The weeks crept along with no further incidents that warranted the front page of the Daily Prophet. Hogwarts had been quite sedate. It was almost time for Christmas break. Iris was looking forward to the Hogwarts Express train ride immensely.
Hermione and Lily had been experimenting with the veil and Iris had made several trips back and forth with various plants that Lily provided. After several hours of arguments regarding ethical dilemmas, Lily tentatively considered using a mouse. They got as far as putting one on the table, but when the tiny looking creature looked up trembling with frightened eyes, Hermione had burst into tears so that idea was quickly squashed.
Lily and James had found their strength had increased exponentially. They could apparate now to Sirius and Remus where they both celebrated and lamented the current situation they were all in.
Sirius had spent the last three months going further down into a tunnel of more elaborate scenarios in his head as various pieces of news reached him of his daughter's antics at Hogwarts. James had smirked when he told him Iris had broken his record for house points deducted in the shortest amount of time.
'Not even one minute after being sorted, Padfoot. She hadn't even sat down at the table. She told that nasty bastard Flint right off in front of everyone,' James had guffawed.
Sirius couldn't help but feel some pride at that. That Iris had been sorted into his old house made his heart feel acidic with regret. The silver snakes had sent a tremor through him. Salazar's gift. Iris had ordered them to protect the vulnerable in the castle. Gifting three of them to Daphne, Draco and a Muggleborn girl, Hermione Granger, specifically because they appeared to be the students most in danger at Hogwarts. Narcissa's defection had intrigued him. He could only imagine the depths Lucius had sunk for her to do that. He didn't know Narcissa well.
He did know she had once loved Lucius. She loved her son more, though. That was more than apparent. Bella and Andromeda were elated to have their sister back. He was interested in meeting Draco. The boy had changed his surname back to Black. That Iris had given him a silver snake to protect him spoke volumes. When the news came that Iris had saved Neville through using pure white magic his heart had leapt. Finding out she had dragged Nott into Hell and had then casually introduced the group to Lucifer made him lurch to other extreme emotions. The freeing of the elves sent his head spinning. Valinor. Hagrid had told him in great detail about this fairy tale place. The healing of the squibs was common knowledge all around the globe. Finally came the news of the troll. That Harry, Ron and Iris had worked together to save Hermione had thrilled him more than he could say. The portals. The rumours of a Basilisk in the Chamber. Lily and James becoming more attuned to their Earth bodies left him with hope for the future. They had shown him their Patronus animals. Sirius wasn't easily impressed, but even he had been stunned at the power that radiated off them.
They sat around the kitchen table discussing Hermione's plight. Sirius agreed that her theories certainly needed testing. The news of Neville's increase in strength intrigued him. It had to be done safely. That Harry and Ron had dashed through the portal was not something that should have happened. It worked, but it could have backfired massively.
It was Remus who offered the solution. He had sat quietly listening to Lily and James and their discussions about Harry. That even the Angels had no idea of the effects was concerning. As Lily said, limbo had severed the connection that Hayley had with Riddle's Horcrux. It had set Remus's sharp mind into action. His furry little problem. Could it be possible to sever himself from the wolf inside while testing Hermione's theories?
He put the question to Lily and James as Sirius peered intently at Remus.
Lily's eyes had glazed over as her mind went through the scenarios.
Remus had sat quietly with both James and Sirius. They both knew the toll this affliction had taken on Remus. He looked much older than his years. He had never dared marry, although many Witches had shown a lot of interest in him over the years. His life was not one he would have chosen.
'Would you be prepared to risk this, Remus?' Lily asked eventually.
Remus looked at Lily, his mind still having to do the occasional double-take that she was sitting there.
'Yes. I believe limbo will restore me. If I am unable to return to Earth immediately, I feel, if Iris is agreeable to it, to do what you and James have done. She is older now, stronger. Her friend needs to know it is safe for her. So do all of us. This connection between our two worlds could open up limitless possibilities for us. The risk is worth it. There is no way of knowing for certain unless an actual human goes through first. It also frees me of the wolf. If we do this now it gives me time to be able to return at least partly before the war begins properly. I want to fight for this Earth. We need to know Iris's capabilities for certain. A lot of lives will need to rely on this power in the future.'
They all appraised him then. Remus. Kind. Quiet. Brave. This could be a win-win for them. There was a plan B if it didn't work.
Lily gave him a gentle smile, 'I'll speak to Iris. She has said she is willing to try anything. We need all the strength we can get.'
Sirius couldn't help but agree. He had been undercover in many places. Both Muggle and Magical. The situation was getting dire already. Things were on the brink. Like the others, it was the waiting game that was frustrating. Iris was on the right track. This war was already happening in some places. Obtain as many weapons, information and training as possible to fight it when it came to Britain. Sirius was under no illusions. It was coming. Sirius had been proud of learning about Tonks. She was leading the resistance at Hogwarts. He and Bella had no qualms about giving her the information she needed. It was early days, but from acorns grow mighty oak trees. Hogwarts would certainly be a safer place in the future.
It was a few days later that Remus and Sirius arrived at Hogwarts in the evening. Iris had been informed and after much thought, she had suggested Lucifer be in attendance with Gabriel. 'The werewolf is a dark creature,' Iris had said, 'I saw a couple of them in hell. They roam around the walls.'
Remus had not been comforted by that, but he agreed with the logic.
They had met with Dumbledore and made their way to an empty classroom.
Iris and Hermione were waiting for them. Iris introduced Hermione to both Remus and Sirius politely. Hermione had gazed at the two men, paying close attention to Sirius. Remus had gulped when Lucifer had appeared through the portal.
James and Lily arrived at the same time and also looked at the dark angel with polite but cautious looks. They felt the subtle waves of dark magic seeping into the room.
'Hello, Remus,' Lucifer had said. Sirius was staring with unabashed curiosity at him. The blood-red eyes and black wings were intimidating even to him.
'Hello,' whispered Remus. His throat was dry with nerves.
Lucifer turned to Sirius. He opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again before turning to Iris.
'Iris. What a pleasure to see you again, poppet. Hermione's here too. Delighted to see you both,' Lucifer said to a grinning Iris. Hermione looked a little shyer as she gave a small wave.
'Hi, Lucifer,' Iris went over to him and hugged him. Sirius stood with his jaw dropped at this display of affection, 'Bella says hello. She said if you're free this Saturday afternoon do you want to pop into Grimmauld Place? She said for a 'catch-up,' Iris did air quotes, 'She said you would understand.'
Lucifer grinned wolfishly, 'That would be lovely. Tell her I'll see her at two. Thank you, Iris.'
There was an awkward pause for a moment before Dumbledore took charge.
'Right, Iris. Can you open the tunnel?'
Within a moment the veil was open as they all stared at it. Iris looked up at Remus.
'Going into the tunnel will be easy. Hermione can do that. It's going into limbo that will sever the wolf. You're sure? I won't let go. I promise,' Iris said to the tall man.
Remus smiled at the young girl, 'I am. My furry little problem has caused me much woe in my life. We also need to know if this is possible. I'm sure.'
Lily looked a little teary as she hugged him. Sirius hugged him as Remus took a deep breath.
'Gabriel and I will wait in limbo for you both,' Lucifer said.
Hermione sat down with Dumbledore and watched with interest as Iris took Remus by the hand as they walked into the gold doorway together.
Sirius, James and Lily sat down next to them as they waited.
'What do you think is going on between Bella and Lucifer?' Lily asked a bit too casually to no one in particular.
Sirius growled, 'I have always thought it wise to be ignorant about my cousin's personal life, Lily,' he said drily.
James nodded at that.
'Lucifer is certainly an improvement on Rodolphus. He has far better manners than that lout,' Albus added nonchalantly.
Hermione stifled a giggle as Sirius glared at the headmaster.
The room became quiet as they all fixated on the veil.
Remus and Iris stood at the portal leading to Equilibrium. Like Hermione, Remus had been awed by the stars. Remus glanced down at the grey eyes that were so like Sirius's and saw only concern in them.
'I'm ready,' Remus whispered.
He watched Iris lift their hands to the grey and silver swirls as they eased through. He felt his whole body tingle and pulsate as they moved forward. His blood fired red hot as he felt something akin to his full moon transformations wrench through him. He inhaled sharply as the pain stopped as suddenly as it had started. He felt Iris squeeze his hand in comfort. His eyes were shut close. He was still breathing. That was a good sign. He felt much lighter.
'Your wolf is free, Remus,' Iris said to him softly, 'Lucifer is looking after him. You can open your eyes.'
Remus looked out and saw his wolf, looking surprisingly docile, being fussed by Lucifer.
He looked around the endless white room. Gabriel was looking at him with gentleness.
'I suggest you take your time to adjust. Iris will show you part of Equilibrium. Then we shall see if you can return to Earth,' Gabriel said.
Lucifer smiled at Remus, 'Do you have a name for your wolf, Remus?'
'I, no. The guys nicknamed me Moony. Perhaps that,' Remus said.
'Then I shall name you Moony,' Lucifer said to the wolf who gave a sort of bark in response, 'He shall join my Hounds of Hell. I feel he will be a good addition to the team.'
The wolf seemed to understand and wagged his tail, then walked across to Remus and licked his hand as if to say goodbye.
Remus looked stunned as the wolf put his paw out. In return, Remus shook it. The wolf gazed at Remus for a moment, then returned to Lucifer's side.
'I'm ready to see Equilibrium,' Remus said after a few moments. Iris walked him through as the white room suddenly seemed to open up into an area of tall trees and plants Remus had never seen on Earth. He could hear birds singing and distant music. He breathed in the succulent air and felt a calm ripple through him.
It was early and the two suns were still rising. The most delicious fresh smells filled his senses as Remus looked around in amazement.
'Incredible,' he said softly. He could feel the strong magic rippling through the air.
'You apparate to get around, but it's a lot easier here. You just sort of think of who and where you need to go. Like I do with the portals,' Iris said.
Remus gazed around. He already felt so much better than he could ever remember.
'There are little villages and towns. Cities even. Spread out for miles and miles. It's much larger than Earth,' Iris explained, 'You can use these flying motorcycles to get around if you want to see the sights. I like them the most. Much more scenic.'
Remus had a soft smile, 'So this is where we go after,' he grinned, 'It's beautiful, Iris.'
'There are lots of other worlds too. Lots of people move on eventually. Renaissance and Origin are quite popular, but there is so much out there.'
Remus felt a lightness flood through him that made him feel like he had when he was very young.
'Infinite,' he stated.
'Yes. The Earth needs to be protected at all costs. It seems small in the great scheme of things, but we are the beginning of all this,' Iris waved her arm.
Remus gathered his strength. It was almost time to return to Earth. He hoped.
'Try not to worry,' Iris said, 'I feel we are on a path. What is meant to happen is going to happen. I feel you have suffered enough on Earth. I think too many people have. It's time to balance things,' Iris lifted the Peverell ring, 'I have this for a reason. This force wants this to happen.'
Remus looked at the daughter of Padfoot and for the thousandth time berated his friend.
'Iris. I know you and Sirius have a difficult-,'
Iris cut him off, 'This is not your problem, Remus. It's not your fault. It's not even his fault. It is what it is. It's what Riddle does to people. He poisons things. If he had been the man Gran thought he was they would have lived happily ever after. Sirius had a difficult upbringing. He had the most atrocious week. He was bitter and went insane for a time. One shitty decision and he ruined everything. In a way, I feel sorry for him. My mum's the best, you know. She's everything most men could want in a wife. Unless he was gay. Even then he would still want her as his friend.'
Remus grinned at that. He was one of the many boys at Hogwarts who had had a crush on one Hayley Greengrass.
'Do you think they will ever get back together?' Remus asked her.
Iris shrugged, 'I don't know what either of them thinks of each other. Mum doesn't talk about him. I remember she told Lily that she wanted nothing to do with him. Sirius is always distant with me. Who knows?'
Remus tried another tactic, 'Would you want them to get back together?'
'If it would make them happier. There is something about them both which is just so…,' Iris looked to find the word, 'Heartbroken,' she said softly.
Remus squeezed her hand softly, 'Come on. Let's go back.'
Before Remus knew it, they were back at the portal. Lucifer, Moony and Gabriel greeted them.
'It's so much more than I thought it would be,' Remus said to them both, 'I feel so alive.'
Moony gave a sort of bark as Remus patted him.
'Right then. Let's do this,' Remus said.
Taking a deep breath they eased into the veil. The relief on both their faces as they found themselves in the tunnel was palpable.
'Remus. Your face!' Iris exclaimed.
'What is it? Am I old and haggard?' Remus looked distraught.
'Quite the opposite. You look years younger. Let's get back to the others. You need to see this.'
Iris and Remus made short work and went through the portal to their waiting friends.
Lily gasped in amazement, 'Remus. You look younger. Better.'
Albus stood gaping, 'The wolf?' he asked.
'Free. Lucifer has him. He is going to join the Hounds of Hell,' Remus said in a strangely weird voice, 'I can't believe this. I feel so much better. Is there a mirror anywhere?'
Albus conjured a full-length one up in an absent sort of way. He was as stunned by this as everyone else. Iris let go of his hand as Remus stumbled over to the mirror.
'Merlin!' he exclaimed.
James and Sirius were just as astonished. The scars that had lined his face had disappeared. Colour was in his cheeks. His eyes had lost their weary look.
Hermione was already rapidly writing notes.
'You don't look a day over twenty-five, mate,' Sirius said in shock.
'There's only you two and mum that can look that young at your real age,' Iris said to James and Lily in an amused tone, 'This veil can regenerate people to their younger selves. How wonderful,' Iris beamed, 'Headmaster. Do you want a go? I've heard you were quite the looker back in the day,' she said cheekily.
Albus stared open-mouthed at the young girl, 'Walburga told you that, I presume?' he said in a distracted voice.
Iris nodded.
'This is unprecedented. I could never have imagined this,' Albus whispered moving swiftly on, 'Remus. What is your magical strength?'
Remus followed James and Lily's example and cast a Patronus. A large, solid, white wolf shot out the end of his wand. Filling the room with the same white power and energy.
'Wow, mate!' James said in happiness.
Gabriel entered the room, 'I saw the commotion. Remus. I'm truly thrilled for you. Lucifer has taken Moony down to hell. He'll be very happy there.'
Remus was beaming widely to everyone in the room, 'This is truly astonishing. I had hoped. I just thought getting back would be more than enough. This is..,' his bottom lip started to tremble as Sirius gave him a big hug.
'His magic is off the scale, Gabriel,' Lily said smiling, 'He looks years younger.'
Gabriel smiled at each of them in the room, 'Resurrection stone indeed,' he said to them all.
Their eyes all moved to the Peverell ring on Iris's hand.
Iris looked at them all, 'This ring wants this,' Iris froze, 'The older Witches and Wizards. The ones who fought against Grindelwald. How many of them are there left?' she asked them in a trembling voice.
'Hundreds, Iris,' Albus said in awe as he made the connection immediately.
'How many Muggles who fought in the second world war against the nazis are alive?' Iris whispered.
'Thousands are still here,' Albus said as they looked at each other in varying states of comprehension.
'We have our army,' Iris stated to the quiet in the room.
'You bloody genius Iris!' Hermione shouted as she ran up to Iris and gave her a bone-crushing hug which was warmly returned.
Sirius stared in wonder at his daughter.
Iris was grinning, 'So, headmaster. Want to go through?'
'I am tempted,' Albus admitted, 'But what would I say to the parents.'
'Tell them I flogged you the Black beauty spell to get out of detention,' Iris said with a straight face.
Albus looked a little taken aback.
'Just tell them I did it. After everything else that's happened, it will be water off a duck's back to them. Mark my words. The Ministry workers like bribes don't they? Any one of them gets too nosy in Hogwart's business then I can promise them I'll make them look and feel twenty-five again. No money in the world can match that offer. They'll do our dirty work for us instead. We can use their corruption against Riddle. Once word gets out it will give Riddle's lot another thing to worry about. The more pressure the better. We need them to worry. We need them to be frightened of us.'
They all stared at the excitable girl. Every word she had said was true. Albus straightened up and felt his aches and pains. Years of them. He had become so used to feeling old.
'Go on, Albus. What's life without a little risk?' Sirius grinned while quoting his favourite catchphrase.
'If it concerns you so much just bung some glamors on,' Iris said diplomatically, 'You will still feel young underneath. That will be important in the future.'
Albus was convinced. He did miss his gorgeous younger self. He had been a looker. Having his physical strength back would be very useful.
He took Iris's hand as they repeated the ritual. It was a half-hour later when a young, handsome Albus came out of the veil. Even James wolf-whistled.
'Walburga wasn't lying, Albus,' Lily smiled.
Albus looked bewildered as he cast his Patronus. A phoenix came flying out. As powerful as the others.
He looked down at his hands. Marvelling at them. He went to the mirror and simply stared at himself.
'You look brilliant, headmaster,' Iris said honestly 'How do you feel in yourself?'
'Exceptional. I feel like a young lion again. Ready to take the world on,' Albus said stunned.
'Good,' Remus said, 'Because that's what we'll be doing.'
'Sirius?' Iris asked, 'Do you want to knock off a few years?'
Sirius gave Iris a genuine grin, 'I think I'd like that.'
Iris took his hand as they went through the veil.
'I'll send for Severus and Minerva,' Albus said as he sent a Patronus to them.
Hermione was still making rapid notes as Lily observed. She added some herself.
Severus and Minerva came into the room cautiously as Minerva shrieked at the sight of Albus.
Severus initially looked like someone was playing a practical joke on him, but as he saw Remus he realised that this was actually happening.
'Remus?' Severus asked slowly.
'The wolf is gone. He is now a Hound of Hell,' Remus told him, 'No more Wolfsbane potion ever again. No more fear of the full moon.'
Severus smiled a rare smile, 'It's over. I'm happy for you.'
He had grown fond of Remus over the years.
Minerva was still gawping at Albus, 'You're young again.'
Albus beamed, 'Iris has had the most excellent idea, Minerva. All those people who fought in the wars. She can take them to Equilibrium now and bring them back into their twenty-five-year-old selves. We now have a trained army to help us fight Riddle and Hitler.'
Minerva stood frozen at this announcement. At that moment Sirius and Iris popped out of the portal. Sirius looked even more beautiful, youthful and healthier.
'Iris, my dear,' Minerva said, 'Would you mind taking me?'
Iris smiled and put her hand out, 'Off we go. I hope I get points for Gryffindor, Professor McGonagall?'
'If this works I'll quite happily give you my house,' Minerva said in a thick Scottish brogue that emphasised just how overexcited she was.
Iris looked astonished, 'You needn't go that far. Tips on becoming an Animagus would be gratefully received, however.'
'Yes. That is a satisfactory arrangement. Let's go,' Minerva more or less pulled Iris with her to the veil as Iris grinned. They disappeared through.
Lily was studying the others who had come back. Sirius's dog Patronus was trotting around the room in brilliant white which gave a glorious vibe to the room.
Hermione was looking around at these transformations and for the first time, she had a feeling that this massive uphill struggle wouldn't be as unassailable as she had previously feared. It wasn't going to be easy, but they had a real chance now. A fully trained army to defend their lands. Riddle and Hitler were not going to have the walkover of Britain they had previously envisaged.
Iris had mentioned bribes. How many in the ministry would resign in exchange for their younger selves back? Or look the other way. They were corrupt. How much was their price? Hermione pondered this as Minerva came out the portal looking marvellous.
'Minerva!' Sirius looked amazed. 'You look breathtaking,' he oozed Pureblood class as he bowed to her. Hermione privately thought their impeccable manners were one of the few redeeming features of the society set.
Minerva actually giggled. Hermione and Lily looked astonished.
She glided over to the mirror and inspected herself. Iris was looking at her in wonder.
'You're so pretty,' Iris exclaimed in the bright light of the room. Then went bright red as she realised what she had insinuated, 'Not that you were ugly or anything like that. I mean,' Iris spluttered. Then just gave up digging the hole she was in and hung her head.
'It's perfectly alright Iris. I wasn't blind to the ageing process. I accepted it with very bad grace when I was middle-aged if you must know. This is unbelievable. I feel amazing. You get so used to the aches and pains. I feel like I could climb Mount Everest,' Minerva waved her wand as her cat Patronus burst out and ran over to Sirius's dog to play.
'Sev?' Iris asked him, 'This makes your magic stronger. It will help in the future. Do you want to come through?'
Severus nodded and took her hand. He was overwhelmed by all of this. They went through the portal as he studied the stars in the tunnel. He looked at the two portals with precision.
'It's all true, isn't it? The old tales,' Severus said in a soft voice.
'Some of it. Tales can get twisted. But yes. Dark and light have always been there. Since the beginning. They coexist. There has to be a balance. This ring is making sure we can do that.'
Severus went through the portal into limbo as Iris led him through to the outside.
He had gone so quiet as he stared around him. A wistful look on his face.
'There are worlds beyond here. Infinite space. Life,' Iris said to him in the quiet, 'It is so much more than we think on Earth. Elvis Presley lives here. How cool is that?'
Severus felt a tear roll down his face. He brushed it away.
'You're not sad are you?' Iris asked him in concern.
'The opposite Iris. I didn't know if it was possible for me to feel so hopeful.'
Iris patted him on the shoulder, 'I won't say anything to the others. Alright,' she said in a conspiratorial tone.
Severus grinned at her.
They went back through the portal to the interested faces of those in the room.
'Oh, Sev. Your nose is fixed,' Lily said abruptly.
Severus looked in the mirror. The premature ageing from his earlier life had reversed. His nose was back to normal. He looked like Remus and the others. Very healthy.
'Are you going to bother with glamours?' Hermione asked them in interest.
'I think Miss Black's idea to use this to disturb Tom's followers may be wiser,' Albus said with a mischievous smile on his face, 'Merlin knows they have disturbed everyone else immensely. I'll announce this development at breakfast. Or perhaps tell Miss Brown and Miss Patel. That will save me the trouble.'
Minerva chuckled. Sirius had a wide grin on his face.
'Psychological warfare. I like it,' Iris nodded as Hermione put her thumbs up.
Minerva kept looking at herself, 'I'll need to get new make-up. Certainly some new outfits.'
'I didn't know you were so fashion-conscious,' Lily stated.
'Work hard, play hard. That was my motto when I was young. Damn the ageing process. What you young ones must realise is we may look older, but inside once you get to forty your souls don't age much. It's the body that lets you down.'
Albus nodded in sympathy, 'Indeed. The hangovers become frightful the older one gets. All that dancing till midnight stops being as much fun at the thought of the morning.'
'Grans' going to love this,' Iris stated, 'All the Black women will. I reckon my Christmas presents price tags this year are going to be embarrassingly vulgar,' Iris beamed widely.
They all grinned at this. The vanity of the Black women was renowned throughout the country.
'I'll contact the Order members. And many of my dear old friends. We'll put the word out,' Albus said, 'Many of them have lamented not being able to be of as much use as they could have been when they were younger. They despise the constant threats to the Wizarding World. It was never meant to get this bad. They will want to join us. I know this for certain. They are brave men and women.'
The others nodded along with Albus's words. It was finally starting to look like they had real support for the future.
The evening wound down as it was eventually just Lily and Severus left, 'Oh, Severus. We need to check your Patronus,' Lily said.
He looked very shy all of a sudden.
'Sev. What's the matter?' Lily asked.
Severus sighed. With a flourish of his wand, a beautiful doe came out of his wand.
'Oh,' Lily said softly. Her own Patronus was also a doe.
'A Patronus is a part of you. A character trait or something that makes you happy. You always make me happy Lily,' Severus admitted.
Lily's heart swelled with warmth, 'Oh, Sev,' Severus got a tight Lily hug.
'Best friends forever,' Lily said to him quietly.
He grinned, 'Best friends forever,' he echoed back to her.
The whole evening had been unreal for each of them. The future didn't look so bleak as it had done. This power was changing the whole game completely.