It was several hours later that they both flopped on the floor. Both of them a boneless mess. Iris rested her head on Hermione's middle as she gently stroked her skin. Wallowing in the afterglow as the magic died down.

'I think my brains have fallen out,' Hermione murmured in a daze with a stupid smile on her face.

'I know mine has,' Iris grinned as she turned her head up to look at Hermione.

'That was...,' Hermione paused, 'I didn't know it was possible to feel all that.'

Iris ran her fingers over her gently, 'You matter to me, so much, as I do to you. We just showed each other how much.'

Hermione gave her a soft smile, 'Simples.'

'You don't need charts and graphs to feel this, Hermione,' Iris told her.

Hermione gave her a lazy grin, 'No, I don't suppose you do.'

'How are you feeling now?' Iris asked her gently.

Hermione gave her a very seductive look that had Iris feel immediately warmer.

'Like I have been torn apart and put back together,' Hermione told her honestly. Iris gave a start.

'In the best possible way,' Hermione ended the sentence. Iris calmed down, 'You?'

Iris blushed, 'I felt all of you. Your heart. Your magic. Everything. It was beautiful.'

The room was quiet as they could hear their own breathing, 'We will be doing that again,' Hermione told her, 'I'll make us a schedule.'

Iris looked up at her smiling, 'I think that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I am more than happy to oblige,' she said in a low voice.

Hermione looked at her in contemplation as she ran her fingers slowly through Iris's hair, 'How lucky we are to have each other,' she said simply to Iris whose eyes flashed golden.

They settled back down.

'When we're ready we'll need to go back to the castle,' Iris said in a vague voice.

'I suppose. They knew we needed some time to work through the aftermath of that mirror. I don't think we need to rush back. Dumbledore will need to make sure your head is clear,' Hermione said airily, 'Do you feel like you have worked through these issues?' she asked Iris, 'Is your head clearer than it was?'

Iris sighed, 'I know what the Horcrux was alluding to. It did it in the worse possible twisted way though. In a way, it was a relief when Riddle properly took over. That Hermione was poisoning my mind.'

Hermione gave a swift twitch of her mouth, 'Of course. Most of it was just vulgar. Full of taunting you with irrational fears. Reflecting your perhaps baser instincts, urges and needs. Exaggerating it all with Riddle's speciality gifts,' Hermione's eyes glinted with humour, 'Have you been very sexually frustrated recently?' she asked far too nonchalantly.

Iris's eyes widened.

Hermione gave a soft smile as she cupped Iris's chin, 'I realised that in the Pensieve. Dreams offer signs of a person's mental well being. The Horcrux operates on a similar principle. It interpreted many things in your mind. Some of it was true. Others were blatant lies. You saw me in a way you never had but a part of you wanted to see me like that. Maybe not so vulgar, but still. Not prim and proper either.'

Iris felt her eyes darken once more.

Hermione gave her a suitably demonic smile like the warped Hermione from the Horcrux as she ran her nails up the inside of Iris's thighs.

Iris actually felt tremors go through her.

Hermione gave her a small smile as she reached higher. Iris felt her throat dry as her blood pulsated. Hermione's eyes narrowed with mischief, 'Iris, speak parseltongue to me,' she whispered.

Iris groaned as her sight went cloudy.

She had been seduced completely as the pair of them consumed each other.

It would be the next day before a suitably recharged and delighted Iris and Hermione returned to the castle. A little sorer than they had left it but a lot more sated and closer than they had been.

The group had returned to attempt the next mirror. The one Luna was sure felt like it was dying. Iris felt much more complacent than she had done. She glanced discreetly at Hermione and felt warmness. Hermione and Iris informed Albus of the Horcrux. Albus had suspected as much. Iris greeted Sirius with a smile, albeit brief. In the cold light of day, it seemed silly blaming him and the others for Riddle's hallucinations. Luna had a very cheeky smile on her face when she greeted Hermione. It was one of the few times Iris had seen Hermione lost for words.

Albus seemed to have recovered his humour. Kingsley still looked a little perturbed. Bella had apparently spent the night with Lucifer and was much cheered for it. Tonks seemed quiet and kept glancing at Remus who looked a little uncomfortable.

'Right then. Let's see what's behind door number Five, shall we,' said this Severus with a dour flippancy.

Albus removed the mirror as they stared at the colours. These seemed greyer somehow. Iris steadied herself and went through. They stood and waited but again, Iris was back in a moment looking like she had seen a ghost.

'Iris?' Albus asked in a tense voice, 'Is it gone?'

'Not exactly. The planet is still there but Hogwarts has gone. The portal leads out into the sky. I can see the black lake. But. It's what Luna said. It's dying. The sky is not the colour it should be. Here. I'll show you.'

The faces around looked sombre.

She took Albus's hands and led him through. It was as Iris had said as Albus looked around at the distressing sight. The sky was a putrid black and grey. The Black lake was still. There was no wind. He could see the shattered remains of the castle. There were no sounds here. No birds. The smell concerned Albus. It was toxic.

'Take us back, Iris,' he said with defeat.

Albus stood and told the group the facts, 'There is no life there. The air is poisonous. I think it wise to not explore that universe any further. It is over there,' he sealed the portal shut.

Two mirrors remained. The two most dangerous ones. The one that made Luna's skin crawl and the middle one which seemed to be the most volatile.

They made their way to the skin-crawling one. Blowing up Hogwarts at this stage would be the last resort, 'What do you think? An alternate universe where it's all gone to Hell?' Bella asked what they were all thinking.

'Maybe a Horcrux,' Severus said.

'There's only one way to find out,' Albus told them. He sounded distracted.

Harry handed Iris his cloak as Albus again revealed the portal. The pretty colours were back.

'At least it's not dying,' Remus said in a slow voice.

'Remember. Just go through. Cloak on, snoop around, see what state they are in and get back here pronto. We need to know just what it is. Do not decapitate anyone,' Bella told her sternly. Iris gave her a determined look. They watched her go through and waited.

Iris made her way through the portal and once again found herself at the back of the infirmary. She pulled the cloak over herself immediately and sniffed as quietly as she could. Yep. That was definitely disinfectant. Alternate universe. She couldn't hear anyone. She took light tiny steps around the screen. It looked deserted. She made her way to the window and looked out. It looked the same as their Hogwarts but that didn't automatically mean that boded well. She made her way cautiously to Madam Pomfrey's office. She hoped to see a calendar. Bingo. May 12th. 1997. A few months behind them then.

She made her way out into the corridor. So far it all looked the same, but then a stone wall looked much the same as another stone wall. She was under strict instructions to speak to no one. Even Luna had drummed it into her.

'Even me,' Luna had warned. Iris understood this. They had gotten very lucky before. She couldn't imagine an evil Luna but then nature and nurture was a tricky thing. She heard footsteps and moved swiftly into an alcove. A nondescript dark-haired young man walked by. She didn't recognise him. She saw the Ravenclaw emblem on his coat. She made her way further down the hall. Moving down the stairs to the ground floor. Everything looked in place. She even recognised some of the objects dotted about.

There was that suit of armour in the corner. The portraits looked identical to the ones in their own world. Well, before they had been destroyed during the invasion. It all seemed rather nice. She made her way to the Great Hall. It was the middle of the afternoon but there might be a few students in there. She popped her head around the door. Interesting. Lavender was walking up to the Hufflepuff table. She seemed rather relaxed. Softer than in her world. Lavender seemed a lot sillier here. She was giggling at something one of the boys had said. Iris stepped gently around the room. It all looked very normal.

She spotted a couple more faces she recognised. Neville Longbottom was reading a book. Pansy was sat in the corner chatting with Draco. He also seemed fine. A little arrogant perhaps. He certainly looked like a pampered prince. He had a bit of a sneer but nothing too upsetting. Pansy looked alright. She never had looked pleasant in any universe but she didn't look really unpleasant here. Iris turned to move out of the room. It all seemed perfectly fine.

'Library,' she thought. Bella had told her to grab a few of the most recent history books she could find and bring them back.

She made her way to where the knowledge was. Madam Pince was behind the counter, looking stern. Iris made her way through to the end. There were no really awful titles on the shelves like the other place had. She had been prepared for anything but the sight of red hair made her smile. Ginny Weasley. Immersed in a title about Quidditch. She looked very much like her counterpart. Again, like the others, she looked a little softer than her counterpart. Younger looking. Iris moved away silently.

She found the history section. Running her eyes over the titles she found a few suitable ones. Looking around she slipped it under Harry's cloak and made her way back to the infirmary. The vibe here was so relaxed. She heard some laughter from outside but it was the pleasant, genuine kind. She wondered what Luna had been so concerned about. These books might help shed some light. Clearly, something had changed here from their own world.

She made her way back through the mirror.

'Alternate universe,' she said immediately to the questioning looks. She lifted the books and handed them to Albus.

'It all seems lovely there,' she told them.

'Really?' Albus said in a sceptical tone as he opened up one of the books. Remus and Minerva took the other two.

'Really. It's like, nice. There is stuff there from our world. Armour, portraits. I saw some of your counterparts. A few people were in the Great Hall. Classes were on. Pansy and Draco were there. Neville. Lavender. Ginny. They all seemed well. Not as hardened maybe. They seemed younger than they are here but they are only a few months behind us. It's May 12th 1997 there.'

Albus frowned as he sat down with one of the books and started flicking through the pages. Remus and Minerva were making their own way through as the others looked confused.

'This doesn't make any sense,' Ron said, 'Why is it that two universes are gone completely, one is on the verge of it and the other one is Hell on Earth and that one is fine?'

'Like Dumbledore said. One slight change when Tom couldn't find the Peverell ring could have made all the difference,' Hermione said to him.

Ron didn't look convinced, 'Could it really make that big a change?'

Hermione nodded wisely to him, 'Yes,' she said simply.

Luna was gazing around, 'Iris. Did you see anyone else?'

'I saw a Ravenclaw I didn't recognise. There were a few people in the hall I didn't know,' Iris told her.

Luna frowned as she went back to the mirror, 'I certainly feel something is very bad there. Appearances can be deceptive.'

'True,' Iris said, 'I only saw a tiny part of it. Hopefully, the books will explain.'

They glanced over to the three reading. Their faces seemed to look perturbed as they flicked faster and faster through.

'Something isn't right,' Ron said as he watched them.

Hermione moved across to be nearer to them. Her eyes scanned the titles as she jumped with shock as Remus stood up sharply, 'Here!' he exclaimed.

He thrust the page at Albus who's eyes ran down the page. His eyes widened.

Minerva peered over as she went pale at what was on the page.

'What is it?' Severus asked.

Albus looked astonished, 'In their world, Tom Riddle received the Dementors' kiss in 1943 for the murders of Walburga and Orion Black. He was found by them rifling through Grimmauld Place. They think he was after their Slytherin artifacts. Walburga alerted the Auror's and they managed to wound him severely enough before he killed them so he couldn't apparate. He was caught.'

'Merlin!' Ron said in awe, 'Yes, that would change everything,' he glanced across at Sirius who looked stunned at this.

'The ripple effect of that would be enormous,' Albus said in awe.

'Well. This is good news,' Ron said to the group, 'Isn't it? A world without Riddle,' there was a few doubting faces.

'Not necessarily,' Albus said sitting back down, 'We need to find out exactly what has happened since. A world without Tom Riddle in it. The variables are too enormous to guess.'

They returned to their books as the others sat down to talk.

'They all seemed really happy at the school,' Iris said thoughtfully, 'I mean. I know a few of us are missing in that world but overall, if you look at the big picture, it's for the best. It's certainly a massive improvement from the other places.'

'Let's see what they find first,' Hermione added. She didn't look convinced.

They bided their time. The looks on the readers faces were confusing. Surprise was one of the emotions that flittered over their faces. Anger was another. Albus especially looked very pensive.

After a while, they stood together and murmured. Passing the books over to Severus, Bella and Kingsley as they wandered back to the group.

There was a silence as Albus looked like he was struggling to speak.

Luna sighed and closed her eyes, 'It's really bad there, isn't it?' she said.

'I'm afraid you were correct, Luna. Looks can be deceptive. Iris. The students at the castle. They were all Purebloods. Correct?' Albus asked in a quiet voice.

Iris nodded, 'I only saw a few of them though.'

'They will all be Purebloods,' Albus ascertained, 'Tom's murderous actions against a prominent Pureblood family brought the Pureblood movement forward by almost thirty years. He was a Half-blood. The Black family allied with all the others of their day. The war was still on. Tensions were very high. Laws were passed in the Ministry of Magic during the chaos. All the Purebloods stood united with Grindelwald. No Muggleborns or Half-bloods have set foot in Hogwarts since 1945.'

'Ok. That's total crap. But no Riddle means no Wizarding War happened there,' Ron said as he peered at Albus, 'Doesn't it?'

Hermione had sat down sharply at the implications of this divergence.

'Actually Mr Weasley. The circumstances that developed had a worse effect,' Albus said in a weary tone. They all stared at him impatiently. Dumbledore could sometimes take a while to get to the point. Luna eventually nudged him.

'My counterpart in that world was discovered dead at Hogwarts in September 1943. There was an investigation but it was not conclusive. I was found holding a damaged, dark tainted diary of Tom Marvolo Riddle. I was labelled a dabbler of corrupted Dark Arts. It was used as another form of ammunition against the Half-bloods at Hogwarts.'

There were several gasps and groans.

'The Horcrux must have tried to either possess me or absorb my magic. I don't wish to brag but I'm a powerful Wizard. The transfer must have backfired for both of us.'

'But then..,' Hermione trailed off as the implications became obvious.

'Exactly. I wasn't there to stop Grindelwald. Grindelwald was never defeated in that world. Neither too was Hitler.'

Severus spoke for all, 'Oh fuck.'

There was quiet. Minerva looked supremely pissed off. 'Apparently, Dolores Umbridge is the Headmistress of their Hogwarts. She has been for many years. Cornelius Fudge is in charge of the Ministry. The books are a whitewashing of history. It is all propaganda at its finest if one knows how to read between the lines. It exalts traditional values.'

Remus had been stroking his chin in thought, 'It looks like they took the Wizarding World back two hundred years in their attitudes.'

'Those people you saw in the Great Hall would be very different to the people in this world,' Albus said to Iris, 'They were raised in a very different world. They would be changed beyond recognition because of that.'

They could all see that.

'I am curious to see this world, however,' Albus said, 'Gabriel has a theory that as time passes I see as becoming more true. This is a test of our very souls. Who are we really? When all is in turmoil who are we? More importantly. When we are safe and well. Who are we? Selfish? Brave? Would we help strangers if we ourselves have everything to lose or would we neglect? I need to know if they have our prophecy in this world. If not why not?'

They pondered these words. In a world where all was perfect for them, would they take the risk?

Harry had walked up to Albus, 'I want to see this,' his emerald eyes were curious too, 'A world without Riddle.'

Hermione also joined him, 'Same. I want to see this tradition that certain cretins applaud as somehow desirable. I also want to go through at least one portal.'

Sirius strode up, 'I certainly won't be recognisable in that world. I'll help.'

Severus shook his head and declined, 'I've seen enough to last me ten lifetimes. Count me out. I'll stay here and guard the castle.'

The others declined too. Ron especially looked uncomfortable, 'I don't want to see myself as a spoiled prat,' he murmured. The other Purebloods in the room had given slight nods of agreement.

'I'm sure you wouldn't be,' Harry had said generously, 'You could be leading the resistance in that world.'

Ron had given a small smile, 'Would I?' he said in a low tone, 'Remember how lazy I was when I was little? It took a war to get me off my ass,' he said bitterly, 'If I was in a world where I had the lot handed to me on a platter I doubt I would have lifted a finger to help anyone.'

They appraised him. This Ron had grown up. He was honest with himself. His strengths and weaknesses. Hermione gave a slight smile. This was a man standing in front of her now.

'I admit I'm intrigued to see if there is any opposition to this,' Albus said, 'Also, I would like to see if the scene is as idyllic as what is painted. I wonder what their world is truly like. It may give us some sort of clue to our fate.'

Albus had prepared well. He bought out three extra invisibility cloaks, 'I can make myself invisible, Miss Granger,' he said smiling at her questioning look.

Iris handed Harry his cloak back and took one of Albus's. 'Dad and I won't be recognisable there. We should only need to wear this in the castle. I reckon when we get to the infirmary I'll get us a portal straight out of there. We can go to Burton first. It should be both a Magic and Muggle area. We'll get a better idea of what's happening in the real world if we can see it for ourselves.'

Harry was quite excited, 'It's always better to be doing something. It's the waiting that drives me a bit barmy,' he admitted to them. Hermione gave him a sympathetic smile. She knew exactly how he felt.

'Right, I'll see if the coast is clear,' Iris said.

They all glanced at each other. Each of them very curious to see what they would find.