It was early in the morning as Iris looked at the calendar. August 20th. In less than a fortnight, she would move to her new home.

She looked around her room. She had just arrived from Equi. Good, safe, nice Equi. Her mother and Gran had been talking her through what to expect on her first day at Hogwarts. The train ride on the Hogwarts express sounded like fun. They didn't tell her how the sorting was done. They said it would be a surprise.

Iris looked at her snake. Esmeralda was perfectly content chewing a rat Kreacher had bought her. The sun was coming in through the curtains. She would be seeing the Potters later.

The Resurrection Stone had been a wonder even if she couldn't take it off. It felt glued on. Bella had tried every spell in her repertoire to remove it but it wouldn't budge. Iris wasn't too bothered. It meant it couldn't get lost.

They had tested it out. It would work for ten hours now on a thirty-mile radius. Even after ten hours, Iris barely felt the pull on her magic. She would pop into the village of Burton when Harry would be spending quality time with his parents. He would be starting at Hogwarts like her. He was making the most of his time with Lily and James. Lily was adamant that Harry apply himself and do well. James was less emphatic about academics.

Iris empathised with Harry on their academics. They could both do spells. It was all the theory and maths behind it all that was confusing. Lily had attempted to show Iris and Harry how runes worked. It had not been a pleasant lesson for any of them.

Lily had been patient, but it may as well have been written in Mandarin for all the sense Iris made of it. Harry seemed bewildered too.

'Maybe when you are older it will make more sense,' Lily had said flatly.

'Sorry, mum,' said Harry despondently.

'Sorry, Aunt Lily,' said Iris also downcast.

Both looked so woebegone Lily had laughed.

'It's not the end of the world you two. You're both good at other things.'

This had perked them both up.

Iris's magical strength had improved by vast amounts. She could feel other people's magic now too, and other Witches and Wizards commented on the tangible feel of hers.

Iris had gone for a walk by herself and was sitting on a bench on the green, reading a Muggle book. Adrian Mole. It was a parody diary which she found hilarious. She was chuckling away to herself on the bench when a shadow appeared in front of her. She looked up expectantly and saw an elderly woman.

'Hello Iris,' the woman said.

'Um. Hello. Have we met?' Iris was on the lookout. She had met some of the Muggles in Burton but was aware she needed to keep her mouth shut about magic.

'No, but Albus talks about you often. I'm friends with him, you see. I've met Fawkes too. My name is Arabella Figg,' she told Iris, 'I was hoping to meet you before you started Hogwarts.'

Iris relaxed immediately and held out her hand politely. Arabella went to shake the girl's hand as the girl frowned when they connected.

'Are you alright?' Iris asked the older woman. She held Arabella's hand tight.

Arabella looked a little unnerved, 'I'm fine dear. Nothing out of the ordinary. My hip is giving me a bit of aggravation but that's normal.'

Iris tilted her head, 'Your magic feels strange. Really odd. Like it's blocked. Other people's magic flows. Yours is being forced down to the floor.'

Arabella looked dumbstruck, 'I'm a squib, dear,' she stated plainly. It had been the bane of her life but she had eventually accepted her lot in life, 'I don't have magic. Well, just a tiny bit. Not even enough to power a Lumos spell.'

Iris raised her eyebrow, 'I don't know who told you that, but they're wrong. I can feel it. It's misdirected. Trapped. Your magic is making its way out of your feet into the ground. It can't get into your arms.'

Arabella looked at Iris suspiciously. She had kept up with the gossip. She had taken a gamble talking to a member of House Black and Slytherins heiress at that. This was just a cheap pureblood cruel joke.

Arabella sniffed, 'I'll be on my way, Miss Black,' she turned around.

'Wait, please. I may be able to help,' Iris said earnestly. Iris couldn't imagine how frustrating it would be not to be able to use her magic. Arabella Figg was still walking away, 'Call Dumbledore. If I'm lying he can give me detention for the next year.'

Arabella stopped walking and turned to look at the dark-haired girl. A tiny flicker of hope started in her tummy.

'I live down here,' Arabella said shortly, 'I'll call him from my fireplace.'

Iris nodded and followed Arabella. Within five minutes Dumbledore was seated in Arabella's living room while Iris was playing with about five cats that he could see.

'Iris. I didn't expect to see you before term started,' he said curiously.

'Headmaster Dumbledore,' Iris tried his new title out, 'What is a squib? Arabella said it is a Witch or Wizard born without magic or with only a tiny amount. That can't be right.'

Albus peered at the young girl, 'What do you mean Iris? That is what a squib is.'

'Ever since you gave me that ring I can feel other people's magic and Arabella has plenty. It feels like it's blocked though. In her back. It's going down into the ground. I can feel it moving. Every other Witch and Wizard I have met have their magic flowing around their bodies.'

Albus gave a jolt. He was sensitive to very powerful magic, but most magic was very subtle.

Iris started to put her brain to work, 'This ring is very powerful. How about I put it near where her magic is being redirected? It may be able to sort it out.'

Albus pondered as he looked at Arabella who looked very confused.

'What do you think, Arabella? Would you like to try?'

Arabella turned to Albus, 'Is it safe?'

'Iris has been wearing that ring for a few months now. It hasn't caused any harm. It is your decision.'

In the calm of her living room as Arabella looked at the girl on the sofa playing with Milly, her white kitten Arabella made a decision. It was the closest she had ever come to fixing a great woe in her life.

'Please,' she whispered, 'I'll regret it for the rest of my days if I don't even try.'

Iris smiled, 'Swap places with me.'

She put Milly back in the basket. Arabella sat on the edge of the sofa as Iris took her right hand and moved it over her back. Albus watched intently.

Iris looked intense as she moved her hands over Arabella's back, 'It's all in there. I can feel it. Oh, yes. It's in a big knot,' Iris's arm jolted as the ring glowed white magic over Arabella's back. The sounds of Equilibrium floated like an echo in the air, 'There, you should feel it start to go into your body now. I can feel it flowing out. This may feel weird. It's been trapped for a long time.'

Albus was watching, completely astonished by this. The cats had all stopped moving at the music and were also staring at Iris and Arabella with their little mouths open wide in astonishment.

Arabella had the most peculiar expression on her face. Albus would have laughed if the situation was not so serious. Then Arabella burst into tears. Iris looked worried.

'Hasn't it worked? I was so sure it had. I'm so sorry,' Iris sounded very upset.

Arabella turned around to the girl and pulled her into a bear hug, 'No, my darling. The exact opposite. Oh, it's so wonderful. I can feel it everywhere.'

Arabella continued to bawl her eyes out. Iris hadn't seen such an outpouring of emotion since the day Walburga and she had baked a cake for Dobby and Starry's tenth wedding anniversary.

Albus sat stunned. The Resurrection Stone. Its main purpose was to bring back from the dead. Iris had just bought magic back from the brink of death. Trapped magic. Colour was in Arabella's cheeks now. Albus noticed she looked younger too. In a few minutes, she looked ten years younger. Magical people tended to age better. This was common knowledge, but to do this in a couple of minutes was unprecedented.

Iris was smiling at Arabella, relieved it had worked. She sat back down on the sofa as Milly jumped onto her lap. The cats had resumed their bored expressions and had perched onto various parts of Iris. They seemed drawn to her magic as much as catnip.

They were still casting subtle looks towards Arabella. Something had changed. Cats were highly sensitive. Iris scratched Milly behind her ears as the kitten purred. Iris stared at her ring, 'This is so cool. How many squibs are there in Britain, Headmaster Dumbledore? If there is a lot do you think they all have Arabella's problem? If they do and this ring can fix them you're going to need another school. Or I suppose a mature student college.'

Albus was still speechless. In all these centuries, the greatest minds, the greatest Wizards and Witches in the world had researched this tragedy in the Magical world. It had torn apart families, led to countless suicides. Millions had been poured into research to no avail. Iris had solved it in less than one hour in Arabella Figg's living room with several cats and himself as witnesses.

'You look a bit peaky. How are you feeling?' Iris asked Albus to which she got no response. Albus continued to stare at her stunned. Arabella was beaming. Clearly in shock. Iris watched Arabella reach into a drawer and shakily pick out her wand.

'Ollivander couldn't find any wand to work with me. This was the only one in the entire shop that showed even a tiny spark,' Arabella lifted it. Pointing it in the air she did the correct wand motion and said, 'Lumos.'

The wand lit up immediately. Arabella choked up in tears.

'Are you alright Mrs Figg?' Iris was getting concerned by these two stunned people. Arabella laughed and nodded.

'I have never in my life felt better, Iris.'

Albus pulled himself together finally, 'Iris,' he stated as calmly as he could, 'What you have done has long been considered impossible. Merlin himself couldn't do this. He tried. Not having your magic work is a tragedy in the Wizarding World.'

Iris looked awed and then frowned, 'If it's such a big thing then why do they have such a silly name for it. I mean squib? It's like a fish, isn't it? What's that about? Why such a flippant word for such a major problem?'

Albus couldn't answer the very valid question.

'Well,' said Iris, 'I'll let mum know. She can let Ivy in the hospital know. They'll get all the squibs in, discreetly of course. Shouldn't take long to fix them all up. There can't be that many of them. I really can't be doing with the Unspeakable's kidnapping me. I mean, I can escape but, well, it would never stop, would it?'

Albus looked at Iris sympathetically. It was true. He knew Iris and Gabriel had to go undercover in St Mungoes when they dealt with maladies of a dark nature.

This was also the way Iris spent much of the remainder of her holidays. Hayley was delighted with this new development. Ivy Caralage at knew many people and put the word out in the underground in the Wizarding World. Hayley let Tom the barman know. He could be trusted to keep it on a need-to-know basis. He knew almost everyone and quite a few squibs were subtly informed. Many of them had been popping into the Leaky Cauldron for a drink from time to time for years. Trying to keep one foot in the magical world.

Most squibs had been forced into the Muggle world to find work but they were quickly tracked down by their families when word reached them. Iris saw dozens of them who came in the back door of Saint Mungoes. They were camping around the block to see her. Iris felt like a rock star. Hayley had to put notice-me-not charms up. There was such an outpouring of emotion it reminded Iris of a particularly intense episode of Oprah Winfrey. In contrast, Dobby didn't seem so dramatic after all.

Albus had initially arranged for Remus Lupin to teach these newly magical people the magical basics in the book shop instead of letting them loose in the world without training. Albus and Sirius had originally expanded the back rooms of the book shop. They had thought this would be a discreet way of dealing with this issue and were only expecting a handful of people.

By the end of the week, two hundred and seventy-five Half-bloods and Purebloods of every age group had had their magic unblocked. They received news there were even more of them who were preparing to visit the hospital. Some had thought the rumours were a sick Pureblood joke on them at first, but when it became apparent this cure of the squibs was real, the excitement reached a frenzy in the Wizarding world. It simply could not be kept quiet after all.

The Daily Prophet was reporting on this phenomenon. Journalists from abroad were investigating. Iris Black's name kept cropping up and foreign Ministries were arranging meetings with the British Ministry.

At that point, Albus had to sheepishly inform Amelia of the out-of-hand situation and Iris's part in it. It had become so much more blatant than even he could have predicted. Albus hadn't realised just how many squibs there were in Britain. Amelia and Aurthur realised quickly there were no laws in place regarding this scenario so they were able to bypass standard protocol and invent their own laws. So many of the Pureblood families had secret squibs hidden away that for a change no one at the Ministry put any obstacles in their way.

Amelia was flabbergasted at the ease she could organise something of this magnitude without the proverbial nonsense that caused so many delays in everything else she tried to do.

New premises in Diagon Alley were quickly established. A college for mature Witches and Wizards was created. Iris had smiled at the Muggle sounding name. New tutors were being hired. Enrollment would be mandatory by Wizarding law. No one who had their magic freed objected. The British Wizarding World finally had something worthwhile to really celebrate.

Iris had been taken by her mother and Albus to the Ministry to speak with a bewildered Amelia. Amelia was shown the ring that had made this possible. Amelia had been stunned that something so small could have such life-changing abilities.

'Don't let the Unspeakables hunt me,' Iris sounded genuinely afraid. She was. Her freedom meant everything to her.

Amelia had quickly calmed the girl, 'Of course not. We'll make sure they leave you alone. You have given people their magical birthright back. It is a miracle. You deserve a medal, Iris.'

Iris breathed easier, 'Everyone knows now it's me doing it. A lot of people are smiling at me now. Mums don't pull their kids away from mum and me in the street anymore. That's a good thing, right?'

Hayley spoke, 'We thought it best to let people keep assuming this is because of Iris having Salazar Slytherin's blood. His way of returning magic to the Pure bloodlines. This seems to be the most popular rumour going around. In a way, it is partly true. This power Iris has is partly due to him. Albus agrees with me.'

Albus nodded to Amelia, 'Tom mustn't find out the truth. The people Iris have helped think it is her magic doing this. Not the ring. This is vital. If Tom recognises the power is from the ring it will cause problems.'

Amelia had nodded her agreement.

Iris promised Amelia that each Sunday she would be at the hospital to fix the foreign squibs. She had read her history books about the Ministry. In Amelia's office, her grey eyes searched Amelia's, 'The I.C.W helped us out when we needed them. We can return that help now. This is good for international relations. We're going to need them again.'

Amelia, Albus and Hayley went very quiet after that. They realised that time was coming sooner than they would like.

The day before Iris was due to depart for Hogwarts, Walburga organised a little going-away party for her and Daphne. The Greengrass family came along to Grimmauld Place. Bella and Walburga had bequeathed both Daphne and Iris lovely matching silver snake rings each. Each one would slither around their finger. Esmeralda was also suitably impressed by the gift. Dawn, not so much. Daphne loved hers, though. They had also given Iris the Black hair products secrets pack for any occasion which she treasured. Daphne had inherited the natural glossy Greengrass hair, which required no products much to Iris's eternal jealousy, so instead, her parents gave her a gorgeous necklace.

A lovely day was had by all. Iris's ability to cure the squibs and unblock their magic had endeared Iris to many Wizarding families and had boosted Iris's popularity. Both light and dark families in Britain were seeing her through new eyes. There was a very real fear amongst Wizarding parents that their children could be born squibs. Knowing this could be fixed was cause for celebration. She was no longer the Dark Lord's Granddaughter. She was something else now.

Of course, some of the more suspicious families wondered if this was some sort of bribe for later on, but for now, Iris's immediate family were more optimistic about her future at Hogwarts.

Iris had popped over later to Burton so James, Lily and Harry could spend some time with Remus and Sirius on his last night. Harry's parents would be visiting Harry in the future at Hogwarts, but they would be discreet. James had made sure Dumbledore had handed Harry his invisibility cloak. Both of them were looking forward to seeing the castle again. Harry was beaming. Sirius was happy Harry had bodyguards. With both Albus looking out for him and, even if Sirius hated to admit it, Severus, Harry was in safe hands for now. Iris also had the power of the Angels if it all went to Hell. They were not expecting any extreme shady shenanigans for the near future.

Sirius would pay close attention to Iris. At that moment she was reading a book on the Second world war. He noticed her style of dress was so like his own. Her jeans and leather jacket were so out of place in the Wizarding world. He tilted his head as he saw the rings. The snake taunting him. The Peverell ring that had given so much joy to their world. Iris had thrown the Wizarding World into a conundrum. The Heiress of Slytherin and House of Black had given magic back to the squibs. He had heard murmurs that some were saying it was a bribe. A deal with the Devil. That these squibs who had been given their magical power back would be forced to do her bidding. Five years ago he would have agreed readily. Now, he wasn't sure.

He could feel her magic from across the room. It was sublime. She held the power of Equilibrium, Lily had told him. Both Lily and James had a similar magical feel but not as potent. Iris's eyes no longer glowed gold when James and Lily were around. They did glow gold when the Angels were near her. His only real cause for concern was when she was angry they turned black. When she talked of Pettigrew or Riddle for instance. Sirius would feel that heavy magic in the air. Sirius knew enough to know her magic wasn't twisted like Tom's. He had been around enough Death Eater's to know how distinctive that type of dark magic was. It wasn't Earth magic either.

He had been told about the two Angel feathers in her wand. He knew about the good Iris did undercover at the hospital. Her loyalty to her Black family was concerning. Sirius knew how shady they were. He had been told about Esmeralda and her Parselmouth abilities. He had been expecting it, although his heart had sunk at the news. He was very careful with Harry. He had observed Iris and Harry a lot. There seemed to be a closeness between the two of them.

Harry was a very quiet boy. He would look at Sirius with those big emerald eyes. There seemed to be a heaviness in them. When Iris was there his eyes grew lighter. Sirius supposed it was because she shared a fate with him. They were in it together. The fact he had his parents back some of the time had sealed the deal for Harry. Even now, the sheer happiness on his face when James made a silly joke or Lily hugged him could warm even Filch's heart. Iris had made that happen for him. Harry would never forget that kindness.

The squibs. Sirius smiled. The emotional outpourings had been a sight for sore eyes. Remus had been wondering what to do now with his extra time now that Harry was going to Hogwarts. His bookshop was a nice sideline, but it could have quiet weeks. With the expanded classrooms in the back for evening classes, it looked like Remus had enough paid teaching work to last him for years. He was fully booked with people returning to their world.

As Iris said quite rightly, in years to come the ex-squibs would remember her. Some of them may help fight against Tom. Sirius had cautiously agreed. When the time came, they would need all the help they could get.

The Wizarding World had come to a pause. Sirius felt it was the calm before the storm. Something was brewing. Sides were being established. When Sirius was undercover, he heard many things. The treatment of Bella, Hayley and Iris by Tom had led the Black women to negate any public or private support for Riddle's Pureblood regime. Walburga was still livid to this day. It was common knowledge that the Black family, with the notable exception of Narcissa, had subtlety turned against the Death Eater ideology. Each of them had turned down invitations to the wining and dining at the Manors. They were one of the few Pureblood families that had done this publicly.

'Everyone knows the Black women always stick together when pushed,' had been the general consensus.

Sirius peered at Iris again. She had her headphones on and was moving her head in time to the music, 'Oh, oh, we're halfway there, oh, oh, living on a prayer,' she sang softly.

'Slytherins heiress. Rocking out to Bon Jovi,' he thought sardonically.

After all this time he still didn't know what to make of her.

The day had arrived. It was officially Iris Black's first day at Hogwarts. Kings Cross Station. Platform 9 3/4. Iris looked at the sign and took a deep breath. She was both nervous and excited. The occupants of Grimmauld place had all come to see Iris off to school, including the house-elves. Even Iris had become tearful when saying goodbye to the crying elves who were hugging her everywhere. She had then got a grip and reminded them she would pop in for a cup of tea regularly which seemed to placate them a little.

Iris had fallen in love with the Hogwarts express at first sight. The steam set the whole scene off. She turned to Bella who, like her, was impressed. She knew it was good if even Bella appreciated it. She was naturally tuned into the finer things in life. You would have to be blind not to see the looks the group were getting from other families on the platform. Even Bella, who was the consummate exhibitionist, felt a little uncomfortable. The expressions varied considerably. Some were blatant gawping.

A young, dark-haired Witch came bustling up to the group to grab Iris's hand.

'Cassandra Dewling,' she introduced herself, 'Thank you so much for helping my little sister. She was born a squib. It has caused us so much trouble. You saved her. She bawled her eyes out when she did her first Wingardium charm. She's a bit older than you. She's in that college with the others. They'll train her up till she gets to Hogwarts. They didn't want to start them with you little ones. They want them to find their feet in magic before they go. Her name is Marsha. I'm in the fifth year. Ravenclaw prefect. Any problems you find me.'

Iris smiled, relieved at this. It was always nice to know one had back up in authority. Her family seemed relieved too. Some of the looks they had been receiving had not been so settling.

Iris watched some parents whispering in the children's ear. The expressions on a few of their faces told her everything. She didn't need to lip read. They were warning them of her. She shook it off. She had been expecting this. It was not every day the evilest Wizard of all time had his Granddaughter starting at Hogwarts.

Hayley was looking at her proudly with a few tears in her eyes.

'Mum,' Iris had reached that age where public emotional scenes with parental figures were getting to be a bit embarrassing, 'I'll see you tonight at Lily's.'

Her mum waved this away, 'It's your first day at Hogwarts, darling. I'm allowed to be emotional. It's practically the law.'

Iris couldn't help but smile and hugged her mother goodbye. She turned to Bella and her gran and did the same to them.

'I'll pop back to Grimmauld at the weekend,' Iris said. She kneeled and gave each of the house-elves a big hug each as well.

The Greengrass family said their goodbyes to Daphne. Iris gave Dawn and Gareth a hug goodbye. They all stood round in a circle as Daphne and Iris promised them all they would look after each other. It went without saying anyway. Daphne and Iris had a bond like Iris had with Harry. They didn't have a lot in common, but they understood each other.

They said their goodbyes and boarded the train. Iris put her trunk carefully into the carriage. There were a large number of charms on it to stop the items inside from sliding around so she wasn't worried. She didn't want Esmeralda to end up squashed. Her television and stereo were vital for her sanity too. She didn't want them broken either.

She had discussed with Harry the day before that it would be wise to sit apart from her for the first day till things settled down. They would both be getting enough attention as it was. Both good and bad. Harry agreed. He was never one for the spotlight. The only time he showed any extrovert behaviour was playing Quidditch.

Daphne elegantly sat down opposite her.

The train pulled away and they waved goodbye. Iris spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd. The Weasleys flaming red hair could be seen from the moon. She smiled with affection at them. Molly had always been very decent to her. She spotted Sirius and paused. She didn't know what to think of him. He was not hostile to her. On the other hand, he was hardly relaxed around her. He would watch her out of the corner of his eye. Speculating. She knew he held distrust for her. There was nothing she could do about that for now.

Within ten minutes Daphne and she had eaten the lunch Dobby had prepared for them and were settling in for the duration of the journey. They had been told of the delicious welcoming feast which they were both looking forward to.

The two girls settled back down, 'Where's Harry?' Daphne asked.

'We thought it wise to travel separately. We both get too much attention as it is. I was getting looks at the station. Half of them were gawping. Some of them were warning their kids about my devil ways. I thought with saving the squibs things would improve. Some of them seemed happy to see me though. I think a lot of Witches and Wizards assume it's some sort of bribe to bring them over to the dark side. They seem to forget Riddle sees family members as a blood bank for his next insane ritual. Still, the Wizarding World has never been known for its common sense. The Muggle world has its moments too. I think it's an Earth thing.'

'Are you sure you're ready for this Iris?' Daphne asked her.

'No,' Iris stated simply. Daphne looked at her in a speculative way.

'I have to admit at times I get jealous of you sometimes, Iris. The things you can do are special,' Daphne said honestly.

Iris paused. Daphne had not spoken like this before. They enjoyed a very relaxed, solid sister friendship. Iris could not remember a time when Daphne wasn't there.

'Don't talk like that Daph. You're load's smarter than me. You do all that posh stuff better. What I can do was given to me. I didn't earn it,' Iris looked at her half-sister steadily, 'I'm jealous of your hair. You would tell me not to be as you didn't work for it. It just grows on your head. You wash it, shake it out, done. It looks gorgeous. It's the same thing.'

Daphne looked perplexed, 'But you use your power for good Iris,' Daphne stammered out, 'All those people you helped.'

'You would do the same Daph if you were me. You're a good person,' Iris said with sincerity.

Daphne looked bemused, 'I'm not normally one for emotional talk.'

Iris felt her lips twitched, 'I had noticed. I'm not completely oblivious to what's going on around me. I just know you're a very private person. That's not a bad thing. It's who you are. You know I love you to pieces, don't you? I'll always be there for you. Same as you are for me. You just show it in different ways to other people. Remember when I sprained my ankle near the lake and you ran all the way home in the pouring rain to get Dawn? And how you go into the Muggle music shops to get me a new album of a band I like. Even though I know deep down you think those places are a bit rough and crass.'

Daphne gave a small smile. She took a deep breath. Iris tried to keep the smile off her face. Watching a Greengrass being soft was a rare sight, 'I love you too, Iris,' Daphne exhaled with the supreme effort of showing another human being genuine affection.

'I know how difficult that was for you,' Iris smirked, 'Ditto. Daph,' Iris smiled at her sister.

'Oh, yes, your Muggle film. Yes. Ditto too, Iris. You're my blood and deranged beliefs aside yes, blood does matter. It matters a lot when it's family. Keep safe, please, Iris. We're all hearing about shady things.'

Iris smirked knowing what Daphne was alluding to, 'He can't follow me where I can go. It's about the only thing I'm not worried about. On the off chance he gets through the veil then Lucifer will deal with him.'

Daphne still couldn't quite grasp that Iris was on first name terms with the Big Daddy of Darkness.

'Whatever house we get put in, we stay close, ok,' Daphne stated.

'Of course,' they shook hands on it grinning at each other. Daphne and Iris relaxed back in their seats.

The seats were ever so comfortable and the gentle rocking of the seats were soothing. The gentle thrum of Iris's Equi magic was calming Daphne. When Iris was in a good mood it seemed to calm people and animals nearby so much they almost went to sleep.

Iris watched the buildings and fields which they passed by with interest. It was such a beautiful country in many ways. If Riddle got his way it would all be gone.

She wondered how it was decided which house you went into. Her family had refused to tell her. Ron had been scared shitless by Fred and George and was convinced they had to fight a troll. Iris had snorted at his gullible belief. It had calmed Ron down a little when he realised Iris thought they were joking. Ron, like his dad and Sirius, was always a little cautious around Iris. Again, she couldn't do anything about that for now so she just left it alone. She touched her ring as the magic rippled through her. Her link to Salazar.

She wondered what he would think of the consequences of his beliefs. Some people who were incredibly smart in some ways could be very dense in others. If he could come back and see his legacy would he regret it? One look at Morfin Gaunt should give anyone pause for thought. The silver ring gently slithered around her finger. She enjoyed the sensation.

The Unspeakables had been asking questions, but Albus had fobbed them off by confirming it was Salazar's magical blood and Iris inheriting certain power from him that enabled this power.

It seemed to placate them for now. The positive effects of Iris releasing the squib's magic ensured them to watch and wait. Iris didn't expect this to last long term, but for now, she had peace from them. She stroked the Peverell ring gently as it seemed to hum.

There was another knock on the door. An elderly woman poked her head in.

'Anything from the trolley, dears?' she asked.

They bought a few items. As Iris was paying the sweet lady stopped short.

'It's you,' she stated.

Iris cringed. There was no way of telling how these conversations would go. In the Astral plane, she heard talk of what grown-ups really thought of her. Some of them thought she was an abomination who should be burnt alive evoking the hideous memories of the Witch hunts from the sixteenth century. The more concerning were those who wondered if she would form an alliance with Riddle and if it was worth making nice with her in case she did. 'She could put a good word in for us,' a man had been pondering in the Leaky cauldron to his nodding friends.

The trolley lady lowered her voice in a conspiratorial way as she whispered into her ear, 'I'm Ivy's aunty. Thank you for what you've done at the hospital,' she nudged and winked at Iris who grinned back, 'Keep your money, petal. You helped our Frankie out of a bad spot. Free sweets every journey for you,' the sweet lady carried on her way.

Iris smiled broadly. Not everyone saw her as Voldemort in miniature.

'Making friends already, Iris?' Daphne said sweetly.

'She may well be the last one, Daph,' Iris said honestly. She was relieved she had Equi and her Astral plane. She could always go to Grimmauld or her trunk if and when things got too much. Daphne gazed at her.

'You're magic is stronger than it was. I can feel it from here. It's nice though. Different.'

'We think it's the magic from Equi that I bring back,' Iris said, 'It's so potent. Even the Muggles gain it there.'

Daphne nodded, 'I wish I could visit there,' she said wistfully.

'In the nicest possible way, I hope it is many years before you see it,' Iris told her, 'If I could take you I would. I'd love to take so many people there for a visit but I don't want to risk anyone. At most I could take you to the in-between place. The star tunnel. But, not for a while. When I'm older and know more then this could happen. Lily is thinking of doing some experiments to test if I could take someone to visit Equi and return with them alive. Even the Angels don't know what would happen if I took anyone with me. I don't want to be responsible if it goes wrong.'

Daphne nodded wisely at that. James and Lily could be resurrected each day in their world but Iris had been told that it would be breaking universal laws to try and take them through the tunnel back to earth to regain a permanent physical form.

They hear a little meow at the door. Daphne opened the door as a little ginger cat jumped in and straight onto Iris's lap. Purring as it snuggled down. Iris looked startled. She did seem to attract cats. It must be the Equi magic. Cats loved it. She rubbed the cats head.

'Someone will be along for him soon,' she said.

Quiet contentment seemed to fall on the carriage as they each watched the countryside as they got closer to Scotland and their new home.

Daphne's voice broke the quiet, 'Before we get to Hogwarts there is something you need to know.'

Iris looked at her intently. Daphne sounded a little nervous. It was not an emotion Iris was familiar with coming from the affectionately nicknamed, ice queen. It made her a bit nervous too.

'I overheard a few of the older students talking. In the last few years, Slytherin house has been seeing an unprecedented amount of students in their house. There is growing support for Riddle. It's dripping down to their children. They have grown up with this notion Riddle is all-powerful and will lead to riches and power for them. I know my dad has told me not to worry but I hear him and mum talking sometimes. We all hear whispers. Pansy has let a few things slip. They know dad is committed to Aunt Hayley and you so they keep quiet about most things with me.'

Iris frowned. Daphne and Astoria did mingle with a lot of the old families. This news was not unexpected. Daphne continued as Iris gestured to her to continue, 'Riddle has been in communication with many of his grassroots supporters. Mother has been talking to Amelia. She told her there is a lot of support. Even more than she could have predicted. Much more than last time. It's the infusion of Nazi wealth and the combination of power that has them very motivated. Dad is staying publically neutral in this for now until he has to choose a side. He knows it's going to be the first time in generations that a Greengrass will be forced to. He won't follow Riddle. He hates him for what he did to Greta. He would be reluctant to discuss this with you. He knows what you have been dragged into. It's silly of him but he feels guilty for not being able to protect Greta and Hayley better.'

Iris spoke, 'Look, Daph. Gran and Bella talk too. There are people undercover. Things are being done behind the scenes. Hogwarts is safe. Sev and Albus are strong. Sev will keep a lid on things in Slytherin.'

Daphne did not look convinced, 'Dad said there was pressure on Dumbledore to have Severus demoted as head of Slytherin house. They have found out he is a Half-blood and they are saying he brings the values of the house of Slytherin into disrepute. They are saying a Pureblood should be in charge. It's such utter rubbish after their history. They want someone called Quirrell to take over. He's the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher. There had been a curse on the job for years. They used to only last the year and it would always end badly. He's the only one who has managed to break the curse. He's been doing it for five years now.'

'They're already starting this blood shit again?' Iris asked, shaking her head.

Daphne nodded, 'Something smells rotten in the land of Hogwarts,' she sighed and looked at Iris, 'Are you sure you can handle this?' We don't know who we can trust.'

'I can always escape to Equi or Grimmauld if it gets too much. Got my trunk and I can go to the Astral plane. I've got the Angels. Got my bribery spells,' Iris said confidently, 'I have planned for this. You're more than welcome into my trunk any time. We can put on New Kids on the Block whenever you're feeling blue. They always cheer you up.'

Daphne gave a wry grin, 'Thanks. We shouldn't have to think like this Iris. It's school. Not army barracks. We're just supposed to be getting educated in the Ministry curriculum. Not this shit show,' Daphne said annoyed. Her expression changed, 'Also, you mentioned bribery spells? Anything good?'

Iris smirked, 'I'll tell you later Daph. Gran gave me permission. It's to keep the other girls from killing me or setting me up for that.'

Daphne's face fell, 'I would never-.' she whispered as Iris jolted and put her hand up.

'I didn't mean you,' Iris said quickly, 'Just, there is going to be pressure put on some of them from their families that follow Riddle. I needed something they would swear a vow over. Something very worthwhile.'

Daphne's eyes widened her mind racing, 'You mean the Black women beauty spell don't you?' she whispered in awe.

Iris nodded as Daphne looked gleeful, 'I'll swear that vow, Iris,' she almost shouted.

Iris grinned, 'I was going to give it to you anyway. It's more useful when you get older. Closest we have got to the fountain of youth in the Wizarding World.'

Daphne looked much happier at this news. She leant back in her chair.

'Have you found out how we get sorted?' Iris asked Daphne, 'No one will tell me. They want it to be a surprise,' she mocked.

Daphne shook her head, 'I asked as well. They want it to be a surprise,' she said this sounding slightly aggrieved.

'I read up on it and there have been a few cases where the heir's descendants were sorted into a different house to their ancestor. Like mum going into Ravenclaw. She is super smart though. I just don't know for sure which house I'll get. Except I'm fairly sure it won't be Ravenclaw.'

Daphne smirked at that. She already had a good idea of what house Iris was going to.

'I think you might get into Ravenclaw. Maybe Slytherin,' Iris said to Daphne who pondered this. Iris continued, 'My parseltongue seems to mean I'll go to Slytherin. Some of the others seem to think I may be there as well. Bella said it wouldn't be the end of the world if I wasn't. She wasn't pleased about the steps I'm having to take to protect myself if I get into Slytherin either. Neither is Gran. They think Slytherin has changed in recent years for the worst. Riddle's influence. He seems to bring out the worst in people. It's not the best of what Slytherin should be. Even Gran said a lot of Purebloods from the other houses are not of the standard they were. They've forgotten their roots. Ironic when all they talk about is tradition.'

Daphne nodded, 'Amelia has people undercover. It wasn't just the Slytherin families at these parties. A lot of the other families from different houses have their own children going into Slytherin. There being heavily influenced, I think.'

They both looked at each other. Hogwarts was looming.

'We'll always have each other,' Daphne said with a brave smile. Iris gave her a big smile in return.

Both felt slightly better about the future at hearing those simple words.