Chapter Ten: The Eternal Night

Iris reported to Umbridge's office right on time. She almost gagged at the ludicrous decor. Every bit of surface had been covered in lacy covers and cloths, there were several vases of dried flowers resting on doilies, the most horrible decor was one wall completely covered in ornamental plates with a different cat in each one. This office looked like it belonged to a ten year old girl with all the ridiculous flowers, kittens, and pink.

"Good evening Miss Morgan."

"Evening." She said between clenched teeth.

Umbridge pointed to a small lace draped table with a straight back chair, a single piece of parchment lay on it. "Have a seat."

She sat stiffly, her face as passive as she could make it.

"You will be doing lines for me this evening. I want you to write; I will control my temper."

"How many times ma'am?"

"Oh," she said cheerfully "I think until the message has sunk in." She handed Iris a long thin black quill with a sharp point. This was it, the dark quill that was going to carve into her skin.

"Ink?" Iris had to pretend she didn't know what this was.

"Oh this is a special quill you will not need any ink."

She went to sit behind her desk and stared expectantly at Iris. She wanted to see her reaction, her pain.

So she wrote; I will control my temper. The words appeared in shining red ink and Iris gritted her teeth as the words appeared on the back of her hand. It then disappeared leaving her skin red. She looked up at Umbridge, her fat toad face smiling.

"Something wrong?" She asked sweetly.

"Nothing." Iris looked down and continued to carve on her skin. Over and over the words disappeared. After an eternity she finally spoke.

"Come here." Iris stood up and walked over to Umbridge, "hand." She commanded.

She stuck out her hand and resisted the urge to pull back as Umbridge's stubby little fingers held her. The skin was raw and red but the words were not there.

"Hmph, not much of an impression, but no worries you still have a long way to go."

"How long," Iris tried to keep her voice even, "Professor."

"Until the Holidays."

Fuck that was like five weeks away. Iris gave a nod of understanding and was dismissed. The castle was quiet as a mouse on her way back to the common room.

Iris went through a tapestry, trying to take a short cut. She only had one more night of hell with Umbridge. Her hand, nicely scared now was still bleeding profusely, none of her spells could stop it. She needed…

"Oomph," Iris collided with another solid body, falling back on her rear.

"Do watch your oafish steps, Morgan," drawled Snapes' low voice.

"You know, a gentleman would help a lady up." She replied, pausing a beat for a hand that would never come, before she got up to her feet.

"Indeed…but atlast…I see no lady."

Iris lightly taped her forehead with her palm, "my mistake I forgot you aren't human."

"What-" he started to hiss angrily at her, pausing to regain that same bored drawl he reserved just for her. "Are you doing out past curfew?"

"Lines with Umbridge, she must have found a piece of her shriveled up heart, she let me off a little early."

Steps echoed across the silent semi-lit corridors. Iris's body stiffened, Umbridge was the only other soul awake at this hour. They saw her stubby silhouette turn into the corridor. She stopped in front of a staircase waiting for it to finish moving. Iris's anger soared, her hand was still bleeding and throbbing. She took no notice of them as she started to ascend the staircase.

Iris lifted her wand and aimed it at Umbridges, just one little boil spell, she would be none the wiser. Multiple things happened at once. Snape snatched her wrist and hissed "What are you doing?" She hissed in pain, "silencio," casting a silencing bubble around them, "sonofabitch!"

Snape pulled his fingers away slowly, "you're bleeding, " his voice soft in the gloomy corridor.

"No shit Sherlock." She snapped back. Suddenly she felt dizzy and leaned against the wall, taking a few quick breaths. "If you're done stating the obvious I'm gonna stumble my way to my room." She pushed herself unsteadily upright again, head swimming, the hand reaching for the wall felt fabric instead.

"Unfortunately I'm duty bound to insure your safe return." His voice lacked its usual condescending tone.

"I'm not a real student." She said even as she leaned against him.

He bent down purring in her ear, "a true cover is always kept."

She bit her lip, his voice sending goosebumps along her arms. "Well thanks for swooping in to save me Professor." She replied sarcastically.

He lit his wand, lowering it to her face. "Show me," he commanded quietly.

She lifted her hand and pulled back her robe sleeve. Dripping in bloody letters, 'I will control my temper' was carved harshly against pale skin. Something flash behind those obsidian irises, but as usual he was a wall of stony silence that she couldn't decipher. His arm slid around her waist, encouraging her to lean against him more. They began the walk back to her room.

"You didn't say you had to write lines with a Black Quill." He said nonchalantly

"You didn't ask."

"Have you reported any of this to the Headmaster?"

"She controls all punishments thanks to her stupid fucking decree and I can handle the toad." She replied darkly, "I'll get even."

The last five weeks had taken a toll on Iris. The longer she used the quill the longer it took to heal. It had already scarred into her skin, but this last week she bled steadily after each session. She should have taken a replenishing potion but didn't have the ingredients nor the time. Nor could she go to the hospital wing, she didn't want to bring any teachers into her war with Umbridge. No matter how long it took, she'd get her revenge. Somehow, some way Umbridge would pay.

Between her endless detentions, lessons with Snape which had failed to make any progress, late nights in the common room, Hermione took it upon herself to help Iris with missed DA meetings, and mounds of homework given, she was absolutely exhausted. She was running herself ragged but she had no choice. Sort of hexing the hag and exposing herself, which sadly was not an option. She had really pissed the old witch off with her truth. Maybe she went a bit far, or not far enough.

So Iris leaned heavily on Snape, who seemed to know the castle just like Dumbledore, in no time they were walking down the corridor that led to the Gryffindor common room.

"There's a lioness statue to the right of the portrait." He led them to the right of the portrait, there in a small alcove stood the statue. Iris tapped it with her wand and it transformed into a red door. Snape opened it and guided her through.

She pulled away from him once they crossed the threshold, and went to her bed. Carefully sitting on the edge she discarded her robe to get a better look at her injury. It bled steadily, dripping into a small pile on the ground. "Thanks for the help" she said dismissively. She held out her injured hand, wand clutched clumsily in her left.

Severus looked down as something soft collided with his feet. "Meow." A small black cat was rubbing its head on his legs. It gave another meow then went to its owner, who took no notice. He gave a look around, large muggle posters covered her walls, along with shelves full of pictures, candles, stuffed animals, and other muggle items he didn't recognize. He had completed his duty but still found he couldn't leave.

"You can go now," came the same dismissive tone.

He pulled his eyes away from the walls and to her face. Her skin was paler than usual and dark circles ringed green eyes. She had one arched eyebrow and an impatient look in place. She had been carving into her skin for weeks, playing a sick game of cat and mouse with that Umbridge woman. How had he not noticed during their lessons? He continued to push harder and harder, taking frustrations out on her but she never complained. Always a smirk and smart retort on her tongue, she never gave any indication that something was wrong. Foolish girl, she should have spoken up. He should leave her, just turn around and let her tend to herself. Yes that's what he would do, but his feet moved forward before he knew what he was doing.

Severus waved his wand conjuring a small table and bowl of healing herbs, "Soak your hand," he commanded.

She lifted her other eyebrow at his command and looked at the bowl, then back at him. They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds. She conceded, with a roll of the eyes and placed the injured hand in the bowl. He watched her carefully, her face relaxing in relief as she bit down softly on her lip. His gaze lingered a bit too long on her lips until he was moving to her side.

He knelt beside her, waving his wand and muttering his assessment spells. She had lost a lot of blood. Merlin it was a wonder she was still standing. Her iron levels were critically low. Which would explain the dizzy spell, she also appeared pale, and her heart rate was unusually high, blood pressure critically low, her breathing was rapid and shallow. How the hell was she still standing? She should be in the hospital wing. He conjured a blood replenishing potion and vitamin potions. She looked at him, weariness in her eyes. "Take these," he commanded softly. She frowned at him, before complying, screwing up her face in disgust.

Severus conjured bandages and took her hand out the bowl. He was gentle, careful not to hurt her further. Her hand felt small and fragile in his larger more calloused one, yet the witch it was connected to was anything but. Slowly he patted her hand dry, lightly applying an ointment to the mutilated skin. He felt his anger just under the surface as he started to wrap her wrist and went half way up each finger. Finally as his first aid came to an end he looked up at the young witch. Her striking green eyes were watching him. He wanted to let go of her hand but he was frozen. His body may be failing him but his words certainly would not.

Iris's heart sprung up into her throat, she swallowed thickly, trying to get a simple thank you out, yet she found her words caught in her throat. His dark eyes were piercing her as always.

They betrayed no emotion, but his voice lacked its usual bite in fact it sounded unusually soft, "Do try and keep that rapier tongue of yours in cheek, I don't enjoy wasting my valuable time on troublesome pupils."

She tried to think of something to say back as she opened her mouth, but Snape was suddenly looking blurry. Everything was spinning and she was floating away. She was being pulled away, into Harry's dreams but she was awake! This had never happened before.

She was sliding on her belly, the floor was cold, smooth, and stony. The world shone in vividly vibrating colors, a tongue slid hissing between sharp teeth, she could taste the world with each flick. She was a snake, Harry was dreaming of a snake. No it was more, everything felt real. Dreams usually felt more…ghostly, this was tangible. She was a snake. Everything was heightened, she could smell people, taste them, feel the smooth floor as she slid silently and swiftly.

Hissing and spitting sounds echoed faintly across her mind. It sounded like a language, a serpentine language. What did it mean? Why was Harry in a snake? What did that have to do with Voldemort? Why were they here? Why couldn't she sense Harry? Why didn't this feel like a dream? Was this happening now? What was Voldemort up to? What was so important to him?

As her thoughts wondered to him, a cold chill ran down Iris's spine, and she gasped. Everything felt wrong here, her stomach twisted, as nausea washed over. The blood lust grew, almost suffocating. The hissing and spitting continued. She was sure it was a language. Maybe if she listened she could understand it, she had to try.

"Fiiind…thhhhhe…dooor.."

The hissing was starting to make sense. It was a man's voice hissing and spitting out

commands. It was desperate, furious, and made the hairs on her neck stand up. She delved deeper. Something was wrong here, what was it?

"Almosssst thhhherr."

The voice was high pitched and cold. He had to be careful, stealth was necessary. He couldn't be caught here, not yet. Not until the time was right. Those foolish blood traitors will pay, slowly and mercilessly.

"Sssstay hidddddden."

Iris's blood ran cold, she could only be in one other mind, Lord Voldemort's mind. It felt right, as she thought it. She used Harry as a door, just walked through his and into the prince of darkness. As the realization hit, she was being pulled in deeper. His memories were locked away, but emotions came slamming into her.

This mind was madness, hate, vengeance, arrogance, power hungry, everything pure darkness needed to live off of and every negative emotion in one. But the most present and paralyzing was fear; so much fear Iris was drowning. It covered her nose, crawled into her mouth, down the throat; slowly suffocating her to death. Her heart banged against her ribs needing desperately to burst forth. She needed to get out; now! Yet the scene continued to unfold before her eyes; she was helpless.

A corridor came into view, as her tongue flicked out she tasted him. A man dozing off at the end of the corridor where a single door stood. Blood traitor! The voice hiss in anger. But he was not here to kill him, if he could help it. He just needed to slip pass. He needed to get through, he desperately needed it like that itch on your back you can't reach. Nothing would satisfy him unless he knew

Almossst….almossst….yesssss

The silvery cloak gave way, slipping down the wizard's legs, waking him. Iris looked into the surprised face of Arthur Weasley as he pulled out his wand. A murderous shroud took over, with a gleeful undertow. She truly was about to enjoy this show of power. She rose up, fangs salivating and filling with venom. With the power of this form she struck lightning fast, sinking the snake's strong fangs into Mr. Weasley's side.

The taste of a thousand pennies assaulted Iris, as warm sticky slime gushed down her throat. She heard two cracks, as an agonizing cry left his lips, it was so amusing when they cried. She rose up again, ready to strike. His screeches of pain and fear were sweet and she savored it before her fangs ripped his skin again and again.

Iris wanted out, this was wrong. She was murdering Mr. Weasley and was powerless to stop it. Just along for the ride feeling every tear and bite. It was too real. His blood was running down her throat, his skin was between her fangs , her tongue was flicking out tasting his fear. She couldn't make him stop no matter how much her mind begged and cried. This was the Dark Lord's place, she had no power here. But he's dying! She couldn't give up, Mr Weasley needed her. So she called out with all her might, "he's dying! Please stop! Stop! STOOOOP!

Everything stopped for a millisecond before she was being pulled away. But the last thought before she did struck her like a punch in the gut, "Harry Potter"

"Iris! Iris!" Severus shouted.

Iris was about to speak, but her eyes had rolled into her head and she fell back on her bed. He wasn't concerned at first, not until she started convulsing, violently. He had quickly started scanning with his wand, no dark magic was present, but she continued to thrash. Unsure if magic would worsen or better her condition, he had decided to just straddle her holding her wrist down at her sides. She bucked under him, his larger frame able to pin her down as her head continued to move rapidly back and forth. As she thrashed she cried out, Gasping and crying, then gagging and choking, tears falling through close lids. He called her name, wondering what the bloody hell was happening. It seemed to last an eternity until finally she had calmed to slight twitching before her eyes shot open.

Iris eyes shot open, she opened her mouth wide and gasp, struggling for air as her eyes met Snapes black ones. His eyebrows were drawn in concern and a frown etched his face. She continued to choke for air and realized that Snape's body was pressing her against the bed. "Off!" She managed to wheeze out. He stayed a second longer before he seemed to gather his senses and flew away from her.

She sat up, immediately regretting it as a wave of nausea hit. She doubled over and threw up the potions, unable to stop. Tears rolled hotly down her face.There was so much blood, she could still taste it on her tongue, could still feel her fangs ripping through skin, crushing bone. She could still hear his cries of pain, but what sickened her the most was the euphoria that destruction brought Him. She had been in many minds before, but that was different, He was different. That was absolute evil. She still felt it crawling across her skin, digging into her core. He enjoyed ripping Arthur Weasley apart. Oh no! She had to save him

She jumped up to her feet, the world started to spin and she was falling down, the stone floor coming closer. Instead of crashing into the hard stone floor, a soft body was under her. Her breaths came fast and quick, body trembling in Snapes arms. She had to tell him; had to pull it together. Yet the darkness she felt gripped her heart tightly, leaving her breathless.

"What happened?" He asked firmly.

She tried to find the words. What had happened? Voldemort killed Arthur? Was he bleeding to death as she sat here unable to communicate? It was too much to process. She couldn't breath, couldn't think, everything was spinning out of control. She always knew evil was out there, but pure evil never seemed tangible, until tonight. Her mouth felt like sandpaper, sweat dripped down her neck, her heart beat wildly against her ribs.

"Iris!" Came Snapes steely voice. Her eyes snapped up to his. His face was blurry, but his velvety voice broke through. "What happened?" He asked in a gentler tone, squeezing her shoulder and neck lightly

The contact steadied Iris enough that she started to speak, "I-I dr-dreamt." Not a dream, it was real. It was happening, it did happen. She experienced it first hand, every strike, every tear, she felt it deep in her soul. "Arthur Weasley…" she sobbed out, tightly shutting her eyes wishing the images away. How could she explain, when she didn't understand. How could she describe what just happened to her? That the devil burrowed its glacial claws into her and ripped everything to shreds.

Snape shifted them so Iris was sitting in his lap. He gently grabbed her chin tilting her head up. "Look at me." He said firmly, "Iris." Her eyes snapped open, they shone brightly with fear. She was terrified, whatever happened to her he would find out. "Tell me what happened."

Fresh tears spilled over as Iris tried to speak. She needed to pull herself together. She could not fall apart, not now, in front of fucking Snape of all people. Yet evil had never felt so damn tangible, that the bitch slap it provided tonight was a near K.O. So she focused on the stony wall of silence before her.

"I-I," she licked her dry lips speaking in hush tones, "w-was pulled into Harry's dream. B-but it it w-wasn't it was…T-there was…a a big s-s-snake." Iris took a deep slow breath, and swallowed thickly. She could do this, just concentrate on those impenetrable eyes and mind. "It found Arthur Weasley." Her voice hitched, "h-he was guarding a door, and it a-attacked him."

"So Potter had a dream?" He raised an eyebrow.

"It wasn't a dream." Her eyes were wide in terror. "I was in Voldemort's mind."

She felt Snape jerk a little under her."You were in the Dark Lord's mind," he said in disbelief.

She clenched her jaw, "it was real." How could she make him understand? "I used Harry's dream as a door." Her lip quivered, "something that evil, it was real."

He looked at her skeptically, voice patience, as if talking to a child. "It was just a dream. Time and space matter in Legilimency. You couldn't have possible used Potters feeble mind-"

Iris was starting to get angry. It wasn't a dream. She knew that. Her hand slid up his chest and gripped his shoulder, she leaned closer, eyes lit with fury. "It was real." She said between clenched teeth, "Arthur Wasley was attacked now. He's dying now. I felt it!"

She pulled back, if he wasn't going to listen she needed Dumbledore. She just had to get her jelly-like legs to move. She jerked her body trying to free herself from Snape's clutches. He made no move to stop her as she rolled ungracefully to the floor.

Her breaths came in pants. Aches and pains settling into her body. She was weak and tired but knew she had to fight it. Arthur Weasley was in danger. Her limbs shook as she pulled herself to all fours, then to her knees. Her body was lead, legs stubbornly not following commands.

Snape was there pulling her to her feet, wrapping an arm around her waist to support her. "Why are Gryffindors always so bloody brave?" He said gruffly.

"Maybe we're just stupid." She replied, a smile tugging at her lips.

His mouth twitched in response, "perhaps."

"Sev-" she stopped, her body tensing as a surge of immeasurable hate rose up within her. She wanted to kill and Dumbledore's twinkling sky eyes flash across her mind. Despite the hate she could also feel delight, as a single thought hit her, It works.

Severus stiffened slightly, as Iris began to speak. In her eyes something dangerous flashed, turning her pupils elliptical. It was for an instant, yet the murderous glint he saw was familiar. Having served the master whose eyes were identical, they were impossible to forget. Perhaps there was more to her powers then he originally thought.

"Dumbledore!" she gasped out, her body shaking.

Severus had his wand out, a silvery orb burst forth and out the room. "I have sent for him." He said, still looking at her curiously. "You should rest."

"No." She replied stubbornly.

"You can barely stand-"

"I don't care."

As tough as she sounded she knew he was right. The only thing holding her up at the moment was Snape. If he chose to let go she would embarrassingly go down. He came to the same

same conclusion, lifting an eyebrow at her tilting his head slightly lips pursed. Try me, his expression said.

She relented begrudgingly, "I'll sit by the fire."

"Lectulus." Severus transformed her single chair into a small couch.

Iris let Snape lead her to the couch, easing her aching bones in. Her head was fuzzy with fatigue, just a little longer then, she could rest. Snape sat down next to her.

A slight throb started to settle deep in Iris's skull.. She was exhausted between the self mutilation and her trip into Voldemort's mind. Sleep was so tempting. She gave her head a shake, had to clear it and had to wake up.

"What do you mean you felt it?"

Snape's voice broke her trance, slowly she turned her head to meet his gaze. His mouth was in a straight line and eyelids widened slightly more than usual. He seemed wary of her. Maybe he should be, she was worried. This connection was strong. She thought she had seen it all, heard it all. Maybe wizard minds were different. This one was powerful. How could she tell him, she wasn't just in his mind, she was him. His darkness overtook and she almost lost herself. That the taste of blood was still on her tongue and Mr. Weasley's terror was in her heart. That his pleasure at the mayhem was hers.

Another thought struck, she was only in there because of Harry and his connection. So what exactly kind of connection did those two have? Why did they share this connection? What did it mean? Dumbledore would know, where was he?

Whatever it was, she had never known magic so dark. It was pure sin, and her soul felt corrupted by its touch. It was something ancient and dark, she felt it, a strong connection between those two. It didn't feel like Harry was just channeling Voldemort, it felt like they were one in the same. Like Voldlemorts true essence, his black soul was touching hers. She felt a deep bond, like puzzle pieces. Separate they didn't make sense but together they felt whole. It made her shiver.

Hours seemed to last as Iris and Severus sat in silence. A chime rang in her room a second before her red door opened. She almost let her tense form rest at the sight of the elder wizard. He looked as tired as she felt.

"Iris. Severus." He said as he approached the couch. His face was lined with worry.

"How is Mr. Weasley?" She swallowed a sob back, "is he…" she couldn't even finish the thought.

"He's alive and at St Mungos."

All the tension left Iris, like a deflating balloon. Thank Merlin he survived. She could rest a little easier tonight, for now. Witnessing or taking part of an assault was easier to get over than a murder. Why didn't he kill Mr. Weasley? "I was in Voldemort's mind tonight." She whispered in horror.

Dumbledore's eyebrows went up, "is that so?" He conjured a chair and pulled it close to her. "Tell me everything."

So Iris told Dumbledore everything, how she was pulled away even though she was awake. How she was a snake, she could hear, feel, see everything the snake did. And though her lip quivered she got through the attack, the taste of blood, how happy it made Him. She could also feel Voldemort's emotions. His memories weren't accessible, but the darkness she felt was real. "I'm sorry, sir, but He knows now. He knows Harry was there."

Dumbledore's chest rose slowly, it was a moment before he spoke. "That moment in my office…"

"It was him. I- H-he hates you." Iris gave a shudder. The hate was like fire running through her veins poisoning her.

"I see." Dumbledore stared past her, deep in thought.

Iris had so many questions but her eyes felt heavy. With winter break starting tomorrow she would be free to find and question Dumbledore later. For now she needed rest. Her eyes slide sideways to Snape.

"How are you feeling Iris? That must have been quite the ordeal." Dumbledore's concerned voice asked her.

Well it scared the crap out of her that was for sure. Made her feel like a frightened little girl, but she was not about to admit that to either wizard. "It was shocking," she paused, trying to be honest but not vulnerable. "It was like suffocating in a pool of never ending negative feelings. I-it felt like two sides of the same coin— like something was missing but right there."

Something flashed behind Dumbledore's eyes, at her words. He stood up, "Thank you Iris, for telling me this. We shall leave you to rest, you've been through a hard ordeal. Good night"

"Thank you. Goodnight Dumbledore."

Dumbledore stood up, "Come Severus."

Severus' eyes flashed, but he stood up, a potion bottle appearing in hand. He said nothing as he stopped before Iris and placed it next to her. Her eyes met his, and though no words passed between them, she could see the concern he tried to hide. Did the heartless bat maybe have a heart? He certainly was…nicer tonight than he had ever been before. She didn't let her mind linger too long before she was shooting the dreamless sleep potion and crawling into bed. This ridiculous long night needed to end.

Severus was back in the dungeons, sitting in front of his own fireplace, though it remained unlit. The dungeons were freezing this season , but so many years hidden away here had toughen him up. Yet tonight a chill crawled across his skin that had nothing to do with the cold and everything to do with a red-headed witch. Iris Morgan.

The sight before him tonight was interesting. At first he thought she was mad, how could she have possibly used Potter's mind to access the Dark Lords? Was it her power or Potter's simple mind? Perhaps it was a combination of both. Her power alone wasn't a match for the Dark Lord. So far his research has yielded no results, no one had a power like her. She needed neither wand nor incantation and everyone's thoughts lay bare open for her. The power that witch held and all she wanted was freedom, to not be privy to those intimate thoughts.

Merlin, if that power was within him, he thought selfishly. The things he could do, the people he could control. Then he remembered the way her body twisted and turned, her eyes flashing, and all the voices in her head. If the Dark Lord knew of her existence he would use her power. If he would enter minds undetected the power he held now would increase ten fold. He could never find out about her. With her abilities she could be the ultimate spy.

Okay so how did you all like this? I need Severus and Iris to grow a little closer so she can let her walls now. We'll be diving into their lessons and into her past more.

I hope you all like it and enjoy the story thus far

have a great weekend every one thanks for all the views