Iris sat by one of the many waterfalls in Equilibrium. It was the middle of the night here. They would all be sleeping. The blue moon shone down. The stars twinkled as she focused on her breathing. She felt the magic flowing into her as she felt herself become balanced again.

She contemplated the day. Neville should be alright. Madame Pomfrey had checked Iris over and deemed her alright before she took an awake but disorientated Neville to for check-ups.

That was the main thing. She didn't want to consider what would have happened if the Peverell ring hadn't worked.

She looked down at the ring on her left hand. It was so small. She turned her right hand up and looked at the slithering snake slide around her finger. It comforted her in these times.

She thought about the infirmary. The walk back to the Castle with Daphne had been a struggle but she had felt herself getting back to normal quite quickly. Her hand had steadied. She had ignored Draco while Madam Pomfrey had been in the room. He had been watching her with anticipation. She had felt her irritation towards him grow. The others had arrived. The little pool of anger in her stomach started to build. She knew it was the dark magic that had been freed. She had felt a different sort of strength in her. More vibrant and hot than the cool calm of Equi. She had felt subtle strains of it before but not like this.

It was watching Hermione bustling about and telling her to sit still and drink her water that had made Iris crack. Knowing what could have happened to Hermione caused a surge of malice towards Draco to pulsate inside her. Before she knew it she was on the other side of the room questioning Draco. He just kept looking at her with that ridiculous look on his face. Laughing at her. The dark was delighted to have the freedom to roar through her without the Equi magic to sedate it. Neville falling through the sky had flashed through her mind. She had Draco off the bed and on the floor before anyone could blink.

He had tried to put up a bit of a fight, but she had overpowered him quickly. As she thought back he had just stopped and gazed at her with that questioning expression.

She realised now he hadn't been goading. Well, he had, but the reason for it hadn't been what she had initially thought. He was testing her. He had been absolutely, unequivocally enthusiastic by her dark power. He had called it more, purer than Riddles. Cousin. He had called her that.

Iris felt the comforting presence of Gabriel before she saw him. His white wings were spread as his eyes glowed that beautiful gold.

She gave him a small smile, 'Did you see?' she asked him quietly.

He nodded at her as he sat down next to her as they both watched the waterfall.

'You saved Neville's life today, Iris. The Peverell ring holds some extraordinary power. It was able to channel the magic of Equi into an Earth spell,' he spoke in his deep, melodic voice.

'It took all of my Equi magic. Did you see what happened after with Draco? It almost took me over.'

'I did. It needed to happen for you to see. As you grow your magic will grow. You won't feel the exhaustion in future when you have better control. The black magic won't be able to consume you completely because it will have the consistent magic of Equi to balance it out.'

Iris breathed a sigh of relief, 'Draco looked absurdly happy. Do you know why?'

Gabriel smiled a genuine smile that lit up his face, 'He has made his choice. You need to know you have given him hope back. Draco has seen and experienced true horrors in his childhood. He was utterly lost. He was ready to run anywhere. Including to me. I have seen him contemplate poison on several occasions. When he is ready he may talk to you about his past. He may not. Do not push him with questions. He is a fighter. He is also a Slytherin to the bone, like Bellatrix. He has to truly believe in the cause of the fight to do it justice. He just needed to know there was a chance to fight back properly. You possess actual pure black magic. He does too, just not on the scale you do. He is a member of the House of Black, like you. You will both naturally gravitate towards each other for both these reasons. Light magic will not be enough to fight Riddle on this scale. Draco knows this. You have given him a reason to carry on. In time you may prove to be each other's greatest protectors.'

'So, he wasn't going to hurt Hermione?'

'No. I don't believe he will ever do damage to any who oppose Riddle and stand with you and Harry. He will never harm the innocent. The vulnerable. His father repulses him in ways too numerous to mention. He will strive to be his opposite in all ways.'

'His mother?' Iris asked cautiously. Bella rarely mentioned Narcissa anymore.

Gabriel pondered the question, 'A broken woman,' he said simply.

Iris let this information sink in.

'Her husband has betrayed her in all ways it is possible. She would have taken revenge but she is terrified for her son. Her initial greed has proved her undoing. She regrets her actions deeply. Her eyes have been well and truly opened to the levels of degeneracy Riddle, Hitler and their followers will sink to. The destruction they are already doing. What they are capable of doing in the future. She has acted the poised perfect puppet in public, but she hides her true face. Draco will speak to you later. He will request the House of Black to help on her behalf as well as his. They have both been pushed far beyond human limits. I have seen them both at their weakest. It is time. Neither Draco nor his mother has the supremely twisted nature required for what either Riddle and Hitler requires from their followers. It is only a matter of time until they are both discarded. The new regime is brutal.'

'They want to come home?' Iris said.

'Yes. I can assure you that Bella and your Grandmother will be most agreeable to this request. Keep them at Grimmauld Place. It is one of the most heavily warded properties in the country now. There will be retaliation. Draco will be a target almost as much as Harry. Dissent is not tolerated in the New World Order. They both know the risks. They are aware of the potential consequences. I'd advise you to allocate him one of your silver snakes. He seems most impressed by them. Narcissa's parents can visit her there in the future.'

Iris nodded, 'I'll make sure I'll do what I can. I'll give him Ethan. He likes the dungeons the most.'

She flexed her arms. She could feel her white magic had been restored to normal.

She sat with Gabriel for a while longer in silence as they watched the waterfall in the blue moonlight.

'I'll best be getting back. The Auror's will be taking statements from us soon. Minerva will be sitting with us.'

Gabriel watched Iris stand up, 'Till the next time, Miss Black.'

'See you soon, Gabriel,' she waved goodbye as he watched her apparate away.

His face fell a little. She was too young to be dealing with all this. Still. Iris and Harry were slowly building up an army. There were still a great many good people on Earth. Gabriel thought of the thousands of people already in Equilibrium directly due to Hitler and Riddle's alliance. Men, women and children. Mainly from South America, but starting to arrive now from Bosnia and other places from all around the world. He had already endured the Second World War. It had been worst one in Earth's history so far and there had been many dreadful wars before that one. The pattern was starting again. Equilibrium was vast. There was room for the Earth's population a dozen times over with plenty of room to spare, but even so. These people were denied a full life. The residents of Equi and the Angels had all rallied around to help these poor souls. They were healing from the cruelties inflicted on them. Slowly. They had all, including the children, been asked if they wanted to be reincarnated. Gabriel had been heartbroken to know not one of them ever wanted to return to Earth.

He lifted his eyes to the skies. He hoped with all his might the divine was steering this ship to safe harbour.

Iris stepped out of the tunnel, through the veil and into her trunk where she was instantly grabbed and pulled into a bone-crushing hug.

'Thank god you're alright,' said Hermione in a brisk tone.

'Oh. Yes. I'm fine now,' Iris patted her on the back, 'I've got my magical balance back.'

Hermione loosened her grip and stepped away from her. She looked at Iris as if she was a complicated maths equation.

'That was something different altogether, wasn't it? In the infirmary,' Hermione said.

'I'm still young enough that my magic is still settling. Using that spell on the Quidditch pitch is draining for an experienced adult. It used up all my Equi magic. What you felt in the infirmary was the other, um, magic,'

'That was dark magic, then?' Hermione asked gently.

Iris appreciated Hermione was holding back on the interrogation.

'It is, but it's not the Earth's dark magic. It is direct from the source. Pure black magic.'

Hermione went very still, 'You mean...?'

'Yes. From Hell. This ring is linked to the veil. The tunnel. There are two portals inside. This ring links to both portals and me.'

Hermione nodded slowly at that, 'Draco said it was pure black. That your magic was stronger than Riddle's,' she whispered.

Iris nodded, 'Dark Arts and my black magic are not the same. Riddle has twisted the Dark Arts. He's abused it. Butchered it on Earth. Lucifer has had enough of him. Even my Gran Black can't stand him and she loves to dabble in the dark stuff. What this ring can do through me is a force. It is more potent than light magic. Although that can be very powerful too and used for better things, like healing. This ring is to protect us. It's already saved Neville. I was meant to get this. My mother couldn't touch it,' Iris showed Hermione the ring. 'It won't come off. Bella tried everything.'

Hermione touched the top of the ring, 'It's cool,' she stated.

'That's because I'm calm right now. Here. Keep your finger on it.'

Hermione kept her finger on the top as Iris closed her eyes and pictured the rat, Pettigrew. She felt the familiar dark rush as Hermione exclaimed.

'It's gone hot.'

'That's because I thought of Pettigrew. Angry thoughts. With Draco, because I had nothing to balance out the dark, that's why that happened in that room. I imagine with enough rage I could suppress the Equi magic. I suppose it depends on the situation. It's still early days seeing what this is capable of. Seeing Neville fall channelled all my white magic. Because I was protecting Neville. Good, white magic. When I want to hex someone, black magic. The important thing is to keep going to Equi. Those two worlds are connected. Yin and Yang. Light and dark. I absorb both when I'm there. I have been told not to go through the other portal yet.'

Hermione looked open-mouthed at that, 'I agree. Don't even go near it.'

Iris looked at the time, 'Do you want to go for dinner?'

'Sure. I was just waiting for you. When you left Draco said a lot of things. He isn't who I thought he was. He apologised about the train ride and for what he said. He wants to talk to you.'

'I know. Gabriel spoke to me when I was in Equi about him.'

'The ArchAngel Gabriel?' Hermione said slowly.

'Yeah. He wanted a chat. We do that sometimes. He gives good advice. He explained about Draco. I understand him now. Why he was being so strange. I'm giving him Ethan to look after him. Ethan told me he likes it best in the dungeons. He's going to be a good bodyguard for Draco.'

Hermione opened her mouth and then shut it again. Even in her wildest imagination, she hadn't thought the Wizarding World would be anything like this back before she boarded the Hogwarts Express. Deep down she was kind of enjoying herself. Death-defying escapes aside. Her parents, if they knew any of this, would have a fit. Hermione thought of that photograph that had chilled her to the bone. Her Gran would be proud of her for facing this. She would soldier on.

They climbed out of the trunk and made their way down to the common room. Lavender and Parvati greeted them. They looked noticeably better than earlier. Iris supposed now that their nerves had recovered, knowing they were actually there at the Quidditch pitch for the attempted murder of Neville would keep them going for the entire weekend reciting the story for all and sundry.

The Gryffindor boys spotted them and made their way over.

Dean and Seamus shook her hand.

'Thanks for saving Nev,' Seamus said.

'Lucky I could. Flint is deranged,' Iris said.

'He's a psycho,' Dean stated. They all agreed with that.

'There are a lot of Flints here,' Hermione said in a low voice.

They all murmured agreement to that.

'They'll be calling us up after dinner to talk to the Aurors,' Ron said to the group, 'Oh, Iris. Harry made the Quidditch team as the seeker.'

'What? Oh, Harry. That's brilliant. How?'

Harry explained about the snow globe and Nott.

'Well, at least some good came out of that fiasco of our first flying lesson,' Parvati said, 'I'm going truant at the next one. I don't think my nerves will cope with a repeat of another one like that.'

Lavender nodded furiously next to her, 'You're totally right, Parvati. I won't go if you won't.'

The others appeared to agree with them. Even Hermione looked to be considering it.

They made their way out of the common room. Draco was waiting outside by himself.

'Iris,' he called out to her. She nodded to the others. Hermione waited at the side.

Iris walked over to him.

'I need to talk to you properly,' he said, 'I have a lot to explain. I'm sorry for my behaviour earlier. I had to know.'

'I know. I've been told,' she glanced at him, 'Sorry for punching you in the eye,' she said awkwardly.

'It was worth it,' Draco said softly.

They looked at each other properly for the first time.

'I'll meet you here after we've spoken to the Auror's,' Iris said.

Draco nodded to her, 'Good. I'll see you later.'

'Oh, I've picked out your bodyguard by the way. His name is Ethan. He likes dungeons very much. You'll be very safe with him. Daphne says they keep away ill-mannered boys. I'll introduce you to him properly later.'

Draco gave her a beaming smile at the news of this priceless gift, 'Awesome, thanks.'

They parted as Iris moved back to Hermione and they made their way downstairs past the gawking portraits and caught up with the others.

'We're almost but not quite at the weekend,' Iris grinned, 'We made it through our first school week without any fatalities. Everyone is still in one piece at Hogwarts. Only one attempted murder. Just a simple interview with the Auror's to give witness statements to go. All in all, a good result.'

Hermione was starting to get used to Iris's black humour. She could recognise defensive humour very well herself.

They made their way into the Great Hall as silence descended. The news about Marcus Flint being arrested and why had obviously spread around the Castle. Iris felt all eyes on them as the young Gryffindors made their way down to the end of the long table. A lot of the older students from all tables glared at them. A few of them, Iris noticed, kept their heads down. The Muggleborns were beaming. Marcus Flint had obviously been a cretin to all of them. His incarceration must be the best news they had heard in a long time. At the very least, he would no longer be at Hogwarts.

Most of the younger ones looked very interested in them. A few of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were standing up now to take a good look. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Professor Quirrell looking at her through narrowed eyes and thin lips but as she turned his face was all smiling.

Scattered applause began around the room which turned into a full-on noise as more of them joined in. Many kept silent. Iris looked around and grinned sheepishly.

The noise died down eventually as everyone turned to the highlight of their day. Dinner. With pudding.

They all started to tuck in. Dumbledore wasn't at the staff table. Neither was Severus or Minerva. Ron had told them they had to wait in the hall to be called. Iris glanced over to the Slytherin first years. Draco had very subtly moved to sit next to Blaise in the middle. It was starting to resemble a chess game in the Slytherin first-year house. Blaise didn't seem to be speaking, but he had a small smile on his face. Nott simply looked grumpy as he sat with Crabbe. Goyle had his back to her.

Milicent spotted her looking and gave a big grin and wave which she returned. Iris suspected the release of the dark stuff had been enough to impress the sturdy girl. Daphne had mentioned to her she would like to meet Lucifer at some point. She saw a few older Slytherins observe this show of open friendliness. It seemed to confuse them as they frowned. Tracey and Pansy seemed to be chatting amiably with each other.

Iris focused on her own table as she ate her chips and coleslaw. Hermione paused a moment. Her sharp eyes looked at the plate.

'Are you a vegetarian, Iris? she asked, 'I haven't seen you eat any meat this week.'

'Oh, yes. It disagrees with me. I've not eaten any for years. Everyone is a vegetarian at Equi. No animals are eaten. It's their most absolute law. The animals roam free. They feed off the magic too. They don't eat each other either. No one wants to eat meat there anyway. People don't eat much there. Just vegetables and fruit when they do. They do like chocolate and biscuits as well. Gran Greta used to love steak but not now. She has no appetite for it. It would make you feel ill if you did eat it anyway. They get their energy from the magic. Same as I do.'

'How simply marvellous,' Hermione edged forward, 'What other things can you tell me about?'

'The moon is blue. Like a pale sort of blue. Stars are everywhere. Our night sky looks bare compared to theirs. They have two suns. The day is night. The night is day there. There are dozens of oceans. No one looks over their mid-twenties. They don't have disease. Pain is a lot lesser there. No total morons causing wars and no serial killers. No greedy banks. No taxes. No politics. The Angels are the Guvnors. If you have any issues you go to them. There are hundreds of them. You can walk around wherever you like. Well, not in people's homes unless you've been invited. You still have to ring the doorbell. You can apparate wherever you like. It's easy there. They don't use cars. They have flying motorcycles that use magic for power if you fancy the scenic route. No pollution. Everything is magic-based. The properties. The buildings. The Muggles gain magic. They have lots of schools to learn magic in.'

Hermione looked serene at this. She peered at Iris, 'But?'

'Like I told you. No babies can be born. Even magic can't fix that. Lily would love another child, but it's not possible. Nothing is perfect. The ones there who want children look after the children whose parents aren't there yet. They make it work. It truly is amazing there though. The music is sublime. I have a few recordings of it. I can play you some later if you like.'

Hermione nodded, 'I'd like to listen to that.'

They moved onto ice cream for pudding. Iris mused.

'Oh, they don't have tv. That's a very bad, bad thing. Einstein is trying to figure something out but they just don't seem to be able to make it work. No Golden girls. No Only fools and horses. No Coronation Street. It's truly tragic. They have cinemas now though. It was a big relief for Cecil B. DeMille when Edison got that one up and running. Thomas Edison had a go apparently with the television, but no joy. He got the magical radio working though so that's something. They are waiting for Bill Gates to get there. Maybe Steve Jobs could have better luck though. Although in Equi they do have live theatre and concerts. Gran and mum have taken me to a lot of them. I've seen Elvis Presley perform. Met him too. I did have to queue. There were a lot of us there to see him but it was worth it. The King of Rock and Roll. I shook his hand,' she bragged.

Hermione's jaw dropped.

'I've met James Dean as well. He was actually very sweet and not moody at all in real life. He loves it in Equi. He has his own theatre there. Lots of actors perform with him. Marilyn Monroe was a revelation. Garbo is truly exceptional. James Cagney played Dorian Grey. I thought he'd be miscast, but he was so good he made it work. They did a great Oscar Wilde season. Oscar presented it all. It's wonderful seeing the greats of all time in person, doing what they do best. James signed my photograph that's on the wall in the flat.'

Hermione was now staring at her in sheer amazement, 'That's actually his real signature?' she asked finally.

'Of course. I wasn't going to do it myself. What would be the point?'

'Indeed,' whispered Hermione, 'Anyone else?'

'I did pass by John Lennon one time in town, but he was on the old, you know?' Iris pretended to inhale a joint, 'He looked a bit dazed so I didn't bother him. He seemed happy though.'

'I suppose you have had tea with William Shakespeare?' Hermione asked in a bewildered tone.

'Oh no. Gran said he moved on years ago. He wasn't a fan of the prudish Victorians so he got out. Took his wife, kids and their kids and they never looked back. I think they went to the Renaissance world. A lot of the artists go there eventually. It's very tranquil there apparently. He left some new books he'd written in Equi though. A lot of writers contribute to the library there.'

Hermione spluttered, 'Library?'

'You'll love it there. It's enormous. It's a least the size of Wembley stadium. Writers from all the way way back and all kinds of writers have added to it. Socrates has his own section. So does Agatha Christie. The Pharaohs. The Angels. Everything they know to be true about the universe. Magic. Stories. History. They admit they have only scratched the surface of magic's potential. You could spend a thousand years there and still only get halfway through those books.'

Hermione's eyes were round in wonder.

'There is another world, Origin, where they practice magical experiments. Rowena Ravenclaw lives there. A lot of the really smart people from around the world have moved there. They have very strict entry requirements to get in. They do all sorts there. I suppose it's like Earth's NASA.'

Hermione grinned, 'That sounds super,' her mind was whirling with possibilities.

Students were starting to leave the hall as pudding had been finished.

Professor McGonagall approached the table. 'First years. Follow me.'

Severus Snape collected the Slytherins as they all made their way out.

'Any news on Neville?' Harry asked Professor McGonagall.

'He's doing well, Mr Potter. They will keep him overnight, just to make sure. His parents are with him.'

Harry smiled with relief. His heart had stopped when Neville's fingers fell away from the broom. It hadn't started beating again till he saw Neville held in that white light.

They waited outside Dumbledore's office. The interviews would be conducted there.

Professor McGonagall turned to her young cubs, 'Albus has informed me of the basics. Madam Hooch has given her statement. She has retired for the night. Just say the truth to the Aurors about what you saw and this should be over quickly. No embellishments. You can save that for your friends.'

She looked pointedly at Lavender and Parvati who genuinely looked surprised they were being singled out.

Severus was briefing his Slytherins in much the same way. Harry watched him sneer at Crabbe. Harry understood quickly why Crabbe looked nervous. Snape's face had transformed into one of pure meanness. Harry suspected Crabbe would be scrubbing chamber pots for the rest of his first year. Harry watched Snape turn to Nott with an inscrutable look on his face. His dark eyes glowered. Nott looked at him blankly. Snape avoided looking at Draco. Harry wondered how much Snape really knew about the blond boy. Snape gave a brief smirk and then a nod of respect to Milicent and Tracey. It was clear Albus had reported back.

An Auror came out the door, 'We're ready for you.'

They all traipsed up the circular stairway. All of them were curious about the Headmaster's office. It was very rare to be invited in except in extenuating circumstances.

There were several Auror's standing around. Iris recognised Mad-Eye and Kingsley. Dumbledore greeted the children warmly.

'There is nothing to worry about young ones. Just say what you saw today. Now, Slytherin's. If you can go to this side of the room, Gryffindor's the other,' Albus beckoned the Slytherins to his left. They parted ways.

Iris followed her housemates to a large round table. Kingsley Shacklebot nodded to her as he gestured to them to all sit down. Mad-Eye sat down heavily with his wooden leg out and his eye whirling. Harry gazed a moment too long at the Auror and then collected himself.

Kingsley sat down with the paperwork.

'I'll go round the table and ask each of you a series of questions about what you remember. Answer them truthfully.'

They each gazed at him and nodded at this request.

'Right. We'll start with you. Can you confirm your name?' Kingsley asked in his deep voice.

'Lavender Brown,' Lavender stated this very seriously.

'Ah, right,' Kingsley checked her name off the list.

'Can you describe what you saw happen on the pitch for me in full detail and what you noticed of each student who was there? From the moment you realised Neville was in difficulties, please. No interruptions from any of you. You will all get your turn.'

Lavender was about to launch into her more elaborate version of events, but a warning look from Minerva made her pause.

'I realised something was very wrong when Ronald Weasley rushed past Pavarti Patel and me in a panic,' she watched Kingsley write this down, 'I looked to see where he was going and I saw Neville being pulled straight up by his broom. The broom was upside down. He was barely clinging onto the handle. We lost sight of him when he went into the clouds. Harry Potter was also trying to get to Neville, but Vincent Crabbe barged into him and stopped him from getting close enough. Theodore Nott was laughing,' Lavender looked very angry when she said this.

'Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan were too far down to help although they were trying to get closer. Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davies, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini and Milicent Bulstrode also tried to get closer to Neville, but, like us, they were too far away to help as Neville had gone up too fast into the clouds. We couldn't see him. None of them was laughing. They looked as worried as us. Gregory Goyle was on the other side of the pitch. I'm not sure if he knew what was happening or not. Draco Malfoy had been sent to the infirmary earlier as he looked unwell. Iris Black looked very panicked too and rushed back down and I heard her screaming for Madam Hooch. Madam Hooch had been helping Hermione Granger. She came up straight away when she realised there was a problem. She flew past us to help, but Neville had lost his grip by then and was falling. She tried to use her wand to stop him but it wouldn't work. He was going too fast. We all flew down and I saw Iris using white magic to stop Neville's fall. She stopped him in mid-air. Oh, it was wonderful.'

Minerva let Lavender have that digression.

'We could see it was exhausting her. Hermione had grabbed her to steady her. She was shaking and on her knees,' Iris smiled a thank you at Hermione, 'Iris bought Neville down safely. Then she fainted. Hermione stopped her from hurting herself. Daphne, her sister, got to her then. We had all landed back on the ground. Then two of the silver snakes dragged over Marcus Flint,' Lavender spat his name, 'He had an invisibility cloak stuffed in his mouth. He was the only person in the stands the snakes found,' Lavender took a deep breath, 'That is my version of events and what I believe to be true. I shall swear it all in any courtroom in the land,' she said reverently as she put her hand over her heart.

Kingsley smiled, 'Thank you, Miss Brown.'

Parvati hugged her friend.

The following witness statements carried on in much the same way as the others confirmed Lavender's version of events. Kingsley carried on writing the details down. Mad-Eye went to the other side and swapped over with a different Auror who told them his name was Dedalus Diggle.

'Hestia Jones is taking the Slytherins statements,' he told them. Iris glanced over to the other side of the room. Nott looked sulky. Daphne was speaking to Hestia. Crabbe had a face that looked like it knew unpleasant things were in store for him.

Kingsley called for Iris. She confirmed what Lavender had said, 'I knew Neville only had seconds left. Crabbe made sure of that. Madam Hooch went up. I spoke to the snakes and told them to find out who was doing it. I knew it wasn't Nott. He didn't have his wand out.'

'The others described pure white magic that came out of your left hand,' Kingsley said.

'Yes. That's right.'

The Ministry already knew she had this unusual gift. The healed squibs were proof of that.

'This is exceptional magic from one so young. How much of this is due to your Grandfather do you think?' Kingsley asked. It was clear he was insanely curious. He knew a great deal about Iris. Albus had been careful over the years to update the Aurors he trusted of the developments.

The table went very quiet. After actually knowing Iris, it was sometimes a quick shock to remember who her Grandfather actually was.

'Honestly. I think he has everything to do with this. I don't believe this was his intention at all. See how this attack on Neville backfired on him.'

'You think he is behind this attack on Neville Longbottom?' Kingsley asked in a calm voice.

Iris nodded, 'Yes. I believe Flint was ordered to do this by him,' she didn't see the point in being vague. Kingsley was an Auror. He knew a lot more than she did about what was happening in the country. Kingsley nodded.

'These silver snakes at the school. You have told people Salazar Slytherin has given them to you as a gift to protect yourself and your friends,' Kingsley probed.

'That is correct. That is what the snakes have told me. The ghosts told me Salazar will be visiting me at some point to discuss the issues with his male descendant. He thinks my Grandfather is a lunatic. So do I. Riddle is directly responsible for the huge amount of current problems in the Wizarding World.'

There was silence at this statement.

'Many of the parents are calling for the destruction of these snakes. They believe them to be a threat and dangerous to students,' Kingsley said to them with reluctance.

Iris gave a mirthless laugh. The others looked worried.

Harry looked enraged and spoke up, 'They are here to protect us from the dangers. They haven't attacked anyone. Iris has told them only to restrain anyone who attacks someone,' he said loudly. The Slytherins turned around to watch, 'They already have protected us. If they had been here last year, Dylan Baker wouldn't have been attacked. Tonks said the Muggleborns here actually have smiles on their faces for the first time in months. They caught Flint for trying to kill Neville. What more proof do they need that this a good thing.'

Kingsley looked at Harry in discomfort. He remembered that dreadful case. The kid had looked so tiny in the hospital bed.

'They really are asking for it. Those sadists just want to bully and hurt little kids,' Iris snapped in contempt, her anger building up.

Kingsley looked with trepidation at the girl as he sat back. He felt the dark magic oozing out of her. Milicent on the other side of the room grinned at the commotion and leaned towards the Gryffindors.

Albus had made his way over to the table. He had been subtly ear wagging to both sides of the room. He had heard what Kingsley had said to cause this outrage.

Hermione frowned, deep in thought, 'Iris. Ask the snakes if they can be destroyed.'

Iris's face brightened as she stood up and made her way to her snakes. Speaking parseltongue she hissed at Jasper and Lucas who hissed back at her. They continued hissing for a little while longer. Kingsley felt how hypnotic this was. Dedalus looked part fascinated, part horrified. Parselmouth was well known as a very dark gift. It was hard to shake the sinister connotations. The Gryffindors were on the edge of their seats. If they lost the silver snakes they were all without a strong shield. Harry started to smile as Iris and the snakes continued to converse.

Hermione was looking at the expressions on Iris's face change. Anger first. She was so angry. Then Jasper said something to her. She watched the girls eyes change from dark black to grey in an instant. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

Iris breathed out and calmed down. Milicent sighed in disappointment. Oh well. It was good while it lasted. Draco hid a smile.

'Ha! Good thinking Hermione,' Iris slapped the table as they all jumped, 'Salazar is a bloody genius. You can tell those 'concerned parents,' Iris did the air quotes with her fingers that went over everyone but Dean and Hermione's heads, 'that the snakes are part of the school. They will simply regenerate even if you do manage to destroy them. It's all in the Hogwarts law book, Headmaster. Page three hundred and twelve. Section four. Rowena Ravenclaw wrote it. All the founders agreed unanimously on this. Jasper told me Rowena was very thorough in everything she did.'

Albus stifled a grin and went to his bookshelf. Picking up a very big book he opened it up to the mentioned page. They all held their breath. Albus smiled and walked across to them.

He put it down on the table for Kingsley to check.

A few moments later Kingsley looked up smiling, 'The founders all set individual protections in the Castle that could be controlled by a descendant of theirs in times of great strife. The founders can activate them from the beyond. Highly complex magic. It is not only illegal but impossible by Hogwarts law to remove them in such times. Oh. Yes. Here. Attempts to damage the snakes will result in a one-way trip to the Chamber of Secrets and Salazar's monster. Only a parselmouth can remove them from there. Thank you, Iris. I'll let the, um, concerned parents know.'

Iris grinned and stroked Jasper and Lucas. Giving them each a hug she hissed her thanks to them both. Dedalus had his mouth hanging open at the display of affection.

She sat back down as the others relaxed. Merlin. That was a fright.

'Headmaster. Where is the Chamber of Secrets, and what monster lives there?' asked Harry.

Albus smiled, 'I do not know, Harry. No one at the school does. Only a parselmouth can find it. That is how the Chamber keeps its secrets.'

Harry and Iris looked at each other and gave a subtle grin.

Kingsley finished off the interviews around the same time that Hestia was wrapping it up with the Slytherins. Snape had Crabbe cornered and the glum look on Crabbe's face meant cleaning chamber pots was indeed the punishment.

Harry beamed in delight.