Iris sat stroking Esmeralda's head as the snake hissed in pleasure. She thought back to that day at the shack. Both Albus and Gabriel's response had been very urgent. Even Iris had been surprised by their efficiency. Whatever she suspected was enough to galvanise them both.

Iris stood between the two of them by the dirt track. She could feel the darkness pulsating from here. The compulsion to keep moving away from the shack was palpable.

'I couldn't feel that before in the Astral plane,' she said to them, 'I can now.'

Albus had a gleam in his eyes, 'Iris. I'm going to disillusion you for now. Wait here for us. It is far too dangerous for you.'

Iris didn't need to be told twice.

She waited impatiently for Gabriel and Albus to return. About an hour later she felt the foreboding darkness start to lift. The compulsion to move away dissipated.

She saw them both walking towards her. Albus waved his wand to lift his spell as Iris moved towards them. They both looked weary but relieved.

Gabriel smiled at her, 'You were very right to let us know Iris. It was most certainly one of Riddle's nasty little toys. What was contaminating it has been disposed of.'

Iris sighed with relief.

Albus was gazing at her with a contemplative look, 'The ring is a Slytherin heirloom Iris. It appears Tom has left it lying around so it belongs to you and your mother now.'

'Salazar's ring?' Iris asked.

Albus nodded, 'I feel it would be wise for me to check it is safe for you. It may have special charms on it that may be harmful. Salazar was a genius. I can bring it back to you both when I'm sure.'

Iris nodded in agreement. She valued self-preservation.

'What made you visit here Iris?' Albus asked.

'I was curious about the Gaunts you see. Gareth had gathered some information for me. A man who worked for the Ministry, Bob Ogden, had a memory of his encounter with them. It was worse than I thought it would be,' Iris answered honestly.

'Ah, yes. The Pureblood ideology took to its inevitable conclusion,' Albus said bitterly.

Iris made a wry noise, 'If I ever get married, and that's a big if, I'm going to stick to the Muggleborns. Possibly even a Muggle if that doesn't work. I'm not letting a Pureblood near me.'

Albus and Gabriel both snorted.

'I'm sure it doesn't work like that, Iris. You will meet Mr Right and justify all sorts to yourself,' Albus said with a grin.

Iris looked at them with suspicion, 'I doubt that,' she said shortly.

Albus and Gabriel made eye contact and turned back to Iris.

'Today has been a very good day, Iris. We're one step closer,' Gabriel told her, 'These objects of Tom's. They are evil. Each one gone weakens him. This will also make my boss very happy.'

Iris nodded, 'I really don't think Morfin killed the Riddle family. I think it was Tom for sure,' she said clearly.

'I think you're right, Iris,' Albus said, 'I'll talk to Gareth and get the rest of the information. I think Morfin's mind was tampered with by Tom. I'll also speak to Amelia about having your locket returned to you and your mother if you would like. I know it may hold bad memories but your heirlooms should be returned to you.'

'I'd like it back. Those memories fuel my anger towards them.'

Albus gave her a long look and then smiled gently, 'Dawn mentioned you have acquired a snake too. You can speak to her?'

Iris sighed, 'She's not happy about it. Although Esmeralda is a darling. She's my bodyguard. She was kidnapped and Bella and I rescued her. She's good company.'

Albus paled a little, 'You can speak parseltongue then?'

'Yes. Well. Mum can't speak to snakes but I can. Dawn doesn't want Esme in the house when I'm in Hogwarts. She's scared of snakes. I was going to write to you about this. She will be good if she comes with me to Hogwarts. I can keep her in my trunk if it's an issue. Kreacher will make sure she has plenty of rats. She's also quite partial to eggs too. Gareth put an expansion charm on my trunk so it's a big room now. Bella charmed it so it has a window showing the jungle. Esmeralda will be happy there. If she causes any big problems then Bella and Gran said they could look after her.'

Dumbledore pondered this, 'We can give her a trial run. Snakes are a grey area at Hogwarts. They are neither on the list of approved pets or the list of banned pets. Under the circumstances it may be useful for you to look the part I think.'

'That sounds ominous,' Iris said out loud.

'Slytherin's heiress. With her own snake. Makes quite the impression I think,' Albus smiled, 'It may keep some of the more aggressive Slytherins away from you.'

Iris had thought this a good idea too.

Iris came back to the present as she ran her fingers down the smooth scales of Esmeralda and hissed terms of endearment gently to her. Bit by bit it was all coming together. She would be spending the following months getting her magic schooling from her mum, Lily and Bella. Separately of course. Bella and Lily did not like each other. At all. It was actually mutual dislike. They had attempted a group session once. Iris shuddered with that particular memory. It had all ended in tears. Bella would always be a Pureblood snob. Lily would always fight her Muggleborn corner. With Hayley as a mediator, they had agreed to disagree in the end. The only other thing they both agreed on was both Iris and Harry needed tools to protect themselves and to finish Tom off.

The Marauders were helping Harry. The young boy had been delighted. Like Iris, he wasn't particularly book smart, but he had a lot of natural magic and his flying was marvellous and he spent hours practising with them at the Weasley quidditch pitch. Iris would sit with her mum and Lily who would go over spells with them. Harry was also very interested in being an Animagus. Sirius and James said he was far too young to start properly but they would talk him through it all when he was older. They practised wand movements and spell incantations with them both. Harry would be getting his wand in July. They had time. Tom would be very unlikely to attack Hogwarts in the next few years. If he did go in it would be undercover. As far as Tom was concerned Dumbledore and Harry were his only real threats on the planet. He would be sneaky. Cloak and daggers.

Iris had watched the memory of Bob Ogden in the Black family pensieve on many occasions. She knew this is what would happen eventually to all the Purebloods in time if they continued down that path. She had watched the Gaunt family intently. The memory would loop over and over. She had heard whispers of course about the long term effects of pureblood ideology. The Gaunt's were not the only family who had succumbed to this degrading end. To see it with her own eyes, however, made it all very real. Only Tom, Hayley and Iris were left of Salazar's bloodline. Tom was insane. She had heard more than enough of the hundreds of atrocities he had committed. That Iris and her mother were lucid and had some compassion for others was a miracle in itself.

Iris had spoken to Walburga plainly. That the Black's were directly related to most of the Pureblood families in society was commonplace. First, second and third cousins littered the family tree. That within two generations it was all over if they did not want to meet the Gaunts fate. Iris had studied the Wizarding family tree and the Sacred twenty-eight with Walburga. She had bought out the large parchment as evidence.

'That's it, Gran,' she had told her, 'The Bones, Lovegoods, Nott, Bulstrode, Abbott..,' she reeled the Sacred twenty-eight all off, 'They're all off the table for the Black family and each other. It's almost over. Nature has won in the end. My generation and potentially the next will be the last of the sane Pure bloodlines. It either dies out or well, look at the Gaunts. I suppose they could marry a Pureblood from a different country but they won't be part of the Sacred twenty-eight.'

Walburga had listened. The facts did not lie, 'The other families are in the same boat,' Iris had said, 'I believe they think there are centuries to go before this is an issue. There isn't. Even Bella has begrudgingly admitted it's only a matter of time.'

It was that sentence that hit Walburga like a ton of bricks. Bella was a renowned blood supremacist. If even she had admitted defeat then it really truly was over.

Iris had only had to picture Morfin Gaunt to strengthen her resolve against the Pureblood agenda. Their childhood conditioning had influenced the Wizarding World profoundly. Iris had not been subject to it. Her mother had tentatively told her to make her own mind up on her future.

She knew Walburga would prefer a Pureblood Grandson in-law, but she didn't think she would be disowned whoever she married. Bella still had her arrogance that pureblood was best, but even she realised you can only push so far. Bella had also spent a long time in the Pensieve watching the Gaunts. It was a future no one would want for their Grandchildren.

Iris's message to Walburga had been received loud and clear. Pureblood supremacy was coming to an end. Not even because it was the right thing to do. Not even to make a fairer society. It was to save their descendants from madness. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Walburga and Bella but one that was necessary. For Iris, her world and the future of it was something she would fight for.

Iris gazed out the window into the grounds of Greengrass Manor. She was eleven now. She felt much older.

It was a Sunday evening, a month later and Iris was curled up on the sofa with a napping Esmeralda at Grimmauld place chatting quietly with the elves by the fire. Walburga was dozing. Bella was out doing something mysterious at Dumbledore's request. Iris was occasionally touching her new wand. It sent a nice magical thrill through her. She had been given a holster for it by Bella.

She had picked it up from Ollivanders just after her birthday. He had been a most peculiar man. It had been a quiet day in Diagon Alley. Witches and Wizards had still been recovering from the New year's festivities. Hayley and Iris had been enjoying some rare Earth quality time together. Ollivander had seemed to stare into her mind as Iris had shifted uncomfortably.

'I've been expecting you, Miss Black,' he had said quietly. She smiled politely at him. His pale, silvery eyes were piercing. His gaze was intense. Eventually, Hayley coughed deliberately to break the silence.

'Iris needs a wand. Obviously,' she stated to the wandmaker.

Ollivander smiled vaguely. He meandered to the back of the dusty shop. He bought an immaculate wand case back with him. Iris could already feel the thrum. The air pulsated with magic. Hayley had eyed the wand speculatively. Ollivander opened it up revealing a dark long wand.

'12 inches. Hawthorn. Gabriel and Lucifer tagged along with you on your last trip to Diagon Alley. They both donated a feather each, Iris. They said Happy Birthday to you,' Ollivander said to her.

She had the most beaming smile on her face, 'Oh, those guys are the best.'

'Indeed,' smiled Ollivander, 'I too can visit the Astral plane, my girl. You and your mother are both legends amongst us who can. I, however, like the others, cannot make it to Equilibrium just yet.'

'You will,' Iris stopped short realising how curt her words could be taken, 'I mean when you are much older of course,' Ollivander smiled at Hayley and Iris.

Iris picked the wand up and felt the energy connect between her and the wand and flow through her as colours from Equi filled the room. Hayley stood back, her mouth agape. Since her development with the veil, Iris had felt her strength improving. The wand made a sonic sort of music only found in Equi around the room as Ollivander openly wept. Hayley was spellbound.

'Is it really as beautiful as I hope it is, Iris?' Ollivander whispered.

She nodded shyly, 'That music the wand is playing is from Equi, and also the colours. It's the best of earth and more,' she told them both wistfully.

Hayley took a moment to look at the softness of her face. She had deliberately never really talked to her much about Equi. She knew Iris was very fond of the place. It was written all over her face when they were there. When Iris had spoken parseltongue to the snake in the woods Hayley had been a little bemused. Hayley hadn't inherited the dark gift. Iris was different. With her obvious attachment to Bella and Walburga and her leather jackets and her love of the Muggle world, she was like chalk and cheese with Daphne and Astoria. The older they all got the more obvious it had become.

Now Iris had left Muggle school she was away a lot at Grimmauld place these days. She had spent her birthday at Greengrass manor. Mitty had made dinner. Gareth had given her a no expense spared trunk for her birthday on behalf of her Greengrass family. Hayley thought back. Iris had been very emotional at the gift. She supposed it was because the trunk represented her going away present. Iris spent much of her day time with the Potters or at her Grandmother's house and her nights in Equi or wandering around the Muggle world in the Astral plane. Hayley was working at most days but spent much of her time with her daughter at Equilibrium.

She realised at that moment just how fond Iris had become of the next world. Her mind went to Sirius and his abandonment of the young girl. It left scars. Iris never pushed either of them for attention. She should not have been made to feel like that. Iris clearly felt a lot of unnecessary guilt because of Tom and the danger that he could bring to those people she was close to. She seemed almost apologetic for her presence. She had never asked them for anything. Iris had her room at Greengrass manor. One of the twenty already in the Manor. She rarely ate with them anymore.

Hayley spent a lot of time at the hospital which Iris seemed very proud of her mother for. Iris could navigate Gringotts herself. She bought her own clothes and books. She was becoming a ghost in her own home. Was Iris too independent already? Hayley had to admit to herself she was. Daphne and Astoria had been spoilt rotten by Dawn and Gareth. Dawn would take her own daughters here and everywhere. Iris had obligations. She sometimes went with them but more often than not she had other places to be. She had never once complained. Hayley shook herself together as Ollivander had closed his eyes to listen to the music as it slowly faded away after the wand had merged with Iris.

'I hear their world so faintly sometimes. It has been such a joy to hear it properly,' he said to Iris who smiled at him.

'I should see if I can record some Equi music,' Iris mused. Hayley and the Wandmaker smiled, 'I could start a rock band.' Hayley's smile fell.

'You are going to love it there Mr Ollivander,' Iris said to him simply, 'It is so gentle compared to here.'

Ollivander smiled as Hayley went to pay, 'Do you want to get some lunch Iris? Hayley asked, 'We could go to the Leaky Cauldron.'

Iris looked at her in contemplation, 'I'd like that. Can you handle the overreactions from the public?'

Hayley gave a wry grin. Over the years her successful work at the hospital meant many Witches and Wizards had warmed to her. However many of them had not. Suspicion was clear in a lot of eyes. They did not see Hayley Greengrass. They only saw Voldemort's daughter. She stared at the young girl. But, Iris wasn't so young anymore. She didn't need much sleep. A few hours would suffice. Iris had experienced much more than others her age. She was older than her years would suggest and certainly wiser. Hayley wanted to talk to Iris properly.

They walked into the Leaky Cauldron and ordered from Tom the barman, who greeted them cheerfully. The barman. He was wiser than most of the Ministry staff.

They took a seat in the corner where another mother and daughter gave a look of fright and very coincidentally stood up and left immediately. Hayley sighed.

Iris patted her hand, 'When this is all over people will know the truth, mum.'

Hayley gazed at her daughter, 'Are you happy here, Iris?' she asked plainly.

Iris shrugged, 'I'm happy sometimes,' she answered honestly, 'I worry too much about the future. It is what it is. Must be the same for you.'

Hayley felt her heart sink. Iris had not had the easiest childhood. Her distress must have shown through as Iris held her hand.

'Mum. I'm happy to be me. Look at everything we've seen. All the things we can do. You're still here with me. We have a family. People who care about us and who we care about. We're both in one piece still. And we have this gift. You can heal people better than all of those other healers now. I can bring the Angels. James. Lily. We really can make a difference and help. We need to be brave now. There are so many people who have it far worse than we ever could. We can help stop Riddle.'

Hayley looked astonished at this heartfelt speech from her daughter. She realised what Iris was saying was simply what was true.

'You don't want to live in Equilibrium permanently?' she almost whispered.

Iris understood her mother's concern.

'Eventually, yes,' Iris said but quickly carried on at her mother's distraught expression, 'But not today. Not for a long time, mum. I'm not scared of dying. I know for certain where we go. It gives me freedom that others don't have. I want to help make this world better first. You know what the prophecy says. I have faith Harry and I are going to fulfil this.'

Hayley, James and Lily had talked at length about the prophecy. They eventually had to accept it with a dark bitterness in their souls. Why their children? But then, they thought about all those parents around the country who had lost their own children to Voldemort's dark reign. At least Harry and Iris had a chance of fighting back.

Feeling slightly better Hayley noticed Tom ambling over with their lunch. Hayley switched the conversation to lighter issues.

It was a few months later as Iris sat on a sofa in the evening at Grimmauld Place once again. She enjoyed these peaceful evenings. She was stroking Esmeralda. It was soothing for them both. She gazed at her dozing Grandmother fondly. She smiled at the little house-elves quiet chatter. She loved it here. She felt slightly guilty to think she preferred it to the more dignified Greengrass Manor. She liked it there but it wasn't quite as comfortable for her. Still, it wasn't as if she said anything. She was here for a fortnight. The Greengrass family had gone on holiday to France. Her mother had passed on the holiday as they were particularly busy at the hospital. Iris needed to be here for the Potter's too and Bella was giving her lessons about the Black Grimoire so she wasn't being entirely selfish. She sort of justified it all to herself.

The House of Black gave a contented sigh. Iris was home again. Iris had made a few adjustments to her bedroom. Her James Dean framed poster went onto the wall. Her shrunken Triumph Bonneville leant against its stand. Esmeralda's glass cage was put in the corner. Bella had replicated her jungle window in her room for the golden snake. She put her clothes in the wardrobe and rested her many books on the shelves. Her full-length mirror was on its stand. Her trunk was in the corner. She had been gradually adding to it in anticipation of Hogwarts.

Kreacher, Starry, Merry and Dobby were in their element. Iris's Equi magic was seeping into the walls of Grimmauld Place. Her magic was growing stronger and was almost tangible. This affected the elves and the other residents of the Blackhouse. They all felt more energised. Although, Walburga had worn herself out earlier with some advanced spells in her room that none were to enter.

Iris was smiling at her Gran snoring and Bella was half-listening to the record player. Frank Sinattra's soothing voice filled the air. He was Walburga's favourite muggle singer. Iris was gradually converting her. Walburga groggily woke and had lit up a cigar and was eyeing up the sherry on the side. Bella inhaled on her Marlboro as she read the Daily Prophet. Iris was in the middle of reading an Agatha Christie novel. Kreacher was snoring in the corner. Dobby was warming his little feet against the fire. Starry cuddling beside him. Merry was asleep on a little sofa Iris had found. Hayley was taking a well-earned rest from her work and was tucked away in the other corner with a Mills and Boon book that she was avidly reading. All was serene in the House of Black. Iris gave a contented sigh.

At that moment Albus put his head through the fireplace, 'Hello.'

Walburga greeted him, 'Come through Albus.'

Dumbledore came through and greeted the family.

Albus turned to Iris and Hayley.

'It is these two young ladies that I have come here to see actually. I have some things that are yours. Would you like some privacy?'

They shook their heads. They both trusted everyone in this room. They already knew all there was to know. Albus nodded as he sat down as they gathered around.

'I believe you should know that Morfin has been completely broken by Azkaban. Amelia allowed me access to him. I used my skills. Tom did tamper with his mind. It wasn't picked up on due to his admittance of the crime and his previous behaviour. Open and shut case. As the Riddles were Muggles there was even less attention to detail.'

Iris scowled, 'He's not still in Azkaban is he?' she asked.

'No,' replied Albus, 'But to be discreet and avoid a retrial, Amelia has moved him to a very secure, private hospital that specialises in mental health disorders. It is best Tom is not made aware that we know. Morfin will most probably be there for the rest of his life. He will at least be comfortable which is some improvement. The damage has been done, unfortunately.'

Bella shook her head, 'How many more people has Riddle screwed over? Even his own uncle who had done nothing to him.'

Iris had a feeling the veil was keeping score.

Albus continued, 'On a happier note, I have these two items for you. They are your birthright,' he reached into his pocket and pulled out two objects and laid them on the table as the occupants gazed at them in awe. The Slytherin Locket. Next to it the black and gold ring.

Hayley went to pick the ring up but felt her fingers touch an invisible forcefield. She frowned. Hayley looked at her daughter and contemplated the situation. Hayley picked the locket up gently and without trouble. She looked at Walburga who nodded to her. She put it around her neck and felt a cool tingle. It felt quite nice, she thought. She hadn't quite come to terms with her famous ancestor. Hayley had been a Ravenclaw at school. Some Slytherins had been a natural fit with the Ravenclaws, but a few of their more unsavoury students had caused some consternation in her house. Still, to be a descendant of any of the houses was a big deal in the Wizarding World. One couldn't deny that. The personal circumstances leading up to her birth had been so lewd it had been difficult to know what to feel.

Hayley went to pick the ring up again and still felt resistance and pondered it. She looked at Dumbledore who was looking at Iris intently. 'Is it safe?' Hayley asked. He nodded. Looking at Iris she motioned to her to put it on. Iris looked a little dubious.

Albus spoke, 'That ring is very special, Iris. Very special indeed. I am sure this is the root of your power. I believe it is waiting for you. It didn't allow me to wear it either.'

Iris and the others looked at him intently.

Iris picked up the ring without difficulty and eased the ring onto her middle finger on her left hand gently as it resized and then Iris glowed white magic as her eyes turned golden. A hum filled the air. After a moment Iris's eyes returned to grey. Iris went to remove the ring but found she couldn't budge it. She looked at Albus with a questioning look.

'As I thought,' Albus said to the confusion of the others, 'Walburga. Hayley. When Iris was young did you read her the Beedle of the Bard?' Albus asked.

'Of course, Albus, I don't see how that is relevant,' Walburga looked confused. Hayley had nodded at Albus's question but with a questioning look.

'All of you. Do you remember the tale of the three brothers?'

They all nodded confused at him.

'It's just a fairytale, Albus,' Bella said.

'Yes and no. The story may have been fabricated but the three items Death gave the three Peverell brothers is very true.'

Walburga gasped, 'The Peverell brothers. Iris and Hayley are their descendants,' she stated.

Albus smiled softly, 'Yes. Walburga. Tom grew up in an orphanage. He would not have known the story and the significance of it. He never made the connection. He thought this simply an heirloom.'

Walburga gazed down at the ring, 'This is the Resurrection Stone. Oh my, Merlin,' she gasped.

'Precisely. It is not actually Slytherin's ring. It belongs to the Peverell line. The Gaunts must have acquired it before they lost their fortune. Tom poisoned this ring with the darkest of magic before Hayley was born. This is what he did unknowingly. He has tampered with and violated with forces much greater than him. The Deathly Hallows are not to be abused. They are a gift from the beyond. I believe a combination of Tom's warped dark magic mixed with the infusion of the Black and Greengrass family magic has enabled Iris and Hayley to acquire the powers they have. The Resurrection Stone is now able to create a getaway for Iris and her mother to travel between the two worlds and Iris can allow others to. It is impossible for Earth magic. James and Lily are proof that this ring is not of this Earth. That Iris can speak to the Angels freely is unprecedented. Iris can travel to Equilibrium through the veil and back again in the blink of an eye. Hayley's spirit can travel back and forwards through the Astral plane. Iris can call for the veil any moment she pleases. The Divine has enabled her the power to do this. The universal forces have spoken. The balance from what Tom has done must be redressed.'

Iris held her hand looking at the ring gently. She felt intimidated when Albus stated its true purpose. It had a small symbol engraved.

'That is the symbol of the Deathly Hallows Iris. They are very real. There is also a cloak and wand. Those other Hallows are not for you. This ring has made it clear it belongs to you and you only now,' Albus told her.

'Will it hurt me?' she asked Albus as the others looked at him with curious expressions.

'I shouldn't think so. I couldn't find any dark magic on it. Your magic already has the power to do what this ring does. I think it may simply make your magical power stronger.'

'Will James and Lily be able to stay for longer now? The Angels?' Iris asked excitedly.

Albus nodded, 'I think so. You're already getting stronger as you get older. I can feel your magic from across the room.'

The others nodded their agreement to this.

Iris grinned, 'Awesome.'

'How do you feel, Iris?' Bella asked.

Iris grinned as she touched the ring. Her eyes flashed golden for a moment, 'Fantastic,' she smiled. They all felt the waves of the magic ripple of her. Gentle and soothing. Each of them had a smile on their face.

Albus raised his hand. There was one other issue to be discussed. Iris looked at him.

'This power must only be used to protect yourself and others from harm, Iris. It is from the Divine. Your Grandfather would have used it to commit atrocities and to attack people senselessly. Do not be like him.'

Iris looked so insulted it was comical.

'I'll never be like him,' she vowed, 'I shall use this ring to protect my family, friends and anyone else unlucky enough to cross paths with Riddle and his scum followers. I shall protect Grimmauld Place and everyone in it. Gran, Bella, Dobby, Kreacher, Starry, Merry,' Kreacher sniffed, overcome at her speech, 'Mum,' she became overcome as she started to sob as Hayley hugged her.

Dobby came running up and wrapped himself around her leg in tears, 'Mistress Black is the most kindest Witch in all the world,' he cried, dripping big tears. Iris had learnt from experience just to let the elves let it all out. Merry had her other leg. Walburga, Bella and Hayley were looking at Iris with soft looks on their faces. It was quite unnerving to Albus who watched the outpouring of love in the Black Home with bemusement.

Albus could barely believe it himself as he looked at Iris surrounded by the Black family, although he supposed it wasn't so strange after all. She did look like she fitted in here.

They pulled themselves together as Iris stopped her crying and Albus stood up.

'It has been lovely to see you all. Iris. I shall see you on the first of September at the Hogwarts feast. Goodbye, all,'

They all waved goodbye to the headmaster as he disappeared.

Peace resumed in the drawing-room.

The room was quiet except for the little elves who were taking it in turns to cry on Iris's legs. The Black women sat back down to light up yet again.

Bella spoke up, 'We'll have finished off the Black Grimoire by the time you get on the Hogwarts Express. I'll do a copy for you to take with you to school. For your eyes only of course. No one else can read it except a Black. Practice it when you can.'

Iris nodded to Bella as she started to relax. The ring had shaken her. The Grimoire would be useful. It contained some very handy spells and hexes. They all had a feeling they would be put into use sooner rather than later.

Iris slept longer than usual that night. Her dreams were fragmented. She had a visitor who spoke of many things to her. He would be her protector. She only needed to call for him in her mind and he would come. He was always near.

Iris kept this development to herself.