A/N: Sorry It's been a while I was so hoping to have it up by New Years. I
hate having writer's block. Oh well A romantic chapter up in time for
Valentine's. Essie receives her first kiss. We can all guess from who. ;)
~MW
Dancing with The Lady Death Chapter 9
Essie walked down the street in Hogmeade. Around her several student were running from store to store checking out all the goodies and treats. The sky stubbornly refused to allow any snow to fall yet. Essie had a sneaky suspicion that Neptune was purposely waiting for Christmas for allowing the first snowfall. Essie smiled softly. Neptune always a hopeless romantic. She stopped in her tracks to see a young couple walking towards her.
Nightmare tightened her grip on Lust's hand, getting his attention. Lust looked at his mate questioningly. Nightmare motioned to Essie. Lust looked up and smiled widely. He left his mate side and ran up to his old friend.
"Esmeralda Sauterne! Creator, It's good to see you." Lust cried as he hugged her.
Essie was in slight shock, but recovered long enough to return the hug, "It's good to see you too, Eros."
Nightmare smiled and sauntered up, "Mortality suits you, little sister."
"I'm happy, Phobos." Essie remarked with a smile to her oldest friend.
"That is good." Nightmare said off-handily as she looped her arm through Essie's, "We have much to talk about and too little time to do so."
"The Three Broomsticks is just up ahead. But we can stop there in a few. I have to find a present for Harry." Essie commented as she stopped outside Honeyduke's. Nightmare and Lust stopped in their tracks confused.
"What for?" Lust asked.
"Christmas." Essie remarked proudly at the two confused faces.
"What in the Creator's name is that?" Lust exclaimed.
"It's a day of brotherhood and generosity. Everyone gives presents to those they care about and receives presents from the people who care about them. It's a sweet holiday." Essie explained softly as she entered Honeyduke's.
"How come we never did anything like that?" Lust grumbled.
"Maybe because we never really had a need for material things." Nightmare pointed out.
"Well, either way I have to find the prefect present." Essie smiled at the two.
Nightmare glared at the inside of the store. Personally, she didn't mind mingling with the mortal. She actually came up with more ideas that way. However, they could not tarry too long, with Dementors still lurking about. Nightmare looked at Essie and decided to end this quickly.
"Essie, give the boy this." Nightmare grumbled as she held out her hand. Essie and Lust watched as a black mist rolled off of Mare's hand. The mist swirled around until forming an amulet with a bloodstone as the medallion. Nightmare turned her hand upside down, Essie caught the amulet and gazed at it. Her eyes widen in realization of what it was. Lust turned to his mate in surprise.
"This is the Deimos Amulet. Phobos, you never ever have given it to a human." Essie stammered.
"In the old days, if any of the mages saw it, they would panic." Lust cried, "Are you sure the boy will be able to handle it?"
"He is the heir of Sir Percival. Sir Percival's sword was blessed with the stone, It is only fitting that his heir wears it. It will protect the boy well and alert us when he is in danger. I freely give it to the boy, as the Guardian of Fear." Nightmare announced as she closed Essie's hand over it, "You will need to bless it with your powers before you can give it to him."
Essie hugged her oldest and dearest friend tightly. Lust smiled looking on. Essie pulled away. The threesome left Honeyduke's. and headed towards the Three Broomsticks.
********************************************************************8
Fate stood in the middle of the Great Hall. It was currently in the middle of being decorated for tonight's party. Glancing around the room, she was quite alone for now. It was odd being outside Dumbledore's room, but the headmaster was in the middle of a meeting with the Minister of Magic. Fate snorted to herself, Fudge was such an idiot. If only the cards have been played differently, maybe none of this would have been necessary. Harry would be with his family, Voldemort would be either dead or back to being Thomas Riddle, and Death would be immortal. But the cards have been dealt and the world must make do with what it has been given. No one escapes the consequences.
" Daniella. What are thinking of?" Dumbledore asked as he approached her.
" Destiny." Fate smiled as she turned to her dearest friend, " Well?"
"Fudge still refuses to see the truth. He is currently trying to remove me from the Headmastership."
"I'm sure that won't happen. Certain school governors will refuse to yield." Fate smiled wider.
"They are have already made it clear to Fudge that that they would sooner get rid of him before they'll dismiss me." Dumbledore shook his head, "Sometimes my family is so impetuous."
"Protective." Daniella corrected, "You can count on them when the time comes."
"Tonight is the costume ball, "Albus remarked gently changing the subject, "You will attend, yes?"
"Of course I will. I miss the Yule Ball last year. This year wild dragons couldn't keep me away. The Dream Realm Rulers will be keeping guard."
Dumbledore smiled softly at the thought of the three troublemakers, "It will definitely be interesting. Let go to my office before you are spotted." Daniella nodded and took Dumbledore's arm. After all these years, Albus still hasn't changed.
****************************************************************8******* Harry looked up from his butterbeer, when Essie walked in with Nightmare and Lust. He glanced over at Hermione and Ron to see if they had noticed. The couple only had eyes for each other. Harry sighed and looked over at Ginny who just rolled her eyes. Harry chuckled as he mulled over the idea of going over to Essie's table. He nicked the idea quickly when he spotted Malfoy entering the pub.
Nightmare quietly sipped her pint of ale as Lust and Essie got caught up on some old news. Soon Essie looked over at her oldest friend and noted the serious look in her eyes.
"What is wrong, old friend?" Essie commented softly, "I have never seen you so serious."
"This are bad times, little sister. They are about to get worse." Nightmare sighed as she locked eyes with Harry.
"I know." Essie sighed, "Harry has much to learn."
"Keep him out of the Forbidden Forest. As far away from it as possible." Nightmare warned her friend.
"I heard about the Dementors."
"It's not just the Dementors. Arcanius is involved. He has spies everywhere. If it will bring more power soon, he will destroy the boy the first chance he gets."
Lust nodded his agreement, "That boy is the only hope we have of holding Arcanius at bay. At least until we can find a Knight of Atlantis, who can protect Kaori."
"Our destinies ride with that boy." Nightmare proclaimed softly, "Has his family been informed of recent events."
Essie nodded, "Aye. Albus was to talk with them today. Cornelius Fudge is to be at the school tonight for the Costume Ball. He doesn't approve of anything Albus does. It will be hard to prepare for an attack."
"Don't worry, The Le Fayes can handle The Minister. They may be disliked, but they still have a lot of clout in the wizard and Muggle world. You just keep the boy safe." Nightmare informed Essie as she raised her glass to Harry.
Lust cleared his throat and said, "So what's this about a party tonight and why weren't we invited?"
Essie smiled as she informed her two friends about the party. For a moment, she felt the problems of the world slip away. *********************************************888********************* That night several people prepared for the ball. Costumes were revealed and bets were made. Remus put the finishing touches on his Jekyll and Hyde costume. He studied his self in the mirror and nodded his approval.
"Well, Padfoot, what do you think?" Remus asked his best friend. Sirius walked in to the room while clasping his cape. A porcelain mask covered Sirius's face. He looked Remus over and smiled.
"Perfect, Moony. It's you." Sirius assessed, "All you need is a Lucy on your arm and you'll be set."
Remus's smile faded as he said, "My Lucy is an ocean away. Sirius, please. Let's let the past remain buried for tonight."
Sirius placed a hand on Remus's shoulder and promised, 'Of course, Moony. Tonight we'll have fun."
"Unless you ditch me for the librarian again." Remus joked showing there were no hard feeling.
Sirius laughed at his friend as he swept out of the room. *****************888************************888**********************
Essie walked among the students. Her costume was that of a gypsy. When she turned her rainbow colored skirt would flare out. A colorful mask that Dreams had painted on hid her face. This party brought back many sweet memories of her nights with the caravan. Maybe she will get brave enough and dance a solo that Albus hinted about. She soon found herself back at the front door of the Great Hall. Odd, she didn't remember turning around. Gently she shook her head to clear it. Essie turned to try and make her away back to the Head Table.
Suddenly she hit a solid object behind her. She felt a pair of strong hands grip her arm in an attempt to steady her. Essie looked up and stared into the face of Erik, Phantom of the Opera. Or at least someone dressed as the fictional character. The Phantom smiled at her.
"The gypsy, Esmeralda from Notre Dame de Paris." he guessed softly. Essie felt a shiver go up her spine. That voice, she knew that voice. She smiled at him and tried to place that voice. She knew she had heard it here at the school. Taking a deep breath, Essie decided to play along.
"You are correct, Monsieur Phantom. We both are a long way from Paris. What brings you to Hogwarts?" Essie teased back. The Phantom seemed amused behind his mask. One of his hands slid down her arm. He brought her hand up to his face.
"I have come to find a woman who has stolen my heart." The Phantom declared.
"I have not seen any opera singers around." Essie commented thoughtfully.
"This woman was a keeper of books. A gray eyed, black hair gypsy who keeps the books safe." The Phantom smiled deeply noticing the look of recognition in Essie's eye. Sirius decided to follow a thought he had. His eyes never left Essie's. Smoothly, he brought the palm of Essie's hand to his masked cheek. The porcelain felt cool against her hand. Gracefully, Sirius slid her wrist to his mouth and ever so softly kissed it. A jolt went flying through Essie's body. Vaguely, Essie wondered who was this man and how could he have such control over her.
"Mademoiselle, "Sirius whispered softly as he continued to peer into her stormy eyes, " you still owe me that kiss. I have waited for the right time to ask for it."
"Why have you waited?" Essie asked as she felt his hand on the small of her back. He was steering her towards the dance floor.
"It is not safe for me. Even now I am taking a great risk just to be in your company." Sirius said truthfully as he turned her towards him and prepared to dance with her. Essie looked over his shoulder to see Harry watching them with great interest. Essie flashed Harry a smile, which he fully returned. The music started as Sirius began to move them. Essie recognized the song as Toccata in D minor by Bach. She gave a chuckle.
"It seems someone has a sense of humor." Essie chuckled.
"Not the romantic song or the easiest to waltz to." Sirius smiled himself.
"You have inspired it to be played."
After a minute, the music stopped and changed to a more livelier tune. Sirius quickly changed his pace to match the music. Essie followed his lead and began to enjoy herself. Sirius tore his eyes away from her beautiful face to see Harry dancing near by with Ginny. Harry was dressed as a knight and Ginny as a lady. He smiled at his godson, who returned it. Ginny smiled too.
Sirius continued to look around the room. Every eye was on Essie and himself. It was very uncomfortable especially when one of those eyes belonged to the Minister of Magic himself.
"Shall we go for a walk? We are attracting too much attention." Sirius whispered in her ear, "Minister Fudge is giving us an odd look."
Essie nodded and let Sirius Guide her off the dance floor and into the garden. Albus and Daniella noticed this. Together, they gave the new couple a silent toast. Remus also took note and was worried for his friend.
Nightmare watched her little sister paint quickly. Her blue eyes glittered with amusement behind her mask, as she watched the picture started to take shape. Dreams was balanced on Lust's shoulder while she painted the mistletoe. Sandman was watching the ballroom, keeping a lookout.
"Finished!" Dreams shouted as she jumped down. Dreams walked to her elder sister's side. Lust touched the mistletoe and whispered in an old but forgotten language. The mistletoe glowed for a moment then it faded. Lust smiled at his mate and her sister.
"All is ready. Let's go." Lust suggested.
Nightmare nodded and turned around, "Everything is in place, brother dear. Are they coming?"
"Oh yeah. 12 o'clock high." Sandman chuckled lightly, "I think we should go."
Nightmare smiled her agreement as a mist surrounded them causing them to totally disappear. Essie and Sirius stepped out onto the terrace. Essie was thankful for her mask since it covered her blush. Never has anyone treated her with such affection since her 'death'. Shyly she glanced up at the man next to her. This handsome man who seemed to steal her heart away. To Essie's shame, they have only meet once and she still didn't know his name. Yet, Essie felt as if her soul knew his. Maybe it was her gypsy intuition, the belief in kismet.
"It's a beautiful night out." Sirius commented , breaking the silence, "What do you think my lovely gypsy?"
"It is." Essie sighed softly as she gazed at the stars, "I remember nights like this when my family would travel from town to town in Italia."
"You traveled a lot?" Sirius asked as he gazed at her.
"That was our lot in life." Essie replied as she stared at the stars, "The road was my home. The wind was my friend who told me what direction to go in. Some nights like tonight, we would build a fire in the center of the camp. My grandpapa would tell us scary stories from our old homeland. Grandmama would read the fortunes of any fellow traveler that strayed into our camp. Papa and my cousins would play the most beautiful music in the world. The kind that would make your soul dance."
"And you would dance."
Essie smiled softly, "Until my legs would hurt. It's a glorious feeling. Letting the music guide your body."
Sirius was about to say something when he noticed her rubbing her arms. Gently he threw part of his cloak around her and drew her closer. At her questioning look, he simply said, "You are cold. Let me keep you warm."
Inside, Essie could distantly hear the band pick up on a new song. She smiled softly at the appropriateness of it. Snuggling closer to Sirius, she felt the music in her heart. Sirius tightened his hold on Essie as he heard the song too. He noted how accurate the words were to his situation as well. Together they walked contented with each other's company.
Suddenly, They were frozen in to place. Sirius looked around for the cause of the enchantment. Essie pointed up above their heads. Sirius looked up and chuckled at the sight of the magical mistletoe.
"It seems we are caught." Sirius stated.
"So how do we get out of this?" Essie asked.
"Easy." Sirius chuckled as he pulled Essie close. He lowered his face until they were just inches apart and answered, "We kiss."
Before Essie could protest, Sirius kissed her. It was a passionate kiss and one that Essie couldn't fight. In fact, Essie followed her gypsy heart and met Sirius head on. Their breaths mingled as each other let the other know where they wish to be. Finally, Sirius pulled away and gazed into Essie's eyes. Instead of their normal storm gray color, they resembled pools of molten mercury. Sirius fought the urge to kiss her again.
"Esmeralda," Sirius started, "I don't know what came over me."
Essie placed her finger on his lips, effectively silencing, and remarked, "Don't. I freely give you this kiss. Thank you."
Sirius was speechless. (Imagine that ~MW) A smile slowly spread across his face as he bent to steal another kiss. However, Luck had a different idea as a female scream shattered this precious moment. The two adults turned to see a very shaken Hermione come running to them. Essie broke away as she tried to comfort the girl. Sirius joined her side, as did several other people from the Hall.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Essie asked gently.
"They took him, Miss Sauterne." Hermione gulped, "They came out of the forest and dragged him away."
"Who did?" Sirius questioned softly," Hermione, Calm down and tell us what happened."
Hermione took a breath and started, 'Ron and I were walking down by the lake. Suddenly they came out of the woods. We tried to run except they got Ron and took him away."
"Who did, Miss Granger?" Albus Dumbledore's voice rang out as he approached the group.
"A whole group of Dementors, Professor Dumbledore." Hermione cried.
***************************8888************************************
Thunder walks out. Thunder: Is this the end of Ron? What will Essie do about? What will Harry do? And why am I doing this? To be answered in the next chapter. Until then R&R, (gets on kneels) Please!
Dancing with The Lady Death Chapter 9
Essie walked down the street in Hogmeade. Around her several student were running from store to store checking out all the goodies and treats. The sky stubbornly refused to allow any snow to fall yet. Essie had a sneaky suspicion that Neptune was purposely waiting for Christmas for allowing the first snowfall. Essie smiled softly. Neptune always a hopeless romantic. She stopped in her tracks to see a young couple walking towards her.
Nightmare tightened her grip on Lust's hand, getting his attention. Lust looked at his mate questioningly. Nightmare motioned to Essie. Lust looked up and smiled widely. He left his mate side and ran up to his old friend.
"Esmeralda Sauterne! Creator, It's good to see you." Lust cried as he hugged her.
Essie was in slight shock, but recovered long enough to return the hug, "It's good to see you too, Eros."
Nightmare smiled and sauntered up, "Mortality suits you, little sister."
"I'm happy, Phobos." Essie remarked with a smile to her oldest friend.
"That is good." Nightmare said off-handily as she looped her arm through Essie's, "We have much to talk about and too little time to do so."
"The Three Broomsticks is just up ahead. But we can stop there in a few. I have to find a present for Harry." Essie commented as she stopped outside Honeyduke's. Nightmare and Lust stopped in their tracks confused.
"What for?" Lust asked.
"Christmas." Essie remarked proudly at the two confused faces.
"What in the Creator's name is that?" Lust exclaimed.
"It's a day of brotherhood and generosity. Everyone gives presents to those they care about and receives presents from the people who care about them. It's a sweet holiday." Essie explained softly as she entered Honeyduke's.
"How come we never did anything like that?" Lust grumbled.
"Maybe because we never really had a need for material things." Nightmare pointed out.
"Well, either way I have to find the prefect present." Essie smiled at the two.
Nightmare glared at the inside of the store. Personally, she didn't mind mingling with the mortal. She actually came up with more ideas that way. However, they could not tarry too long, with Dementors still lurking about. Nightmare looked at Essie and decided to end this quickly.
"Essie, give the boy this." Nightmare grumbled as she held out her hand. Essie and Lust watched as a black mist rolled off of Mare's hand. The mist swirled around until forming an amulet with a bloodstone as the medallion. Nightmare turned her hand upside down, Essie caught the amulet and gazed at it. Her eyes widen in realization of what it was. Lust turned to his mate in surprise.
"This is the Deimos Amulet. Phobos, you never ever have given it to a human." Essie stammered.
"In the old days, if any of the mages saw it, they would panic." Lust cried, "Are you sure the boy will be able to handle it?"
"He is the heir of Sir Percival. Sir Percival's sword was blessed with the stone, It is only fitting that his heir wears it. It will protect the boy well and alert us when he is in danger. I freely give it to the boy, as the Guardian of Fear." Nightmare announced as she closed Essie's hand over it, "You will need to bless it with your powers before you can give it to him."
Essie hugged her oldest and dearest friend tightly. Lust smiled looking on. Essie pulled away. The threesome left Honeyduke's. and headed towards the Three Broomsticks.
********************************************************************8
Fate stood in the middle of the Great Hall. It was currently in the middle of being decorated for tonight's party. Glancing around the room, she was quite alone for now. It was odd being outside Dumbledore's room, but the headmaster was in the middle of a meeting with the Minister of Magic. Fate snorted to herself, Fudge was such an idiot. If only the cards have been played differently, maybe none of this would have been necessary. Harry would be with his family, Voldemort would be either dead or back to being Thomas Riddle, and Death would be immortal. But the cards have been dealt and the world must make do with what it has been given. No one escapes the consequences.
" Daniella. What are thinking of?" Dumbledore asked as he approached her.
" Destiny." Fate smiled as she turned to her dearest friend, " Well?"
"Fudge still refuses to see the truth. He is currently trying to remove me from the Headmastership."
"I'm sure that won't happen. Certain school governors will refuse to yield." Fate smiled wider.
"They are have already made it clear to Fudge that that they would sooner get rid of him before they'll dismiss me." Dumbledore shook his head, "Sometimes my family is so impetuous."
"Protective." Daniella corrected, "You can count on them when the time comes."
"Tonight is the costume ball, "Albus remarked gently changing the subject, "You will attend, yes?"
"Of course I will. I miss the Yule Ball last year. This year wild dragons couldn't keep me away. The Dream Realm Rulers will be keeping guard."
Dumbledore smiled softly at the thought of the three troublemakers, "It will definitely be interesting. Let go to my office before you are spotted." Daniella nodded and took Dumbledore's arm. After all these years, Albus still hasn't changed.
****************************************************************8******* Harry looked up from his butterbeer, when Essie walked in with Nightmare and Lust. He glanced over at Hermione and Ron to see if they had noticed. The couple only had eyes for each other. Harry sighed and looked over at Ginny who just rolled her eyes. Harry chuckled as he mulled over the idea of going over to Essie's table. He nicked the idea quickly when he spotted Malfoy entering the pub.
Nightmare quietly sipped her pint of ale as Lust and Essie got caught up on some old news. Soon Essie looked over at her oldest friend and noted the serious look in her eyes.
"What is wrong, old friend?" Essie commented softly, "I have never seen you so serious."
"This are bad times, little sister. They are about to get worse." Nightmare sighed as she locked eyes with Harry.
"I know." Essie sighed, "Harry has much to learn."
"Keep him out of the Forbidden Forest. As far away from it as possible." Nightmare warned her friend.
"I heard about the Dementors."
"It's not just the Dementors. Arcanius is involved. He has spies everywhere. If it will bring more power soon, he will destroy the boy the first chance he gets."
Lust nodded his agreement, "That boy is the only hope we have of holding Arcanius at bay. At least until we can find a Knight of Atlantis, who can protect Kaori."
"Our destinies ride with that boy." Nightmare proclaimed softly, "Has his family been informed of recent events."
Essie nodded, "Aye. Albus was to talk with them today. Cornelius Fudge is to be at the school tonight for the Costume Ball. He doesn't approve of anything Albus does. It will be hard to prepare for an attack."
"Don't worry, The Le Fayes can handle The Minister. They may be disliked, but they still have a lot of clout in the wizard and Muggle world. You just keep the boy safe." Nightmare informed Essie as she raised her glass to Harry.
Lust cleared his throat and said, "So what's this about a party tonight and why weren't we invited?"
Essie smiled as she informed her two friends about the party. For a moment, she felt the problems of the world slip away. *********************************************888********************* That night several people prepared for the ball. Costumes were revealed and bets were made. Remus put the finishing touches on his Jekyll and Hyde costume. He studied his self in the mirror and nodded his approval.
"Well, Padfoot, what do you think?" Remus asked his best friend. Sirius walked in to the room while clasping his cape. A porcelain mask covered Sirius's face. He looked Remus over and smiled.
"Perfect, Moony. It's you." Sirius assessed, "All you need is a Lucy on your arm and you'll be set."
Remus's smile faded as he said, "My Lucy is an ocean away. Sirius, please. Let's let the past remain buried for tonight."
Sirius placed a hand on Remus's shoulder and promised, 'Of course, Moony. Tonight we'll have fun."
"Unless you ditch me for the librarian again." Remus joked showing there were no hard feeling.
Sirius laughed at his friend as he swept out of the room. *****************888************************888**********************
Essie walked among the students. Her costume was that of a gypsy. When she turned her rainbow colored skirt would flare out. A colorful mask that Dreams had painted on hid her face. This party brought back many sweet memories of her nights with the caravan. Maybe she will get brave enough and dance a solo that Albus hinted about. She soon found herself back at the front door of the Great Hall. Odd, she didn't remember turning around. Gently she shook her head to clear it. Essie turned to try and make her away back to the Head Table.
Suddenly she hit a solid object behind her. She felt a pair of strong hands grip her arm in an attempt to steady her. Essie looked up and stared into the face of Erik, Phantom of the Opera. Or at least someone dressed as the fictional character. The Phantom smiled at her.
"The gypsy, Esmeralda from Notre Dame de Paris." he guessed softly. Essie felt a shiver go up her spine. That voice, she knew that voice. She smiled at him and tried to place that voice. She knew she had heard it here at the school. Taking a deep breath, Essie decided to play along.
"You are correct, Monsieur Phantom. We both are a long way from Paris. What brings you to Hogwarts?" Essie teased back. The Phantom seemed amused behind his mask. One of his hands slid down her arm. He brought her hand up to his face.
"I have come to find a woman who has stolen my heart." The Phantom declared.
"I have not seen any opera singers around." Essie commented thoughtfully.
"This woman was a keeper of books. A gray eyed, black hair gypsy who keeps the books safe." The Phantom smiled deeply noticing the look of recognition in Essie's eye. Sirius decided to follow a thought he had. His eyes never left Essie's. Smoothly, he brought the palm of Essie's hand to his masked cheek. The porcelain felt cool against her hand. Gracefully, Sirius slid her wrist to his mouth and ever so softly kissed it. A jolt went flying through Essie's body. Vaguely, Essie wondered who was this man and how could he have such control over her.
"Mademoiselle, "Sirius whispered softly as he continued to peer into her stormy eyes, " you still owe me that kiss. I have waited for the right time to ask for it."
"Why have you waited?" Essie asked as she felt his hand on the small of her back. He was steering her towards the dance floor.
"It is not safe for me. Even now I am taking a great risk just to be in your company." Sirius said truthfully as he turned her towards him and prepared to dance with her. Essie looked over his shoulder to see Harry watching them with great interest. Essie flashed Harry a smile, which he fully returned. The music started as Sirius began to move them. Essie recognized the song as Toccata in D minor by Bach. She gave a chuckle.
"It seems someone has a sense of humor." Essie chuckled.
"Not the romantic song or the easiest to waltz to." Sirius smiled himself.
"You have inspired it to be played."
After a minute, the music stopped and changed to a more livelier tune. Sirius quickly changed his pace to match the music. Essie followed his lead and began to enjoy herself. Sirius tore his eyes away from her beautiful face to see Harry dancing near by with Ginny. Harry was dressed as a knight and Ginny as a lady. He smiled at his godson, who returned it. Ginny smiled too.
Sirius continued to look around the room. Every eye was on Essie and himself. It was very uncomfortable especially when one of those eyes belonged to the Minister of Magic himself.
"Shall we go for a walk? We are attracting too much attention." Sirius whispered in her ear, "Minister Fudge is giving us an odd look."
Essie nodded and let Sirius Guide her off the dance floor and into the garden. Albus and Daniella noticed this. Together, they gave the new couple a silent toast. Remus also took note and was worried for his friend.
Nightmare watched her little sister paint quickly. Her blue eyes glittered with amusement behind her mask, as she watched the picture started to take shape. Dreams was balanced on Lust's shoulder while she painted the mistletoe. Sandman was watching the ballroom, keeping a lookout.
"Finished!" Dreams shouted as she jumped down. Dreams walked to her elder sister's side. Lust touched the mistletoe and whispered in an old but forgotten language. The mistletoe glowed for a moment then it faded. Lust smiled at his mate and her sister.
"All is ready. Let's go." Lust suggested.
Nightmare nodded and turned around, "Everything is in place, brother dear. Are they coming?"
"Oh yeah. 12 o'clock high." Sandman chuckled lightly, "I think we should go."
Nightmare smiled her agreement as a mist surrounded them causing them to totally disappear. Essie and Sirius stepped out onto the terrace. Essie was thankful for her mask since it covered her blush. Never has anyone treated her with such affection since her 'death'. Shyly she glanced up at the man next to her. This handsome man who seemed to steal her heart away. To Essie's shame, they have only meet once and she still didn't know his name. Yet, Essie felt as if her soul knew his. Maybe it was her gypsy intuition, the belief in kismet.
"It's a beautiful night out." Sirius commented , breaking the silence, "What do you think my lovely gypsy?"
"It is." Essie sighed softly as she gazed at the stars, "I remember nights like this when my family would travel from town to town in Italia."
"You traveled a lot?" Sirius asked as he gazed at her.
"That was our lot in life." Essie replied as she stared at the stars, "The road was my home. The wind was my friend who told me what direction to go in. Some nights like tonight, we would build a fire in the center of the camp. My grandpapa would tell us scary stories from our old homeland. Grandmama would read the fortunes of any fellow traveler that strayed into our camp. Papa and my cousins would play the most beautiful music in the world. The kind that would make your soul dance."
"And you would dance."
Essie smiled softly, "Until my legs would hurt. It's a glorious feeling. Letting the music guide your body."
Sirius was about to say something when he noticed her rubbing her arms. Gently he threw part of his cloak around her and drew her closer. At her questioning look, he simply said, "You are cold. Let me keep you warm."
Inside, Essie could distantly hear the band pick up on a new song. She smiled softly at the appropriateness of it. Snuggling closer to Sirius, she felt the music in her heart. Sirius tightened his hold on Essie as he heard the song too. He noted how accurate the words were to his situation as well. Together they walked contented with each other's company.
Suddenly, They were frozen in to place. Sirius looked around for the cause of the enchantment. Essie pointed up above their heads. Sirius looked up and chuckled at the sight of the magical mistletoe.
"It seems we are caught." Sirius stated.
"So how do we get out of this?" Essie asked.
"Easy." Sirius chuckled as he pulled Essie close. He lowered his face until they were just inches apart and answered, "We kiss."
Before Essie could protest, Sirius kissed her. It was a passionate kiss and one that Essie couldn't fight. In fact, Essie followed her gypsy heart and met Sirius head on. Their breaths mingled as each other let the other know where they wish to be. Finally, Sirius pulled away and gazed into Essie's eyes. Instead of their normal storm gray color, they resembled pools of molten mercury. Sirius fought the urge to kiss her again.
"Esmeralda," Sirius started, "I don't know what came over me."
Essie placed her finger on his lips, effectively silencing, and remarked, "Don't. I freely give you this kiss. Thank you."
Sirius was speechless. (Imagine that ~MW) A smile slowly spread across his face as he bent to steal another kiss. However, Luck had a different idea as a female scream shattered this precious moment. The two adults turned to see a very shaken Hermione come running to them. Essie broke away as she tried to comfort the girl. Sirius joined her side, as did several other people from the Hall.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Essie asked gently.
"They took him, Miss Sauterne." Hermione gulped, "They came out of the forest and dragged him away."
"Who did?" Sirius questioned softly," Hermione, Calm down and tell us what happened."
Hermione took a breath and started, 'Ron and I were walking down by the lake. Suddenly they came out of the woods. We tried to run except they got Ron and took him away."
"Who did, Miss Granger?" Albus Dumbledore's voice rang out as he approached the group.
"A whole group of Dementors, Professor Dumbledore." Hermione cried.
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Thunder walks out. Thunder: Is this the end of Ron? What will Essie do about? What will Harry do? And why am I doing this? To be answered in the next chapter. Until then R&R, (gets on kneels) Please!
