A/N: OMG, Two chapters out in the same week. I must be due. Here is the
next installment. The song that was playing in the last one will be shown
in the end. As always, Read and Review.
Disclaimer: (A man, Luck, walks out in high heels and a dress.) Luck: Hello, I'm Lucky, the guardian of Luck. The first person that makes a crack about lady luck gets a whooping. (Myshawolf comes running out and smacks Luck)
MW: Get on with it Luck or I'm turning you in to a Barbra Streisand impersonator.
Luck: Okay, Okay hold your horses, Krissi. (Gets an evil glare) MW doesn't own anything Harry Potter or the song in the end. She'd not that lucky. She does however own the guardians. So get her permission first before using them.
MW: Thanks Lucky. On with the show.
Last Time: ************************************8888888888**************************
"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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Dancing with The Lady Death Chapter 10
Fudge was left in charge of the students along with Hagrid, Flitwick, and Spout. Dumbledore gave everyone strict orders to stay inside the Great Hall. Hermione drank down some butterbeer while Hagrid tried to comfort her and Ginny. Harry made his way to Essie, Remus, and Sirius. Sirius walked to him.
"I need you to stay here." Sirius stated firmly. Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Remus cut him off.
"I have to agree with Padfoot. Harry, it's too dangerous." Remus added.
"But Ron's my best friend. I can't not help." Harry argued back, "He wouldn't leave me out there. I won't leave him."
Essie placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry jumped when he realized she was there. Remus and Sirius jumped to and exchanged a glance. How much had she heard? Essie cupped Harry's chin and gazed into his eyes.
Gently she spoke, "Harry, he will be safe. I understand your loyalty to him. Please stay. You will be more needed here then out there. Hermione and Ginny will need your shoulder to cry on. Let us handle it."
Harry nodded as he caught her meaning and understood his duty. He would stay behind and guard Hogwarts. Hermione needs a friend, not a hero. He looked at all three adults and nodded his agreement. Essie smiled at him relieved and turned to Sirius and Remus.
"I'll find out what Dumbledore plans to do." Essie told the men and walked off in Dumbledore's direction. Remus and Sirius bid Harry goodbye and promise to bring Ron back. Harry prayed that they would succeed. Ginny walked up and leaned against Harry. Harry wrapped his arm around her and walked over to a weeping Hermione.
**********************************888*********************************** Ron gave up struggling against the Deatheaters a long time ago. Instead he just laid there limply as the Dementor dragged him a long. Every so often he would see a black mist swirl menacingly behind the running Dementor. He didn't know which scared him more, The Dementor or the mist. Sometimes if he stared hard enough the mist would have a pair of glowing eyes. Ron shook his head. He was dreaming that's all. Finally he felt the Dementor stop. A cold feeling of terror crept over him. Distantly Ron could hear voices arguing over him. One was human that of a man. The others didn't make much sense and didn't seem human.
"He is not much good to me in that condition." the man grumbled, "I doubt I can get two words out of him. The master isn't going to like it."
Master? Ron thought wearily, what master is that? What was this about? He heard the inhuman voices started back up.
"Yes. Of course you can." the man barked, "I don't care what you do with him."
Ron felt a bony hand pick him up. Ron opened his eyes in time to see the face of a dementor. It's mouth clamped onto his. Ron could feel the life being forcefully sucked out of him. Suddenly he hit the ground. Above him, he could see the night sky, full of stars. It was a harvest moon that was out. All around Ron could hear the commotion of a battle. A blonde hair girl came to his field of vision. She smiled softly as she placed her hand over his eyes.
"Sleep deep, Ron Weasley." She chanted gently. Ron felt his whole body relax as he fell into a coma like sleep.
Dreams looked up from her seat next to Ron. Nightmare and Lust proceed to destroy any fleeing Dementors. This was their penalty for betraying her trust in them, complete and utter annihilation. Sandman had the human wizard trapped in his Morphius Staff. Dreams nodded to her brother. It was Sandman's idea to linger around a little longer and in doing so they saw the abduction. Nightmare was furious and flew into murderous rage which she acting out now. The night was filling of the Dementors screams of pain and dying breaths.
Finally only one Dementor was left. Nightmare and Lust surrounded him. He fell to his knees and tried to beg for its life. Nightmare struck him with her bow in order to silence him. She turned to Sandman.
"Release the Idioteater. I have a message that I want him to deliver." Nightmare ordered.
Sandman nodded and ran his hand over a gem on his staff. Notts appeared trembling on the ground in front of Sandman. Notts' eyes looked at the carnage around him. He gulped as Nightmare motioned him closer.
"I have a message for your master, boy." Nightmare growled as she lowered her bow, "He will not send any more of my children to do his dirty work. If he does, This will be their fate."
Notts was about to ask about what fate was that until Nightmare pulled out a wicked looking dagger. With one slice, the Dementor's head rolled over to his feet. Nightmare turned and pointed the dagger at Notts' throat. Notts stared in the girl's glowing eyes.
"Listen very carefully, little worm. I will only say this once." Nightmare stated as her friends looked on, "You remember your friend MacNair? If I ever see or smell any of your friends in these woods, You will be just like him. I did that to him and I'll do it again. Now Take that head, my messages, and scram."
Nightmare lowered her dagger and glared at the terrified Deatheater. Notts Picked up the head and fled into the woods. Lust walked up.
"Do you think he'll go to Voldie?" Lust asked.
"He better. If not, well, He's got to sleep at some point in time." Nightmare growled as she looked around. Not meeting anyone's eyes, she suggested, "Let's go home. I have a soul to find."
The others nodded her agreement and disappeared into the black mist. Dreams reluctantly left Ron's side. She smiled as Sirius entered the clearing. He looked around in awe until he saw her and Ron. Quickly, he knelt down.
"Ron?" Sirius whispered, "Ron, wake up."
"He can't hear you, Sir Black." Dreams soothed softly, "He is in a deep sleep."
"Did they?" Sirius started to say but couldn't.
"Perform the Kiss?" Dreams finished for him, "Yes. They started to at least. He'll be all right."
"How? No magic can reverse it."
"No traditional magic can. But he will be fine in the morning. Have faith."
Sirius looked up at the girl to find she was no longer there. He looked around, but saw no sight of her. Essie entered the clearing at that moment. She spotted him and raced over. She knelt down next to Ron and began to fuss. Sirius watched as she felt his forehead and pried open his eyes to look. After a few moments, she turned to him.
"He's lost at least half his soul. We must get him back to Hogwarts." Essie stated with concern. Sirius nodded as he picked up the boy. Essie helped him heft Ron up and guide Sirius back to the main path. Remus joined them when Essie flagged him down. Remus relieved Sirius of his heavy load.
"I'm going to go and inform the other that we found Ron. You, two, continue to the school."
"Be careful, Padfoot." Remus stated.
"I will, Moony." Sirius nodded at both of them.
Essie and Remus continued to trek towards the castle. Soon they reached the edge of the forest. Dumbledore and Madam Promfrey were waiting for them. Madam Promfrey took Ron and whisked him away to the hospital wing.
"I can assume the Dementors are dead." Dumbledore asked Essie. She nodded silently and Albus sighed, "I feared as much. Any ideas as to how?"
"No sir. I found them that way. Half of Ron's soul is gone, Sir. I can only assume that they were administering the kiss when they were interrupted by an outside force." Essie reported.
"Can anyone else verify it?" Albus asked with a twinkle in his eyes. Essie knew that he was asking if anyone else was with her.
"No." Essie lied, "I found him alone."
Remus stared at Essie in shock. She was covering for Sirius. She must know who was by now. Albus bowed to them and continued to the castle. Remus caught Essie's arm.
"Es, why didn't you tell him about the other man?" Remus asked.
"What other man?" Essie stated, "I was alone when you joined me, remember? There was no one else in the woods."
Remus looked confused until Essie winked. She leaned close and whispered, "I know he is innocent." With that said, she shrugged out of Remus's grip and headed up to the castle. Remus stared after her, quite sure he couldn't believe what he just heard.
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Sirius reentered the school in his dog form. He waited until many of the guests had left or went to bed. He was tired, dodging the Ministry's Aurors as they search the woods for the clearing of bodies. He slowly made his way to the hospital wing. That's where Harry would be. As he walked, his thoughts turned to Essie and his feeling towards her.
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Essie sat by Ron's bedside. Her hand gripped his in an attempt to stop the rest of his soul from leaving his body. Harry rested in a chair next to her. Essie had persuaded Madam Promfrey to let her and Harry stay. Harry convinced Ginny and Hermione to go to bed. He promised to go get them if Ron's condition changed. Essie brushed a hand over Harry's raven hair. The boy was so tired from the events of the night he could hardly stay awake. Essie was feeling the strain herself. Nightmare's warning, her first kiss, the abduction , and finding out about Sirius Black were just the highlights. Now she trying to save Harry's best friend from passing on. Essie settled into a more comfortable position and promptly fell asleep.
Through a partial opened window a cloud of mist rolled in. Out of the mist stepped Nightmare. In her hands was a silver orb. Nightmare strolled over to Ron's bed. She sat on the edge of it and began to pull back the covers.
"You know, I can tell when someone is faking sleep, young man." Nightmare sighed she unbuttoned Ron's pajamas. Harry opened his eyes and uncurled himself. He studied the girl in front of him. This was the girl who saved him in Diagon Alley.
"You are Mare." Harry stated.
"That's my nickname. I'm Nightmare Phobos, Guardian of Fears and Shadows." She remarked in full, "I'm sorry your friend had to suffer at the hands of those that I had given protection to."
"Dementors are under your protection?"
"Were, actually. They have forsaken my wishes for that of another."
"Voldemort?"
"The Bunny? Yes, They have chosen to serve him over me. The agreed penalty for such disrespect is death."
"Isn't that harsh."
"Not really, since they ask that to be the penalty. It's actually very lenient. Normally, I would just torture their dreams. Now could you be a dear and remove Death's hand. I don't need to lose the boy again."
Harry untangled Essie's hand and put back in her lap. He watched as the girl place the silver orb on Ron's chest. The orb began to melt and the liquid seeped into Ron's chest. Ron's breathing became much stronger and steadier. Some color began to fuse into his cheek. Nightmare smiled sweetly. Harry's grin got wider as Ron seemed to get better.
"Shall I wake him?" Nightmare asked. Harry nodded. Nightmare snapped her fingers and Ron's eyes shot open. Ron turned to Harry. The two friends hugged as Ron was stammering, How?
Harry pulled away and began to tell Ron everything from Essie and Sirius finding him to how Nightmare gave him back his soul. Ron shook his head with disbelief. Nightmare's grin got wider as Ron spoke.
"Harry, there is no such things as Guardians." Ron stated with great certainty. Nightmare tapped his shoulder. Harry sniggered as Ron's eyes got real wide.
"I beg to differ, old man, I really do. I can state with great certainty that I am definitely a guardian, the Guardian of Fears to be exact. You should really be more careful when you discount someone existence." Nightmare smirked at Ron's face.
Ron looked between Harry and Nightmare lost for words. Nightmare chuckled as Harry howled with laughter. Essie woke to the commotion. She took in the scene in front of her and groaned.
"Ah, Death awakens." Nightmare snickered. Ron stared at Essie and gulped. Essie laughed softly.
"You have blown a gasket, haven't you?" Essie admonished lightly, "Fate is so going to have your head."
"Why?" Harry asked, "Ron and I won't tell anyone."
"That's not the point, Harry." Essie explained, "Mare has just broken one of biggest rules. Never show yourself to a mortal unless you have permission to do so."
"Please, Fate broke that rule a long time ago. She has no right." Nightmare rolled her eyes, "Besides I'm doing our boy here a favor. Now his friends won't think he has gone off the deep end."
Ron blushed as Harry stared at him questioningly. Nightmare chuckled as she slapped Ron on the back and leaned over to ruffle Harry's hair. After both boys looked properly indignant. Nightmare slid off the bed.
"Lady and Gentlemen, I bid you a good night and, dare I say it, pleasant dreams" Nightmare bowed as her became mist and rolled out the window. Both Boys looked after her and turned to Essie with questions in their eyes.
"Yes, she is that insane. She turns into mist because she is not anchored in this world which is also why she can seem to be transparent. She is a Dream Realm Ruler which means she lives in the world of dreams and she rules the Realms of Nightmares with an iron fist." Essie explained before they could ask and Essie added, "Everyone into bed. Company is coming."
The boys scrambled back into their original positions as did Essie and pretended to be asleep. The door creaked open as Sirius peeked into the room. Essie stirred from her rest first and smiled at him. Sirius shut the door and walked over to her.
"How is he?" Sirius asked first, dancing around the one question he didn't want answered.
"He is fine. He'll be up and creating havoc in no time." Essie answered, "How are you? You were the first to find him."
"Okay, I guess." Sirius nodded solemnly, "Listen, I want to talk to you about who I am. Remus told me that you know."
"I do. Meet me in the library tomorrow night. We'll talk then." Essie whispered gently.
Sirius nodded as he moved away. His form shifted, as he became a dog. Sirius nudged Harry's hand in farewell. Harry gave him a quick scratch letting him know he wasn't really asleep. Sirius walked out of the wing. Essie watched him and sighed. Things were getting to complicated. As the lyrics from the song they kissed to play in her head, Essie realized something. She was falling for a rogue named Sirius Black.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cuz I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cuz sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah, you'd bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
A/N: Be a sweetie and hit that little review button.
Disclaimer: (A man, Luck, walks out in high heels and a dress.) Luck: Hello, I'm Lucky, the guardian of Luck. The first person that makes a crack about lady luck gets a whooping. (Myshawolf comes running out and smacks Luck)
MW: Get on with it Luck or I'm turning you in to a Barbra Streisand impersonator.
Luck: Okay, Okay hold your horses, Krissi. (Gets an evil glare) MW doesn't own anything Harry Potter or the song in the end. She'd not that lucky. She does however own the guardians. So get her permission first before using them.
MW: Thanks Lucky. On with the show.
Last Time: ************************************8888888888**************************
"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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Dancing with The Lady Death Chapter 10
Fudge was left in charge of the students along with Hagrid, Flitwick, and Spout. Dumbledore gave everyone strict orders to stay inside the Great Hall. Hermione drank down some butterbeer while Hagrid tried to comfort her and Ginny. Harry made his way to Essie, Remus, and Sirius. Sirius walked to him.
"I need you to stay here." Sirius stated firmly. Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Remus cut him off.
"I have to agree with Padfoot. Harry, it's too dangerous." Remus added.
"But Ron's my best friend. I can't not help." Harry argued back, "He wouldn't leave me out there. I won't leave him."
Essie placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry jumped when he realized she was there. Remus and Sirius jumped to and exchanged a glance. How much had she heard? Essie cupped Harry's chin and gazed into his eyes.
Gently she spoke, "Harry, he will be safe. I understand your loyalty to him. Please stay. You will be more needed here then out there. Hermione and Ginny will need your shoulder to cry on. Let us handle it."
Harry nodded as he caught her meaning and understood his duty. He would stay behind and guard Hogwarts. Hermione needs a friend, not a hero. He looked at all three adults and nodded his agreement. Essie smiled at him relieved and turned to Sirius and Remus.
"I'll find out what Dumbledore plans to do." Essie told the men and walked off in Dumbledore's direction. Remus and Sirius bid Harry goodbye and promise to bring Ron back. Harry prayed that they would succeed. Ginny walked up and leaned against Harry. Harry wrapped his arm around her and walked over to a weeping Hermione.
**********************************888*********************************** Ron gave up struggling against the Deatheaters a long time ago. Instead he just laid there limply as the Dementor dragged him a long. Every so often he would see a black mist swirl menacingly behind the running Dementor. He didn't know which scared him more, The Dementor or the mist. Sometimes if he stared hard enough the mist would have a pair of glowing eyes. Ron shook his head. He was dreaming that's all. Finally he felt the Dementor stop. A cold feeling of terror crept over him. Distantly Ron could hear voices arguing over him. One was human that of a man. The others didn't make much sense and didn't seem human.
"He is not much good to me in that condition." the man grumbled, "I doubt I can get two words out of him. The master isn't going to like it."
Master? Ron thought wearily, what master is that? What was this about? He heard the inhuman voices started back up.
"Yes. Of course you can." the man barked, "I don't care what you do with him."
Ron felt a bony hand pick him up. Ron opened his eyes in time to see the face of a dementor. It's mouth clamped onto his. Ron could feel the life being forcefully sucked out of him. Suddenly he hit the ground. Above him, he could see the night sky, full of stars. It was a harvest moon that was out. All around Ron could hear the commotion of a battle. A blonde hair girl came to his field of vision. She smiled softly as she placed her hand over his eyes.
"Sleep deep, Ron Weasley." She chanted gently. Ron felt his whole body relax as he fell into a coma like sleep.
Dreams looked up from her seat next to Ron. Nightmare and Lust proceed to destroy any fleeing Dementors. This was their penalty for betraying her trust in them, complete and utter annihilation. Sandman had the human wizard trapped in his Morphius Staff. Dreams nodded to her brother. It was Sandman's idea to linger around a little longer and in doing so they saw the abduction. Nightmare was furious and flew into murderous rage which she acting out now. The night was filling of the Dementors screams of pain and dying breaths.
Finally only one Dementor was left. Nightmare and Lust surrounded him. He fell to his knees and tried to beg for its life. Nightmare struck him with her bow in order to silence him. She turned to Sandman.
"Release the Idioteater. I have a message that I want him to deliver." Nightmare ordered.
Sandman nodded and ran his hand over a gem on his staff. Notts appeared trembling on the ground in front of Sandman. Notts' eyes looked at the carnage around him. He gulped as Nightmare motioned him closer.
"I have a message for your master, boy." Nightmare growled as she lowered her bow, "He will not send any more of my children to do his dirty work. If he does, This will be their fate."
Notts was about to ask about what fate was that until Nightmare pulled out a wicked looking dagger. With one slice, the Dementor's head rolled over to his feet. Nightmare turned and pointed the dagger at Notts' throat. Notts stared in the girl's glowing eyes.
"Listen very carefully, little worm. I will only say this once." Nightmare stated as her friends looked on, "You remember your friend MacNair? If I ever see or smell any of your friends in these woods, You will be just like him. I did that to him and I'll do it again. Now Take that head, my messages, and scram."
Nightmare lowered her dagger and glared at the terrified Deatheater. Notts Picked up the head and fled into the woods. Lust walked up.
"Do you think he'll go to Voldie?" Lust asked.
"He better. If not, well, He's got to sleep at some point in time." Nightmare growled as she looked around. Not meeting anyone's eyes, she suggested, "Let's go home. I have a soul to find."
The others nodded her agreement and disappeared into the black mist. Dreams reluctantly left Ron's side. She smiled as Sirius entered the clearing. He looked around in awe until he saw her and Ron. Quickly, he knelt down.
"Ron?" Sirius whispered, "Ron, wake up."
"He can't hear you, Sir Black." Dreams soothed softly, "He is in a deep sleep."
"Did they?" Sirius started to say but couldn't.
"Perform the Kiss?" Dreams finished for him, "Yes. They started to at least. He'll be all right."
"How? No magic can reverse it."
"No traditional magic can. But he will be fine in the morning. Have faith."
Sirius looked up at the girl to find she was no longer there. He looked around, but saw no sight of her. Essie entered the clearing at that moment. She spotted him and raced over. She knelt down next to Ron and began to fuss. Sirius watched as she felt his forehead and pried open his eyes to look. After a few moments, she turned to him.
"He's lost at least half his soul. We must get him back to Hogwarts." Essie stated with concern. Sirius nodded as he picked up the boy. Essie helped him heft Ron up and guide Sirius back to the main path. Remus joined them when Essie flagged him down. Remus relieved Sirius of his heavy load.
"I'm going to go and inform the other that we found Ron. You, two, continue to the school."
"Be careful, Padfoot." Remus stated.
"I will, Moony." Sirius nodded at both of them.
Essie and Remus continued to trek towards the castle. Soon they reached the edge of the forest. Dumbledore and Madam Promfrey were waiting for them. Madam Promfrey took Ron and whisked him away to the hospital wing.
"I can assume the Dementors are dead." Dumbledore asked Essie. She nodded silently and Albus sighed, "I feared as much. Any ideas as to how?"
"No sir. I found them that way. Half of Ron's soul is gone, Sir. I can only assume that they were administering the kiss when they were interrupted by an outside force." Essie reported.
"Can anyone else verify it?" Albus asked with a twinkle in his eyes. Essie knew that he was asking if anyone else was with her.
"No." Essie lied, "I found him alone."
Remus stared at Essie in shock. She was covering for Sirius. She must know who was by now. Albus bowed to them and continued to the castle. Remus caught Essie's arm.
"Es, why didn't you tell him about the other man?" Remus asked.
"What other man?" Essie stated, "I was alone when you joined me, remember? There was no one else in the woods."
Remus looked confused until Essie winked. She leaned close and whispered, "I know he is innocent." With that said, she shrugged out of Remus's grip and headed up to the castle. Remus stared after her, quite sure he couldn't believe what he just heard.
***************************888888888************************************
Sirius reentered the school in his dog form. He waited until many of the guests had left or went to bed. He was tired, dodging the Ministry's Aurors as they search the woods for the clearing of bodies. He slowly made his way to the hospital wing. That's where Harry would be. As he walked, his thoughts turned to Essie and his feeling towards her.
*************************************8888888888*************************
Essie sat by Ron's bedside. Her hand gripped his in an attempt to stop the rest of his soul from leaving his body. Harry rested in a chair next to her. Essie had persuaded Madam Promfrey to let her and Harry stay. Harry convinced Ginny and Hermione to go to bed. He promised to go get them if Ron's condition changed. Essie brushed a hand over Harry's raven hair. The boy was so tired from the events of the night he could hardly stay awake. Essie was feeling the strain herself. Nightmare's warning, her first kiss, the abduction , and finding out about Sirius Black were just the highlights. Now she trying to save Harry's best friend from passing on. Essie settled into a more comfortable position and promptly fell asleep.
Through a partial opened window a cloud of mist rolled in. Out of the mist stepped Nightmare. In her hands was a silver orb. Nightmare strolled over to Ron's bed. She sat on the edge of it and began to pull back the covers.
"You know, I can tell when someone is faking sleep, young man." Nightmare sighed she unbuttoned Ron's pajamas. Harry opened his eyes and uncurled himself. He studied the girl in front of him. This was the girl who saved him in Diagon Alley.
"You are Mare." Harry stated.
"That's my nickname. I'm Nightmare Phobos, Guardian of Fears and Shadows." She remarked in full, "I'm sorry your friend had to suffer at the hands of those that I had given protection to."
"Dementors are under your protection?"
"Were, actually. They have forsaken my wishes for that of another."
"Voldemort?"
"The Bunny? Yes, They have chosen to serve him over me. The agreed penalty for such disrespect is death."
"Isn't that harsh."
"Not really, since they ask that to be the penalty. It's actually very lenient. Normally, I would just torture their dreams. Now could you be a dear and remove Death's hand. I don't need to lose the boy again."
Harry untangled Essie's hand and put back in her lap. He watched as the girl place the silver orb on Ron's chest. The orb began to melt and the liquid seeped into Ron's chest. Ron's breathing became much stronger and steadier. Some color began to fuse into his cheek. Nightmare smiled sweetly. Harry's grin got wider as Ron seemed to get better.
"Shall I wake him?" Nightmare asked. Harry nodded. Nightmare snapped her fingers and Ron's eyes shot open. Ron turned to Harry. The two friends hugged as Ron was stammering, How?
Harry pulled away and began to tell Ron everything from Essie and Sirius finding him to how Nightmare gave him back his soul. Ron shook his head with disbelief. Nightmare's grin got wider as Ron spoke.
"Harry, there is no such things as Guardians." Ron stated with great certainty. Nightmare tapped his shoulder. Harry sniggered as Ron's eyes got real wide.
"I beg to differ, old man, I really do. I can state with great certainty that I am definitely a guardian, the Guardian of Fears to be exact. You should really be more careful when you discount someone existence." Nightmare smirked at Ron's face.
Ron looked between Harry and Nightmare lost for words. Nightmare chuckled as Harry howled with laughter. Essie woke to the commotion. She took in the scene in front of her and groaned.
"Ah, Death awakens." Nightmare snickered. Ron stared at Essie and gulped. Essie laughed softly.
"You have blown a gasket, haven't you?" Essie admonished lightly, "Fate is so going to have your head."
"Why?" Harry asked, "Ron and I won't tell anyone."
"That's not the point, Harry." Essie explained, "Mare has just broken one of biggest rules. Never show yourself to a mortal unless you have permission to do so."
"Please, Fate broke that rule a long time ago. She has no right." Nightmare rolled her eyes, "Besides I'm doing our boy here a favor. Now his friends won't think he has gone off the deep end."
Ron blushed as Harry stared at him questioningly. Nightmare chuckled as she slapped Ron on the back and leaned over to ruffle Harry's hair. After both boys looked properly indignant. Nightmare slid off the bed.
"Lady and Gentlemen, I bid you a good night and, dare I say it, pleasant dreams" Nightmare bowed as her became mist and rolled out the window. Both Boys looked after her and turned to Essie with questions in their eyes.
"Yes, she is that insane. She turns into mist because she is not anchored in this world which is also why she can seem to be transparent. She is a Dream Realm Ruler which means she lives in the world of dreams and she rules the Realms of Nightmares with an iron fist." Essie explained before they could ask and Essie added, "Everyone into bed. Company is coming."
The boys scrambled back into their original positions as did Essie and pretended to be asleep. The door creaked open as Sirius peeked into the room. Essie stirred from her rest first and smiled at him. Sirius shut the door and walked over to her.
"How is he?" Sirius asked first, dancing around the one question he didn't want answered.
"He is fine. He'll be up and creating havoc in no time." Essie answered, "How are you? You were the first to find him."
"Okay, I guess." Sirius nodded solemnly, "Listen, I want to talk to you about who I am. Remus told me that you know."
"I do. Meet me in the library tomorrow night. We'll talk then." Essie whispered gently.
Sirius nodded as he moved away. His form shifted, as he became a dog. Sirius nudged Harry's hand in farewell. Harry gave him a quick scratch letting him know he wasn't really asleep. Sirius walked out of the wing. Essie watched him and sighed. Things were getting to complicated. As the lyrics from the song they kissed to play in her head, Essie realized something. She was falling for a rogue named Sirius Black.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cuz I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cuz sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah, you'd bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
A/N: Be a sweetie and hit that little review button.
