"I think, dear brother, we are in the clear," George announced quite seriously while looking around the train platform.
"I do believe you're right, good sir," Fred nodded sagely.
"What are you two talking about," their mother, who had been trying to move everyone along, asked.
"Why, dear mother, we still exist."
"What!"
"Indeed, we have made it to the Hogwarts Express on time, and the world has not ended," Fred observed.
"Oh, hush you," Molly grumbled, then began to fuss with the two twins' robes.
Iris grinned as she pulled Nymphadora to the side and discretely whispered, "So, no late surprises?"
"We're still good." The Junior Auror couldn't help but snort. "You don't play fair, do you?"
"No, I don't," the Girl-Who-Lived murmured.
Delores Umbridge was set to start teaching at Hogwarts as part of the Ministry's campaign to discredit Dumbledore and control the school. Iris would have none of that. Tonks had already explained that Director Bones knew what was happening with the Order. Iris suggested that she tell her boss that her niece Susan's Defense Education was in jeopardy. It would also be in her best interest for everyone's safety to have someone competent as a Professor.
"Miranda was more than pleased to be asked. She wasn't looking forward to sitting behind a desk for the next nine months." Tonks then frowned. "You're not upset that I told her I was working with the Unspeakable Raven? Bonsey had to use a political favor or two; otherwise, I don't think she would have gotten involved between the headmaster and Fudge."
Iris chuckled. "No, I told you I don't mind keeping her in the loop. I imagine your boss will meet with my old boss about it. Helps a little when I show up at the Department next week or so."
"What are you two talking about," Moody, one of their many escorts, called out.
"The new Defense Professor."
"Oh, you know who it is?"
"I heard from the Headmaster that the Ministry was going to send someone, Allister," Remus replied.
"Well, there's been a change." Tonks grinned. "Even better, it's not some stooge of Fudge."
"So, who is it, then?" Ron asked, pulling away from his mother.
"You'll find out soon enough, Ron," Arthur interrupted. "All right, time to get on the train."
"I think your dad just wanted some alone time with your mom," Iris said as the small group searched for a place to sit. "Maybe you will have a new brother or sister in the near future."
"Iris!" Hermione squawked in disgust.
"I like this new you," Ginny said with a grin.
"I'm a work in progress, don't recommend it, though. You have to kiss a Dementor." She then proclaimed, "And here we are!"
"Luna."
A dirty-haired blond looked up from the paper she was reading.
"Hello, Ginny," the girl said with a dreamy look on her face.
After a quick round of introductions, Luna Lovegood smiled happily as the group took to their seats.
Sitting comfortably in front of one of her favorite persons, Iris asked," Do you have extra copies of the latest Quibbler?"
"The Quibbler?" Hermione questioned, seeming to notice the girls odd looking earrings.
After passing a couple of knuts, Iris remarked, "If you want to be lied to, read the Prophet. If you want the facts, read The Quibbler."
Luna beamed, "Can my father Quote you on that?"
"Be my guest; never been a fan of that paper," Iris grumbled, then suggested, "You two might want to head out, Hermione, or you're going to be late."
The busy hair girl squeaked Prefect's meeting before dragging Ron out of the cabin, almost running over a round-faced, chubby-looking boy.
"Neville, care to join us?" Ginny asked.
"You sure?"
Iris waved her classmate into the cabin. "Take a seat, Neville—plenty of room. Have you met my friend Luna Lovegood?"
The dirty blonde Ravenclaw gave out a small cheerful squeak at that announcement.
And, after another quick round of introductions, Neville asked, "So why were they in such a hurry?"
"Prefects meeting," Ginny replied.
"Oh, I thought you would have been picked, Iris," he stammered.
Iris shrugged. "Not really interested, plus I doubt I would be a good influence as I am prone to be a bit of a troublemaker."
"Oh, ahh, we believe you, Iris; I mean, I wanted to let you know that me and my grandmother about 'You Know Who' return."
Iris gave the Gryffindor a smile. "Thank you."
She had never really interacted much with him at school but, after the war, had thought he turned out to be a fine gentleman.
"Your blushing, Neville," a dreamy voice said.
"Err, I was just thinking that you look really nice, Iris."
"Thank you, it's nice that you noticed," Iris said demurely.
"I really do like the new you, Iris," Ginny cackled after seeing her classmate blush even a deeper red.
Traveling into the past, or whatever it was, had been both strange and wonderful. Even the yearly visit by Pansy was nostalgic. Funny, though, it was shortly after the Slytherin Witch caught Draco and his two goons staring at her new look. But as she stepped off the train, Iris was happy to see that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry still felt like home.
"Are you OK?" Hermione whispered, seeing her best friend staring at the castle without moving.
Iris glanced at the thestrals pulling the carriage, then replied with a reassuring smile. "It's just good to be back. Come on, I'm a bit peckish. Pumpkin Pastries aren't particularly filling."
She sighed as she pulled herself into a carriage, making space for others.
"You know Cryptozoology is a thing, Hermione," she said, hoping to stop an argument that had been brewing.
"What? That's not real science."
"So, you're telling me every mundane and magical animal in existence has been found? That deep sea explorers are not finding new fish, or ones they thought were extinct?"
"But the Loch Ness Monster isn't real."
"And when you were ten, pixies, unicorns, and dragons weren't real either."
The bushy-haired girl opened her mouth, then closed it. "Fine, I just have never heard of a crumple-horned snorlax."
"Snorkack." Iris added, "A Snorlax is a Pokémon."
"What's a Pokémon?" Luna, who had been listening to the conversation with some interest, suddenly asked.
The 'Girl Who Lived' cackled, "Oh, my cute little Ravenclaw, let me tell you about the wonderful world of 'Pocket Monsters.'"
As the students scattered upon entering the Great Hall, Iris raised an eyebrow slipping an arm through her new friend. The child should have been made a Ravenclaw; she had no clue how she ended up wearing red and gold.
Hermione noticed the look and then sighed. "Pokémon, really?"
Iris ignored the whispers as the pair strode through the room. "I'm a fan."
Everything appeared the same, although it had been several years since Iris had been here. The last time was a long summer where she worked with the goblins and the Unspeakable to repair the wards that Voldemort had damaged.
The sorting was much the same, the munchkins were adorable, and the hat still couldn't carry a tune. People were squirming by the time they were done. Dumbledore only spoke for a moment; thankfully, everyone was hungry. The meal and conversations around her brought up so many memories. However, part of Iris was sad she wasn't wearing the Blue and Bronze. But she was here for another purpose, not to relive her school life.
After the meal, Dumbledore introduced their new Defense Professor, which brought some cheers, and then Dolores Umbridge as a Ministry Auditor. When she stood up and interrupted the Headmaster, Iris turned around and stopped listening.
A few minutes later, Hermione leaned over and whispered, "The Ministry is trying to interfere with Hogwarts."
"Lucious Malfoy and friends have deep pockets."
Ron made a face. "Malfoy?"
Iris nodded. "Draco's father and his cronies have a lot of money. With it, they can cause a lot of problems and destabilize the government. Makes it easier for Tommy to take over. "
Ginny looked towards the head table. "Dumbledore's going to do something about Umbridge, right?"
"No," Iris sighed. "Whatever you do, do not antagonize the pink toad. Tonks was telling me she's a nasty piece of work. Can you pass that on to everyone for me, please?"
The bushy-haired girl bit her lip, then she and the others nodded.
"Have fun storming the castle," Iris called out moments later as the two new prefects started to corral the first years.
"You've gotten weird, which isn't a bad thing," Hermione said with a smile.
Grabbing Ginny, Iris wasn't one hundred percent where to find the Gryffindor tower. Getting lost would be embarrassing. The uncomfortable silence that followed her, which she ignored, continued as she entered the Gryffindor Tower. Most of the male and female students stared at her as she strode across the common room to the girl's dormitory.
"So, it's like fourth year all over again," Iris observed dryly.
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil either couldn't read the room or just didn't care, squealing about Iris's new look. The boys, who might have wanted to speak to her, gave the group a wide birth as they climbed the stairs.
"I wasn't sure if Seamus wanted to ask you for a date or to call you a liar," Hermione mused as she half-listened to her other two roommates' babble.
"Seamus Finnigan?" Iris grimaced. "Pass."
She then turned her head to reply to Lavender, who had some questions about her outfit. Hermione tried to pull away, but she grabbed her, forcing her to a seat. Eventually, she added to the conversation by talking about her Yule dress and jewelry. Although it was like pulling Basilisk's teeth. However, when the other fifth-year girls joined in, she appeared to be having fun.
"Padfoot, if I have to get out of bed and drag you to Ireland in the morning, I will do it," Iris growled at the mirror in her hand.
A voice could be heard whining, which she ignored. "I have already paid for a portkey to St Kitts. When I call you tomorrow, I want to see you on a beach with a mimosa in your hand. Beautiful woman on your lap is optional."
The whining continued, so she just continued to talk. "Remus is off on Dumbledore's orders, and as I didn't see Hagrid, he must be trying to speak to the giants. Molly will not be around during the day, and Arthur works. I have already spoken to them; they have no problems staying at their house. So, you will be alone, which is not acceptable. As for the others, they have their own homes. I am going to lock Grimwald Place down."
"No, Sirus, I don't need you here. I need you safe. Tom is in hiding; he isn't ready to do anything. Ted is almost ready but needs a few more weeks; we're looking a little after November first."
"I know you're bored and going to do something stupid and get yourself killed. If you do that, I am going to be very angry. So, unless you want Kreacher to drop you off at the Irish Ministry in the nude, I suggest you get a good night's sleep."
Iris smiled, looking down at the magical mirror. "All right, thank you. Love you, Padfoot; get some rest. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Closing her eyes, she sat back on her pillow.
"Hey, Dora. Can you do me a favor? Tomorrow morning will you make sure that Sirus doesn't miss that portkey."
"Mom already yelled at him." Nymphadora's voice could be heard through a second small mirror. "Pretty sure she's going to drag him out of bed too."
"Thank you."
"So, how's Hogwarts treating you?"
Iris sighed.
"It hasn't even been a day, and it's already difficult. How can anyone live in a place that is all red and gold? Plus, people are friendly as ever, so going to class is going to be a nightmare."
"Sucks to be you. Can't imagine being around all the teen drama."
"Yes, well, we adults can do the drama pretty well, too," Iris remarked. "Anyway, I can deal with the kids. More importantly, we're still on schedule. I hope to get everything from Hogwarts before the end of the week. If everything's where I hope it will be, I'll take a day off and speak to Saul on Monday."
Dora couldn't help but implore. "Then you're going to speak to Bonsey."
"Yes, yes." Iris smiled. "I'm not going to get you into any more trouble. So, how's the list coming?"
"It's difficult and sad, really. Can't even trust my fellow Aurors," Dora grumbled.
"I understand, but we'll still need it. We need to know who we can trust. If not, we'll have to look somewhere else."
"You going to stay at Hogwarts after?"
"We'll have to see. It's going to be a pain either way," Iris noted, then frowned before reaching over to grab the Marauder's map.
"You still there, Iris?"
"Yea, someone is out walking about on the fourth floor."
Nymphadora snickered. "Didn't think you were a stickler for the rules."
"No, something's wrong. Get a good night's sleep. I'll check in tomorrow."
Luna Lovegood spun around, humming a tune that her mother used to sing to her. She continued to dance because it was cold. Scotland's autumns weren't particularly warm, even more so in a drafty castle at night. And she knew that Daddy would be ever so upset if she didn't go home for the holidays, so she danced.
With her feet barely touching the ground, her thoughts drifted to the strange day she had just experienced. Somehow, she made a friend, which was grand. She always wanted one. However, Iris Potter was an enigma.
Growing up, Luna heard the usual stories about the 'Girl Who Lived' and read some of the books written about her. So, she expected to meet a girl larger than life.
But Iris was not. She seemed quiet, an introverted girl who tended to shy away from physical touch. Sometimes she seemed lost. Other times it was as if she would break like glass. Her clothing was too large, ill-fitting on her small frame. And although Luna would never comment on another's clothing preferences, she believed Iris never felt comfortable in them.
But there was also a fire burning in that small frame which would suddenly erupt like a monstrous volcano. She heard about it from Ginny during her first year and the Triwizard Tourney the last. But then afterward, the 'Girl Who Lived' would collapse upon herself.
However, when this Iris Potter entered the cabin, it was like looking into the sun. So bright, so fierce. Whatever shackles held the young woman the last five years had been shattered.
And her claim of friendship wasn't just a comment to be thrown away later, but a contract, signed and sealed in blood. Deep down, Luna knew this Iris was her friend and had always been so.
And when Iris stood up for her in the carriage, a warmth spread over her heart. No one had ever done that before. And it was a sight to see as Iris parried Hermione's words with her own, like two fencers going to and fro but neither giving ground. It was so much fun; Luna wanted to clap, to cheer.
When Iris entered Hogwarts, it was as if some warrior queen had returned. Although she wore a fine dress, the 'Girl Who Lived' could have been garbed in rags, and still, she would look like royalty. Everyone felt it. Everyone saw it. They were all stunned into silence.
But Luna forgot the blibbering humdingers were always watching. And much like the nargles who hid her things, the blibbering humdingers stole her slippers and housecoat and left her lying on the stone floor.
And then she heard her name called out, and once again, everything changed. She would not be spending the night alone in the cold corridors of Hogwarts because standing before her was Iris Potter, not looking particularly happy. Still, Luna knew it was not directed at her.
"Where are your shoes?"
Luna tilted her head; such a simple question. "The nargles took them."
"Are they why you're outside the Ravenclaw dormitory at two in the morning?"
"Oh, no, that's because of the blibbering humdingers."
Iris frowned, then conjured both shoes and a coat.
"And do the nargles and blibbering humdingers take other things?"
Luna shrugged; it was just something that happened. She had complained her first year, but no one believed her or cared.
Seeing Iris's unhappy face, she started to wave her hands. "It's OK, everything, well, most things are returned to me at the end of the year."
"No, my little Ravenclaw, everything is not OK," Iris said.
Finding Luna wandering around Hogwarts in the middle of the night had been an unpleasant surprise. For all of their intellect, the bloody Ravenclaws were a bit conservative. But to resort to outright bullying was unacceptable.
"I need a House Elf," she called out.
It was then, like everything else in her life, that everything went pear-shaped. It had been a habit when working at Hogwarts repairing the castle and the wards. If you needed something, you called a house-elf, and that's just what she did.
"How may Zippy help you, Headmistress?" the little creature said happily, then stopped, confused.
Luna Lovegood giggled.
Iris just rubbed her head, feeling the start of a headache. That manipulative cat Animagus must have done something. McGonagall swore it was just administrative. It meant nothing more. But just like the Black Family magic, the castle magic acknowledged her claim.
"Zippy, can you please find and bring me all of Luna Lovegood's things? Also, make a note of where they were found. We have a case of bullying that needs to be addressed."
"Yes, Headmistress," the confused house-elf said before disappearing with a pop.
Iris looked at her friend and said, "Can you forget the whole headmistress thing?"
Less than ten minutes after being awoken by a Thestral Patronus, Professor Flitwick would find Iris Potter holding a sobbing Luna Lovegood cradling a picture of her mother.