The other Gryffindors wandered into the Great Hall and sat with them. Ron sat down with a thud.
'Neville has been telling us what happened with his house-elf. Bloody amazing. They have completely transformed. Can I meet them?' he asked Iris.
'Ask the Headmaster. He's looking after them. I think he should be fine with it. Although, do it soon. They have their own lands and castle about twenty miles away. Only they can get in. When they are ready they are going back. Gabriel is going to show them the way.'
'Wicked,' Ron grinned.
Harry spoke quietly, 'Sorry again about what I said. I was just surprised and wasn't thinking clearly.'
'It's ok. Hermione explained that it wasn't perhaps without just cause,' Iris said as they both made an apologetic face at each other.
'Mum's going to be so happy,' Harry grinned, 'I'm seeing her tonight. I'll tell her about it. She hated the elf enslavement bond.'
Hermione nodded, 'Same. I knew something wasn't right about it. Can you tell Lily hi and I'll see her tomorrow night?'
'Will do,' Harry said.
Kreacher came sauntering into the hall looking resplendent in an old fashioned tunic.
'Tolkien comes to life,' thought Iris.
A lot of the women and girls were brazenly watching him walk down to Iris.
'Hey, Ron. You can see what Kreacher looks like now,' Iris said.
Ron had met Kreacher a few times at the Burrow. He looked excited as he turned his head as his jaw dropped.
'No way,' he gasped as his eyes saw the elf striding down.
'You should see Binky,' Neville smiled, 'She's even lovelier.'
Ron continued to stare at the elf, 'So that is what the curse did to them. Bastards,' Ron looked angry, 'They look just like us, except for the ears.'
'The evil Wizard who did this must have wanted to dehumanise them so people treated them like animals,' Hermione mused.
Iris and Harry looked at each other. They both thought Hermione was right.
'The curse messed with their heads too. They couldn't think properly,' Iris said to Ron.
Ron was shaking his head as Kreacher approached.
'Hello, Iris. I'm just checking to see we are still on for six o'clock in the kitchens? We have more arrivals.'
'Absolutely Kreacher,' Iris smiled. She gazed at the handsome elf.
'This is incredible,' Ron breathed out.
The tall boy from earlier approached them.
'Oh, for Merlin's sake, Wilson. Sit down,' an older Gryffindor girl Iris knew as Angelina Johnson said this sharply to him.
Wilson ignored her and stood in front of Kreacher.
'Are you in on stealing our elves with her?'
Kreacher appraised the young man, 'Stealing?' he whispered.
'We've been the thieves, Wilson,' Iris said to him.
Hermione stood up now, 'One word, Wilson. Reparations. Do you know what that means?'
He looked at her blankly.
'I thought so,' Hermione snapped as she sat back down.
'I am an elf,' Kreacher said to Wilson.
'No, you're not,' Wilson seemed adamant.
'It is the truth. Iris freed me from my enslavement.'
Wilson gaped for a moment as he looked properly at Kreacher and noticed his ears. His face went a peculiar shade of red, 'Then she has to change you back. You have a job to do. Get back and do it, elf,' he ordered in a domineering voice.
'You contemptible piece of filth,' Iris stood and hurled Walburga's and her own favourite insult at him.
'I am not changing them back just so you sickos can have your little whipping boys and girls back. Get stuffed,' she shouted at him as her voice echoed around the great hall.
'Yeah,' said Ron loudly, 'Get stuffed.'
Professor McGonagall meandered up at this point.
'Miss Black. Mr Wilson. Mr Weasley. What appears to be the problem?' she asked.
'He's the problem. He is demanding I change the elves back so they get their slaves back,' Iris said with her teeth grinding.
'I am afraid Mr Wilson that once an ancient curse is broken it cannot be reapplied,' McGonagall said in the least sympathetic voice Iris had ever heard in her life, 'If you paid any attention in charms class you would know this.'
Wilson went red in the face and for the second time in the last hour stormed off.
'Show's over everyone,' Ron said to the hovering students.
Iris waved goodbye to Kreacher and returned calmly to her chips.
'Didn't he frighten you? He's so big,' Lavender asked her from across the table.
Iris spluttered and then threw her head back and laughed loudly, 'Him? Oh, Lavender. You are priceless. Wilson? Frightening?' Iris tittered. She wiped the tears from her eyes as the other students and Professor McGonagall stared at her.
'Oh, to live in a world where Wilson was capable of scaring me. He's like a naughty puppy compared to what I'm used to,' she sighed and gave a gentle smile to the blonde girl, 'You should be a comedian. You always know how to make me laugh.'
Lavender didn't look particularly impressed by this compliment and delved into her dinner, slightly disgruntled. She hadn't intended the question to be taken as a joke.
Professor McGonagall had a look of deep sadness as she walked away.
Harry too shifted uncomfortably as Hermione looked carefully at Iris.
Iris felt her eyes on her as she understood the questioning look, 'Hey, Hermione. The bad things we all go through. It makes us stronger in the end.'
Hermione and Harry tried to pretend they agreed with her. They both privately disagreed.
'The elves thing really bothers you, doesn't it?' Hermione said to Ron curiously.
Ron put his fork down and stopped eating as he opened his mouth to explain. Even Harry looked surprised at his restraint. Ron normally shovelled his food in.
'Growing up as I have, you know, as a Weasley. We're not really poor or anything like that. Dad has a good job and mum is brilliant at running the Burrow, but because there are so many of us, we've always had to be very careful with money. Some of the insults we get from certain Purebloods are that the Weasleys are poorer than house-elves. My Granddad was betrayed by his business partner years ago and he lost us a huge amount of our family's wealth. The Weasley's had a Manor too, back then. That was taken from him to pay the debts the other Wizard had built up. Just knowing for certain now how much more has been stolen from the elves makes me angry. I guess I feel I sort of know what they must be feeling a bit.'
Harry and Iris just nodded at this as Hermione's face softened at this admission. Ron blushed a little and returned to his dinner.
The ghosts were beginning to appear in the Great Hall as dinner was finishing. Hermione noticed a few of them hovering and pointed them out.
'I'm going to free some more elves in the kitchen before we start,' Iris said to the table.
'Can I observe?' Hermione asked, 'I think this will be very educational.'
'Course. It won't take long,' Iris said.
Harry and Ron ended up tagging along after hearing the word kitchen.
Iris showed them to tickle the pear in the painting to release the door handle and they moved in. Ron's face lit up at the sight of all the food on the shelves.
Harry was amazed at the number of house-elves in the room. Dozens of them were jumping around in excitement as Iris walked in.
'I do really feel like a rock star,' Iris grinned, 'Hey, you guys,' Iris made her way into the throng.
Harry grinned as Iris high fived the excitable little elves. He gave several elves high five's himself. The enthusiasm was infectious. Kreacher hugged her as Iris then settled down. Harry took a seat too. Iris had briefed them on how this worked. He was very affected by this black magic. Like Hermione, he was looking at this as educational.
'Right. Let's begin,' Iris said as the little elves all stared at her intently.
Hermione and Ron sat close to watch. They saw Iris close her eyes and the Peverell ring started to glow black as the magic drifted out of both Iris and the ring.
Hermione took a deep breath. It was so potent. Like a drug. She felt it all through her. Like Draco had said the other day. She felt like she could fly and had the strength of twenty men. Ron and Harry had the same expressions of intensity. The room was hotter than a sauna. She saw the gold flashes all around her strobing and shut her eyes as they blinded her. She opened them when they stopped and gasped. Human-sized, gorgeous elves stood all around with enormous smiles on their faces. Kreacher and the other elves were assisting them all. They all looked disorientated but that was to be expected.
Iris had her eyes open as the black faded to grey and the magic faded.
Hermione's mind raced. Neville had been in shock when the white magic had hit him. He said he thought for a moment he had died. The hospital had advised him to not use his magic for at least a week and that would be at the hospital. Hermione was waiting to analyse him. She wondered at the experiments that could be tried. If she was in direct contact with Iris could she too cast powerful spells? Was she absorbing this already? She would talk with Lily. Iris had already said she was willing to try anything. If this power could be transferred and shared then that could make all the difference in the future. She glanced at Harry, who looked regenerated. His emerald eyes were glowing. Ron looked equally thriving.
'Wow,' Ron breathed, 'That is, wow.'
'Pure magic,' Iris said, 'Not twisted like how when evil people abuse it. Straight from the source.'
She smiled at Kreacher, who thanked her.
'How are the other elves all doing?' Ron asked him.
'Still coming to terms with all this. Gabriel is taking a few of us to the castle tomorrow. We are feeling so many emotions it is not possible yet to make sense of them.'
Ron told him how sorry he was for what happened to them to which Kreacher gave a gentle smile.
''We must look forward. Iris has informed us that the one who did this to us had their very existence ended by Satan himself. That is how cruel his crime was.'
Ron, Harry and Hermione looked at Iris as she nodded, 'Gabriel told me.'
'Oh,' Harry said. He still couldn't wrap his mind around this.
Iris stretched, 'Right. Ghosts now. Hey. Hermione, you will be pleased to know I'm getting points for Gryffindor for all this good work. Sev gave me ten already.'
Hermione didn't have a response to that as they made their way back to the great hall. House points seemed such a nice, quaint concept that maybe a week ago she may have cared about them.
Ron and Harry went back to the common room. Iris told them this was likely to be an emotional evening. Harry had plans to see his mum anyway and Ron was going to spend some time with the other lads.
Hermione and Iris went back into the Great Hall. Gabriel and Albus greeted them both with a smile. The ghosts were all there. Floating. It was all very quiet.
'Hermione is going to stay if that's alright,' Iris said.
Albus smiled, 'Of course. Miss Granger. Iris has told you what to expect I assume?'
Hermione gazed up at Dumbledore, 'She has. It is a guessing game for now.'
'It is,' Albus said solemnly. 'We are going to try a few things.'
The ghost of the Bloody Baron approached them. 'We have decided amongst ourselves that I am going to be the volunteer for this.'
'Very well,' Gabriel said as the ghosts looked at the Angel in awe.
'Oh, don't forget Professor Binns,' Iris said, 'I think he has dementia, Headmaster. It is why he is like he is. We see people like him at the hospital. The Angels can't heal it. We tried. Only Equi can. I can't see him here. I spoke to him about it and I don't think he understood.'
Albus looked at the gathered ghosts. He couldn't see the professor either.
'We won't forget him, Iris,' he addressed the ghosts, 'Please understand, this is the great unknown for all of us. Patience will be needed.'
The ghosts gave nervous laughter, 'We have waited centuries, Albus,' the grey lady said, 'More time isn't going to matter. Just thank you all for trying.'
'Let's begin. Iris,' Gabriel said to Iris.
Within a moment the large veil was shimmering in the great hall as there was a great amount of whispering.
'It's so close,' whispered one of them.
'We'll try the obvious first. Try and step through,' Gabriel asked the Bloody Baron, 'I'll wait in the tunnel,'
The Angel disappeared.
The Baron stepped up and tried to put his hand through. Blocked. Iris stood next to him and put her hand through the ghost's hand. She felt a coolness but nothing more. They reached through into the veil together but she felt the coolness leave. The Baron's hand couldn't move into it. Shaking her head she pondered. Moving closer to the Baron she placed both hands into the coolness and stepped backwards into the veil to pull him through, but the moment the ghost's hand touched the veil there was nothing. Stepping back out she looked at the baron, 'Stand at the entrance and I'll try and push you through.'
He hovered at the veil, but again Iris went straight through.
Iris sighed, 'Any ideas?' she looked at Albus.
He stroked his beard. Looking intently at Iris, 'If there was some way for you to simply get a proper grip that perhaps would make it possible.'
They heard Hermione gasp. They both turned to her and saw a frantic look on her face. Albus went to speak but Iris shushed him.
'That's her thinking face. Don't disturb her. I made that mistake the other day.'
Albus grinned.
Hermione came out of her brain and stared at them, 'It's so obvious. Why didn't I think of it before?' Iris wasn't sure if she was requesting an answer so stood patiently.
'The Astral plane, Iris. Use that. That must be how Salazar can get through.'
'You're a bloody genius, Hermione,' Iris grinned in excitement.
Hermione blushed a deep red.
'You can do that still?' Albus said flustered.
'Yes. I have to use a mirror to get into it now, but yes.'
Within a few minutes, Albus had retrieved a large full-length mirror and placed it in front of the veil. Iris let Gabriel know what was happening.
'Right. You won't see me but the ghosts should. When I've gone through, push the mirror and veil together. Then after a minute, you can separate them,' Iris said as they all looked with interest as Iris pushed her hand into the mirror and disappeared into it.
Albus and Hermione watched with bated breath as the Baron nervously held his hand out to what appeared to be thin air. They saw a tiny flicker of Iris through the gap as she moved backwards out of the mirror and stepped into the veil pulling the ghost with her.
Gabriel had a beaming smile in the veil as the baron came through into the tunnel.
'You did it, Iris,' Gabriel's golden eyes were flashing.
They eased through the portal into Equilibrium.
They both watched the Baron pat himself. He looked much better. Solid and young.
'I'll walk through with you. Don't let go of my hand till we're through,' Iris told him.
The Baron looked beside himself as he looked around in shock at limbo. They walked through to the end as they stood.
Iris let go of his hand carefully as Gabriel watched him in earnest.
'I'm real again. This is real,' the Baron whispered.
'You bet your ass it's real,' Iris said in reverence.
'I'll be your guide for now,' Gabriel said, 'There is much to explore. There may be family and friends perhaps that may still be here. They may have moved on to other worlds. There are other Angels to help find them.'
The Baron barely appeared to be listening. He kept holding his hands together, 'Is there a mirror?'
A mirror appeared to the side, 'This is similar to a Room of Requirement,' Gabriel said. 'There is one at Hogwarts.'
Iris looked at him with curiosity.
'All in good time, Iris,' Gabriel smiled.
The Baron looked in the mirror and ran his fingers over his face and started to cry, 'I can't help it,' he said through his tears, 'I'm so happy.'
'It's alright to cry in these sort of situations,' Iris told him, 'You should cry. You got a bad deal. But you're here now. Better late than never.'
The Baron put his fingers to his face, 'These are actual tears,' he stated in shock. 'I'm home.'
They walked with him to the doors that led into Equilibrium. The Baron's eyes widening at the morning suns.
'Day is night here,' Iris told him.
'I can feel the sun on my skin,' the baron said in wonder,' I'm alive.'
'Yes, you are,' Iris said smiling, 'I'll let the others know Gabriel.'
His wings flew wide behind him as he watched her going back. His gold eyes shining.
Iris stepped back into the Great Hall and greeted the others with a big smile and her thumbs up.
'He's alive. He's in Equilibrium,' she stated to them.
The jubilation was felt in every part of the hall. Iris went over to Hermione and gave her a bear hug.
'You did this, Hermione. Bless you and your giant brain,' Iris was grinning madly at her.
Hermione was grinning back as Albus and his blue eyes twinkled.
'We want loads and loads of points for Gryffindor, Headmaster,' Iris said to him laughing.
Albus chuckled away at the glorious scenes in front of him.
'That you shall have, Miss Black,' he said as he gazed in wonder at the joy emanating from the ghosts.
The evening calmed down as Gabriel called for a few extra Angels to help in this strange situation. Iris continued to take the ghosts through using the bizarre set up that actually worked. Normally people had family and friends waiting for them when they came through, but the ghosts had been there for centuries. A few family members and friends came to them when the word started to spread in Equilibrium but many had moved on over the centuries.
Albus decided to leave Professor Binns till they found a replacement for him, which Iris understood was necessary.
The grey lady hovered uncertainty until the end.
Albus looked at her in curiosity, 'You have something on your conscience?' he asked her.
'I do. May I speak to you in private? This is not for young ears.'
Hermione and Iris not so subtly ear wagged. They could make out the words great shame and defiled which made no sense but made Albus's eyebrows raise.
When finished the grey lady seemed at peace. Iris took her through the veil and passed her over to one of the Angels.
'I'll see you all soon,' she said to the grey lady, 'I want to make sure you're all settling in.'
The now solid grey lady still appeared in a state of shock and simply nodded.
'You have all eternity now to get used to this,' Iris said warmly, 'No rush.'
'Helena Ravenclaw. That is my name. A thousand years have passed since I have been human. I can only say thank you. It is not enough.'
Iris gasped, 'Is your mum Rowena?'
A short nod followed.
'She's on the planet Origin. Gabriel will sort that out for you if you want to meet her.'
Helena looked thoughtful at Iris, 'I have overheard whispers about the future of the Earth from the students. If I can help you in any way you need only ask.'
Iris smiled, 'Thanks. We're going to need all the help we can get.'
Gabriel came back through the tunnel with Iris to find Albus sitting in deep thought.
'Gabriel,' Albus said immediately, 'The grey lady. She said one of Riddle's toys is at Hogwarts. Ravenclaw's lost diadem. It's in the Room of Requirement. He fooled her.'
Gabriel beamed, 'The ship is being steered after all.'
Iris and Hermione looked intrigued.
'Shall we go get it then?' Iris said.
Albus looked a little sheepish, 'I do not know all the secrets of the castle, Iris.'
Gabriel smiled, 'Fortunately for you, I do know.'
The quartet made their way through the corridors to the seventh floor. It was very late now in the Castle and, apart from a few curious prefects who stared at Gabriel in disbelief, no one was about. It had become an unspoken agreement that Iris's abilities become common knowledge.
A painting of trolls dancing caught Iris's interest as they came to a stop.
'The elves call this the come and go room,' Gabriel told them, 'One must be very specific about the room they require for it to open and have a real need for it.'
Hermione gazed with interest at the wall.
'You must walk by the door three times and focus on what it is you need,' the Angel added helpfully.
Albus looked very intently at the wall.
'What are you thinking?' Iris asked him.
'I am putting myself into Tom's mind,' Albus said ominously, 'The sort of room he would require.'
'Wouldn't it be easier to just request the room he put it in?' Hermione said and then blushed red as she realised what she had insinuated.
'Logical as ever,' Iris said.
'Perhaps Miss Granger is correct, Albus,' Gabriel told him. Rather than get annoyed Albus simply had a twinkle in his eye as he glanced at Hermione.
'I may tend to overthink things,' Albus murmured.
They watched Dumbledore walk back and forth as on the third trip past a door appeared.
They walked into a huge room with ceilings so high they could barely see the ceiling. It was a room that resembled a cathedral. It looked like some sort of huge bric a brac sale.
'Yes. This looks how the elves describe it. The come and go room,' Gabriel said as they looked around at the hundreds of random artefacts. Everything from old books, chairs and brooms were stacked as far as the eye could see.
'Gabriel, stay here with Miss Granger. Iris. Come with me.'
Iris trotted after the Headmaster, 'Keep an ear out Iris. If you hear anything, let me know. Do not touch anything. We are looking for a diadem. It is like a tiara,' he added at Iris's confused face.
'Ok,' Iris knew what one of them was.
They moved deeper into the room. A light seemed to be coming from somewhere as they moved through the items. Tables and cupboards were stacked on top of each other. Iris couldn't see Gabriel and Hermione anymore. She could hear things scuttling around quietly. She looked around at the tall figure of Albus who gave her a reassuring smile.
They moved slowly as Iris focused on her hearing. There. It was distant but definite. Iris motioned to the Headmaster who inhaled sharply. She moved carefully, following the noise.
It became louder. It sounded more of a wail. Not the chittering noise of whatever Narcissa had bought around. They came to the corner of the room. The wailing noise was louder. Iris distinctly heard a woman's voice speaking.
'Here she comes,' it echoed. She spotted it on a table. It looked quite discoloured. The air seemed to hum.
She pointed at it, 'There. It's wailing,' she said dully. Her skin was crawling. One of Riddle's toys. She stepped further away from it as the effects lessened a little.
Albus's eyes widened, 'Well done, Iris. Return to the others and send Gabriel down here. It is late. You and Miss Granger should get some sleep.'
Iris agreed wholeheartedly with this, 'Headmaster. These toys of his. They're part of him, aren't they? It's why I can hear them and you can't.'
Albus didn't need to speak to confirm this. It was clearly written on his face.
'Would Harry and mum be able to hear them too?' Iris whispered.
When Albus didn't immediately answer Iris knew for certain they could.
'You and Gabriel take these things away to destroy them, don't you?' she said quietly.
Albus looked at her sharply, 'You know already that Tom was able to resurrect himself. He has abused magic further than any Wizard before him to do this. What he has done has never been done before. Neither Gabriel and I can be sure of anything, Iris.'
The wailing in Iris's head continued, 'Mum should have died after that ritual. What I can do. What Harry could hear when he was younger. Our connections to him. We're connected to Riddle because of what he has done. What is it exactly in these objects?' Iris asked him.
Albus looked at her properly. She had seen more than most already about Riddle's experiments in her life and it was only a matter of time before she guessed right.
'They are called Horcruxes,' Albus said to her quietly, 'He has split his soul numerous times to create them. They keep him anchored to the Earth. He cannot die until they are all destroyed. The pieces we have found lie in limbo in great pain. Gabriel has merged the three. This will be the fourth.'
'The ring was the turning point, then,' Iris said, 'He didn't know what it could do,' she stated to him.
'No. He does not know the power it holds,' Albus thought then of the prophecy.
'He isn't as smart as he thinks he is then. He can make mistakes,' Iris said to Albus. Her grey eyes flashed and Albus was reminded of Sirius in his more defiant moments.
'Mum and me. She had a part of this in her. I still do. How are Horcruxes made exactly?'
Albus sighed, 'It is a very specific ritual which involves Murder, Iris.'
Iris wasn't surprised by the method as she breathed a sigh of relief, 'We're not Horcruxes then. There was no ritual. Neither is Harry. We're something else,' she mused.
Albus looked at her quietly.
'I'm not afraid of death, Headmaster. If I need to die to so Riddle isn't anchored to Earth then I will. He has to be stopped. Equilibrium is special to me. It is a home of sorts already, but it's my mum and Harry though that I'm worried about. They deserve a long life. A happy one. They are good people. Lily and James want Grandchildren too.'
'So do you, Iris. You should have these things,' Albus exclaimed with dread, 'Do not think you have to sacrifice yourself. We simply do not know enough yet. Your mother would not want to hear you speak like this. There is so much more to learn about this magic.'
The wailing from the diadem continued.
'I suppose,' Iris said, 'How many more Horcruxes are there?'
Albus paled, 'We cannot know. He used his first Horcrux to regenerate his magic when he was on trial.'
'So the first one which would have contained half of his soul. He could have made more since.'
'Yes,' Albus whispered, 'This diadem is the fifth piece we know for sure about. The locket your mother absorbed was definitely a Horcrux. She bought a piece of his soul with her. It is how Gabriel knew immediately what he had done. Many centuries ago a wizard by the name of Herpo the Foul created one. The ring you tracked down at the Gaunts. Narcissa confirmed the diary. She bought the cup. It is how we know she can be trusted completely. It is what Riddle used to defile Bella's mind. We have made wonderful progress, but I fear we are at a stalemate for now. People are investigating possible leads on other pieces, but nothing so far. Gabriel, of course, will see what happens in limbo. As more pieces are merged his soul seems to become less anguished.'
'What happened to Herpo the Foul?' Iris asked.
'Gabriel told me that his soul was merged again in limbo. Most painful. He had committed many cruel and violent sins against humanity. There was no regret for what he had done on earth. I believe Satan took his soul and put it into the black hole. He ceases to exist.'
'Is that what will happen to Riddle in the end?' Iris asked him.
'I suspect so,' Albus said plainly.
'Why are they like how they are?' Iris asked, 'Why do they do what they do? This world could be so much like Equi if it wasn't for them. It's all here on Earth.'
Albus couldn't think of what to say to her.
'People blame the dark. But the dark magic itself isn't the problem. It's just used wrong,' Iris said.
'Perhaps,' Albus looked with concern at Iris, 'Throughout history, dark magic has always found its way into the wrong hands.'
'I used it to free the elves.'
'That is because of its strength. It is because you yourself are not corrupted. If you do become corrupted the magic will become twisted. It is very important Iris that you resist that path.'
'I would never-,'
Albus cut her off, 'You are still young. You have much to learn about the world.'
'I've seen plenty. I've been going out in the world since I was little in the Astral plane. I know what it really is. I have seen it with my own eyes.'
'You have been protected by the Astral plane, Iris. You have not faced true danger since that dreadful night at your Grandmother's. So far the ring has brought many good things. Lily and James. The others who were able to reconnect with their loved ones. You're mothers recovery. The elves. Saving Neville. Tonight you were able to bring the ghosts to Equilibrium. These have been marvellous, wonderful things, Iris. Tom has yet to respond, but when the effects of these changes become obvious, his wrath will be enormous.'
Iris paled at this.
Albus spoke gently now, 'You are too eager to go to South America. You want revenge. You have anger in your heart. The damage that the ring can do through you could lead to the deaths of the innocent.'
'I would never let that happen. Anyway, innocent people are already dying,' Iris defended herself.
'Not intentionally no,' Albus said in a weary voice, 'It could consume you. You have felt its power. So have I. In all my years I have never known such strength. You could potentially obliterate a country when you are older.'
Iris looked into his blue eyes that showed caution.
'I understand,' she said softly.
'You have a good heart, Iris. It is why you have been chosen to wield this. Your ability to travel through the tunnel between both worlds I think was the reason why the ring chose you. Your Equi magic creates a balance in you. It is why the elves languished for three thousand years in their prison without walls. None of the dark Wizards or Witches in all those years could be trusted not to be completely possessed by it.'
Iris nodded cautiously, 'I can't take it off. Bella tried everything.'
'Then you must be careful, Iris. Failure to balance both could lead to ruin.'
Albus moved to the diadem, 'Rowena Ravenclaw was a light Witch. This was her diadem she created which has been tainted by twisted, dark magic. You hear it wailing. It is not balanced.'
Iris got the message loud and clear.
'James and Lily know about the Horcruxes, don't they?' Iris asked as Albus nodded, 'I'll let them tell Harry. I think he suspects anyway.'
Albus peered at her, 'Your friend. The delightful Miss Granger. I gather she has one hand on the steering wheel?'
Iris nodded gently, 'Yes,' she said honestly.
'Good. I think it wise to let that continue, Miss Black. Listen to her, for your sake.'
She considered this as she left Dumbledore and passed the message to Gabriel. Hermione was watching her cautiously as they made their way back to the common room in the quiet. It was way past curfew. They hadn't seen anyone yet. The castle was sleeping.
'You were gone a while,' she stated to Iris.
'Mm. Dumbledore and I had a good talk about responsibility. Balance. You were brilliant tonight, Hermione,' Iris changed the subject.
'Thank you. Don't change the subject. What was in that room? Gabriel wouldn't say.'
Iris glanced at the sleeping portraits they passed.
'I'll tell you in the trunk,' she said quietly.
A few minutes later they passed Filch and a purring Mrs Norris. He gave them a wink and a wave as they waved back. Iris gave him a grin.
'We were with Dumbledore,' she said to him.
'That's quite all right, Miss Black. I understand he had the hall booked for you both.'
Iris knelt to rub Mrs Norris behind the ears as the cat rubbed her head against her hand.
'You are so gorgeous,' Iris said to the happy feline.
'We'd best get back. Got to get some sleep,' Iris said to the cheery man.
Filch waved them on their way.
Hermione watched this entire scene with an incredulous expression.
Once they were out of earshot, she asked Iris what had just happened.
'He was one of the squibs I unblocked,' Iris said simply.
Hermione gasped, 'No wonder he looked so pleased to see you. The older Gryffindors said he was a right nightmare to deal with.'
'Back then, perhaps,' Iris said simply, 'He had been denied his birthright. It would aggravate anyone. There are a lot of them around. One of the Ravenclaw prefects here, Cassandra Dewling said I helped her little sister, Marsha. She said I could go to her if I ever needed any help. Always helps to have friends in high places. One never knows when they can be useful.'
'How very Slytherin of you, Iris,' smiled Hermione.
'They know better than anyone how unpleasant the Wizarding World can be if you don't fit in. We can help each other.'
The common room was empty as they walked through. They crept past a sleeping Parvati and Lavender and slunk down into the trunk. The silencing charms allowed them to speak freely.
'I'm not tired. Your Equi magic makes me feel lively. I'll get some sleep soon,' Hermione promised, 'So, what was in that room?'
Iris had been considering what Albus had told her in the come and go room. Hermione needed to know this.
'An object that prevents Riddle from dying,' Iris told her bluntly.
Hermione's eyes widened.
'Unfortunately, it's not just the one. There are numerous objects.'
Hermione said a word Iris had never thought she would ever hear her utter.
'Hermione!' Iris looked scandalised.
'Really? You drop that bombshell on me. What did you expect?' Hermione sat down as her legs were shaky.
'You wanted to know and if I know one thing for certain about you is that you don't let things drop if you want to know about them. Anyway, you need to know this.'
Hermione grimaced but had to concede the point.
'We've already found some of them, but we have no idea how many more there are. Gabriel deals with them. This was one of them,' Iris showed her the Peverell ring.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully at this.
Iris continued, 'We at least know his secret. We're not blind. Obviously, keep this to yourself. James and Lily know. The Order. What Riddle has done has somehow created my abilities. My mother can use the Astral plane because of it. The connection with the Ressurection Stone kept her alive in this world. He didn't know about the Deathly Hallows. He is not as smart as he thinks he is. The combination of all of this and my black blood has given me this power I have.'
Hermione's mind was working hard, 'Where does Harry fit into this?'
'There is a connection there. There is a reason Riddle tried to kill him when he was a baby. Harry knows all this. The Equi magic protects him from the effects for now. I'm not sure how much James and Lily have told him. I was pushing Dumbledore for answers tonight. It was only a matter of time before I found out anyway so he told me. I suspected something along these lines. They used to call them Riddle's nasty little toys.'
'What is actually in them?' Hermione asked.
'He's split his soul into pieces,' Iris told her, 'They anchor him to the Earth. He cannot die until they are all destroyed. It is the foulest magic we have. They are known as Horcruxes. I doubt you will find anything in the library about them. There. You know as much as me, now. And I know as much as Dumbledore. Even Gabriel has no idea what the future holds.'
Hermione rubbed her temples.
'Hey. As long as Dumbledore is at Hogwarts RIddle won't dare attack the Castle. He's the one Wizard he's frightened of. We have time,' Iris said to the glum-looking girl.
Hermione gave her a watery smile.