It was a few weeks later as Hermione woke up in her room at Greengrass Manor in the early morning and stretched in a relaxed state.

Her own home only needed a new kitchen put in and it would be time to leave. She was in no rush. There was so much space here. Crookshanks was curled up at the bottom of the bed.

It had been a surreal few weeks for her.

Iris had been more than she could have hoped. It had been a massive gamble on her part but she had needed to know for certain what the vibrant, pulling magic between them meant. It had been driving her mad not knowing. Her magic had been straining in her.

Iris was still looking at her in surprise from time to time. Like she couldn't quite believe this was happening either.

Being with Iris was nothing like it had been with Ron. True, neither Ron nor herself had been in a good place when they had attempted to date but even so. Being with Iris felt right in a way it hadn't with the redhead.

They had decided to be discreet for now. There was too much going on and the inevitable fallout could wait. The Wizarding World was more old fashioned than the Muggle in regards to these matters. The Muggle world wasn't all sunshine and rainbows either. They would need to be careful.

Today was Bill and Fleur's wedding day. It was bittersweet for Iris. She was happy Fleur was marrying one of the good ones. Iris had meant what she said. Bill had always been a top bloke. It was a chapter of her life that was closing. She had Hermione now and was very happy with the way her personal life was evolving. Fleur was quickly becoming a distant memory. She knew Hermione in a way she never had Fleur.

All the Greengrass, Black and Granger family members were well aware of the situation with Fleur which had caused them all much mirth over time. Hermione, now she knew what had really happened between the two of them was a lot more dignified about it. They would all be going to the Burrow. It promised to be a lovely event. Mrs Weasley had pushed all the boats out.

Hermione and Iris would have the Manor to themselves for the day. An opportunity they were sure to make the most of. Hermione had been pleased to see Iris was more than looking forward to that and missing the wedding didn't seem to bother her anymore.

The wedding was to be a real reunion of the Wizarding World. Everyone they knew had been invited. In some ways, it was to bring in a new start. There was still a great deal of sadness about the past, but the future beckoned.

Iris and Hermione waved the travellers goodbye. Iris had opened the portal for them to enable a more elegant journey. She promised to open it back up at midnight for their return and she reminded them to make sure no Veela were nearby when she did that.

She didn't bother telling them to give Fleur her love. The sniggers would have been unbearable.

Iris and Hermione made their way back inside and didn't get any further than the hallway for a very long time.

Hermione had been fascinated to see Iris's eyes grow golden when they kissed, 'It used to happen when the Angels were close. Around certain magical animals. Veela. Obviously. I think it also happens when I'm truly happy. It's pure emotion. Like a Patronus,' Iris had said shyly.

'Oh, aren't you the cutest,' Hermione had been very happy to know she had this effect on Iris.

The Peverell ring glinted in the sunlight as the day ambled on.

'I'd like to see the waterfall. I love what it looks like at night,' Hermione said while they were snuggled on the sofa.

Iris hugged her closer, 'It's marvellous. All the stars and the lights and colours all mixed in.'

They had made their way through the tunnel as the portal shut behind them. The contrast from day to immediate night made Hermione blink. Within a short amount of time, they were standing watching the water race past them. They sat down together and cuddled up.

'We've got the whole summer to look forward to,' Hermione said with that certain look in her eyes that Iris was beginning to be able to translate.

Iris had grinned and leaned back, pulling a smiling Hermione with her.

They had been gone for hours as they made their way back to the Manor. It was late and coming up to eleven in the evening. All was quiet. Crookshanks had greeted them in exchange for an acceptable amount of fuss. Esmerelda paid them no attention in the slightest.

'Thanks for today,' Iris had said, 'I enjoyed myself a lot.'

Hermione had smirked, 'I know you did.'

Iris blushed a little, 'Tea?' she asked.

'Mm. Yes please.'

They made their way downstairs and Iris bustled about the kitchen as Hermione tidied up.

Hermione took a moment to watch Iris. They had a lovely day. Iris was very sweet to her. She was treating Hermione like glass. Hermione pondered this for a moment. It was early days. She was Iris's first proper relationship. Iris wanted to take things slowly.

'Very slowly by the looks of it,' Hermione sighed.

'I'll open the portal soon,' Iris told her, breaking her out of her musings. They were both feeling the nice effects of Equilibrium flow through them.

They chatted about random things. There was a noticeable shift to avoid anything to do with the war. Now and again they all needed a day off from it all. Dumbledore had emphasised the importance of that. It was so easy to lose yourself in it.

Iris gave a stretch and stood up, 'Right. Let's hope they won't be too drunk,' she focused and then opened the portal to the Burrow.

Hermione watched with interest as the doorway appear. She had never tired of it.

Iris stood there waiting. No one was near the portal. She could make out a large wedding tent in the distance through the swirls. It was dark though, 'I'll give them a shout. They must have been hitting the brandies hard. Get ready to get the spew bucket out!'

Hermione grimaced.

Iris went to move forward as a flash of a spell hurtled through the portal and missed her by a whisker and smashed into the wall behind them. She jumped back and closed the portal immediately. Hermione was already running towards her.

'What the fuck?! If that's the Weasley twins being drunken idiots I'll curse them into next week!' Hermione snapped.

Iris was shaking, 'They wouldn't do that. They're under attack.'

Hermione's face flashed with supreme anger.

'You need to stay here. I'm going to the Burrow,' Iris said in a calmer voice than she felt.

'You are absolutely not leaving me here,' Hermione said in a very shrill voice.

Iris huffed. There was no time to argue with Hermione. Plus, she already knew there was a very good possibility she would lose the battle of wills, 'Lucifer, Lucifer, Lucifer,' she repeated the most valuable mantra she knew in case of emergency.

Lucifer appeared quite quickly.

'The Burrow. We think it's under attack,' Hermione came straight to the point.

'Bella is there,' Iris added.

Lucifer disappeared in an instant.

Iris focused on a portal going into the Weasley kitchen. Gripping Hermione's hand they eased through. Iris had a brief moment of relief when she saw a ton of redheads. The air was thick from smoke and spells were shooting everywhere.

Mrs Weasley had just launched a Death Eater out of the front door when she swivelled around and stuck a wand in Iris's face in rage thinking she was an intruder. Iris just about kept her nerve as Mrs Weasley came to her senses.

'Everyone. Get through the portal now,' Hermione ordered in her bossiest voice that didn't invite argument.

Many of the guests were already on the way through.

'They've done anti apparition wards, the bastards!' Mr Weasley yelled.

Iris took a deep breath.

'They've gassed a ton of the guests! They've passed out outside!' Ron came staggering up. He had a cut on his head and blood was running down his cheek. His eyes had glazed over. Signs of a severe concussion.

Iris felt her blood pumping at the sight as her eyes went black.

'Where are they and how many?' she asked briskly.

'Outside. Everywhere. Dozens of them. They keep pushing. They're firing Muggle weapons!' Bill shouted back. BOOM! The side of one of the Burrow walls gave a massive shake. There wasn't much time.

'Mum, Dad, Gran!' Hermione shouted as her family ran over to her, 'Get through the portal now!' she shrieked.

Dozens of guests had scampered through now. A few obvious Veela guests paused for a moment but then scurried on when there was another BOOM and the walls shook again. The black magic had pushed the white magic right down. Iris was about to blow.

Dawn and Gareth scuttled over with terror on their faces, 'You need to be hosts at the Manor,' Iris said in a calm voice. They looked at her, relieved to have some sense of order. That was the one job they both did very well. They disappeared followed by a frightened Astoria who looked at her older sister. She was more than a little bit terrified at the sight of her black eyes.

Daphne and Draco ran over to them, 'Thank Merlin. There are people collapsed outside. They've poisoned them. We can't get to them,' Daphne told her swiftly.

'Where's Albus?' Iris asked.

'He's knocked out. He's out there,' Draco said in a sharp voice. Iris saw Harry at the front door. He was getting desperate as he gripped his wand and kept shooting out into the trees hoping to hit any enemy he could.

Iris bought out the portal to Hell and ran in.

BOOM! BOOM! The wall shook again. They could hear gunshots being fired.

'Fuck! The house is going to fall!' Ron was losing his grip. He wobbled as he leant on the wall.

'Pull yourself together Ron. Get through the portal now. You're in no fit state to fight,' Hermione said to him as sharply as possible in a tone he recognised as one not to argue with, even with his addled mind.

Madam Pomfrey came running up, 'Take him with you,' Hermione told her sharply.

BOOM. BOOM. The other wall was being hit. The magic that held the house together was on the verge of breaking.

'Hurry up, Iris,' Hermione was pleading in panic.

Iris came running out, 'They're on their way,' she dashed past them and ran out the front door to join Lucifer and the others.

Hermione shook. She was getting flashbacks from the week of Hell. She got a grip and ran to the door to help Harry shoot spells out.

Sirius and Bella were outside throwing spells everywhere to protect the front door. The air smelt really bad. Toxic. Iris spotted a Death Eater by the trees. He was wearing a gas mask. Iris panicked at the sight, 'Get in the house now!' she screamed at Bella and Sirius. The air was poison.

Lucifer had been prowling around the grounds. Two Death Eaters had already been pulled apart.

Bella and Sirius managed to get back in the house. Severus was collapsed on the floor. Iris heard Molly shriek from the house. Good. The Seven Devils had arrived.

Once she saw their horns she relaxed a little. Her black magic was shielding the Burrow. The Death Eaters couldn't get past it. Once they saw the Devils running towards them the masked figures began to run and disappear into the night to apparate past the anti apparition wards. With no time to spare a portal to St. Mungoes was formed as Lucifer and Iris began sending the people on the ground through.

It was a credit to the staff at the hospital that they kept their composure when Lucifer began dashing back and forth with their new patients. He had been a big help in the war. Iris saw a slither of Albus. He had barely managed to disillusion himself. She levitated an unconscious Albus up with concern and watched Lucifer take him through the portal. She picked his wand up and put it in her pocket. It was too valuable to leave to chance.

Iris was getting more and more worried. A lot of these people looked in a really bad way. Some she was sure had died. The Death Eaters had been shooting curses at their still bodies.

Lucifer and Iris scanned the area. It was clear. The air was stagnant. It was with a heavy heart that Iris went back into the house. Mrs Weasley watched in amazement as Iris hugged the Seven Devils goodbye and thanked them politely for their help. She gaped as those same Devils waved goodbye to her as they left to go back home.

The house was making some very strange noises as they heard cracking.

'Come on! Quickly! It's about to collapse!' Hermione barked the order urgently.

It was a very disorientated group that ambled into the portal and to the safety of Greengrass Manor.

Iris was the last one through as she closed the portal behind her. The wedding group looked at her in earnest, 'We took them to ,' she explained fast. She brought up the portal to the hospital and there was a mini stampede to get through to their hurt loved ones.

'Bella. Dad. I'll take you to Equilibrium to get cleaned up. The air was poison. Just give me a minute to calm down,' Iris said in a drained voice. Bella was currently being hugged by Lucifer. It no longer caused discomfort to onlookers.

Sirius gave Iris a big hug. He looked tired.

Iris spoke apologetically to Mrs Weasley, 'I'm afraid there are at least two dismembered bodies by your vegetable patch. Sorry, Luna. I thought that was the end of all that nasty stuff too.'

Luna smiled gently, 'Thank you for coming to help. I thought for a moment we were all leaving Earth for good. It was a terrible end to what I imagine was a lovely day for you both,' Luna gave her a knowing look.

Iris looked at her with a little suspicion as she turned away, 'Some of them didn't make it,' she admitted to the others, 'The Death Eaters had been casting curses on them when they lay there.'

'How did this happen?' Hermione asked them, 'They were all supposed to have been driven out. No one can get in unless Salazar and Rowena clear them. They have their ways to know who is who without ill intent towards us.'

'They must have been hiding somewhere,' Daphne said, 'There are a lot of places off the map. Like the Room of Requirement or Valinor. It wouldn't be impossible to disappear somewhere on the island.'

Iris sighed, 'Poor Fleur. What a horrible thing to happen on her wedding day.'

Hermione looked around, 'Where is Fleur?' she asked Mrs Weasley.

'Oh, well. We sent her and Bill on as soon as we got here. The rest of her relatives who have Veela blood have gone too. We have had quite enough drama for one day. I for one am exhausted. My nerves are shredded,' Mrs Weasley's mouth twitched as she tried and failed to not look at Iris.

Iris rolled her eyes but couldn't find the words to defend herself. Anyone with Veela blood and Iris in the same room would be a bad idea. They were each other's kryptonite.

The Greengrass family had done what they did best and made sure everyone was settled. The genial hosts ensured a calm environment for their shaken guests who were now lounging around with a more relaxed demeanour. It was a waiting game to hear from the hospital.

Iris took Bella and Sirius to get back to normal. They had both been wheezing quite badly in the tunnel. Equilibrium did what it was good at and restored them both.

Iris would spend the next twenty-four hours at the hospital speeding up the Healers work with Gabriel.

Albus managed to pull through but it was a bitter pill to swallow when the Healers had to tell them that Severus was amongst several who had been dead on arrival. Several killing curses had struck down their potions teacher.

Tonks had almost died but managed to hang on long enough for the Healers to fix her. Iris was a mix of conflicting emotions. None of them good.

It wasn't until Iris had seen Severus in his new home in Equilibrium that she cheered up a little. Severus was absolutely loving his new life. He had already put his name on the long waiting list to study at Origin. He would be doing what he could to aid them from the beyond.

'You must understand, Iris. I have never been a fan of children. Teaching potions to most of them who could never truly grasp the complexities of that particular brand of magic has been very perplexing and frustrating for me to the extreme over the years. Now I can spend my time doing what I actually want to do. I can see Lily whenever I need to be social. Narcissa is near. You can visit with Draco when you can. There is an abundance of life here to explore and the library here is exceptional. Please. Do not worry in the slightest about me. I was never much of a fan of Earth, to be honest with you. This is much more my style.'

Iris had been a little apprehensive but Severus did genuinely seem much happier than she had ever seen him.

'I was happy I was allowed in, actually,' Severus admitted in a quiet tone, 'There was a little bit of a wait at the veil.'

'You more than made up for any bad things you did, Sev,' Iris told him in a soft voice. He had smiled then at her. A true smile that transformed his face.

She had returned the elder wand to Albus when she went to visit him.

'The Death Eaters. Some still linger. I didn't want this to fall into the wrong hands,' she had told a grateful headmaster.

They took a little trip to Equilibrium to finish what the Healers had started.

'I just don't understand what they had to gain,' Iris had said again to Dumbledore, 'Why the Burrow?'

'I expect they were after Harry,' Albus told her honestly, 'It is common knowledge that you and Miss Delacour need to be separated for your own sakes. It is in fact, legendary.'

Iris sniffed and did not comment as Albus hid a grin.

'They knew you would not be at the Burrow. Their poison was wretched. It was so potent. I managed to cast a shield to disillusion me for some time. If you had arrived any later it would have been too late. I fear Severus and I took the brunt of it. If not for the fact you had made plans to open the portal for your family to return from the wedding they would have been successful in their mission.'

Iris looked thoughtful, 'Sev seems a lot happier there,' she told Albus who chortled.

'Yes. I expect being away from school children has enabled his sun to shine a little brighter. Teaching potions was the only thing I could think of to keep Severus close to the school to help protect the castle and students. Harry has you and others to help protect him now. We need to carry on and help him do what needs to be done.'

Iris had left Albus deep in thought about just what the future held.