Summary: After the Triwizard Tournament, Death decides to become human in order to keep a better eye on Harry. Meanwhile Voldemort turns to an old ally who knows how he can become immortal.

Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance

Rating: R for violence and impure thoughts (get your mind out the gutter. There's no room for mine)

A/N: Here it is. Death's story fifteen years later. This is for all my reviewers. Thanks, guys and girls. Please read Tears Of Blood first. It will explain Death's relationship with Harry. Tears Of Blood can be found on fanfiction.net as well. Thanks and please R&R, Flames included. (Dorm is freezing, need heat!!)Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the Guardian characters. The song, You'll Be In My Heart, is owned by Disney and Phil Collins.

Dancing with Death

by Myshawolf

Prologue

Harry settled back on to the bed. Cedric's parents just left the hospital wing. Deep inside the pain wasn't subsiding. In fact it seem to surge, stronger than ever. Harry shut his eyes against the pain, praying sleep will come. A cool breeze swept through the room. It gently ruffled Harry's hair, soothing the emotional pain. Gradually Harry relaxed, allowing sleep to slowly take over. A single tear slipped down his cheek. Distantly, he heard Madame Pomfrey leave the room and close the door. Finally, he entered a dreamless sleep.

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

Death stepped out of the shadows. Staring at the sleeping boy, she raised her hand at the door and whispered, "Lock." The lock clicked into place. Death smiled a little as Harry shifted in his sleep. Her mind remembered the brave baby boy that she once held and spared from Voldemort.

For one so small

You seem so strong

My arms will hold you

Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

Quietly Death walked across the room to the bed. Her black cloak whispered across the floor. She stood over the boy. Sympathy and concern clouded her storm grey eyes. Gently she sat down on the bed and stared at the sleeping child.

"Oh my little one, I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have been to that horrible graveyard. I should have seen the trap that Voldemort had carefully laid." Death confessed gently, "I failed you, my brave little one."

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Death reached out and ruffled his black hair. It was just like her own long tresses. There were times when Dreams, Nightmare, and Sandman would joke about Harry being Death's long lost son. Death smiled a watery smile. By all rights, he was her child. She was chosen to protect the child and care for him no matter what. Their bond transcends those of blood. Even now she could feel his pain about the death of that other boy. She shared it with him and more than anything wanted to relieve him of it. Fate once told her that Harry was a part of her and she was a part of him. Fate understood what Death was going through, no one else did.

Why can't they understand

The way we feel

They just don't trust

What they can't explain

I know we're different but

Deep inside us

We're not that different at all

Death froze as Harry rolled on his back. She waited until she was sure he was still asleep to move. Gingerly, she reached out to his face. Her fingers wiped the lone tear away. She stared at the single drop of water as if it held all of the world's secret. Her mind played back what everyone told Harry. It wasn't his fault, There was nothing he could do to save Cedric. They didn't get it. No matter how many times they tell Harry he isn't to blame, Harry will keep blaming himself. They didn't even let him talk. They just don't know what it is like.

And you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them

'Cause what do they know?

We need each other

To have, to hold

They'll see in time

I know

"You'll have a hard time with this. Death is never easy, especially when you are helpless to stop it." Death spoke still watching the tear, "I still remember watching your mother die and not being able to stop it. I couldn't because it wasn't in the cards. You, my little one, need to survive. This world will need you. Now more than ever. I know that is a heavy burden to bear and I promise that you will not bear it alone. When destiny comes to call, I will stand by your side."

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together

Death stopped herself. She just allied herself with this child. Outside the Council of Elements, Death should have no other loyalties. However, she never had to protect a mortal before in her life. This boy was different. He wasn't like the rest. Death could see that he had a pure and noble heart. The kind that would sacrifice itself in other to save another including it's enemy. She need to take his part. In the incoming war, she would take sides. Even if she had to reject the Mantle of Death or become mortal to keep a closer eye on him.

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Believe me you'll be in my heart

I'll be there from this day on

Now and forever more

Oh you'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

That wasn't such a bad idea, becoming mortal to keep an eye on Harry. It wouldn't be permanant and she does have some vacation time coming. After these current event, It would be a good idea to have a constant companion with the boy. Someone who understood what he was going through and loved him like a son. She fit that description. It was perfect. She would talk with Fate first and see if it was possible. Death happily traced Harry's scar and kissed it. A gift of warning Death bestowed upon him ever since that fateful night fifteen years ago.

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

"Sleep my little one and dream of better times. We will meet again soon. I'll try to make up for failing you." Death whispered. Quietly she walked to the window and changed into a raven. Looking back at the boy, she silently vowed to make it up to him and to never again leave his side in times trouble. The wind picked up, indicating it was time to go. Death took flight with new hope.

I'll be there always

Madam Pomfrey walked back into the Hospital Wing. The air was heavy with the scent of death. She clutched to sheet closer to her as she checked on her patients. When she reached Harry's bed, she noticed red spots on the sheets. The boy's cuts hadn't reopened. On closer inspection the spots resembled teardrops. Madam Pomfrey dismissed the thought of someone crying tears of blood and returned to her work. Yet she couldn't help but wonder..