A/N: This is it! Essie's first appearance as a mortal. Once again I'd like
to thank all my reviewers. Thanks guys. At the end of this chapter I will
list all of them. I enjoy some of the questions and concerns that all of
you have. I hope that I'm answering them in a way that is satisfactory to
you all. Also I'm thinking of trying to find a beta reader, just to catch
any errors that I make. Oh well I'll sit on it and think about it a little
longer. Please R&R.
Enjoy!
~MW
Disclaimer: See previous chapters. Question… Does any one really read this? Just a thought. (
Dancing With The Lady Death
Chapter 4
Remus began to work on his preps for his classes. The first of September was two days away. So much at Hogwarts had changed since the last time he was here. Something hung in the air that something big was going to happened. Remus wasn't worried, he was prepared. Voldemort needed to make his move soon, he was too conceited not to. He had only just returned from a long vacation which consisted tracking down the old crowd as Professor Dumbledore requested. He found most of them and even spent some time playing catch up. Many asked him about Liberty. Sadly, Remus informed them that Liberty and him went their separate ways. Only Arabella Figg didn't asked him. In fact, She had that look as if she knew something that he didn't and Remus seem to know that had something to do his relationship with Libby.
Remus shook his head. That was ridiculous. What would Arabella know that he didn't? To take his mind off the past, he decided to unpack his things. As he rummaged through his things, a tattered photo caught his eyes. Silently he cursed at irony as he picked it up. It was taken during his days at Hogwarts as a student. He was smiling at the camera as he held a young woman about his age close to him. Her young face was smiling. In her deep blue eyes was amusement and love. Remus always thought of uncut sapphires whenever he saw her eyes. One could fall into them if they wanted. Remus remembered staring into them as he ran his hands through her tarnished gold hair. His dancer, Liberty Tellier-Faire, Remus thought, how he missed her.
A voice cleared it's throat, bringing Remus out of his memory. Sirius leaned against the door in his human form. Obviously he just made his report to Professor Dumbledore. His robes were still tattered, but Sirius looked healthy. Remus glared at his friend for interrupting his thought. Remus put the photo down and went back to work. Sirius smiled unrepentantly looking much like he did before his long imprisonment.
"Pining away, Moony?" Sirius asked as he wandered around the room.
"You wouldn't understand, Padfoot." Remus replied clearly implying that he didn't want to talk about it.
"I probably won't understand how you could let a woman like Liberty get away. I mean how many girls find a werewolf cute and sexy?" Sirius stated, "She was in love with you."
"I love her, but I could seriously hurt her with my other form." Remus sighed as he glanced at the picture, "She deserved better and I hope she got it."
"Yeah, well I still think you are a fool. If I had a girl who truly loved me, all of me, I won't let death itself couldn't take her away from me." Sirius vowed out loud.
"Strong words for the playboy of Hogwarts." Remus joked as he signed a slip of paper.
"My playboy days are far behind me, Moony. Not like women are beating the door down to get to me." Sirius smiled, "What are you signing?"
"Oh, you didn't know? Madam Pince retired in July. Too much stress she said. Madam Pomfrey doesn't believe a word of it. Any ways, Professor Dumbledore sent out an ad in the Prophet but no one applied for the job until about last week. A beautiful woman just appeared on the steps of Hogwarts looking for a job. To make a long story short, she became the new librarian. Get this, all the ghosts are extra polite to her calling her your ladyship. Peeves is scared to death… well, life… of her. Snape doesn't trust her and is constantly sneaking into the library. I heard from Professor Flitwick that she finally set one of the monster books on him in order to keep him out.", Remus chuckled, "Well, any ways, she asked for a copy of every professor's signature in regards to the restricted section. I'm taking mine down today."
Remus stood up with the slip of paper in his hand. Sirius thought for a moment. It would worth his wild to go with Remus to the library. After all, this new face maybe a threat to Harry. Something in his mind scoffed at the idea, he just want to see a pretty face that wasn't married or engaged to someone. Sirius walked over to Remus.
" I may as well come with you. After all I'm suppose to be your loyal pet." Sirius commented before changed into a shaggy black dog.
Remus opened the door and watched Sirius walk by. Remus decided to take advantage of the fact that Sirius couldn't talk back. He wanted to get one last jibe in.
Quite innocently, Remus asked, "Does this mean you'll be fetching my slippers?"
Sirius glared at him, sending the crystal clear message of "Over my dead body!" Sirius continued down the hallway. Remus followed behind trying to suppress a laugh.
The rest of the way to the library was pretty quiet except for the few times Remus made a comment about something that change or a passing thought. Sirius was half listening. His mind was wondering back to the woman who saved him. He wondered who she was and if he would ever see her again.
Remus approached the doors to the library. Sirius lumbered behind him. A blood curdling scream stopped both of them short. It came from within the library. Remus froze then relaxed as he waited for the doors to open. Sirius wasn't as calm, remembering the there was a defenseless woman in the room alone. He raced up to the door. Before he could change, a ghostly white Snape burst from the library. Sirius stumbled back in shock. Snape slammed the door shut and plastered himself against it.
Looking dead at Remus, Snape huffed, "It's a madhouse in there."
"Hello, Severus. What attacked you this time?" Remus greeted softly.
Snape seemed to realized who was standing in front of him. He composed himself as he said, "A pack of monster books. They damn near took a chunk out of my arm."
Remus smiled as he commented thoughtfully, "Upping security, I see. Maybe you should give up on getting into the restricted section for a while."
"Nonsense, Lupin. I'll outsmart her yet." Snape growled as he marched off and down the corridor.
Remus shook his head. Some people can be so stubborn. He walked up to the library door. He looked down at Sirius. Sirius wondered what kind of woman this new librarian was. Sirius looked up at Remus. The message between them was clear. Are you ready to enter? Sirius nodded and waited for Remus to open the door. His wait was over, but his shock had just begun.
Kneeling on the floor in front of them was the woman who saved his life. Her black hair was pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck. The mask was gone revealing a beautiful and young face. She was speaking in a language that Sirius had never heard before. It was soothing, seductive, and made you want to do whatever it wanted just as long it kept talking. Remus and Sirius watched riveted as she coaxed a monster book out from the table. Eventually, using the covers to move, it came out. Following the woman's soothing voice, the monster book moved into her arms. Getting up, she stroked it's spine and cover. To the boys' shock, the book purred and cuddled her. The woman kept talking as she walked over to the Restricted Section and put the book down.
With the smile still in it's place she walked and saw Remus and Sirius standing there. Her smile widened as she walked towards them. Sirius watched the way she moved with such confidence and grace. She was here, working here. Did she go to The Burrow under Dumbledore's orders? Questions raced through Sirius's mind. They came to an abrupt halt when she addressed them.
"Hello, How can I help you, gentleman?" She asked when she reached them. Her voice held a light italian accent that rolled over Sirius seductively.
She said gentleman, Sirius noted, did he change back to a human. Looking down at his paws, he knew he didn't. So how did she know that he was a guy. Remus eventually found his voice.
"I'm Professor Remus Lupin. I brought the signature that you requested." Remus greeted as he handed her the slip of paper which she took.
"Ahh, Defense Against Dark Arts, am I right?", she realized at Remus's nod, "Your signature is the one I need the most."
"You seem to have a talent with books."
"Yes, well, I have had practice dealing with difficult people. Books really are not much different. My name is Esmeralda Sauterne. Everyone calls me Essie. It's a pleasure to met you, Professor Lupin." Essie greeted warmly.
"Please call me Remus. This is my companion, Padfoot." Remus smiled.
Essie knelt down and smiled at Sirius. Sirius felt his heart melt at the sight of her smile. With out the mask, she was the most beautiful woman Sirius had ever seen. Those eyes, Sirius thought to himself, were like pure silver. Sirius wondered if she could see his soul, they were that intense. When he was younger, he would be trying his hardest to charm the hell out of her. However, he couldn't do that now, not with a hefty reward on his head. Sirius jumped when he felt Essie run her fingers through his fur. It felt good. She had such a gentle touch. It took all of Sirius's will power not to start purring.
"It's a pleasure to met you, Padfoot. I hope you and I can became good friends." Essie wished as she stared into Sirius's deep brown eyes. Sirius felt the outside world fade away as he fell again into her silver eyes.
"I think we better go before he likes it here to much." Remus joked as he watched Sirius fall for the new librarian, "Will we see you at dinner to night?"
"Certainly, I wouldn't miss it for anything." Essie replied as she stood up.
"Say, why don't we walk down together? I mean, Padfoot and myself have to pass the library on our way and we are going to the same place."
"Sure, I'm still trying to find my way around this place."
"Yeah, It's pretty easy to get lost here. Maybe we can give you a tour of the place. It'll be fun."
"Okay, I would like that. Thanks."
"Great, see you later."
Remus waved as he walked to the door. When he opened it, he turned to Sirius who wasn't by his side. Sirius still staring at Essie, who was walking back to her cart of new books to be put away. She didn't seem to notice Sirius watching her. Remus sighed. As in their Hogwarts days, he just couldn't take Sirius anywhere.
"Hey, Padfoot. We got to go. You can come back later." Remus shouted at Sirius and then added as Essie looked up, "Pets."
Essie flashed him a smile and then turned back to her work. Sirius shook himself out of his stupor and began to lumber towards Remus. He shot Remus a dirty look for interrupting his thoughts. On an impulse, he took one last look at Essie before he left. He was definitely coming back.
Essie heard the library door shut behind her two visitors. She smiled to herself. So those were James' friends. She liked them. They were nice to talk to and be with for company. However, she didn't like the pull that Sirius Black gave her. She has only seen his dog form. Who knows what his human form was or what kind of personality he had. After nearly being burnt at the stake, Essie learned not to be blinded by looks, but it would nice to see what he looked liked. Besides she was only here temporarily. She couldn't afford to have too many people become tied to her.
The current plan was to protect Harry for Voldemort's clutches and possible topple his slow rise back to power. Nightmare and Lightening suggested an underground plan of proving Sirius's innocence. Their reasoning was if her visit was really temporary, Harry would need someone to watch over him. Sirius was the best candidate for the job. He took protecting Harry seriously with his actions last year. Essie agreed and set about proving Sirius's innocence. She soon realized that they needed Peter Pettigrew in the flesh to do it without revealing the existence of the Guardians or who she really was. Her only hope was to catch the Deatheaters Pettigrew alive. She just hoped that this idea didn't turn into a mission impossible.
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Lucius Malfoy hit the floor hard, Pain wracking his body. He failed his master. Lucius didn't listen to his master. The woman surprised his group. She toyed with them, insulted their cause, and then killed them with a second thought. Only he survived barely, but not before the woman informed him of his own death with in a year. Who was she to know that? Another curse hit him causing Lucius to scream in pain.
Voldemort watch a sort sick detached calm. It was like a training session for him and in a sense it was. The boy was going to suffer this and much worse. Even that didn't satisfy the Dark Lord. One thought tortured Voldemort. One thought kept him tossing curse after curse at the helpless man on the floor. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE BOY. After two hours of doing this and have his loyal legions watching, Voldemort was finally content that the Deatheaters had learned his lesson.
Voldemort stopped and calmly addressed his supporters, "If anyone ever fails me again, I will do the same and worse. Now time is short. Who will bring me the boy?!"
Several Deatheaters shuffled their feet. A couple casted a few glances at Lucius's still shaking form. Many were whispering about how the boy was blessed and anyone who even tried to touch him was doomed to death. Voldemort began to look impatient, waiting for a volunteer. Finally, MacNair, the Ministry's executioner, stepped forward to take the job.
"I'll get the boy, my lord. They'll be at Diagon Alley getting supplies for school. I should be able to catch the boy alone and unaware. It'll be too crowded for the woman to strike me with all those witnesses around." MacNair declared uneasily.
Voldemort thought for a moment before he nodded, "Fine, Do whatever needs to be done, MacNair. Just remember he needs to be alive."
With that said, Voldemort swept out of the room. MacNair stood there, waiting until he heard the study door shut. When he heard it, He reached down to help Lucius up. In Lucius's eyes was a look of pity. MacNair ignored it as they walked out of that room. He vowed to himself to not fail or at least die trying. He just hoped he achieves the former and not the latter.
Voldemort marched into his study with a purposeful stride. Idiots, he was surrounded by idiots. He warned them about the woman, told them not to underestimate her. However, they never listen. Sitting at his desk, he picked up his quill and began to write a letter. He asked his master for advice about dealing with idiot helpers and how to get the boy. When he finished the letter and sent it on it's way, Voldemort reflected back to when he was a ridiculously naïve boy and he met his master, Arcanius. Voldemort was so lost in his thoughts he didn't see the dove was sitting on his window sill fly away.
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The next day, Nightmare and Thunder stood among the crowd at Diagon Alley. Thunder was wearing an army green jacket, white T-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. His light brown hair was pulled back and a pair of sunglasses that Nightmare swiped from their mutual friend, Present shielded his amber eyes. He could easily see over the head of the people who milled about them. Nightmare was standing on a wall in order to keep a lookout. He was watching the end of the alley near the Leaky Cauldron. In fact, early while walking his patrol, he met a nice giant size man named Hagrid who on his way there. Thunder liked him immediately especially when Hagrid began to talk in a loud booming voice. Hagrid had invited Thunder to join him for a pint of mead. Thunder was tempted, but remembered that he was here to fulfill a mission. He declined but promised Hagrid to join him later. Ever since meeting Hagrid, Thunder had an urge for a pint. He hadn't had one in such a long time. Turning to his companion, he was about to suggest the idea of getting one.
Before Thunder even spoke, Nightmare gave him a look that said get back to work. Nightmare traded her usual garb for a black T-shirt and jeans. Like Thunder, she too was wearing sunglasses. She was taking her job very seriously. It wasn't often she got to walk among mortals and if they kept they dispose of the Deatheater in a quiet and unnoticed way, they may be allowed to come back.
Thunder grumbled in his Irish brogue, :Tell me again why we are here."
Nightmare sighed. She couldn't blame Thunder for feeling restless. They have been here all day and no sign of Harry or the Deatheater. Well, at least they won't draw attention to themselves.
"We are here to make sure those idioteaters don't try to attack Harry again. Dreams overheard one of them offer to grab the Boy here. Essie is currently at Hogwarts so She is unavailable. So Chronos had the marvelous idea that any member of the Younger Guard who is doing anything will be assigned guard duty over the Boy. At least until he is in Dumbledore and Essie's care." Nightmare explained wearily.
"Thanks a lot Chronos!!" Thunder swore as he searched the crowd.
"Tell me about it. Lightening and I have train duty tomorrow. Chronos wants the Deatheater alive just out of commission."
"Better you than me. Lightening would probably kill me if she saw me about now."
"Why? What did you do now?"
"It's a long story. It really wasn't my fault, I swear. All I did was.." Thunder trailed off and then effectively switched subjects as he spotted Harry in the crowd, "Here comes Our Boy now."
Nightmare and Thunder stared as Harry and The Weasleys walked pass them. Harry didn't see them since he was in the middle a very heated argument with Ron and Hermione. No one in the group paid much attention to the two stranger watching them with a great interest except Ginny. She stared at them until Nightmare waved at her. Ginny looked away embarrassed. The group walked in the store right by the two Guardians.
"Do you know her?" Thunder asked interested.
"Virginia Weasley, youngest child and the only girl in the Weasley Clan. Ambitious and very brave. She has a thirst for adventure despite an encounter with Voldie during her first year. Deep in love with Harry Potter, despite the fact she denies it right now." Nightmare rattled of and then smiled at Thunder, "Never met her before in my life."
Thunder's laughter boomed through the entire alley. Carts began to shake and people fell down. Nightmare was sure she heard glass breaking somewhere as she clamped a hand over his mouth. Thunder's laughter was enough to cause a major earthquake. Nightmare gave thunder a deadly glare before she removed her hand.
"Don't draw any attention to us." Nightmare hissed, "The mortals consider us to be old wives tales, so lets keep it that way."
"Then how the hell are we to protect the boy? It's not like our powers are common or anything." Thunder growled back.
"Discreetly, of course"
"Ahh!" Thunder smiled, wondering if shattering a person's bones counts as being discreet.
Both Guardians froze as a dark feeling passed by them. Nightmare watch an older man walk by and recognize him as a Deatheater immediately. Thunder spotted him too. Without a word, they stepped into the crowd. This was going to be tricky.
"Damn! They don't give up, do they?" Thunder grumbled as Nightmare worked out a plan in her head, "I mean, five have died already because of the boy."
"These guys invented stubbornness. All right, here's the plan. We need to get to him before he gets to the boy. You'll distract him And I'm ambush." Nightmare informed Thunder as they approached the door of the store, "And for Creator's sake, be discreet if at all possible."
Thunder just smiled as they entered the store. Nightmare nearly groaned at the sight of the inside of the store. First off, it was a bookstore with several wonderful shelves to hide in. Second, It was full of people. Most of them were students getting their books. The perfect opportunity to kidnap one of them with no one noticing right away. Nightmare and Thunder nodded to each other before diving into the crowd. Nightmare spotted MacNair over by an obscure section of shelves. Nightmare fought her way over to them.
MacNair had Harry cornered in the shelves. The boy hadn't noticed the older man who slowly approach him. Harry was too busy looking for a book. MacNair slipped his wand out of his pocket. A spell was on the tip of his tongue. The boy's luck has finally run out.
"Harry! Run for it!" A female voice behind MacNair shouted. Both Harry and MacNair turned towards the voice. Harry saw MacNair and recognized him. Before Harry could think of anything else, he bolted out of the row of shelves. When he cleared the section, he remembered the person who warned him. Turning around, Harry watched as the section of the books fall down. MacNair was pinned underneath if his screams were any indication. Standing triumphantly near by was a girl who looked to be a few years older than himself. Harry thought she looked kind of transparent, like she was going to fade away at any moment. She turned to him, sunglasses shielded her eyes and smiled.
"You better get to your friends, boy. He isn't done fighting yet." The girl warned softly. Harry nodded his gratitude and ran over to the Weasleys. Behind him, he could hear the shelves moving as MacNair was getting back up. Harry tried to reach safety. He was nearly there when MacNair summoned him. No, Harry thought desperately as he remembered what Sirius told him, I need to get away. Harry's body hit something hard. A pair of arms wrapped around him holding him in place. He did the first thing he thought to do and began to fight as hard as he could. The wall began to shake with laughter.
"Calm down, lad. I'm not aiming to hurt you." The wall chuckled.
Harry looked up. Instead of MacNair, Harry smiled into the smiling face of a Boy about the same age and size of the Weasleys twins. His eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses. The boy set Harry down on to his feet. He clasped a steadying hand on to Harry's shoulder and they turned to face MacNair. MacNair looked surprised at the fact that his plans were totally in shatters. These kids had interfered where they didn't belong. They were going to pay for it dearly. Before MacNair could do or say anything, the boy addressed him.
"It's seems I have something you want. Tough luck, boyo. I figured five dead would be enough of a warning for your ilk." The boy remarked. Harry stared at the boy in shock. He knew about the massacre that took place at the Burrow. Harry went to ask the boy some questions, but MacNair recovered from his shock first.
"I'll have that boy for my master." MacNair declared.
"Why doesn't Voldie come himself? Is he that much of a coward? He won't face Our Boy here unless he has a major advantage, eh?" Thunder taunted loudly.
"No one talks about Lord Voldemort that way and lives!" MacNair vowed.
"No one but us Guardians. Give Mare and myself your best shot, your bloody fool." Thunder boomed back, causing the walls to shake. Harry saw several faces in the crowd go white in fear of the building collapsing.
Mare growled at ceiling, "Fate, I'm innocent in this, I swear."
"Guardians are only a fairy tale, myths told by those that are too old to live." MacNair scoffed. Thunder smiled and shrugged it off as if to say suit yourself. Behind MacNair, the girl took a fighting stance. Her hands began to take on an eerie red glow as she prepared to fight. MacNair began to chant in Latin, weaving a spell. The boy raised his hand. He spoke only a few words as his hands and eyes glowed. MacNair froze in mid spell.
The boy shouted loudly, "Tonare Ablegatio!"
Harry felt the wind pick up. It rustled his hair. Harry watched as it seemed to flowing around them, gathering power. The wind suddenly brushed past Harry with incredible amount of power and speed. MacNair was picked up by the wind and flew backwards towards the girl. She ran towards the man and jumped, her hands glowing a bright blood red. As she passed MacNair it seemed as if her hands went through his head. She twisted in mid air, and shouted, "Declaro Phobia!" A bright red light hit MacNair, forcing against the back wall. MacNair hit it and slumped to the floor. The girl smiled wickedly and walked over to the boy.
Harry watching the limp body of MacNair asked her, "Is he dead?"
"Nay," she replied off handily, "Just knocked out. He'll wish he was when he wakes up. I can't wait until you are at Hogwarts and is Death's problem."
Harry was shocked, they knew they woman from his dream. Before he could ask any more questions, Thunder questioned his partner, "So how many rules did we break?"
"Too many to get back to the temple with out a lecture from the Council and Fate. What did I tell you about being discreet and not drawing attention to ourselves?" Nightmare scolded. Harry watched as Thunder went red. He was learning a lot just by standing there. A groan told everyone MacNair was awake.
"Ahh, The scum bag and murderer is awake. Let's see if I still got my touch." Nightmare grinned maliciously. She waited as MacNair rose to his feet. The crowd waited in fear to see what the Deatheater would do. MacNair stared at the trio with hatred in his eyes.
Nightmare shouted casually, "Hey, MacNair! There is something on your skin. I think it's under your skin."
MacNair eyes glazed over. He looked down at his hands. To his eyes only, he watched as something moved under his skin. His face reflected the terror he was feeling as he watch his skin ripped open and A flesh eating scarab crawled out. It clicked at him and Dove back under his skin. MacNair screamed loudly as he began to scratch his skin. He shouted over and over to get it off of him. Several people stepped forwarded to help him. They pinned him down and ripped off his clothes trying to find the bugs. Harry turned back to his saviors but they had disappeared.
Mrs. Weasley quickly hustled the children out before the Aurors and the Prophet arrived. The whole way to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry wondered who they were and why did they save him. He was so distracted, he didn't see Hagrid in the bar as he went to his room. If he did look, he would have recognized Hagrid's two new drinking partners.
A/N : Here's to my reviewers: RaspberryNile, Black Dreamz, MysticalWaters, Tvillinger, Prophetess Of Hearts, Luinthoron (my most constant reviewer. He was with me from the beginning. I understand that whole work interferring with real life thing. Thank you for being there.), ANDREA, Sandrine Black, Madelaine (another great reviewer), Rugi Gwena, Anubys (hope you like the books attacking Snape. I wrote it for you.) Mandy Brocklehurst (she made me blush with her review. Don't worry, Mandy, I have those conversations too.), Krystiana (she got me back to reading my old Sandman comics with her review. Great comic.), kat, smiley (not signed) chic ( I still have yet to see the movie. I want to, though.), SamWitch (Nightmare is going to have a rude awakening soon.), becky (It's what I do best. I will continue, don't you worry.), Creamy Mimi, M14Mouse, Jarvey (It's amazing how compelling one word can be. I'll do my best, Jarvey), Becky, Mary, Shelly, Jessica Black, Moonbabe (My first reviewer. I like to thank you.) The next chapter will be dedicated to you all. Essie and Harry meet for the first time in the flesh.
Enjoy!
~MW
Disclaimer: See previous chapters. Question… Does any one really read this? Just a thought. (
Dancing With The Lady Death
Chapter 4
Remus began to work on his preps for his classes. The first of September was two days away. So much at Hogwarts had changed since the last time he was here. Something hung in the air that something big was going to happened. Remus wasn't worried, he was prepared. Voldemort needed to make his move soon, he was too conceited not to. He had only just returned from a long vacation which consisted tracking down the old crowd as Professor Dumbledore requested. He found most of them and even spent some time playing catch up. Many asked him about Liberty. Sadly, Remus informed them that Liberty and him went their separate ways. Only Arabella Figg didn't asked him. In fact, She had that look as if she knew something that he didn't and Remus seem to know that had something to do his relationship with Libby.
Remus shook his head. That was ridiculous. What would Arabella know that he didn't? To take his mind off the past, he decided to unpack his things. As he rummaged through his things, a tattered photo caught his eyes. Silently he cursed at irony as he picked it up. It was taken during his days at Hogwarts as a student. He was smiling at the camera as he held a young woman about his age close to him. Her young face was smiling. In her deep blue eyes was amusement and love. Remus always thought of uncut sapphires whenever he saw her eyes. One could fall into them if they wanted. Remus remembered staring into them as he ran his hands through her tarnished gold hair. His dancer, Liberty Tellier-Faire, Remus thought, how he missed her.
A voice cleared it's throat, bringing Remus out of his memory. Sirius leaned against the door in his human form. Obviously he just made his report to Professor Dumbledore. His robes were still tattered, but Sirius looked healthy. Remus glared at his friend for interrupting his thought. Remus put the photo down and went back to work. Sirius smiled unrepentantly looking much like he did before his long imprisonment.
"Pining away, Moony?" Sirius asked as he wandered around the room.
"You wouldn't understand, Padfoot." Remus replied clearly implying that he didn't want to talk about it.
"I probably won't understand how you could let a woman like Liberty get away. I mean how many girls find a werewolf cute and sexy?" Sirius stated, "She was in love with you."
"I love her, but I could seriously hurt her with my other form." Remus sighed as he glanced at the picture, "She deserved better and I hope she got it."
"Yeah, well I still think you are a fool. If I had a girl who truly loved me, all of me, I won't let death itself couldn't take her away from me." Sirius vowed out loud.
"Strong words for the playboy of Hogwarts." Remus joked as he signed a slip of paper.
"My playboy days are far behind me, Moony. Not like women are beating the door down to get to me." Sirius smiled, "What are you signing?"
"Oh, you didn't know? Madam Pince retired in July. Too much stress she said. Madam Pomfrey doesn't believe a word of it. Any ways, Professor Dumbledore sent out an ad in the Prophet but no one applied for the job until about last week. A beautiful woman just appeared on the steps of Hogwarts looking for a job. To make a long story short, she became the new librarian. Get this, all the ghosts are extra polite to her calling her your ladyship. Peeves is scared to death… well, life… of her. Snape doesn't trust her and is constantly sneaking into the library. I heard from Professor Flitwick that she finally set one of the monster books on him in order to keep him out.", Remus chuckled, "Well, any ways, she asked for a copy of every professor's signature in regards to the restricted section. I'm taking mine down today."
Remus stood up with the slip of paper in his hand. Sirius thought for a moment. It would worth his wild to go with Remus to the library. After all, this new face maybe a threat to Harry. Something in his mind scoffed at the idea, he just want to see a pretty face that wasn't married or engaged to someone. Sirius walked over to Remus.
" I may as well come with you. After all I'm suppose to be your loyal pet." Sirius commented before changed into a shaggy black dog.
Remus opened the door and watched Sirius walk by. Remus decided to take advantage of the fact that Sirius couldn't talk back. He wanted to get one last jibe in.
Quite innocently, Remus asked, "Does this mean you'll be fetching my slippers?"
Sirius glared at him, sending the crystal clear message of "Over my dead body!" Sirius continued down the hallway. Remus followed behind trying to suppress a laugh.
The rest of the way to the library was pretty quiet except for the few times Remus made a comment about something that change or a passing thought. Sirius was half listening. His mind was wondering back to the woman who saved him. He wondered who she was and if he would ever see her again.
Remus approached the doors to the library. Sirius lumbered behind him. A blood curdling scream stopped both of them short. It came from within the library. Remus froze then relaxed as he waited for the doors to open. Sirius wasn't as calm, remembering the there was a defenseless woman in the room alone. He raced up to the door. Before he could change, a ghostly white Snape burst from the library. Sirius stumbled back in shock. Snape slammed the door shut and plastered himself against it.
Looking dead at Remus, Snape huffed, "It's a madhouse in there."
"Hello, Severus. What attacked you this time?" Remus greeted softly.
Snape seemed to realized who was standing in front of him. He composed himself as he said, "A pack of monster books. They damn near took a chunk out of my arm."
Remus smiled as he commented thoughtfully, "Upping security, I see. Maybe you should give up on getting into the restricted section for a while."
"Nonsense, Lupin. I'll outsmart her yet." Snape growled as he marched off and down the corridor.
Remus shook his head. Some people can be so stubborn. He walked up to the library door. He looked down at Sirius. Sirius wondered what kind of woman this new librarian was. Sirius looked up at Remus. The message between them was clear. Are you ready to enter? Sirius nodded and waited for Remus to open the door. His wait was over, but his shock had just begun.
Kneeling on the floor in front of them was the woman who saved his life. Her black hair was pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck. The mask was gone revealing a beautiful and young face. She was speaking in a language that Sirius had never heard before. It was soothing, seductive, and made you want to do whatever it wanted just as long it kept talking. Remus and Sirius watched riveted as she coaxed a monster book out from the table. Eventually, using the covers to move, it came out. Following the woman's soothing voice, the monster book moved into her arms. Getting up, she stroked it's spine and cover. To the boys' shock, the book purred and cuddled her. The woman kept talking as she walked over to the Restricted Section and put the book down.
With the smile still in it's place she walked and saw Remus and Sirius standing there. Her smile widened as she walked towards them. Sirius watched the way she moved with such confidence and grace. She was here, working here. Did she go to The Burrow under Dumbledore's orders? Questions raced through Sirius's mind. They came to an abrupt halt when she addressed them.
"Hello, How can I help you, gentleman?" She asked when she reached them. Her voice held a light italian accent that rolled over Sirius seductively.
She said gentleman, Sirius noted, did he change back to a human. Looking down at his paws, he knew he didn't. So how did she know that he was a guy. Remus eventually found his voice.
"I'm Professor Remus Lupin. I brought the signature that you requested." Remus greeted as he handed her the slip of paper which she took.
"Ahh, Defense Against Dark Arts, am I right?", she realized at Remus's nod, "Your signature is the one I need the most."
"You seem to have a talent with books."
"Yes, well, I have had practice dealing with difficult people. Books really are not much different. My name is Esmeralda Sauterne. Everyone calls me Essie. It's a pleasure to met you, Professor Lupin." Essie greeted warmly.
"Please call me Remus. This is my companion, Padfoot." Remus smiled.
Essie knelt down and smiled at Sirius. Sirius felt his heart melt at the sight of her smile. With out the mask, she was the most beautiful woman Sirius had ever seen. Those eyes, Sirius thought to himself, were like pure silver. Sirius wondered if she could see his soul, they were that intense. When he was younger, he would be trying his hardest to charm the hell out of her. However, he couldn't do that now, not with a hefty reward on his head. Sirius jumped when he felt Essie run her fingers through his fur. It felt good. She had such a gentle touch. It took all of Sirius's will power not to start purring.
"It's a pleasure to met you, Padfoot. I hope you and I can became good friends." Essie wished as she stared into Sirius's deep brown eyes. Sirius felt the outside world fade away as he fell again into her silver eyes.
"I think we better go before he likes it here to much." Remus joked as he watched Sirius fall for the new librarian, "Will we see you at dinner to night?"
"Certainly, I wouldn't miss it for anything." Essie replied as she stood up.
"Say, why don't we walk down together? I mean, Padfoot and myself have to pass the library on our way and we are going to the same place."
"Sure, I'm still trying to find my way around this place."
"Yeah, It's pretty easy to get lost here. Maybe we can give you a tour of the place. It'll be fun."
"Okay, I would like that. Thanks."
"Great, see you later."
Remus waved as he walked to the door. When he opened it, he turned to Sirius who wasn't by his side. Sirius still staring at Essie, who was walking back to her cart of new books to be put away. She didn't seem to notice Sirius watching her. Remus sighed. As in their Hogwarts days, he just couldn't take Sirius anywhere.
"Hey, Padfoot. We got to go. You can come back later." Remus shouted at Sirius and then added as Essie looked up, "Pets."
Essie flashed him a smile and then turned back to her work. Sirius shook himself out of his stupor and began to lumber towards Remus. He shot Remus a dirty look for interrupting his thoughts. On an impulse, he took one last look at Essie before he left. He was definitely coming back.
Essie heard the library door shut behind her two visitors. She smiled to herself. So those were James' friends. She liked them. They were nice to talk to and be with for company. However, she didn't like the pull that Sirius Black gave her. She has only seen his dog form. Who knows what his human form was or what kind of personality he had. After nearly being burnt at the stake, Essie learned not to be blinded by looks, but it would nice to see what he looked liked. Besides she was only here temporarily. She couldn't afford to have too many people become tied to her.
The current plan was to protect Harry for Voldemort's clutches and possible topple his slow rise back to power. Nightmare and Lightening suggested an underground plan of proving Sirius's innocence. Their reasoning was if her visit was really temporary, Harry would need someone to watch over him. Sirius was the best candidate for the job. He took protecting Harry seriously with his actions last year. Essie agreed and set about proving Sirius's innocence. She soon realized that they needed Peter Pettigrew in the flesh to do it without revealing the existence of the Guardians or who she really was. Her only hope was to catch the Deatheaters Pettigrew alive. She just hoped that this idea didn't turn into a mission impossible.
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Lucius Malfoy hit the floor hard, Pain wracking his body. He failed his master. Lucius didn't listen to his master. The woman surprised his group. She toyed with them, insulted their cause, and then killed them with a second thought. Only he survived barely, but not before the woman informed him of his own death with in a year. Who was she to know that? Another curse hit him causing Lucius to scream in pain.
Voldemort watch a sort sick detached calm. It was like a training session for him and in a sense it was. The boy was going to suffer this and much worse. Even that didn't satisfy the Dark Lord. One thought tortured Voldemort. One thought kept him tossing curse after curse at the helpless man on the floor. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE BOY. After two hours of doing this and have his loyal legions watching, Voldemort was finally content that the Deatheaters had learned his lesson.
Voldemort stopped and calmly addressed his supporters, "If anyone ever fails me again, I will do the same and worse. Now time is short. Who will bring me the boy?!"
Several Deatheaters shuffled their feet. A couple casted a few glances at Lucius's still shaking form. Many were whispering about how the boy was blessed and anyone who even tried to touch him was doomed to death. Voldemort began to look impatient, waiting for a volunteer. Finally, MacNair, the Ministry's executioner, stepped forward to take the job.
"I'll get the boy, my lord. They'll be at Diagon Alley getting supplies for school. I should be able to catch the boy alone and unaware. It'll be too crowded for the woman to strike me with all those witnesses around." MacNair declared uneasily.
Voldemort thought for a moment before he nodded, "Fine, Do whatever needs to be done, MacNair. Just remember he needs to be alive."
With that said, Voldemort swept out of the room. MacNair stood there, waiting until he heard the study door shut. When he heard it, He reached down to help Lucius up. In Lucius's eyes was a look of pity. MacNair ignored it as they walked out of that room. He vowed to himself to not fail or at least die trying. He just hoped he achieves the former and not the latter.
Voldemort marched into his study with a purposeful stride. Idiots, he was surrounded by idiots. He warned them about the woman, told them not to underestimate her. However, they never listen. Sitting at his desk, he picked up his quill and began to write a letter. He asked his master for advice about dealing with idiot helpers and how to get the boy. When he finished the letter and sent it on it's way, Voldemort reflected back to when he was a ridiculously naïve boy and he met his master, Arcanius. Voldemort was so lost in his thoughts he didn't see the dove was sitting on his window sill fly away.
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The next day, Nightmare and Thunder stood among the crowd at Diagon Alley. Thunder was wearing an army green jacket, white T-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. His light brown hair was pulled back and a pair of sunglasses that Nightmare swiped from their mutual friend, Present shielded his amber eyes. He could easily see over the head of the people who milled about them. Nightmare was standing on a wall in order to keep a lookout. He was watching the end of the alley near the Leaky Cauldron. In fact, early while walking his patrol, he met a nice giant size man named Hagrid who on his way there. Thunder liked him immediately especially when Hagrid began to talk in a loud booming voice. Hagrid had invited Thunder to join him for a pint of mead. Thunder was tempted, but remembered that he was here to fulfill a mission. He declined but promised Hagrid to join him later. Ever since meeting Hagrid, Thunder had an urge for a pint. He hadn't had one in such a long time. Turning to his companion, he was about to suggest the idea of getting one.
Before Thunder even spoke, Nightmare gave him a look that said get back to work. Nightmare traded her usual garb for a black T-shirt and jeans. Like Thunder, she too was wearing sunglasses. She was taking her job very seriously. It wasn't often she got to walk among mortals and if they kept they dispose of the Deatheater in a quiet and unnoticed way, they may be allowed to come back.
Thunder grumbled in his Irish brogue, :Tell me again why we are here."
Nightmare sighed. She couldn't blame Thunder for feeling restless. They have been here all day and no sign of Harry or the Deatheater. Well, at least they won't draw attention to themselves.
"We are here to make sure those idioteaters don't try to attack Harry again. Dreams overheard one of them offer to grab the Boy here. Essie is currently at Hogwarts so She is unavailable. So Chronos had the marvelous idea that any member of the Younger Guard who is doing anything will be assigned guard duty over the Boy. At least until he is in Dumbledore and Essie's care." Nightmare explained wearily.
"Thanks a lot Chronos!!" Thunder swore as he searched the crowd.
"Tell me about it. Lightening and I have train duty tomorrow. Chronos wants the Deatheater alive just out of commission."
"Better you than me. Lightening would probably kill me if she saw me about now."
"Why? What did you do now?"
"It's a long story. It really wasn't my fault, I swear. All I did was.." Thunder trailed off and then effectively switched subjects as he spotted Harry in the crowd, "Here comes Our Boy now."
Nightmare and Thunder stared as Harry and The Weasleys walked pass them. Harry didn't see them since he was in the middle a very heated argument with Ron and Hermione. No one in the group paid much attention to the two stranger watching them with a great interest except Ginny. She stared at them until Nightmare waved at her. Ginny looked away embarrassed. The group walked in the store right by the two Guardians.
"Do you know her?" Thunder asked interested.
"Virginia Weasley, youngest child and the only girl in the Weasley Clan. Ambitious and very brave. She has a thirst for adventure despite an encounter with Voldie during her first year. Deep in love with Harry Potter, despite the fact she denies it right now." Nightmare rattled of and then smiled at Thunder, "Never met her before in my life."
Thunder's laughter boomed through the entire alley. Carts began to shake and people fell down. Nightmare was sure she heard glass breaking somewhere as she clamped a hand over his mouth. Thunder's laughter was enough to cause a major earthquake. Nightmare gave thunder a deadly glare before she removed her hand.
"Don't draw any attention to us." Nightmare hissed, "The mortals consider us to be old wives tales, so lets keep it that way."
"Then how the hell are we to protect the boy? It's not like our powers are common or anything." Thunder growled back.
"Discreetly, of course"
"Ahh!" Thunder smiled, wondering if shattering a person's bones counts as being discreet.
Both Guardians froze as a dark feeling passed by them. Nightmare watch an older man walk by and recognize him as a Deatheater immediately. Thunder spotted him too. Without a word, they stepped into the crowd. This was going to be tricky.
"Damn! They don't give up, do they?" Thunder grumbled as Nightmare worked out a plan in her head, "I mean, five have died already because of the boy."
"These guys invented stubbornness. All right, here's the plan. We need to get to him before he gets to the boy. You'll distract him And I'm ambush." Nightmare informed Thunder as they approached the door of the store, "And for Creator's sake, be discreet if at all possible."
Thunder just smiled as they entered the store. Nightmare nearly groaned at the sight of the inside of the store. First off, it was a bookstore with several wonderful shelves to hide in. Second, It was full of people. Most of them were students getting their books. The perfect opportunity to kidnap one of them with no one noticing right away. Nightmare and Thunder nodded to each other before diving into the crowd. Nightmare spotted MacNair over by an obscure section of shelves. Nightmare fought her way over to them.
MacNair had Harry cornered in the shelves. The boy hadn't noticed the older man who slowly approach him. Harry was too busy looking for a book. MacNair slipped his wand out of his pocket. A spell was on the tip of his tongue. The boy's luck has finally run out.
"Harry! Run for it!" A female voice behind MacNair shouted. Both Harry and MacNair turned towards the voice. Harry saw MacNair and recognized him. Before Harry could think of anything else, he bolted out of the row of shelves. When he cleared the section, he remembered the person who warned him. Turning around, Harry watched as the section of the books fall down. MacNair was pinned underneath if his screams were any indication. Standing triumphantly near by was a girl who looked to be a few years older than himself. Harry thought she looked kind of transparent, like she was going to fade away at any moment. She turned to him, sunglasses shielded her eyes and smiled.
"You better get to your friends, boy. He isn't done fighting yet." The girl warned softly. Harry nodded his gratitude and ran over to the Weasleys. Behind him, he could hear the shelves moving as MacNair was getting back up. Harry tried to reach safety. He was nearly there when MacNair summoned him. No, Harry thought desperately as he remembered what Sirius told him, I need to get away. Harry's body hit something hard. A pair of arms wrapped around him holding him in place. He did the first thing he thought to do and began to fight as hard as he could. The wall began to shake with laughter.
"Calm down, lad. I'm not aiming to hurt you." The wall chuckled.
Harry looked up. Instead of MacNair, Harry smiled into the smiling face of a Boy about the same age and size of the Weasleys twins. His eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses. The boy set Harry down on to his feet. He clasped a steadying hand on to Harry's shoulder and they turned to face MacNair. MacNair looked surprised at the fact that his plans were totally in shatters. These kids had interfered where they didn't belong. They were going to pay for it dearly. Before MacNair could do or say anything, the boy addressed him.
"It's seems I have something you want. Tough luck, boyo. I figured five dead would be enough of a warning for your ilk." The boy remarked. Harry stared at the boy in shock. He knew about the massacre that took place at the Burrow. Harry went to ask the boy some questions, but MacNair recovered from his shock first.
"I'll have that boy for my master." MacNair declared.
"Why doesn't Voldie come himself? Is he that much of a coward? He won't face Our Boy here unless he has a major advantage, eh?" Thunder taunted loudly.
"No one talks about Lord Voldemort that way and lives!" MacNair vowed.
"No one but us Guardians. Give Mare and myself your best shot, your bloody fool." Thunder boomed back, causing the walls to shake. Harry saw several faces in the crowd go white in fear of the building collapsing.
Mare growled at ceiling, "Fate, I'm innocent in this, I swear."
"Guardians are only a fairy tale, myths told by those that are too old to live." MacNair scoffed. Thunder smiled and shrugged it off as if to say suit yourself. Behind MacNair, the girl took a fighting stance. Her hands began to take on an eerie red glow as she prepared to fight. MacNair began to chant in Latin, weaving a spell. The boy raised his hand. He spoke only a few words as his hands and eyes glowed. MacNair froze in mid spell.
The boy shouted loudly, "Tonare Ablegatio!"
Harry felt the wind pick up. It rustled his hair. Harry watched as it seemed to flowing around them, gathering power. The wind suddenly brushed past Harry with incredible amount of power and speed. MacNair was picked up by the wind and flew backwards towards the girl. She ran towards the man and jumped, her hands glowing a bright blood red. As she passed MacNair it seemed as if her hands went through his head. She twisted in mid air, and shouted, "Declaro Phobia!" A bright red light hit MacNair, forcing against the back wall. MacNair hit it and slumped to the floor. The girl smiled wickedly and walked over to the boy.
Harry watching the limp body of MacNair asked her, "Is he dead?"
"Nay," she replied off handily, "Just knocked out. He'll wish he was when he wakes up. I can't wait until you are at Hogwarts and is Death's problem."
Harry was shocked, they knew they woman from his dream. Before he could ask any more questions, Thunder questioned his partner, "So how many rules did we break?"
"Too many to get back to the temple with out a lecture from the Council and Fate. What did I tell you about being discreet and not drawing attention to ourselves?" Nightmare scolded. Harry watched as Thunder went red. He was learning a lot just by standing there. A groan told everyone MacNair was awake.
"Ahh, The scum bag and murderer is awake. Let's see if I still got my touch." Nightmare grinned maliciously. She waited as MacNair rose to his feet. The crowd waited in fear to see what the Deatheater would do. MacNair stared at the trio with hatred in his eyes.
Nightmare shouted casually, "Hey, MacNair! There is something on your skin. I think it's under your skin."
MacNair eyes glazed over. He looked down at his hands. To his eyes only, he watched as something moved under his skin. His face reflected the terror he was feeling as he watch his skin ripped open and A flesh eating scarab crawled out. It clicked at him and Dove back under his skin. MacNair screamed loudly as he began to scratch his skin. He shouted over and over to get it off of him. Several people stepped forwarded to help him. They pinned him down and ripped off his clothes trying to find the bugs. Harry turned back to his saviors but they had disappeared.
Mrs. Weasley quickly hustled the children out before the Aurors and the Prophet arrived. The whole way to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry wondered who they were and why did they save him. He was so distracted, he didn't see Hagrid in the bar as he went to his room. If he did look, he would have recognized Hagrid's two new drinking partners.
A/N : Here's to my reviewers: RaspberryNile, Black Dreamz, MysticalWaters, Tvillinger, Prophetess Of Hearts, Luinthoron (my most constant reviewer. He was with me from the beginning. I understand that whole work interferring with real life thing. Thank you for being there.), ANDREA, Sandrine Black, Madelaine (another great reviewer), Rugi Gwena, Anubys (hope you like the books attacking Snape. I wrote it for you.) Mandy Brocklehurst (she made me blush with her review. Don't worry, Mandy, I have those conversations too.), Krystiana (she got me back to reading my old Sandman comics with her review. Great comic.), kat, smiley (not signed) chic ( I still have yet to see the movie. I want to, though.), SamWitch (Nightmare is going to have a rude awakening soon.), becky (It's what I do best. I will continue, don't you worry.), Creamy Mimi, M14Mouse, Jarvey (It's amazing how compelling one word can be. I'll do my best, Jarvey), Becky, Mary, Shelly, Jessica Black, Moonbabe (My first reviewer. I like to thank you.) The next chapter will be dedicated to you all. Essie and Harry meet for the first time in the flesh.
