Verdant Skies

There was a scattered bite of pain as she slid across the ground, Iris' arm was a bleeding mess as the wooden shrapnel of her wand dug into the fragile skin. She hurriedly pushed herself up despite the pain as her friends, the ones who'd followed her into this place shouted and cried out as spellfire ran out overhead. Eyes glaring into the crazed ones of Bellatrix Lestrange who'd shattered her beloved holly and phoenix feather, she grasped the bloodied feather that was partly embedded into her palm as the woman cackled, "Oi, is itty bitty Potter hurt? Why don't I ease the pain?! Avada Kedavra!"

Dodging that livid bolt of green, Iris called up the magic coursing through her veins helped by the beast residing deep within her very soul. It had been a seething ball of rage ever since the vision of Sirius had struck her during the test and its temper had only worsened as the hours passed. As soon as they were attacked in the Prophecy room, it had begun to roar and bay for blood. So for the first time since Sirius had helped her learn just which creature resided inside her soul during the last few weeks of the summer, she finally drew upon the power that she'd been meditating on.

Like a bomb had been let off underneath her skin, Iris's body felt like it was coming apart, even as she fought to move. She staggered forward clutching at her chest as if trying to hold herself together. The sensation was excruciating, a searing pain that threatened to consume her from the inside out. Only when her legs finally collapsed beneath her did she stop moving. A wicked cackle left Bellatrix who aimed her wand at the downed witch ready to strike once more, only for her to shriek as a spell flew towards her from Luna, who had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The spell hit Bellatrix, and her body contorted in pain as she was sent sprawling to the ground.

Meanwhile, Iris' body continued to shift and writhe, she let out a guttural cry as her magic exploded outward in an uncontrolled burst that sent everyone save for her friends tumbling backward. The ancient ground of the death chamber where they stood quaked beneath her as the very air crackled with the release of unrestrained power. Her body steadily shifted into a much larger and more monstrous shape with each passing second, the cracking and pops of her limbs elongating. Nails sharpened into claws as darkened scales formed, she twisted as her spine curved into a powerful tail tipped with spikes and large leathery membranous wings. Head shifting and elongating into that of a dragon's, she parted her lips revealing sharp gleaming fangs.

As the quaking stopped her friends cautiously approached as Iris finally became still, they were forced to stop in their tracks as the sheer heat emanating from the newly transformed dragon became unbearable. Waves of scorching energy radiated from her creating a shimmering heatwave that distorted the air around her, Hermione hesitantly called out, "I-Iris?"

There was a long moment before the dragon's head shifted about across the stone creating a loud ruckus, a loud scraping sound echoed off the chamber walls before finally coming to a stop as the dragon's head finally faced them. Large eyes opened revealing not the emerald green they had become used to, Iris' eyes had become fiery orbs of molten lava that peered down at them with a slitted pit of obsidian in the middle. Luna spoke as she stepped just a hair closer, "Iris," One of those large eyes focused on the blonde as the dragon breathed in, "You-This was for us, wasn't it?"

Iris' mind had to take a few moments before she realized what Luna was asking before finally raising her head enough to nod. She let out a low snarl when Lucius Malfoy shouted, "Potter became a dragon?!"

Raising herself was somewhat of a struggle with her new body, Iris let her instincts guide her as she pushed her friends back with a somewhat gentle tail. She released a large gout of flames that earned shouts and screams. Spell fire scattered off her hide though it merely felt like an annoying bug bite rather than something that hurt, she merely turned the torrent of flames towards the perpetrator. Releasing a hiss when someone managed to slice into her once she'd had to stop and breathe, she turned to release another torrent of flames only to freeze when Hermione screamed out, "Iris!"

Head bolting toward her, Iris' eyes went wide before narrowing as she caught sight of her friends becoming surrounded. With a snarl, she leaped forward and quickly covered them with a wing. Pain seared through her as she felt something hard slam into her back leg and tail, she heard a crashing sound moments before the world seemed to explode in a wave of gray and blue. Curling tightly around her friends as this happened, she released a loud snarl while mentally refusing to let them go...

There was a sudden jolt as Iris jerked into wakefulness as a deafening clang echoed from outside, it took her several heart-racing long moments to realize where she was. Gasping for breath in this suffocating room, the beads of sweat rolled down from her forehead as she struggled to calm down. Gradually the realization that this was her room, the one that she'd claimed for the past few years came and she managed to calm herself. Still, though, the urgent need for fresh air and to feel a cool breeze on her overly heated skin wouldn't leave.

Clumsily extricating herself from the tangle of sheets and pillows that had enveloped her during the night, Iris's feet hit the hard wooden floor as she stood. A soft grunt escaped her lips as she bumped into the bedside table, but she was undeterred, her focus fixated on the door just a few steps away. With a slightly bone-rattling creek, the door opened allowing her onto the balcony where she breathed in the fresh morning air. As the early morning sun bathed the world outside in a golden glow, she leaned against the nearby railing and took in the sights that had become familiar to her during these last few years.

Streets of cobblestone wound their way through the heart of the town, the buildings lining them were quaint timber-framed things adorned with colorful flower boxes. Even in the early hours, the market was already bustling with stalls springing to life from the night prior. The vendors hawk an array of goods from fresh produce to hand-crafted trinkets. People in a kaleidoscope of attire bustled about, some in traditional garb while others in more modern clothing, creating a unique blend of old and new. In the distance perched on a hill, the town's focal point lay, a magnificent castle. With its turrets and spires reaching high in the sky, the stone walls of the castle curled about it seemingly impenetrable. Decorated with patches of vibrant ivy and flags bearing the kingdom's sigil, it all looked as if someone had plucked this place from a storybook.

"Iris!" A voice called from down the stairs that led up to her place.

Turning towards the source, Iris caught sight of Ginny Weasley and a smile slowly formed. The ginger-haired girl had grown into her own during the last three years. Her features reflected the changes that time had brought. She looked more confident and mature with her blue eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. She spoke in a warm tone, "Mornin' Gin, you're up early."

Steps echoed on the staircase as it groaned in protest from the boisterous movement, Ginny's eyes narrowed as she eyed Iris, "You okay? You're looking a bit...flushed."

Shaking her head and chuckling, Iris said, "Just dreaming of the past, Gin. It's hard not to, especially when tomorrow marks the anniversary of when we arrived here."

"T-tomorrow?" Ginny's eyes widened as she breathed out a bit sharply, "I forgot with everything going on as of late,"

Shrugging slightly with a small laugh, Iris murmured, "Time's passed quickly this year, I wouldn't be surprised if nearly everyone's forgotten," She paused a bit as her eyes caught sight of a silver glint on Ginny's chest and she realized that the ginger-haired teen was dressed up, "You're dressed up today," She arched an eyebrow, "What's the special occasion?"

Smiling and twirling just a bit, Ginny allowed Iris to see the full extent of her outfit. She wore a green silk blouse and black trousers, high-quality boots, and a black vest lined with fur dyed a striking purple. A thin black jacket hung from her shoulders, its empty sleeves swaying gently in the breeze. From Ginny's belt dangled a chain leading to a brooch depicting a dragon in flight, completing her ensemble. She settled on her heels after a moment, "Oh, I thought I'd wear something nice-" She paused with her eyes widening a bit, "Shit, I almost forgot about why I'd come to grab you."

"Grab me?" Iris' head tilted, "I mean you normally don't come around here until close to mid-morning if not lunchtime, so what's wrong?"

"Lord Habi summoned us," Ginny answered earning a surprised look, "All of us. Even Nev's coming back early from his trip to the outer orchards,"

Whistling softly at that, Iris straightened a bit, "No wonder you got all dressed up, I bet Hermione's running around a bit spare," She eyed Ginny, "Any idea what this could be about? I mean a few of us being called on since he first found out about us, yeah, but not all of us."

"No idea though it's big since the servants have been acting pretty jumpy since the day before yesterday," Ginny crossed her arms, "You need to get ready, Ris. And if not for Lord Habi, you should at least dress up for Hermione's sake. You know how she's been these days,"

"Don't I know it," Iris rolled her eyes with a sigh, "I'll see if I can't dig something out though don't expect too much. It's not like I keep anything truly nice around in my things,"

Letting out a snicker at that as Iris turned to retreat into her room, Ginny commented, "And you're the dragon? Maybe Hermione should've been all things considered."

With a low laugh leaving her, Iris shut the door behind herself without another word as she moved towards one of the chests set up by a nearby wall. As she opened it and began looking through the clothes stored within, her mind was swirling as she tried to figure out what could cause Lord Habi to call them all together. Whatever it was had to be big if he was bringing them all together. Eyes moving to the nearby mirror, she let her eyes fall on the collar locked around her neck and grinned darkly. Perhaps whatever was causing this stir would be enough...hopefully, it would give them enough time to finally gain their freedom.

Trailing after Ginny into the castle, they made their way into the throne room after a servant directed them that way. Much like Hogwarts had been, the halls of this castle were lined with portraits and old artifacts though none of them carried any magic that the old castle had. It was still a grand place that had taken Iris' breath away during their first visit to these halls. Nodding to the soldiers that were stationed outside the throne room, the two made their way inside and found it heavily crowded with Lord Habi's advisors and higher nobles seemingly arguing amongst themselves though the man himself was nowhere to be seen. Sharing a small look with Ginny, she moved towards the far wall and leaned against the stone.

Not long after, Luna joined them wearing an eccentric royal purple dress adorned with pink and blue splotches. Delicate curls adorned her blonde hair, with feathers and seemingly random twigs artfully intertwined. A thin silver chain wrapped around her waist, carrying various bottles filled with mysterious liquids. Like Ginny, she also sported a dragon-shaped brooch on her breast. With a serene smile, Luna lifted a pair of bright pink glasses and remarked, "So many Wrackspurts running around, it's a horrid infestation."

Suppressing a soft laugh, Iris smiled at Luna and asked, "It's been a while, Luna. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Mhmm," Luna hummed softly before turning to address Neville, "Neville, I found Ris and Gin."

"I can see that," Neville responded with a light smile, "'Ello, you two. Been awhile,"

He had grown taller over the past three years, his physique becoming more robust, with little excess fat. Neville wore a dark brown tunic with intricate green lacing that resembled vines, paired with supple cream-colored pants. His hair had lightened from exposure to the sun, and he now wore it longer, adorned with several braids, each adorned with feathers or the occasional flower. Like the others, he wore a pendant on a black belt, which served as a belt buckle. Acknowledging Neville with a nod, Iris returned his smile, while Ginny playfully teased, "Letting Luna do your hair, Nev? I'm jealous."

Huffing at Ginny, Neville's cheeks turned a slight crimson color. They all turned as Hermione's voice sounded, "Ah, you're all here."

Hermione approached them with Ron by her side. She appeared delighted to see them, although her fatigue was evident. Her hair was neatly tied in a bun, and she wore a crimson robe over a gentle mauve tunic and coal-colored trousers. A silver chain was attached to her breast, bearing the same dragon brooch as their other friends, though partially hidden by her robe. Ron, taller than Hermione, had filled out significantly, and he was dressed in a uniform similar to the palace guards. His attire was dark in color and featured small pieces of armor for protection, a sheathed sword at his waist, and a helmet in his hand. Ron's hair was cut short, and though his eyes appeared somewhat duller, a spark of life remained as he assessed their group.

"Glad to see we're all still in one piece," Ron grunted as they reached them.

Ginny inquired, "Any idea what this is about?" and received a unanimous head shake, "Even you two," She added on, "I mean, you two work in the palace, so I assumed you'd have some insight."

Hermione's voice held a hint of frustration as she replied, "We're not privy to everything."

Iris soothingly placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder, saying, "It shouldn't be long until we find out anyway."

As if echoing her answers, the throne room doors slammed open revealing Lord Habi in all his glory. Tall enough to have reminded Iris of Hagrid when they'd first arrived, the mocha-skinned man's harsh amber eyes were narrowed. Short-cropped hair and a neatly trimmed beard, he wore rich robes of royal purple and deep gold. Across his visible skin, he bore crimson tattoo-like markings that shifted with each movement he made. Rings decorated his fingers and heavy bracelets on his arms, and he wore a dark metal circlet. Striding towards his throne, he boomed, "Greetings, Everyone. I see that you all made it."

Before Lord Habi could take his seat, a particularly slimy noble spoke up, "My lord, what could necessitate your summoning us, especially with the upcoming festivities—"

"They can wait," Lord Habi interjected sharply, causing glances to be exchanged between Iris and her friends.

Ginny leaned over to whisper, "Someone is a bit angry, ain't he?"

He turned his attention to Luise, a thin, reedy man who followed him around like a loyal puppy, and commanded, "Luise."

"M-my lord," Luise stammered, stepping forward from beside the throne. "We've received word that the Kou are sending an envoy to us. It's imperative—"

"An envoy?" The sneering tone directed at Luise caused him to shrink back. "We were all called in here for an envoy?" The sharp voice belonged to Vance, a man far too old for such immaturity. "My lord, why bother with an envoy from Kou? Why bother with an envoy from any country? We've reached the pinnacle over the last three years, after all,"

"Enough, Vance," Lord Habi snapped as he sat down. "Had this envoy been from any other nation, I might have contemplated ignoring it. We're in a comfortable position and need no new allies. But with this particular envoy, I cannot."

Murmurs exploded at that, Iris glanced at Ginny as the ginger-haired teen leaned over to whisper, "Definitely more irritable than normal."

Shrugging slightly, Iris crossed her arms as she stared up at Lord Habi while Ginny fell silent as Hermione hissed at her. He laid his head on a hand, "For whatever reason, Kou is sending not one, but all three of its Princes." The room fell into stunned silence. "It is for that reason alone that we cannot ignore their envoy."

"Why would they send all three?" One of the newer nobles asked, her face marked with confusion.

"With their recent advancements, I wouldn't be surprised if they sought to gain information that will make their future conquest easier," Lord Habi's eyes ran across the room, "Or perhaps," They fell onto Iris and a wicked grin fell across his lips as the collar around her neck tightened just enough to be uncomfortable, "They've heard of our resident dragon,"

Suppressing the urge to reveal her anger, Iris's fingers twitched as the dragon within her roared in protest. The heat beneath her skin, which had been carefully contained, surged for a brief moment before she managed to quell it. Taking a deep breath, she looked away as someone in the room pointed out, "But...the dragon hasn't been seen in months! Not since the bandit raids were stopped, my lord."

"Indeed. Perhaps, for our festival, I'll find the dragon and convince it to cooperate," Lord Habi's voice held an unsettling amusement.

As the collar tightened even more, Iris clenched her fists. She finally looked straight at Lord Habi, who was met with a defiant glare. After a tense silence, she gave a brief nod. The collar finally loosened, allowing her to breathe freely. She stayed silent as Ginny murmured, "Ris?"

Lord Habi declared, "For now, I want all of you to prepare for our incoming guests. I don't know how long they'll stay here. As foreign royalty, you are to treat them well while ensuring our secrets remain as such. You are all dismissed, except for Lady Potter, Lady Weasley, Lady Granger, Lady Lovegood, Lord Longbottom, and Lord Weasley."

There were loud protests, and many directed disapproving looks toward Iris and her friends as the majority exited the room. A few who attempted to object found themselves at the wrong end of a sword. Only Luise and two other advisors remained as exceptions to Lord Habi's decree. Despite her friends moving forward, Iris remained against the wall, her glare fixed on Lord Habi. A voice filled with venom, she called out, "What do you want us to do this time?"

Lord Habi leaned back, unconcerned with her tone, despite the tension that permeated his advisors and soldiers. "Simple," he responded. "You will do your best to discover the true reason they've come here. The real reason behind their journey."

"But why would they trust anyone here?" Iris protested.

"Good thing you all can be wonderful actors," Lord Habi's grin widened as he looked at Iris, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Especially you, my favorite little toy. After all, you did an excellent job of hiding what you were from me three years ago."

Suppressing a growl as the collar tightened further, Iris found herself releasing a sharp gasp as painful shocks began running down her body from the collar. Falling to her knees as she clutched at the collar, she dug her nails futility into the metal trying to wrench it from her neck. As the shocks continued to travel through her body, she started to spasm against the cold stone floor. Only through sheer force of will was she able to keep from screaming the entire time, she fell almost limp once the shocks stopped and the collar became almost slack. Chest heaving as she struggled to regain full control, she glared up at Lord Habi loathing that he had so much control over her.

Hermione called out as Ginny leaned down beside Iris trying to steady her, "Thank you for releasing her, Lord Habi."

"Now," Lord Habi stood from his throne and began to pace, "You will gain the Kou Princes' trust. Do whatever it takes to do so, I do not care," He smirked darkly at Iris' flushed face, "Find out what makes them weak, the very things that bring them joy, the things they fear, that which makes them feel disgust, and anything in between," He paused not far from them and extended a closed fist, "I'm sure you'll find it all, my darling little pet. After all, you want this, right?"

Her eyes widened as his fingers opened to reveal a key that Iris hadn't seen in over three years hanging from a thick chain, the heavy runes carved into the pale metal stood out against Lord Habi's skin. It was the key to the collar that bound her, a symbol of her servitude. The mere sight of it sent a shiver down her spine. As her breath stilled, Hermione spoke as Lord Habi's sinister smile widened, "Iris' freedom..our freedom...is on the line?"

"If you do this, I will give this to Lady Potter," Lord Habi closed his fist around the key, "After all, you'd be protecting my kingdom from an empire that seeks to conquer it. I'd be a truly foul man to deny you your freedom,"

But this was the man who'd kept her chained to him for these last three years, Iris' heart sank even as she forced herself to nod. If anything this was just Lord Habi making a show of tightening his grip on her chain and reminding her that he was the one on the other end, she mentally snarled alongside her beast. Not one to back down, Hermione spoke upon seeing Iris' continued silence, "We'll do as you ask, but you must promise that when this is over, you'll release Iris from her bondage."

There was a deep chuckle, Lord Habi's eyes glittered dangerously as he stared at Hermione, "Ah, Lady Granger, always the advocate for justice, I see," he mused. "Very well, I promise to release her from this collar once her mission is complete. I do have to prove I'm a man of my word after all."

Forcing herself up with Ginny steadying her, Iris merely inclined her head to the man as doubt rang out loud and clear. Considering their past, she didn't trust Lord Habi as far as she could throw him in human form. With an air of dismissal, Lord Habi gestured around himself at his remaining advisors and the soldiers that lined the walls. He bore a slight grin as his eyes glittered, "Prepare for the arrival of the Kou princes. Our kingdom's fate rests on your shoulders,"

Staying silent until long after they'd left the throne room, Iris and the rest followed Hermione into a secondary library that the brunette had set up. Practically collapsing onto a fainting couch, she curled into a ball as Luna murmured, "That was bad."

"Bad? Bad? I want to-" Ron made a strangled sound, "If it weren't for that collar, I'd pull a Bellatrix!"

Letting out a tired laugh, Iris shook her head, "Even you're not that far gone, Ron," She breathed out slowly, "I'm not trusting that man for a second."

"But if you don't do it...Ris..." Hermione gave her a worried look.

"I know," Iris stared into the fire that was almost always burning within this room trying to keep her mind away from the darker thoughts that always lingered within the depths of her mind, "We...If there is a chance, I...Maybe these Princes could be our chance at freedom?"

"What? Ris," Ginny shook her head, "Are you hearing yourself? The Kou isn't exactly known for their charity and with your dragon form-"

"They might be inclined to help," Iris' fingers clenched, "At the very least, we won't be forced to deal with Lord Habi's bullshit. I know you're all tired of it too," She sat up and stared at her friends, "Even if you all stayed around for me, we...No, I won't let us be forced to stay here if there is another option,"

"But...what if they're worse?" Luna's voice was soft as she stared at Iris.

Heart heavy at that, Iris' lips pulled into a wry smile, "Then it might be time to go with the nuclear option...after all, they can't use a dragon that's already dead."

"Iris!" Hermione looked at her in horror.

Shaking her head, Iris crossed her arms, "If this continues Hermione, I won't be able to take it. Both my inner dragon and myself agree that this isn't something we're willing to tolerate for much longer, the idea of being chained like this. It's already wearing us thin as is," She pressed a hand to her heart, "The only reason we haven't gone off the deep end has been you guys.

"Ris..." Ginny's voice was soft.

Standing as she smiled tiredly at them all, Iris reminded them, "Protecting you all has been my goal since before we even arrived in this world, I...If it means ensuring that you all can finally be free, I'll be happy," She dropped her hand, "Besides we won't know until they arrive and it happens which option we'll have to take."

"I-You're not going to let us talk you out of this, are you?" Hermione frowned at Iris.

"Do I ever?" Iris' smile widened at the groan Hermione let out.

"Idiot..." The brunette muttered.

"Ours though," Neville shook his head as he clapped Iris on the shoulder, "We're going to do our best to ensure that it works out in our favor. Even if the Kou don't work out, we'll find an opening somehow,"

"Mhmm," Ginny wrapped an arm around Iris' neck, "After all, we can't go around actually exploring this world without our dearest leader,"

Studying the intricate map of the Goulon Empire, Kouen followed the winding roads that snaked through the dense, forested terrain. His finger came to a rest at the heart of the Empire, the sprawling capital city, which they simply referred to as Astoria. As his gaze lingered on Astoria, his younger brother, Koumei, reentered the dimly lit tent, which had been set up for their overnight rest.

Kouen met Koumei's eyes as his brother shared the latest scout reports. "Our scouts estimate we're approximately three miles away from Astoria. We should reach it before noon."

"Perfect," Kouen responded, a hint of satisfaction coloring his voice. "And what about Kouha?"

Koumei's lips curled into a wry smile, and a touch of amusement sparkled in his eyes. "He's still grumbling about the glaring absence of dragon sightings. But considering the recent reports from our scouts, it's hardly surprising."

Kouen had secretly yearned for an opportunity to witness the legendary dragon ever since he'd first heard of its discovery outside a dungeon. The idea of encountering such a mythical creature, straight out of ancient legends, had a unique appeal to him. Shaking his head as he kept his disappointment hidden behind a carefully crafted mask of composure, he replied, "Even in the legends of old, Dragons were elusive things unless provoked. While we do seek the dragon, it isn't our primary goal," He turned back to the map, "Gathering information on the Goulon empire and its 'Lord' are."

Nodding slowly, Koumei settled beside the table, "Though was it wise to bring Ha, En? While he's been proving himself as late with his metal vessel, he isn't exactly known for his subtlety."

Smirk forming at that, Kouen reminded his younger brother, "Because, Mei, Ha might be impulsive, but that is exactly what will prove useful while we're there," He saw Koumei frown at that, "After all, they won't be expecting a teenager brandishing a metal vessel to be wandering around especially one who will openly spill blood if someone displeases him."

Covering his mouth with Dentalion's fan, Koumei snorted loudly in amusement, "Throwing them to the wolves to ensure we have more wiggle room, I see, En."

"Now," Kouen rolled up the map as his smirk grew, "Let's go collect Ha and prepare to move out, I believe we've lingered long enough,"