'What a great day,' Iris said to the group, 'Certainly an improvement on yesterday.'
The others in Walburga's drawing-room murmured agreement. They were all sitting around the table still in varying levels of shock as they kept looking around at the elves. Draco and Bella seemed comfortable with each other. Even Severus had a small smile on his face. Walburga had poured the champagne as the adults had a glass each. Gabriel was looking at the elves in pleased astonishment.
'Albus is on his way,' Severus said to the group as they each nodded.
'The elves castle isn't far from Hogwarts,' Gabriel said to them, 'About twenty miles as the crow flies.'
'Oh, that's good,' Iris said as she sipped on a new cup of tea, 'Once you get settled in you can get all the elves from all around the world here. You can apparate over to Hogwarts for a picnic once everything is up and running.'
Dawn was staring at Iris, 'Do you have any comprehension of what you have just done?' she asked her in shock.
'Oh, yeah. Sorry. You'll have to get a maid in now. The Manor is a full-time job. But the elves said they will be more than happy to pop back from time to time if you need a hand. Nancy Bones is going to start a cleaning business if you need any extra help.'
Dawn spluttered, 'I'm not concerned about the chores, Iris,' Iris looked confused, 'I mean, you have just broken a three thousand year curse on the race of elves.'
'Yeah. Wasn't I supposed to? Gabriel and the elves seem very happy about it,' Iris looked at her stepmother in a perplexed manner.
'I'm not angry, Iris. For goodness sake. I'm unbelievably proud of you. What you have done is fantastic, but it is impossible. I doubt Merlin would be able to do it.'
'I didn't do it though. This did,' Iris put out her hand with the Peverell ring on it, 'It works through me. It's not actually me doing this. I just sort of activate it. That's all. I'm just glad it could do this. This ring wants to level the playing field. I'm sure it knows what it's doing.'
Dawn stared at Iris for the longest time.
'Iris is right,' Gabriel said quietly, 'Riddle is not going to be pleased with all this. As time goes by he is not going to be pleased about a lot of things.'
Andromeda was gazing at Iris and the ring. She stared at Tilly. She still couldn't find the words to speak.
Mitty was grinning, 'We'll have to get Binky too. The Hogwarts elves. Oh, this is too splendid for words. An actual castle of ours to call home,' Mitty turned to Dawn, 'Thank you for being so lovely to me all these years. But it will be nice to be with the other elves properly.'
'I understand, dear. You have truly been a wonderful help over the years,' Dawn said, 'Make sure you visit us a lot.'
Tilly turned to Andromeda and they murmured similar sentiments.
'Of course, not all elves have been treated as kindly as us,' Dobby said, 'I remember the dark days of Peter sodding Pettigrew. I'll get him for that.'
Iris growled at the name, 'We'll get him, Dobby. Although I think you need to get in the queue and take a number. We'll get them all.'
'Elves can apparate globally,' Mitty said, 'Not much need for it before, but this will be very useful.'
Those in the room pondered this in surprise. Bella looked in deep thought as she glanced at the elves. They looked strong. She considered the squibs who were being trained as fully-fledged Witches and Wizards. They had Gabriel and Lucifer for protection. Salazar. Yes. The ring was certainly levelling the playing field in the Wizarding World. Riddle wasn't going to have the easy climb to the top he had no doubt anticipated. The dark magic hung softly in the air, 'It was so invigorating,' Bella thought with a smile. Draco was right. Pure black magic. Not tainted. She glanced at her nephew who was looking at the elves intently with a soft smile on his face. He had been tight-lipped about his father but had said enough with his eyes when she had asked him. Cissy was coming home. That was the main thing that Bella was concerned about.
Draco had spoken to his mother in a two-way mirror in his pocket. She would be here shortly. Bella turned to look at Iris. She had so much of Sirius in her face and her character, but Iris understood enough about Black family honour and loyalty and Bella didn't mind too much about the Gryffindor thing. Iris understood what Slytherin house stood for. She would help bring proper pride back to her old house. Bella grinned. Her first week at Hogwarts had certainly left an impression. The whispers had reached her ears about silver snakes and death-defying magic already. Bella cleared her throat and asked for the full details of Iris's first week.
By the time the bottle of champagne had been finished the table was up to speed.
The elves had been thoroughly entertained by the antics. Parvati fainting at the sight of Lily and James had made them snigger. All of them thought Flint and Nott got what was coming to them. Although when Severus mentioned the corruption in the Ministry and the inevitable light sentences, the mood became a little sour. Flint and Nott wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts on Dumbledore's watch though.
Bella subtly informed Andromeda that Narcissa was on her way as Andromeda at that point just breathed deeply.
Mitty called for Binky telepathically. Within a minute a little house elf appeared, looking around the room in astonishment and peering intently at Mitty, 'Who are you? Where is Mitty? Master and Mistress Longbottom are still at the hospital.'
'Binky, it is me. Mitty. Iris has broken the curse.'
Binky looked frightened, 'You is lying to me. What curse?'
Severus's smooth voice carried, 'Iris. Time to work your magic.'
The Slytherins all grinned and settled themselves as Iris did the usual. None of them looked like they would ever get bored of this. Even Dawn had a smile on her face.
One big gold flash later and a fully grown gorgeous elf was standing in Grimmauld Place.
'What the…?' Binky whispered.
The other elves spoke energetically as they informed her of the curse. Binky collapsed in a chair as the other elves filled her in on the revelations. Her face changing from shock to joy in moments.
'A castle?' Binky whispered.
'Yes,' Gabriel said. Binky just noticed him then as she stared at him.
'Iris will be releasing the rest of the elves from enslavement. We will start again. Our minds and bodies are free of the curse. Of course, we were the lucky ones with the Witches and Wizards we bonded with. We will still be visiting our families here,' Dobby told her.
Binky breathed a sigh of relief, 'I love the Longbottom family. I could never leave them permanently.'
'Thank Merlin for Iris,' Dobby said with a big smile.
'Oh, you guys. It's all good. Glad to be of help,' Iris smiled.
Binky glanced over only just noticing Iris, 'You,' she said in reverence, 'You saved Master Neville.'
'The ring saved Neville. I just managed to get to him in time, luckily,' Iris said modestly as her hand was grabbed by Binky and shook vigorously.
'Thank you a million times, Iris. Neville is like my own son. The Longbottom's will be coming to Hogwarts to say thank you in person later tonight. Neville should be allowed to go back by dinner.'
'That's great news. It doesn't feel right without Neville there,' Iris had already grown to like Neville a lot.
Binky released her hand and put it up to her face, 'This is so strange. I know this is my hand, but it doesn't look like my hand.'
'Look in the mirror properly, Binky,' Starry said. Binky walked across and gasped.
'Is that truly me?' she asked in a quivering voice.
'Yes. That is your true form,' Starry said, 'What we looked like before an evil wizard did this to us.'
Binky touched the mirror, 'This is going to take time to get used to. That's for sure. My mind is different. My voice. Everything. It's better. But so different.'
They heard the door open as the familiar sight of Dumbledore walked into the room. His face looked with astonishment at the elves.
'Headmaster,' said Severus, 'As I said over the floo, we have a couple of surprises. Iris has broken the curse on the elves. They have regained their true form and minds.'
Albus felt his mouth drop. His blue eyes began twinkling madly.
Dobby approached and put out his hand, 'Headmaster. You already know me but just to make sure, I am the elf Dobby.'
Albus was effusive in his welcoming.
Gabriel spoke, 'As I said to the others, this has been a thorn in my side for three thousand years. I had lost all hope. Iris was doing a demonstration for Bella of her dark magic. The pureness of it broke the curse.
Albus' eyes showed understanding, 'Pure,' he whispered.
Dobby introduced the other elves as Albus showed great warmth to them.
Gabriel continued, 'Their homeland is not far from Hogwarts. They have a castle there that has not been touched in three thousand years. I will show them the way. Can we release the Hogwarts elves tonight? They are very happy there so they should stay to help run the castle for now till other arrangements can be made.'
'Of course, Gabriel. Oh, this is wonderful news,' Albus actually looked near tears, 'I have heard of old elf folklore before. Elves were highly regarded in those days. Incredible life spans of hundreds of years. They were strong, fearless warriors. Oh,' the tears started then, 'Firenze will be so overjoyed. All the centaurs will be. The unicorns too,' he sobbed out.
The elves eyes were glistening with tears as well.
Gabriel gave Albus a one-armed cuddle.
'I'm just so happy, Gabriel. Thank you, Iris.'
'It's the ring doing this, headmaster.'
'Yes, but you're the one with the steering wheel, Iris,' Albus beamed at the young Gryffindor.
Iris blushed, 'I'm just doing what anyone else would do,' she said quietly.
Dawn gave her a big hug at that. Iris grinned. She knew Dawn had been a bit awkward about Esmerelda so she was relieved her sort of stepmother was taking this so well.
'Oh, by the way, I made Gryffindor,' Iris said to Dawn.
'I had a feeling you would,' Dawn told her, smiling, 'Well done, dear.'
Iris smirked at Draco, who grinned back at her.
'You should all come back to Hogwarts tonight,' Albus said to the elves, 'We will arrange suitable attire for you all. Those robes will not be practical for gallivanting around the castle in. Iris. The Longbottoms will be arriving with Neville. They wish to meet with you. Can you meet them at my office at six o'clock?'
'Of course, headmaster,' Iris said.
Albus spoke as well to Binky, 'You should come with us. We can explain to the Longbottoms what has happened together. They will not recognise you.'
'We can meet you in the kitchens afterwards and lift the curse off the elves in there,' said Gabriel.
Iris nodded, 'Sounds like a plan. Then popcorn and a film with the girls. James has ordered us to have some fun. I may have to pull Hermione away from the books for a few hours.'
There came a soft knock at the door as they all turned to see a pale blonde woman who looked a lot like Andromeda and Bella in the face.
'Mother,' said Draco. He stood up quickly and moved over to her.
Albus and Gabriel glanced at each other.
'The other surprise Headmaster. Narcissa has something of great importance for you,' Severus said in his smooth, soft voice.
Albus raised an eyebrow as he peered at Narcissa.
Bella and Andromeda looked rigid as they stared at their sister who was looking around the room with undisguised interest.
'Please. Narcissa. Come in. Take a seat,' Walburga said in a calm voice.
Iris watched Narcissa glide into the room. She was regal. Just like her own mother, but there was a coldness to her that her own mother didn't possess. Iris watched Draco's eyes soften as Narcissa hugged him. Alright. She just generated a general aura of coldness then.
Walburga watched Narcissa sit, 'Drink? It has been a day of discovery and celebration. Champagne? Scotch? Tea?'
Narcissa glanced around the room. Severus was pouring himself a scotch. Bella had cracked open another bottle of champagne. The ashtrays were becoming fuller.
Iris watched the Hitchcock blonde's mouth twitch, 'Champagne would be lovely,' Iris heard her say. Her voice was smooth. She had a cut crystal accent.
Bella and Andromeda gazed at their sister.
A glass was put in front of her as an elegant sip was taken.
'Cigarette, Cissy?' Bella asked as she lit her own up and moved the pack over to her.
Narcissa nodded and took one with a murmured thank you. Andromeda lit it for her. Her sisters and Walburga busied themselves around her. The elves were talking amongst themselves.
Within a minute Iris watched the cold blonde visibly relax. It transformed her. Iris thought she looked like an actual human being now. Draco seemed to sense the change too, as he sat back in his chair with relief.
'Welcome back, Cissy,' Bella said warmly as Andromeda echoed the statement.
'You will have no idea how good it feels for me to be back,' Narcissa said lightly.
'Mrs Malfoy, I would-,' Albus began before Narcissa lifted her hand to stop him.
'Please. Mr Dumbledore. Just Miss Black or Narcissa will be sufficient. I have already begun divorce proceeding yesterday.'
Bella was grinning. Andromeda looked nervous. Severus looked intrigued. Draco had a determined expression on his young face. Walburga looked relieved. The elves were pretending not to listen but were failing miserably. Divorce was taboo in the wizarding world.
Iris looked carefully at her then. There were the telltale dark circles under her eyes. Well covered of course, but there. She was thinner than what was considered healthy.
Albus nodded, 'Just call me Albus then, Narcissa,' he said to her gently. Narcissa nodded.
'I assume you have had a change of heart in your political leanings,' Albus began diplomatically.
'My politics? Not so much,' Narcissa admitted, 'What my ex-husband has dragged my family into is not politics. It is madness.'
Gabriel was sitting quietly in the corner as he contemplated Narcissa.
'Mother. This is Iris,' Draco said quietly.
Iris stood up from the end of the table and made her way over. Narcissa froze and watched the girl approach.
'Merlin. You are a carbon copy of your father. You have Hayley's nose, however,' Narcissa smiled gently at the young girl as Iris relaxed a little.
Narcissa was certainly intimidating.
'Draco has told me a lot about you,' Narcissa spoke softly, 'You were not what he was expecting.'
Gabriel took the moment to move out of the shadows.
'This is Gabriel, Miss Black,' Iris said to her.
Narcissa gazed up at the Angel and Iris again saw the human side of her. Narcissa drew a deep breath and trembled.
'I am very pleased to meet you finally, Narcissa,' Gabriel said in his deep voice. His eyes were golden as his white wings fluttered, 'I am pleased to see you and your son have finally made your choice.'
Narcissa made a strange noise and blushed. She put her hand out to him as he behaved impeccably and placed a kiss on her knuckle. Her face went beet red.
'Shall I rid you of the dark magic?' Gabriel asked softly.
Narcissa's whole face lightened up as she held up her arm.
They all watched intrigued as Gabriel worked his Angel magic and took off the dark tattoo from her arm.
Narcissa gazed at her arm and then Gabriel with a broad smile that transformed her face as she looked at the Angel in a daze. She thanked him profusely.
Gabriel disappeared to dispose of Riddle's putrid magic.
Draco looked at his mother with an odd look on his face. It took a moment for Iris to realise it was a strange sort of happiness.
'It's all true, then? What Draco has been telling me?' Narcissa whispered.
'Angels. Silver snakes. Salazar. Pure dark magic. Yes. Cissy, all true,' Bella beamed.
'There is a chance then?' Narcissa looked at her sisters as they both nodded gently to her.
'More than that,' Andromeda said, 'We are celebrating today. The others in this room are all our former house-elves. Iris has just broken the curse on them. They have regained their true form.'
Narcissa's eyes widened, 'How?'
'Pure dark magic. We discovered it by accident. Iris was doing a demonstration for us and there were flashes of gold light, then, tarahh. Best magic trick ever,' Bella grinned.
Narcissa looked more closely at the elves, 'Their ears, Merlin. You are elves,' her head snapped back around to Iris. Then she had a beaming grin.
'The perfect revenge,' Narcissa grinned a feral grin, 'Does this break the enslavement bond for definite?'
'Yes,' Starry said.
'Iris. If I call the house-elves my ex-husband and his low life friends own can you lift the curse for them?' Narcissa asked in excitement.
'Sure,' Iris said, 'We're in the process of lifting it from all the elves around the world. Elves can communicate telepathically with each other and apparate globally.'
Sheer jubilation was on Narcissa's face, 'All of them?' she asked. Iris nodded.
Severus smirked in the background.
'We're going to need a bigger room,' Narcissa looked around.
'The ballroom is larger,' Walburga said.
Narcissa stood. She picked her bag up. Pausing a moment, she picked out an item wrapped in cloth. She moved to Dumbledore.
'Years ago I made a mistake that I have regretted ever since. I gave a requested diary to Ernie McNair to smuggle into the Ministry in exchange for what I thought was my husband's freedom. If I had any idea of what Riddle had planned for us all, I would not have done that,' Narcissa looked at Albus with narrowed eyes, 'I have to live with that. That one stupid mistake for a man who I thought loved me, will haunt me till the day I die and beyond the grave, I suspect,' Narcissa looked down at the package in her hand, 'Whatever this is, it's important to that maniac. He had me put it in my Gringotts vault. Do what you must with it. I went past caring about their New World Order years ago,' she thrust it into Albus's hand and moved with a spring in her step to the ballroom.
Gabriel had returned as he approached Albus as Iris looked on. Her skin started to crawl as Albus lifted the lid of the small box.
'It's the Hufflepuff cup,' he breathed out to Gabriel.
Iris approached the two of them. Her brow was frowning, 'Can you hear that? It's whispering something. It's making my skin crawl.'
Albus went pale at that. He shut the box sharply.
He turned to Iris, 'Gabriel is going to dispose of this. It is another of Tom's nasty little toys, Iris.'
Iris nodded, 'Good. I'll see you tonight, Gabriel. I'm going to the ballroom. Narcissa seems very keen to get the elves freed. That's very nice of her.'
Severus had hovered up behind, 'I don't think it is an entirely selfless act Iris.'
Iris looked at him in confusion.
'I mean to say that this will really, really aggravate Lucius and his friends immensely,' Severus gave a sardonic smile.
'Well, whatever motivates her to do the right thing. Her ex-husband deserves everything he gets,' Iris said and wandered off with Severus and the others.
Albus watched her walk away. Gabriel stood beside him. They were the only two left in the drawing-room, 'Did you hear anything from the cup?' Albus asked him.
'No. I did not. I did feel it's poison, though,' Gabriel said softly.
'Mm. Yes. I felt that. It is subtle to me. But neither did I hear it speak,' Albus replied.
They stood quietly for a moment.
'I'll take this to join with the others,' Gabriel said in a weary tone.
'Any changes?' Albus asked.
'No. The first two pieces have merged. It appears his soul is in agony. There is nothing we can do. It simply languishes in limbo for now. The locket. The ring. Now this cup. His current body is using half of his soul. What you suspected was the diary was his first. If he realises what we have been doing he will make more. There must be more already still on Earth. You think he split it seven times?'
'Perhaps. It is not possible to know for certain. I had been planning on interviewing his old Professors, but I do not know how accurate that will be. After losing the locket and diary he may have created more. Iris says Harry can speak parseltongue like her. Her Equi magic and his mother and father's Equi magic block his connection to Riddle. Without it, he hears him. I fear part of Riddle's soul may have latched onto Harry. His parents are convinced of this. It is not a Horcrux as such, but something else. Hayley and Iris also have a connection. Hayley's is severed now with Tom, but because of her magical bond to Equi and the Ressurection stone, she can return. They both can access Equilibrium in different ways. The Ressurection Stone allows Iris remarkable power which she is, fortunately, using in a good way. Merlin help us if she does not. Nott's journey was a tad excessive, but understandable when you realise his crimes. Hayley should have died when she absorbed the locket Horcrux. Iris hearing the Horcrux is not a good sign, Gabriel. Harry and Iris may be anchored to this world as long as Tom is. It is not natural. He has done unthinkable things in his pursuit of immortality. I worry that the only way for Tom to die completely is for them to also pass on. They may unknowingly be anchoring him to this world too. Tom cannot be aware of this. He would not have used Hayley in his ritual otherwise.'
Gabriel sighed, 'Problems for another day. We cannot predict. That Iris can release the elves using this pure black magic is hopeful. That this power has not been trusted in another's hands in all these years is reason to be optimistic. This has never been done before. I'll take this fragment of his soul to join the others.'
It was with a heavy heart that Albus bade Gabriel goodbye.
He strolled into the ballroom as his eyes widened at what he saw. There appeared to be ten bedraggled house elves in various states of duress. They looked very ill and bruised.
The people in the room looked horrified at the scene. The elves looked particularly upset.
Iris was kneeling in front of them, 'Those bastards,' hissed Iris, 'What have they done to you?' tears were rolling down her cheeks.
'Please, Miss. We cannot be talking about our masters,' one of the elves whispered. The rest remained silent.
Iris's hands clenched as her body shook, 'Narcissa,' she said through gritted teeth, 'Please inform these elves that I will be releasing them from their enslavement and they can join these elves in their true forms.'
The house-elves looked at Iris with bewilderment.
'Truly?' whispered the only elf brave enough to speak.
Narcissa looked at them, 'Yes. She can. Brace yourselves.'
The Slytherin's were torn between looking forward to the dark magic and feeling woeful at the sad scene in front of them. They were tough people, but this pitiful sight in front of them was actually heartbreaking.
Iris didn't need much to push her. She took one final look at the little house-elves and closed her eyes. Within a moment the force of dark magic rushed through the room as Narcissa's eyes widened. It was even more intense than earlier. The room was as hot as an oven within a few seconds. The pure dark magic rippled throughout. Iris opened her eyes as Narcissa saw the blackness shining out. The force was pure and incredible. Her last thought before the golden flashes was Draco had been absolutely right. She was stronger than Riddle.
Ten human-sized elves stood warily in front of them all. Iris gazed at them all. The magic seemed to have healed their physical injuries but they still looked frightened.
Dobby and Starry approached them cautiously, 'It's over. You will never go back to them,' Dobby whispered to them.
'How?' said the one elf who had spoken before.
'Iris has a gift. Pure black magic from the source,' Albus said to them softly, 'It has released the curse that has been tormenting the elves for three thousand years. These are the elves Iris freed earlier today.'
Tiny smiles showed on the elves faces as they all looked at the others.
'We have a homeland. A castle to go to,' Mitty said to them.
The elves Narcissa had summoned started to slowly pat themselves in wonder. Binky showed them the large mirror which they stared at in wonder.
'My minds coming back to me,' one of the elves started to say.
'You will have as much time as you need to heal,' Albus said to them all, 'You can stay at Hogwarts for now. We have plenty of room.'
Iris stood to the side with a surly look on her face. Narcissa approached her.
'That was incredible,' Narcissa said to her.
'Your ex-husband was one of those who did that to them. Him and his scum friends,' Iris stated as she looked at the blonde woman. Her narrowed grey eyes stared up at Narcissa.
'Yes. We tried to stop them at the start, but none of us can reason with them anymore.'
'Did you ever hurt one of them?' Iris snapped at her angrily.
Narcissa had a brief image of Riddle flashing through her mind at the sight, 'No. I can assure you I would never do that. I have seen too much cruelty in my life already. It is why my son and I are here. We want to help stop all this.'
Iris appraised the aloof woman. Cold? Yes. A snob? Absolutely. Greedy? Certainly. But no, she didn't think Narcissa would stoop to these levels of cruelty. She remembered what Gabriel had said about her. She felt her anger drop a little.
'They will face justice for what they have done,' Iris said coldly, 'And I'm not talking about the Ministry's pathetic excuse for a justice system. Azkaban is too good for them. What each of them has done to those elves, they will get back a thousand times by the time we're through with them.'
As Narcissa stood there feeling the aftershocks of the dark magic pulsating out of Iris she did not once doubt those words. She decided then and there she rather liked one Iris Black.
Bella and Draco approached them.
'Cissy. Shall we move your possessions tonight? No one is getting into Grimmauld Place without permission. Walburga and Albus have increased the wards since Riddle was here,' Bella asked, 'Then we can talk properly,' Bella glanced at Iris. The girl was still calming down.
'Yes. I think that would be wise. Lucius has been making trips back to Britain occasionally. News should be reaching him imminently about my decision.'
'It is good to have you home,' Bella paused, 'Are you sure you are going to be strong enough for this?'
Narcissa clenched her jaw as her eyes found Draco's. He gave her a soft smile. Iris watched this interaction. His mother's eyes flashed with something indefinable, 'Yes. I'm sure,' she said to her sister, 'I've been sure for years. My son and I have had enough. It's been a bloody nightmare.'
Albus moved over to them, 'The elves seem well enough to use the floo. We'll take them back to the castle to recuperate. Iris. Draco. Are you both ready?'
They said goodbye to those in the room. Iris hugged Dawn and Andromeda goodbye. Both of them still appeared somewhat in shock by the afternoon.
'Sorry. We got a bit sidetracked. We'll have a more chilled out time next Saturday, promise,' Iris said to her Gran. Walburga just smiled at her.
'Don't apologise, Iris. This has been the most exciting day I've had in a long time,' Walburga told her.
Iris grabbed some popcorn from the kitchen and returned to the fireplace. The elves were already moving through. The words, 'Dumbledore's office,' kept repeating.
Iris still couldn't get over the dramatic change. She hugged Bella and her Gran goodbye.
'See you next week,' Iris pictured the veil.
'Try and avoid blowing up the castle, darling,' Bella said to her.
Iris blew her a kiss and disappeared into the veil.
She stood in Dumbledore's office again as Fawkes flew down to her shoulder trilling in happiness. The elves were looking around in interest. Mitty and Dobby came over to meet Fawkes. Dumbledore stood simply watching the elves with a broad smile on his face.
Severus and Draco were the last two through.
Draco walked up to Albus, 'Headmaster. I need to change my name in the register. My mother advocates this. She is also reverting her name back as well. My name is now Draco Black. Whatever happens, we're both done with him.'
Iris stood beside him and squeezed his hand tightly as he squeezed back.
'Draco Black,' she said, 'Rolls off the tongue better I think.'
'I know it's only a name but it already makes me feel different as a person to say it,' Draco mused out loud.
'Better?' Iris asked.
Draco mouthed his name, 'Much.'
Albus looked at the two cousins. The two of them were up to their necks and they both knew it. He wondered just how awful Lucius had been to warrant this departure of both his wife and son. He stopped that train of thought. The elves were returning. This was cause for a day of much celebration.
'I'll change that for you, Mr Black,' Albus said to him. Draco nodded his thanks.
'I am going to escort the elves to their quarters, Iris. I shall meet you back here at six o'clock to meet the Longbottoms.'
Iris smiled, 'I'll introduce you to Ethan, Mr Black. We've got time. I'll leave my popcorn here headmaster.'
Draco grinned and followed Iris out.
Iris returned an hour later to meet Frank and Alice. She had left a very happy Draco with his new snake and with an excited Daphne and her gang.
Binky had already arrived as Albus had explained the situation to an awed Longbottom family.
Neville was the first to spot Iris as he ran up to her and gave her a big hug.
Iris hugged him back tightly. The thought of what could have happened to him was too gruesome to contemplate.
Augustas sat primly by Dumbledore's desk watching the two of them. Frank and Alice both had a stunned look on their faces. Binky's transformation on top of Neville's near-death experience had triggered an avalanche of emotions.
Neville walked with Iris to the table.
Alice swooped in and gave Iris as big a hug as her son had.
'Oh, how you've grown. I still remember you as a little girl,' Alice looked overcome with emotion, 'You look so much like your father. I mean the girl version. You have your mother's nose though.'
'Oh well, thank you. Sirius is a beautiful man,' Iris said to them.
'Indeed,' Frank said, 'This is the second time you have aided this family. We are very grateful for your help.'
'Just call it karma. Gran has told me about all you have done for others. It's good we could help you out for a change. Neville's grand. He stuck up for my friend too,' Iris smiled at Neville, 'I'm just relieved that I could help him.'
'I honestly thought I was going to die,' Neville stated. 'Then that white light held me. For a moment I thought I had died. It was so bright.'
Alice held her hand to her mouth. She hugged her son.
'Flint will never be able to return to Hogwarts, I presume?' Frank addressed Albus.
'Never. The Auror's have him in custody. I cannot know the outcome. We all know what state the Ministry is in. I can assure you he will not be allowed back into Hogwarts regardless of any devious manipulations.'
'Was he deliberately targeting my son?' Frank asked them.
Iris spoke, 'Hermione Granger was the original target. She's Muggleborn. Flint couldn't get to her. I suppose anyone who had links to the Order of the Phoenix would be next. Their orders are that Harry and I are to be kept alive for now. Riddle wants to deal with us himself. Ron was with me otherwise it may have been him. Neville was flying by himself at the time. Harry tried to get to him, but Crabbe knocked him out the way. Crabbe is cleaning chamber pots for the next year. Severus is keeping an eye on him. One more toe out of line then that's it for Crabbe.'
Augustas, Binky and Alice looked horrified by this.
Frank sat back in his chair and let out a big sigh, 'Orders?'
'Riddle has given the orders to those who follow him. Get all the Muggleborns out of Hogwarts using any means necessary. They have been bullying them mainly, but it's getting worse. A first-year was beaten almost to death last year. He left and so have a couple of others because of it. They have been told to make it look like accidents if they have to. Apply these same orders to anyone else who may be a threat to him,' Iris told him. 'So, children of the Order, anyone outspoken against this and anyone connected directly to Harry and me. Tonks. The Weasleys. Daphne. Susan. They're all at risk. Kingsley has a niece here. Although Salazar has certainly ruined those plans,' Iris had a grim expression.
Alice breathed a sigh of relief. Neville had told her all about the silver snakes that roamed the halls.
'We heard what happened with the Nott boy,' Frank said, 'Minerva has been in touch. 'Did you really take him into the seventh circle?'
'I did. I would do it again. He is a detestable creature. I almost left him there,' Iris sniffed with all the contempt she could muster. Frank gazed at her.
'The squibs you have given magic back to?' Alice asked, 'The elves?'
'Yes. It isn't a trade. They don't owe me anything. I'm not Riddle. If things get as bad as we think, then they will all have a choice. At least they're not defenceless anymore. I have a gift. That's it. I think I am meant to be doing this.'
Albus spoke then, 'Iris is right. She has been given this power for a reason. These are not random incidents. The sequence of events leads me to assume this is being planned. The elves have, for three thousand years, been enslaved. This is not simply a coincidence that magic has chosen to release them now.'
'Riddle has messed with forces greater than him that he shouldn't have. They are messing with him now,' Iris said darkly, 'From what I can see it is more than simply light versus dark now. This ring is giving me both forces. Riddle and the others have gone so far over the lines with their abuses. We are given free will on Earth. The Angels on both sides are more like our governors if you like. We are all given choices on earth. All of us. They have all gone too far, even for the dark.'
Frank had gone pale, 'Albus. Is this true? I know my wife and I deliberately put ourselves into exile all these years. We have been out of the loop so to speak. What is Iris alluding to?'
'I will tell you. You have a choice. All of you. You must know that I fear that wherever you hide will not conceal anyone for long,' Albus told them softly.
'Tell us everything, Albus,' Alice was looking intently at Albus.
So Albus did.
Iris took Neville's hand as the Longbottoms and Binky took this all in.
'You are under no obligations to join us,' Albus told them, 'You have already given more than enough. But it may be your best protection to rejoin us. This is not going to go away.'
It was a very subdued Frank and Alice that left Hogwarts. They had much to consider.