Myshawolf walks out and grabs a seat on the floor. The Premier and Dinybones join her. The Premier pulls out the popcorn and passes it around.

MW: To celebrate my 100th review, we are getting a show. I would like to remind the audience that they volunteered to do this. Is that so Kawaii? Okay Boys, It's time for the disclaimer.

SWJediKnight and Luinthoron charge on to the scene in full Jedi garb. SWJediKnight strikes various Jedi stances while Luinthoron acts all sage like.

SWJediKnight: Do you feel it, master Luinthoron?

Luinthoron: Yes, There is a disturbance in the force.

SWJediKnight: What could it be?

Luinthoron: (draws his Lightsaber) I sense the Dark side approaching. It's The Disclaimer.

SWJediKnight: What is The Disclaimer?

Luinthoron: It is an evil presence that constantly reminds Mysha that she only owns the Guardians and The Le Faye but no one else.

SWJediKnight: I say we destroy that evil thing.

MW: I totally agree. (Receives several evil glares)

Luinthoron: Wait for my lead.

SWJediKnight: Hell No. (Rushes towards the disclaimer and begins to attack it. Luinthoron shrugs and joins in. The Disclaimer blows them back.

Luinthoron: The force is strong with this one. (The Disclaimer slinks off and the two boys chase after it.)

DB: That was different.

MW: It was, wasn't it. On with the show finally.

Dancing With The Lady Death Chapter 15

Essie searched through every book she could find. That box that Voldemort was given could be very dangerous for or any other Guardian that came in contact with its contents. But the effect on mortals was even worse, instant death. Her top priority was protecting Harry and Sirius from it. Essie rubbed her eyes as she closed another book. She looked every where and nothing helped. There must be some way to keep them safe. She loved them too much to lose them to some idiotic madman. She picked up another book and began to skim it.

Sirius entered the library quietly. He walked across the room looking for Essie. After listening to the newcomers talk, he had several questions for the librarian. Sirius spotted her at a corner table surrounded by old tomes. A few were from the restricted section. Sirius watched as she went through book after book, her face growing more concerned and worried as she went. Finally she shut the last book and buried her head in her hands.

"There has to be a way. It's my job to protect them from any danger." Essie cried as she looked up at the ceiling, red tears running down her cheeks, "My creator, what am I to do now? You gave methe mantle of Death to do with as I see fit. What good is it if I can't even protect them from it?"

Essie laid her head down in defeat. She couldn't find any information on that damn dagger. She couldn't ask Kaori who would know, for fear of putting Kay in danger. To top it all off, she still had to tell Sirius what she was. Essie wasn't looking forward to that conversation. Before she didn't care that people cowered in fear before her. Now she dreaded it.

"That's the price I pay for getting emotionally involved with the man." Essie whispered to herself.

Sirius walked behind her. He heard everything she had just said. He was concerned by what she just confessed granted she had yet to see him. Sirius could feel her misery over this whole thing. She was concerned about him and Harry. By the looks of those books, she was trying to find a way to protect them. Sirius was swept with a feeling that made him want to comfort her. Gently he ran his hand down the back of her head, through her silky black tresses. He wondered if James had felt this way with Lily.

Essie jumped and turned towards him. Her gray eyes were asking an unspoken question. Sirius sat on the tabletop next to her. He stole a kiss before answering her question.

"I heard the whole thing. Essie, what haven't you told me yet." Sirius pleaded with her, "Please tell me. Maybe it can help us prepare for Voldemort."

Essie's eyes welled up with tears that were tinged with red, "I can't, Sirius. I love you too much to lose you as well. I broke one vow that I made to myself and declared it to the world. Remember that incantation I whispered to you on that night that we made love. You didn't understand it, did you?"

"No I didn't. I can guess you were telling me that you love me."

"It much stronger than that." Essie stated softly and she repeated the enchantment again in English, "You are the love of my life. Without you, I will be not ever complete again. May my love for you lead you across this life when I'm gone. Yours will guide me in this life and beyond. My love, my life, I will always watch over you as you walk through this life."

Sirius felt a surge of love and warmth fill his being. He kissed her again more deeply this time. When he pulled away, he hit his knees.

"I know, as a fugitive, I can't offer you too much, but Essie will you stay with me forever? I want you by my side."

Essie pulled him up and sighed, "You hardly know me. Before you make any pledges, I need to tell you something. It may make you change your mind."

" Nothing will change my mind." Sirius swore.

Essie's heart broke at his words, but she continued on, "Sirius, you remember any of the old legends about the Guardians?"

Sirius nodded and Essie took a deep breath. She brushed a hand over the bracelet on her wrist. The Bracelet glowed brightly bathing Essie in it. When it faded Essie was wearing her Death clothing. Her eyes were sad as she pulled down the hood of her cloak. She turned from Sirius. With her next few words she set Sirius's world on its ears.

"I am The Guardian Of Death." ***********************************************************************

Lucius swept through the halls of St. Mungo's. He wanted to know what it was that attacked MacNair in Diagon Alley. It was ludicrous to believe that two teenagers could defeat MacNair with just two spells. Lucius had to know what was it exactly that MacNair had faced. Deep in Lucius's soul or what was left of one, he knew he would have to face that same monster. Lucius stood in front of MacNair's room. He straightened his robes before entering the room.

MacNair was curled in the corner. This big man was looking at Lucius with the eyes of a frightened child. Every step Lucius took, MacNair scooted away until he finally hit the wall. Lucius knelt down and looked at what was left of his best friend.

"MacNair, it's me, Lucius. You remember me, right?" Lucius stated matter of factly. MacNair looked at him. His eyes became clear of Nightmare's curse. MacNair grabbed Lucius's arm in a vise like grip.

"Lucius." MacNair remarked desperately, "Get away from Lord Voldemort. They'll show no mercy to his followers. They can't be killed. They'll get in your head and destroy your mind."

"Who MacNair?" Lucius asked his friend, "Who did this to you?"

"They did it. The Forgotten legends are true. Run Lucius before they get you too. Run as far from Voldemort as possible. They'll destroy you, all of you."

"Who is they?"

"The Guardians. They are real, Lucius. They won't let anyone touch the Potter boy. She is the worse of the lot. She'll pull thing from your mind and you'll see them. Nothing is safe from her. Your darkest fears and deepest secrets are hers to manipulate."

Lucius pulled his arm away and snapped, "The Guardians are old wives tale."

MacNair began to shrink away from Lucius; "You have been marked by her. Death has marked you to die. That's why you are so blind."

Lucius stood up and walked towards the door, "I have heard enough. Our master will be victorious. You are clearly insane."

Lucius left the room. MacNair felt the curse take over again. He fought back briefly, but resigned himself to the inevitable. He did his best. He tried to warn Lucius. He blissfully began to slide into the realm of insanity.

"If I'm insane, then I'm lucky compared to what is in store for you." MacNair whispered, as his eyes became cloudy again.

***********************************************************************

Harry laid the Marauder's Map on the table in Remus's classroom. The Guardians and teachers gathered around as Remus explained what the map showed. Thunder began to suggest some strategies for defense of the castle. Snape would point out either holes or Problems with getting the students out of certain spots. Remus moved over to Harry's side.

"They seem to know what they are doing." Remus smiled.

"I have a feeling they have been planning this for a while." Harry smirked.

"You are probably right. Still It feels good to have them on our side." Remus observed then spoke up, "What about the younger students? The ones too young to fight."

Thunder and Snape stopped their argument to consider Remus's question. Lightning and Nightmare exchanged a grin. It was about time someone brought that point up. Soul walked over to Remus and Harry.

Soul asked, "What do you think should be done with them?"

Remus seemed surprised to be asked his opinion. He pondered the point for a moment, "They need to be away from any areas of heavy fighting. Someplace where only we can go."

Hermione caught on to his thinking and exclaimed, "The House Dorms. Only some one currently from Hogwarts can enter those."

"Okay, Which House then?" McGonagall asked, "I think Gryffindor Tower would be the best."

Everyone from Gryffindor agreed. Nightmare shook her head as she jumped down from her seat. She walked over to the map and stared at it. Nightmare looked up at Remus and smiled. She motioned Remus over.

"I know you made this map. Where is Gryffindor Tower located?" Nightmare questioned. Remus showed her where. Nightmare frowned, "That won't do. See it's too close to a major battle spot. Besides Our enemy will be looking for it. Harry is Gryffindor. So they will want to find the Gryffindor tower."

Remus nodded his agreement and proposed, "We need a place That The Deatheaters would never look."

Draco reluctantly raised his hand and when everyone's eye were on him, he suggested, "How about The Slytherin Dungeon. They'll never look there."

Lust smiled, "That's brilliant. Hide the children in one spot The Idioteater wouldn't think to look. Their own house."

Soul nodded, "We can even position Cerberus just inside the door to take care of any intruders."

Harry clapped Draco on the back, "That's a great idea."

Draco smiled at everyone, "That's not all. We can have some of the older kids there to have an ambush ready. They can teach the younger ones basic defense. In case the enemy decides to look there. Those kids will have to know their stuff. I suggest Ron and Hermione be in charge of picking those students."

Ron seemed shocked that Draco would suggest him for a job. Ron tried finding something insulting in what Draco just said. Hermione smiled at Draco for his compliment. Nightmare ruffled his hair affectionately. Snape gave Draco one of his rare genuine smiles.

"That's good thinking, Dragon knight. Very insightful." Nightmare told him.

The group returned to their planning, well aware they didn't have much time left. Harry looked around and noticed that something wasn't right.

***********************************************************************

Sirius stared at Essie in complete and utter shock. The woman he loved was part of an old legend he grew up hearing about. Sirius stepped down for the tabletop and cautiously approached Essie. His mind had a hard time registering what was happening. She was death. Essie was Death. That couldn't be true. Essie was too warm and caring to be an unfeeling Death.

"Please stop acting like that." Essie whispered softly as she tried to hide her pain, "I'm not going to take your soul or anything. I couldn't do that."

"You can't be Death. You are too compassionate to be Death." Sirius protested. Essie gave him a sad smile.

"I am death. It was the only way for me to survive. You are probably wondering how I came to be." Essie stated gently. Sirius nodded and Essie held out her hand. Sirius stared at it scared to touch it.

"Please take my hand and I will reveal to you how I came to be. I was a gypsy in Italia during what I was later told was the 14th century. I was young and naïve. My whole life centered around my caravan. Then I met Don Luciendo of Roma." Essie told him, as she talked Sirius reluctantly approach her, "He opened my world up. He made promises to me and like a fool I listened. Here was the prince I had waited for all my life. I turned my back on my family to follow him. Then it all went wrong."

Sirius touched her hand and felt himself being jerked through time. A free falling sensation overtook his senses. As he fell, he could hear a cold cruel voice flinging accusations at someone. There were harsh and resounded with rejection, hate, and loathing. Just like the voices that accused him of murder. Then a light yet husky voice broke through, trying to proclaim her innocence. Sirius knew that voice. It was Essie. The other voices refused to hear her and sentenced her to death. Sirius felt his chest tighten at the thought of Essie in danger. He began to struggle. He had to protect her.

Suddenly, he found himself standing in a crowd of people. They were yelling angrily at someone coming. Sirius craned his neck to see a cart approaching. In the back stood a person. As the cart drew closer, Sirius's eyes grew wider. Essie stood in the back. She was dressed in a simple white dress. Her hair flowed around her face, which was wearing a sad look. Sirius tried to push through the crowd to reach the cart and her. Essie lifted her head up and her face became unemotional. She was ready to die. Sirius froze at the transformation. As soon as the cart passed, Sirius began to move again. He had to help her. Then he saw it, the platform where a stake and pyre pile was awaiting Essie. They were going to burn her. Two men walked Essie onto the platform. They tied her to the stake.

"Any last words, witch?" A smooth voice asked. Sirius glared at the owner and nearly dropped at the sight of his double. Essie gazed at this man with a look of longing, confusion, and hurt. She then dropped her gaze. A tear rolled down her cheek. An old priest limped forward with a torch.

"Will you light the fire, Don Luciendo?" The priest asked. The Don took the torch and tossed it at her feet. The pyre began to blaze as Essie looked at the man in shock. The crowd roared in approval.

Sirius watched as a man dressed in black ran onto the platform. With his scythe, he cut through Essie's bonds and flung them off the back of the stage. He stood among the blaze. staring where Essie fell with a sad look on his face. In one swift move he ripped something off his wrist and tossed it at Essie's limp form. Sirius ran to the edge of the stage. The garb disappeared. An old man stood in white as the fire spread to his body. Sirius heard his last words.

"Sleep, my grandchild. I couldn't protect you. With this new chance, I hope you find your prince." The man declared as the pyre consumed him. Sirius watched as the man died in the fire. He glanced at where Essie landed as the bracelet emitted a fog that hid her from view. Sirius stood and watched her, unaware that several hours had passed. He jumped at the sound of footsteps. He turned to see a native American woman walk towards him. She passed right by him and knelt by Essie's side. She placed the bracelet on Essie's wrist and gently stroked her hair.

"So you are Gustave's grandchild. He spoke of you often. He seems to think You should be the next Death if his sacrifice meant anything." The woman smiled as she lifted Essie up, "Time to take you home. We have much to teach you. I think a certain Don should pay a price for this."

The woman began to glow. As the light got brighter, it engulfed Sirius as well. When it faded, he found himself in the library again. Essie stood in front of him, her head hung in shame. Sirius stared at her in shock. She was Death. He pulled away and began to back away. He was suddenly unsure of what to do and how handle this. He needed to think. Essie's eyes filled with grief at his actions. Sirius didn't think as he ran from the library. He need to talk to Remus.

Essie watched him go. A surge of pain swept through her body. She fell to her knees. Her heart began to rip into pieces. He hated her now. She lost him. For the first time in fifteen years, she cursed her position, her life. She began to sob softly. This hurt worse than when the Don betrayed her. Essie knew she couldn't recover from this.

"Don't cry, Lady Death." A friendly voice pleaded. Essie looked into Lily's eyes. Lily Potter hugged her friend. Gaia stood back and watched. She felt Essie's distress and decided to bring her a friend.

Lily soothed Essie, "Please, Essie. He will come around. He is confused. You have really rocked his world."

"I know, Lily. It just hurts so much." Essie sniffed.

"It always does. Don't think about him. Harry needs you now. Voldemort is coming. He approaches as we speak."

"I will protect him Lily. I promise."

Lily smiled as her friend wiped away her tears. Essie stood up and smiled at Lily and Gaia. Lily waved Essie out of the library. Essie nodded and left to find her charge. Gaia placed a hand on Lily's shoulder and in a flash of light, they were gone.

***********************************************************************

Remus looked up from his desk when Sirius entered the room. Remus stared at his pale friend as he stood. Sirius stumbled into the room and collapsed into a chair. Remus sat down next to him. Sirius buried his face into his hands and tried to think clearly. After a few long moments he looked up at Remus. Remus looked at him questioning.

"Essie told me something about her past." Sirius told him.

"What? You are acting like you have seen a ghost." Remus joked trying to cheer up his friend.

"In a sense, she is." Sirius sighed at Remus's shocked look; "She is a Guardian. The Guardian of Death to be exact."

Remus commented relieved, "Is that all?"

"Is that All?! Remus, she is immortal and has control over people's lives!" Sirius shouted.

"So you're scared of her." Remus calmly stated.

"No. Yes. I don't know." Sirius grumbled as he ran a hand through his hair, "I don't know how I feel."

"Well, it's best to start at the beginning. Let's just look at Essie with her special ability." Remus suggested.

"How can you do that?"

"We have done it all year. How did you feel around her?"

"Good."

"Just good."

"Content really. Like she wouldn't judge me. I felt at peace with her by my side and I want her there for the rest of my life."

"That's a start. When you touch how do you feel?"

"I feel like I'm on fire. Her hands have touched my soul. I never felt like that with anyone before."

"And you never will again." Remus observed gently, "I felt that way with Libby. She completed me. Made me see that there was more to me than the werewolf half."

"She is everything to me. I love her, Remus. I don't know how to take the fact she is Death."

"It doesn't change who she is, does it?"

"No it doesn't. I think we share more in common than I ever realized." Sirius stated as he remember the voices that accused her of something she didn't do.

"It's just another facet of who she is." Remus commented, "Sirius, listen to me. Don't be a fool like myself. You found your love don't lose her like I did Libby. It's hard going through life, knowing your one chance at happiness is gone. Harry needs the two of you if he going to survive Voldemort. Essie loves you, Sirius. She protected you that night the Dementors took Ron. She is willing to die for you even though she is in as much danger as Harry. You kept saying if you fell in love with someone, not even death would keep you from them. Well, prove it."

"I feel awful, Remus. I left her alone because I was scared."

"I felt the same when I chased Libby away. I was wrong to. I know that now. Even now, I regret it. Don't make the same mistakes."

"I won't Remus. I'm going to find her now."

"Good luck."

"Thanks, Remus."

Sirius was almost out the door when something shook the castle. Remus fell to the ground. Sirius gripped the doorjamb for his balance. Sirius threw open the door. He spotted Ginny as she raced by. Remus followed him as he followed Ginny. They came face to face with a solemn Dumbledore. Essie and Harry ran up with the other Guardians.

"He is here." Dumbledore stated to the group, "Everyone to their battle stations."

***********************************************************************

DB: Nice Cliffhanger.(meanie)

MW: Thanks.

The Premier: *looks off stage* Here comes our heroic Jedis.

Luinthoron and SWJediKnight walk on looking triumphant.

Luinthoron: We have defeated The Disclaimer.

SWJediKnight: It will never bother you again.

The Premier: If so, then what is that?

MW: YIKES! Its back.

DB starts laughing. The two Jedis pale at the sight of The Disclaimer.

Luinthoron: Damn it. Why won't you die!

SWJediKnight: I suggest a hasty retreat.

Everyone nods and run off.

Myshawolf stops

MW: Hit the Review button to escape this mayhem. *Runs off the stage. Lulu walks on eating an ice cream cone*

LuLu: I wonder what that was a about.