A/N: I'm back! And ready to roll. Here it is Chapter 7. I may veer off into
a few side projects with other fandoms. Please, just bear with me. Teaching
is great, but I don't have much time to write. Don't forget to review. Till
next time, Enjoy.
Disclaimer: (Nightmare walks up.) Unfortunately, MW doesn't own any of the Harry Potter characters. However the Guardians characters did come from her crazed imagination. Please ask for her permission before using them or I'll make you dreams hellish. (Evil grin) Thank You. (Nightmare bows and returns to her place in the story) MW: Um..Thanks, Mare. My Characters are taking over. Not good.
Dancing with the Lady Death
Chapter 7
Harry stared at the big oak doors. Should he enter the library? He would be alone with Death. That may not be a good position to in. But Death was his friend. Wasn't she? Harry was so confused. It was true he had cheated death more than once in his lifetime. Can you really cheat death? Death may have decided to let you go. His luck may have finally run out. Should he tempt fate again? Deep in his heart, he could heard that voice again. Go to the truth or the truth will come to you. He knew he had to face the truth and that truth was Death herself.
"I have to find out. I'm going in." Harry decided as he began to open the doors. Suddenly the doors swung open. Harry felt something grab the front of the invisibility cloak and yank him into the room. The door slammed shut behind him.
Harry looked around at the darkened library. Between a row of bookshelves, he could see glowing light. Cautiously, he approached where it was coming from. He stood in shock at the sight before him.
Essie stood in the center of the light looking at an old book. Midnight black hair floated around her face. Her gray eyes were concentrated on the pages in front of her. The light seemed to be coming from her skin. Essie turned to Harry and smiled. As soon as she closed the old book, the light was gone.
"I was wondering when you would be coming, little one." Essie stated as she walked over to where Harry stood, "You can take off that cloak now. No one will catch you here. Mr. Fitch and I have an understanding about the library."
Harry reluctantly lowered the hood and asked, "Who are you?"
Essie's smile got wider as she replied, "I introduced myself to you once. It was a long time ago, I guess you wouldn't remember." Essie curtsied to Harry, "I am Esmeralda Aria Sauterne, The Lady Death and the librarian of Hogwarts Library."
Harry grinned a little as he bowed to her and said, "Harry Potter, resident celebrity. It's a pleasure to meet you." Essie straightened up, "Charmed, I'm sure. Now I'm sure you have a few questions."
Harry was surprised. How did she know? Covering quickly, he cleared his throat and remarked, "Actually, I do. Why are you here?"
Essie smiled as she shook her head, "You always were a blunt one. Just like the rest of your family."
"You know my family?"
"I am the Lady Death, little one. I know several people. But The Le Faye/Pendragon Clan are some of my favorite people. It's a pity that you are being kept from them."
"I'm being kept from them? Why?"
Essie gave him a considering look and answered, "Look at your family name and it's history and then look at the Minister of Magic. Your answer is there."
Harry's mind began to whirl. This was too much information for him. He had a family and he was being purposely kept from them. To clear his mind and stay on task, (something this author needs to learn how to do) Harry addressed, "You never answered my original question."
"I'm here for many reasons, Harry. I'm here to protect you, to defeat Voldemort, to change some things that need changing, etc. etc. You know the drill. Only you know who I truly am."
"Ron and Hermione know."
"No they don't." Essie stated seriously, "They only think I am a woman who believes I am Death. That is not the case."
Harry furrowed his brow in thought as he asked, "But isn't that what you are?"
Essie sighed as she looked at the book in her hand. In here was all the answers that the boy seek. She looked up into the boy's green eyes. She could trust him with it. He had a pure and noble heart. He was the last of the line, which by all rights means he deserves to know. Essie softly spoke, "Once I was a woman, Harry. Centuries ago. That life was forcibly taken from me. Instead of passing on, I was given this role. I am Death, not someone who believes they are."
Harry remained silent for a moment. Essie looked like she was going to cry. Harry stepped towards her and placed a hand on her arm. Essie turned towards him and smiled.
"Don't fret for me, little one. It was a long time ago. The scar has long since healed. Here, take this." Essie offered him the book, which Harry took, " You must promise not to let anyone else see it. For it holds secrets that certain people would kill for. Read it and learn the truth. Now you must return to bed little one."
Essie stepped away from him. Harry was about the say something when a strange sensation fell over him. It was like the floor had opened up under him and he was falling. Next thing he knew he was in his bed in the Gryffindor Tower. Harry wildly looked around. Did he dream it? Suddenly the book gave him landed in his lap. Harry looked up to see a black hole close up. Harry smiled. Death saved him the trouble of sneaking back through the corridors. Harry hid the book under his pillow and settled down to sleep.
Back at the library, Essie stared at the young man who took Harry's place. The youth's hazel eyes were laughing silently. Essie stared at the boy curiously. It always amazed her that several Guardians preferred the bodies of very young people. A few will actually opt to grow up. The boy's face split into a grin. His sandy blonde hair framed his face.
"Lady Death, I bring you a message." The boy bowed to Essie. Essie rolled her eyes at the dramatics.
"Then proceed, Present. I'm sure you are dying to tell me."
Present smirked as he sized up Essie. Being mortal seemed to fit her well. She was happy being here with the Potter boy. He hated to rain on her parade, but Chronos ordered him to. Present sighed as he began his missive, "Arcanius is back."
Essie nearly dropped through the floor. Arcanius couldn't be back. He was banished, exiled to the World of Void by the Creator itself. Essie voiced her thoughts, "How? He was to exiled from this and all worlds for his crimes. How could he break through the Creator's seal?"
Present frowned gently, "We are still figuring that out ourselves. All we know is he is back in this world and apparently has been for a while. Get this. Good old Voldie is his patsy. Since Voldie has it out for you and the boy, the Elders are assuming that Arcanius is the one calling the shots. Chronos sent me to inform you of these new developments and to keep a closer eye on the boy."
"Has Kaori been informed yet?"
"Not yet. Fate is trying to find a way to break it to her. How do tell a lady that the man who killed her family and destroyed her kingdom is free from his punishment?"
"Humans do it all the time. Tell her to look there."
"Too true, Essie. But don't worry, you are not alone in this endeavor. Nightmare is keeping an eye in the Forbidden Forest and Lightening is watching Voldie's every move. Beside them, you have the child."
"I know. But he is not ready yet. He doesn't know who he really is. His bloodline is a completely mystery to him. If Voldie is really preparing to make his big move soon, then I don't have much time to make sure Harry is ready to fight him."
"He is a Le Faye. When has the Le Faye's fail in their missions? Besides Chronos told me, You are so not alone. James's friends are here. They can help you prepare the boy. Especially Sirius Black."
"He is a dog for Creator's sake."
Present stared blankly at Essie's serious face, before rolling on the floor laughing his head off. Essie scowled at him. It was true. Harry's godfather was a dog. A big shaggy black one. Present calmed down a bit before he addressed Essie.
"I'm sure his manners leave much to be desire. Fate told me you would hate him on sight. Damn me, I didn't believe her." Present smirked slightly.
"I don't hate him, Present. It's just he is a dog." Essie grumbled, "Why would Fate think I hate him?"
"Well. you know. He.um.You know why you would hate him!" Present shouted frustrated.
Essie's eyes flashed with anger, but her voice was deadly soft, "Present, I don't have any more time for your games. I would suggest you leave."
Present gulped at the sight of Death's true self. He waved before disappearing into thin air. Exhausted, Essie collapsed to her knees in the middle of the library. Her silver eyes looked sad and forlorn as she thought about the future. A moonbeam flowed through the window and illuminated her face. The gentle light stroked her face as a voice whispered reassuredly to her, telling her that all will be well, just as it had all those centuries ago. It threw her back to her long forgotten past and the last night she was alive. Essie looked up at the beckoning moon. Crimson tears rolled down her cheek. For the first time in a long time, Essie felt completely isolated. She didn't even hear the library door creak open.
Deep in the woods, several hooded figures effortlessly moved over the forest floor. They seem to float over the ground. Behind them, a cloaked figure began to order them about. A few Dementors give the little man an evil look. The man began to tremble a little with fear, but continued to order them about. The man's fear drifted through the air. The Dementors await its arrival, but it never came to them, to feed their rotting corpses. In stead the drifted high into trees, feeding another more malevolent force
Some Dementors sensed this force and worried over its possible source. In their language, several older Dementors claimed it was their god coming to reap its vengeance. They have displeased it by following an other's wishes before it's own. The younger Dementors scoffed at this claiming that there was no god and they must do what they please.
The man annoyed by this excessive chatter, ordered the group to keep moving towards Hogwarts. The Dementors grumbled but gladly moved away from the area. As they disappeared from sight, an evil female chuckle echoed through the clearing as a black mist rolled through after the little group. The moon was six days away from a full moon.
Sirius peered in the library. He looked around to find that it was deserted for the evening. Damn it, he could have sworn he heard Harry's voice coming from with in but obviously the boy wasn't here. Just before Sirius left the library, a voice in his head reminded him about Harry's invisibility cloak. Sirius smiled as he reentered the library, shutting the door behind him. He silently moved towards the bookcases.
"Harry?" he whispered softly.
No response came back to him. Sirius moved down a row of bookshelves with his hands out hoping to bump into Harry. When he reached the end of the row, his heart stopped beating. His throat suddenly became constricting. Sirius found he was having a hell of a time breathing, let alone being able to speak. Beside he didn't want to disturb the moon kissed vision in front of him. God, Essie was beautiful.
Essie was standing by now. Her face illuminated by the moon's ray. It gave her ethereal look about her, as if she was going to fade away at any moment. Sirius was reminded of a lonely ghost waiting for something.. Sirius took a step forward, before he could stop himself. Essie's eye snapped towards him. The sadness was slowly replaced by surprise and then by hate. Her features went from gorgeous to striking as anger settled down. Her voice addressed him by a name he never heard before. Sirius was shocked by it.
" Don Luciedo." Essie growled as her fists clenched ready to curse him, " I thought the devil took your soul to hell. I guess I'll have to send it there myself."
A/N: (Dreams paints and arrow down to the Review button) Please review. Myshawolf loves hearing from you guys. The arrow shows you where to go. | | \ /
Disclaimer: (Nightmare walks up.) Unfortunately, MW doesn't own any of the Harry Potter characters. However the Guardians characters did come from her crazed imagination. Please ask for her permission before using them or I'll make you dreams hellish. (Evil grin) Thank You. (Nightmare bows and returns to her place in the story) MW: Um..Thanks, Mare. My Characters are taking over. Not good.
Dancing with the Lady Death
Chapter 7
Harry stared at the big oak doors. Should he enter the library? He would be alone with Death. That may not be a good position to in. But Death was his friend. Wasn't she? Harry was so confused. It was true he had cheated death more than once in his lifetime. Can you really cheat death? Death may have decided to let you go. His luck may have finally run out. Should he tempt fate again? Deep in his heart, he could heard that voice again. Go to the truth or the truth will come to you. He knew he had to face the truth and that truth was Death herself.
"I have to find out. I'm going in." Harry decided as he began to open the doors. Suddenly the doors swung open. Harry felt something grab the front of the invisibility cloak and yank him into the room. The door slammed shut behind him.
Harry looked around at the darkened library. Between a row of bookshelves, he could see glowing light. Cautiously, he approached where it was coming from. He stood in shock at the sight before him.
Essie stood in the center of the light looking at an old book. Midnight black hair floated around her face. Her gray eyes were concentrated on the pages in front of her. The light seemed to be coming from her skin. Essie turned to Harry and smiled. As soon as she closed the old book, the light was gone.
"I was wondering when you would be coming, little one." Essie stated as she walked over to where Harry stood, "You can take off that cloak now. No one will catch you here. Mr. Fitch and I have an understanding about the library."
Harry reluctantly lowered the hood and asked, "Who are you?"
Essie's smile got wider as she replied, "I introduced myself to you once. It was a long time ago, I guess you wouldn't remember." Essie curtsied to Harry, "I am Esmeralda Aria Sauterne, The Lady Death and the librarian of Hogwarts Library."
Harry grinned a little as he bowed to her and said, "Harry Potter, resident celebrity. It's a pleasure to meet you." Essie straightened up, "Charmed, I'm sure. Now I'm sure you have a few questions."
Harry was surprised. How did she know? Covering quickly, he cleared his throat and remarked, "Actually, I do. Why are you here?"
Essie smiled as she shook her head, "You always were a blunt one. Just like the rest of your family."
"You know my family?"
"I am the Lady Death, little one. I know several people. But The Le Faye/Pendragon Clan are some of my favorite people. It's a pity that you are being kept from them."
"I'm being kept from them? Why?"
Essie gave him a considering look and answered, "Look at your family name and it's history and then look at the Minister of Magic. Your answer is there."
Harry's mind began to whirl. This was too much information for him. He had a family and he was being purposely kept from them. To clear his mind and stay on task, (something this author needs to learn how to do) Harry addressed, "You never answered my original question."
"I'm here for many reasons, Harry. I'm here to protect you, to defeat Voldemort, to change some things that need changing, etc. etc. You know the drill. Only you know who I truly am."
"Ron and Hermione know."
"No they don't." Essie stated seriously, "They only think I am a woman who believes I am Death. That is not the case."
Harry furrowed his brow in thought as he asked, "But isn't that what you are?"
Essie sighed as she looked at the book in her hand. In here was all the answers that the boy seek. She looked up into the boy's green eyes. She could trust him with it. He had a pure and noble heart. He was the last of the line, which by all rights means he deserves to know. Essie softly spoke, "Once I was a woman, Harry. Centuries ago. That life was forcibly taken from me. Instead of passing on, I was given this role. I am Death, not someone who believes they are."
Harry remained silent for a moment. Essie looked like she was going to cry. Harry stepped towards her and placed a hand on her arm. Essie turned towards him and smiled.
"Don't fret for me, little one. It was a long time ago. The scar has long since healed. Here, take this." Essie offered him the book, which Harry took, " You must promise not to let anyone else see it. For it holds secrets that certain people would kill for. Read it and learn the truth. Now you must return to bed little one."
Essie stepped away from him. Harry was about the say something when a strange sensation fell over him. It was like the floor had opened up under him and he was falling. Next thing he knew he was in his bed in the Gryffindor Tower. Harry wildly looked around. Did he dream it? Suddenly the book gave him landed in his lap. Harry looked up to see a black hole close up. Harry smiled. Death saved him the trouble of sneaking back through the corridors. Harry hid the book under his pillow and settled down to sleep.
Back at the library, Essie stared at the young man who took Harry's place. The youth's hazel eyes were laughing silently. Essie stared at the boy curiously. It always amazed her that several Guardians preferred the bodies of very young people. A few will actually opt to grow up. The boy's face split into a grin. His sandy blonde hair framed his face.
"Lady Death, I bring you a message." The boy bowed to Essie. Essie rolled her eyes at the dramatics.
"Then proceed, Present. I'm sure you are dying to tell me."
Present smirked as he sized up Essie. Being mortal seemed to fit her well. She was happy being here with the Potter boy. He hated to rain on her parade, but Chronos ordered him to. Present sighed as he began his missive, "Arcanius is back."
Essie nearly dropped through the floor. Arcanius couldn't be back. He was banished, exiled to the World of Void by the Creator itself. Essie voiced her thoughts, "How? He was to exiled from this and all worlds for his crimes. How could he break through the Creator's seal?"
Present frowned gently, "We are still figuring that out ourselves. All we know is he is back in this world and apparently has been for a while. Get this. Good old Voldie is his patsy. Since Voldie has it out for you and the boy, the Elders are assuming that Arcanius is the one calling the shots. Chronos sent me to inform you of these new developments and to keep a closer eye on the boy."
"Has Kaori been informed yet?"
"Not yet. Fate is trying to find a way to break it to her. How do tell a lady that the man who killed her family and destroyed her kingdom is free from his punishment?"
"Humans do it all the time. Tell her to look there."
"Too true, Essie. But don't worry, you are not alone in this endeavor. Nightmare is keeping an eye in the Forbidden Forest and Lightening is watching Voldie's every move. Beside them, you have the child."
"I know. But he is not ready yet. He doesn't know who he really is. His bloodline is a completely mystery to him. If Voldie is really preparing to make his big move soon, then I don't have much time to make sure Harry is ready to fight him."
"He is a Le Faye. When has the Le Faye's fail in their missions? Besides Chronos told me, You are so not alone. James's friends are here. They can help you prepare the boy. Especially Sirius Black."
"He is a dog for Creator's sake."
Present stared blankly at Essie's serious face, before rolling on the floor laughing his head off. Essie scowled at him. It was true. Harry's godfather was a dog. A big shaggy black one. Present calmed down a bit before he addressed Essie.
"I'm sure his manners leave much to be desire. Fate told me you would hate him on sight. Damn me, I didn't believe her." Present smirked slightly.
"I don't hate him, Present. It's just he is a dog." Essie grumbled, "Why would Fate think I hate him?"
"Well. you know. He.um.You know why you would hate him!" Present shouted frustrated.
Essie's eyes flashed with anger, but her voice was deadly soft, "Present, I don't have any more time for your games. I would suggest you leave."
Present gulped at the sight of Death's true self. He waved before disappearing into thin air. Exhausted, Essie collapsed to her knees in the middle of the library. Her silver eyes looked sad and forlorn as she thought about the future. A moonbeam flowed through the window and illuminated her face. The gentle light stroked her face as a voice whispered reassuredly to her, telling her that all will be well, just as it had all those centuries ago. It threw her back to her long forgotten past and the last night she was alive. Essie looked up at the beckoning moon. Crimson tears rolled down her cheek. For the first time in a long time, Essie felt completely isolated. She didn't even hear the library door creak open.
Deep in the woods, several hooded figures effortlessly moved over the forest floor. They seem to float over the ground. Behind them, a cloaked figure began to order them about. A few Dementors give the little man an evil look. The man began to tremble a little with fear, but continued to order them about. The man's fear drifted through the air. The Dementors await its arrival, but it never came to them, to feed their rotting corpses. In stead the drifted high into trees, feeding another more malevolent force
Some Dementors sensed this force and worried over its possible source. In their language, several older Dementors claimed it was their god coming to reap its vengeance. They have displeased it by following an other's wishes before it's own. The younger Dementors scoffed at this claiming that there was no god and they must do what they please.
The man annoyed by this excessive chatter, ordered the group to keep moving towards Hogwarts. The Dementors grumbled but gladly moved away from the area. As they disappeared from sight, an evil female chuckle echoed through the clearing as a black mist rolled through after the little group. The moon was six days away from a full moon.
Sirius peered in the library. He looked around to find that it was deserted for the evening. Damn it, he could have sworn he heard Harry's voice coming from with in but obviously the boy wasn't here. Just before Sirius left the library, a voice in his head reminded him about Harry's invisibility cloak. Sirius smiled as he reentered the library, shutting the door behind him. He silently moved towards the bookcases.
"Harry?" he whispered softly.
No response came back to him. Sirius moved down a row of bookshelves with his hands out hoping to bump into Harry. When he reached the end of the row, his heart stopped beating. His throat suddenly became constricting. Sirius found he was having a hell of a time breathing, let alone being able to speak. Beside he didn't want to disturb the moon kissed vision in front of him. God, Essie was beautiful.
Essie was standing by now. Her face illuminated by the moon's ray. It gave her ethereal look about her, as if she was going to fade away at any moment. Sirius was reminded of a lonely ghost waiting for something.. Sirius took a step forward, before he could stop himself. Essie's eye snapped towards him. The sadness was slowly replaced by surprise and then by hate. Her features went from gorgeous to striking as anger settled down. Her voice addressed him by a name he never heard before. Sirius was shocked by it.
" Don Luciedo." Essie growled as her fists clenched ready to curse him, " I thought the devil took your soul to hell. I guess I'll have to send it there myself."
A/N: (Dreams paints and arrow down to the Review button) Please review. Myshawolf loves hearing from you guys. The arrow shows you where to go. | | \ /
