A/N: Another chapter. How time flies by. I like to thank all of my
reviewers. I'll be listing them all by the next chapter. You guys make my
writing this worth while. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also the
Guardians were inspired from several different sources from Greek Mythology
to Piers Anthony (Great author) to modern Comic books such as Sandman. But
they do not come from one specific source. I may write an essay about them
in the author notes' section someday. But let's get through this adventure
first. Please Read and Review. Enjoy!!!
Disclaimer: I own the Guardians. That's it. Rowling owns everything else.
Dancing With The Lady Death
Chapter 3
Essie stood straight, ramrod straight. This was it, her only chance to become mortal. Even if it's for a limited time. In front of her sat the eldest Guardians ever created. They were discussing her petition to become mortal for a selected period of time. Essie's eye swept over the panel taking each one of the Elements. The Elements were what the younger Guardians called the elder Guardians. They were also known as the Old Guard, The Elders, or The Council. One thing was certain about them. Every Guardian respected them and deferred to their decisions.
The reason why they are the eldest Guardians was when the universe was created, so were they. It is believed that when the Creator breathed life into the Earth, The Elements resulted. Each with their own special power, They vowed to guard this planet's delicate balance from abuse. Unfortunately, none of them have ever really been alive. None would understand why she would want to go to Earth and protect a boy.
A woman whose black hair held eagle feathers smiled at Essie with a gentle smile before she returned to the argument. Essie jolted when she realized Mother Gaia was fighting for her to go. Mother Gaia, Guardian of the Earth, sworn protector of nature and all living things, creator of The Dream Realm Rulers, was the first to come from Earth's first breath. She was the second in command of the Council and held much sway. Her appearance resembled that of a Native American woman, a form she chooses because she liked how they respected her order and other children (i.e. Animals). She was in a deep discussion with Chronos, Guardian of Time and Space.
Chronos glanced over at Essie and winked. He was an old man, or at least that was the form he takes. His long white beard rivals the one worn by Albus Dumbledore. Unlike the others, Chronos did not come from the Earth. He boasted that The Creator shaped him when he shaped the universe. How much of it is true, no one knows except The Creator Itself. Chronos was the head of the Council. At times, he knows more than he lets on. He took three rowdy kids under his wings to watch over the flow of time. They became his grandchildren.
Neptune, Guardian of Water was contemplating on what his opinion was going to be. He listened as the others duked it out. His deep blue eyes crinkled with humor as he watched Helios and Uranus gets into each others' face. Neptune looked like a pirate at times. He took a liking to the blackguards because the reminds him of his precious seas. Calm and peaceful one moment, violent and deadly the next.
Helios, Guardian of Fire, was a fiery young man with a short temper. He turned to Neptune for back up. Neptune just raised his hands to say don't come to me. Helios preferred the look of an Arabian nomad. Their tenacity to live in the hot desert where no one else would dare go impressed him so much he took them under his wing of protection and molded himself into their image. The only difference was his eyes were the color of fire.
Uranus, Guardian of Wind, looked like a Viking Valkyrie. Her long blonde hair was in a braid. She was a warrior through and through. As unpredictable as the wind, she was constantly at odds with Helios. They fanned their fights that often resembled a wind fans a flame. Uranus was in charge of an unpredictable and more often than not rowdy group of younger Guardians. She liked it that way.
Fate entered the chamber and shook her head at the Council's arguing. Clearing her throat, Fate gained their attention. The Council stopped fighting and beckoned her forward. Each member looked presentable and reasonable, despite the huge fighting that took place early.
"Yes, Fate. What is it?" Chronos asked.
"Council, I have the results of Death's test a few nights ago. Several Death Eaters are dead from the fight. However, not once did Death step out her mortal state. She was in no real danger. Her supervisor for this test, War, believe that she acted as she would if she was human and strongly advocated that the Council grants her request for a full retention of her powers." Fate reported.
"We still need to determine if the child is in enough danger, to warrant us sending a Guardian down." Helios remarked.
"Got that report too." Fate smiled confidently, "Nightmare just dropped it off. It seems the boy is becoming more withdrawn. His dreams are becoming more suicidal. Beside the Death Eaters were sent to kidnap the boy and bring him to Good Old Voldie."
Good Old Voldie was a nickname many Guardians called the pain in the ass wizard. The Dream Rulers called the Bunny. It was an inside joke between them, that started a little over ten years ago. No one tried to figure it out, not even Gaia, their mother.
"Members of the Council, in my opinion, the boy needs someone constant in his life. If not Essie, then someone else. You already prevent Sirius Black from doing anything with those damn charge against him. You could have fixed the mistake when they held Peter Pettigrew a few years back. However, I hate to remind you, someone let him get away." Fate interjected, "Time is of the essences, Council. Even as we speak The boy's thread is slowly becoming silver. We need to get off our butts and help him. Without him, Good Old Voldie will be back in power before we can do anything."
Gaia cleared her throat to bring everyone's attention to her and spoke in a firm voice, "I don't to remind everyone here what happened last time he was running around. Nor do I need to bring up the prophecy that Future told us about. I agree with Fate. Something must be done to stop this foolish wizard. If sending Essie to Earth will accomplish that then so be it. I will not allow my children to be enslaved again. I vote yes."
Neptune spoke up, "Gaia is right. The only reason why last time he got to be so powerful is because we didn't do anything to stop him. I vote yes."
Uranus nodded and remarked, "Good old Voldie needs to be knocked down a few more notches. Like six feet under down. If Essie can make that happen as a human, so it will be. Yes."
Essie heart jumped. She had the majority. They knew she was needed with Harry. So maybe they don't completely understand her motives, at least they could see some good in her going.
Helios commented. "She will be the only Guardian who could do it besides War. War would destroy the idiot's stronghold, drawing attention to us. At least Essie can be discreet about the whole thing. She can go."
Only Chronos left. He can overrule the others votes if he wanted to. Essie was suddenly nervous. His blessing was the most important. It would mean that the flow of time will not be disrupted by her arrival.
"The prophecy must be filled. She has this Council's blessing. Go, Young Death, and give them hell." Chronos smiled.
Essie jumped for joy. Ecstatic she hugged Fate, who hugged her back. Essie turned to the Council and gave them a smile and told them, "Thank you. I won't let you down."
Gaia walked toward Essie. She took the younger Guardian's hands and informed her, "Come, my little witch. There is much for you to learn. We must prepare a place for you."
With that said, Gaia leads a happy and crying Essie out of the Great Meeting Room. Fate watched with a heavy heart. She was going to lose another student. Chronos walked up to her. He put a fatherly arm around her shoulder.
"We are going to lose her, aren't we?" Fate sighed.
Chronos fought a war with himself. True, he knew what the Future holds because she only talks to him and her other Time Guardians. That's why he held the power to veto the other Council members. However, Time is hard to predict. As with everything else, it has a tendency to change without a second thought.
"That's a choice she must make, Daniella. One that you had to make once a long time ago. Tell me, is Albus willing to help us once again?" Chronos asked.
"Of course. He has a position open that I think she will enjoy." Fate responded, "Chronos, Albus and I were wondering if you have made a decision on our request."
"As you always tell me. The answer my friend is blowing on the wind." Chronos smiled at her. Fate smiled back at her dear friend.
************************************************************************
Gaia and Essie walked down one of the many hallways in the Temple of Time. Gaia glanced at Essie occasionally. Was it really four centuries ago when I saved her from death by burning at the stake? Gaia thought, she was so young then no more than a child then. Now she is all grown up. Especially over the last few years. She was so impersonal about her job. Now that she felt love for someone, she practically blossomed. Much lain ahead of her in the human world.
Essie walked by Gaia side. Essie has only been with Gaia, talking, once before. That was when she was first brought here to the Temple of Time to become a Guardian. She often saw the older Guardians in the halls, sometimes at Dream's Studio in the Dream Realm when visiting her friends. But the older Guardian was going to training her to live in the mortal world.
"This is marvelous opportunity for you, my child. You were robbed of the chance to really love. Now you can see what it is like. " Gaia advised Essie.
"I don't understand, Mother Gaia. I was in love before I got here. He's the one who accused me of being a witch back in Italia. I nearly died then." Essie replied confused.
"That's not true love. True love is very different. You feel for the boy, don't you?" Gaia asked gently.
"His name is Harry. Yes, I love him more than anything. I can't bare the thought that someday I will have to take his soul. I hope I can stop that from happening for a while." Essie stated firmly.
"The love a mother feels for her child is one form of true love. Not everyone experiences it, those that do are the luckiest people in the world. While You may think no one here can understand what you are feeling, that's not true. Please I have three troublesome children who mean more to me than the world I'm sworn to protect." Gaia smiled at her.
"Harry is not my son. At times, I wish he was."
"You know what you can do about that. But we are digressing from the subject. The fact is you feel strongly for the child. That love is something that not everyone feels. That love is what really saved him on that night. There is so much waiting for you down there. Once you enter it you become a mortal, no longer bound by our rules. Enjoy it. You more than anyone else understands how short life can be and how easily life is wasted."
Essie thought about what Gaia was saying. This was a rare opportunity for her just as rare as being able to hold a living baby. Harry was the first for that and now he giving her another chance to do something she hasn't done before. But before she does anything she must talk to some people first.
"Mother Gaia, Please excuse me. I must see some old friends first before I do anything." Essie excused.
"Of Course, my child, I understand. I'll be waiting to finish your lessons." Gaia bowed to Essie.
Essie bowed back before she disappeared down the hall. Gaia smiled as she remembered a time when Nightmare would be right by her side. She should check on her children, make sure they aren't doing anything they shouldn't. (Of course they are, This is Dreams, Nightmare, and Sandman we are talking about here.)
************************************************************************
Lily and James Potter lived in a quaint little cottage found on the edge of the Valley. Preserved at the age they died at, they are a kind, happy couple and quite popular in the Valley. Lily doted on all the children who come to the Valley. She breathed a sigh of relief that none of them are her son, Harry. She gave them a place to come and be loved.
James helped with the orientation of the recently deceased people to the Valley. He too is quite glad that their son is still alive. Harry was needed up there for several reasons. One was the bring about the end of Voldemort or Good Old Voldie as many of Guardians called him. James was pretty sure that Voldie was not a well-loved man around here. Several families in the Valley were put there because of him. Death's department definitely held no love for the man. Many were ready to kill him themselves if something wasn't done soon. It was going to break a lot of rules. The first was Guardians must not directly intervene in mortal affairs. James snorted to himself, if he was Death, he would have killed Voldie a long time ago.
James stood by the Gates of the Valley with Cerebros, the three headed dog whose job it is to guard the Gates. Cerebros at first glance looked like a black wolf cub. But when crossed, he grew to the size of giant and gained another two heads. James never dared cross the dog. James bent down and scratched the dog behind the ears.
"Lazy day today, huh? I'm going to go home to Lily. Cheerio, Cerebros." James sighed as he walked away.
"Wait for me, James Potter." Essie's voice called from the darkness beyond the Gates. In a moment she appeared in front of James, "There is much to talk about."
"I heard Death Eaters tried to hurt Harry again. Thank you for once again saving my son." James thanked as they walked back to the cottage together.
"Don't. It's my pleasure to protect Harry. He's like the son I will never have. I hope you don't me being possessive of him. He's the first to touch my heart in four centuries." Essie stated.
"Lily and I feel better knowing you are looking out for him. We breathe a little easier knowing that. But you are not here to talk about that are you, Death."
"No I am not. Something has come up and I'm leaving for the mortal world soon. Harry's in danger."
"It's Voldemort, isn't it?" When Death didn't respond, "I knew it. I knew Harry would be in danger the moment I saw Bertha soul down here last year. He's come back, didn't he?"
"Yes, and he used Harry to do it. I failed, James, I couldn't stop it. I was at the third task keeping a look out, when suddenly he was gone. I couldn't feel his presence at Hogwarts. I didn't know where he was. I was panicking, I knew Voldie did something to him. When Harry returned..."
James froze as he watched red tears rolled down Essie's cheeks. It was rare to see Death cry. Essie takes her duty of protecting Harry very seriously, to which he and Lily were gratefully for.
"Don't worry. You'll be prepared for him next time." James assured as they reached the cottage.
"Yes, I will. This time I will help Harry put an end to his reign." Essie promised.
"That's our Death! Lily we have a visitor." James shouted as they entered the cottage.
Lily walked from the kitchen. The aroma of food filled the house. Lily's smile widens when she saw the woman who saved her son fifteen years ago. Essie was an occasional visitor to their home and the two woman struck up a friendship. Even now the two embraced. Lily sensed a change in Essie. Lily pulled back.
"Something is wrong with Harry." Lily stated knowingly.
"Yes, we must talk. May we sit?" Essie nodded. James and Lily sat down at the chairs at the table. Essie followed suit and began to explain everything that has happened to Harry over the past year including his deep depression. James and lily held each other hands as they listen to all the things that have plagued their son.. When Essie finished, both she and Lily were on the verge of tears. James noticed this and realized that if something didn't happen soon , he was going to have two crying females on his hands.
James cleared his throat and asked, "Why are you going to the mortal world, Essie?"
That snapped Essie out of nearly crying again as she responded, "Harry needs a constant in his life. Besides I can keep a better eye on him that way. I need to do it. I need to make it up to him."
"Harry needs a mother." Lily added," I can't do it. Molly Weasley is a good substitute, but in the end she is still his best friend's mother. Petunia is about as good as left out tuna. What about Libby? She is Harry's godmother."
"Fudge has a grudge against the le Fayes," Essie informed them, "As long as he is in office, Harry will never know his real family."
"Poor Libby. I wish I had known that before. We would have asked Dumbledore to give him right to Libby instead of to Petunia first." James growled.
"Hindsight is 20/20." Essie joked.
"Essie, are you asking for our blessing to become human and help protect Harry?" Lily asked her friend.
"You always were perceptive. Yes I am. I need to know that you approve before I go." Essie explained.
"You have it. I can think of no one else I would want at my son's side more than you." Lily granted. Essie smiled a warm, easy smile.
James added, "Can we get an update ever so often on what's going on?"
Essie laughed, "Naturally. Nightmare has already offered to stop by as well as several others."
"The Younger Guard, I presume?" Lily smiled, knowing why the younger Guardians were coming. She built a reputation for having the best cookies in the whole Valley and the Temple of Time.
"Natch. Who else would come here?" Essie answered as she stood up, "I have much to do. I must go. Thank you Lily and James."
"No. Thank you, Essie. Please tell Harry when you can that we love him." Lily requested as she walked her friend to the door.
"I will. I'll be by before I leave, Lily" Essie said as she left the cottage. Lily watched her disappeared down the street. James joined his wife. Together, they watched the children at play in the street and hope that their son won't be join them anytime soon. A rare breeze swept through the Valley indicating that change was coming.
A/N; Yeah, It's a filler chapter, but It helps move the story along. The next chapter I promise will be more eventful. Essie goes to Hogwarts. *do a little dance* See ya then
~MW
Disclaimer: I own the Guardians. That's it. Rowling owns everything else.
Dancing With The Lady Death
Chapter 3
Essie stood straight, ramrod straight. This was it, her only chance to become mortal. Even if it's for a limited time. In front of her sat the eldest Guardians ever created. They were discussing her petition to become mortal for a selected period of time. Essie's eye swept over the panel taking each one of the Elements. The Elements were what the younger Guardians called the elder Guardians. They were also known as the Old Guard, The Elders, or The Council. One thing was certain about them. Every Guardian respected them and deferred to their decisions.
The reason why they are the eldest Guardians was when the universe was created, so were they. It is believed that when the Creator breathed life into the Earth, The Elements resulted. Each with their own special power, They vowed to guard this planet's delicate balance from abuse. Unfortunately, none of them have ever really been alive. None would understand why she would want to go to Earth and protect a boy.
A woman whose black hair held eagle feathers smiled at Essie with a gentle smile before she returned to the argument. Essie jolted when she realized Mother Gaia was fighting for her to go. Mother Gaia, Guardian of the Earth, sworn protector of nature and all living things, creator of The Dream Realm Rulers, was the first to come from Earth's first breath. She was the second in command of the Council and held much sway. Her appearance resembled that of a Native American woman, a form she chooses because she liked how they respected her order and other children (i.e. Animals). She was in a deep discussion with Chronos, Guardian of Time and Space.
Chronos glanced over at Essie and winked. He was an old man, or at least that was the form he takes. His long white beard rivals the one worn by Albus Dumbledore. Unlike the others, Chronos did not come from the Earth. He boasted that The Creator shaped him when he shaped the universe. How much of it is true, no one knows except The Creator Itself. Chronos was the head of the Council. At times, he knows more than he lets on. He took three rowdy kids under his wings to watch over the flow of time. They became his grandchildren.
Neptune, Guardian of Water was contemplating on what his opinion was going to be. He listened as the others duked it out. His deep blue eyes crinkled with humor as he watched Helios and Uranus gets into each others' face. Neptune looked like a pirate at times. He took a liking to the blackguards because the reminds him of his precious seas. Calm and peaceful one moment, violent and deadly the next.
Helios, Guardian of Fire, was a fiery young man with a short temper. He turned to Neptune for back up. Neptune just raised his hands to say don't come to me. Helios preferred the look of an Arabian nomad. Their tenacity to live in the hot desert where no one else would dare go impressed him so much he took them under his wing of protection and molded himself into their image. The only difference was his eyes were the color of fire.
Uranus, Guardian of Wind, looked like a Viking Valkyrie. Her long blonde hair was in a braid. She was a warrior through and through. As unpredictable as the wind, she was constantly at odds with Helios. They fanned their fights that often resembled a wind fans a flame. Uranus was in charge of an unpredictable and more often than not rowdy group of younger Guardians. She liked it that way.
Fate entered the chamber and shook her head at the Council's arguing. Clearing her throat, Fate gained their attention. The Council stopped fighting and beckoned her forward. Each member looked presentable and reasonable, despite the huge fighting that took place early.
"Yes, Fate. What is it?" Chronos asked.
"Council, I have the results of Death's test a few nights ago. Several Death Eaters are dead from the fight. However, not once did Death step out her mortal state. She was in no real danger. Her supervisor for this test, War, believe that she acted as she would if she was human and strongly advocated that the Council grants her request for a full retention of her powers." Fate reported.
"We still need to determine if the child is in enough danger, to warrant us sending a Guardian down." Helios remarked.
"Got that report too." Fate smiled confidently, "Nightmare just dropped it off. It seems the boy is becoming more withdrawn. His dreams are becoming more suicidal. Beside the Death Eaters were sent to kidnap the boy and bring him to Good Old Voldie."
Good Old Voldie was a nickname many Guardians called the pain in the ass wizard. The Dream Rulers called the Bunny. It was an inside joke between them, that started a little over ten years ago. No one tried to figure it out, not even Gaia, their mother.
"Members of the Council, in my opinion, the boy needs someone constant in his life. If not Essie, then someone else. You already prevent Sirius Black from doing anything with those damn charge against him. You could have fixed the mistake when they held Peter Pettigrew a few years back. However, I hate to remind you, someone let him get away." Fate interjected, "Time is of the essences, Council. Even as we speak The boy's thread is slowly becoming silver. We need to get off our butts and help him. Without him, Good Old Voldie will be back in power before we can do anything."
Gaia cleared her throat to bring everyone's attention to her and spoke in a firm voice, "I don't to remind everyone here what happened last time he was running around. Nor do I need to bring up the prophecy that Future told us about. I agree with Fate. Something must be done to stop this foolish wizard. If sending Essie to Earth will accomplish that then so be it. I will not allow my children to be enslaved again. I vote yes."
Neptune spoke up, "Gaia is right. The only reason why last time he got to be so powerful is because we didn't do anything to stop him. I vote yes."
Uranus nodded and remarked, "Good old Voldie needs to be knocked down a few more notches. Like six feet under down. If Essie can make that happen as a human, so it will be. Yes."
Essie heart jumped. She had the majority. They knew she was needed with Harry. So maybe they don't completely understand her motives, at least they could see some good in her going.
Helios commented. "She will be the only Guardian who could do it besides War. War would destroy the idiot's stronghold, drawing attention to us. At least Essie can be discreet about the whole thing. She can go."
Only Chronos left. He can overrule the others votes if he wanted to. Essie was suddenly nervous. His blessing was the most important. It would mean that the flow of time will not be disrupted by her arrival.
"The prophecy must be filled. She has this Council's blessing. Go, Young Death, and give them hell." Chronos smiled.
Essie jumped for joy. Ecstatic she hugged Fate, who hugged her back. Essie turned to the Council and gave them a smile and told them, "Thank you. I won't let you down."
Gaia walked toward Essie. She took the younger Guardian's hands and informed her, "Come, my little witch. There is much for you to learn. We must prepare a place for you."
With that said, Gaia leads a happy and crying Essie out of the Great Meeting Room. Fate watched with a heavy heart. She was going to lose another student. Chronos walked up to her. He put a fatherly arm around her shoulder.
"We are going to lose her, aren't we?" Fate sighed.
Chronos fought a war with himself. True, he knew what the Future holds because she only talks to him and her other Time Guardians. That's why he held the power to veto the other Council members. However, Time is hard to predict. As with everything else, it has a tendency to change without a second thought.
"That's a choice she must make, Daniella. One that you had to make once a long time ago. Tell me, is Albus willing to help us once again?" Chronos asked.
"Of course. He has a position open that I think she will enjoy." Fate responded, "Chronos, Albus and I were wondering if you have made a decision on our request."
"As you always tell me. The answer my friend is blowing on the wind." Chronos smiled at her. Fate smiled back at her dear friend.
************************************************************************
Gaia and Essie walked down one of the many hallways in the Temple of Time. Gaia glanced at Essie occasionally. Was it really four centuries ago when I saved her from death by burning at the stake? Gaia thought, she was so young then no more than a child then. Now she is all grown up. Especially over the last few years. She was so impersonal about her job. Now that she felt love for someone, she practically blossomed. Much lain ahead of her in the human world.
Essie walked by Gaia side. Essie has only been with Gaia, talking, once before. That was when she was first brought here to the Temple of Time to become a Guardian. She often saw the older Guardians in the halls, sometimes at Dream's Studio in the Dream Realm when visiting her friends. But the older Guardian was going to training her to live in the mortal world.
"This is marvelous opportunity for you, my child. You were robbed of the chance to really love. Now you can see what it is like. " Gaia advised Essie.
"I don't understand, Mother Gaia. I was in love before I got here. He's the one who accused me of being a witch back in Italia. I nearly died then." Essie replied confused.
"That's not true love. True love is very different. You feel for the boy, don't you?" Gaia asked gently.
"His name is Harry. Yes, I love him more than anything. I can't bare the thought that someday I will have to take his soul. I hope I can stop that from happening for a while." Essie stated firmly.
"The love a mother feels for her child is one form of true love. Not everyone experiences it, those that do are the luckiest people in the world. While You may think no one here can understand what you are feeling, that's not true. Please I have three troublesome children who mean more to me than the world I'm sworn to protect." Gaia smiled at her.
"Harry is not my son. At times, I wish he was."
"You know what you can do about that. But we are digressing from the subject. The fact is you feel strongly for the child. That love is something that not everyone feels. That love is what really saved him on that night. There is so much waiting for you down there. Once you enter it you become a mortal, no longer bound by our rules. Enjoy it. You more than anyone else understands how short life can be and how easily life is wasted."
Essie thought about what Gaia was saying. This was a rare opportunity for her just as rare as being able to hold a living baby. Harry was the first for that and now he giving her another chance to do something she hasn't done before. But before she does anything she must talk to some people first.
"Mother Gaia, Please excuse me. I must see some old friends first before I do anything." Essie excused.
"Of Course, my child, I understand. I'll be waiting to finish your lessons." Gaia bowed to Essie.
Essie bowed back before she disappeared down the hall. Gaia smiled as she remembered a time when Nightmare would be right by her side. She should check on her children, make sure they aren't doing anything they shouldn't. (Of course they are, This is Dreams, Nightmare, and Sandman we are talking about here.)
************************************************************************
Lily and James Potter lived in a quaint little cottage found on the edge of the Valley. Preserved at the age they died at, they are a kind, happy couple and quite popular in the Valley. Lily doted on all the children who come to the Valley. She breathed a sigh of relief that none of them are her son, Harry. She gave them a place to come and be loved.
James helped with the orientation of the recently deceased people to the Valley. He too is quite glad that their son is still alive. Harry was needed up there for several reasons. One was the bring about the end of Voldemort or Good Old Voldie as many of Guardians called him. James was pretty sure that Voldie was not a well-loved man around here. Several families in the Valley were put there because of him. Death's department definitely held no love for the man. Many were ready to kill him themselves if something wasn't done soon. It was going to break a lot of rules. The first was Guardians must not directly intervene in mortal affairs. James snorted to himself, if he was Death, he would have killed Voldie a long time ago.
James stood by the Gates of the Valley with Cerebros, the three headed dog whose job it is to guard the Gates. Cerebros at first glance looked like a black wolf cub. But when crossed, he grew to the size of giant and gained another two heads. James never dared cross the dog. James bent down and scratched the dog behind the ears.
"Lazy day today, huh? I'm going to go home to Lily. Cheerio, Cerebros." James sighed as he walked away.
"Wait for me, James Potter." Essie's voice called from the darkness beyond the Gates. In a moment she appeared in front of James, "There is much to talk about."
"I heard Death Eaters tried to hurt Harry again. Thank you for once again saving my son." James thanked as they walked back to the cottage together.
"Don't. It's my pleasure to protect Harry. He's like the son I will never have. I hope you don't me being possessive of him. He's the first to touch my heart in four centuries." Essie stated.
"Lily and I feel better knowing you are looking out for him. We breathe a little easier knowing that. But you are not here to talk about that are you, Death."
"No I am not. Something has come up and I'm leaving for the mortal world soon. Harry's in danger."
"It's Voldemort, isn't it?" When Death didn't respond, "I knew it. I knew Harry would be in danger the moment I saw Bertha soul down here last year. He's come back, didn't he?"
"Yes, and he used Harry to do it. I failed, James, I couldn't stop it. I was at the third task keeping a look out, when suddenly he was gone. I couldn't feel his presence at Hogwarts. I didn't know where he was. I was panicking, I knew Voldie did something to him. When Harry returned..."
James froze as he watched red tears rolled down Essie's cheeks. It was rare to see Death cry. Essie takes her duty of protecting Harry very seriously, to which he and Lily were gratefully for.
"Don't worry. You'll be prepared for him next time." James assured as they reached the cottage.
"Yes, I will. This time I will help Harry put an end to his reign." Essie promised.
"That's our Death! Lily we have a visitor." James shouted as they entered the cottage.
Lily walked from the kitchen. The aroma of food filled the house. Lily's smile widens when she saw the woman who saved her son fifteen years ago. Essie was an occasional visitor to their home and the two woman struck up a friendship. Even now the two embraced. Lily sensed a change in Essie. Lily pulled back.
"Something is wrong with Harry." Lily stated knowingly.
"Yes, we must talk. May we sit?" Essie nodded. James and Lily sat down at the chairs at the table. Essie followed suit and began to explain everything that has happened to Harry over the past year including his deep depression. James and lily held each other hands as they listen to all the things that have plagued their son.. When Essie finished, both she and Lily were on the verge of tears. James noticed this and realized that if something didn't happen soon , he was going to have two crying females on his hands.
James cleared his throat and asked, "Why are you going to the mortal world, Essie?"
That snapped Essie out of nearly crying again as she responded, "Harry needs a constant in his life. Besides I can keep a better eye on him that way. I need to do it. I need to make it up to him."
"Harry needs a mother." Lily added," I can't do it. Molly Weasley is a good substitute, but in the end she is still his best friend's mother. Petunia is about as good as left out tuna. What about Libby? She is Harry's godmother."
"Fudge has a grudge against the le Fayes," Essie informed them, "As long as he is in office, Harry will never know his real family."
"Poor Libby. I wish I had known that before. We would have asked Dumbledore to give him right to Libby instead of to Petunia first." James growled.
"Hindsight is 20/20." Essie joked.
"Essie, are you asking for our blessing to become human and help protect Harry?" Lily asked her friend.
"You always were perceptive. Yes I am. I need to know that you approve before I go." Essie explained.
"You have it. I can think of no one else I would want at my son's side more than you." Lily granted. Essie smiled a warm, easy smile.
James added, "Can we get an update ever so often on what's going on?"
Essie laughed, "Naturally. Nightmare has already offered to stop by as well as several others."
"The Younger Guard, I presume?" Lily smiled, knowing why the younger Guardians were coming. She built a reputation for having the best cookies in the whole Valley and the Temple of Time.
"Natch. Who else would come here?" Essie answered as she stood up, "I have much to do. I must go. Thank you Lily and James."
"No. Thank you, Essie. Please tell Harry when you can that we love him." Lily requested as she walked her friend to the door.
"I will. I'll be by before I leave, Lily" Essie said as she left the cottage. Lily watched her disappeared down the street. James joined his wife. Together, they watched the children at play in the street and hope that their son won't be join them anytime soon. A rare breeze swept through the Valley indicating that change was coming.
A/N; Yeah, It's a filler chapter, but It helps move the story along. The next chapter I promise will be more eventful. Essie goes to Hogwarts. *do a little dance* See ya then
~MW
