A/N: Yes, I got another Chapter up. Man, I'm almost on a roll here. So much has been happening since last time. I'm in TMNT Convention by Sakura. It's a cute and silly fic. Check it out! It's in the Ninja Turtle section. Also, I'm currently trying to construct a personal website. HTML is evil. Oh well, That's all for now. Enjoy and remember to R&R. ~MW

Disclaimer: A young girl with sandy brown hair runs out and skids to a halt. She turns to the readers and says very quickly: Hi, I'm Lulu, Mysha's cousin. Myshawolf asked me to do this. So here goes! Myshawolfdoesn'townanythingHarryPotterrelated.Eventhoughshewishesshedid.Howe veralltheGuardiancharactersbelongtoher.Sotoughluck.Byebyefornow. (LuLu runs off. Myshawolf and Dreams walk out from the wings) Myshawolf: That was different. (shouts into the wings) Okay, which of you wise guys gave her pixie stix?! (walks back into the wings)

Dreams: I can't believe I'm based off of her. Oh well Enjoy!

Dancing with The Lady Death. Chapter 11

Christmas Morning-

Harry and Ron woke up that morning to find presents at the foot of the bed in the early morning hours. There were two distinct piles. Harry smiled he was so caught up in the events of last night, he totally forgot it was Christmas. Ron eagerly scrambled across his bed to get to his presents. Harry glanced over to Essie's chair to notice that she was gone. Harry smiled wider, remembering her conversation with Sirius. Absently, he thought how nice it would be if the two of them got together. In an instant he joined in the fun.

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Essie silently walked into the library. She stared out the window as the first of the snow fell. A chuckle escaped her lips. Neptune had such a flair for the dramatic. As she walked into the study, she was surprised by the huge pile of presents left to her. On top of the pile was a card. Essie plucked the card off and read it.

Dear Death,

Nightmare and Lust returned and told us about this Christmas. We were greatly intrigued by this and found that several Guardians knew of this holiday. The Council met and agreed that we should send you some recognition of this holiday. Here is everyone's gifts to you. Have a Good Christmas.

Helios.

P.S. When I said everyone I mean, EVERYONE (with in reason.)

Essie looked at the huge pile. A smile played around the corners of her mouth as she tried to suppress a laugh. Finally she gave up. Her husky laughter filled the Halls of Hogwarts.

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Hermione stared out her window on Christmas morning. Snowflakes were raining from the sky. Her brown eyes softened as one stopped in front of her face. Before it melted, she could see it's intricate design that often resembled lace. It was so beautiful. Hermione sighed. Ginny walked up next to her.

"You know, Mum use to tell us a story about how snowflakes were made." Ginny whispered softly, "Would you like to hear it?"

Hermione smiled, "The guardians created it?"

Ginny nodded, "A wedding present for The Guardians of Love and War. Neptune asked The Guardian of Dreams for the prefect symbol of their love. Dreams thought long and hard on it. Finally she began to draw a line in the ground. It continued to intercept itself forming a continuous pattern. Delighted with it, she began to replicate the pattern into a picture on ice. Neptune presented the finish product to the couple. Love decided to share their happiness with the world. That was when the first snowfall came to the world of mortals. Love also made sure that no two snowflakes were the same, as no love between people can be the same."

Hermione shook her head, "That was a beautiful story, too bad it can't be real."

"I wish it was. It would be nice to know that we will have someone watching out for us. Guardians do that." Ginny cried softly.

"Come on, Ginny." Hermione whispered hoping to cheer up the younger girl, "Let's go see Harry and Ron."

"Do you think Ron is better?"

"I hope so, Ginny, I hope so."

Hermione led Ginny out of the Gryffindor Tower. They head down to the hospital wing. The ghosts watched the two girls with solemn silence. Finally, Nearly Headless Nick floated up.

"Merry Christmas, young Gryffindors." Nick greeted with a smile.

"Merry Christmas, Sir Nicholas." Ginny waved. Nick waved back until he saw a figure walking towards them. As soon as he recognized her, he dropped into a deep bow. Ginny only saw a fellow student with sandy blonde hair. She was slightly younger than her or Hermione. The girl stopped in front of the group. Hermione noted that there was no house colors on her robes. Nicholas was the first to speak.

"Merry Christmas, Mistress Lu.." Nick said reverently.

"The same to you, Sir Nicholas. I hope this season finds you and your lady well." The girl remarked to the ghost, effectively cutting him off. Hermione and Ginny looked between the two in surprise.

"It does indeed. You are staying for the holiday."

"No, I'm only visiting for the day. I had a hard night last night. Could you please leave us, Sir Nicholas, I would like to talk to Hermione and Ginny alone. Please take care. The times are becoming dark. Darker than we'll have ever seen."

"I will. As should you, young Mistress." Nicholas smiled as he bowed away. Dreams smiled back. When Nicholas was gone, Dreams turned to the girls.

"I have been looking for you." Dreams remarked gently.

Ginny finally asked, "Who are you?"

The girl chuckled as she extended her hand, "I'm called LuLu. Madam Promfrey sent me to find you. Ron has awakened and he is fine. Merry Christmas, Virginia Weasley and Hermione Granger."

Ginny and Hermione hugged each other before running down the hall. Hermione stopped to thank the girl only to find that she wasn't there. Hermione stared at the place where the girl stood. Moving closer, Hermione noticed wisps of white mist in the air. Hermione shook her head. No one could apparate in and out of Hogwarts. It's impossible. Suddenly Ginny's voice snapped her out of her thought Hermione turned and shouted that she was coming. When she looked back , the mist was gone as if it never existed. Hermione turned away and caught up to Ginny. In her mind she tried to convince herself that she imagine it all.

Dreams watched it all for her studio. She sighed to herself. That was close. Controlling her mist form was hard work. Calling from between realms was even harder. At least Nightmare hadn't been there to see it. Dreams glanced over to her canvas with Nightmare's castle on it.

Nightmare was still sitting on top of her castle, brooding. Dreams and Sandman kept their distance, which was the best course of action when Mare broods. Nightmare's reasons for brooding were understandable for once. Dreams had been there when Nightmare snapped. Nightmare, since the Guardian Civil War (I'll get around to explain it, I swear!), was .different. She was more protective of humans than before. Including Harry and his friends. Mare was feeling responsible since it was her creatures that hurt the boy. Dreams often wondered what happened to Nightmare when she was away. Someday, Mare will tell them, but not now she need some time to herself.

Dreams turned away from the canvas. There was much she had to do. There were dreams that needed to be painted for the next night. Dreams sat at a blank canvas and waited patiently for her paints to be ready.

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Harry slipped away from the hospital wing. He wanted to give Hermione and Ginny some time alone with Ron. As quietly as he could, he walked towards the library. Along the way, Harry reflected over what has happened over the past few months. His life has changed so much, yet he was still Harry.

Suddenly a shimmering light caught his eyes. Harry looked towards the source of the light. Sitting on the floor with its pages wide open was his book. The pages were awashed in a bright light. Harry walked towards the book trying to figure out how it got in the hallway. He picked it up, only to watch as some words appeared on the pages.

Tis time, Potter the younger. You must learn about your true enemy in this fight. The balance of the world rest upon you. The Guardians can only do so much. They are bound by rules that I have foolishly placed upon them. You, however, are not. You can do what it is that I couldn't. Are you prepared, Young Potter for what I must show you.

Harry nodded his consent. Curiosity overrode any feeling of caution he felt. Without warning, A white light bathed him, drawing him into the book. Harry felt the slightest bit of panic, but it ebbed away. He wasn't free falling like all those other times. This time it felt like someone was gently putting him down. He felt warm , secure, and loved. Harry closed his eyes to savor the feeling.

Soon his feet touched the ground. Harry opened his eyes. A swirling white light blurred his vision. Harry blinked a few times. The light receded to reveal a beautiful a waterfall. Harry looked around. The most lush and beautiful forest that he has ever seen surrounded the waterfall. The trees were green and all the flowers were bloom gave the place are sweet scent. Harry felt all the muscles in his body relaxed. This place had a peaceful aura to it.

"Where am I?" Harry asked to no one in particular. A male voice answered him strongly from behind him, causing Harry to whip around. Glowing brightly with the same light that brought him here, stood a gentlemanly older man in a pristine white suit.

"Welcome to Eden." The man remarked with a smile.

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Meanwhile Essie began to open her presents. She found that a few were addressed to Harry. Setting those aside, Essie decide she make sure that she saved a few of hers to open with Harry. As soon as she finished, the door to the library opened. Remus and Sirius walked in bearing gifts.

"Isn't it a little risky for you to be walking around in your human form?" Essie commented without looking up, "Not like you're going to get a Dementor anywhere near this place after last night."

"Most of the students are too busy opening their presents to be sneaking around." Remus answered matter of factly.

"That's true, Remus. However, I prefer not to take chances. Could you please shut the door?" Essie smiled as she walked towards them, "I'm sure you have several questions about who I am."

"We have to think about Harry's safety." Sirius remarked sadly, thinking about last year and he failed to protect him. Remus rejoined them and added, "And Sirius's safety. He is a wanted man."

"Of course." Essie sighed softly as if torn between what to do. She motioned for Remus and Sirius to sit down. The two did so and waited while Essie paced. Soon she stopped and faced them.

"My name is Esmeralda Aryan Sauterne. I lived in Italia when I was younger and have traveled the world since leaving Italia. I did not leave on my own accord, but was forced to leave. I have traveled the world helping those who were great pain. In one case, I made a promise to a mother to protect her son for her. And I have done so ever since for fifteen years. Then the worse happened, Voldemort returned to power thirsting for revenge. The boy was in danger again and so was I. With Dumbledore's help, I was brought to Hogwarts to protect him. Ever since, I have protected him. Both in Hogwarts and outside it."

"So it was you at the Burrow." Sirius exclaimed.

"Yes , I was there." Essie admitted to them., "And my friends were responsible for the incident at Diagon Alley."

"Essie, If I could be blunt, how do you know that Sirius is innocent?" Remus asked.

Essie stared in Sirius' eyes and gently replied, "His eyes is not the eyes of a killer. They are filled with guilt over things that he couldn't controlled. I can feel the pain in his soul over the death of his friends."

Essie, can we trust you?" Sirius questioned after a few minutes of silence.

"Yes, you can. You see, I'm now in danger as well."

Remus and Sirius were puzzled by this comment. Sirius reflected on everything Essie had said . Then suddenly it clicked.

"You are the woman that Voldemort is seeking." Sirius remarked as it clicked.

"That is correct. Voldemort is seeking a way to immortality. He has decided that to reach it he must kill me first." Essie informed them.

"The man is insane." Remus said shaking his head.

"Why you?"

Essie merely shrugged her shoulders in response. She knew why, but she wasn't sure how open minded they could be. Essie turned away from the men and caught sight of the snow that danced outside her window. Oh yeah, Neptune was definitely in a romantic mood today. Sirius had gotten up and walked over to her.

"He won't harm you, Essie. I'll make damn sure he doesn't." Sirius vowed. "We'll make sure." Remus corrected him, "Right now, Harry is a top priority. If Voldemort attacks will he be able to defend himself?"

"He isn't ready." Essie commented, "Harry needs to be trained."

"I suggest we meet regular and discuss what needs to be done to prepare Harry." Remus suggested thoughtfully, "The three of us should have him ready in no time."

"Don't you mean the four of us?" Essie smiled at the row of bookcases to the left, "Isn't that right, Severus?"

Remus and Sirius looked over to see a scowling Snape walk out. Nibbling on his robe was a monster book that was guarding the Restricted Section. His scowl deepened as Remus and Sirius started laughing. Essie hushed them up.

"How did you know?" Snape grumbled

"Trust me. It's my library, I know." Essie said softly and then directed her attention to the book, "Will you cut it out? He isn't in the mood to play, love."

The book let go and crawled back over to the Restricted Section. Snape sighed in relief. He was starting to hate that book.

"I'll make you a deal, Severus. You help us train Harry to be able to deal with Voldemort., I'll call off the books." Essie compromised.

Severus casted a hateful glance at the two remaining marauders and sighed, "Fine, Just keep those two in line. I refuse to work with Sirius anymore than I have to."

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual." Essie remarked.

"It is." Sirius confirmed.

"Since that is settled, I suggest we go to Breakfast. I'm starving." Remus motioned.

Everyone agreed with Remus' idea. As the group began to leave, Sirius held Essie back. Essie looked at him questioningly. He waited until they were alone to talk.

"Are you sure we can trust him? He was a Deatheater once." Sirius warned.

"Sirius, you must trust him. He has risked his life to protect Harry so far. Severus needs to help us. His conscious demands it. There is more to him than any of us will ever know." Essie informed Sirius.

"Do you trust him?"

"Yes I do."

"Then so will I."

Essie gave Sirius a kiss at the corner of his mouth before pulling away. Sirius was grinning like fool before he changed into his dog form. The two hurried to breakfast.

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Harry stared dumbfound at the man. Eden? As in Paradise? How could get there ? It was only a myth. The man Smiled wider as Harry looked around confused. He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder causing the boy to jump.

"Every myth is based on some fact. Eden did exist in this world once. After the war, the creator destroyed it because it had become tainted. This is what it looked like before that time." The man explained to Harry.

"How could anyone destroy such a beautiful place?" Harry asked as he watched some birds landed in a water.

"How indeed?" The man chuckled as he slipped away. By the time, Harry turned around the man was gone. Soon a variety of voices reach Harry's ears. They were arguing over something. Harry swallowed his fear and approached the voices.

In the clearing was a whole crowd of people. They listened intently as a old man and young man were presenting their cases to them. The old man held a staff with the etching of time on it, an hourglass. He sat patiently on a rock.

The younger man had pristine white hair. He was handsome and wore robes the color of the early morning. Harry noticed that his eyes held a hateful look in them. A red and black hawk, sat faithfully on his shoulder.

Harry scanned the crowd and recognized two faces. One was Nightmare, she sat up in a tree listening intently to the arguing. Every so often her head would nod its agreement. Next to her, was a young man Harry didn't recognize. He was dressed in nothing but black. Sometimes he would lean over and whispered into Nightmare's ear. Across the way leaning against a tree was the young man who was with Mare and Essie at the Three Broomsticks. He had a bow and a quiver of arrows slung across his back. Next to him was a gorgeous blonde girl wearing an ankh around her neck.

Another figure that caught Harry's attention was a man in a black cloak who stood on the edge of the circle. In his hand he held a scythe. Half of his face was covered in a black mask that looked like it was painted on. Harry realized that he was Abel, The First Death.

"Why should we leave this world? This has been our home forever. We belong here. The Creator made us first. We should stay here. Let the mortals find a new place to live." The white haired man shouted to the crowd. Several murmurs of agreement rose through the crowd.

"This world wasn't made for us. Arcanius. You knew this when you made." The old man responded, "The Creator is willing to give us a new home. One where we can roam freely."

"The Creator doesn't care about us. Just his precious mortals." Arcanius sneered, "We could easily take this world from them."

"The Creator does care, Arcanius. Otherwise, we would not exist." A woman with brown hair pointed out.

"I'm not surprise, Gaia, by your defense of them. You always did have a soft spot for inferior forms of life." Arcanius laughed.

Gaia glared at Arcanius, but didn't say another word. The old man spoke up instead, "You over step yourself, Arcanius. Mind your words."

"It's true. But I digress." Arcanius smiled nastily.

"Arcanius, Are you suggesting we openly defy the Creator?" a voice shouted out.

"Why not? Has he done anything to protect this planet? NO! We have done all the work. We keep this planet in balance. Now, we have to leave? How is that fair or right?"

"And what would you know about that?" The old man asked, "You have never done anything in your entire existence that was fair or right. You were given two cities to protect and look at what happened to them. Burn to the ground because of their amoral behavior."

"Now, Chronos, who is overstepping themselves?"

"Simply stating a fact. Tell me, Arcanius. After you defy the Creator's words and you start your battle, what will you do? How will you insure victory against a foe you have never seen? How do you fight the entity that created you?"

Arcanius seemed at a loss of words as he pondered these questions. Chronos answered for him, "There is no way for you to win. Even if you raise up a powerful army, you can't win. The Creator will know your moves before you make them. Forget your ranting and be content with what you have. This meeting is adjoined until tomorrow."

The crowd quickly dispersed. A few hung around though. Arcanius scanned each one of their faces and commented, "The others refuses to back us. So they are now the enemies. We will destroy those that oppose us. When we are left, The humans will be the next to fall to our power."

The young man who was next to Mare stepped up to Arcanius. His hateful eyes gleamed as he spoke, "Phobos thinks you brought up some good points. I may be able to sway her to our side."

"Do it, Styx! She will be a powerful ally to our cause. It's war!" Arcanius declared loudly. Before Harry could reacted A swirling mist surrounded him. He could feel the landscape change and found himself stand in the hallway. The book was now in his hand. He was back in Hogwarts.

"The past can be a treacherous thing to face." Essie's voice reached him.

Harry turned to see Essie and Sirius watching him. Sirius was in his dog form. Harry smiled as he hugged his godfather. Essie grinned at the sight. Harry stood up and hugged her too.

"Merry Christmas Miss Sauterne." Harry greeted her.

"Merry Christmas, My little one. Shall we go to breakfast? Dumbledore is waiting for us." Essie responded. Sirius barked his agreement. Harry smiled to himself. He wasn't sure how, but Arcanius didn't succeed in his plans. But as long as it was Christmas and he had Essie and Sirius at his side, it was matter for another day. Harry was content with that.