Iris picked herself up off the floor and brushed the soot off her. She peered up to see eight faces gawping at her. She nonchalantly gazed around her as if she was simply an ordinary house guest.

Sirius was indeed tied to the chair. He was clearly under a silencing charm as he was mouthing words angrily. She couldn't lip read but she got the gist. He was not pleased to see her. Andromeda looked worried. Ted and Nymphadora were there as well, both looking nervous. A house-elf appeared to be holding Sirius in position using magic. Remus looked pensive. She looked to her left and finally had someone at eye level with her. Lily's emerald green eyes gazed back at her. She blinked and focused on the rest of him. Harry Potter. She could see James clearly in him. He did have the lightning bolt scar. He looked very angry. There was something very familiar about him. It must be from when they were babies. She felt the presence of Lily before she saw her. Lily came into her vision next to Harry. James was hovering behind. Iris smiled and waved to her and Lily returned this. Harry looked very suspicious at this.

Severus turned to Sirius as they glared at each other, 'This is not my request, but Lily's. She still overrules you, Black,' Severus said in a low drawl.

'Get out of this house,' Harry shouted at Severus, 'You're all trying to trick us.'

Iris admired his gumption. Severus towered over the boy.

'It's not a trick,' Iris said, 'It's the truth.'

'Expect me to believe that tosh?' Harry scoffed, 'You're evil. Everyone knows it.'

Iris rolled her eyes, 'Yeah, I'm Freddie Kreuger and the Terminator all rolled into one at seven years old.'

Ted snorted in the background.

Iris eyed Harry up and down, 'Actions speak louder than words,' she said. Sirius struggled in his chair.

They all watched her nod at the space next to Harry and hold out her hand. A moment later the very real figure of Lily Potter stood there and Iris's eyes went fully golden. Sirius stopped struggling and just went deadly still. Remus, Ted and Nymphadora stood gaping. Andromeda had prepared them, but nothing could quite prepare you for this. Harry went rigid, his eyes blazing green.

'What is this?' he whispered, 'You can't possibly be so bloody cruel.'

'Mind your language, Harry. No prizes for guessing where you picked that up from,' Lily looked at Sirius sternly. He was staring wide-eyed at her.

Harry's mouth dropped open. He stared at her bewildered, 'Are you a ghost?' he was trembling.

'Not in the way you think. Iris has a gift. She can make a magical door between this world and the one we go to when we pass on. Iris has been visiting us since she was a toddler. We could visit this Earth but only as less than ghosts. Your father and I never really left you, Harry. You just couldn't see us. Iris can make us be seen here. Just me for now. Iris is not strong enough for both James and I to visit at the same time just yet and she can't hold the connection for too long. But your father will be visiting you soon. He loves you very much and misses you as much as I do,' tears were filling Lily's eyes now.

Harry was shaking now. He moved his hand forward to his mother's arm.

'I can't feel you,' he whispered.

'You need to hold Iris's hand. Then you can,' Lily said to him gently. Harry looked torn. He looked at his Godfather. Sirius looked in anguish.

'What should I do, Padfoot?' he asked.

Sirius gave a nod to him.

They all breathed a sigh of relief. Harry put his hand up and gingerly Iris took it. His arm gave a little jolt when he felt the magic. Iris again felt something familiar in his magic.

He tentatively used his right hand to slowly move up like he was afraid of a shock. Lily stood quietly and still. She could understand his reticence.

When his hand met her arm he flinched slightly at the contact. Lily nodded encouragingly to him.

'You, you're real,' he whispered reverently. She leant down and put her arm around him.

'I am Harry. I'm very real.'

He moved his free arm around her and buried his face into her shoulder. They could see the sobs wracking through him. Iris stood very patiently for those long minutes where Harry had his mother back and slowly switched her arms over each other so mother and son could get more of a proper hug with each other.

Severus glanced over to Sirius, who had never looked more jaded in his life. He looked like he had calmed down. Andromeda had come to the same conclusion. She lifted the silencing charm and ropes and Tilly removed the elf magic holding him. Sirius still sat there mute watching Lily and Harry.

Eventually Harry and Lily had moved apart. Harry kept his eyes steady on her. They were tinged red with all his crying and so were Lily's. She moved her fingers through his messy dark hair, 'Your hair is just like James's. He could never get his mop to sit flat either,' she smiled at her son.

Iris had an idea, 'Do any of you have a camera?' she asked the people in the room, 'I'm not sure if it will work, but Aunty Lily can see herself in mirrors so it may do.'

Sirius gave a start at this, 'In the study,' he whispered.

'I'll get it,' Remus said. He returned a short while later, 'It's a magical one. If it works we can have moving images. We can put it in a frame for your shelf, Harry.'

Iris gave a charming smile like she saw Bella doing when a camera was pointed at her. She, fortunately, had enough tact to move as much to the side as she could. Lily and Harry kept close to each other. Harry gave a small smile to the camera as did his mother.

'Wave to the camera and say cheese,' said Remus.

They did what was asked, Harry very shyly, Lily with sheer happiness on her face as Remus worked the camera.

'I'll develop them tomorrow,' he said. Pleased to be useful. He kept gazing at Lily in wonder.

Lily smiled at him, 'Hi, Remus,' he smiled at her. She looked around, 'Hello Tilly, Ted. Oh, my word. Nymphadora. Look how tall you have got.'

Nymphadora looked in a state of a variety of emotions. Eventually, she settled on saying to Lily that her name was simply 'Tonks' now as Nymphadora was simply very problematic, especially around teenage boys. Lily smirked.

'I did advise your mother against it, but her heart was set on it.'

Nymphadora gave a smile back. Andromeda huffed a little.

Harry kept staring at his mother. His eyes tracing her features to his memory, 'I named my cat after you,' he said out of the blue.

'I know you did darling,' Lily hugged him again.

'I would pretend she was you. She has the same green eyes we do. Now I can actually really talk to you too,' he was too overwhelmed to care about being soppy.

'You can always talk to me. You might not be able to see me, but call for me and I can always hear you.'

Andromeda gave a big emotional sob at this. Even Ted and Remus were, in a very manly way, wiping their eyes discreetly. Tonks and Tilly had given up a while ago and were simply crying happily.

Severus was above such things, but even he had a gentle smile on his face at this. He knew how he had felt knowing Lily was still there. If Harry felt even half of what he did, it must be immense. He knew deep down that Harry felt at least as much for her as he did.

Sirius was still gazing at Lily. She turned to him. Emerald eyes stared into Sirius Black's tense grey ones.

He braced himself. He had been on the receiving end of plenty of Lily's rants over the years. He had just enough maturity to realise they had all been justified. He had the experience. He knew what to do. Take it like a man and then apologise.

'Sirius Black. You total and utter idiot,' Lily's voice cut through the air sharply. He winced. And just like that, a flood of joy pulsated through him. That was when his whole being knew for certain it was absolutely, completely her.

'I don't know whether to hug you or throttle you, you absolute ass! You have lost your mind.'

He looked up at her with a beseeching, puppy dog look.

'Don't try that look with me, Sirius. It didn't work at Hogwarts and it doesn't work now. What the hell were you thinking?'

That brought him down to earth with a bump. He looked up at Lily speechless. Iris's head was swivelling back and forth between the two. Harry was gaping at the scene.

'Hayley asked me to pass a message on to you. She told me to tell you, you're a git. Don't even think of apologising to her. It will not work. The Greengrass women are called ice queens for a reason. It will take years to thaw her out.'

Severus smirked brazenly. Sirius pointedly ignored him.

Sirius had turned ashen, 'You're still in touch then?' he managed to get out.

'Of course. She pops in a lot to visit. We still meet up a few times a week for our chats and cups of tea.'

'There's tea there?' Sirius asked stupidly.

'That's what you're focusing on?' Lily asked in astonishment.

'I thought I would never see you again. After what that rat did, I couldn't trust anyone. He was supposed to be one of my best friends. You and James had gone. Everything was so messed up. I had been arrested. My wife was involved in a blood ritual with that maniac,' he admitted, 'Come on. Riddle. Voldemort. He who must not be named. I'm still in shock about it. That I married his daughter. Yes. I think she has deceived me. The dark can manipulate us so easily. What would you think?'

'I think if I was married to someone I would at least have a conversation about it before annulling it. To think that about Hayley is past absurd. She cried when her pet rabbit died, Sirius. She was nineteen at the time. I hardly think anyone lucid would think she would willingly be enabling Voldemort to return. And as for abusing those Pureblood laws, yes, Sirius. I, unfortunately, witnessed the whole fiasco from start to finish. You know how much I loathe those laws. The fact that most of them still haven't been done away with enrages me. I was actually embarrassed for you.'

Sirius had the decency to hang his head in shame.

Lily continued. Ted and Andromeda had pulled up a chair each. Iris wondered if there was any popcorn in the kitchen. Harry was simply just gazing at his mother in wonder and was clutching her hand tightly. Lily seemed to regain some control.

'On the bright side, I want to thank you all for looking after Harry so well. All of you have done a wonderful job with him. He seems happy here. Thank you ever so much.'

'It was the least we could do, Lily,' Remus said, 'It's been lovely having him here.'

Harry smiled shyly.

'We have a long way to go Sirius. I hope you understand it will take time to get back to where we were. Your behaviour towards Iris and Hayley has been reckless, cruel and immature. I understand there are extenuating circumstances which is why I hope things will improve. Your upbringing was not conducive to rationality so I will give you the benefit of the doubt,' Lily said to him in a matter-of-fact tone.

He met her eyes. Lily. She had always been his voice of reason. He nodded. He recognised the olive branch.

'James also says hello. He also says you're a git and some other words that I won't be repeating. But he also says he misses you loads, mate. Not my words.'

Sirius felt a leap in his heart. Severus turned up his nose.

Lily turned back to Harry.

'Sorry about that Harry. I've been waiting a long time to say that,' Harry nodded. He understood that they were words that needed to be said. Perhaps now Sirius may start to improve his outlook.

Lily stroked his face gently as he looked intently at her.

'You're so beautiful. Even when you're angry,' he said honestly as Lily smiled at him, 'and you're mine. My own real mum.'

Lily's bottom lip gave up at that. She had Harry in another embrace.

'And you'll always be my brave boy, Harry,' she whispered as he squeezed her tightly.

Lily pulled away and looked at Iris, 'How are you feeling, Iris?'

'I'm ok for now. I'm feeling a little drained. I think maybe a few more minutes. I'll hold it as long as I can.'

Lily nodded, 'Longer than last time,' she smiled at the group, 'As Iris gets older she gets stronger. I'll be able to visit you for longer. We are still testing this. So far we can do this once a day. Iris has offered to do this for us. She wants to get better and stronger too. Riddle's twisted ambitions have backfired massively on him. He doesn't realise yet just how much.'

'I can see you again?' Harry whispered hopefully.

'Yes, Harry. You will be seeing lots more of your dad and me. When you get to be a teenager, you will probably get sick of us,' Lily joked.

Harry shook his head adamantly, 'No. I will always want to see you,' he said firmly.

Lily smiled gently at her son, 'It's so good to be with you, Harry. I have missed you so much. You could never possibly understand how much.'

Harry stroked her hair, 'Yes, I could,' he said to her solemnly.

Sirius spoke quietly to Iris, 'Tomorrow. Can you visit at the same time here? Can James visit? I just. I need to talk to him. Is he here?'

'He is,' Lily murmured.

Sirius inhaled sharply.

Lily turned to James who nodded. She then looked at Iris, who gave her a brief nod.

'He will see you tomorrow,' Lily told Sirius with a small smile. Sirius looked uncomfortable but relieved. His eyes darting around the room. His best friend was here.

'I didn't really understand until I saw Uncle Sev's face when he saw Lily how important this is. I can see my Gran anytime I like. I took this gift for granted,' Iris said honestly, 'When Iceman here got so emotional when he saw Lily I realised the pain of losing someone you care about and not being able to see them must be enormous.'

Severus looked a little awkward as they all peered at him.

'I'll pop through the floo tomorrow, then, at six,' Iris said, 'This atmosphere is so awkward,' she thought, 'You'll like your dad, Harry. He's ever so funny,' Iris told him.

Severus begged to differ, but Lily smiled. Harry just seemed completely overwhelmed.

'You see them a lot, don't you?' Harry said.

Iris nodded, 'They all helped raise me. Gran. Your mum and dad. They're my night time family. Mum was too for a bit, but she came back here to Earth. Except there it's daytime when it's night here. There's nice Grandpa Gareth. Sort of second mum Dawn. Grumpy Gran and Aunty Bella. And Dobby, Kreacher, Mitty, Starry and Merry helped out too. They are the most brilliant house-elves. And Uncle Sev here. And my sisters, Daphne and Astoria. Aunty Amelia and Susan are around a lot too.'

'That's a rather eclectic mix, Iris,' said Remus.

'Yeah. I don't know what that means,' Iris shrugged, 'They're my family. They're awesome,' Iris said simply, 'And there are my friends at Muggle school. Gran says we need to learn how to blend into the non-magical world.'

'Muggle school,' Sirius didn't know what to say to any of this. That Bellatrix and Snape had helped raise Iris was not a comforting thought. Proceed with caution. Muggle school. They had put both a Black and two Greengrass daughters into Muggle school! Never had this been undertaken. He hadn't realised how serious these particular Purebloods were about the future threat that Tom posed. This gift Iris had. It was incredible. He looked at Lily. A part of the family he had chosen all those years ago. He felt a part of himself come back inside him. It made him feel warmer. More rested.

Lily caught his eye. She looked at him in understanding. She had known Sirius cared for both her and James but even she had underrated just how much. When they died, they had taken a huge chunk of Sirius with them. She understood more clearly how much it had broken their friend. Now there was a chance to put him back together.

Lily spoke to Sirius softly, 'There is much for you both you and James to discuss.'

Sirius glanced at Iris.

'I can put my headphones on when you both need some privacy,' she said. Iris understood sometimes that was important.

'Headphones?' he asked.

'For my walkman. It plays music. It's a muggle invention,' Iris explained.

Sirius nodded, 'Like a record player?'

'Yes. It's much smaller than that though. You can put it in your pocket. My magic powers mine. Works on everything but the radio. I get too much interference. I'll show you tomorrow. I've got the new Eurythmics album. It's exceptional. I'm going to play Sev the new Queen album tonight. Bella and I are going to be rocking out.'

'Queen. As in rock god Freddie Mercury and Bohemian Rhapsody?' Sirius looked at her intently.

'Yes. Oh good. You've heard of them. Finally. I can't believe there is hardly any Witch or Wizard who has. They are awesome. I'm getting everyone I know to listen. Daphne's favourite is Killer Queen. Astoria likes We are the Champions the best,' Iris grinned.

Sirius went from utter fear of the Granddaughter of Tom Riddle to one of simple mistrust. One simply cannot like Freddie Mercury and be a complete and utter evil moron at the same time.

'I like rock too. My favourite group is the Rolling Stones,' Sirius said cautiously.

'Can't get no satisfaction. Gimme shelter. Paint it black,' Iris reeled them off, 'Classics. I have them on tape. Hey, Keith. Give me a G,' Iris did her Mick Jagger impression. Sirius grinned and then gave a jolt. He was starting to get a sinking feeling.

Both father and daughter eyed each other warily.

Lily looked at them both, 'How are you feeling Iris?'

'More tired than I was,' she stated honestly.

'I'll go now. I don't want to strain your magic,' Lily turned to Harry, 'Remember Harry. I'm not really gone. I'll see you soon,' they hugged again.

Harry stared up at her. With the widest smile on his face, he said to her, 'See you soon, mum.'

'See you all soon,' Lily said to the occupants around her.

They all waved goodbye as Harry and Iris released her hand. Lily faded away.

'Your mum and dad are still next to you Harry,' Iris said as her eyes returned to grey to the black-haired boy.

He gave a soft smile, 'I know for sure now. I had always wished for it but to know for certain is…,' Harry gave a soft gulp, 'Thank you, Iris. This means more to me than I could ever say.'

She patted Harry's arm gently. Noticing the quiet of the room she spoke, 'Uncle Sev. Shall we go home now? Dobby is cooking chocolate cake. It should be ready soon,' her intuition told her these people needed time to come to terms with the last hour. Severus nodded as they made their way to the fireplace.

'Um. I'll see you tomorrow,' with a wave she disappeared.

Severus gave a curt nod and followed her out. The people and one elf left sank into the comfortable chairs.

'Thank you, Andromeda,' Sirius said in the quiet, 'I have never felt so grateful to be forcefully tied down into a chair for my own good.'

'You're welcome,' Andromeda said stiffly.

'They're coming home mate,' Remus beamed, 'The gang is going to be back together again.'

Sirius smiled and then promptly burst into tears.

'I'm sorry,' he spluttered to them, 'I knew I had missed them, just not how much.'

Harry wandered over to him and put his arms around his Godfather, 'Prongs, Moony, Padfoot and mum, all back together again. I can't wait till tomorrow,' his eyes were shining bright.

They spent the evening talking. Ted and Tonks were as awed as the others.

'It's real. A whole other world we go to after this one,' Tonks was coming to terms with it all, 'I know we get told but to know for certain is something else. To be able to talk to them properly. It's not the great unknown anymore. And they have tea,' she grinned. Tea was of great importance to any Brit.

Later that night when Harry went to sleep his last thought was his scar hadn't hurt since Iris had held his hand. His sleep wasn't haunted by that echo of the insane giggle.

The same group greeted Iris the next evening as she fell out of the fireplace with very little dignity.

After the perfunctory greetings, Iris wandered over to Harry.

'Hi Harry,' she said cautiously. He greeted her much more warmly than he had done the night before.

'Hi, Iris,' Harry said.

Her eyes found the shelf behind them. In pride of place was the photograph that was taken from the night before. Lily and Harry's emerald eyes were so distinctive. Iris stood slightly to the side with her leather jacket on, smiling at the camera, 'It worked beautifully,' she smiled at Remus.

'That it did Iris. We made a few copies. That was a very good idea you had. I've got the camera ready for James,' he pointed at the magical camera on the side.

Iris nodded her thanks at the compliment, 'They're both here,' she told them all.

They all looked keen to get things moving.

'Uncle James. I'm ready,' Iris called out. Like the day before she put out her hand and they all watched with bated breath.

Sirius' heart leapt up when he saw Iris's eyes go golden and James appear. Harry had a massive smile like his Godfather did. Remus and Ted were grinning at James Potter. Andromeda, Tilly and Tonks were gazing amazed at this. It was just as mesmerising the second time.

'Prongs, mate,' Sirius whispered

'You old dog, Sirius,' James grinned back, 'It's good to see you,' his eyes found Harry's.

'Hi, Son,' he said gently to his mini-me as he kneeled.

Iris took Harry's trembling hand. Like before with his mother, he gently touched his father's face. Tears fell down both their faces at this reunion. His father took Harry in his free arm and held him close as Harry nuzzled into his father's chest.

'Hi, dad,' Harry said softly. They held each other for a while as the others enjoyed the simplicity of the scene. Sirius especially had the softest look on his face anyone had ever seen.

James put his head up to the others, 'Thank you. All of you, for looking after Harry.'

Sirius shifted a little, 'James. I, um. Thank you for looking after Iris,' he looked ashamed.

'We'll talk properly at a later time, Sirius. There is much to be said about many things. Lily echoed my sentiments on what you did. Still, what is done cannot be undone. We can only move forward. We have to. So much is at stake,' James responded softly. He turned to Harry.

'I saw you take care of those bullies at school, Harry. Brilliant work,' James looked very impressed.

Harry puffed up with the praise, 'You saw?'

'I did. You stood your ground. I particularly liked it when you pushed that big lad into a puddle. I admired your resistance and how you rallied the troops. Very impressive, son,' James told Harry with praise in his voice. Harry blushed with pleasure.

James looked a little conflicted for a moment, 'Always stand up to the bullies, Harry. I reckon you're sure to be in Gryffindor.'

'Fred and George said that,' Harry said back.

'The Weasley twins would know. They are very, very smart lads Harry. Don't be fooled by their silly act,' James smiled at his son. Harry nodded back wisely. He had suspected as much.

'Remus,' James grinned at his friend, 'So good to see you. Ted, Andromeda. Tonks,' he smiled at the young girl making sure to use her chosen name. She beamed at him as her hair changed to bright pink, 'Hello, Tilly. You making sure they all behave themselves?'

'I am indeed Master Potter, James. They all be behaving,' Tilly smiled at him.

Sirius moved closer to James.

'Do you want a hug too Padfoot?' Harry said as he grinned through his tears.

'Well, If James is giving them out,' Sirius grinned. He glanced down at Iris who had taken her hand out of Harry's. He slowly put his hand out to her. He felt her magic flow through him on contact. He looked into her golden eyes as he felt overcome. He turned to James and like Harry slowly put his hand to his friend's shoulder, 'Real,' he whispered, 'You're warm. You're breathing,' he stared in awe.

James smiled, 'The next world is similar to this one. I feel lighter here than I did. But we're still flesh and bone in the next world. It's so much more though. We're all young. Repaired. Age isn't a factor. No disease. No real pain. Much more pleasurable. More spiritual. Much more magic. The Muggles gain magical abilities when they pass over. Our own improves. We're all still learning. It's all so beautiful there. Like the best parts of the Earth, but it's all over. Everything is enhanced. The colours, the smells. When you're ready you move on from there. Some people stay for generations. There are hundreds of worlds out there. Earth is just the beginning.'

Sirius embraced his oldest friend and felt himself get put back together inside. This was so cathartic for him. Feeling more settled he stepped back from James and gave Iris her hand back. She took Harry's hand again as he moved forward into a one-armed hug. Harry seemed happy just to stay there. Like he did with his mother, he gazed up at his dad. Memorising his face.

Remus took the time to do another photograph with the three smiling faces.

Once Remus had placed the camera back James continued, 'What Iris can do is the first time anyone has done this. No one has been able to go back to Earth once they have passed through the veil. Hayley can visit through the astral plane but she can't bring through the Angels or us like Iris. Before, even the Angels could only visit in times of great adversity. Some people have been able to go into the in-between. That's the astral plane. The only way it is possible to go back to Earth is reincarnation but most choose not to do that. It's normally the very young ones who choose to do that. Those who haven't lived a full life. You cannot take your memories back. Although there have been a few glitches. They normally forget by the time they get to four.'

Sirius looked at Iris, 'This is all because of Riddle isn't it?'

'Yes. The Angel Gabriel is sure the Divine has given Iris this power to redress the balance. Hayley had some latent ability to begin with but she could only see Greta and couldn't speak with her until that botched blood ritual. Part of Riddle triggered something in her. My theory is the infusion of the darker power in your Black blood merged with everything else kick-started Iris's abilities. That is just my theory.'

Sirius blinked.

'Iris and Hayley are the only descendants of Riddle,' James told them all, 'Gringotts goblins confirmed this. He has obliterated the Dark Arts. Abused them. Even dark magic has limits. Riddle and his followers have destroyed all that it stands for. The Pureblood legacies of how to respect the dark are disappearing. They are just greedy, sadistic thugs now who use it for their own selfish needs. There is no honour there. Noting to be proud of,' James turned to his side. After a moment he nodded, 'Lily says this is important you know, but not to judge,' he looked at Iris.

'You have heard us mention Angel Gabriel. He is the light. He's one of those that guide us in our new home. He is very close to Iris. The Angels can visit her in their physical form now. She is a beacon of sorts. They can move out within a few miles. Only one at a time. They are gradually building up. Like Lily and I are. By the time she is older, there is no telling what she will be capable of. Think of the possibilities, Sirius!' James looked excited, 'There is also another Angel. You will have heard of him,' James paused and frowned, 'Gabriel has confirmed this. Lucifer has spoken to Iris on several occasions. He offers her his alliance and help. He explained the balance of the earth is too precarious to let Riddle and Hitler have it all their way. They will destroy it all. Both the light and dark on this earth need to ally to prevent this takeover of this warped, twisted ideology. They believe that Riddle and Hitler may eventually destroy the Earth and most of the people with nuclear power infused with dark magic. There will be no earth worth living on if they are not stopped. They need to be stopped. Earth is where life begins. Both Lucifer and Gabriel seem to think the Divine gave Iris her gift in response to Riddle's butchering of the laws of the universe. He has defied both sides. We can only speculate at this point. Iris is getting stronger every day. Who knows what she will be capable of. The prophecy is about Harry. The power the Dark Lord knows not. It is Iris. I'm sure of it,' James was adamant. The others in the room all looked at Iris.

Sirius sat down unsteadily on the chair. He gazed at James.

'Lucifer?' he whispered.

'And Gabriel,' James said to Sirius, 'They both have faith in her. She will help protect my son. It's what I want. It's what Lily wants. The Angels are right. The light side is not going to be able to succeed against an enemy this strong and brutal without the help of the dark. Gabriel has been telling us what he saw in South America on Severus' mission. They must be stopped, Sirius. They are already out of hand. Their way is insanity. Even Bellatrix can see it.'

'Iris is dark then?' Sirius looked at the young girl with hesitation as she looked back at him sombre.

James gave a soft smile as he looked at Iris who looked back at him with a cautious smile, 'Iris is both light and dark. Like most of us. The difference is she has a unique power to change the course of the coming war. If it makes you feel better you already agree on one thing. She already has a room reserved for Pettigrew in hell.'

Sirius gave a sickly sort of grimace. 'Hell is real then?' he asked quietly.

'Only for the most deserving,' James answered truthfully, 'Lucifer told her when she is older she'll be able to put them in there herself. For now, she only has to call his name and he will take away any bad people who try and hurt her.

'Lucifer is her bodyguard?' his eyes were wide open.

James nodded, grinning. 'How hardcore is that Sirius? We thought the Marauders were tough. Iris leapfrogged that and is literally an ally of the Angel of Hell. Bellatrix is very excited of course.'

Sirius at this point was simply stunned. Ted and Tonks were open-mouthed. Remus looked at Iris speculatively. Tilly looked as stunned as Sirius.

'We are going to keep this low key for now. We don't want the Unspeakables getting involved. This information is bound to become public knowledge in the future. It is too big to contain. I think this news will bring the Dark families who have a shred of decency left and respect the old ways over to us. The Werewolves and Vampires too. All manner of the Dark. They might not be interested in Dumbledore's ideals or the light. They may want to initially protect themselves or get lured into Riddle's ambitions but they will respect Lucifer's requests. He is far and away above Riddle. They respect tradition. They will defy Riddle and do what he asks them to.'

Sirius nodded. James had clearly thought this through. He looked down at Iris. She looked at him with her golden eyes and spoke.

'Uncle James is right. There is no other way. Until Riddle and his gang are in Hell, Harry will always be in danger. So will everyone else. A wand isn't going to be enough to protect any of us when they come knocking. They are monsters.'

James looked heart-stricken. Iris had seen so much already.

'We're going to be their monsters under the bed,' Iris said softly.

They all felt a chill going through them at her vow.

Harry looked contemplative. Sirius had been honest with him from a young age. He may have got it wrong on occasion, but he had told him his truth for his safety. Losing his parents so young had forced him to grow up very quickly, 'Still, that is a long way off in the future,' James said optimistically to them, 'We have time now. Time to be an actual family.'

Harry beamed at this. He looked at his dad through his glasses, 'Dad. I thought you wore glasses?'

'Not anymore Harry. I don't need them where I am,' James said brightly.

Harry pondered this, 'Cool.'

James looked at his son, 'I still can't believe I'm talking to you right now Harry. I missed you so much. Your mother and I are going to do everything we can to help you all. Also, just so you know, your mother's determined to have grandchildren. Three at least.'

Harry blushed bright red.

'It's a bit early to be thinking about that James,' said Andromeda with a wry look on her face. James laughed loudly. Harry thought his dad's laugh was just about the best thing he had ever heard in his young life.

'Of course. Lily wants him married first. We will both want to meet the future Mrs Potter of course.'

'Aw, dad,' Harry looked suitably embarrassed as they all sniggered. Iris was smiling at the blushing lad.

'No pressure, son,' James smirked at Harry.

Harry smiled back. This was what it was all about. Family, taking the mick out of each other. He looked around the room. His mum was just there. Out of sight for now. But there. And Sirius, Remus, Andromeda, Ted, Tilly and Tonks. Lily the cat was behind the sofa, spying on all the commotion. And Iris. Harry looked at her face, at her golden eyes and he felt such a rush of warmth towards this girl. She had made this possible. Yes, she was dangerous. Harry felt that instinctively. Beneath her glib exterior was a hardness. She seemed much older than her age would suggest. He knew she didn't need to sleep much. Andromeda had let him know that. The others discussed Iris and the Angels a lot. She had been switching between two worlds for over five years. Iris smiled back at him. He felt safe with her. Safe like he did with Sirius and Remus.

All too soon they had to end the meeting due to Iris growing tired. They made arrangements for the next day. James was suitably impressed with the time improvement.

'An hour this time, Iris,' James said.

'Baby steps, Uncle James. See you soon,' Iris waved towards empty space, but Harry now knew better and waved with her.

'See you soon,' Harry said with a smile.