They made their way into the dark, cool potions room and took their seats. Iris looked around in interest at the tables with all the different types of equipment on them. She recognised them already thanks to Lily and Bella. Severus had also given her a few pointers along the way. Crabbe, Goyle, Draco and Nott sat a bit further away from them. Iris glanced at the wall and saw a few of the silver snakes had slithered into the room and were perched discreetly on the walls watching over Iris. Nott followed her line of vision and audibly gulped. Iris smirked.
Merlin bless Salazar's gift. She may actually be able to get some actual studying done at Hogwarts without having to worry about a hex to the back every five seconds. Neville came right up to Iris and they had a brief chat before he sat down next to her.
Hermione looked deep in thought.
'She must have heard of Lucifer,' thought Iris. He was known throughout the world in different forms and by different names by everyone.
Hermione did not know the circumstances of his alliance. Harry and Ron had been told to be discreet about that for now. That would be a tough conversation to have with people. The nonsense in the Magical world was one thing for Hermione to get her head around. Cultural differences could take time to get used to. The vulnerability of the Muggle world may be too much for her. Iris had already seen the hardening in Daphne's eyes over time. Harry could look like he had the world on his shoulders sometimes. The Weasley's covered it with a lot of laughing but there was a quiet wariness there. They knew as much as her. They were all too young for this. But, as Severus gently reminded them, children a lot younger than them were already victims. In six short years, they would be adults in the Wizarding World. With all the responsibility that would entail. This war was not going to go away. It would be absurd to pretend otherwise so they should use the time wisely to prepare.
They all gave a jolt when the door was yanked open and Severus made his entrance. Iris kept her expression blank. Tonks had told her Severus was quite the imposing professor at Hogwarts. He took no-nonsense. Do not test him. Iris had taken Tonks' advice on board. Iris appreciated each professor would have their own style which worked for them.
'There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. That will change in time,' he said softly to the group.
'He certainly has a way with words,' thought Iris.
Severus glowered at the students in his class, 'Slytherins and Gryffindors, both together in the same room. How heartwarming. I do hope you can find a way to get along with each other better than your predecessors or you will punish yourselves far better than I ever could.'
The first years gazed up at the stern man.
Severus looked around at the class, 'Ah, Mr Potter and Miss Black. Our new celebrities.'
Iris smirked. Severus was taking the piss.
'I wouldn't say I was a Celebrity, Professor Snape. Notorious, perhaps,' Iris grinned. Harry got the joke. Piss taking. Weasley level.
Severus saw the silver glinting in the corner of his eye and looked up to the walls at the silver snakes, 'Your bodyguards, I assume, Miss Black?'
The snakes hissed gently.
Iris smiled, 'Yes, Professor Snape. They will be keeping an eye on us. Like we discussed. They are only here to defend when necessary,' she looked at Draco specifically. He wasn't listening. He was looking at the silver snakes with a wistful look in his eyes. Strange.
Severus raised his eyebrows at the blond boy but did not comment.
'Salazar wants me protected,' Iris said, 'He knows Grandfather has his followers in the castle. They really don't like it when people can fight back against them so they will leave me alone. What else do you expect from cowards like that?'
Nott looked apoplectic, 'He is being informed of everything, Black. He'll be coming for you,' he spat, 'You and these cheap magic tricks aren't fooling us.'
'Riddle will have to catch me first, Nott,' she said cooly.
'He's caught a couple of Greengrass women already,' Nott continued with a sickly grin, 'Maybe Daphne will do instead.'
Her darker magic was seeping out strongly now. In the small room, the magic was tangible to all of them. The silver snakes were slithering down from the walls. Her eyes were growing darker. The Peverell ring had started glowing black.
'Don't you dare threaten my sister,' Iris growled.
The kids in the classroom were starting to get distressed at this stage. Severus had flinched at the sight of the ring. Draco was gazing at Iris in a trance.
Nott was livid. He glared at them all around the room. Then he scoffed bizarrely, 'You think this is frightening? You haven't a clue what he has planned for all of you. I know what's coming. And I'm going to be on the winning side.'
'Shut up, Nott,' growled Goyle.
Even Crabbe looked concerned at this manic side of Theodore.
'And what side is that Mr Nott?' said Severus silkily smooth.
Nott glared at Iris and abruptly stood and walked out of the room.
Harry has been watching Iris with great concern. He had moved over to her and gave her a big hug. The air calmed down immediately as Iris regained herself. Daphne breathed a sigh of relief. Hermione was watching the scene with an almost maniacal look in her eyes.
'Right class. After that commotion, it is time to actually learn potions. That should calm you all down. I shall pair you up. Slytherin with a Gryffindor. I do not care if you like the look of each other or not. Make it work.'
Iris was put with Tracey. She was sympathetic about the row, 'There is something really bad going on for sure, isn't there, Iris?' she had asked, 'My parents know something. They won't tell me.'
Iris nodded weakly, 'Yeah. Um. Daphne knows what I do. Just, if I was you I wouldn't want to know for as long as possible.'
Tracey frowned at that. Iris was unsettled. She had almost lost it. That was concerning. Tracey left the conversation there as they focused on the potion Snape had written on the board. The silver snakes hovered overhead, slithering quietly over the walls. After a while, they became quite comforting for those working in the room. Severus went around the room and gave a few pointers to various students. Iris observed him. He was no-nonsense but he seemed to know his stuff inside out. He was actually quite polite to the Gryffindors. She supposed that business with Lily had given him peace and what Bella and Severus were plotting gave him purpose. Like Iris knew, working with each other could make all the difference in the future. Their very survival on this earth could depend on it.
At the end of the lesson, Severus called Iris back, 'Are you all right?' he asked in a sensible tone.
'No. I will be. I'll go home tonight and calm myself,' she answered.
'It will be nice for Walburga to see you,' Severus said.
'Oh, no, I mean Equi. That home. I'm seeing Gran on Saturday,' Iris said.
Severus looked a little disturbed that Iris thought of Equilibrium as home.
'What is going to happen about Nott?' she asked.
'For now. Nothing. His views are shared by many here. Many of their parents are in the Ministry. It is a waiting game. In some ways, it is better this happened. Your classmates needed to hear what they are up against,' Severus paused, 'Your Peverell ring glowed black, not white,' he stated.
Iris looked at him steadily, 'I know. I felt my magic pouring into it. If Harry hadn't been able to calm me down I would have directed it at Nott. I almost went after him. I need a way to block that sort of talk out. I'm sure the force of the black magic would have killed him. Look what power the white has.'
Severus felt some consternation at this.
'As you're a head of House can you permit me to use my headphones in class when they get particularly nasty? Or I can ask Professor McGonagall. I think under the circumstances she will agree,' Iris asked.
'You're Muggle music device?' Severus clarified. 'To use in Hogwarts?'
Iris nodded, 'I thought about it in class. If I can just put them on when they start then I can block them out. Now they know the silver snakes will go for them if they get violent they will resort to words. That sticks and stones saying is nonsense. Words and threats wind me up and this ring could actually hurt someone badly if I throw a tantrum.'
Severus was inclined to agree, 'I'll let the other professors know. Only in situations that call for it Iris. No using it for personal entertainment in class. The taunts will decline when they see they cannot get a reaction. Your use of such a Muggle contraption will cause some small issues, Iris. When I say issues, the magic purist snobs will not be impressed.'
Iris smiled, She had evolved from her cassettes to her CD player. Madonna, Queen, Duran Duran and a few Now albums would certainly suffice, 'Sod em. Only an ingrate would not appreciate Queen,' she had picked up that delicious insult from Hermione.
'I'll walk you to your next class. I believe you are in Herbology with the Hufflepuffs.'
Iris trotted after Severus to the greenhouses.
Severus explained Iris's tardiness to Professor Sprout as Iris settled into the plant-filled room. Nott had apparently gone to the infirmary citing a headache. He had looked like he was bursting a blood vessel in potions so perhaps he did indeed have one. Iris gave a nod to Susan who gave a brief smile. Blink and you would have missed it. People were still being a bit cautious with her but that was understandable.
Professor Sprout gave her a brief nod and then continued talking about the class. The silver snakes hovered around but they seemed to be very discreet this time. The Hufflepuffs looked at them with thoughtful looks but they didn't seem agitated. No doubt the word had got round about their real purpose. Iris got on with it. Fortunately, there was no more drama and they could focus on the lesson.
They broke for lunch as they made their way back to the Great Hall. Taking the route all in. They stopped by the toilets on the way. Iris needed to test her portal in Hogwarts. In the cubicle, she waved her hand, picturing her trunk and the golden veil popped up. Grinning she stepped through and grabbed her CD player and some music. Finally, some sanity in her life.
A few minutes later and Iris and her gang made their way to their usual spot. Lunch was, of course, delicious. They had all declared the food brilliant. Nott had reappeared and sat with Crabbe, Goyle and Draco next to the second years. Blaise sat in the middle. The first-year Slytherin girls gave Nott looks of pure poison. His threat to Daphne had been heard by each of them. Daphne gave Nott a cold sneer that severe he had to look away. There was certainly a definite divide forming. This was something that was not going unnoticed by the other houses.
Many of the silver snakes hovered around. Naturally, the whole school was aware of who had provided this protection and why. Iris was in Gryffindor with the human equivalents of the wireless radio, Parvati Patel and Lavender Brown. Iris would come to realise in a few days that if you needed everyone in the school to know something within thirty minutes then Lavender and Parvati were the girls to tell. Both were future Miss Skeeters in the making. It was now common knowledge that Salazar did not approve of many of the students in his own house and thought them vile enough that his own descendant needed protection from them.
A lot of Gryffindors especially felt a vindication of sorts from this. They could be a rough lot at times, but stooping so low as beating an eleven-year-old nearly to death was not something most of them condoned. It did show many of the school up for the bully boys and girls they had become. The Ravenclaws had analysed the scene and had quickly come to the same conclusion. Cassandra Dewling was singing Iris's praises. Many of the older Hufflepuffs were being discreet but were keeping an open mind. Tonks was currently giving answers to curious students who were aware of the family connection she had with Iris.
The scowling from the nastier Slytherins towards Iris reminded her of Dylan Baker and Nott's threat to Daphne. Of course, their own houses were far from lily-white either. There was a bit more of a balance but the older students had all been noticing out of character behaviour from a considerable amount of their housemates too. As young people, many of them just wanted to keep their heads down, enjoy what they could, get educated and go on to live their lives. There were whispers in Hogwarts that you would need to be unconscious not to hear.
You would have to be completely oblivious to the world to not notice the harsh treatment of the Muggleborns. It was just, people did not want to get involved or be turned into a target. If something did not directly affect you, then what did it really have to do with you? They had all seen the consequences of the Weasley twins prank. It was a definite tactic. If you confronted them or stood up to them, they would target someone you cared about for revenge. It was distasteful, but it worked.
Iris's now-legendary encounter with the Ghosts had shocked them all to their core. The jury was still out on whether it was a joke cooked up by the Black family. That Salazar had left Iris those silver snakes would suggest that maybe it wasn't. The Muggleborns had now all taken an excessive interest in the dark-haired girl. They had assumed on arriving at Hogwarts for a new term that it would be business as usual. Iris would join Slytherin house and fit in well, joining in with the bullying and pushing out who they considered unworthy of magic. Speculation on whether she was part of her Grandfathers gang would keep the gossips entertained. Many of them had convinced themselves Riddle was training her. A few of his followers in the school knew the facts. The orders had been given orders from the very top. Iris was to be kept alive till their Master requested her. He had plans for her.
It looked like Iris was one step ahead and had demonstrated not only zero interest in an alliance with that calibre of blood purist student, but outright hostility towards them. The silver snakes were deemed for other's protection as well as hers. Lavender Brown had begun the network of reliable communication of Witches at Hogwarts. She had informed the Witches in Hufflepuff. Daphne had told the Witches in Slytherin. Parvarti had told her twin sister, Padma, who was in Ravenclaw who had told all the Claws. The other Witches then passed this onto their Wizard friends and Wizard boyfriends who then told any Wizard who hadn't been informed. It took less than half an hour.
The Muggleborns and their friends discussed this positive news quietly away from those that had been subtly terrorising them for a couple of years now. Most of the students, even the nice ones, tended to ignore their treatment. They may give a few sympathetic looks but that was as far as it went.
Halfway through their lunch, the short figure of Iris Black stood up as she made her way to the Slytherin table to see Daphne and was invited to sit down. For the first time in living memory, a Gryffindor sat down quite content to chat with a few Slytherins. There was a murmur through the hall. Certainly, this had not happened in their time here. Minerva was one of the few teachers in attendance. She couldn't think of a time this had happened when she was young either.
She wandered discreetly over. She could hear Iris talking to Daphne. Minerva watched one of Salazar's silver snakes glide over to the table. Iris stroked the snake gently and hissed at the snake who appeared to be listening. The snake rubbed his head against Iris's hand as Daphne looked at the majestic creature with a smile.
'His name is Jasper. A true Slytherin deserves her own snake I think. He can keep an eye on you all when you're in the common room and dorms,' Iris said, looking at Daphne's gang. The snake nodded to Daphne.
'Thanks, Iris,' her sister said. A lot of Slytherin house looked anxious. Minerva couldn't say she was surprised. The large swaying, hypnotic silver snakes of Salazar's were intimidating.
Iris stared at Nott who turned away with a blank face. She moved closer to him and leant down, 'Nott,' Iris whispered in his ear, 'Salazar created these snakes. They are capable of strangling a grown man to death. Their bite is poisonous. If you ever threaten my sister again, I will make you hurt.'
Nott had gripped his fork so tight in anger it was bending.
On that note, Iris hugged Daphne then ambled back to Gryffindor. Draco was watching her discreetly. He gazed for a long time at the snake next to Daphne. His mind was rushing through many different scenarios.
Hermione had watched all this with an expression of deep thought. She nudged Iris, 'Is it possible, I know we hardly know each other, but under the circumstances,' the name Dylan Baker hung in the air.
Iris nodded, 'I've already thought about you. After what happened on the train you would be targeted whatever your surname. Consider this a thank you gift,' she beckoned one of the largest snakes over. The snake slithered up as she stroked his head, 'This is Lucas. He'll keep you safe,' she hissed at the snake who nodded at Hermione, 'You won't need to ask us for an escort every time you want to leave the dorm. Gives you some freedom at least. Lucas will always be near. We're not sure who can be trusted in Gryffindor either.'
Hermione looked very relieved, 'Thanks. I intend on exploring the library later. At home that's where I spend a lot of my time. I need to be relaxed properly when I'm with my books.'
Iris nodded in agreement, 'Same,' Iris wasn't yet aware of just how much time Hermione did spend with her head in a book.
A noticeable calmness drifted over Hermione at this news.
'Lucas won't disturb you when you're studying. Just wave him down if you want to give him any fuss. He likes his nose rubbed,' Iris smiled.
Hermione gazed at the snake and back at Iris and gave a big grin as she rubbed the snake's nose to his delight, his head wiggling about.
The Weasley twins who had been watching all of this with growing excitement were grinning wildly, 'Wicked,' they both said at the same time.
Hermione's mouth turned up into a genuine smile, 'I can feel his magic. He's tingling.'
Minerva felt her heart melt a little. She wasn't sure if Iris grasped the monumental landmark of this moment. Most of the Slytherins on the other side of the room were scowling. Many of the Gryffindors were beaming. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were a mixed bag. All the Muggleborns looked delighted. Iris had in one gesture settled their question of her beliefs.
A very valuable gift designed by Salazar Slytherin specifically to protect had been given to a Gryffindor Muggleborn. Delivered in person by the Heiress of the House of Serpents and a Black to boot. It was construed as a thank you no less for Hermione protecting Neville and Iris. The magic of Hogwarts seemed to thrum higher throughout the hall.
A few of the other Gryffindors looked a little wary at the sight of the large snake, 'You are in the house of the brave, are you not?' Iris asked them when she noticed this, 'Lucas won't hurt you. His job is to protect Hermione from danger.'
Neville was the first to shake her hand, 'Thanks, Iris,' he said. He went to stroke Lucas too. The others seeing this bold side of Neville found their courage and Lucas was getting a lot of fuss from them which he seemed to enjoy. Harry thanked Iris. He had been concerned about Hermione too. Several older Purebloods had been giving Hermione a few obvious unpleasant looks at breakfast.
'Do you like snakes, Harry? Iris asked.
Harry smiled vaguely, 'Not really. Lavender said you bought Esmerelda with you. Be nice to meet her. I know you didn't want to risk taking her through the veil when you visited. I like the silver snakes. When you know they aren't going to bite you they are quite lovely. Knowing they are going to be around the castle sets my mind at rest too.'
Iris grinned as Harry went to pet Lucas and say hello. The next moment she felt a chill go through her entire body as Lucas froze and lifted his head. 'Anotherrr Ssspeaker?
She quickly pulled him away, 'Good one, Harry,' she smiled. The others didn't pay much attention, thinking Harry was messing about.
He looked at her confused. Switching her tone to a relaxed one she spoke to him, 'I need to talk to you about something, in private. Have you got five minutes?'
Her eyes looked intense as he nodded and followed her out of the great hall. All eyes were on the celebrity pairing, as Severus had termed them.
'What is it?' Harry asked as she looked around for a quiet spot. They moved over to the corner out of earshot.
'Did you know you can speak parselmouth?'
His expression told her he didn't.
'I can?' he said quietly.
'You were. Keep it between us for now.'
'Is it that serious?' Harry asked.
'It is seen as a very rare, dark gift Harry. It can only be sent down the Slytherin line. Only Riddle and I should be able to speak it. Even my mum can't. You really shouldn't be able to,' Iris was blunt.
Harry seemed to pale, but other than that he didn't seem as surprised as he should have been.
Iris assessed him. 'Harry, if there is anything else you need to talk about then I need to know. Ok. We're in this together. Don't think you're protecting me if you're not telling me stuff. It's actually the opposite.'
Harry looked up at her with his emerald eyes. So much like Lily's, 'I just,' he paused, 'It's nothing I'm sure. I don't want to worry anyone if it's nothing,' his face fell, 'They all worry so much.'
'Right, well, you and I need to have a chat about nothing then,' Iris said. Students were leaving the great hall, 'Meet me after dinner, Harry. We'll go for a long walk. Just us.'
Harry nodded. Mixed emotions on his face. Iris had a feeling Harry's idea of nothing was a whole lot of something.
Iris spotted Percy hustling the gang to their next lesson, 'Come on. We need to get to class.'
They collected their bags and followed the Gryffindors to Transfiguration. Again with the Slytherins for the second time that day. They were a few minutes early and waited outside as Percy left them. The atmosphere between the two groups was odd. The Slytherins were split into two. There was quiet for a moment. Lucas and Jasper were swaying next to Hermione and Daphne. The two girls nodded at each other. They both owned a very sought after possession.
Nott was grimacing at Iris, 'Very clever. I understand giving one of those snakes to Daphne. If she were my sister, I'd be worried too. At least as an actual Slytherin Pureblood, she is entitled to one of them.'
Iris narrowed her eyes at him. Nott carried on.
'But giving a mudblood one of those snakes? Salazar will be spinning in his grave,' Nott looked quite unwell. His eyes were glazed in a sort of frenzy.
'He looks brainwashed,' Iris thought. Maybe he was. The Hitler youth had been brainwashed as children. Her threat hadn't seemed to register with him at all.
Silence. They were all staring at her. Iris felt the familiar force of magic as her ring glowed black. The air became heavy. With a great force of will, she pulled out her CD player, put on her headphones and pressed play. The soothing tones of Madonna and Vogue filled her head. She pulled herself together and followed the watchful students into charms as Nott seemed disappointed he did not get a reaction.
'Strike a pose, there's nothing to it, Vogue,' she sang as she got carried away with the music and finished with a Vogue dance movement as they walked into charms. She had briefed the other Gryffindors on her way of blocking out provocation so they were expecting it. Hermione grinned at hearing one of Madonna's greatest hits at Hogwarts. Her sinking heart at Nott's ugly words pushed away.
Professor Flitwick stood at the front and gazed at the procession. The Slytherins except for Tracey and Daphne were looking puzzled at Iris.
Iris found a seat and took off her headphones.
'What was that?' Pansy asked.
'It's Madonna, babe,' Iris answered.
Still none the wiser Pansy filed that one away for further questioning.
The Gryffindors joined them and what followed was, except for Nott's obvious dissatisfaction, an enjoyable lesson. Hermione's more relaxed demeanour was noticeable. That Draco had been so quiet since the train journey was becoming painfully obvious. Jasper and Lucas hovered on the walls. Flitwick would find it such an enjoyable lesson he would later comment on it to the other professors.
'I have never known such a thing. Gryffindors and Slytherins together and no argument for the entire class. Simply marvellous,' some of the other professors just assumed he had not noticed what was happening behind the scenes but Minerva and Severus understood.
An impressive olive branch had been handed over in the form of two silver snakes designed purely to protect. One to a Muggleborn. The other to a Pureblood. Many of the Gryffindors and some of the Snakes appreciated the sentiment.
The Slytherins who did not appreciate the sentiment had enough sense to keep their mouths shut when there was a large snake hissing down their necks. For now.