Author's Note: Thanks to Elizabeth Teresa, White Merlin, and jbfritz for the reviews, they mean a lot to me. Sorry about the update time, not that I'm usually that quick, but this time I at least have a good excuse. The file I had this chapter was saved in got a bug. Had to retype or most of it. Also I know I said that I would explain who or what is watching them in this chapter, but I had to change it to fit the plot better. It's coming, just not yet (I know, very subtle foreshadowing right?). Also, what I consider to be the main line of this story will start being revealed after the next chapter. Hope this is enough to keep you all reading, feel free to let me know what you think.

Jeremy

Chapter 20 Pieces

It was beautiful, and bright, and it hurt! The light was blindingly painful. Harry who had been trying to open his eyes was now scrunching them closed and trying to pull the sheets over his head. He felt like he had been hit by a hippogriff, and that was before the noise started.

"Hey he's waking up! Harry are you okay? Madam Pomfrey, Madam Pomfrey, he's awake! Harry mate, was it another vision, is everyone ok?"

"Ughhh Everyone is fine Ron, but shut the hell up. What happened, and can we please turn down the lights?" Harry replied clapping his hands over his ears.

At that moment Madam Pomfrey came over and began to check Harry over. "Well Mr. Potter, back again. We can not turn down the lights until I've checked you over. Here, take this," she said as she handed him a vial of purple liquid. "I don't doubt that the Headmaster would like to speak with you when I'm finished. Ms. Granger be a dear and run along to fetch him please. Well, there doesn't seem to be any permanent damage. How are you feeling then?"

"I feel fine I guess." He replied. He looked down at his own hands to be sure that they were his, and weren't the long pale fingers of his enemy, whose hands he had seen as his own, torturing another human.

Ron snorted to himself, "I really doubt that."

Looking around Harry noticed that Ginny, Luna, and Neville were also in the room with Ron, who Harry gave a reproachful look. "Anyway, what day is it, how long have I been out?"

"It is Sunday, you've only been asleep for two days. As for what happened, we were hoping you could tell us. You told Mr. Weasley here that it was He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Is this true?" the healer asked.

A memory of his dream, and then the vision returned to Harry. He thought he would pass out again, the scent of fear, the blood splattering from the severed fingers, and the screams, oh those horrible screams of pain. He pulled himself into a sitting position and reached for his glasses. "Yes, I remember now, I saw Volde.…" a sharp hiss from the healer cut off his statement. "Sorry," he said regretfully, "yes it was him, but perhaps its best if I just tell Professor Dumbledore."

"Very well then, I see no reason why you cant go back to your dorm as soon as you've spoken with the Headmaster. He should be along in a moment." With that Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk at the end of the ward.

"So, how do you really feel mate? You look like hell."

"Ron!" Ginny scolded.

"Thanks a lot. I honestly don't know. I think I'm alright, just the thought of," Harry shuddered, closing his eyes. "I mean, I was there with him, I was him. There was just this intense hate and desire to hurt."

"What specifically do you remember Harry, if you do not mind my asking?" Professor Dumbledore asked from behind the others. He had just entered the hospital ward with Hermione as well as Professor McGonagall, Charlie Weasley, and Snape.

Harry looked briefly into the eyes of the new arrivals, and then his friends. Madam Pomfrey had rejoined the group to hear the explanation of what had happened. "It was Voldemort sir. He's killed Igor Karkaroff.

Snape and Dumbledore exchanged a look. "And how is it that you know this Harry?" The Headmaster asked.

"It started as a dream at first, one I've had before about the corridor that leads to the Department of Mysteries, but something felt different. Before I could stop it the dream changed, and I was being chased through the corridor. It's never happened like that. When I went through the door, I wasn't in any of the rooms, I was in a forest." Harry went on to describe his experience, and how Voldemort had known he was there. He told them the different things the Dark Lord had said, and done. "I tried to use occlumency sir, I tried as hard as ever, it just wouldn't work." Hermione and Neville shared the same very scared look, while Ron and Charlie were outraged. Surprisingly, Ginny seemed to be as impassive as Dumbledore and Snape. Harry wondered at that for a moment before he continued, "Anyway, when he started to, you know…. I somehow managed to pull free. That is when I woke up. I knew where I was, but then I could feel it when he finished and killed Karkaroff. He used the Killing Curse Professor. I've never felt that kind of pain before, even when he's cast the Cruciatus Curse on me it wasn't as bad. After that I passed out. But I'm pretty sure it was a real vision, not like last year with Sirius. I was looking through his eyes, and I….I could feel his body, and his thoughts, it was sickening."

"I believe the correct term is possession Harry, though you could not control it. It is a skill that takes years of practice to use it correctly. However it is also a very dark magic, and one that I recommend you not try to pursue. I am also sure that this was a legitimate encounter, and not meant to lure you in any manner. My sources," he looked down ever so briefly and in the direction of Professor Snape, "have indeed confirmed that Igor Karkaroff had been caught by Lord Voldemort, and was tortured and killed. I had suspected that this was the cause of your sudden illness. I thank you for relaying this information to me none the less. Now if there is nothing else, I suggest that you return to your Dormitory and enjoy the remainder of your weekend. Remember Harry, if you need to speak with me, my office is always open to you."

"Thank you sir. If I think of anything else I will come and tell you." Harry replied.

"Very well then," and with that Professor Dumbledore bowed and left the hospital wing, followed by Professor McGonagall, and Snape, who gave a curt nod before spinning on his heal and following the headmaster.

"Well that was strange," Ron commented.

"You heard the Headmaster Mr. Potter. Now get dressed and off you go. If you have any more pain come back and see me immediately." Madam Pomfrey said as she ushered the other students away from his bed and pulled the curtain.

"You sure you're alright Harry? Do you need help?" Charlie called from the other side of the curtain. "Mum's gonna have a fit when she hears about this."

"No, I'm fine or I will be. If you talk to her tell her not to worry. Everything worked out, and I'm no worse for wear." Harry replied.

"You have met my Mother right?" Charlie answered. "Trying to tell her that will only land me in hot water. Just take care of yourself alright?"

"Okay, sure thing Charlie, err….Professor." Harry called as he heard Charlie start walking away.

Hermione and Ron continued to discuss what Harry had just revealed to them, while Ginny's intent was a bit more playful, "Are you sure you don't need any help there Harry?" she said with one last peek around the curtain.

"Ginny!" both he and Ron yelled. Harry could feel himself blushing and checked to make sure the curtain was closed before he started to get changed.

"I was only teasing, relax Ron, it's only Harry." She chortled.

"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" Harry called out indignantly.

"Nothing Harry, just that Ron can trust you. Now hurry up so we can get out of here." She replied.

Harry was trying to hurry, but he felt very stiff and sore. It was worse than any other time he had experienced a vision, or whatever it was. "I probably could use her help," He thought morosely to himself. He needed a hot bath to relax, and hopefully he wouldn't sink in and drown. Realizing that he was trying to avoid thinking about what he'd seen he concentrated on getting dressed. He knew his friends would keep him talking about it until he felt better, so it was probably best to get it over with. He finished pulling on his shirt and leaned heavily on the bed.

"Alright, let's get going. Just take it slow, I feel like I'm made of old tree limbs." Harry said to his friends as he pulled the curtain open.

He actually did look much worse now that he was standing. They began a long slow walk back to the Gryffindor Tower, stopping occasionally for Harry to stretch, or lean on the wall.

Luna turned off at the fourth floor to head back to her own common room. "Hope you feel better Harry. See you all later." she said before skipping off down the hall.

Harry had half expected some nonsense advice from her, but he wasn't about to complain. They continued on their journey.

"Well dear, you look much better than when they carried you out the other night." The portrait of the Fat Lady said as they climbed the last step.

"Thanks," Harry responded with a tired smile, "And you look as enchanting as ever. Fainting Fancies."

Rolling her eyes, the portrait opened, "Very well then, in you go."

Harry immediately claimed a sofa in front of the fireplace and stretched out. The others all gathered around in chairs to discuss what had happened and what it meant.

Yawning, Harry pulled a hand over his forehead and gently rubbed his scar, "So what do you want to know? Hermione, you must be ready to burst over there, how did you manage to hold your questions in this long?"

They all exchanged a glance that Harry couldn't see. "Well Harry, umm," Hermione started, "How are you feeling?"

"I feel alright I guess, a little sore, but otherwise I'm fine. So stop asking and tell me what you think about all this." He said with a dry smile.

"Honestly mate, as long as you're okay that's all that matters. You scared the hell out of me the other night." Ron supplied. "As far as Karkaroff, it's no big waste really, I mean I didn't really like him anyway."

"Ron!" Hermione hissed. "That doesn't mean he deserved to die. Not to mention the fact that your best friend had to watch it. Honestly, would you think before you speak."

"Hey, I said I was worried about Harry. Next to him I really don't care about some filthy Death Eater. As far as I concerned Voldemort did us a favor. In fact it would be rather nice if he could off a few more of them for us, save us the trouble." Ron replied heatedly.

"Oh would the both of you stop," Ginny interjected, "Harry probably doesn't need to listen to you two bickering right now."

"Sorry." they both said, and looked away.

"What I want to know, is how did you break the connection?" Neville spoke timidly.

"I was wondering that myself Neville," Hermione added, "I mean, you said that the Occlumency didn't work, right Harry? So if Voldemort were in control, then it isn't likely that he would just let go is it? So what happened?"

Harry considered the question for a minute. "I'm not sure exactly. I mean, I know what didn't happen, so that's probably the place to start."

"Okay then," Ron questioned, "tell us what didn't happen then."

"Well, I know it wasn't the pain in my scar that broke the connection, because I could barely feel it while I was with him. Which is strange, because when he," he looked at Neville quickly, realizing he hadn't told him the whole story, and then feeling guilty, remembering that he was the other person that the prophecy could have pointed to, "When he possessed me at the Ministry last year, my scar exploded with pain, but that was in my own body."

Hermione interrupted, "It may be Harry that you are more affected by the connection because you bear the scar. It would make sense then, that Voldemort would have more control over the relationship."

Harry looked up at her sharply, "We do not have a relationship! He murdered my parents, and keeps trying to kill me. He's a coward, and the only thing we have in common is that I am going to kill him one of these days!"

"Okay Harry, relax! She wasn't trying to make any association between you. We're your friends remember," Ron came to her defense.

Harry shook his head, "I know, I'm sorry. I just feel so dirty after being there, I don't want to be a part of him, or…. I'm sorry, please keep going."

"It's okay Harry we understand how you feel." Hermione soothed.

"No you don't, and you shouldn't. I don't want any of you to have to know what this like, ever," he whispered determinedly. He didn't know why her words were getting to him or why he was getting upset about this. It wasn't her fault, and they were only trying to help.

"Well I already do, and Neville has a pretty good idea too I think," Ginny piped in. "And even if it's not the same, we've all seen what it does to you, and we can relate to that. You can't shelter us from what's going on."

Harry did not say anything, but knew that was exactly what he wanted to do, hide them all away until this was over. "I don't know why I'm so edgy. I know you're trying to help. I just can't get over this thought that I'm going to end up losing all of you. Forget about it." he groaned out.

Hermione tried to pick up where she had left off, "Yes well anyway, so he has more control, and because the scar is on your head the pain is more acute when the conflict is within you. That's why you didn't experience as much pain when you were with him. There must be something that gives you power or control though, because you continue to escape."

Harry nodded his head. "That sounds right. Nobody woke me up either, so that couldn't have been it. I also know it wasn't the occlumency that broke us apart, he's just way to good, and let's face it, I'm not exactly an all star when it comes to that subject. And that wasn't what stopped him last time either. I think you're right though, Dumbledore said something about it after that night at the Ministry. But this time was definitely different from that…." Harry trailed off, thinking about how he had been so willing to join Sirius and his parents that night, anything to stop the pain, the loss. He closed his eyes, thinking about how much more he could lose, and hating Voldemort. If the Dark Lord went after Karkaroff to settle unfinished business, then he could be pretty sure that he was next on the list. It was only a matter of time before Harry drew Voldemort's full attention again. It was unlikely that his friends would be left out as a courtesy either.

Seeing Harry turn to dark thoughts didn't put any of his friends at ease. The topic died away, turning instead to silence. Far from taking Dumbledore's advice and enjoying the rest of their weekend, they all sat around thinking things over. With the exceptions of a few shared words, the mood had dropped from two days before.

Dinner was quiet for the group, despite the noise from the surrounding tables of students still excited from the Halloween party a few nights before. Harry ate in silence, carefully regarding each of his friends, and the turns his life was taking. In turn, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all appeared to be doing the same. Neville was actually sitting further down the table with Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Parvati looking relaxed.

The following week held much of the same quiet consideration. Even Quidditch practice and Harry's daily morning routine were eerily peaceful and unexciting. The faculty had taken notice and were watching closely. On Wednesday morning though they were all jolted from the calm, thoughtful atmosphere that they had fallen into. Harry was sitting next to Seamus, across from Hermione and Ron. As he fixed himself a bowl of porridge the owl post arrived. A large black horned owl landed in front of him holding a small white box wrapped in twine.

Harry looked over at his friends questioningly, before Seamus started in. "Hey, what ya got there Harry, a secret admirer maybe?" he asked.

He took the box from the owl, which immediately took flight. Gently, Harry untied the package. "Dunno, I wasn't expecting anything." Harry replied as he began lifting the lid.

"Careful Harry," Hermione whispered, "It could be dangerous."

Her warning was too late though as Harry had opened it fully and looked inside. He was stunned to silence, as Seamus and Ron each tried to peer around him to see what it contained. Both jumped back and Seamus couldn't stop himself from being sick. Hermione stood up at that moment and called to the head table for Professor McGonagall.

Harry, though still shocked had the good sense to close the lid before anyone else could see what was inside. His head snapped up as the stern voice of the Deputy Headmistress arrived. "What is the meaning of this outburst?"

"Professor, it's…. I need to take this to the Headmaster immediately." Harry tried to whisper, but he could feel all the attention he was attracting from the other students in the Great Hall. "It's from Vold…. Professor Dumbledore needs to see this," his voice becoming more strained and urgent, as he tried not to send everyone into a panic.

"Potter…. all right, you will find him in his office. Please go quickly. Mr. Weasley, would you kindly escort Mr. Finnigan to the hospital ward?" she said quickly.

Ron nodded his agreement and began walking alongside his very green looking housemate. That left Hermione to go along with Harry, not that he was waiting to see if she was following. Harry bolted out of his seat and pushed past Ron and Seamus, who looked even worse as Harry passed him, holding the box in front of him.

Moments later they arrived at the Headmaster's Office. Harry spoke the password and climbed onto the revolving staircase as soon as the gargoyles were out of the way. Hermione was out of breath but quickly followed him. They didn't need to knock as the door opened as they reached the top of the stairs. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk with a very inquisitive stare on his face.

"Harry? I take it as that is not a box of chocolates you have in your hands." the aging wizard inquired.

"Sir, this just arrived with the post. Voldemort sent it." Harry said as he placed the small box on the desk. He began to explain further, "It's fingers sir, Karkaroff's fingers. There's a note, but I didn't want to pull it out in the Great Hall for obvious reasons." Harry continued while Dumbledore examined the package and began to slide the lid open. "Also, I wasn't sure, but it may be cursed."

A few moments of silence followed before Dumbledore pulled the note from the box and unfolded it. Immediately a cloud of gray and green smoke burst from the paper and rose up a few feet above the desk. It swirled for a moment before it formed into a symbol that was all to common on the front page of the papers, it was the Dark Mark. A sickly green skull floating in the air with a snake slithering out of it's mouth. With a wave of his wand the spell dissipated and the smoke cleared. He glanced at Harry and Hermione shortly before he began reading the note. He then handed it to Harry.

"It would seem that Tom is attempting to intimidate you Harry. The message and more importantly the fingers appear to be a warning." Dumbledore stated plainly.

Harry looked down from the Headmaster to the letter in his hand.

"Dear Harry,

Hope you enjoyed the show, sorry you couldn't stick around for the end. One down, One to go. Be seeing you around.

Lord Voldemort"

Harry was speechless, at which point the Headmaster spoke, "He is using scare tactics, but also plainly telling you that he intends to come for you. I will of course be assigning members of the Order for extra protection around the school. I cannot tell you not to worry Harry. We are at war, and there is little reassurance I can offer to you, given my track record. However, if I may offer this advice, you cannot allow this threat, or any other to rule your life. Continue to live as you have and leave this for me to worry about." Raising his hand to halt Harry's response he continued, "Remain vigilant, but do not allow him to run your life through fear. Now please, I believe you have a class to attend, and I must begin on the arrangements immediately. If you have questions, we can talk more this evening at your lesson." Standing up, Dumbledore walked them both to the door and gave a reassuring pat on the back as they began their descent.

They met a shaky looking Ron outside of the Charms classroom. "What did he have to say?" Ron asked.

Harry was still contemplating the words of the letter, so with a look to her dark-haired brooding friend, Hermione answered. "He didn't tell us much really, or nothing we couldn't have guessed anyway. There was more than…. than just the fingers though. It was from Voldemort, and he sent a note." She continued to explain as they found seats at the back of the classroom.

Harry began to realize where they were, and the stares that followed him to his seat. Even his own classmates seemed intrigued or frightened by the unknown contents of the box. They all knew about Harry's ordeals, and were for the most part sympathetic. But the gossip they heard was rarely the whole story, and they were always thirsty for more. So the whispering and fleeting looks carried on. He couldn't help but feel a small amount of contempt for his peers though. These were people who knew him, and the kind of person he was. He would never fully get used to their callous interest.

"So it was a threat?" Ron uttered as Harry picked up the thread of the conversation. He continued in a hushed voice, "And it sent off the Dark Mark? Whoa! Imagine if you had opened that in the Great Hall. It would have started a panic."

"That was the idea." Harry muttered darkly.

They continued to discuss all of the intricacies of this stroke throughout the lesson. Charms was the perfect place to talk because of the constant action. Still the timid glances didn't stop, and by the end of the period Harry was loosing his patience. He opted to skip lunch instead of facing more of the same treatment. He remained in the common room while his two best friend went to eat, after he promised them that he wouldn't go anywhere without letting them know. They were becoming all too familiar with this moody and withdrawn Harry, and knew he needed some time to cool off. Still it was better than the previous year, when he would lose his temper and direct it at them. Nowadays he usually took some time to collect himself and was generally able to talk to them afterwards. For his part Harry was done thinking about the incident. He used the time to start on his assignments instead, figuring it would be better to focus on something he could control.

The remainder of the week held more of the same treatment for him and he was glad to get to the end when he wouldn't have to face anyone. The added benefit was the Quidditch practice he would have. Saturday practices lasted twice as long as on the weekdays, and allotted him an extra spot of peace that he needed. They were facing Ravenclaw the following week and wanted to be sure that the team was ready. Not that they would really need to be. By all accounts the Ravenclaw team wasn't very strong this year, owing to several open positions left by graduated students, and their Captain was lacking as a leader. Rodger Davies had left the previous year, and Zack Smith had been named as Captain. As it was his second year on the team he didn't have the experience or trust of his teammates, and he was a bit overbearing as well.

As the week of the match dwindled down students were actually becoming excited about something that would take their minds off of the war thundering outside their secluded existence. Reports of attacks had become almost commonplace in the Daily Prophet. Apparently even the muggles had begun taking notice. Not that they knew what was happening, only that there was something suspicious going on. The Ministry was having a difficult time keeping up with the Dark Lord's terror campaign.

But at the school a sense of normalcy was setting in. With the impending match came a shift in focus from Harry to the game. There was still a lot of curious speculation aimed at him, but with a lack of details with which to focus on the rumor mill was grinding to a halt. Harry had a word with Seamus to explain the package and ask that he not tell anyone the details. The young Irish wizard was quite agreeable to keeping the secret. With the gossip dieing out Harry could even allow himself to loosen up a bit. He was certain that he had a good team that could go far. After he and Ron had talked with the rest of the team it was decided that they would add Ginny and Natalie MacDonald to the roster as chasers, and keep Seamus on reserve.

The team had come together well under Harry's calm leadership and Ron's strategy and understanding of the game. They practiced diligently, and while they were far from flawless, they were coming together well. Katie Bell was an immense strength, lending her experience to guide the new chasers.

The final day before the match was filled with expectation. Even the staff was anticipating the joy of a simple game. Harry spent his time that day trying to bolster his teams spirits, as only he and Katie seemed untouched by pre-game nerves. Even Ron was edgy, although it had more to do with being Captain than worrying about his own performance. He knew he was good now, and the doubt that had racked him the previous season was all but gone.

Malfoy had made an attempt earlier in the week at intimidating the Gryffindors, but Harry's juke towards his wand was enough to make him jump back, causing the whole team to roar with laughter. He strutted away muttering furious threats toward Harry, who simply shrugged it off.

The Saturday sun rose above the crisp fog to warm the grounds and light the blazing autumn leaves of the forest. Slowly the team began to gather in the common room before going down to breakfast. They followed Harry's cool demeanor into the hall and took their places at the table. He did all he could to get them to eat, but only Katie and Ron seemed to have any appetite. Ginny at least made a show of being composed.

Soon enough the hall was emptying out and they made their way down to the changing rooms. Once they were ready they gathered again for a pep talk. Ron simply stared at Harry expectantly. Realizing his friend wasn't prepared for this particular duty Harry stepped up. "Alright everyone?" There were a few brief nods. "Listen, we all know what we need to do. Stay focused and play our game. Don't worry about the crowd, or anything else." Sloper and Kirke were starting to look alert and ready. "This is a game of tradition, and there isn't a better tradition than that of Gryffindor's history of winning. I'm confident that we are a good team, and now it's time to go out there and prove it. Remember the teamwork and help each other out. Be brave, and there's nothing you can't do up there. Play hard and don't forget it's a game, have fun!" he yelled with a grin. "Now come on, let's get out there and show those Eagles how to soar!"

The team jumped up and let their spirits rise. The time for doubt had passed and they were eager to start. They waited at the entrance to be announced, with Ron and Harry at the rear. Ron leaned over and whispered, "Good one mate. Of course, we better win this or McGonagall's going to flip her wig for sure."

"Don't worry about it. She knows we'll do our best," Harry replied. "And I'm not about to start losing now. We can do it."

A familiar voice rang out in the stadium calling out the names of the Ravenclaw players. It was Colin Creevey's excited intonation echoing through the stands. And now, your lions for this year, Bell, Weasley, MacDonald, Kirke, Sloper, and Co-Captains Weasley and Potter; Team Gryffindor! Wild cheers erupted from the red and gold crowd, mixed with hissing from the Slytherin side. The team mounted their brooms and flew out onto the pitch. They took a few laps and landed in the middle around Madam Hooch.

Now, I want a good clean game. Captains shake hands. Harry and Ron stepped forward and each took a turn shaking Zack's hand. They returned to their positions and mounted their brooms.

On my whistle. called Madam Hooch. She opened the crate and released the bludgers and the snitch. She threw the quaffle into the air and blew the whistle to start the game.

Harry pushed off hard and took off into the air after the snitch. He had seen it zoom off in the direction of the Gryffindor posts. Quickly he circled around searching for it. It was no where to be seen though. Turning back he spared a moment to look at his teammates. They were battling back and forth for the quaffle but seemed to be holding their own. Katie had taken control and quickly scored a goal, but now both teams were trying to maintain control of the quaffle.

Harry kept looking until he found his own opposition for the match. Cho Chang was flying above the fray searching for the snitch. Harry was surprised that she wasn't tagging up on him to make sure he didn't find it first. It was a new strategy compared to the other times they had faced off. Harry set himself back to the task of finding the small golden ball. He pushed his broom around the field looking in all directions.

"Another goal from Gryffindor. What a shot by MacDonald in her first start for the lions. That puts the tally at 40 to 20 with Gryffindor in the lead," Colin called out. "No sign of the snitch yet, but it's still early in the match."

Harry watched with a smile, as Ron made a save by blocking Smith's shot. Just then one of the Ravenclaw beaters knocked a bludgers at him. Harry rolled out of the way easily, and as he righted himself he saw the fluttering gold of the snitch and he was off. He held himself low to the handle of the broom, his sudden movement causing a rush of cheering from the stands. Cho was also in pursuit, but had little chance of catching up to him. He could here Colin's frantic announcing as he closed in on his target. It dipped down, and swerved left, and Harry followed, and then he had it. Circling back to the center of the field he held the snitch tightly in his grip and raised it over his head.

"Gryffindor wins! Potter catches the snitch and Gryffindor wins 190 to 20!" Colin was yelling from the stands.

His team surrounded him as he touched down, all smiles and cheers. Ron looked delirious. Harry made a good show by shaking hands with the Ravenclaws as they left the pitch. The cheering continued in the stands as the team filed back into the changing rooms. It had been a good day, and the party that night was sure to be even better.