It was dinner before Christmas break and everyone was settled in the Great Hall. Now the elephant had been addressed a more realistic atmosphere had settled. The snakes still patrolled so there was not any violence in Hogwarts. There were thoughtful faces all around. It was time for students to make decisions about their future. There would certainly be changes in the immediate future for many of them. The train was already starting to come off the tracks now.
The first-year Gryffindors were chatting amicably with each other. It had been an eventful first term for them. Harry was simply relieved everyone was still breathing. Albus looked snazzy in a fashionable suit. He had been to Saville Row and had bought himself the latest fashions. Even Draco had been impressed by the fine cuts. Minerva looked inspired. All the Professors had awarded Iris many points for the most inane things. Wearing her tie correctly. Twenty points. Being nice to Mrs Norris. Another twenty points. Gryffindor was well in front for the contest for the house cup. At this point, the older years could not care less. There were more important things they were preoccupied with. The first and second years still held a bit of excitement for it, however.
The puddings had just appeared. Iris looked down at her strawberry ice cream with a thrill. The ice cream here was very tasty.
The lights began to flicker as the hall darkened. An ominous feeling swept the Great Hall. A girl started to scream, then another as people gripped their heads. Iris felt a repetitive thudding throughout her body as Harry felt his scar start to tingle as the loud, sibilant voice of Riddle slowly echoed around the room.
'Iris, darling, come out, come out, wherever you are, come out to play,' Riddle's voice grated down her back as she gritted her teeth.
'Granddaddy has come to see you. Meet me at the gates, my dear,' the creepy voice echoed.
The voice stopped as people shook their heads clear. The thudding ceased in Iris too. Harry was still touching his scar tenderly with a dazed look. There was still that insidious toxic darkness that hovered in the air.
Iris sighed and pursed her lips, 'Oh, for fuck's sake. Right before pudding. He really has no class at all interrupting dinner,' Iris then tutted. Neville patted her hand in comfort.
'No class at all, Iris,' he agreed with her as he shook his head in disdain, 'It's simply not done in polite society.'
Hermione stared at them incredulously.
Iris stood up, 'Right. Well. I knew this was coming. Be like ripping a plaster off. Faster the better. Get it over with quickly. I have not been looking forward to this.'
The entire school was staring at her in disbelief.
Iris looked around the room, 'If any of you ever think you're from a dysfunctional family, then always spare a thought for me.'
Harry's eyes were gleaming emerald green fiercely.
'I'm going with you. I need to see the bastard,' he said firmly.
'Ok. Go under your cloak, though. He will take a shot at you if he sees you,' Iris said calmly as Ron looked stunned at this casual statement of fact. Harry nodded and took his cloak out of his robes. He always had it on him.
Iris turned to the silver snake and hissed in parseltongue, 'Get the others and bring them to me. We're going outside to meet Tom,' the snake nodded and then slithered off.
Iris stood and brushed herself down as she looked at her ice cream longingly. She tutted again in disappointment. Running her hands through her hair, she noticed the Professors approach. Albus was looking at her in concern.
'You cannot go out there Iris,' he said to her.
'Oh. It's fine. I have protection,' she said casually.
'The snakes can only do so much Iris,' Minerva said to her.
'I know. They are mainly so I can rub them in his face. They answer to me. Not him. It will really, really annoy him,' Iris said with a malevolent look.
'Then what?' Minerva asked. She looked very fraught.
Iris smiled gently, 'Lucifer. Lucifer. Lucifer,' she stated clearly to the entire room.
The entire room went rigid as the portal opened and moments later Lucifer stepped out to the stunned students and staff.
'Iris?' he questioned with worry as he looked around.
'He's here,' Iris told him, 'He wants me to come out and play. It would be rude to ignore him,' she smiled meanly at the Dark Angel who grinned at her.
'That it would,' he drew his black wings out fully. Several Slytherin girls fainted at the sight.
Nine silver snakes approached her as she stroked several of them, 'Good. Follow us. Keep Harry and the others safe,' she hissed to them all as they swayed and nodded.
'Harry. Don't be seen. Now is not the time to confront him. Promise me,' Iris asked the black-haired boy.
Harry gave a sharp nod, 'Promise. Time for that later,' he said adamantly.
Iris nodded, 'Later,' Iris turned to Albus, 'Are you coming?'
He was gazing at Lucifer, who nodded to him in greeting, 'I think so,' he said calmly.
'Time to meet dear old Granpappy then,' Iris said sardonically.
She picked up one of the snakes and wrapped him around her like he was Esmerelda and stroked him. The snake hissed in pleasure.
Iris cringed at the foul dark magic in the Great Hall. It made her feel nauseous. She thought of Riddle and the last time she had seen him. The Pensieve memory played in her head like a movie. Her eyes darkened to black and she felt the ring heat up. The pure darkness pulsated out of her, driving out the toxic putrid magic of Tom's from the room.
The older students were gaping at her. Crabbe had told them about this, but they hadn't truly believed till now. Pure black magic pulsated through them all as they all breathed deeply and felt their bodies hum with the force.
The small group made their way out of the hall as Harry wrapped his cloak around him and disappeared from view. A beat later the entire occupants of the Hall stood up and followed.
'I'm not missing this for anything, Lavender,' Parvati exclaimed as she pulled Padma along with her. Milicent was close behind Iris. Christmas had come early for the young Slytherin.
Hermione and Ron were both a bag of nerves but kept up with the others.
They all trooped down towards the gates where Tom was indeed standing. As Iris walked closer she could see in the dark he had changed dramatically from the young man in the Pensieve. His eyes were back to their glowing red. His face had sunken in giving him a snake-like appearance. His nose was just two slits. There wasn't a hair on his head. His features looked more blurred. He looked like a dodgy photograph that hadn't been developed properly. He was as creepy as anything. She felt her body start to thud again. Riddle looked taller. His skin looked like pale marble. He appeared to be alone, but in the Wizarding World that didn't mean he was. The wards at Hogwarts were strong enough to stop him from entering. Perhaps.
The ring on her finger was pulsating now with black magic that flooded through her. The thudding stopped.
Riddle was standing in a dignified way as he perused the arrival of Iris and the others. Most of the students stood far back in the darkness.
Riddle appraised her with interest. The black magic rippling off her made him narrow his eyes.
'You're dark magic is powerful. A gift you inherited from me, I suspect,' he hissed at her.
Iris shrugged, 'It's much better than that toxic poison you call magic, so I wouldn't say I got it from you,' she said to him dismissively.
Riddle stared at the small figure as a cruel smile appeared on his face. At least his granddaughter had some of his more admirable traits he thought. She was already so obnoxious at such a young age.
Displeasure passed his face when he saw the silver snakes slither up and surround Iris, 'It seems you have indeed inherited the dark gift of parseltongue. Odd for a Gryffindor to possess it,' he said in a snide voice.
'You're calling me odd. Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black,' Riddle smirked at her, 'Salazar has gifted me them,' Iris said calmly to Tom as she stroked the silver snake around her neck as she whispered in parseltongue to it, 'He made sure you have no power over them,' Iris smiled at him spitefully, 'Salazar really doesn't like you. He much prefers me and mum to you,' Iris taunted him.
Riddle ignored her comment, 'I have been hearing many things about your antics at Hogwarts, Iris,' Tom spoke to her. Or rather hissed, 'I have come to see for myself if there is any truth to the rumours.'
The students behind her were barely daring to breathe. Many of them were hiding behind the trees and bushes. Too terrified to be seen but not wanting to miss this. The dark magic filled the air, giving a surreal hot contrast to the cold night.
Iris stepped forward so he could see the blackness of her eyes. She heard him inhale sharply.
Lucifer took that moment to move forward to stand alongside Iris. For a long moment, Riddle simply stared at him.
'So, I get to finally meet the self-styled Lord Voldemort,' Lucifer said in a decidedly snide tone, 'You have evaded me for far too long.'
Riddle sneered at him, 'I will not bow to you, Lucifer.'
Lucifer grinned at him in a feral way, 'Your arrogance is unsurpassed by any other, Tom. You are what I expected you to be.'
'No matter. You are not now, nor will you ever be a concern of mine,' Riddle said with finality.
'Perhaps,' Lucifer said shortly.
Riddle had a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Iris, 'I am certain of it,' he hissed to the Dark Angel.
Albus approached the small group. Riddle looked at him dismissively for a moment and then gave a visible start.
'You!' he spat, 'You have grown young. That is true then?'
Albus gave a long look of sadness at him, 'You have grown into something I no longer recognise, Tom.'
Riddle turned away. No longer interested in Albus. He looked again at Iris, 'I have heard many tales. I saw what you did to the young Theodore Nott. I admit I was impressed. The boy hasn't spoken a word since the ordeal you put him through.'
Iris grinned a sickly smile at him, 'It was time he was taught a lesson,' she said coldly, 'Nice to know it sunk in.'
'You took him into Hell I heard. You can travel to other worlds in your physical body. You have brought the dead back to life they say. The Potters were well and truly dead when I had finished with them, but I hear much talk. They visit you and the boy,' his eyes pierced hers.
Iris contemplated the monster in front of her. He reminded her a little of the Seven devils in Hell. Unfortunately, Riddle was capable of doing much more damage to the innocent than them. Her mother and Gran were just two of his many victims.
They stared at each other as she felt a tug at the back of her head. He was reading her mind, she realised too late, as his face lit up in a manic smile.
Just like that, a red haze filled her vision as images of Riddle's countless atrocities flashed through her mind like a movie reel.
She stared at Riddle with sheer, unadulterated hatred, 'Get out of my head! I see you too,' she hissed, 'You are poison.'
Riddle grinned maliciously at her, 'You really do despise me, Granddaughter. I can see it in your mind. Reconciliation is not an option. No matter. You can hate me all you like. You can never kill me, Iris.'
'What are you really doing here, Tom?' Albus asked wearily.
Riddle looked annoyed at the use of his first name but he spoke in a deceptively nonchalant way, 'I have a theory you see. I'm here to test it. I need peace of mind.'
They looked at him confused. In that split second Riddle forced his way through the ward and whipped his wand towards Iris quickly, 'Avada Kedavra!' he spoke the spell rapidly. The flashing green light hit her directly in the chest as she fell back.
Harry threw his cloak off in a panic and ran to Iris as the snakes slithered after Riddle.
Riddle paid no attention at all to the boy and merely put a clear forcefield up the snakes could not penetrate as they banged on the sides of it, hissing harshly at him. His eyes were focused completely on Iris. Albus had a look of horror on his face as he realised what Riddle's theory was.
'Iris!' cried Harry as he got on his knees by her side. Hermione came running up as well.
'Iris!' Harry sobbed. He grabbed her by her shoulders as he tried to wake her. The pale girl lay there motionless. Hermione had her hand over her mouth as her face drained of colour.
Daphne and Draco moved next to her. Daphne was looking like she was near a breakdown. Draco stared motionlessly at the still figure of Iris. His icy grey eyes blank with fear.
The rest of the crowd dare not move. Then a low groan came from Iris as she sat up, scowling at Tom as the crowd gasped.
'You utter fucking piece of shit. That bloody hurt,' Iris stood up and then proceeded to launch into a tirade of abuse that would make a sailor blush at Riddle, who stood there smirking with a self-satisfied look on his face. Harry went from the depths of despair to sheer elation in a moment.
'She's alive!' he shouted unnecessarily to the gawping spectators.
'No shit, Sherlock!' yelled back one of the older Gryffindors in awe.
Iris continued her verbal abuse towards her grandfather.
Minerva looked torn between joy at the girl's survival and going over to give her a lecture on her abuse of the English language.
Riddle looked down at her as he struggled to get a word in edgeways, 'Merlin,' he thought. 'She has certainly inherited the notorious Black temper. Just like Bella.'
When she eventually paused for breath he spoke, 'My theory was correct. It normally is. Your mother should have died after that blood ritual. She didn't. You cannot die, Iris. Neither of you can because of your connection to me. Therefore, I cannot die either. We are connected for eternity,' he hissed.
Albus's eyes flashed with a gleam of triumph which disappeared as quickly as it had started.
Riddle glanced at Harry and the snakes, 'I'll be back for the nuisance Potter boy another time. He can wait,' he added dismissively, glancing at Lucifer.
Iris snarled at the mention of Harry as her eyes went straight back to black as she raised her wand and blasted Riddle out of Hogwarts with a jet black stunner that smashed through his force field.
'Set the wards stronger Albus. For Merlin's sake,' shouted Severus from the dark.
'I don't think Tom will be back tonight,' Albus said in a defeated tone as he waved his wand over the gates, 'He got what he came for.'
Everyone's eyes had followed the intimidating figure of Riddle hurtling out of the school gates and merge into the dark of the night as they all stood in varying states of shock.
'Well, that's not something you see every day,' Neville stated calmly in a vacant tone of voice.
Iris sighed deeply, 'Family reunions can sometimes get a bit awkward with some of our lot.'
Daphne sobbed and flung her arms around Iris as Iris returned the hug tightly. Iris felt herself calming down as the black magic died down.
Most of the students didn't look certain of what they were supposed to be feeling and confusion reigned.
Lavender Brown was gripping Parvati's arm in earnest as she spoke, 'What just happened?' she was looking at the main group, 'Did you just die, Iris?' the blonde girl got straight to the point. She must have been in shock. Cedric Diggory was standing right next to her as she completely ignored him.
'No,' Iris said, 'He knocked me out for a moment, but I didn't die. Oh, that filth. I'll have a massive bruise there. I'll have to go to the infirmary. Now, if you don't mind, I'm a bit shook up so I'm going to finish my pudding, then see Madam Pomfrey. I'm out of bruise ointment. Then I'm going to have an early night,' Iris looked a little concussed.
Albus looked a bit concerned at the nonchalance, 'Iris. I think you're in a state of shock. Minerva. Harry. Severus. Come with me to my office. I have a remedy for this. There is much to discuss about this evening.'
Harry was looking at Iris. He was grimacing in pain.
Daphne let go of her as Harry took her hand, 'Come on Iris. I think we need to hear what the headmaster has to say.'
Iris nodded with concern at his face, 'Are you alright?'
Harry looked very pale, 'I'm feeling a bit better now. My scar flared up when you fell. I'm still getting aftershocks. It's settling down now.'
Lucifer was looking at Iris with shame, 'I can only apologise, Iris. I failed in protecting you. I genuinely believed Riddle would not have done that. I thought he was just needling you for information.'
'It's ok. None of us saw that coming. Someone must have weakened the wards from inside. I have my suspicions. It's Bella you need to worry about though. She may put you in the doghouse for a while.'
A look of fear passed the Dark Angels face as Iris bit her lip in amusement.
A lot of the Slytherins were teetering around Lucifer at that particular moment in a vague attempt at being subtle.
Lucifer noticed the younger ones, 'Hello, Millicent. How have you been?' Lucifer asked the sturdy girl who blushed bright red.
'Good, t-thank you,' Millicent stuttered. She grabbed a taller girl that Iris recognised as one of the Slytherin prefects, 'This is Gemma Farley. She really wants to meet you.'
Lucifer smiled down as the moonlight glinted off his horns, 'The pleasure is mine, Miss Farley,' he shook her hand gently.
The girl giggled manically and then smiled broadly up at him.
'I'll leave you with your fan club,' Iris said with a smile, 'See you later.'
Lucifer hugged her goodbye. Iris and many of the others walked back to the castle, leaving Lucifer surrounded by many excitable Slytherins and a handful of the other house's students standing with the Dark Angel.
Ron had been mute since Riddle's voice had echoed around the hall earlier. He kept looking at Harry and Iris with widening eyes.
'Cor! I always knew you know, about he who must not be named. To see him, really see him in the flesh, you know. It's all real. He's real,' Ron was rambling now.
Draco had been quiet up to this point, 'You just threw him out of Hogwarts,' he stated simply.
'Yeah, well, he was vexing me greatly,' Iris said shortly.
Draco couldn't stop the smile that spread over his face. His first-year cousin had chucked the monster of his childhood nightmares out of Hogwarts with just one stunner.
Hermione had gripped Iris's hand tightly, 'I'm glad you're alright,' she said more calmly than she felt.
'I haven't even begun to get my head straight,' Iris admitted to her, 'I need to think. Harry and I will see what the headmaster has to say.'
'I'll wait up for you. I'll get us some more ice cream,' Hermione said gently.
Iris looked at her friend then and it was that small kindness from Hermione which made her start crying.
'Thank you, Hermione,' she sobbed out, 'That is very nice of you.'
The gang all piled in for a group hug then.
The Professors stood to the side to let this happen. It seemed to do Iris and Harry the world of good.
A few minutes later Iris had settled herself, 'You guys are the best,' she whispered, 'thanks.'
Ron and Neville looked a little awkward at the emotional outpouring, but like the others had found it cathartic.
Harry had his thinking face on. Lavender, Parvati and Padma made their way back to the great hall to hold court with the rest of the gossips in Hogwarts. Hermione made her way back to the Gryffindor common room with the others. She needed some time herself to process what she had just witnessed. She would never forget her first glimpse of Tom Riddle. She understood now the fear the Wizarding World held for him.
This is what Iris and Harry were up against. The ease at which he had performed magic was unreal. His contempt for Lucifer was astounding. She looked at her housemates. Dean and Seamus looked as unnerved as her. Ron still looked slightly dazed. Neville had a peculiar look on his face. A form of shock, she supposed. He had seen for a few brief seconds what he thought was a dead Iris. This evening had certainly been a roller coaster of emotions. She sat with him quietly for a while as they both made sense of what they had experienced.
Draco and Daphne had walked on further with Harry and Iris till they had approached Dumbledore's office.
'I swear Iris, my blood pressure can't take any more. Promise me serenity this Christmas,' Daphne said to her, only half-joking.
'I promise, Daph,' Iris said sincerely, 'It will only be about Santa, giggles and food. The true meaning of Christmas.'
They both gave each another hug as Draco and Harry looked at each other uncomfortably.
Neither of them had spoken much to each other. Harry was acutely aware of Draco's history. It disturbed him more than he could say. He could see some of his Godfather in Draco's face and those familiar ice grey eyes of Iris and Sirius they each shared gave him some comfort.
Draco gave a nod to Harry. Harry had finally seen the man who had murdered his parents. He had been as terrible as Harry had thought he would be. Harry's scar had been aching the closer he had got to the twisted Wizard. His head had felt like it was being crushed when Iris had fallen and had only eased off when Iris had cast the stunner and Riddle left. He would need to talk to them about this.
He looked at Draco. A boy who had, like him, seen first hand the consequences of Riddle's leadership. Who was brave enough to stand and fight against it despite knowing the risks and still stood here with them knowing precisely what could happen to him for his allegiance. Harry put his hand out as Draco raised an eyebrow. Draco took the hand and shook it. They didn't need to speak. Actions spoke louder. That gesture showed one thing to each other. Solidarity.
Harry and Iris made their way into Dumbledore's office as they waved goodbye to their Slytherin friends.
Daphne and Draco sighed as Iris and Harry disappeared, 'It's too much all the time. I worry so much about them. Well, when I'm not worrying about everybody else,' Daphne whispered to him.
Draco nodded as he put his arm around her. He had grown very close to her. Daphne, like him, were both cut from the same cloth. They understood each other in a way most people couldn't. They were both filthy rich with bloodlines coming out of their ears. Aristocratic. Both understood the importance of tradition implicitly. They both had morals. Both were too smart for their own good. They knew the direction most of the Purebloods was taking was wrong in every way it was possible to go wrong.
'I do believe if any two people can take him on properly, it's going to be the two of them in the end,' Draco added, 'There is something different about both of them. I can feel it.'
Daphne nodded, 'Same. It's in their magic. The way they are. Harry isn't going to stop fighting. Neither will Iris. What the hell has Riddle done? Has he any comprehension of what he has been messing with? He couldn't kill Harry. Now, look at what he's just done. That Iris could even stand up after being hit with the killing curse should be impossible. Although compared to everything else, not the most impossible thing she has done,' Daphne said diplomatically, 'Harry did it as well.'
Draco glanced around the empty corridor, 'I believe Riddle has no respect for anything,' he told her honestly, 'This is why we're all in this mess. He, them. They are going to destroy everything we have of value if he isn't stopped.'
Daphne looked at him questioningly and then pulled him into an alcove.
Speaking quietly she whispered, 'When Riddle was bragging about being unable to die did you see Dumbledore's face?'
Draco shook his head. He had been looking at Riddle like everyone else had.
Daphne continued, 'He knows more than what he's letting on. I was keeping an eye on him. He had a look in his eyes. Like Riddle had walked into a trap only he knew about.'
Draco looked in her blue eyes, 'Are you sure?' he asked earnestly.
'He was acting a part in front of Riddle and the others. He knows something Riddle doesn't. I'm sure of it,' Daphne whispered to him.
Draco gave a tentative smile, 'The less Riddle knows than Dumbledore the better for all our sakes.'
Daphne perused the blond boy, 'Draco. I know you're not ready, but if you ever want to talk about it I'm a good listener. Ok?'
Draco gave a small nod, 'Thank you. Um. I,' he rubbed his forehead, 'I'm not ready. One day I will be.'
Daphne smiled at him, 'Come on. Let's go back down to the Hall. I was in the middle of pudding before we were so rudely interrupted. Riddle has no decorum in the slightest disrupting dinner. No breeding in the slightest. Appalling etiquette.'
Draco grinned, 'I know. His behaviour was outrageous,' he said pompously as he followed her down the corridor. Ethan and Jasper slithering close behind.