A/N: Christmas is Coming! YAY!. I'll have the Christmas chapter out soon. I
got a review from someone I have not talk to in a while. JMMetzger is one
of my best buds from college. He was also one of the few people to know
what is coming. Hey JM, Not much has change in this story or the next. The
others had a major overhaul those. The next chapter should be up soon.
Maybe just after Christmas. Enjoy as always. Please Read and Review.
~MW
Dancing with the Lady Death Chapter 8
Sirius froze where he stood, not quite sure what to do. He was afraid for a second that he was caught. She would alert someone to his presence. He won't go back to that hell again. Deftly, he fingered his wand, preparing himself to attack. Essie's gray eyes began to glow as she readied for his attack. Suddenly, Sirius realized something.
"What did you call me?" He asked softly. Essie blinked at his voice. It was...different. His voice was rougher, deeper, and full of pain. Don Luciendo's voice was smooth, and elegant, and sharp like a knife. She remembered it's cut all too well when he betrayed her love and life to save his precious reputation as a Don of Roma. This wasn't the Don's voice.
"You are Don Luciendo of Roma, are you not?" Essie asked confused, her eyes slowly losing their glow. Sirius breathed a sigh of relief and visible relaxed.
"I can quite happily say I am not that man. I've only been to Rome once in my life and I'm sure I would have remembered you if we have met before." Sirius smiled at her sweetly. Essie blushed as she realized the meaning of his comment. She turned away from him and stared back out the window.
"I'm sorry then. You look remarkably a lot like him. I got the two of you confused. He is not one of my favorite people." Essie whispered softly.
"Yeah, I can tell. He must have hurt you good for you to want to kill him."
Essie smiled at the comment, "He is already dead. The Don had betrayed too many hearts to escape this world in any natural way. I sometimes wished I was the one who held the knife."
"Remind me not to tick you off anytime soon. I personally like being alive." Sirius said as he approached her.
"As do I." Essie smiled at him and then frowned at herself, "I must seem awfully rude. I haven't even introduced myself."
"You are Esmeralda Sauterne. I know who you are." Sirius grinned at her confused look. Gently he took her hand and pressed his lips to it. His eyes never left hers, "The pleasure is all mine to met you face to face at last."
"How do you know me?' Essie asked suspiciously. With the earlier news of Arcanius being back, Essie had to be very cautious. Sirius kept an eye on her face as he decided what to do. Truth or lie? Finally, he decided on the half-truth.
"Dumbledore is a friend of mine. He mentioned your name to me. I have seen you before but you have never seen me." Sirius smiled a little seeing her relax a little. Essie pulled her hand away and smiled coyly. So he was a friend, Essie thought as she brushed past him and over to one of the tables, Friends should be trusted. So why couldn't she trust him? Essie glanced over her shoulder at the man standing in her library. She turned fully in order to size him up.
"Why do I get the feeling that I shouldn't trust you?" Essie questioned him, "You haven't told me who you are, only what you are."
"It's probably best if you didn't know who I was. You wouldn't like it." Sirius grumbled, "Besides if I told you I'd have to kill you."
Essie laughed loudly. Sirius blinked at her. What was so funny? Soon he found himself chuckling with her. God, he hadn't laughed in so long. It felt good. Sirius caught his breath and stared at Essie. She made him laugh. Something he hasn't done in a while. He was grateful to her for it.
Suddenly, The moonlight reflected off something high above the bookcases. Sirius focused on it and realized what it was, an arrow. It was pointed right at Essie. Sirius found himself acting with out much thought. He tackled Essie out the way just as the arrow flew from the bow. Essie barely had time to scream as she hit the ground. Sirius's body covered hers as he tried to focus in on where the arrow came from. He turned his head back to hers. His brown eyes pierced into her gray ones as he stared at her. Essie could feel him holding his breath. Essie turned her head to the side and her eyes widened. She could easily see the arrow and recognized it immediately.
"Essie, are you all right?" Sirius asked concerned, bringing her eyes back to his. Sirius nearly fell back into them again before he noticed their compromising position. He got up and helped her up. Essie was steadied on her feet and strode purposely over to the arrow. Sirius was right behind her.
"Essie, are you okay?" Sirius asked again.
"I'm fine." Essie sighed as she watched the arrow disintegrate into thin air, "Figures. He wouldn't want to leave any trace."
"You know who shoot that arrow at you?"
"Oh yeah, I know who it was."
"An associate of that Don Luciendo?"
Essie chuckled, "Good Creator, no. This one has achieved his goal."
Sirius was confused, "How? He didn't hit either of us."
"He didn't have to." Essie smiled and then yawned, "I think it's time to call it a night. Don't worry about the arrow. He won't be back."
"Right. Are you sure?"
"If he knows what is good for him, he won't." Essie laughed softly. Sirius watched as she led him to the door of the library. The door swung open as they approached it. Essie let Sirius out. Before she could close the door, Sirius stopped her.
"Don't I at least get a kiss for rescuing you?" Sirius asked smiling. Essie was about to rebuke him and slam the door in his face, but relented. She wasn't sure why. Her heart seemed to scream at her to let him kiss her, however her mind warned against it. Essie sided with her mind much to her heart's regret.
"Somehow that would not be a wise idea." Essie commented jokingly and at Sirius crestfallen look added, "When or if we meet again under different circumstances, good sir, then you will receive the kiss you deserve. Good night."
With that said, Essie promptly slammed the door shut. Sirius smiled softly and slyly to himself. She seemed nervous around him. This could be interesting. He turned and walked down the darken hallway with a definite spring in his step.
On the other side of the door, Essie tried to examine her own feelings. She handled the stranger fairly well. Gradually, her heart began to calm down. She glared at the place the arrow hit and disappeared. Lust was brave and stupid for showing his face here. Outside the howl of a wolf echoed through the valley. Essie smiled and decided some things were best left for the morning. A smile played around the corner of her mouth as she headed for bed.
Deep in the Forbidden Forest, a waterfall flows, bringing water and life to the many of the animals that dwell there. The waterfall glowed with an inner light, a gift from the Neptune, the Guardian of Water. Once in a long forgotten time, this waterfall was the place where the Guardians first made their decision to leave this plane of existence to the mortals and take a less active role. It was also the site where the Guardian began to split into two sides: Light and Dark. Even now, Guardians will still met and plan.
High on top of the waterfall a lone she-wolf waits. A black mist surrounds her. The wolf yawned and shook the dirt from her blood red fur. Bored, she tilted her head back and howled to the night sky. A howl answered her from below. The red wolf looked down at a dark brown wolf that began to climb up the waterfall. The she-wolf moved away from the ledge and waited for her mate. When the brown wolf appeared, the two began to shift their forms. Soon a young man with long brown hair and the redheaded Nightmare stood in their place. The young man had a bow and a quiver of arrows strapped to his back.
"It has begun." The young man stated gently, "They have met."
"So now we wait, Lust." Mare remarked casually, "It's hard to wait."
"I can't believe how well you are taking this, Phobos." Lust smiled charmily at his mate, "You knew we were going to lose her."
"Ever since she saved that boy." Mare sighed as she ran a hand through her blood red hair, "She was destined to be with him. He is after all, the only one of his line left. Voldemort made sure of it. No one caught on to what he was doing until only Harry was left. I just hope he will be up to the burden he will have to bear."
"Sir Percival was able to handle and I think his great-great-great-great- great-great-great-..."
"I think I get the point, Eros."
"Grandson can do the same. Now let's go hunt some Dementors."
"I knew there was reason why I liked you."
The two Guardians smiled at each other and disappeared into the forest. A pair of twin howls echoed through the night and sent a chill up anyone's spine who heard it.
********************************************************************8
The next day, Harry appeared at breakfast with his nose buried into the book that Essie gave him. Hermione and Ron looked at each other in confusion. Harry hardly ever cracked open a book before his first class of the day unless there was a test. And yet, here was their best friend reading a musty old book very intently. Hermione cleared her throat loudly trying to get Harry's attention. Harry looked at her and smiled before returning to the book.
"Harry?" Ron questioned with concern, "What are you reading?"
Harry looked up from his book and smiled lopsidedly, "The history of the world, Ron. It's amazing what is in this book. I can't believe that anyone would want it gone."
Hermione and Ron traded another look. This one was of utter concern. An unspoken message passed between them. Change the subject and quick. Hermione returned to her breakfast and tried to think of a new tactic.
Finally she casually dropped, "I hear the library is reopening today. I wonder if they have any books on the Guardians. It's quite extensive, you know. Besides once a book is in there, it stays there. No book can be destroyed once it's catalogued into the Hogwarts library."
"Oh!"
"And how do you know this 'Mione?" Ron asked, knowing the answer.
"Hogwarts, A History. I swear I'm the only person who has read it."
"Probably."
Harry wasn't listening to the building argument between his two best friends. He was too engrossed in the story, myth , or whatever it was unfolding in the pages in front of him. The story was about the first Guardians of Death, The Biblical Abel. It seemed he was the first person that was deemed murdered. The Creator decided to make a position for the poor guy and he became the very first Guardian of Death. Since then, There has only been ten Deaths including Essie. It seemed the only way to become Death is you must kill the current Death. However Essie is the exception to this rule. It seemed she was chosen to become Death after the last one committed suicide. Harry grimaced at that thought and yet found it relieving that Essie wasn't murderer. Before he could read any farther something happened to the book. The writing went from silver to gold.
Suddenly the book flung it self to the table. The pages flipped by at a rapid pace and quite suddenly stopped. Harry looked over at the book and was surprised to see that book was still writing itself. Harry glanced up at Ron and Hermione, who were oblivious to the book's behavior. So was everyone else at the Gryffindor table. Harry glanced back at the book and was surprised to see it was writing to him.
Hail to the Great Harry Potter. Hail to the Sir Percival's heir.
"Me?" Harry whispered softly.
Yes. We have been wait for this moment. Long we have hid in the Hogwarts library, waiting for you. Now we can begin your training, young heir.
"My training?"
As Sir Percival's heir, you must be prepared to fight for this world. Not much time has been allotted to us for The Darkness is gathering momentum and power. Soon they will strike. You must be ready. We will talk again."
Suddenly the book snapped shut. Whatever spell it casted was gone and Harry was trying to digest everything that they book said. Sir Percival's heir, him?! That was ridiculous. Wasn't it? Harry glanced up at the Head table. Essie was leaving the table to open the library. Remus called out something to her that caused her to laugh before exiting the room. If Death could be allowed to walk among men, maybe he was Sir Percival's heir. Maybe he did have a family he was hidden from. There was only one way to know for sure. Harry put the book back into his bag and stood up. Hermione and Ron stopped fighting long enough to note this. Harry smiled at them.
"Hey, guys. I'm going to the library for a quick second. I'll see you guys in class." Harry commented before ran after Essie, totally unaware that he said anything out of the ordinary. Behind him, he left two shocked friends and one giggling Ginny.
When Harry entered the library again, Essie was nowhere to be seen. Harry looked around the empty library for her. Behind him, a throat was cleared. Harry jumped around and came face to face with a red headed woman in an ice blue dress that resembled a dress from Ancient Greece. Her eyes seemed to hold the world's knowledge. She smiled slightly at him before she spoke.
"So you are Harry of Potter Clan, the last of Percival's line." She said softly.
Harry nodded unsure of who this new person was or if she was friendly. The woman walked towards him. She hooked her through his and steered him to a chair. Harry could feel a chill ripple across his skin from the contact.
The woman made him sit down before she addressed him farther. When she finally content with his position, she curtsied low as she remarked, "It is an honor to meet you. Sir Percival was a good friend of mine."
"Um. Who are you? Where's Death?"
"Oh so you know Death too. Then you won't be shocked.", The woman mused, " Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Princess Kaori of the Royal Aquarius Family, Rulers of the Kingdom of Atlantis, the current Guardian of Knowledge."
"Isn't Atlantis a lost city?"
"Please! In ancient time, there were no cities. Beside the only reason it is 'lost' is because you mortals can't ever find what's in front of you. But I digress."
"Why are you here?"
"To say my final farewell." Knowledge's eye became very sad and very distant, "I must go into hiding again. It has become too dangerous for me. Just as before. And now so are you."
"Because Voldemort is back."
"Voldie? That pain?!" Knowledge asked amused. Her sapphire eyes danced with merriment but suddenly became serious, "No, Potter the younger, Voldemort isn't what places us in danger. It he who gave Voldemort his power that concerns me. There is a great and terrible power behind Voldemort. The same power that destroyed Atlantis."
"How am I to fight them?" Harry sighed as he thought about his chances if Voldemort came for him.
"How indeed?" Kaori smirked, "The blood that runs through you ran through the veins of one the most noble of Arthur's knights and his very own sister. You will know what to do when the time is right. Until then you have more eyes on you, making sure you are safe."
"You really believe that? That I will be able to fight Voldemort when he comes for me."
"You will not only fight but defeat Arcanius's pawn when the time is right. Your family will make sure you are ready for him. I must leave now for I have tarried too long. Tell Death I said Good-bye and I will see her in one year time."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good luck, Harry Potter. May the Creator watch over you."
With that said, Kaori left a blink of an eye. Harry was surprised how fast she was gone. Absently he wondered how many other Guardians were he going to meet before long? A voice whispered in his ear, They are already watching you. They will make sure nothing happens to you. That knowledge comforted Harry more than words could express. From the shadows Essie smiled.
***********************************************************************8
Chronos watched as the hands of time continued to move. The month of September slipped away as did October and November. His tired old eyes stared at the pool of water in front of him. Essie's image appeared in the pool as she continued to put away books. Chronos smiled at how happy she looked. His smiled widened as he thought about how Death would react to her first Christmas. This year, Dumbledore planned a masquerade party. It would be interesting to see how death would react to it.
*******************************************************************8
Essie listened intently as Harry explained to her what exactly was Christmas. Essie heard Thunder talk about Christmas before. She never quite understood it. To her, it was another day of work. Harry didn't just tell her what it was, he describe it. The smell of the Christmas feast. the presents, and all the games that the students play. Essie smiled wistfully. She doubt she'll be getting any presents this year. No one knew her well enough to get her something except Harry. Which reminded her, there was a Hogmeade trip planned for this weekend. Maybe she'll go into town and buy Harry a present.
"I wish I knew about Christmas earlier, little one." Essie sighed softly, "I would have enjoyed it."
"Well, you'll get a chance to this year. Dumbledore announced that there will be a costume ball on Christmas day." Harry smiled.
"A costume ball. What is that?" Essie asked confused.
"It's when you get dressed up as whatever you want and no one needs to know it's you. I'm not sure what to go as." Harry remarked.
"Essie paused putting away her book, and considered Harry for a moment, "King Arthur or Sir Percival."
Harry did a double take. Essie nonchanlantly continued to put away her books. She was smiling now.
"So it is true." Harry whispered, "The book was right."
"What about the book?"
"It told me I was Sir Percival's heir. Well, wrote it actually."
Essie turned to face Harry and cupped his chin so his eye stared into hers. Slowly Essie questioned, "When?"
"In September. That day I told you Miss Kaori stopped by. It told me about someone named Arcanius. I wanted to ask you about it but I forgot."
"This is serious. That Book never ever talked to anyone before. You are the first."
"Who wrote it?"
"No one." At harry blank look, Essie elaborated, "It is believed that The Creator made it. It's purpose is to write down the history of the world. Every major event, every time there is a new guardian, that book records it. It will only be finished when this world ends. No one has ever communicated with it."
"Do you think the author is trying to talk to me?"
"Maybe. This is serious. No guardian has ever talked with the Creator not even Chronos. He is the oldest of us."
"Chronos is the guardian of time and space. The Creator personally handed him the Staff of Ages."
"So it is said. Chronos never remembered it happening. " Essie returned to the problem at hand, "Harry , if the Creator is trying to contact you then something big is about to happen. Bigger than the first Guardian Civil War."
Harry felt his inside shrivel up. He didn't know what the first Guardian Civil War was, but it sounded bad. That and the serious expression on Death's face made Harr worry about what was going to happen.
Dancing with the Lady Death Chapter 8
Sirius froze where he stood, not quite sure what to do. He was afraid for a second that he was caught. She would alert someone to his presence. He won't go back to that hell again. Deftly, he fingered his wand, preparing himself to attack. Essie's gray eyes began to glow as she readied for his attack. Suddenly, Sirius realized something.
"What did you call me?" He asked softly. Essie blinked at his voice. It was...different. His voice was rougher, deeper, and full of pain. Don Luciendo's voice was smooth, and elegant, and sharp like a knife. She remembered it's cut all too well when he betrayed her love and life to save his precious reputation as a Don of Roma. This wasn't the Don's voice.
"You are Don Luciendo of Roma, are you not?" Essie asked confused, her eyes slowly losing their glow. Sirius breathed a sigh of relief and visible relaxed.
"I can quite happily say I am not that man. I've only been to Rome once in my life and I'm sure I would have remembered you if we have met before." Sirius smiled at her sweetly. Essie blushed as she realized the meaning of his comment. She turned away from him and stared back out the window.
"I'm sorry then. You look remarkably a lot like him. I got the two of you confused. He is not one of my favorite people." Essie whispered softly.
"Yeah, I can tell. He must have hurt you good for you to want to kill him."
Essie smiled at the comment, "He is already dead. The Don had betrayed too many hearts to escape this world in any natural way. I sometimes wished I was the one who held the knife."
"Remind me not to tick you off anytime soon. I personally like being alive." Sirius said as he approached her.
"As do I." Essie smiled at him and then frowned at herself, "I must seem awfully rude. I haven't even introduced myself."
"You are Esmeralda Sauterne. I know who you are." Sirius grinned at her confused look. Gently he took her hand and pressed his lips to it. His eyes never left hers, "The pleasure is all mine to met you face to face at last."
"How do you know me?' Essie asked suspiciously. With the earlier news of Arcanius being back, Essie had to be very cautious. Sirius kept an eye on her face as he decided what to do. Truth or lie? Finally, he decided on the half-truth.
"Dumbledore is a friend of mine. He mentioned your name to me. I have seen you before but you have never seen me." Sirius smiled a little seeing her relax a little. Essie pulled her hand away and smiled coyly. So he was a friend, Essie thought as she brushed past him and over to one of the tables, Friends should be trusted. So why couldn't she trust him? Essie glanced over her shoulder at the man standing in her library. She turned fully in order to size him up.
"Why do I get the feeling that I shouldn't trust you?" Essie questioned him, "You haven't told me who you are, only what you are."
"It's probably best if you didn't know who I was. You wouldn't like it." Sirius grumbled, "Besides if I told you I'd have to kill you."
Essie laughed loudly. Sirius blinked at her. What was so funny? Soon he found himself chuckling with her. God, he hadn't laughed in so long. It felt good. Sirius caught his breath and stared at Essie. She made him laugh. Something he hasn't done in a while. He was grateful to her for it.
Suddenly, The moonlight reflected off something high above the bookcases. Sirius focused on it and realized what it was, an arrow. It was pointed right at Essie. Sirius found himself acting with out much thought. He tackled Essie out the way just as the arrow flew from the bow. Essie barely had time to scream as she hit the ground. Sirius's body covered hers as he tried to focus in on where the arrow came from. He turned his head back to hers. His brown eyes pierced into her gray ones as he stared at her. Essie could feel him holding his breath. Essie turned her head to the side and her eyes widened. She could easily see the arrow and recognized it immediately.
"Essie, are you all right?" Sirius asked concerned, bringing her eyes back to his. Sirius nearly fell back into them again before he noticed their compromising position. He got up and helped her up. Essie was steadied on her feet and strode purposely over to the arrow. Sirius was right behind her.
"Essie, are you okay?" Sirius asked again.
"I'm fine." Essie sighed as she watched the arrow disintegrate into thin air, "Figures. He wouldn't want to leave any trace."
"You know who shoot that arrow at you?"
"Oh yeah, I know who it was."
"An associate of that Don Luciendo?"
Essie chuckled, "Good Creator, no. This one has achieved his goal."
Sirius was confused, "How? He didn't hit either of us."
"He didn't have to." Essie smiled and then yawned, "I think it's time to call it a night. Don't worry about the arrow. He won't be back."
"Right. Are you sure?"
"If he knows what is good for him, he won't." Essie laughed softly. Sirius watched as she led him to the door of the library. The door swung open as they approached it. Essie let Sirius out. Before she could close the door, Sirius stopped her.
"Don't I at least get a kiss for rescuing you?" Sirius asked smiling. Essie was about to rebuke him and slam the door in his face, but relented. She wasn't sure why. Her heart seemed to scream at her to let him kiss her, however her mind warned against it. Essie sided with her mind much to her heart's regret.
"Somehow that would not be a wise idea." Essie commented jokingly and at Sirius crestfallen look added, "When or if we meet again under different circumstances, good sir, then you will receive the kiss you deserve. Good night."
With that said, Essie promptly slammed the door shut. Sirius smiled softly and slyly to himself. She seemed nervous around him. This could be interesting. He turned and walked down the darken hallway with a definite spring in his step.
On the other side of the door, Essie tried to examine her own feelings. She handled the stranger fairly well. Gradually, her heart began to calm down. She glared at the place the arrow hit and disappeared. Lust was brave and stupid for showing his face here. Outside the howl of a wolf echoed through the valley. Essie smiled and decided some things were best left for the morning. A smile played around the corner of her mouth as she headed for bed.
Deep in the Forbidden Forest, a waterfall flows, bringing water and life to the many of the animals that dwell there. The waterfall glowed with an inner light, a gift from the Neptune, the Guardian of Water. Once in a long forgotten time, this waterfall was the place where the Guardians first made their decision to leave this plane of existence to the mortals and take a less active role. It was also the site where the Guardian began to split into two sides: Light and Dark. Even now, Guardians will still met and plan.
High on top of the waterfall a lone she-wolf waits. A black mist surrounds her. The wolf yawned and shook the dirt from her blood red fur. Bored, she tilted her head back and howled to the night sky. A howl answered her from below. The red wolf looked down at a dark brown wolf that began to climb up the waterfall. The she-wolf moved away from the ledge and waited for her mate. When the brown wolf appeared, the two began to shift their forms. Soon a young man with long brown hair and the redheaded Nightmare stood in their place. The young man had a bow and a quiver of arrows strapped to his back.
"It has begun." The young man stated gently, "They have met."
"So now we wait, Lust." Mare remarked casually, "It's hard to wait."
"I can't believe how well you are taking this, Phobos." Lust smiled charmily at his mate, "You knew we were going to lose her."
"Ever since she saved that boy." Mare sighed as she ran a hand through her blood red hair, "She was destined to be with him. He is after all, the only one of his line left. Voldemort made sure of it. No one caught on to what he was doing until only Harry was left. I just hope he will be up to the burden he will have to bear."
"Sir Percival was able to handle and I think his great-great-great-great- great-great-great-..."
"I think I get the point, Eros."
"Grandson can do the same. Now let's go hunt some Dementors."
"I knew there was reason why I liked you."
The two Guardians smiled at each other and disappeared into the forest. A pair of twin howls echoed through the night and sent a chill up anyone's spine who heard it.
********************************************************************8
The next day, Harry appeared at breakfast with his nose buried into the book that Essie gave him. Hermione and Ron looked at each other in confusion. Harry hardly ever cracked open a book before his first class of the day unless there was a test. And yet, here was their best friend reading a musty old book very intently. Hermione cleared her throat loudly trying to get Harry's attention. Harry looked at her and smiled before returning to the book.
"Harry?" Ron questioned with concern, "What are you reading?"
Harry looked up from his book and smiled lopsidedly, "The history of the world, Ron. It's amazing what is in this book. I can't believe that anyone would want it gone."
Hermione and Ron traded another look. This one was of utter concern. An unspoken message passed between them. Change the subject and quick. Hermione returned to her breakfast and tried to think of a new tactic.
Finally she casually dropped, "I hear the library is reopening today. I wonder if they have any books on the Guardians. It's quite extensive, you know. Besides once a book is in there, it stays there. No book can be destroyed once it's catalogued into the Hogwarts library."
"Oh!"
"And how do you know this 'Mione?" Ron asked, knowing the answer.
"Hogwarts, A History. I swear I'm the only person who has read it."
"Probably."
Harry wasn't listening to the building argument between his two best friends. He was too engrossed in the story, myth , or whatever it was unfolding in the pages in front of him. The story was about the first Guardians of Death, The Biblical Abel. It seemed he was the first person that was deemed murdered. The Creator decided to make a position for the poor guy and he became the very first Guardian of Death. Since then, There has only been ten Deaths including Essie. It seemed the only way to become Death is you must kill the current Death. However Essie is the exception to this rule. It seemed she was chosen to become Death after the last one committed suicide. Harry grimaced at that thought and yet found it relieving that Essie wasn't murderer. Before he could read any farther something happened to the book. The writing went from silver to gold.
Suddenly the book flung it self to the table. The pages flipped by at a rapid pace and quite suddenly stopped. Harry looked over at the book and was surprised to see that book was still writing itself. Harry glanced up at Ron and Hermione, who were oblivious to the book's behavior. So was everyone else at the Gryffindor table. Harry glanced back at the book and was surprised to see it was writing to him.
Hail to the Great Harry Potter. Hail to the Sir Percival's heir.
"Me?" Harry whispered softly.
Yes. We have been wait for this moment. Long we have hid in the Hogwarts library, waiting for you. Now we can begin your training, young heir.
"My training?"
As Sir Percival's heir, you must be prepared to fight for this world. Not much time has been allotted to us for The Darkness is gathering momentum and power. Soon they will strike. You must be ready. We will talk again."
Suddenly the book snapped shut. Whatever spell it casted was gone and Harry was trying to digest everything that they book said. Sir Percival's heir, him?! That was ridiculous. Wasn't it? Harry glanced up at the Head table. Essie was leaving the table to open the library. Remus called out something to her that caused her to laugh before exiting the room. If Death could be allowed to walk among men, maybe he was Sir Percival's heir. Maybe he did have a family he was hidden from. There was only one way to know for sure. Harry put the book back into his bag and stood up. Hermione and Ron stopped fighting long enough to note this. Harry smiled at them.
"Hey, guys. I'm going to the library for a quick second. I'll see you guys in class." Harry commented before ran after Essie, totally unaware that he said anything out of the ordinary. Behind him, he left two shocked friends and one giggling Ginny.
When Harry entered the library again, Essie was nowhere to be seen. Harry looked around the empty library for her. Behind him, a throat was cleared. Harry jumped around and came face to face with a red headed woman in an ice blue dress that resembled a dress from Ancient Greece. Her eyes seemed to hold the world's knowledge. She smiled slightly at him before she spoke.
"So you are Harry of Potter Clan, the last of Percival's line." She said softly.
Harry nodded unsure of who this new person was or if she was friendly. The woman walked towards him. She hooked her through his and steered him to a chair. Harry could feel a chill ripple across his skin from the contact.
The woman made him sit down before she addressed him farther. When she finally content with his position, she curtsied low as she remarked, "It is an honor to meet you. Sir Percival was a good friend of mine."
"Um. Who are you? Where's Death?"
"Oh so you know Death too. Then you won't be shocked.", The woman mused, " Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Princess Kaori of the Royal Aquarius Family, Rulers of the Kingdom of Atlantis, the current Guardian of Knowledge."
"Isn't Atlantis a lost city?"
"Please! In ancient time, there were no cities. Beside the only reason it is 'lost' is because you mortals can't ever find what's in front of you. But I digress."
"Why are you here?"
"To say my final farewell." Knowledge's eye became very sad and very distant, "I must go into hiding again. It has become too dangerous for me. Just as before. And now so are you."
"Because Voldemort is back."
"Voldie? That pain?!" Knowledge asked amused. Her sapphire eyes danced with merriment but suddenly became serious, "No, Potter the younger, Voldemort isn't what places us in danger. It he who gave Voldemort his power that concerns me. There is a great and terrible power behind Voldemort. The same power that destroyed Atlantis."
"How am I to fight them?" Harry sighed as he thought about his chances if Voldemort came for him.
"How indeed?" Kaori smirked, "The blood that runs through you ran through the veins of one the most noble of Arthur's knights and his very own sister. You will know what to do when the time is right. Until then you have more eyes on you, making sure you are safe."
"You really believe that? That I will be able to fight Voldemort when he comes for me."
"You will not only fight but defeat Arcanius's pawn when the time is right. Your family will make sure you are ready for him. I must leave now for I have tarried too long. Tell Death I said Good-bye and I will see her in one year time."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good luck, Harry Potter. May the Creator watch over you."
With that said, Kaori left a blink of an eye. Harry was surprised how fast she was gone. Absently he wondered how many other Guardians were he going to meet before long? A voice whispered in his ear, They are already watching you. They will make sure nothing happens to you. That knowledge comforted Harry more than words could express. From the shadows Essie smiled.
***********************************************************************8
Chronos watched as the hands of time continued to move. The month of September slipped away as did October and November. His tired old eyes stared at the pool of water in front of him. Essie's image appeared in the pool as she continued to put away books. Chronos smiled at how happy she looked. His smiled widened as he thought about how Death would react to her first Christmas. This year, Dumbledore planned a masquerade party. It would be interesting to see how death would react to it.
*******************************************************************8
Essie listened intently as Harry explained to her what exactly was Christmas. Essie heard Thunder talk about Christmas before. She never quite understood it. To her, it was another day of work. Harry didn't just tell her what it was, he describe it. The smell of the Christmas feast. the presents, and all the games that the students play. Essie smiled wistfully. She doubt she'll be getting any presents this year. No one knew her well enough to get her something except Harry. Which reminded her, there was a Hogmeade trip planned for this weekend. Maybe she'll go into town and buy Harry a present.
"I wish I knew about Christmas earlier, little one." Essie sighed softly, "I would have enjoyed it."
"Well, you'll get a chance to this year. Dumbledore announced that there will be a costume ball on Christmas day." Harry smiled.
"A costume ball. What is that?" Essie asked confused.
"It's when you get dressed up as whatever you want and no one needs to know it's you. I'm not sure what to go as." Harry remarked.
"Essie paused putting away her book, and considered Harry for a moment, "King Arthur or Sir Percival."
Harry did a double take. Essie nonchanlantly continued to put away her books. She was smiling now.
"So it is true." Harry whispered, "The book was right."
"What about the book?"
"It told me I was Sir Percival's heir. Well, wrote it actually."
Essie turned to face Harry and cupped his chin so his eye stared into hers. Slowly Essie questioned, "When?"
"In September. That day I told you Miss Kaori stopped by. It told me about someone named Arcanius. I wanted to ask you about it but I forgot."
"This is serious. That Book never ever talked to anyone before. You are the first."
"Who wrote it?"
"No one." At harry blank look, Essie elaborated, "It is believed that The Creator made it. It's purpose is to write down the history of the world. Every major event, every time there is a new guardian, that book records it. It will only be finished when this world ends. No one has ever communicated with it."
"Do you think the author is trying to talk to me?"
"Maybe. This is serious. No guardian has ever talked with the Creator not even Chronos. He is the oldest of us."
"Chronos is the guardian of time and space. The Creator personally handed him the Staff of Ages."
"So it is said. Chronos never remembered it happening. " Essie returned to the problem at hand, "Harry , if the Creator is trying to contact you then something big is about to happen. Bigger than the first Guardian Civil War."
Harry felt his inside shrivel up. He didn't know what the first Guardian Civil War was, but it sounded bad. That and the serious expression on Death's face made Harr worry about what was going to happen.
