Chapter Fifteen: Pandamonium Part Two

Iris walked down to the dungeons. It was her last lesson before break but she was going to tell Snape she no longer needed his teachings. Her mind was her own and she was confident no one could penetrate it and she was able to control her powers now.

The dungeons were quiet as she approached Snape's office. When she knocked there was no "enter", but she could hear hush whispering. She opened the door caustically to find it empty.

"Er Hello Professor Snape."

A silver light softly illuminated the door frame by her face and the source of the whispering was the pensive. It lay on his desk. Guess she wasn't immune to it. It was an object not a person. She tried to ignore it.

Usually Snape was always waiting for her. She must have beaten him in her hurry to get lessons over with. Nothing to do but wait. She walked around looking at the bits and pieces floating in jars. He had such an impressive collection of potion ingredients. She was a bit jealous and this wasn't even his best stuff.

Idly she wondered how he had become so good at potions. He was by far the youngest professor here and if her calculations were correct he would have started at around 21-22. He must have been highly qualified. Was it hereditary or just natural talent? She had years of helping her parents in the kitchen so when magic school came along potions was basically the same.

A scuffle drew her attention away from the shelves of potion ingredients. She looked around the office but was still alone. She walked closer to the desk sure she had heard something. The pensive was still whispering, Iris turned away from it and…whack. A toad jumped at her from one of the shelves. She let out a squeal and jumped back. She felt her back hit the pensive and turned around.

It was tittering off the edge. She reached for it, grabbing the edge and pulling it back quickly. Thank Merlin it didn't fall, she didn't know what would happen; if the memories would just float away. Her fingers were dipped in the silvery stuff and she noticed it began to swirl. She stood over it and was about to pull her hand away when she was suddenly pulled down.

Iris shut her eyes and screamed unsure what was going on as she spun furiously. Everything stopped and she peeked one eye open. Confusion washed over as she found herself in the Great Hall at Hogwarts but instead of the four tables there were tons of desks each holding a different student. Their heads were down and scribbling on parchment in front of them.

Where the bloody hell was she? Nobody seemed to notice her. Was this a memory, Snapes memory! Oh bad, it was all bad. She needed to get out of here. She looked around frantically but no big exit sign was staring her in the face. She tried jumping up, screaming to let her out; nothing. If Snape caught her here she was dead meat.

"Fuck I gotta get out of here."

"Quills down please," squeaked a voice. Iris turned to find Professor Flitwick at the front, hundreds rolls of parchments zooming to him.

Iris stared slack jawed as some zoomed through her. She shivered ugh this was creepy. She was like a ghost floating around Snape's past. Speaking of which, she looked around for him as the students started heading out the door, exciting chatter filling the hall.

There! She saw him exiting through the doors. He was walking quickly, hair bouncing around, hunched over his parchment. She caught up to him as he headed down the lawn and towards the lake. Her breath skipped a beat, this was strange. She felt loneliness wash over her, no wait it was there the second she fell into this memory, she had just noticed it now. Not only was she reliving his memory if she tried she could also feel it.

Iris continued to follow Snape on his walk. His eyes still were downcast. She was surprised he didn't knock anyone over, he seemed to be running on autopilot immersed more in his paper then surroundings. He finally stopped settling down on a patch of grass in the shadow of some bushes.

Laughter drew her gaze away from the teenage Snape and she looked around. Her eyebrows shot up to her hairline at a group of boys, was that Harry?

She walked closer, the boy looked very much like Harry but his eyes were not green. Which meant this boy was Harry's dad, James. She looked at the other boys, one was clearly Sirius, he was a very handsome young man and the other with his nose in a book was Remus. She didn't know who the last boy was. He seemed to have stars in his eyes, as he watched James, who was playing with a Snitch.

"Put that away!" She heard Sirius say, "before Wormtail wets himself."

Wormtail? That couldn't be a real name. Iris frowned, a group of boys with nicknames and haughty looks on their faces. Oh Merlin she knew the type; troublemakers.

"If it bothers you." James said, putting it away.

"I'm bored." Sirius said, "I wish it was a full moon."

Yup, troublemakers. Nothing more troublesome than teenage boys.

"You might." Lupin replied, behind his book. She had a feeling he definitely didn't want it to be a full moon. "We've still got Transfiguration, if you're bored test me. Here…" he held out his book.

Sirius didn't take it, instead he snorted, "I don't need to look at that rubbish I know it all."

"This will liven you up Padfoot." James said quietly. "Look who it is."

Sirius turned his head and stilled, "excellent." He said softly, "Snivellus."

Iris followed their line of sight and saw Snape getting up from his spot. Anger clawed its way up her throat. Well fuck this wasn't going to be good.

James and Sirius stood up and headed his way, while Lupin and Wormtail stayed seated.

She followed getting closer wishing she could do something.

"Alright, Snivellus." James shouted.

The reaction from Snape was quick and the fear and anger that hit her was intense. He dropped his bag and plunged his hand in his robes bringing it out. But it wasn't fast enough.

James shouted, "Expelliarmus!"

Snapes wand flew, falling into the grass behind him. Sirius let out an annoying bark of a laugh. James cast an "Impedimenta," that hit Snape who was diving for his wand. He was knocked off his feet.

Iris felt her heart race faster, her own anger was mixing with Snapes. She knew more than anyone what it felt like to be picked up and ganged up on. How many fights had she gotten into a school. How many times did she get her ass kicked before she learned to defend herself properly. Eventually she learned the best way to win was to combine fighting with spells. Witches and wizards relied on their magic too much, no one expected a punch to the gut or sweep of the feet. If it was her she woulda jumped at James and started pounding with fist then called for her wand. That always left people shocked leaving her time to defend. But Snape did no such thing as James coldly washed out his mouth with a "Scourgify".

"Leave him alone!" A voice yelled.

Iris turned to see a girl coming to Snapes aid. She had shoulder length dark red hair, pale skin, freckles ran across her nose and her eyes were a striking green and almond shaped. Was she a McKinnon? They almost looked related like cousins.

"All right Evans?" James said.

Evans, not McKinnon, guess they weren't related.

"Leave him alone." The girl, Evans, must be a last name, repeated. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," he said, seeming to think hard, "it's more the fact that he exists."

The surrounding students laugh but Iris scrunched up her nose in disgust. That was a lame ass reason. How the hell was this guy Harry's dad? Harry was sweet, he didn't bully other students, he didn't start things nor did he have a big head. The Evans girl was telling him exactly what she thought of him.

"You think you're funny. But you're just an arrogant bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."

"I will if you go out with me, Evans." James replied, "go on…go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again."

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid."

"Bad luck Prongs." Sirius said briskly. "Oi!"

Iris turned, Snape was up, wand out and directed at James. there was a flash of light and blood splattered his robes. James turned around quickly casting his own spell. In a flash of light Snape was hanging upside down. His robes fell over his head revealing skinny pale legs and a pair of graying underwear.

Iris grunted as a whirl of emotions hit her, embarrassment, anger, and hatred. She thought she had hated people in her time. But the amount of hatred that was directed at James and Sirius was intense. It felt like a beast living inside her chest. She could hardly breathe. This was the kind of emotion that started wars. Though she didn't like it she understood why Snape gave Harry a hard time. He was a mini-James in looks. Snape didn't have anyone to help him heal, so he lashed out.

Iris continued to watch the scene, Sirius hexed Snape. Evans pulled out her wand and pointed it at the boys.

"Ah Evans, don't make me hex you." James said.

"Take the curse off him then."

James sighed deeply before he turned and released Snape.

"There you go." He directed at Snape. "Your lucky Evans was here, Snivellus-"

"I don't need help from filthy little mudbloods like her."

Iris winced, ouch. Mudblood was a terrible term, equivalent to muggles yelling racial slurs at one another. No one else had come in Snapes aid, instead of being grateful he was embarrassed and lashed out. She sighed in resignation, teenage boys were idiots.

Evans blinked, "fine," she said coolly. "I won't bother you in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus."

Iris grimaced, that was harsh. Completely called for, Snape shouldn't dish it if he couldn't take it. She could feel the instant regret from Snape, but the anger was still the most present emotion. She could still feel the fire bubbling in her gut. Teenage male anguish was no joke.

"Apologize to Evans!" James roared.

Iris gasp has her back hit something solid. She turned around to see a very pissed off full adult Severus Snape. He grabbed her tightly, and her own fear ran through her. She was ascending upwards towards the sky then into icy blackness. Her stomach flipped over and her feet hit solid ground. Her wand was out in seconds, she used it to free herself from Snapes iron grip.

His eyes were on fire, whole body shaking, chest heaving, she swore she could see smoke coming from his nose.

Iris held her wand out in front of her, "now…now, let's just stay calm-" she spoke softly in a futile attempt to calm down a mad man.

Iris blocked the flash of light aimed at her face and jumped back crouching low. She sent her own spell at Snape, but he side stepped it. In seconds Iris was in a full blown duel with Snape. Hexs, jinx, spells moved around the small room. His anger made for poor aiming as she dodged and weaved, casting her own spells. When Iris saw an opening she moved in, her leg sweeping his feet out from under him.

"Expelliarmus!" She caught Snape's wand as he fell, in her hand. When he hit the floor she pounced on him, putting all her weight on his chest and her knees held him tightly. She pointed both wands at his neck. "Ready to be calm?"

If looks could kill Snape's glare would have fried her to a crisp. His chest heaved in anger under her, his arms locked on his side under her knees. "I'm sorry! It was an accident." He twitched as if about to make a move. She squeezed him tighter. If he wasn't so angry and not thinking she was sure he could knock her off. "Really! I knocked into it and tried catching it, then got sucked in."

His eyes narrowed to slits. "That's awfully convenient," he hissed viciously at her. "Enjoy the sights? Laughed along with all the other idiots at my expense?"

"I really am sorry." She said softly. "If you wanna talk about it…"

Snapes cheeks turned red, "there is nothing I want to talk to you about. If you ever tell anybody…I swear…"

"You'll what…give me detention?" Iris snorted. "You got bullied so what, get over it."

"Get out." Snape hissed from under her.

Iris bit her lip, she really did feel bad. She didn't mean to trespass over his memories. She held her hands up. "Okay okay I'm leaving, but I will be back and we will talk about this."

She got off his chest, threw his wand towards his desk, and backed away keeping her eyes on him until she reached the door. He sat up as her hand touched the knob, she turned it and booked it out of there before he could hex her.

Easter break was about to start, she would just avoid him and give him time to cool off. He was embarrassed, which she could understand. That was just one day in his life, how many others were like that? Was that why he was such an asshole to Harry, cause James and his friends made his life a living hell? Well it seemed like it was James and Sirius, Remus just stood by and Wormtail got off on the power.

Iris went over Snapes memory again and again, for the next two weeks. She tried to identify all the feelings and his reactions. One thing was certain, that memory held regret, but she suspected it didn't come from teenager Snape but present- Snape.

Ugh trying to unravel the mysteries of Severus Snape was frustrating. She was just a piece of transparent glass that Snape could look through and dissect. Every fear and insecurity laid bare before him. No one held that power over her before, it made her itchy. It made her feel that they were on uneven terms. She needed to even the odds. Find out more about him, his past, what made him tick, what motivated him.

It was hard though. Snape was shrouded in darkness. She didn't know his fears or secrets. She didn't get to dig through his past and dissect important moments of his life. There was no way to, unless he offered up the information. That would happen when hell froze over. Probably not even then. Severus Snape was going to die with his secrets. Iris was tenacious if anything, she would try and coax him out of those secrets.

Until that talk, Iris blended in with the other fifth years. Exams were six weeks away, not that she would have a problem. Most other students spent their time studying, she went to student groups and passed notes in the library to keep her cover.

One student in particular was especially down, Harry. Something seemed wrong with him, so Iris skimmed his mind every so often to try and find what was the matter. A week into break, Harry and Ginny ran into her, books and ink bottles chasing them.

"Finite Incantatem."

Everything fell suddenly. "Er- you guys okay?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, our fault," Ginny grinned.

Iris noticed the chocolate egg in Harry's hand. "Ah, I see, got caught eating in the library." She grinned back.

"Thanks for the save." Harry said.

"Anytime. Think it's safe to go in? I need to finish my transfiguration essay." She furrowed her brows. She had to keep the conversation going, and had to see what was up with Harry.

"I'd wait." Ginny replied.

Iris waved goodbye at them, and walked down the corridor. She turned the corner and stayed there, trying to make sense of Harry's thoughts. Harry wanted badly to talk to Sirius, about his parents. Something was making him sad and miserable. Something to do with Snape. Maybe he saw what Iris did or another variation. His father, no doubt his idol, being a bullying jackass.

Ginny was easy to read as well, George and Fred were on her mind. Why? She had to think logically. Harry wanted to talk to Sirius. The only way that was possible was through Floo. They were all being monitored, or were they? Umbridge was probably conceited enough not to have her own fire monitored. So if she was a reckless teenage boy that would be her plan and she would want other reckless teenage boys to her. She would need to keep an extra eye on Harry, to make sure he doesn't get caught.

Iris waited till it was the last weekend before break was over, to find Snape. The other fifth years were pouring over career pamphlets on Sunday. Seeing as her career would be in America she didn't bother going through them, instead headed down to Snapes office.

Iris took a deep breath before knocking and without waiting for a reply opened the door. Snape was sitting at his desk when he looked up, a blank expression on his face.

Iris fixed her face into what she hoped was nonchalant. "Soooo…" Merlin she sounded awkward. "Um, are we good?" She stood in front of his desk, leaning on her hands.

His stare gave nothing away, how the hell did he do that. Did he just want to pretend it didn't happen? Or was he super mad and was about to hex her.

"I-"

"Forget it." He interrupted her.

She clamped her mouth shut and nodded. Sounded good to her. She wanted answers but maybe it was best not to poke the bear. Snape was a complicated person, and it would take a long time to break the walls he held around himself. Live to fight another day, she guessed.

"Consider it forgotten."

"Anything else?" He directed at her when she didn't turn to leave.

"Well…" she hesitated, "I noticed Harry has stopped his Occlumency lessons."

Snapes mouth went into the thin line, "and."

"Well, he needs them, why have they stopped?"

"That is none of your business." An edge to his voice

Iris had an inkling of why they stopped. Snape would not tell her. What would he say, that he got embarrassed. As if, the man would die before admitting that.

"It's really important that he continues." She tried.

"I don't care."

She sighed in defeat, "fine be that way." Of course he didn't know why Harry needed the lessons or understood the connection Voldemort and Harry shared or how dangerous it was. All he saw was the face of a kid who use to torture him. There was nothing she could say or do to change his mind. There was nothing she could do to teach Harry, that would blow her cover. Why the hell did Dumbledore pair those two up? That man really saw more good in people then there was. He couldn't see the reality; Snape hate ran too deep.

Iris turned to leave but stopped at the door. She turned back to Snape, whose dark eyes were watching her, guarded. "You know Severus, ghosts can only haunt you, if you let them." She was gone.

Iris kept a close eye on Harry the first day back from break. His thoughts were easy to read with one thing on his mind: Talk to Sirius. Try to find answers to this hero he had built up in his head. Often she wondered what her parents were like. What kind of people they were? Who were their friends? Why had they given her up? So she understood where Harry was coming from. But they were ghosts who couldn't defend or explain themselves. Their past would always be a mystery.

As the day winded down and Defense Against The Dark Arts was over, Iris knew the distraction from the Weasley Twins was coming soon. She was rewarded a few seconds after stepping in the hallway. A bang came from upstairs followed quickly by screams and yells as they echoed across the hall. Umbridge came running from her classroom past Iris as fast as her stubby legs could carry her.

Iris followed the crowd as everyone headed east eager to see what was going on. It took a little longer than normal and she had to push her way through to the front. She could hear Umbridge screeching.

"Who did this!? Who is responsible! Come forward now."

The corridor had been turned into a swamp. Moss covered the walls, vines and thistles as well. It even smelled like a swamp, the sulfur making Iris think of rotten eggs. She covered her mouth and nose with her hand. The water was dark, green, and bubbling. Iris casted a shield charm around her as a bubble burst and green goo covered the students around her.

Umbridge was still screeching now at the Inquisitorial Squad, to find whoever was responsible for the swamp. Iris sniggered as Umbridge waved her wand shouting spells but nothing worked.

The Inquisitorial Squad pushed its way past students asking them if they saw anything and deducting points when the answer was no.

Finally a small child, probably a first year Hufflepuff boy caved. He told them he saw some older red haired boys right before it went off.

Iris looked around for the Weasley Twins, they were in the back of the crowd watching their handy works.

"Look, there it's the Weasley's." A dark slytherin boy cried.

They pushed their way past students who didn't want to budge for them and Iris saw the twins take off.

Iris closed her eyes and concentrated, she reached out with her mind whispering, encouraging the students to follow. Any help she could give to the boys she would. Slowly students started following after them.

Umbridge screeched her way through the crowd threatening detention for students who didn't move. As if inspired by George and Fred the students seem to be ignoring her. The chaos led to the stairs in the Great Hall once again. It became much like the night that Trelawney was sacked. Students continued to gather, some Professors and even a few ghost.

Umbridge smiled, as shouting and curses could be heard as the Inquisitorial came through the front door with George and Fred Weasley in town

Students parted the way, lining the walls. Fred and George walked with heads held high. Iris was tempted to start clapping, whatever the boys were about to pull off was going to be epic. They gave each other knowing looks.

"So…" Umbridge said triumphantly. "You think it's amusing to turn a school corridor into a swamp?"

"Pretty amusing, yeah." Fred replied looking up at her, no fear in his face.

Filch came hobbling like a demon out of hell to Umbridge, a paper in his hand, waving it around in glee. Whatever had him happy was sure to be bad.

"I've got the form, Headmistress. I've got the form and the whips waiting…oh let me do it now…"

Iris shuddered in disgust. Whips? What was this Medieval times still.

"Very good Argus. You two…" she looked down at Fred and George. "Are about to learn what happens to wrongdoers in my school."

"You know what I don't think we are." Fred replied, turning to his other half. Small gasps had escaped from a few students. "George, I think we've outgrown full time education."

"Yeah I've been feeling that way myself." George said lightly.

"Time to test our talents in the real world, d'you reckon?"

"Definitely."

Before Umbridge could reply, the twins lifted their wands up and yelled, "Accio Broom!"

A loud crash echoed through the hall. In a few moments, the Twins brooms came flying down the stairs. One still hand a heavy chain and peg dangling that clanked loudly on the stone floor.

"We won't be seeing you." Said Fred as he swung a leg over his broom.

"Yeah don't bother keeping in touch." George said, echoing his twins movement.

Fred looked around at the shell shock crowd. No one moved or made a sound. All eyes were on them waiting to see how this would end.

"If anyone fancies buying a portable swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number Ninety-three, Diagon Alley- Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes," said Fred in a loud voice, "our new premises."

"Special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat." George joined in pointing at Umbridge.

Iris looked at her. Umbridge's face was red, she yelled out, "stop them!"

It was too late. The inquisitorial squad closed in too slowly as the Twins kicked off about fifteen feet in the hair. Fred looked to Peeves the poltergeist, who had been bobbing in the hair watching the exchange.

"Give her hell from us, Peeves."

Peeves swept his belle hat from his head and sprung to solute the boys. Applause broke out, unable to contain themselves any longer, the student body gave the Twins a proper send off. Some cheered and whooped as Fred and George Weasley sped out the front doors and rode off into the sunset and to glorious freedom.

Sorry it's been a while

I'm struggling to get through the part I want. I've been writing this story all over the place sometimes I work on the second one sometimes the third one lol you never know

thanks for patience reviews and reads i appreciate you all