Sirius was the first to arrive with Albus close behind. Severus and both Minerva's made their way in with Draco and Bella. The portal was indeed getting louder as the four Founders arrived.
Rhythmic beating sounded from the white. They were all getting excited now. They wondered who would be the first out. Albus had notified the Ministry. International countries had all been notified. They would be taking their international arrivals to the Ministry to get transport to their homelands.
Hermione's heart leapt as she saw the familiar leather jacket of Iris emerging out of the glowing portal. Peering out, Iris ambled through, took one look at Hermione and promptly burst into tears at the sight as they moved to the side and embraced. Even Esmerelda was nuzzling into Hermione.
'You're alright,' Iris whispered, 'How is everyone? What happened? How long was I gone?'
'Everyone at the battle survived. You got us out before the worst. We went up there,' Hermione told her, 'Up to the most enormous portal in the cosmos. Past the moon. We were all in bubbles. This is a new Earth. Draco was right. You've been out three days.'
Iris looked incredulous and wrapped herself around Hermione again. Turning to Sirius she gave him and then Draco a big hug too. Bella came in for more hugs as Iris kept looking at all of them in tears.
'The Founders say there are other survivors from the other planets before they crumbled. They've been with you in Infinity. Healing,' Albus informed her.
Iris looked surprised, 'I thought I could hear voices just now. My head was a bit muddled when I woke. I passed out after a few hours. Deep sleep. I only woke up a few minutes ago. I felt the ground.'
'So much happened when you were in there. Merlin, Iris. You were so brave,' Hermione said again as she pulled Iris in for another hug which was gratefully received, 'We'll tell you all about it. The founders have restored our homes. It's incredible. We need to see who else is coming out for now.'
They all peered at the white portal. Iris looked flabbergasted at who appeared next.
'Tracey Davis. As I live and breathe,' Iris said in wonder as the girl stood in wonder at the scene in front of her.
Helga moved up to the girl who was looking actually very gormless at that moment. She looked healthy but her clothes were tatty, 'Hello, come with me, petal. How are you feeling?' Helga said in a warm voice. Godric put the kettle on once more.
'Better after being in there. Am I really back on Earth? There were voices in there that told us things,' Tracey stuttered out.
'It is. This is a new Earth. Don't worry. There's nothing to fear here. You're at Hogwarts.' Helga said in a soft tone.
'Thank fuck for that,' Tracey sighed out. She looked around in interest.
'Our world's have merged. You will see a lot of Doppelgangers,' Helga told her, 'We had six Earth's in our circle. Alternate universes. Each a different version. These people may look the same but they are not the same people here that they were in your world. Different timelines affected everyone. Don't worry. Everyone here fought against Riddle and Gellert,' Helga told her.
Tracey gazed at Iris, 'Fuck me sideways! An Iris Black fought against that monster here? I really am in fucking Oz.'
Minerva tightened her mouth, 'Miss Davis, please refrain from swearing. This is a respectable establishment of education.'
Tracey smiled, 'You're the same at least. Brilliant facelift by the way.'
Minerva gave a small grin which she covered quickly.
Another figure came out of the portal, 'Blaise?' Draco said in wonder.
Blaise looked around much like Tracey had. Sheer bewilderment at the sights that greeted him. His eyes looked haunted but his posture was relaxed. He had a slight smile on his face.
'They burnt our Hogwarts down years ago,' he said, 'It's good to see it again.'
Helga spoke to him too as she directed him down to one of the seats.
Hermione gaped. Another Ron came out of the portal. He looked around with interest. His eyes stopping on his alternate.
'Merlin. It's all true,' he said with astonishment. His eyes went to Hermione. His face crumpled up as he burst into tears.
'Sorry, I said I wouldn't cry,' he wiped his eyes as he meandered up to them. He didn't look at Iris with distaste which she took as a good sign.
'Hi, Ron,' he said.
'Hi, Ron,' their own Ron said.
'It's all real then?' Ron said, 'Our world was crumbling to pieces then these bubbles got us out and put us in this white light.'
'It is. This is a brand new Earth. Our world exploded too,' Ron told him. 'We were in bubbles up there,' he pointed up.
'No Grindelwald in this place then?' the new Ron asked.
'Iris took care of him a while ago,' Hermione said as she pointed at Iris.
The new Ron shook Iris's hand, 'Wicked,' he said in reverence.
Another figure appeared at the portal as this time a Luna came out.
'Oh, hello,' she said to the group when she noticed them gawping and waved. Then she walked up to Rowena and hugged her, 'Thank you, one of our rescuers. I feel so much better after being in there.'
Iris watched all these people with the most surreal sensations floating through her. When you looked closer at people you could see the differences. Slight variations in mannerisms. Hair cuts. Different walks. At a glance though, this was unbelievable to witness.
'I imagine the portal will filter people out in groups. Like they did with the bubbles. This must be the Hogwarts section,' Godric said as they watched more Hogwarts students leave the portal.
A different version of Ginny Weasley came out, followed by a Colin Creevey. Padma Patil was joined by a Neville Longbottom who looked rather sturdy.
'That's three Luna's now,' Hermione whispered to a grinning Ron.
The newly arrived were sat speaking with the four Founders.
More familiar faces started to step out of the portal. Ron had a big smile as a Seamus Finnegan came out of the portal. Another Cedric Diggory with perfect hair came out. Iris couldn't help but notice they all looked very relieved to be here. All of them were shabbily dressed but Infinity had done a great deal to improve them physically. Some of them didn't seem to recognise her. A couple did. Those furtive looks were not pleasant. She wondered who she was in these other worlds and decided not to think too much.
Another Daphne Greengrass came out of the portal looking very demure. Iris hung back. She was scared to approach her sister. This Daphne came to her with wide eyes.
'Iris?' she whispered like she had seen a ghost.
Iris nodded nervously, 'Just remember, we're different versions,' she attempted to defend herself.
Daphne gazed at her, 'It's good to see you survived here. The voices told us you guys managed to defeat the bastard here,' she said in a low tone, 'You fighting Riddle. Some things never change.'
Iris's heart leapt, 'I was good in your world?' she asked.
Daphne's mouth twitched, 'I wouldn't exactly say good. But our Iris fought against him.'
Iris let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't completely evil in every single alternate universe.
'Grandpa Gareth and Dawn will be very pleased to meet you. There are two other Daphnes' here and two Astoria's already,' Iris informed her.
'I have sisters here?' Daphne said with a sense of urgency.
Iris nodded as she patted her arm.
Daphne looked overwhelmed, 'Mum and Dad?' she whispered.
'This world's Gareth and Dawn are here. They're all at Greengrass Manor,' Hermione told her gently, 'Iris will take you home when we get all this sorted. They are going to take you to the Ministry to sort out the practicalities. We're just waiting for the Hogwarts group to finish. Then they'll be others.'
'Greengrass Manor is still standing?' Daphne asked breathlessly. Iris nodded with a sympathetic smile.
Daphne gazed at Iris in wonder as she went to sit with the others. Rowena was discussing the nitty-gritty with them. Due to the elite being annihilated in this world there was plenty in the slush fund. The Ministries all around the world would ensure everyone was looked after. They would all be receiving reparations for their ordeals and loss in their own world which settled them all.
More students came out. Some they didn't recognise. Some they did.
'How many more are there?' Sirius asked Salazar.
'Only a few more,' Salazar said solemnly.
Sirius looked around, 'But, there is only one table filled.'
Salazar put his head down, 'These people were all that was left of the Hogwarts students.'
'Out of five Earth's?' Sirius asked in disbelief.
'We have many others from both the Wizarding World and the Muggle globally who managed to survive. But yes. These are the only Hogwarts students left alive who were fighting against Riddle and the others,' Rowena told him in a sombre tone, 'Hogwarts was directly in the firing line in all of those worlds.'
If that didn't ram home the devastation then nothing would.
Sirius ran his hand through his hair as he made eye contact with Iris. They had come so close to this fate. He put his arms around Iris and hugged her close.
Hermione glanced at Luna. Three had seemed a lot at first. The reality was the other three hadn't made it. Hermione clenched her jaw.
More faces came out. Iris was surprised to see a version of Milicent Bulstrode striding out. Another Susan Bones walked gently out of the portal followed by a stunned looking Cho Chang and another Lavender Brown. Hannah Abbott meandered towards them. Her face lighting up as she saw several familiar faces. Iris smiled as a shocked looking Dean Thomas ambled towards them and a Justin Finch Finchley also stumbled out with Ernie MacMillan and a Terry Boot close behind. One supremely pissed off Pansy Parkinson practically fell out of the portal.
Salazar sighed, 'That is everyone from this group,' he admitted.
Hermione put her hand to her mouth, 'This is all of them?' she asked wearily.
Salazar gave a simple nod.
As they looked at the newcomers it truly sank in. They had barely managed to fill a quarter of the second table.
'There are some younger ones in Infinity,' Helga told them gently.
It wasn't much of a comfort.
Rowena addressed the newcomers, 'Some of you will have your alternate selves, families and friends here. Arrangements are being made to introduce you. There isn't going to be a right or wrong way to approach this. Some of you may bond. Others may not. You are under no obligations here. It is a fresh start for you all. All of you are of course welcome at Hogwarts to continue your education. Term time begins on the first of September if you wish to enrol.'
There were relieved faces all around at the normality of that last sentence. Rowena continued to inform them of reparations and the fact they would all be supported during the transition. The new arrivals paid attention as they all looked curiously at each other. They were intrigued by the young-looking headmaster and two Minerva's but after what they had all gone through it wasn't the greatest shock.
Hermione looked at all of them. No more Hermione's. Only the two versions from behind the mirrors had survived then. Out of six world's, no other Draco's or Iris's had survived. Just one other Ron and Harry. Three Luna's were now on Earth. Hermione wished there had been more. Just one other Ginny had made it. Only one other Neville and two Daphne's. She couldn't see any more Astoria's. She clutched at Iris's hand who looked at her disheartened.
'There's so few of us,' Hermione muttered.
Iris gave her a big hug, 'Some of us did make it though. Ok. We're starting over. At least some of us survived. It could have been worse. People are coming here from all over the world. We have everyone who survived Judgement day. The others are in Equilibrium.'
Hermione gave a glum smile. Iris was trying to be positive, 'We can't change this, Hermione. It hurts, big time. But. Look at what we have now. A new world. A better world. A place people can sleep safe in their beds. Kids can play in the street. No more bombs. This is what we were all fighting for. In time we will see it was worth it.'
Hermione hugged her tightly.
A scowling Pansy Parkinson noticed this Iris and stopped scowling as she sauntered over.
'Iris bloody Black. Thank Salazar. I thought it would just be the drips left,' she stated in her dulcet tones. Pansy stared at Esmerelda whose head was poking out from underneath Iris's chin.
Iris couldn't stop the smirk, even if she had wanted to, 'Pansy bleeding Parkinson. You are as charming as your counterpart here. Our Pansy will simply love to make your acquaintance. She's always complaining about all the Hufflepuffs.'
'There's one of me here?' Pansy spluttered. Iris nodded with a smile, 'Thank god. Sanity beckons,' Pansy whispered in sheer relief, 'I take it she isn't one of these hippy bloody dippies?' she gestured loosely to Luna.
Iris shook her head with mirth as Hermione gave a deep sigh.
Pansy's whole demeanour changed in an instant as a broad smile appeared on her face. She looked around the tables with a closer look now at who actually had arrived.
'Millie!' she spluttered out as Milicent cried with joy.
'Parkinson!' Milicent hollered back as she made her way over. Tracey Davis and Daphne also began to wander over.
They all stood in a precarious circle as they each gazed at each other. Draco and Blaise stood to the side with a look of affection at their fellow snakes.
'Oh look,' Iris grinned, 'The gangs all sort of back together again.'
Bella and Severus had subtly moved up as well to witness this bizarre reunion of sorts.
'For the first time in years, I think I'm actually going to be fine,' Daphne whispered to them all. That started the waterworks as the snakes all piled into a big group hug. Unseemly for any Slytherin to do in public, but these were unbelievable times.
Pansy noticed Snape to the side as she gave him a nod which he returned with a slight smile.
'You're right Daphe from another world. I think we're actually going to be alright here,' she said in a low voice that sounded rather tremulous.
Albus made his way over to the group, 'Iris. Can you do the honours please?'
Iris focused and a portal to the Ministry appeared.
'I love it when she does that,' Draco said with a grin as the arrivals looked incredulous.
Within a few moments, Amelia Bones and Percy Weasley had made their way through.
'Aunty?' came the voice of Susan Bones.
'Susan?' Amelia exclaimed, 'Another one?' she glanced at Albus for confirmation. He smiled. A twinkle in his eye.
Susan came trotting over and hovered near to Amelia. Amelia knew the routine by now. She opened up her arms as Susan jumped in.
'Aunty,' Susan wept, 'You have no idea how good it is to see you. I have had the worst bloody time. You have no idea. I had to live in a cave. It was atrocious.'
'Oh, darling. You're safe now,' Amelia murmured to her niece, 'There's another you at home. You have a sister here.'
It was precisely the right thing to say as Susan buried in deep. Bit by bit those in the room were approaching the other versions of their friends. It was surreal. It was awkward. It was the nicest thing that had happened to them in months.
'Let's get you all to the Ministry,' Amelia said to them all, 'You'll need your official documents created and each of you registered. Birth certificate. National insurance number. Passports and medical check-up.'
Amelia always advocated going by the book.
'We have a place for you all to stay,' she continued, 'You all need time to recuperate. Everyone on the planet is adjusting to the changes. We're all in the same boat here. We have therapists counselling therapists who can counsel you. We'll be contacting your families. Or, well, your other families. It will take time for us all to adjust. But, this is the best place for all of you at this current time.'
They could all see this.
The Great Hall was becoming more relaxed by the minute. Amelia liaised briefly with Albus. The International communities had been notified to expect their new residents imminently.
Iris kept the portal open as the new arrivals made their way through to the Ministry.
Within a moment the hall was quiet once more. The portal started to make more noises.
They all focused on who was coming through. Albus blinked. Another Amelia Bones was making her way out this time. Thank Merlin. That was Albus's first thought. She looked good. Infinity had rejuvenated her to her younger self. She didn't look a day over thirty. The more competent Witches and Wizards in the world the better. They were down to the bare bones. The Ministry needed all the help they could get.
Helga took over again as Godric handed this Amelia a cup of tea.
Sybil Trewlaney popped out next. Albus had mixed feelings about her suitability for employment. Still, it was nice to see her and the Divination class was in dire need of a Professor. Their Sybil had died in the week battle in their world. His heart leapt as a Filius Flitwick walked out. That was the charms class sorted out. Filius looked around with amazement at what he was seeing.
The four Founders were dealing with these arrivals in a very professional manner. Like the students before them, they simply looked relieved more than anything to be back in familiar surroundings.
Sirius joined the others at the table to observe the happenings in front of him. Of all the things he had witnessed in his life, this had to be the strangest.
Albus gave a start as a young version of him walked out of the portal. He approached his Doppelganger as they both looked each other up and down.
This version looked intrigued at what he was seeing, 'You are me. I am you. We are young again.'
'Indeed, my dear fellow. There is much to discuss once you have settled. But first. A cup of tea will be in order.'
His Doppelganger smiled at him, 'I suspect that you are correct.'
Fawkes flew down in excitement and trilled as the older version of Albus looked up with an expression of sheer happiness.
'Oh, it is so nice to hear the cry of the phoenix. It is a much-needed balm for the soul,' he said to his counterpart.
Albus relaxed with the familiar tone of voice he was hearing.
They settled into the corner to begin what both Minerva's suspected would be months of glorious speculation and indulgent stories.
Another young version of Professor Sprout exited the portal. Minerva was pleased with the amount of Professor's that were arriving. She had been worried about staffing the teaching positions at the castle. Interviews were always an uncomfortable affair. A Mrs Norris sauntered out as if she owned the place. She sniffed the air, seemed to smell what she was looking for and proceeded to walk out the hall at a brisk pace, paying no attention to anyone. She was clearly on the hunt for Filch.
There was a lull. Hermione's heart sank. Was that all? She gave a jolt as she saw more shadows approaching the portal.
A version of Madam Pomfrey made her way out. She took one look at the Great Hall and fainted. Bella levitated her to one of the tables as Rowena took a look at her.
Hermione looked with interest at the others making their way through. She heard Draco and Bella gasp as a version of Narcissa made her way out, looking fraught and tired but she was most definitely her.
'Cissy!' cried Bella as they made their way over to the blonde woman who stared at both of them in fright.
'Draco? Bella?' she whispered as she eyed them both in confusion.
'Yes. Different versions,' Draco explained quickly.
Narcissa was looking all around her, 'You both died in my world,' she said with a trembling voice.
'In your world. Here we're both very much alive and kicking. We helped defeat the Riddle scum here,' Bella said proudly.
'Riddle scum?' Narcissa echoed to Bella, 'Merlin. Things were different here. I never thought I would hear you say those words.'
Draco and Bella pulled Narcissa over to one of the tables for a cup of tea and a brief overview of the differences. Hermione overhead Bella telling this Narcissa about the Horcrux necklace in vicious terms. She was still pissed off about it. Draco was looking flush with excitement at the sight of her. He had clearly not been expecting to see any version of her come through. The situation in their own world had been a stifling one to escape from and that was with Iris and the Black family reunited to help protect them. Their Narcissa had paid the ultimate price in the end.
Narcissa's eyes were flitting over both their faces with extreme disbelief. They widened even further when she saw Sirius. She shook her head.
'Unbelievable,' she whispered as she took it all in.
Iris and Hermione looked away to give them some privacy. A version of Hagrid had arrived. He had started crying the moment he sat down. Rowena was tending to him. Several Witches and Wizards moved into the room that neither Iris nor Hermione recognised. A lone unicorn came stepping out slowly as Helga took her under her wing.
It was the sight of just one unicorn that made Hermione and Iris feel deflated. Helga seemed to whisper something to the sad unicorn that made her lift her eyes with a flash of light and neigh in happiness.
'She must have told her about Valinor,' Iris said in a whisper. Hermione clutched her hand and squeezed it.
Sirius gave a start as a version of Lily Potter came out of the portal with tentative steps.
'Lily?' he said quietly to her. She looked at him without recognition. He had been prepared for this. After what he had seen in the world he had visited there was a good chance he didn't exist in some worlds.
'I see,' Sirius said calmly, 'It's ok. I'm good friends with another you.'
'I understand,' this Lily said, 'The voices explained there are massive differences in our worlds. I expect..,' she stopped short as her eyes seemed to stare in amazement at what she was seeing, 'Sev!' she almost shouted.
The surly Severus Snape was stood to the side. He had been very quiet as he had observed what was happening. He had watched this Lily come out the portal with interest. This Lily had practically run over to him. Then she stopped herself, 'You look so much like my Sev did, younger though,' Lily had said before she took a step back. Her face had fallen then, 'Sorry. I know this must be weird for all of us.'
'Who am I in your world?' Severus had asked curiously. Lily had blushed.
'You were my best friend,' she had told him simply.
Severus felt his whole self flush then as he awkwardly moved towards her, aware of the past tense she was using.
'You were also my best friend growing up in my world,' he had said to her.
This Lily sighed with relief.
'Your other self married James Potter.'
Sirius had grimaced. From the stilted tones that Severus had spoken in, it was clear he was still sore over that. Then Lily said the sweetest, most magical words any Severus Snape had ever heard a Lily Evans utter.
'Why on earth would I marry that dickhead?'
For the first time in many years, this Severus Snape smiled. It hurt his facial muscles to do so, but it was a genuine smile that cracked his face open.
Sirius wisely took a step back as Severus offered Lily a cup of tea and a sit down which she gratefully took.
Iris and Hermione stopped their ear wagging and raised their eyebrows at each other, 'One to watch, I think,' Hermione murmured. Iris nodded with an astonished face.
Other Witches and Wizards had entered the room. Some recognisable and others not. There were certainly a lot more of them than there had been students which was a relief. Once the four tables had been filled the Ministry had come to collect them. Still more people came through the portal. Some of them had their young children with them, holding them tightly. The unicorn was enjoying all the fuss from the young ones.
Albus had rubbed his eyes when a Gideon Prewett came out. It was most definitely him. Albus had spotted an Arthur Weasly and one Molly Weasley. Most of the Order of the Phoenix was missing. One Fred and one George Weasley exited the portal. That was all that was left of the Weasley clan. No more of the Greengrass family or the Blacks. No more Potter's. Albus had sighed at the lack of survivors from those four families, but Albus had expected the massive losses there, from whatever world or side they were from. They had been at the heart of it all.
He had been pleased to see a version of Mad-Eye Moody in the crowd. He still looked like he had some fire in him. He would be a useful recruit for the Ministry. There would always be wrongdoers. Not on the scale of what they had witnessed, however. The Auror team and MI6 should be having a very breezy time for many centuries. Albus hoped anyway. One Kingsley Shaklebot rounded out the new arrivals from this particular group.
When Amelia arrived again to collect the next group she had been very pleased to escort them to the Ministry. There was much to discuss with all of them. The gravity of what had been achieved on this Earth was not lost on any of them. They wanted answers and Amelia was only too happy to explain.