Harry sat patiently in the abandoned classroom a few evenings later with his parents, Dumbledore, Gabriel, Snape, Ron, Hermione and Iris.

Lily was speaking to him about the tunnel and the implications of Harry going to Equilibrium to possibly sever the connection to Riddle. Harry already knew of the prophecy.

His emerald eyes were flashing as he focused on his mother's words.

'You do not need to make any decisions, Harry,' Lily said to him, 'This is the unknown.'

Gabriel spread his glowing white wings wide as his golden eyes found Harry's. 'Your mother is correct. We Angels do not know of the repercussions,' he said in his melodious voice.

'Is there anyone higher up you could run this by?' Ron asked.

'I'm afraid that our er, boss, is also uncertain of the consequences,' Gabriel informed Ron sadly, 'I spoke to them already. Perhaps in time, we will have a better idea.'

Ron sighed as Snape watched agog at this admission.

'Blimey, Harry,' Ron said, 'If even the Angels boss doesn't know then we stand no chance.'

'If in doubt, do nowt,' Albus said in a calming voice, 'That is what my mother used to say to me.'

The others gave varying sounds of agreement.

'I think that's about as good as we're going to get for now. I think it is best just to leave it alone and see what happens,' Harry said finally.

'This connection may become useful in the future,' Severus said slowly, 'Although, Mr Potter. If later on, it proves too much for you then perhaps then Miss Black can escort you into limbo. Her mother was also in a similar situation. We know for certain that this would certainly sever the magical connection to Riddle but the effects of this on you are unknown.'

Harry nodded dully. He knew Hayley had been in a coma for three years due to the effects of Riddle's twisted magic.

'At least I have the choice,' Harry said with a watery smile. Lily swept him up in a big hug, which Harry grinned at as he hugged her back tightly as James looked on. His mum's hugs were priceless.

Albus studied the scene deep in thought, 'Neither can live while the other survives,' he thought, 'Oh, why do prophecies have to be so bloody cryptic!' Albus blinked. 'Oh, so that's what that feels like. It is frustrating '.

Albus sighed. At least the omnipotent was as in the dark like him. This made him feel a little better about his own confusion.

Iris and Hermione had watched quietly.

'Lily and I have some ideas for more tests. Lucas was a great help,' Hermione said, 'When we have confirmed the lack of danger to myself, I shall be going to Equilibrium and we can observe any significant changes in me.'

'Are you sure Miss Granger?' Albus asked, 'This has not been attempted before by anyone but Iris.'

'I am first and foremost a scholar, headmaster. Knowledge is as vital to me as breathing,' Hermione told him in a forthright tone. Albus barely kept his mouth in a straight line at this bold statement from a girl barely five foot, 'Lily and James have noticed physical changes in themselves and it is vital we can assess how this is affected the other way. Iris has this gift for a reason. I trust that it is benevolent. Neville is already showing stronger magic than he was used to. The Equi magic engulfed him only for a few seconds and yet stayed with him. It is important to understand its effects. It will be vital in the war.'

There. Hermione had said that word. War.

They each assessed her. 'What are your theories?' Severus asked her in a surprisingly respectful voice. He was certainly different out of lessons.

Hermione looked around the room and smiled at Lily, 'Genetics. Lily and I have talked about this a lot. We think Equi magic can be absorbed in us and brought back to Earth within our bodies. It would explain why Iris's magic is already so strong. I expect her to get stronger as we get older and for her Equi magic to be retained longer. I don't think Iris's magical power is solely because of the ring. The ring enables people to travel to other worlds and to channel both light and dark from both sources through her. It is a conductor. We can all feel both. I have observed that her black magic is far more potent. Her mother is older and more experienced and has only the Equi magic. It explains why her mother is such a brilliant healer. I think by going to Equi I'll be able to absorb the white magic and change my magical core. This war is going to get really bad and I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to gain an advantage.'

Open mouths all around the room. Severus appraised the young girl with a smile.

'So. You're saying this could make us super strong?' Ron asked to clarify.

'Yes. Ron. That is exactly what I'm saying,' Hermione said to him.

Iris nodded at this, 'It's possible. The white magic has the strength to suppress the black in me. When I saved Neville it drained the white magic though. It wasn't long till the black began and it felt, well,' she knew this would worry them but they needed to stick to the facts, 'It feels limitless compared to the white magic.'

The silence went through the room as they each regarded her.

'It only took a couple of hours to regain the balance back in Equi. If the white is strong enough to suppress that though, it must be incredibly strong,' Iris told them.

'The older you become, the greater the control you will gain on your balance as well, Iris,' Albus said to the room to reassure them.

Harry spoke then, 'What do you think would happen to you if you couldn't get to Equilibrium?' he peered at Iris through his glasses.

Iris sighed, 'I think we all know the answer to that Harry,' she said to him quietly, 'It's a relief to me that I can get to Equi to balance myself. Equi is everything good. Still, I have a feeling I'll be needing the black magic more in War.'

In the quiet of the classroom, each of them couldn't help agree with her. War was cruel, violent and could be utterly miserable. They needed all the strength they could muster. Harry looked incredibly pensive as he took her hand and squeezed it. She gave him a small grin back.

'Any news yet from our undercover Witches and Wizards? How soon before Riddle and Hitler become public knowledge to everyone? James asked.

Albus glanced at the children.

'You may as well tell them, Albus. They will find out soon enough,' Lily said.

'Information we are receiving is suggesting three years before the preparations are fully complete and they go public,' Albus said to them quietly, 'But they have already started their takeover in Bosnia. This will expand gradually through Eastern Europe. They are establishing their military bases. It is an arrangement that has been in place for decades. It is for their military requirements. They have willing puppets in place all around the world now.'

Gabriel nodded at this, 'I have witnessed the beginnings for myself in Bosnia. As Albus said the government there had been infiltrated years ago. The soldiers are dressed in nondescript uniforms. People are being taken out of the beds in the middle of the night. The camps are being built by so-called political prisoners. Any defiance and they are um, well, they are taken care of,' he trailed off as he looked at the young faces. 'No phone calls. No contact with the outside world. All being done by stealth. The Wizards are doing memory charms on families. Confusion and fear are building in Bosnia. The camps in South America have been manufacturing traditional Nazi uniforms. Thousands of swastikas are waiting to be sewn on.'

'Why aren't the Muggles doing anything?' Ron said angrily.

Albus looked at the young redhead, 'This has been years in the making. Those Muggles who over the years were investigating this have either been given memory charms by Riddle's men and had their research destroyed or have accidents. The Magical Ministries, the muggle governments. The ICW. They have been infiltrated globally. No one knows who to trust. There are many Cornelius Fudge's quite happily burying their heads in the sand in exchange for bulging vaults. Others are more than happy to form alliances. This was always a danger with a Magic and Muggle alliance of this nature. The combination of both is extraordinary. Technology and magic entwined are incredibly powerful. The corruption is deep. The rabbit hole is never-ending. Denials. Evidence destroyed at the top level. The media are either confused, ignorant or lying. People don't know what to believe.'

'Even so. Surely they must be noticing things?' Ron persisted.

Gabriel looked at the group, 'People are noticing. Reports are filtering through slowly, but it is being hidden amongst other atrocities.'

'Hidden? How?' James asked curiously.

Gabriel settled down as his wings fluttered, 'You live in a world where war is commonplace. Expected even. Hitler has, from the shadows, manipulated many of these wars all around the world. They don't at first glance seem connected unless you actually know the master plan. Currently, most eyes are on the Gulf War at the moment. It is simply about protecting the oil interests when one gets down to the basics, but it is a big distraction for the world's media. While the world watches that, Hitler goes into the back door in Europe. Indonesia, Turkey and Rwanda are but a few more countries where wars are being fought. You see, Gellert has advised Riddle and Hitler to be more cautious than last time. Sierra Leone, Algeria and Somalia are also areas where war is being undertaken. More are planned strategically for the next three years. Afghanistan, Chechen, The Congo. Hitler has engineered the Bosnian conflict. The Nazis are hiding in plain sight in Bosnia. Eyes are everywhere, but not focused on where they should be. Hitler and Riddle will break these particular countries from the inside and then come in at the end to colonise. They have been chosen because they are located in useful places. Close to resources. Protected. Near water supplies. Trade routes. Away from more developed nations that could crush it instantly before it had a chance to evolve.'

They each took this information with uneasiness.

'Well, it is late,' Gabriel said, 'Why don't you young ones make your way back to your dormitories.'

Iris looked a little suspicious but opened up the doorway to the Gryffindor common room as they said their goodbyes. Within a moment they had disappeared through it.

The adults continued to watch this magic in amazement.

Gabriel put his hand up, 'There is more to discuss,' the others had suspected as much.

'Albus,' Gabriel said, 'I should warn you that on my last trip to South America, Gellert was discussing obtaining the Philosophers Stone for Hitler's use. Adolf has always been fascinated by the legend of eternal life. Even the Muggles have heard of Flamel.'

Albus didn't look surprised but interested, 'Yes. I expected that object would be pursued. It is safe for now. Nicholas is keeping it very secure.'

Severus and James glanced at each other, both looking thoughtful.

'Is it possible to use the Stone as bait?' James asked.

Albus stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes in thought.

Severus leant forward, 'If we could lure Riddle into the castle we could halt his plans. I know Riddle can defy death, but we could perhaps do enough damage to him to delay the start of this war. Three years is simply not long enough to prepare the Wizarding World and the students for this. Our enemies have had years. I know Iris has been given these abilities, but she is still learning how to use them. The prophecy I think is on our side and the snakes and potentially the Basilisk and you will keep Hogwarts safe, but what about all those people out there in the world.'

Albus, James and Lily grew sombre at this statement of fact.

'We have to look at the bigger picture, I'm afraid. We may be the only people on earth who can defeat Tom. We have to protect Harry as long as possible. I don't think taking another one of Tom's lives would delay him for long,' Albus admitted, 'If he was lured here and we were successful it, unfortunately, wouldn't take him long to regenerate. Less time, I think if he did this ritual again. He would have taken extra precautions against another attack. As far as I know, the only way to send Tom on will be to destroy each of his Horcruxes. We have no idea how many more he may have made. We have located five so far which is more than I had dared hope at this stage. Four pieces are in limbo. One piece in the body he inhabits. There has been a trail, no matter how faint to each one. I thought initially he may have split his soul into seven pieces but I cannot be sure now. I am still pursuing potential leads. Hayley and Iris are to be factored in. Tom knows now his secret is not so secret. He knows Regulus took his locket and I suspect now Narcissa has, to coin a phrase, jumped ship, he may have made more and they will be very well protected. He could also be considering using the Philosophers Stone, but I will make sure he does not obtain it. To end him Harry is going to have to be the one to do it. That is one of the few things I am certain of. Harry is not strong enough yet though to do that. He needs time.'

Lily grimaced. She knew what an uphill battle this would be.

Albus sat back and pondered, 'I will talk to Nicholas Flamel. Tom must not be allowed to get his hands on the Stone. I can put protections on it that even he cannot get through. There is a very useful mirror that will, I think, be perfect for this endeavour. I feel that at some point Tom will try to enter Hogwarts regardless. He has already tested us with the troll. Harry is still very much a threat to him. He will attempt to take his life. I imagine Iris will very much be on his radar after breaking the curse on the elves. Her control over the silver snakes and the rumours of the Basilisk will have certainly got his interest. I think he will initially try to attempt to lure her over to his side. Merlin. That would be unthinkable.'

Their faces showed the mere idea was horrifying.

Gabriel spoke to them then, 'Still, Iris is also a Black and a Greengrass and she hates Tom for his treatment of her mother and Grandmother. Neither of those families will forgive that. She is also a Houdini who is capable of escaping any situation. I don't expect her to ever join him and she really is the only person on the planet who can just walk away from him. At the moment it is Harry I am most concerned about and his close friends. Miss Granger especially is in grave danger, but with Iris and Lucas both keeping an eye on her, I have hope she will survive. She is a plucky young Witch as well. We need to secure and protect them all at this time. Grimmauld Place is one of the most secure properties in the country. The wards on Greengrass Manor have been completed. The village of Burton will need reinforcements. The Longbottoms are also secure. I feel Hogwarts may in time become a sanctuary also.'

Albus looked at each of them, 'I'd like to inform you also that many of the older students, led by the Tonks daughter, are organising the Resistance. People are waking up. I feel Harry may have more protection than even he could have expected from Hogwarts,' the others looked cheered at this.

Albus mused, 'Lily, James. The blood wards I have set around Burton. I would like to re-examine them with you both and hopefully, with your help strengthen them. Miss Granger mentioned you are undergoing physical changes?'

Lily and James nodded at that, 'We both feel heavier on earth than we did. We feel things here more intently than we did at the start,' Lily informed him, 'This has only increased over time. In Equi, we feel the same as we always did. Very light.'

Severus pondered this, 'How is your eyesight, Potter?' he asked him as politely as he could muster.

'Fine,' James said curiously.

Severus tilted his head and went to the side to pick up a book. Opening it up to the small print he put it in front of James, 'Can you read that as well as you can in Equi?'

James frowned and looked down. Then looked back up again, 'It's blurry. I hadn't noticed. I haven't been doing any reading here for a while.'

Lily put her hand to her mouth, 'Are we merging back into our Earth bodies Albus?' she whispered, 'We can't risk the tunnel. We could turn into Inferi or something equally hideous. It is against the laws of nature. Although, when you and Iris were dealing with the ghosts I was in the castle and I wasn't affected in the slightest. I stayed here without an anchor. It may be time to check again how far we can go from Iris.'

Albus had been looking at James in deep thought, 'Have you cast any spells here on Earth?'

'We have. Just basic ones though. We were teaching Harry the simple ones. I have been flying on my old broom here. Lily has been showing Hermione spells.'

'Can you cast a powerful one for me?' Albus asked him.

James obliged. He cast his stag Patronus. Even he stepped back in awe. The stag was enormous and glowed white. The Equi magic emanated off the animal, 'Hi, Prongs,' James whispered as Lily stroked the Patronus.

'He's solid James,' Lily stated in wonder.

'You try, Lily,' James said to her.

Within a moment a silver doe stood next to the stag. Equally as impressive.

Severus and Albus stared at the two animals. The pure white magic radiating in the room was rippling. They were all tingling.

Gabriel had a blissful expression on his face.

Even Severus smiled. James and Lily had expressions of pure joy.

Albus basked in the feeling.

'The magic feels so pure. Even in Equi, it doesn't feel as strong as this normally,' Lily exclaimed.

'Physics?' Severus asked.

'Possibly,' Lily said.

'Will Iris be capable of sustaining this level of white magic when she is older?' Severus asked.

'I would think so,' Albus explained, 'Black magic is by its nature already so potent. In time her white magic will mature. She must keep a balance. This is very good to know, James. Lily.'

'Hermione's theories?' Severus said.

'I think she is certainly on the right track. Lily, do keep an eye on the two of them,' Lily nodded. She had already planned to, 'Iris and Hermione are both very headstrong. Oh. This power is truly to be marvelled at,' Albus said. He looked close to weeping.

'It is glorious Albus,' Gabriel said.

'I'm not even tired of holding it,' James said with a bright smile. Lily echoed his sentiments.

The stag and the doe trotted around the room. The doe nudging Severus with her head as Severus stroked the beautiful animal gently as Lily beamed.

Iris, who was hidden in the Astral plane, had a look of wonder on her face at the sight. Lily and James could no longer see her in their Earthly forms.

It was a meeting that had ended with a sense of prosperity. Albus thought later that night back to the prophecy, 'The power the Dark Lord knows not. '

The stag and the doe. His office was filled with love and happiness. Pure white magic. It would certainly be what Tom knew nothing of.

He hadn't wanted to sway Harry but he had been relieved when the young boy had thought it best to wait and see with his connection to Tom. Albus knew that connection was going to be imperative in the future. For now, the Equi magic kept the connection sedated. He had peace of mind knowing Iris could sever the bond if it became intolerable to Harry. There was also the risk Harry couldn't return to the earth. Even with Iris's abilities, there would be a risk. James and Lily had taken years to get to this stage. Harry, fortunately, seemed to understand what was actually at stake.

Iris eased out of the mirror into her living room where Hermione was waiting expectantly.

'So. What was it they needed to talk about?' Hermione asked her.

Iris answered her, 'Gabriel told them Riddle is after the Philosopher's stone.'

At Hermione's confused look Iris continued, 'Nicholas Flamel is the creator of it. He is an Alchemist. Gran told me all about him. She loves those old magical stories. The elixir of life can be made from it. It can also transform metal into gold. There will be a lot of books in the library about it. He was born in the year 1330. He's still alive. So is his wife, Perenelle. He's friends with Dumbledore.'

Hermione gaped at this information.

'That's impossible,' she whispered.

'It's not,' Iris smiled at her friend, 'Dumbledore is going to put extra security on it. Obviously, Hitler and Riddle cannot be allowed to obtain it under any circumstances. I don't think we need to let the others know for now. It would only worry them. I doubt very much Riddle will get it now Dumbledore is aware.'

Iris left Hermione to digest this information as she went over to Esmerelda. Hissing to her familiar she reached down and lifted her and sat down for a cuddle.

'What else happened?' Hermione asked once she had processed this new information.

'Good news is Lily and James are getting so strong now. Their white magic is off the charts. They both did their Patronus spell and oh, it was so beautiful. I couldn't feel it, but the stag and doe were solid and glowed. Even Sev was smiling. They think it is something to do with physics. Let Lily tell you when she's ready. That's another thing. They can't see me when I'm in the Astral plane and they are here.'

It was that sentence that Hermoine paid the most attention to, 'What else?' she asked.

'James. His eyesight is getting worse. It used to be as bad as Harry's when he was alive. It is perfect in Equi but Sev showed him a book. He couldn't read it up close. It was all blurry, he said.'

Hermione gazed intently at Iris.

'What do you think it means?' Iris asked her.

'Logically, this cannot happen. I mean. It just can't happen,' Hermione started to pace. Iris was used to this by now and kept fussing Esmerelda.

Hermione began speaking to herself. Iris picked up a few words here and there, 'Impossible. Can't. Biology,' Hermione flung herself onto the sofa.

'So, what do you think it means?' Iris asked her politely.

'I think that maybe they are coming back to life. Proper life. I think there will be a time they will not be able to go back to Equilibrium. Their bodies have changed. Adapted. I think they will still be able to use their magic here,' Hermione said with a bewildered look, 'It's impossible, but so is Nicholas Flamel and Riddle regenerating. You.'

Iris nodded, 'Mm. I've thought this too. Oh, won't it be brilliant if they could? They were so young when they died. They didn't want to risk the tunnel. Inferi may have been the least of their troubles if they had tried getting back that way. Just goes to show, patience is a virtue. Mum taught me that. Not Bella. Bella is very much, Seize the day, Iris.'

Hermione merely sank back on the sofa with a stunned look on her face. Iris hissed to a contented Esmerelda as Lucas rested on the carpet and looked up. Iris gave his head a rub as he hissed back in happiness.

'This is just everyday occurrences to you isn't it?' Hermione eventually said.

'I wouldn't say every day, but yeah. It's quite common to be breaking the rules of magic. I've thought for a long time that this may happen. I didn't want to get Harry's hopes up so I didn't say anything.'

Hermione's face softened up at that.

'What you need to know about Harry is it is all about family with him. It's one of the reasons why he is so fond of the Weasley's,' Iris told her, 'Lily always says she wanted more children. How amazing would it be for him if he got little brothers and sisters? He would be so chuffed to be a big brother.'

Hermione grinned at that, 'I can't believe I'm saying this, but logically it may be a possibility.'

'Well, it looks like we just have to bide our time for now. Focus on getting better. Stronger. Three years,' Iris sighed, 'That's when the world will know for sure.'

'I just can't believe nothing is being done to stop this,' Hermione said.

'I can. What I've read. It's just history repeating itself,' Iris said forlornly, 'Still, Bella and Sev are going to be sabotaging the camps in South America soon. I keep telling them I'm ready, but they don't want to risk me.'

Hermione sunk back in the chair as Iris huffed. She felt frustrated for her friend.

Iris stood up and gently placed a sleeping Esmerelda back in the tank and put her leather jacket on, 'I'm going to Equi. I need to go for a proper ride on my motorcycle. Clear my head. I'll see you in the morning.'

Hermione blinked at this sudden change of pace, 'Ok. Take care.'

A shimmering veil later and Iris had gone.

Hermione understood. She felt helpless sometimes too. It was the quiet times when the sheer scope of what lay ahead would hit her. She would watch Draco from time to time. Discreetly of course, and there was a part of her that felt he understood the gravity of the situation even more than she did. His eyes told her a great deal. They were, on the surface, identical to Iris's eyes. There were moments, though, when his dignified posture and refined air would momentarily collapse and the mask would slip. His eyes were haunted in a way his cousins were not. Her friends' eyes could get angry and defiant. They would laugh and show kindness and sometimes sadness.

Draco's eyes, though. Hermione felt a chill run through her. They reminded her of the eyes of those children in the photographs of the camps. Daphne had taken the blond boy under her wing. Hermione wasn't sure what to think of him. Iris had said Gabriel told her Narcissa had given them enough evidence to put her mind at rest. Draco had been polite but cautious to Hermione since he had made his alliance clear to all and sundry. Still, he had enough bravery left in him to join Iris. That cheered her more than she could say. His eyes would follow Iris and Harry from time to time. A spark of light would flicker in them. He would straighten his shoulders and a smile would appear on his face. A few times she saw him glance briefly at her with a bleak look in his eyes. He would have a downcast expression on his face. She had noticed he sometimes looked at Dean that way too. They clearly reminded him of people from his past.

Hermione would see the older students glancing down the tables at the firsties. Many with loathing of course. Others, however, had that same light in their eyes that Draco sometimes had. Fred and George had mentioned that some of the older students had been linking up with Tonks. Hermione had been introduced to her and had taken an immediate liking to the friendly girl. She reminded her of Iris a lot. Harry thought the world of her and always had a big grin on his face when she came over to see him and then would inevitably bump into at least one person or piece of furniture on the way over. She was a big sister to him. It made Hermione feel more secure that there were others in the castle prepared to stand with them.

Hermione finished her book and went to bed. Iris wouldn't be back till the early hours. Hermione couldn't wait to be able to join her.