to try, but not to get her hopes up. Augustas had been trembling when she read those words. They could meet her at at two in the afternoon if she was available. They needed her permission to enter the ward. That was after Iris's nap time. With great trepidation she prepared herself. Deep down, she wasn't at all sure this would work. Still, it beat looking at Healers disappointed faces every time they tried different spells and potions on Frank and Alice to no success.

She owled back immediately. The clock ticked by slowly. By the time Augustas met them at the front of the fake clothes shop, she was almost unable to speak. Walburga gave her a brief hug and helped her walk in. Her legs felt like lead. Iris held her other hand. Iris seemed very interested in the hospital. Her eyes darted everywhere as they went through. She was familiar with the building. Hayley was recovering here. A few people did stop and stare as they walked by. Walburga and Iris had been in the Daily Prophet, for well, daily for over a month. Their faces were both well known.

They reached the ward for Magical Maladies on the seventh floor eventually. With a deep breath, Augusta pushed through. She booked them in as they walked down to the two end beds.

Walburga could understand Augusta's desperation. The only word she could think of when she looked at the two people who not too long ago had both been two very strong fighting Aurors that had been reduced to blank-faced and weak people was sad. It was simply sad. All the joy had left her body. It made her want to cry immediately. She kept herself together for Augusta and Iris. Iris had stood looking at them the same way as her. Iris tugged Augusta's skirt.

'The Angels will try,' she whispered to her. She lifted her little arms as Walburga placed her onto Alice's bed. Alice sat on the bed just looking at the little girl. Walburga then drew the curtains. Frank sat looking straight on. Not even turning to his wife.

Augusta and Walburga stood in silence and watched Iris put her hands to either side of Alice's temples. Iris's eyes went the same shade of golden briefly before she closed her eyes and went still. Alice sat with a blank look in her eyes. Iris did a sudden jolt and Alice's eyes slammed shut. Augusta grabbed Walburga's hand and gripped it tightly. She couldn't take her eyes off what was happening in front of her. Iris had her eyes shut. Alice's eyes opened wide. The same golden colour they had seen the day before. Iris was trembling slightly. Alice's eyes shut tight again. Walburga and Augusta could only wait. Every second was agonising.

Iris had beckoned the Angel in through the veil. The Angel gave Iris a thin, shimmering gold string. 'I will need to see if I can find Alice, little one. Don't let go,' Iris nodded to the Angel. 'I'll need to find my way back. Even Angels can get lost.'

Iris watched the Angel turn into a shimmering mist and then go forward into the blackness that was Alice's mind. She felt the jolt as the Angel connected with Alice's mind. She held that extending string as to her life depended on it. Seconds turned into minutes. Alice must be so lost.

The Angel had gone deep into Alice's mind. It was vast. Open forests, oceans, wilderness. Alice had retreated so far back inside her mind. The Angel glided swiftly over the lands. Time was moving on. They only had limited time. Iris was still so young. Her magic was still forming. There, the Angel heard the sniffs. A woman crying. Over near the cliff. The Angel moved closer and landed. A young woman sat with her back to her by the side of the cliff, 'Alice,' spoke the Angel. Alice turned around swiftly. Her mouth in a round O.

'Who are you?' Alice said in wonder.

'An Angel. Your family are worried about you. They miss you. They asked me to send you back to them.'

Alice looked in pain. 'If I go back there is only more agony. They won't stop.'

The Angel looked at her gently. 'They are gone. You are safe Alice. I promise you that.'

Alice looked at the Angel. She saw something kind in those golden eyes. 'Promise?' she whispered.

'I promise.'

'I haven't been here long. Just a few hours. How did you find me?' Alice asked.

'It's been almost two months, Alice,' the Angel spoke.

Alice shuddered. The Angel wrapped his wings around her and touched the gold string. They glided through the landscape at a very fast rate. Time would be of the essence. They landed gently by the veil where Iris was. She seemed very relieved to see them both. Alice looked even more confused at the sight of the little girl.

'Bye Angel. Tank you,' said Iris as she waved goodbye to the retreating Angel.

Alice could barely understand what was happening.

Iris smiled up at her, putting her hands out, 'Hold hands,' Iris said. Alice looked at the upturned hands and the Angel and put her hands in the little girls as Iris looked into her eyes.

'Look,' Iris said. Alice looked down into those golden eyes and felt her whole body spasm. She felt her consciousness slam back fully into her body. She felt the natural heaviness. She was awake. With trepidation she opened her eyes, blinking rapidly to see the little girl in front of her. She looked up to see her mother in law who appeared to be crying. She smelt the room. She was in a hospital. She held her hands up to her face. Moving her fingers. They felt so unused.

'Oh, Merlin. You got her back. Oh Merlin, you wonderful girl. Oh, Alice. It's so good to see you.'

Alice looked at her mother in law astonished. She had never seen such an outpouring of emotion from her before. She turned to the other bed.

'Frank?' she whispered. Her eyes wandered over her husband and his vacant look.

'You were both tortured, Alice. They had broken your minds. We had lost all hope of getting you back. The healers had tried everything. Until Iris. Just rest for now Alice. We can explain it all to you properly when you have had some rest.'

'But Frank? Where's Neville?'

'Hush poppet. Don't upset yourself. Neville's fine. He's home. I know this is confusing. Relax. We will tell you everything in time. We have hope for Frank. Iris just needs to rest herself. After her nap, she will try and help Frank and hopefully, the Angels can get Frank back too,' Augusta was sobbing this to Alice.

Alice looked at Walburga who's eyes were dripping wet with tears too.

'You two had us all so worried, my dear. Iris is my Granddaughter by the way. I'm not sure if you've met. Everything the last year has been such a mess,' Walburga was still getting herself together too.

'Oh,' Alice was perplexed. She peered down to the bottom of the bed. Iris had settled down and was napping peacefully. 'Angels?' she asked.

'Yes. Angels. So much has happened since you were gone, Alice. It will take more than a quick chat over a cup of tea to get you up to date.' Augusta was beaming and sobbing.

Alice could see that was obvious. She looked over to Frank again, clearly worried.

'What those monsters did to us. It was inhumane,' Alice was still overwhelmed. 'My poor Frank,' she sobbed.

'I know. Merlin, do I know. There was an uproar. They were all caught,' Augusta said.' We'll give you the details when you're not so in shock.'

'I'll go and get a healer,' Walburga said sensibly. 'They will need to check you over.'

The healer, a dark-haired, middle-aged woman with a kind face whose name was Ivy Caralage was astounded when she arrived, 'How?' she spluttered.

'Magic from above, Ivy,' Augustas told her the truth.

Ivy looked dubious at this announcement, 'No, really. We tried everything. Was it a potion?'

'Do you still have patient confidentiality Ivy?' Walburga asked.

'Yes, of course,' Ivy seemed a little indignant at the question.

'Come back at six and we will show you. Just you. If you ever have another Frank and Alice in this hospital owl me. The thought of anyone else going through what Augustas has gone through is heartbreaking if it can be cured.'

Ivy now seemed very curious. She did the mandatory checks and deemed Alice fit and well.

'Incredible,' she breathed. 'You have recovered physically. You may be a bit stiff for a while due to the time spent inside and in bed. Mentally, well, all I can suggest is a wait and see approach. Keep close to home for a while. We'll give you some memory tests. Any problems come back to us. This is unbelievable. I'll be back at six.'

She was indeed back at six. Iris had awoken and said she felt much better. Alice looked very anxious. Walburga and Augusta had been giving her basic information on what had been happening in the country. Her eyes were fixed on Frank as Iris repeated what she had done to her. Iris's hands went to the side of Franks temples. He stared at her vacantly. Her heart ached for him. She watched the little girl jolt. Her husband's eyes went from blank to gold. She just gaped at this. Frank and Iris's eyes were then tightly shut. Then everything went still between the two of them.

Ivy stood amazed at what she was watching. Alice trembled with anxiety. Minutes stretched on. The tension in the room was palpable. No one dared speak. Frank and Iris were frozen. Then just when Alice thought her nerves were going to give out, Frank's eyes shot wide open as his body jolted. Iris removed her hands and sat back down with her Grandmother. Frank looked around with confusion clear in his eyes, but it was a massive improvement from that eerie blank stare. Ivy looked at him in amazement.

'Frank,' sobbed Alice.

'Alice. What is happening? Where's Neville?' Alice pulled him into a hug. Tears ran down her face. Her bottom lip had given up and she was openly sobbing.

'Angels, Frank. The Angels and Iris saved us. Pulled us both back from the brink. Neville's good. He's at home. We've been in this room for almost two months darling,' Alice felt his hands reach around her back as he pulled her close.

'Mum,' Frank was weeping now, 'Sod it. Men can cry in these situations,' he thought. Augusta ran her fingers through her son's hair.

'Your home Frank. We got you back,' Augusta managed to get out.

'I was in the mountains. Then that was an Angel who rescued me,' his eyes spotted Iris. 'You were at the gold doorway,' he stated.

Iris nodded shyly, 'Angel rescue you. I opened the door,' she added proudly. Then she promptly lay down to have another nap where she lay.

Frank looked at her in awe, 'How?' he asked.

'That is a long story apparently,' Alice smiled gently, 'Walburga and Augustas are going to fill us in on all the happenings since we have been in here. Apparently, Rita Skeeter is now a respected journalist.'

He gaped at her, 'Merlin. Things sure have changed.'

Augustas grinned, 'That's just the tip of the iceberg, Frank.'

Ivy sat down heavily on the other bed. She stared at Iris, 'Angels?' she stated.

Walburga nodded, 'They help her. The Angel Gabriel removed dark magic from a Witch. We saw him with our very own eyes.'

Ivy nodded slowly, 'I can see that,' she looked at Walburga, 'Thank you for your offer earlier. I hadn't realised just what an enormous gift it was you were offering. I should have been more grateful. Thank you both.'

Ivy completed her checks and declared Frank fit. She said the same to him. Carefully does it. Any setbacks contact the hospital, but they both seemed in good shape. They would keep them here for another night just in case.

Walburga went to wake Iris, who seemed a bit groggy, 'Time for bed young lady. Say bye-bye to Frank and Alice.'

'Bye, bye,' she did a tired wave. They all looked at this little girl with amazement. Such a gift.

'Remember Ivy. Keep this to yourself. She has a very valuable gift. We don't want the Unspeakables getting hold of her. You would never see her again,' Walburga told her.

Ivy shook her head quickly, 'Don't I know. I've heard enough whispers about that lot. My patients are my absolute priority. Thank you for your trust.'

The Longbottom family waved goodbye to Iris and her Grandmother.

'So,' said Alice, holding Franks hand tight. 'Let's start from what has happened since that night. I get the feeling this is an all-nighter.'

Augustas gave a weary smile. 'This is an all-weeker. Get yourselves comfortable. Ivy, you can help fill in any gaps and be my verifier.'

Ivy settled herself down with her two patients still amazed at their changes already.

Augustas took a deep breath and began to describe the events since they arrived here to the shock and amazement of Frank and Alice.

When she got to the part that Iris was he must not be named's Granddaughter they were shaken. Hayley hadn't known. They were so upset when they heard what had happened to Hayley but knowing she would return calmed them down. When she told them Sirius had used Pureblood law to annul the marriage and disown Iris the same day they gasped. No, Sirius hadn't changed his mind.

The leak in the Order had always been Peter. He was the secret keeper. He had betrayed the Potters. Frank and Alice were mortified. Pettigrew had done a blood ritual to ensure Tom's resurrection using Hayley. Riddle had lost his magic and then regained it. He lied on the stand and then fled the trial with the Death Eaters. The ICW was moving in. Bellatrix had been under the influence of a very dark evil object for years. After Augustas told them what Riddle had said to her even Frank winced. When she told them that Bellatrix smacked the Dark Lord they were flabbergasted. When she told them that was just the summary and there was a lot more they needed to know they had paled.

'That isn't all of it?' Alice asked her in a dull voice.

'No. But it is very late and you both need your rest,' Augustas said gently, 'You have had a major day. I'll send owls to Dumbledore and Amelia. They can inform you of the official details you two need to know. They can visit you tomorrow evening at the Manor. They'll be massively relieved to see you both. Amelia was devastated about you both. We all were. So many people will want to see you.'

Alice and Frank both looked a little daunted by this.

'In your own time, of course,' Augusta told them gently.

They said their goodbyes and Augusta left them in peace. They both cuddled up on the same bed together just clinging to each other.

'Thank Merlin you're ok, darling,' whispered Frank to his wife.

'Same to you. I don't think I could face this otherwise. If that was just the summary and she didn't want to tell us the whole story then Merlin only knows what Amelia has in store for us.'

They clung to each other and then drifted into a proper sleep for the first time in what felt like years.

The next day saw a very happy Neville being fussed over by his mother. He clung to her tightly. He kept smiling at his dad who kept ruffling his hair. It had been so quiet at the Manor and Neville had known something was very wrong. His Gran had looked so worried and upset and had kept going to the hospital. She had told him he was too young to go and left him with Binky, his house-elf. Even Binky had been worried. But it was all better now. His parents were home. He kept looking at them both. Just to make sure they were really here. His relief was palpable. Binky just kept smiling. Her relief was as enormous as Neville's. Augusta just sat beaming at her family.

They had left the hospital discreetly. Word would get out soon enough about their, 'miraculous recovery.'

'Keep it like that. Only I know how you were really cured and we need to keep it like that or Iris will be nabbed by the Unspeakables. Walburga was right about that,' Ivy had told them that morning. They agreed and swore themselves to secrecy.

They had gone through the old copies of the Daily Prophet to piece together what they had missed. Sirius had shocked them. They hadn't realised just how bad his anger had been. Alice was horrified. The fact that Amelia had sent him packing from the Auror department was of no surprise. The Ministry had been cleared out of Tom's followers. They had done a bunk. There was no sign of Tom or his escaped Death Eaters. Amelia and Milicent had finally got the ICW involved after Barty had resigned.

'About bloody time,' remarked Frank. He was still angry over Barty Crouch's idiocy.

Amelia's promotion had soothed him a little. He was touched by the anger their attack and subsequent condition had caused. There had been a national outcry. Although he would agree if they had been Muggleborns the sympathy would have been a lot weaker.

Alice had gone through the transcripts of the trial, 'Unbelievable,' she had kept muttering.

Frank read them with her, 'Britain was his training ground? I do not like the sound of that.'

Alice agreed with him, 'Ominous at the very least. I suppose that is what Augusta meant. That is what Dumbledore and Amelia are coming over to talk about.'

Frank took her hand, 'My love. We'll see what they have to say. But after everything that has happened, if you want us to call it a day as Aurors then I will very much support you on this. I'm considering resigning myself. We came so close to living like worse than ghosts for the rest of our lives. If it hadn't been for Iris I can only imagine what that would have done to mum and Neville.'

Alice kissed him softly, 'I was about to say the same to you. I wouldn't mind doing the paperwork for the legal department, but never again do I want either of us to endure what we did. And we are going to make Longbottom Manor a fortress. Hogwarts security is going to seem weak compared to us by the time I'm finished.'

Frank smiled gently at her, 'Never again,' he whispered.

Dumbledore and Amelia arrived through the floo at seven precisely. Augusta was in the other wing with a much happier Neville. Much of the time was spent with emotional outpourings at this little reunion. Amazement at Iris. Amelia was clearly as overwhelmed as Alice. They had always gotten along well. Dumbledore and Frank settled for a firm handshake.

Eventually, they sat down for tea and briefings.

Dumbledore opened this by saying to the pair of them that he understood precisely if they never wanted to go back to being Auror's. However, they may be useful in a less obvious role. They had both perked up at this. By the time Dumbledore had finished bringing the Longbottom's up to date, they looked almost as blank as they had in the hospital as it all sunk in.

'But,' stuttered Frank, 'This is madness. Folly. Nazi's?'

Alice could only stare at the pair of them.

'Nazi's,' Frank stated dumbly, 'Allied with fucking Voldemort.'

Alice flinched.

'The taboo is gone now, Alice. Hasn't worked since Halloween,' Amelia told her gently.

'Still,' she whispered.

'Grindelwald being recruited would suggest this is what Tom is contemplating,' Dumbledore sighed.

'Is that everything we need to know?' Frank asked blandly.

Amelia and Dumbledore nodded.

'I, we need to sleep on this for a while. It has been mental. This whole thing. Waking up to all this,' Frank spoke up as Alice nodded alongside.

'Just, give us some time,' Frank added.

'Of course Frank. Alice. We do understand. Both of you have given over and above. We just needed to make sure you have the facts. Not hear a butchered version further down the road,' Amelia spoke calmly to them both, 'Neither of you are under obligation to rejoin the Order. Just be aware that there will always be a place for you both there. We are not expecting anything for years anyway. Tom has the long game in mind.'

'Ah, yes,' Frank looked at them both and then Alice. She looked as dazed as him.

Dumbledore and Amelia both realised that the Longbottom's were simply overwhelmed. They made their polite excuses to leave to the relieved couple and left.

Frank and Alice made their way to the bedroom where they cuddled up again to each other. Feeling safety in each other's arms.

'I think it's best for our peace of mind if we don't talk about this for a long time Alice. We need to get used to normal life for now. It's just too much,' Frank whispered in the dark.

'I think you are absolutely right, husband of mine,' Alice whispered. 'I think there is something that will improve both our peace of minds, however,' she whispered as she kissed his neck.

'Mmm,' Frank growled. 'That is the best thing I have heard since the Angel, Mrs Longbottom.'

And so began the recuperation of the Longbottom's and them getting back to normal.

Dumbledore and Amelia sat in his office with a bottle of brandy between them.

'I feel this is the end of the beginning, Amelia,' Dumbledore said to her in contemplation.

'Likewise,' Amelia agreed, 'It is so good to have Frank and Alice back. We have lost so many people. Although I meant what I said. If they don't return to the Auror department I won't push. If not for Iris...,'

'I know. However, whether they want to be involved or not I'm afraid that won't be voluntary for anyone. Make no mistake Amelia. There will be a war. You can hide in the furthest lands and the depths of the wilderness. It will find you. It was only a few decades ago that the Nazi's and Grindelwald's army almost destroyed everything we care for. Combining the Muggles advancements and the magical power of Tom and his potential allies worldwide is intimidating. The last time I could defeat Gellert. I cannot finish Tom in battle like I did him. He is anchored to this world in a way Gellert isn't. The prophecy spoke absolutely of Harry. He is who we must hope has the strength to overcome Tom like I did Gellert. I am now certain Iris is the power the Dark Lord knows not.'

Amelia mused, shaking her head, 'Damn Sirius his stupidity,' she seethed.

'All is not lost. They will both be coming to Hogwarts. Whether Sirius likes it or not, James and Lily had Harry's name down to attend before he was born. He can't overrule their wishes. He has no legal rights over Iris. He cannot forbid her attendance. Gareth will insist Iris goes to Hogwarts with Daphne. Walburga will expect this also. Harry and Iris will certainly be in the same room together despite his absurd demands.'

'Let's hope Harry isn't too badly influenced by them. He may arrive here believing Iris to be Voldemort's chosen Heiress by the time Sirius has brainwashed him,' Amelia said, 'I think Andromeda and Remus should be able to talk sense into Harry. Although, there are going to be many who are going to be wary of both Hayley and Iris, Albus. Iris won't be able to avoid this. There are already whispers that she is going to be the next Dark Lady. She is already the Heiress of Slytherin. That is official. The public loves a good story. Some of them believe Riddle actually intends to have her by his side to rule over the kingdom. Others say Iris will be fighting him for the title. The fact Sirius has disowned her only fuels the gossip that she is not a light Witch. Don't think the attention Walburga is paying her isn't going unnoticed by them either. Iris is the Black Heiress too. I know Walburga is opposed to Tom but again, that just fuels rumours of an uprising.'

Albus sighed, 'Sometimes the lack of common sense amongst my fellow magical's leaves me speechless. She's a toddler.'

'Toddlers grow up, Albus. Who knows? Is it out of the realms of possibility? Look at Barty Crouch Junior? His parents always saw a sweet little kid.'

Albus frowned, 'Her link with the next world should keep her balanced. Her gift is a blessing. She has already used it for good. That was instinct for her. I don't believe if she was truly dark that she would have done what she has.'

'Let's hope you're right, Albus. A lot is riding on this.'

Albus somberly nodded to her.