Myshawolf walks out and flips through her note: Let's see. I attacked Hogwarts, Killed off Voldemort, established a worse enemy, and killed off Essie. What's left?

Lulu joins her: I thought you said this story is going to have a happy ending.

MW: It will. There's one more chapter left. Plus I have to do the Epilogue.

Lulu: It better. You have to bring back Essie, answer a few questions and apologize to Angelbach for your screw up. You got a lot to do in a short amount of time.

MW: Tell me about it. So who is doing the disclaimer today?

Lulu: I will.

MW: I need to keep it simple yet interesting.

Lulu: ME!!! I'll do it.

MW: I know the perfect person. Hey Premier!!!

Lulu: Ah man.

The Premier walks out: Yeah, Mysha.

MW: The Disclaimer if you please.

The Premier: Fine, Mysha may own a lot of things, Harry potter isn't one of them. However the Guardians are hers. Please be polite, and ask her first before using them. How's that?

MW: Bravo. Excellente, mi amigo.

The Premier gives a slight bow before exiting the page.

Lulu: Here's the last chapter of..

Dancing With Lady Death.

Chapter 18.

When Harry opened his eyes again, a whirling white mist blinded him. He squinted trying to see through it. Draco and Present weren't by his side. Harry took a step forward. The mist parted before his feet, but swirled back around him. Harry tossed out his hand as he made his way through. A figure emerged from the mist. Harry stared at it as it got closer. The mist parted to reveal a beautiful, glittering river. The figure was hidden in a black cloak with sapphire trim. He stood in a boat and seemed to regard Harry curiously. The figure held a pole in his hand. Harry stood up to him.

"I'm looking for the River Hades." Harry stated.

"Then you found it, young Death." The figure spoke in a melodious baritone voice, "I am the Ferryman, Lethe. I guide souls across to The Valley."

"Did the old Death's soul pass here?"

Lethe's voice sounded amusing when he answered, "Her soul is in the river. You have to fish it out. All the souls of the lost go there."

"Can you take me out to it?"

"I can, but you must not enter the water. You will waste away before you ever reach her." Lethe warned as he helped Harry into the boat.

"I have to save her."

Lethe smiled under his hood as he pushed away from the shore. Essie chose a stubborn one to watch over. Harry looked over the edge of the boat. The glitter of the river was really the shine from the souls in the river. He searched for Essie's soul. On the opposite shore two figures watched with concern. ***********************************************************************

Sirius carried Essie's body up to the Hospital wing. Dumbledore lead the way. Sirius kept staring at Essie's face. He could easily imagine it smiling at him. He didn't notice that they reached the hospital wing. Sirius looked up and headed towards an empty bed. Remus watched his friend, worried over Sirius' mental health. He turned to Dumbledore.

"Will he be okay?" Remus asked.

"Yes. He is grieving in his own way. If Harry was going where I think he was, she'll be back in no time. Right now, I'm concerned with the group downstairs. How were they?" Albus asked.

"Voldemort is lucky he's dead. They weren't too happy about all this. The strange thing is they are waiting by the front door for something." Remus remarked as Ron and Hermione entered. Their faces were grim. Dumbledore faced them. Hermione's eye saw Essie's limp form and tears began to swell. Ron put an arm around her.

Dumbledore placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, "Harry isn't in here. He went on a quest to save Miss Sauterne."

Ron looked up at him, "What can we do?"

"Go to the Great Hall. A woman should appear in a silver cloak with sapphire trim. Bring her here and assist her in anyway you can. Miss Granger, I want to bring our other guest to my office."

Both students nodded and left the Hospital wing. Dumbledore sighed before he left. In his hand was the dagger. He wanted to know what was going happen now.

Ron waited in the Great Hall. The Younger Guard went with Hermione after Ron promised to keep an eye out for them. So he sat on the steps and waited. Where was Harry? A creaking reached his ears. Ron looked up to see a figure in a silver cloak slip through the door. The figure spotted him and walked towards him. Ron stood up.

"Hello. I'm looking for Esmeralda Sauterne. Can you tell me where I may find her?" The figure asked in a twinkling voice.

"She is in the hospital wing. I was told to bring you there and help in any way I can." Ron replied.

"Oh Good. I'm The Healer, Mnemosyne."

"Ron Weasley."

"Now we must hurry. Lead on Ron."

Ron nodded and lead the woman up the stairs to the Hospital Wing. As he walked his mind wandered back to memories of some good times he had with Harry. He looked back to see the figure regarding him kindly. She pulled down her hood to reveal a young face. Silver locks of hair framed her face. She smiled at Ron.

"Your thoughts are with your friend. He will need them in order to survive the River Hades. It is not your wandering mind that brings you those happy thoughts. I am the Guardian of Memories. Mnemosyne means memory." The woman smiled at him, "Now I do believe we are nearly there. I will need you to bring a jug of fresh water and a bowl."

Ron nodded his head and the two ran the rest of the way. Ron went to fetch what Mnemosyne had asked him for. The silver haired guardian approached the grieving Sirius. She placed a hand on his shoulder. Sirius looked at her. She smiled.

"I'm here to help." Mnemosyne whispered as she knelt down and went to work healing Essie's body.

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

Harry's eyes grew tired as they swept over the river. There was no sign of Essie in the river. He looked up at Lethe who just kept paddling the boat. Lethe looked ahead as he steered the boat. Harry sighed as he continued to search the water.

Suddenly he saw it. Essie's soul was down deep. Harry put his hands out to grab it, but he couldn't reach. He watched it begin to slip away. At that moment, Harry made up his mind. Before Lethe could react, Harry was over the side of the boat in the water.

"You fool!" Lethe shouted as he watched Harry go under, "You'll never make it"

Harry didn't hear him. He dove through the souls and swam as best he could. It wasn't much different from when he had to save Ron. As he swam, Harry felt his body gradually begin to tire. Ahead of him he could see Essie's soul. The fatigue began to over take his senses. Harry flung his hand out to grab the soul. He felt something warm in his hand. He did it, Harry thought as his eyes began to droop, Now he had to get to the surface.

However his limbs refused to move. Harry knew he had to move or he was lost. But his body refused to cooperate. His eyes drifted shut from the exhaustion that began to rule his body. He drifted in to the blissful peace of unconsciousness. He didn't feel the pair of hands grip his body and pull him to the surface. Distantly he felt his body break through the surface of the water and a pair of familiar voices talking. One, a female's, tried to soothe him. Harry fell into the world of dreamless sleep one last time.

Draco watched from the shoreline as Harry dove over the side of the boat. Next to him, Present began to swear up a storm. Draco watched the water, waiting for Harry to resurface. Minutes ticked by and still no Harry. Finally, something broke through the surface. Three figures appeared on top of the water. Another was carrying one of the figures. Draco's eyes widened as they approached him, by walking across the water.

Lily brushed the hair from her son's eyes while James carried him. Clutched in Harry's hands was Essie's soul. The silver orb glowed brightly now that it was freed from the water. She smiled sweetly at her son. He was so brave. James caught the look in his wife's eyes and grinned. That was his boy.

Draco froze as the Potters stepped on to the shoreline. Lily gave him a gentle smile. She held Harry's hand as if not to lose him again. Present looked like he was ready to drop through the floor.

"How did you two get out?" Present asked.

James smiled, "No Cerberus."

Present shut his mouth and nodded. He held out his arms for James' bundle. Lily's eyes watered up again.

"Do I have to let go of him again?' Lily cried.

"It's not his time, Mrs. Potter." Present remarked weakly, "He needs to go back."

"Come on, Lils. We'll see him again. Maybe Dreams will let us sneak into his dreams every so often." James comforted his wife as he handed over his son.

Lily nodded as she let go of Harry's hand. Quickly she kissed his forehand. Harry's skin glimmered slightly then returned to its normal hue. Lily turned to Draco.

"Please make sure he gets home safe and tell him what happened down here." Lily begged the boy.

"I will, Mrs. Potter." Draco promised.

Lily smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. Draco blushed a bright red. He waved bye as the time portal swallowed him up. He looked around to find himself in the Hospital wing. Everything else happened in a blur. Sirius rushed towards them and lead Present to a bed. Present laid Harry down. Sirius knelt next to him.

"Harry, wake up." Sirius said desperately.

At that moment Nightmare walked in with the others. Sirius continued to call to his godson. Nightmare watched with concerned eyes. Silently she walked over to his bedside. Sirius watched as she leaned forward over Harry.

"Surgo Surrexi Surrectum." Nightmare commanded. (Latin= Get up)

Sirius watched in shock as Harry opened his eye. Harry looked around at the hospital wing trying to get his bearing. Mnemosyne stepped forward. Gently she cupped some water and brought it to his mouth. Harry drank the water. As it slid down his throat, he began to remember what had happen. He remembered the river, the ferryman Lethe, and swimming after Essie's soul. He looked at Mnemosyne questioningly.

"You passed out as you reached your goal. Fortunately, you have some very determined spirits looking out for you. My name is Mnemosyne, The Guardian of Memories. You have met my husband, Lethe, The Guardian of Oblivion or Forgetfulness." Mnemosyne explained, "You did a very brave, noble, and stupid thing by jumping into the river. It nearly claimed your life."

Harry nodded. He looked down at the orb in his hand and smiled. He succeeded in his quest and that all that matters. Now he needed to figure out how to return Essie's soul. He looked at Nightmare. Nightmare made a small motion of dropping her hands. Harry nodded and mimicked her movements. The orb hung in the air for a moment before zooming into Essie's body.

Everyone watched with abated breath as Essie's clothing changed from white to black. Color seeped into her cheeks and lips. Her chest started to rise and fall with each breath she took. The wound began to bleed slowly. Mnemosyne turned to Lust to discuss this. Sirius smiled widely as Essie opened her storm gray eyes. She turned her head to look for Sirius. Sirius was at her side in an instant.

Harry smiled at the two of them. Nightmare sat on his bed, as did Draco. They watched the two lovers reunite. Nightmare frowned as Harry tried to stifle a yawn. He smiled to show that everything was all right. Nightmare sensed the boys were tired from the day's events. She looked at Dumbledore and nodded. Dumbledore understood immediately.

"I think everyone has had enough excitement for one day. Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley I suggest you two return to your house and spread the good news. Mr. Malfoy if you could do the same." Albus suggested.

" Professor, I have something to tell Harry." Draco started, but Nightmare interrupted.

"It can wait until the morrow, Dragon Knight. He needs to recover before he hears that. Come, he needs to sleep." Nightmare smiled as she snapped her fingers in front of Harry's eyes, "Quiescetum."(Latin= Rest)

Harry's eyes slid shut as he fell back into the pillows. Draco stared at Nightmare wide-eyed. Nightmare winked as she stood up and ushered everyone except the Guardians and Sirius out. Mnemosyne placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder.

"We must take her back to The Temple." Mnemosyne stated.

Sirius jumped to his feet, "Why?"

"Her wound is not completely healed yet. I don't have the strength or the knowledge to fix it. Only one of the Elements does." Mnemosyne tried to explain.

Sirius shook his head, "I'm not losing her again."

"You really don't have a choice, " Lust pointed out, "If she stays she'll die. Harry would have tried for nothing."

"Who's going to explain it to Harry?" Sirius asked.

"I will." Essie coughed as she moved to sit up. Everyone stared at her waiting for her to continue and she did, "Sirius, they are right. The wound is too deep and the poison is still inside. Only one of the elders can help me." Sirius knelt by her bedside and gripped her hand, "How will you tell Harry if you are not here?"

"Through his dreams. I can visit him in his dreams while I recover, help him understand."

"How do I know you will come back to us?"

"Trust me, I will return to you and Harry. The two of you hold something very special to me. My heart."

Sirius kissed her lips and reluctantly stepped to the side. Lust scooped Essie up and stepped away from the bed. Everyone gathered around as Present opened a portal to take them home. When the portal close, only Nightmare, Thunder, and Lightning stood in the room. Thunder started to laugh causing the walls to shake. Lightning clamped a hand over his mouth and rolled her eyes. The two exchanged an evil glare while Nightmare cursed lightly under her breath.

"That idiot. He left us behind again!!!" Nightmare growled loudly.

"He must have miscounted again." Lightning sighed as she removed her hand. Sirius shook his head as he sank dejectedly on Essie's empty bed. The trio noticed this and walked over.

"Don't worry, boyo. She'll come back. Too much in love with you not too." Thunder stated

"It's not that. It's just I can't give her a normal life. Not while I'm a fugitive." Sirius explained, "Or Harry. I am wanted for a crime I didn't commit."

"But tried to two years ago." Lightning observed, "Which I still think you were on the wrong end of."

"Listen, we can help." Thunder announced.

"Oh no. No more rule breaking for you." Lightning scolded.

"I don't see how you guys could help anyway. Fudge needs to see Peter alive and well in order to believe. Even then he probably won't see." Sirius shrugged.

A light bulb clicked on over the three Guardians' heads. The three exchange a look that said are you thinking what I'm thinking. They smiled at Sirius. Sirius gave them a confused look.

"Don't worry. We can convince Fudge of your innocence." Nightmare cooed, "Just lay low around here for a while. Let us handle everything."

"Is there anything you would like done to Peter if he was ever found. Short of endless torture since that goes with out saying." Thunder grinned maliciously.

"Have him confess to his crime nonstop. Just to erase any doubt." Sirius thought out loud.

"Done!!" The threesome shouted as Nightmare's mist engulfed them. Sirius sat there in complete confusion. He was going to have to trust them. (Be afraid, be very afraid.)

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

MW: I'm done. Hooray.

Lulu: THAT'S A HAPPY ENDING?!

MW: One word, kiddo. Epilogue. Okay A couple of Announcements: 1. I'm sooooooooooooooooooooo sorry, Angelbach. I didn't mean to screw up
your gender. At least I think that's what I did. I am going to make an
ass out of myself and assume the bow comment means you are a boy. Once
again I'm so sorry.

1. For the confused on who the Hades is Libby, read The Dancer and The Wolf
and read the beginning of Chapter 4 of this fic. That should help. You'll
hear more about her in the next fic, Treasure of Atlantis.

1. The Scene with the River is actually part of another Greek Myth. Disney
just applied it to Hercules and made it very famous. So if you think I
stole the idea from Disney's Hercules, I didn't. I just emerged the two
things together for my own concept. If I have to still place a disclaimer
on it, fine. I don't own it.

1. If you are wondering who any of the unnamed characters were in this fic,
don't worry I will explain it in The Atlantis story. Also, Do you guys
like how I'm doing the disclaimer? Let me know. You guys are the only way
I know how things are going.

Okay, I'm gonna shut up now. Don't forget to review.