Author's Note: I'd like to start off with a quick apology, the title of the last chapter may have lead you to believe that there would be a lot more action on the pitch than I actually provided, so sorry if I disappointed anyone. There weren't any complaints though, so I guess it was ok. I'd like to thank everyone who's kept up with this story, despite the long wait between updates. And a special thanks to White Merlin, Laura, r/hrfan, alen, moodyboy66 (that would be telling wouldn't it), Ms. Ray (I appreciate your faithful reviewsand unending advice), and Dark Elf (review of Lose Yourself) for your reviews, you really help me with your questions and encouragement, and give me the focus to better define this story. It's a little late in the story now, and the way I write may not be conducive to this type of relationship, but I may be interested in someone to beta read this story. If you're interested give me a shout, and we'll see if it will work.

Enjoy

Jeremy

Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Harry Potter or any characters or places in this story, they belong to JK Rowling. I am making no money from this story.

Chapter 19 Halloween

The wind whistled through the stone halls of Hogwarts bringing with it a mid-autumn chill and the sweet smell of wet leaves that lingered in the entrance hall. Harry was sitting with Ron, Hermione, and Neville in a corner of the common room. The mirrors they had ordered had been delivered from Dervish and Banges that morning and they were in the process of applying the charms. It wasn't a difficult task, but Hermione insisted on making sure it was done right.

"So you're not even going to bother asking anyone?" Ron said to Harry.

Ron had been hounding him for nearly two weeks now, and showed no signs of relenting. For his part, Harry had taken the badgering with a quiet resignation. He wasn't concerned with a dance when there were so many other important things happening, but it had become somewhat of a joke between them now, and it gave him the chance to relax. Ron did insist that Harry had to go, even if he didn't have a date, claiming that he needed moral support.

"Would you leave him alone and focus for a minute," Hermione said semi-seriously. "Honestly Ron, he's a big boy."

"Besides," added Neville, "if he doesn't think he can find a date…."

"Hey!" exclaimed Harry, "I didn't say I couldn't find a date." The fact that Hermione and Neville had joined in on the rousing just made it all the more fun for everyone. They shared a smile before getting back to work.

Harry had purchased five small mirrors from the shop, thinking it would be a good idea to give one to Ginny, Neville, and Luna as well as Ron and Hermione. After all, the others had risked their safety last year to help him, and they might now find themselves in danger after going up against the Death Eaters. And they were all agreed that it was a good idea to have the mirrors, the sooner the better.

Although the school had swung into a steady routine, there was a growing anxiety around the school, that had little to do with the impending ball. Harry seemed to be the only one who could put the thought to words; and though he kept the words to himself, it felt like being watched. He was hoping that it was nothing more than a passing feeling. And for the most part it was. His friends dismissed the sensation nearly as soon as they felt it. But it was such an oppressing notion that it made him think something was wrong.

Still everyone was kept on their toes, between schoolwork and preparations for the Halloween Feast, there wasn't much time to worry about phantom feelings. Harry too felt the pinch of pressure, most of which was self inflicted. He continued his extra curricular studies and training. He didn't know how Hermione kept studying at the pace she did, considering how many more classes she was taking. Still, his class work had been far better for the extra work, and while he wasn't nearly prepared to face Voldemort, he was more than ready for most anyone else. Quidditch and the DA were also taking up a lot of his time, though he left most of the strategy to Ron, he still had to help run the practices, and the DA was entirely his show. Hermione would help with the research, but it was up to him to decide what to teach, and who would teach it, and when they would all meet.

Harry's Occlumency lessons had finally turned to a practical format, where Professor Dumbledore would actually attempt to access Harry's thoughts. Still the learning process was too slow for Harry, who felt he should have shown some results by now. Even Snape's method of teaching almost seemed preferable, almost. At least there would have been an excuse if he didn't succeed. But there was too much riding on this for Harry to fail. He could have dealt with the pain, if only he could make some headway. He didn't have much choice at any rate, he needed to learn how to do this, so in the end it was probably worth learning to do right. He would just have to take his time, something that was speeding along despite him.

All to soon, Halloween dawned gray and foggy. It was a Thursday morning and classes were scheduled as usual despite that nights events. The Great Hall was decorated with giant pumpkins and swarms of bats, and much to Ron's dismay giant spider webs had been spun in every corner. The excitement of the dance had now taken over every second of the day, and most classes were spent doing little class work, and a lot of chatting. Snape and McGonagall were the only two Professors to manage to get their classes to run smoothly.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione finished that afternoon with Transfiguration. McGonagall was at her wits end by the time they entered the classroom. By now though, the older students knew not to mess about in her classroom and it was all business that afternoon. They were dismissed promptly at four o'clock with more homework than their other classes combined for that day, and nobody complained. They were all too excited about the Feast.

The Gryffindor common room was a flurry of fizzing whizbees and laughter when the sixth years returned from class. It was as if the party had already started. Most of the girls disappeared quickly though, in order to get ready for the dance. Most of the students had decided to don their dress robes even though it was only a semi-formal event. After all, it wasn't often that you got to dress up when you attended Hogwarts.

Harry and Ron sat at a table to the side of the fire for a game of chess before they went to get ready. After their third game, his third loss, Harry picked up a feeling from his friend. Ron seemed to be getting a little nervous about his date with Hermione, a fact that Harry was quick to take advantage of.

"So you're sure you're ok going through with this?" Harry asked as Ron prodded one of his pawns forward.

Ron looked at him incredulously, "What do you mean? Of course I am. I asked her didn't I?"

Harry continued innocently, "Well yeah, I mean it's just a big step isn't it? It'll be trips to Madame Puddifoot's next, and then who knows what."

"But, but that's just silly. Hermione's not into that stuff. And besides what's wrong with that?" Ron questioned as Harry's knight smashed one of Ron's bishops.

"I didn't say there was anything wrong with it. I was just checking to see if you knew what you were getting into." he said, smiling slyly.

Ron looked very confused as he thought about his next move. He told his queen to move and she did under protest, but Ron wasn't really paying attention. Until he heard the words that he would never get used to from his best friend, "Check-mate!"

"Wha? How did you….that was a dirty trick Harry. I can't believe you would stoop so low." Ron exclaimed indignantly.

"I know, I know, but it's probably the only way I can beat you, and I was long overdue for a win. Besides, it's not like I was serious. I'm sure you'll be fine, and Hermione really isn't like that, she's more likely to drag you to the library than Madame Puddifoot's, and she's going to do that anyway." They both chuckled at that thought.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I don't know what I'm worrying for. Now if we could just find someone for you to go with. It's not too late you know. I bet if we asked around…." Ron was saying as he got up.

"Oh no you don't there, Cupid," Harry said, pushing his friend towards their room, "you need to give up on this idea, and it's time to get ready now anyway. You better shower unless you want her to smell you like that when you're dancing." With that Harry pushed past Ron, thinking this was entirely too easy, and ran up the stairs.

"I don't smell that bad, do I," Ron called up, as he lifted his shirt to sniff it. "Hey!" he yelled, realizing Harry was just messing with him, and ran after him.

More than an hour later, people were beginning to re-appear in the common room to meet up with their friends. Since it wasn't a formal event, nobody felt pressured to show up at the doors at exactly seven o'clock. Ron was waiting to meet Hermione though, so Harry decided to head downstairs with Dean and Neville, who were both meeting people from other houses. By the time they arrived, the doors to the Great Hall were already open, and students were filing in through the doors. Harry quickly found a seat, and waited for his friends to show up. After a few minutes, he went to the bar and ordered a few butterbeers and returned to his table to find Hermione and Ron waiting. He passed over their drinks and smiled at the look of awe on Ron's face.

"You look really nice Hermione." he said, and indeed she did, in dark shimmering silver robes. She had tied her hair up as well, and looked pleased with the complement.

"Thanks Harry, you too. So did you order dinner yet, or were you waiting for us?" she responded.

"Just waiting I guess. I figured we could all sit down together first. Who else is sitting with us anyway?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head slightly, and looked at Harry as if seeing him for the first time since they had walked in. He was wearing new midnight blue robes, that George and Fred had given him last year, as a gift. Ron didn't know why, so he suspected that the robes would explode or disappear or something else as a prank., so he had subjected them to several jinx tests before he even tried them on. "Oh, I told Ginny she could sit with us if she wanted, but she wouldn't tell me who she was coming with, said something about me scaring the poor bugger away. Oh yeah, and Katie too, but I don't think she's bringing anyone. Hey Harry…."

"Give it up Ron," Harry said in an undertone. "Well anyway, I'll go get a few more drinks then, and you two have a seat, or go find the others. I'll be right back.

A short time later they were all seated and eating. The entire Hall was filled with laughter and chatter, and there was a soft music playing in the background. Ginny had shown up with Colin Creevey, who kept glancing skittishly at Ron's angry face, until she explained that they were only there as friends, and Ron stopped glowering. Katie bell had in fact shown up without a date, but had brought one of the other girls from her dorm named Justine. At around eight thirty all the lights in the Great Hall were extinguished, even the candles on the tables. A low rumbling started to flow through the room. Several students screamed, but a moment later the lights flashed back on as the band began to play, to the applause of the crowd.

Students and teachers mingled their way onto the dance floor, and to Harry's amazement, Ron asked Hermione if she would like to dance. He half expected her to have to drag him onto the floor, but Ron surprised him. Harry himself spent his time bouncing between the dance floor and the bar. It was a lot easier to do without any pressure. Of course the fact that Katie and Justine had pulled him out there at first helped. The evening was fun, and went much as expected. Hermione and Ron had a small argument over something foolish, and promptly made up while slow-dancing. Malfoy passed by their table, glaring dangerously and made a comment about Harry not being able to get a date, and then tripped over his own robes. Snape naturally rushed out of the corner he was skulking in, to blame Harry.

He danced with Parvati, and apologized for the last ball, where he had been a poor date. He also shared a dance with Ginny, while Katie stole Colin. He felt very comfortable swaying with Ginny, and neither of them could stop smiling. Even when Charlie Weasley jokingly told them to put a little space between them, as he floated by with Professor McGonagall. Harry jumped around on the dance floor with his friends until eleven o'clock when Professor Dumbledore thanked them all for coming and wished them a Happy Halloween and a goodnight.

He walked with his arms linked with Katie and Justine back to the common room with the other Gryffindors. It had been a long day and everyone was tired out. Harry climbed the stairs to his dorm room, leaving Ron with Hermione to say goodnight. After washing up he was in bed and going to sleep well before his friend returned to their room. He traced his fingers along his scar as he thought contentedly about what had turned out to be a good day.

He continued walking down the stone corridor. This dream had become all to familiar. He tried to wake up, but he couldn't push the feeling out of his head. Something was different. He heard footsteps behind him, and turned to look, but there was nothing, just the same dim corridor he had just walked through. He started walking faster, but he couldn't escape it. He could feel something, or someone behind him. This hallway, he knew it lead to the Department of Mysteries, but it should have ended by now. It was growing longer, he could not get to the end, and then he saw them. Faint, almost glowing, just beyond the edge of the light. There were eyes, all watching him intensely. He turned to run, and found the end of the hall was not so far away. He felt his chest tightening, knowing that whatever was behind him was getting closer. The lit torch hanging just at the end gave him enough light to see the doorway. If he could just get through he would be fine. Running full tilt he slammed into it and grasped for the handle. He knew they were watching him and any second he would be grabbed. With a twist, he fell through the door and slammed it shut.

Breathing heavily he doubled over, resting his hands on his knees. Harry closed his eyes and kept repeating to himself, 'It's only a dream, it's only a dream.' He stood up and turned expecting to see the death chamber, or one of the many other rooms within the Department, he had visited them all here, in his nightmares. But this was no place he had visited before. This wasn't even a room. Harry found himself in a forest on a poorly lit path through the undergrowth. Everything else was dark, but he could sense an urgency that was not his own, could taste it in the air. Slightly confused, he started up the path. He couldn't stop himself, but he knew which way he must go. His pace quickened as he heard something struggling in the thicket ahead. He could feel the excitement and adrenaline as he got closer. Harry could hear his prey, desperately trying to flee, cursing as it stumbled on a stone.

It was a human! He couldn't believe it, he was chasing someone, intent on killing them. The thought gave him the control he needed to stop. He forced himself to look at his surroundings, and slowly he turned his eyes on himself. The dark robes, and the long white, bony fingers of his hands. He panicked, realizing where, or rather who he was. And in that moment the high pitched voice broke through, regaining control of his own body. "Well well Mr. Potter, I am so pleased that you have decided to join my little….hunting party." Harry could feel Voldemort sneer as he said the words.

But why was he seeing this, was it another trap, or was it real. It was certainly not the same as his vision of Sirius, but it was far more intense than the dream of Mr. Weasley being attacked. Harry couldn't stop to worry about that now, he needed to use occlumency, shut his mind to the Dark Lord. He tried to stop feeling emotion, and concentrate on closing his mind, but there were too many sensations, like the smell of fear that Voldemort was relishing at the moment. He wanted to get out of here, but the Dark Lord seemed to have other plans.

Refocusing his energy he strode off again at a quick pace. He had a renewed vigor now, complete control, knowing that his plans tonight would produce extra benefits. The crackle of breaking twigs revealed his victim had not gone far. Voldemort was on the man in a heartbeat, all the while as Harry struggled to get out.

He blocked the feeble curse that the cowering form sent at him, and seized the man by the wrist, forcing him to drop his wand. Instantly he blasted his victim with the Cruciatus Curse, sending him to the ground, screaming in pain.

A minute passed before he released the curse. He circled the man for a moment, rolling his wand between his fingers. He laughed hideously as he stood over the broken body that was trembling in agony. "You know, this would have been quite unnecessary, had you only come when I called for you. Now you will pay dearly for your insolence, or perhaps it was cowardice." He grabbed the man by the arm, dragging him to his feet, revealing the face of Igor Karkaroff, frightened and bleeding. Inwardly Voldemort whispered, "Now pay close attention Harry, I wouldn't want you to miss any of this," and then he pressed his thumb into the dark mark on Karkaroff's forearm.

Distantly, Harry could feel the pain in his own scar, but it was a remote sensation, like he wasn't really there. Only a few moments passed before Death Eaters started apparating into the surrounding forest, and took there places among the circle. Soon all but a few places were occupied, which Voldemort seemed to expect.

"Welcome my loyal Death Eaters. I have called you together this night to settle some unfinished business." They all bowed low at their master's words, like they were being granted some honor by being there.

It was a sight that made Harry sick, and unable to focus. He new what would be coming soon, and he didn't want to witness the torture, or experience first hand the Dark Lord's amusement. He tried to shake himself out of this world, anything to wake up back in his own bed, but nothing was working, as Voldemort continued.

"You who are called here tonight, bonded to me in eternal loyalty, I ask you to bear witness to the justice I seek from this….this traitor, and know that such is the fate of all those who oppose me, or dare to stand in my way." Turning, he threw Karkaroff to the ground. "All that you have ever been, has been granted by me. You have knowingly defied me, turned away from the power that I have bestowed."

Karkaroff sniveled as he tried to crawl to his knees, "Please my Lord….I beg your forgiveness."

But Voldemort was not willing to listen. "Silence!" he hissed, and cast the Cruciatus Curse again. He held it in place for a few minutes this time, until it seemed that Karkaroff would pass out from the pain.

Harry could feel the agony more distinctly this time, much to Voldemort's enjoyment.

"Now I will take back all that I have given, take it back from your flesh." With that Voldemort swished his wand and Harry watched through the eyes of his enemy as Karkaroff's fingers were cut off. He screamed horribly along with the outburst from Karkaroff, and fought harder as the curse was cast again at the man's feet. Finally, terrified, he had seen enough and managed to break free.

He woke kicking and swinging wildly in his own bed as Ron was startled from slumber and ran to his side. Harry recognized where he was immediately, and the pain overtook him at once. He rolled off of his bed pressing his hand against his scar. It felt like it was splitting his head open from the inside. Feebly Harry tried to curl himself up on the floor while Ron was yelling at him, trying to get a response as he shook him. "Voldemort," he managed to gasp. Another burst of indescribable pain hit him, and knowing that Karkaroff was dead, Harry passed out.