Iris made her way back to the tunnel quickly. She needed to see Dumbledore. The white ring and her visions were swirling in her mind. She wasn't sure how long she had been gone. A few hours she thought. She hadn't got her watch on. It was still day in Equilibrium. She had arrived here in the morning. She went through limbo. There never was anyone here. It was a personal space, unique to each arrival. Gabriel had explained it once but it had gone over her head.

She scuttled down the tunnel quickly and eased back into the infirmary.

Madam Pomfrey was startled at the sight of her, 'Miss Black! Where the bloody hell have you been?'

'I left a note. It's only been a few hours, hasn't it? I had a nap. I needed to recharge.'

The nurse looked at Iris with deep suspicion, 'You have been gone for three days.'

Iris put her hand to her mouth in shock, 'I'm so sorry. I didn't realise.'

Madam Pomfrey was adept at spotting lies and realised Iris was being honest, 'I'll let Dumbledore know. Everyone has been frantic. Stay there,' she left the room.

Iris felt perturbed. She hadn't meant to worry anyone. She felt very good. Curious she made her way to the mirror to take a look at herself. She was naturally pale but had a little more colour in her cheeks. She looked better than she had when she had first woken. She had looked like death warmed up. She was still a bit too thin but some proper meals would sort that. Equilibrium had worked its magic. She felt lighter and stronger again. Very strong. She looked at the ring again in consternation.

Albus came hurrying into the infirmary, 'Iris,' he truly looked at her with a deep concentration.

'What's happened to me?' Iris asked, 'I went to recharge in Equilibrium. I thought I would have a nap by the waterfall. I thought I was only gone a few hours. Look,' she thrust the ring into Albus's face, 'The ring has gone white. I feel so strong though.'

'Gabriel said he searched there. He couldn't find you,' Albus said as he stared at the ring.

Iris shook her head clear as she clutched his arm, 'I was dreaming. I know where his Horcruxes are. Every last one. I've seen them in my dreams. They are still in my head now. I can see them. They must be behind the mirrors. They all have T, M. Riddle written on them. There are seven of them.'

Albus inhaled sharply.

'They are going to be an absolute nightmare to get to. I mean. You won't believe what he's done. The protections are mind-blowing. I knew he was good but wow. I know he's evil incarnate but credit where credit is due. We have to get his connection to Harry severed. Riddle can't know we know. It's served its purpose. Harry can be free of him for good. Death told me that when we knew where the Horcruxes were then it was safe to do that. If Riddle suspects for a moment we know he'll stop at nothing to hide them and I can't go into the infinite again for another year to find out where he's moved them too. We don't have the time.'

Albus was still reeling from this news as he gaped at Iris, 'You know where they are?'

Iris nodded, 'Gabriel can go into my mind in Equilibrium. We'll get the exact locations. Merlin. I saw them all. They are scattered all over the globe. We'll need some of your portkeys, that's for sure, and the best people you can find.'

Albus felt his legs weaken as he sat down gingerly.

Luna wandered into the infirmary in an airy fashion, 'Oh, you're back again. I thought you were. You look better. You were rather bedraggled last time I saw you.'

Iris greeted her, 'The rings changed too,' Iris showed her.

Luna peered at the ring, 'Oh good. That means all the really barbaric magic is over. I was getting a little tired of having to dodge torn off ligaments and entrails. I had to replace my robes and my favourite shoes. They were so damaged after the Battle of Hogwarts debacle that even Professor McGonagall couldn't salvage them. Even magic couldn't get all the blood and brains off.'

'Oh, I know. Tell me about it. I've been getting through so much of my wardrobe as well. War is such a messy business. It's such a problem with the bloodstains, isn't it? And as for the rips and tears. It doesn't matter how good the repair, they never really go back to normal. I haven't found good enough spells either. I've lost count of the number of clothes I've had to throw away. It's so distressing,' Luna murmured her agreement, 'Remember that lovely blue jumper I had?' Iris said to her friend who nodded, 'I had to bin it after that incident with that Tory politician in Oxford. It was ruined. Even Mrs Weasley had to admit defeat with that one.'

Luna tutted, 'Such a shame. That was a one-off wasn't it?'

Albus interrupted the banal conversation, 'Ladies. Can you inform your friends and family that Iris is back? Iris, can you call Gabriel? I have much to discuss with him.'

Iris nodded, 'I'll take you to Equilibrium soon, Luna. Lots of people want to go as well.'

Luna smiled, 'I understand. They miss each other. I can wait.'

Iris's nearest and dearest were informed of her return, much to their relief.

Gabriel settled in with Albus for a long night.

Iris made her way to the Gryffindor common room with a relieved Hermione. It seemed different to her. Emptier. Seamus startled her with a hug.

'I heard about Dean. I'm sorry,' Iris began.

Seamus shook his head, 'It's alright, Iris. He died fighting for freedom. For us. That is everything. The same as we all are. I heard about your mother and Gran. We all lost people. There are a lot of us still left though. We're carrying on,' Iris gave him a look of pride, 'It's good to see you, Iris. When you're ready I'd like to see him.'

Iris nodded, 'Of course. I'll be taking everyone through the tunnel in the next few weeks.'

Seamus gave a sad sort of smile, 'I know you've heard it before but knowing he's still alive makes this a lot easier to deal with. I won't lie though. It's just not the same without him here.'

Parvati walked up slowly. They didn't need to speak. Iris knew she was devastated.

'I'll take you through the tunnel tomorrow. You can see Lav and Padma then,' Iris said to the obvious unsaid question as Parvati gave a watery smile.

Ron, Harry, Neville and Ginny had been in the corner as they came over to the group and welcomed Iris back.

Harry's eyes spotted the difference immediately, 'The ring has gone white.'

Iris nodded, 'I had a nap in Equilibrium. Well, at least that what I thought. When I woke up it was like this. I dreamt too. A lot,' Iris paused and looked at Harry, 'How's your head? Is he here?'

Harry shook his head.

Iris gave a determined smile, 'I know, Harry.'

Harry's emerald eyes sparkled.

'Know what?' Ron asked, confused.

'Riddle's dirty little toys. I know where they are. We can finish this,' Iris said to them.

Hermione grabbed her arm, 'Going into the infinite caused this?'

Iris nodded, 'All of it. I let Dumbledore know. He's talking to Gabriel right now. Gabriel will go in my head in Equilibrium to get the exact locations. I can see them in my mind. The objects. It looks like he scattered them across the world and the protections are insane. One of them especially is going to be truly horrendous. It's going to take everything we have to get it out. Dumbledore is going to get the best people he can find on this.'

'Why?' asked Luna curiously.

'It's buried under one of the oceans. I think the North Atlantic. There were ice caps,' Iris told them.

'How the fuck did he do that?' Neville exclaimed.

Iris shrugged, 'We don't need to know how he did it. We just need to know how to get to them and destroy them. Harry. Death said once we knew I can sever the connection you have with him. It will be safe for you. We can do it now before Riddle becomes aware.'

Harry looked at her stunned as his eyes welled up in tears. He turned his head away from the group as he wiped his eyes.

They all went quiet at this as Ginny went to comfort him.

'I'm ok,' Harry said quietly, 'I, these are tears of relief. That's all. The pain will be over? I won't have to see inside his mind ever again?' he asked Iris.

'Oh, Harry,' Iris said glumly, 'Yes. It's over. You saved lives. You have done more than anyone could have asked of you.'

'I'll get to go to Equilibrium? I can see where mum and dad live?' he asked hopefully.

Even Ron looked emotional at this.

Iris smiled gently as Ginny gave him a big hug. Even they hadn't realised how much Harry had longed for Equilibrium and what he had sacrificed to keep the connection open.

'That chapter will be over, Harry. You will still have your mums protection. We're going to need that,' Iris told him.

'Can we go now?' Harry asked suddenly.

The group looked astonished. They hadn't understood just how desperate Harry was to be rid of Riddle.

'We can get Gabriel. He'll need to deal with the split in limbo,' Iris told him.

Harry was already heading towards the door as they all trotted off behind him.

Ten minutes later and they were all stood by the portal leading into the tunnel.

Gabriel looked earnest as Albus contemplated what was about to happen. Harry took Iris's hand as Ginny looked on a little suspiciously. Iris gave her a small smile as Ginny blinked a little wearily at her. It was common knowledge that one Ginny Weasley was very fond of one Harry Potter. Alas, Harry couldn't see what was staring him in the face. He did have a lot on his mind to be fair. Iris would talk to the redhead later.

Iris thought Harry was lovely but not who she was looking for and she was sure the sentiment was returned. He was also a blood relative, albeit distant which made him a definite undateable in her book.

'Ready?' Iris asked him.

'Ready,' Harry said in excitement as he gripped her hand tightly.

They eased into the tunnel. Harry gaped around at all the stars, 'It's beautiful. Just like they all said it was,' he whispered as he drank in the sights. His eyes went to the end of the tunnel and the two portals that rippled. They meandered down as he looked everywhere around him, 'So many stars,' he whispered. The sparkly lights reflected on his glasses.

Gabriel was waiting for them on the other side of the portal.

'Remus felt for a moment his body being pulled and stretched. Don't let go of my hand or you'll be stuck there,' Iris warned him.

Harry grinned, 'Not that much of a threat anymore, is it? Equilibrium or Earth?' he said darkly.

Iris blinked. Harry's dark humour raised its head from time to time.

'Be that as it may, we're needed back on earth,' she said primly, glossing over the implications of that sentence, 'Earth is very problematic. I get that. But it's temporary.'

Harry stared at her, 'Is it?' he whispered.

Iris paled, 'Come on Harry. Let's get that thing out of you.'

They stepped forward into the swirling veil as Harry reached up his free hand to clutch his scar. He gave a brief gasp of pain and then Iris heard him sigh in relief.

She jumped back a bit as she saw the mutilated fragment of Riddle's soul writhing on the floor. Harry opened his eyes and breathed out in horror. Gabriel had made his way over where he scooped up the atrocity.

The golden eyes of the Angel looked sombre, 'It's over, Harry,' he said simply.

Harry had a look on his face of total shock.

'You did great,' Iris said to him as she gave a side hug, 'You made the best of the connection. You used it to save people.'

'Do you think he has any idea what he has done to himself?' Harry asked them.

Gabriel shook his head, 'His ego refuses to see this. Or more like, doesn't want to see this.'

Harry stared at the pathetic figure of Tom.

'It's why he is so scared to die, isn't it?' Harry asked.

'We have merged the other parts of his soul,' Gabriel told him, 'But, well. We don't know. Each joining seems to lessen the agony to his physical self but there is no light in its eyes. I have entered his mind but there is nothing there.'

'What will happen if all the pieces are put together?' Harry asked.

Gabriel looked down at the shaking body in his arms, 'We can't know for certain. Once his soul is reunited, for his sins on Earth, he will go to Satan. I suspect he will be put in the black hole. His soul will cease to exist. Perhaps even Tom may prefer that future than to live like this.'

Harry looked at the raw flesh and whimpers from the soul fragment. He couldn't help but agree.

'What a waste,' Harry said, 'All that talent he had. Brains. Looks. He had everything.'

'No. He didn't, Iris said in a low voice, 'Dumbledore went back through his life with a fine-tooth comb. His mother, my great grandmother drugged his father with a love potion to gain his affections. She had been driven mad by the abuses and neglect of her family. A child born under a love potion won't know how to love. It's well known but she did it anyway. She died giving birth and he grew up in an orphanage. His childhood twisted him. It was over for Tom before it even started. All of this was preventable.'

Harry gazed at Tom, 'Do you hate him?' he asked Iris.

'Yes,' Iris said firmly, 'But I pity him too. The Gaunt family caused all this. Them and all the other stupid Purebloods with their idiocy. They knew the path they were heading down was not healthy. The signs were all there for decades. They could have stopped this. Salazar feels partly responsible. So he should. Tom isn't the only one to blame for all this pain. What has happened falls on a lot of shoulders.'

Harry really looked at Iris then. Her grey eyes were staring at Tom with a distressed look, 'Tom's my blood too, Harry. My family. Don't forget that. What could have been but wasn't. I don't for a second enjoy any of this.'

Harry felt a chill then. He was young and he knew he was a little self-involved. His connection with Riddle had been a rod for his back. He hadn't really considered the toll this was taking on Iris. He really noticed her then. She looked older than her years. Her eyes had hardened over time. Like Ron's eyes had. Like Ginny's. Like all of his friends had. The changes had been so gradual he hadn't really registered what this war was doing to all of them. Equilibrium was a lifeline. It gave them hope and knowing their loved ones survived and went on was balm for the soul, but it couldn't really distract for long the terrible horrors happening on their Earth.

Gabriel nodded his goodbyes to Iris and Harry as he left to tend to Tom.

Iris seemed to shake herself together, 'Come on Harry. I'll show you the sights. We can finish with a nice cup of tea with your parents.'

Harry perked right up. He hadn't seen them for a year.

It was spectacular. Harry thought with a brightness. He had questioned his friends endlessly about this new world so he had a very good idea but to see it all. Feel it. His five sense was rippling with the effects. He understood why Iris spent so much time at the waterfall. It gave him a sense of peace. He couldn't quite believe he was free of Riddle.

It was with great gusto he reunited with his parents at their cottage. Iris and Harry explained the situation. James and Lily had been at some of the battles and had suspected Iris had handed the reigns to Death. The power the girl had exhibited had been off the scales.

Lily and James had been very relieved that Harry was now free of Riddle's fragment and news that Iris's trip to the infinite had unlocked leads to the other anchors was something to be hopeful about.

'Perhaps now you might focus a bit more on your love life, son,' James had grinned at an embarrassed Harry, 'A growing lad like yourself can't neglect that side of himself. It's not healthy. You need to live a little. That bizarre flirtation with Cho was excruciating to witness. I have never seen such a lack of game,' Lily and Iris had sniggered. It had been mortifying to see Harry try and seduce Cho Chang.

Harry had squirmed, 'It wasn't, I mean. Cho wasn't sure who she liked more. Cedric and his cheekbones and his hair won her in the end,' he sat back scowling as James laughed.

'One snog!' James tittered, 'Six months of the strangest mating ritual I have ever endured and that was all you managed.'

Harry could feel his lips being pulled up, 'I have had a lot on my mind,' he tried to defend himself.

James looked at his son, 'I'll give you some tips on how to woo the ladies,' he told Harry sympathetically.

Lily broke out into uncontrolled laughter at that as James's face fell. This time it was Harry who was laughing.

'I'll teach Harry that sort of thing,' Lily said between giggles, 'He'll be single forever if you give him any advice,' she said with a grin.

James smiled broadly at that. He had got the girl in the end. It had taken him years though.

'Is there anyone you like?' Iris asked him curiously, 'I mean. Who is your type? What are you looking for in a girlfriend? You obviously fancied Cho so you like athletic girls but you never really spoke to her enough to know what she was actually like as a person, so what else?'

Harry sat back and pondered.

'I kind of like the brave girls. She would have to be, dating me. Not afraid to speak her mind. Love Quidditch as much as me. She would have to be nice. Funny. Someone I could talk to. Be comfortable with.'

Iris gestured to him to continue as she made brief eye contact with Lily who nodded to Harry in a supportive manner.

'Is there any girl you know like that?' Iris teetered around stating the obvious, 'An athletic girl that ticks all those boxes.'

Harry shrugged as he looked at them gormlessly.

'Well, give it time,' Lily said with a raised eyebrow to James and Iris. She wondered how her son could be quite so ignorant. Harry had just described Ginny Weasley exactly and he couldn't even rustle up her name.

'Do you think now the Riddle fragment is gone I may be a bit less thick in these matters?' Harry asked them all quietly.

Iris sat up straight, 'Of course,' she said out loud, 'That would explain a lot. Yes, Harry. I think it was affecting your thinking. Remember that time you had to go on an anger management course even though nothing around you was actually making you angry? It was all to do with that piece. See what happens at Hogwarts. You may start seeing things a bit more clearly.'

'Let's hope anyway,' James said in a low voice. He was stunned by his son's obliviousness to the obvious. James had known Lily was the one for him by his third year.

'I mean, how about a girl like Ginny for example? Would she be your type?' Lily said in a deceptively innocent voice to her son.

Harry looked confused, 'Ginny? She's like a sister to me. We grew up together. Like I did with Iris and Luna. Hermione too.'

Iris tilted her head as she looked at him steadily, 'Mm, ok Harry. Just, always remember she isn't actually your sister,' she added in a nonchalant voice.

Harry's emerald eyes flashed with an indefinable something as he changed the subject.

A few more hours passed at the Potters let them know what had been happening on Equilibrium.

Jannah and Shamayim had gone into overdrive to greet their very disorientated arrivals from the Middle East. The Angels had worked around the clock to ensure people were settled into their new homes. It had been months of hard work.

The Hogwarts students and professors who had fallen defending their castle and the young ones had been greeted by familiar faces and families.

Lily told them Lavender was missing Parvati very much and couldn't wait to see them all again. According to local gossip, Cho and Cedric had already moved in together.

Lily called Hayley around and it led to a very emotional meeting. Iris was simply glad to see her mother healthy again.

'Dad misses you so much, mum,' Iris told her, 'I'll bring him with me next time. Daphne wants to see you too and Astoria. Grandad. The whole family need to see you.'

Hayley's eyes had run across her daughter's face, 'I saw what you did to Lucius and Peter.'

Iris felt nervous. Her mother had never accepted her darker nature, 'He hurt you, mum. Tortured you and dad. Both of them hurt so many people.'

Her mother surprised her though with a big hug, 'I have seen what both of those creatures have done to so many people. What they were going to do to you and your friends. You delivered the pair of them to Satan. It is no less than they deserved.'

Iris embraced her mother tightly.

'Rumour has it they have put Lucius in the cell next to Peter,' Lily's mouth twitched, 'I don't know which one has it worst.'

James gave a bitter laugh. 'It's over for them. That is all we need to know.'

Meanwhile, a vengeful Tom Riddle finally rose from his self-imposed exile. His experiences with Death had made him more resolute. He made his way to his greatest secret. Gellert had helped him with this, even though Gellert no longer remembered doing so. Gellert was now dead. Only Tom knew this existed.

Tom stood in front of the ragged archway in the depths of the Khufu pyramid in Giza. He ran his pale, skeleton fingers over the Egyptian hieroglyphs and glowered. It had originally been a stargate. Tom and Gellert had this as their pet project. They had expected the resistance. They had planned for it. Tom stroked the runes that he had used to adapt this unique object to his own desires. He knew the reversal charms needed to activate this. He had tested the stargate time and time again. Tom narrowed his eyes with relish at the plans he had made for his enemies.

It could create a wormhole that could send the traveller to any point and place in time. Tom's red eyes flashed with anger. Humanity needed to suffer. Like he had been made to suffer.

He called for several of his followers. Tom sneered. His mindless followers. Literally. His dark magic that flowed in their dark marks had gradually altered their minds. They no longer had any free will. They were completely and utterly obedient to him. His personal slaves. Tom thought of his other ally. Tom smirked at Hitler's grand plans of replicating the magical gene for the Nazi Muggles. Tom had read Hitler's mind like a book all these years.

He had plans of his own for them too.