ThiefOfSpoons sneaks out, with a small remote:

Thief: Yes. No one is around to interrupt my plan to destroy the Harry Potter section of Fanfiction.net. With a push of this button, I will control all the Disclaimers on the web. * Evil laughter*

Luinthoron and SWJediKnight enter with lightsabers drawn: Halt, Sith Master.

ThiefOfSpoons blinks: Curses, How did find me?

SWJediKnight: We followed your evil aura.

Luinthoron: That and Mysha told us where you were. Now put down the remote.

Thief: NEVER! I will make sure everyone knows that Harry Potter and his friends belong to J.K Rowling.

Myshawolf peeks out: HEY! Don't forget that I own the Guardians and The Clan Le Faye.

SWJediKnight: Yeah that's right.

Luinthoron: Ha. Prepare to fight.

MW: UM.. I thought that Jedis didn't fight for the purpose of just fighting.

Luinthoron: She's right. We must consult the Jedi Handbook.

SWJediKnight and Luinthoron pull out a huge book and begin to flip through it. ThiefOfSpoons sneaks off. Myshawolf shakes her head. Dinybones walks out.

DB: Are you going to stop him?

MW: Later. I have a chapter to present.

Dancing With The Lady Death

Chapter 17

Harry felt feeling come back into his legs. Essie swept into the room. Her eyes pinned Voldemort into his place. Harry rolled out of Voldemort's line of fire. He watched as Essie stood in his place. Her midnight cloak flowed on some invisible wind. This wasn't Essie. This was her job, This was Death.

"Be ready, Eternal knight, She is only trying to buy you some time." the voice whispered in his ears.

Harry nodded as he got to his feet. He held his sword ready to step in when Essie wanted him to. Suddenly the room got down right frigid. Harry shivered but didn't break his stance. Essie brought her hand to the clasp of her cloak. Harry's eyes widened. She wasn't going to do it.

"You won't survive this time." Voldemort grinned as he pulled out the dagger.

"Maybe. But you won't hurt the boy. Not now or ever." Essie vowed, "And if you think you will ever wield my scythe, you are sorely mistaken, Thomas Riddle."

"I'm now Lord Voldemort."

"You are still Thomas Riddle. The scared little boy who can never take the blame for his crimes." Death declared, "Today is your Judgment day."

With one swift motion, Essie threw off her cloak and tossed it at Voldemort. Voldemort dodged it as the cloak melted into the darkness of the room. Essie brought her scythe up ready to strike or defend. Voldemort got ready as well. A few tense moments passed. Harry felt someone ruffle his hair. Harry turned to see an old man standing there. He watched Essie with sad and concerned eyes. Harry turned around in time to see Essie charge at Voldemort. The sound of clashing silver reached his ears.

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Sirius Ran as fast as he could. In his mind he could hear the sounds of battle. He turned to see Remus slowly trailing behind. Sirius stopped and turned to his friend. Remus stopped when he saw the look in his friend's eyes.

"Remus, You should go get Dumbledore. If Voldemort is fighting Essie and Harry, we are going to need his help." Sirius shouted.

"Are you sure?"

"Go Remus. I should be able to handle this until you show up." Sirius barked as he continued to run down the hall. Remus watched as Sirius disappeared. Another sound reached his ears. Draco ran up to Remus. He looked at Remus questioningly.

"What's wrong, Professor Lupin?" Draco asked.

"We need to get help. Voldemort is fighting with Miss Sauterne and Harry. We need to get Dumbledore." Remus explained as he turned around and raced back the way they came. Draco nodded and went with Remus. He could lead the Guardians back this way. They could help.

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Essie twisted and turned as she tried to avoid the knife. She had to get rid of it. Harry needed a fighting chance against Voldemort. A few times the knife grazed her skin, but it did not cut her. Essie swung down with her scythe. Voldemort jumped back, avoiding the blow. He tossed a disarming spell at her. Essie blocked it with her scythe and sent it whizzed back at Voldemort. Voldemort rolled out of the way. He quickly jumped to his feet and continued to attack.

Harry watched amazed at Essie's prowess as she dodged and struck back. He watched as she continued to avoid the dagger. He hoped Essie would be okay. She had to be. She was Death after all. Death couldn't die.

"Yes, They can." The old man whispered, "Especially when they are fighting to protect someone that is dear to them."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"She became mortal to protect you, child. That dagger has the power to weaken Guardians, but if it stabs a mortal, it's instant death." The man explained.

Harry paled at the implications. Essie was in danger. He turned towards the fight. She was putting herself in danger to protect him. Not just in danger, her life was on the line. He couldn't yell out. She needed to concentrate on the fight.

Essie could feel Harry's concern for her as she spun away from Voldemort. Don't worry about me, Harry. You have to fight next, Essie thought as she swung her scythe. Voldemort dodged it again. Essie spotted an opening. She spun around to strike.

Unfortunately, Voldemort also saw an opening and lunged forward with the dagger. The knife slipped under Essie's arm and between her ribs. An icy feeling washed over her as the knife hit its mark. She could feel it's poison began to spread.

Essie dropped her scythe in shock. The Scythe faded into her bracelet before it hit the floor. Essie's hand flew to the wound. Voldemort smiled as he hit with a spell that flung her across the room. A trail of blood followed her body. She hit the ground face down.

Groggily, Essie tried to stand. She could barely make out the sounds in the room. She turned to see Harry racing towards her. Beyond him, Voldemort was laughing as he took aim again at the boy. Essie's heart stopped. There was no time for a counter spell. She pushed Harry aside as The Killing Curse came barreling towards him. Essie was flung to the ground for the last time. She closed her eyes against the pain.

Harry crawled to her. No, she can't be dead. She had to live. Harry tried to stop the bleeding from the wound in her side. Essie opened her eyes slowly and looked at him. Harry froze. A lump formed in his throat as he fought back the tears.

"Harry." Essie spoke softly, "Don't cry for me. You have given me a gift beyond words. I don't have much longer. Please do me a favor."

"Anything, Death." Harry choked out.

Essie smiled sadly as she placed the bracelet around his wrist, "Don't change. Keep your pure and noble heart safe. Take care of Sirius for me. Tell him that I love him."

"I love you too." Sirius wept as he knelt next to Harry, "Hold on, Essie. Dumbledore is coming. He can heal you."

"Nothing can save me. Not this time." Essie remarked as she pushed Harry's hands away from her wound, "Go, little one. As Mare would say if she was here, kick his ass."

Harry nodded as he stood. He felt a change take place. Essie's clothing changed from Black to White. She smiled softly at him as she gripped Sirius's hand. Harry looked down to see that he was wearing black armor. What was going on?

"I should be Death." Voldemort howled in out rage.

Harry turned toward an angry Voldemort. He watched as the bracelet glowed. The scythe reappeared and began to glow. In his other hand, Excalibur began to hum. Then Harry began to understand. He was chosen to fight in Essie's place as Death. Harry stepped up, ready to fight.

Sirius looked away from Harry back at Essie. She tightened her grip on his hand. Sirius gently picked her up and settled her on his lap. He knew she was dying and wanted to comfort her. Sirius felt a pain in his chest as he held her. He was going to lose her.

"Essie." Sirius whispered.

"I forgive you, Sirius." Essie responded.

"I didn't change my mind. Don't leave me." Sirius pleaded.

"I'm sorry. Please stay with me, Sirius. I'm afraid." Essie cried.

"I won't leave your side. I promise." Sirius vowed. He couldn't protect her, but he could comfort her. Together they watched the final battle.

Harry stared hard at Voldemort. This man has caused so much pain. No one was safe, not even the Guardians. Harry glared at the dagger in Voldemort's hand. The dagger that was now caked in Essie's blood. He will avenge Essie, his parents, and everyone that Voldemort has ever hurt. Harry raised his sword and pointed it at Voldemort's heart.

"This ends." Harry announced coldly.

His voice sounded older for some reason. Harry was unaware that his body began to age until he looked exactly his father. Voldemort's eyes widened as behind Harry stood the image of a man in a knight's armor. His helmet was off. The face was identical to Harry's except the eyes were a chocolate brown. The man smiled as Harry advanced. Voldemort took a step back.

"I will win." Voldemort protested.

"You think so. I'm the Eternal Knight. My bloodline was chosen by The Creator itself to destroy any one who threatens the balance of this world. Is that why you tried to destroy my family? Because I was a threat." Harry roared.

Voldemort didn't answer. He charged forward, aiming the dagger at Harry's heart. Harry spun out of the way. He swung the scythe forward and made contact with Voldemort's wand. The wand was sliced in half. Voldemort stared at his fallen wand. Hate began to boil inside him. In his head, he could hear Arcanius urging him on. Voldemort lunged at Harry again.

Harry dodged the dagger and swung Excalibur. He sliced Voldemort's upper arm. Harry jumped away as Voldemort flung a curse at him. The spell hit Excalibur, encasing it in ice. Harry tossed the sword away. He was loathed to give it up, but it was no use to him now. He gripped the scythe with both hands and prepared for one final assault.

"Aim for his loved ones" Arcanius whispered in Voldemort's ears, "He'll take the hit."

Voldemort grinned as he began to whisper his agreement. He raised his hand and quickly spoke the spell before Harry could react. Sirius clutched Essie closer to him as the spell came flying towards them. Harry jumped in front of the spell, taking the brunt of the blow. He skidded back a few feet, but stayed standing. Harry blinked surprise to find himself alive. That was nothing compared to the look on Voldemort's face.

Essie's voice rang out in the silence, "That's the benefit of immortality. You can't die that easily. Any last words?"

Harry smiled at Voldemort. Voldemort visibly paled that his scheme didn't work. He dropped the dagger in shock. Harry saw this and summoned it to him. Voldemort dove for the moving dagger and missed. Harry caught it and tossed it over his shoulder. Gripping the scythe with both fists, he raced towards Voldemort. Voldemort tossed spell after spell at Harry. The armor blocked them as Harry swung the scythe at Voldemort. Voldemort caught the scythe in the stomach. Harry pulled away and stood ready, in case Voldemort attacked again. Voldemort sank to his knees. He could feel his soul slip away. He stared at the ground. He was so close to achieving his goal. In his mind, he could hear Arcanius's laughter. Voldemort focused on that. Why was his master laughing?

"Easy. Your sacrifice is what I really wanted. Did you think I would let a pathetic mortal like you rule this world?" Arcanius answered. Voldemort closed his eyes. He was played for a fool. He looked up at Harry. This boy stopped him.

"Beware, Harry potter." Voldemort choked out with his last breaths; "You are not free yet. He will be coming for you."

Before Harry could talk, Voldemort let out one last scream as his tortured soul left his body. In Harry's head, a voice comforted him, "Those who live a wicked life die a hard death."

"Harry!" Sirius shouted. Harry turned to see Essie close her eyes. Her hand fell out of Sirius and hit the ground. A breeze brushed a tear from Harry's eye. Harry thought he could feel her arms hug him one last time.

Her voice echoed in his head, "I'm proud of you, my little one. Your parents will be too."

Denial swept through Harry as he ran towards Sirius. She can't be. He was so intent on Reaching Essie, he didn't see the man step out of the shadows and grab his arm. Harry turned ready for a fight and came face to face with the man from Eden. The man smile gently as he let go of Harry's arm.

"So we meet again." The man greeted.

"I have to save her. I can't talk." Harry explained as he tried to move away. The man nodded and Harry couldn't move.

"Is that what you want? To save her life?" The man asked, at Harry's nod he continued, "That's a noble cause. I guess I can grant it."

"What? You can?" Harry asked.

"If you hurry, you can still save her soul and return it to her body. The downside is you will no longer be Death. The job will be returned to her."

"That's no problem. She is a pretty cool Death. What do I need to do?"

Go to the River Hades and fish out her soul. It's just outside The Valley of Death. Ask Present and the others they will take you there. Thank you, Harry Potter, for doing what I could not." The man smiled, freeing Harry from his constraints.

Harry turned and ran to Sirius's side. He placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder and stared at Essie's serene face. Sirius looked up at Harry. Harry smiled.

"I'm going to get her back." Harry promised his godfather. Sirius wasn't sure how but he believed him. Harry turned around to come face to face with The Younger Guard and Draco. They looked like he did when he emerged from the Chamber of Secrets.

"Guys, I need a favor. Where is the River Hades?" Harry asked.

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TheifOfSpoons runs by laughing. Luinthoron, SWJediKnight, and Myshawolf are chasing him, while Dinybones stands to the side giggling her fool head off.

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The Younger Guard stared at Harry in confusion. Where the hell did that come from? Present stepped forward. He looked around and leaned close to Harry.

"Where did you learn that name from?" Present asked.

"Does it matter? Essie's gone. I need to retrieve her soul from the River Hades before it's too late." Harry stated.

"WHAT?!!" The whole group shouted.

"Guys, The river?"

Present stepped forward and bowed, "I can take you there. I have to warn you it's a dangerous place."

"I don't care. Take me there." Harry demanded. Draco stepped up.

"Me too. If it's dangerous, you'll need help." Draco drawled.

Present grabbed both boys, "Okay, boys. We are on a one way course to Hades."

A time portal opened up and swallowed up the trio. Dumbledore walked through to watch them go. He sighed. Too late.

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ThiefOfSpoons walks out: I finally lost them. Now to activate my evil device. * He pushes the button. Nothing happens. He pushes again and nothing. He pushes it continually and still nothing. * What the Hades!

Dinybones walks out: Never let a pickpocket near you. * She opens her hand to reveal batteries. * But nice try.

ThiefOfSpoons: Curses, foiled again. You saved this realm for now. But I will be back.

Myshawolf slides out: There he is!

SWJediKnight and Luinthoron run out and chase ThiefOfSpoons off the page.

DB: That worked wonders.

MW: At least, We got the batteries. * to the Audience* Please excuse some of the randomness. We have a few wannabe super villians running around. If you like The Jedis, let me know. I may write more of them. Diny, I'm taking five, could you wrap up?

DB: Sure, The next chapter is coming. It's the last one, Beside The Epilogue. Don't forget to review.