Author: Luckner

Disclaimer: The characters and their world are the property of J.K. Rowling, various publishers and Warner Bros. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Sorry about the delay in posting this chapter, I ran into severe writers block for this chapter.

CHAPTER 13: THE HALLOWEEN BALL

The next morning Harry entered the Great Hall late for breakfast, and as he crossed to Gryffindor table he appeared in something of a daze. When he sat down opposite Ron and Hermione he had a very dreamy look on his face.

"Late night, Harry?" Hermione asked, barely able to control her mirth.

"Mmmmm…" Was the boy's only response.

"I wonder if a certain Ravenclaw overslept as well," Ron said as he pretended to scan Ravenclaw table.

"Mmmmm…" Harry responded again.

"Did someone let a cow loose in here?" Ginny asked from where she sat grinning next to Neville.

"This is too much fun," Hermione whispered to Ron as they watched Harry aimlessly play with his bacon and eggs.

"Hermione, how old do you have to be to get married in the wizarding world?" Harry asked with a dreamy smile.

At that moment a loud crash echoed through the Great Hall as Ron dropped the platter of eggs that he had been holding. All eyes in the room had shifted to the red-haired boy, but he didn't even notice. He was staring across the table at his best friend like Harry had just grown a second head.

"What…What did you say Harry?" Hermione asked, her voice trembling in disbelief.

"I was just wondering how old you have to be to get married," Harry said, apparently in blissful ignorance of his friend's consternation, or much of anything else.

"Um…I…I…seventeen…yes that's it, seventeen," Hermione responded as her brain kicked back into gear.

"Mmmmm, one more year," Harry said absently and apparently more to himself than anyone else.

At that moment Luna walked up to the table and sat down beside the young man, the two teens exchanging a special smile that their friends couldn't help but notice.

"Hungry?" She asked the raven-haired boy, noticing that he hadn't touched his food.

"No, not really," he responded with a sheepish smile.

"Would you like to take a walk before first class?" She asked warmly.

"That would be great," he answered as he rose and took her hand.

Ginny Weasley giggled loudly as she watched the two walking towards the large double oak doors; but Ron and Hermione were looking at each other with absolute horror.

"You don't think that he and Luna are…." Hermione started to ask, leaving her question hanging in the air.

"I think they will be the first," Neville mused thoughtfully.

"The first?" Ginny asked her friend playfully.

"Err…yah, the first to…you know," Neville responded, the red of a blush creeping up his neck.

"But Harry and Luna couldn't be thinking about marriage at their age," Hermione declared in disbelief.

"Magical folk tend to marry at an earlier age than muggles, Hermione. And if you find the right person and you know its right, then why wait?" Neville asked sincerely.

"I agree completely," Ginny declared as she took Neville's arm, much to the shock of her brother.

None of them noticed Harry watching them mischievously from the doorway.

"What's going on?" Luna asked him curiously.

"It's so easy to get them wound up. I'll tell you all about it on the way," he replied with an evil smirk.

"Oh, I bet this will be good," she said as she led him down the path.

- o -

As the last days of October counted down the level of excitement at Hogwarts steadily grew in anticipation of the coming Halloween Ball. Some students, trying to create acceptable costumes on the spur of the moment, were subjecting themselves to levels of stress akin to taking their OWLs. This condition was most pronounced with certain third-year girls who hadn't expected to be invited to the ball, and had suddenly discovered that they had an admirer in a higher year. Consequently Madam Pomfrey was doing a land-office business in calming draughts and dreamless sleeping potions, and the owl-post between daughters and mothers was threatening to exceed the record set two years previously before the Yule Ball. Harry and his friends quickly learned who these stressed-out young ladies were, and avoided saying anything that might lead to an explosion. Luna and Ginny, on the other hand, volunteered to help anyone who needed it. Both girls had learned to sew at an early age, and consequently found themselves in high demand as October ran its course.

Girls who had previously avoided Luna now actively sought her out. They were surprised to find her a kind and generous person who was more than willing to help, and consequently new friendships were made. While she did tend to favor costumes related to fairies and mythic creatures, her creations were nonetheless uniquely beautiful.

No two people were looking forward to the ball more than Harry and Luna, but in the heart of each teen rested a secret fear. Neither really felt they knew how to dance and they both feared that they might disappoint their partner. Harry had been given training before the Yule Ball two years previously and hated had the whole experience; although he reasoned that part of that might be because he had taken Parvati Patil. Luna, on the other hand, had never danced in her life. During the Yule Ball she had sat in the window of her dorm room and watched the couples in the garden below. She didn't know if she would enjoy the experience or not, but she wanted to try for Harry's sake.

One day, while she and Hermione were working on crafting a new spell for the Weasley brothers, Luna confided her concerns to the older girl.

"It's alright; Harry doesn't like to dance. He told me so after the Yule Ball," Hermione said reassuringly.

"I know, but I still wish I knew how in case he wants to try." Luna replied with a note of sadness.

Hermione hated to see her friend unhappy, and determined to see what she could do about it.

All her life Hermione had found the answers to her problems in books, and so her search naturally took her directly to Library. She searched out Madam Pince, the Hogwarts Librarian, and asked if the library might have any books on dancing.

Madam Pince raised an eyebrow in surprise. As librarian at a school of witchcraft and wizardry she had received many strange questions over the years, but never a question about dancing. Nevertheless, no librarian will readily admit that their collection is in any way inadequate, so she began an immediate search for the desired information. It was with a sense of triumph that she discovered a book titled 'Etiquette and Dance among the Magical,' by Emily Pristelhorn.

"I think that this might assist you, Miss Granger," the librarian said proudly as she placed the book on the table.

As Hermione thumbed through the heavy tome she was surprised to find that it was really quite interesting, and made a mental note to check it out later for some light reading. It was at that moment that she discovered what she was looking for: a dance spell for people who couldn't dance. In spite of the fact that the book was a bit old, published almost eighty years before, she still hoped that it would work.

During lunch she asked Harry and Luna if they could join her in the Room of Requirement after dinner that evening; and she hinted at a surprise for both of them. The two had been planning a moonlight walk along the shore of the Black Lake, but reluctantly agreed to postpone it. When they arrived they found that the room, which transformed itself to meet the needs of the user, was completely bare except for an old fashioned floor standing radio and a polished oak floor. Hermione, who was waiting for them, smiled at the two teens in a way that troubled Harry somewhat.

"Harry, were you planning on dancing with Luna at the ball?" She asked him, startling the young man with her directness.

Harry could feel the beads of perspiration starting to form as he realized that Hermione had put him on the spot without any warning. Glancing down at his girlfriend he saw her smiling at him shyly, and he answered Hermione honestly. "I'd really like to, but I…um, don't dance very well."

"What about you, Luna; would you like to dance with Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I would, but I really don't know how to dance," Luna answered with a touch of embarrassment.

"Well I found a dance spell in this book. Would you like to give it a try?" She asked hopefully. "The only thing is that the spell is a bit dated, but it still might be some help."

Both teens were eager to try the spell, and Hermione placed the charm on the two of them. "Shall we give it a try then?" And not waiting for an answer she turned on the radio that stood nearby. The sound of violins filled the room as an old-fashioned waltz began to play. Hermione was going to change the channel to find something more contemporary; but before she could do so Harry took Luna in his arms and began to waltz her across the floor. The expressions on their faces told Hermione all she needed to know: the two teens loved to dance together.

"This is wonderful," Harry declared enthusiastically, as the two danced together gracefully.

Unfortunately it soon became apparent that the spell only worked with pre-1920 era dances. The next piece of music was by the Weird Sisters, and the two teens looked completely confused. Luna even put her fingers in her ears against the extremely loud sound, and Harry didn't look very happy either. But when another waltz was played the two were once again in heaven. Hermione didn't have the heart to tell her two friends that the dances played at the ball, at which the Weird Sisters would be performing, would certainly not be waltzes.

Hermione decided that she had better take a hand in the matter, and the next morning she asked Professor McGonagall if it would be possible to arrange a meeting with the Headmaster. She was surprised by how easily her stern head-of-house agreed to her request, and later that same day she was explaining her unique problem to a smiling Professor Dumbledore.

"It's odd that you should mention this Miss Granger, as I myself have been giving some thought to that night's entertainment. I can assure you that there will be music suitable to their experience at the ball. May I add that Mr. Potter and Miss Lovegood are quite fortunate to have you as a friend," the Headmaster declared with his famous eye twinkle.

A number of students took notice of a very happy Hermione Granger as she almost skipped down the hallway on her way to her first class of the afternoon.

- o -

Harry was a bit self-conscious about the costume that he would be wearing to the ball, and his nervousness was apparent to his roommates. Naturally when they realized that he wanted to be alone they absolutely refused to leave, claiming a variety of excuses to delay their departure. Finally, as the hour grew late, he realized that he could delay no longer. As he slipped into the forest-green silk robes he realized how incredibly comfortable they were, almost like wearing a second skin. He also felt a slight tingling sensation, as if the silk carried a slight electrical charge.

He was surprised when both Neville and Ron complemented him on his appearance, which in spite of the forest-green color seemed to convey an impression of masculinity. And indeed when he looked into a full-length mirror that Neville had conjured he had to admit that the costume did create a very favorable impression. He was also pleased when he realized that none of his roommates seemed to know what his costume represented. When Neville suggested that it was a famous muggle woodsman named Robin Hood, Harry made no effort to correct the mistake. As he descended the stairs to the common room he had almost forgotten his concerns and was simply determined to have a good time.

Luna had come to Gryffindor House earlier that day, and was in the sixth-year girl's dorm with Ginny and Hermione putting the finishing touches on their hair and makeup. In keeping with her costume as a fairy queen, Luna had braided woodland flowers into her hair. It was a rather odd look but one that worked well for the young Ravenclaw; and after all, Luna had no problem with being considered odd. When the three girls entered the common room a few minutes later they were confident that they looked their best.

Harry for his part was struck dumb by how beautiful Luna looked, almost as if he had never really seen her before. It took him just a few seconds to find his tongue and get his brain to kick in, but he finally managed to say what he was thinking.

"I don't think that any fairy queen could look as beautiful as you do," he said sincerely.

"Thank you," she whispered and kissed him on the cheek. Harry noticed that a slight blush had appeared on Luna's cheeks which made him think her even more beautiful. He handed her a clear box which contained three pure white orchids, and then with slightly trembling fingers he pinned them on the shoulder of her gown.

As Hermione listened to his words in disbelief, she wondered when Harry had learned how to speak so romantically to a girl. And then watching the two together she realized that he hadn't, it was just this one special girl that brought out the best in him.

Neville could always be counted upon to be a gentleman, and his complements to Ginny made the girl blush badly. Nevertheless he received a happy smile and soft kiss from the youngest Weasley. The only disappointment was Ron Weasley, who with a degree of embarrassment simply told Hermione that she looked nice. Hermione's sigh was noticed by everyone; she so wished that Ron could be a bit more romantic. She was bit annoyed that he had flatly refused to wear the costume that she had found. He had agreed to go as Romeo, to her Juliet, but now refused to wear the short leather breeches that went with the costume. He claimed that she had tricked him into wearing the outfit without telling him how embarrassing it was going to be; and she did have to admit to herself that it was probably true. But the costume was historically accurate, and she so wanted to go as a romantic character from historic fiction. Instead Ron insisted on wearing his bright orange Chudley Cannons jersey, which Hermione thought absolutely horrible.

She had been thinking a good deal about Ron and herself over the previous few weeks, especially when she saw how happy Harry and Luna were. Ron was a great friend and always would be, but maybe they were never meant to be more than that. Pushing those thoughts aside for later consideration, she made up her mind to enjoy her first Halloween Ball.

The six teens put on their feathered masks and, leaving through the Gryffindor portrait hole, followed the other students on their way to the Great Hall.

Harry thought the masks rather unnecessary considering that Luna's long, dirty blond hair gave away their identity to everyone. Still it was part of the fun of the ball and he went along with it with a light heart.

As they waited for the heavy oak doors to swing open Harry and Luna spoke quietly in a secluded corner. Even if they didn't have the opportunity to dance, they both knew they would be having a wonderful evening.

"Good evening Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood," said a high squeaky voice that both teens recognized immediately.

Professor Flitwick had only been out of his bed for a few days, but he looked completely recovered from the attack of a few weeks previous.

"Good evening, Professor Flitwick. I'm so glad that you could join us for the ball tonight," Luna answered politely.

"Yes, the Halloween Ball is always something special, and I would hate to miss it. Many a romance has started at this ball, and it always makes me feel good to attend. I really must complement you both on the authenticity of your costumes. During my youth I had the opportunity to attend a ball at the court of the fairies, and was quite overwhelmed by the beauty of their state robes," he said sincerely.

"Thank you Sir, but my Grandmother made this gown for my Mother," Luna explained modestly.

"But you did make my costume, Lu," Harry said appreciatively.

"And very handsome, too, Mr. Potter," Professor Flitwick said.

"Thank you, Sir," Harry responded.

Pulling Harry slightly aside, Professor Flitwick whispered in his ear: "I think Miss Lovegood will be the prettiest girl at the ball tonight."

"I know she will be," Harry answered positively.

It was at that moment that the great doors swung silently open. As they entered Harry could feel Luna squeeze his arm gently as she took in the impressive Halloween decorations. As always the room was lit by hundreds of beautifully carved Jack-o-Lanterns, suspended in the air above the level of the tables. In the center of the room was an enormous ice carving of what appeared to be a Mountain Troll, colorful red and yellow punch flowing from its mouth into a large basin at its feet. A most unusual fountain to say the least, and Harry wondered who had come up with the strange idea. At that moment Pavarti Patel shrieked loudly as a charmed bat flew low over the table at which she was sitting and it took all of Seamus Finnegan's patience to explain to her that it wasn't real.

Instead of the long house tables which usually occupied the Great Hall, the room now contained numerous four- and eight place tables, each with a brightly lit Jack-o-Lantern in the center. The six friends claimed a large table near the festively decorated stage in the front of the hall. Putting on their best manners Harry and Neville held the chairs for their girlfriends, and both gave Ron a hard look when he failed to do so.

At that moment Harry saw Fred Weasley and Susan Bones crossing the room to join them. Both teens looked like twin versions of the same disturbed nightmare. Fred was dressed as a medieval jester complete with a three-cornered belled hat, brightly colored tunic and cape, and a colorful mock scepter with a carved jester's face. There was something about the evil grin on the puppet-like face of the scepter that made Harry rather uneasy. Susan was dressed as a female version of the same character with a brightly striped gown that reached the floor. The normally quiet girl seemed to be taking great delight in this rare opportunity to break out of character, and Harry wondered if Fred's effect on her might have some rather disturbing results.

There was something about the psychedelic red, yellow and blue color patterns of their costumes that made Harry feel rather dizzy, and he noticed that the face of Fred's scepter seemed almost alive with its revolving eyes. He could see that the others were feeling the strange effects as well. In response to the severe nausea that Hermione was feeling Fred waved his wand at himself and Susan and the strange discomfort passed away.

"Sorry about that," he said as the two sat down at the table.

"What's going on?" Ron demanded.

It's something new that I came up with for our friends in Slytherin, and Susan was nice enough to help me test it; I toned down the magic a bit so you shouldn't be bothered anymore," Fred declared as he exchanged a mischievous grin with Susan.

"How does it work," Ginny asked as her stomach slowly recovered.

"George and I found out that bright colors can have an almost hypnotic effect on people, especially when magnified by magic. Watch this," he declared gleefully. He stood up from the table and offered his hand to Susan, who took it willingly, and the two walked across the room to a nearby table occupied by several Slytherin seventh-years. The two then started up a casual conversation with the surprised students. As Harry and his friends watched the Slytherins started to sway in their chairs, almost like cobras under the spell of a snake charmer. They also seemed to be turning a rather strange shade of green. Suddenly one of the boys leaped to his feet, grabbed his stomach, and fled out of the room. Fred expressed proper surprise as two more Slytherins reacted in the same way, and fled to what was presumably the nearest bathroom. As they returned to their table the two teens looked properly innocent and perplexed by the whole incident.

"I'm beginning to worry about Fred's influence on Susan," Hermione whispered with concern as she watched the two. She had hoped that Susan might tone Fred down a bit, but exactly the opposite seemed to be happening.

"Well I think they're perfect together," Luna declared with a giggle; and Harry was in complete agreement.

"How's that?" Fred asked, as the two took their seats.

"Disturbing!" was Hermione's emphatic one word answer.

"Thank you Hermione, praise for one's work is always welcome. Now where is Draco and dear Pansy?" Fred asked as he scanned the room looking for additional victims.

It was at that moment that Professor Dumbledore stood up from the staff table and raised his arms for silence.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I want to welcome all of you to our Halloween Ball this year. We have a special banquet planned and this evening's music will be provided by the Weird Sisters…" At that moment his speech was interrupted by thunderous applause from the assembled teenagers lasting for almost a minute. "I have also persuaded them to provide a bit more variety to their music this year, for the benefit of those interested in a different musical pace. All music is its own form of magic, and I hope you enjoy all that will be offered tonight," Dumbledore said with a warm smile.

The students only had seconds to wonder about the Headmasters strange words before the band struck up one of their signature numbers: 'You Cast a Spell on my Heart.' Most of the students took advantage of the music and found their way to the dance floor, and soon the hall was alive with a gyrating mass of colorful costumes. Harry and Luna were two of the few who remained behind at their table and talked; but the tone of their laughter made it clear that they were having a wonderful time. A second number quickly followed the first and most of the students remained on the floor to dance. After the second dance concluded the students returned to their tables and the Weird Sisters' lead guitarist, Kirley Duke, stepped forward to address the crowd.

"My mates and I are always happy to visit Hogwarts because of the warm welcome we always receive. As your Headmaster has said, he has persuaded us to vary our usual program tonight because of some special considerations. We were happy to accept his request because not so many years ago we too were students here, and Professor Dumbledore was always most understanding and supportive of us. It may surprise some of you to know, but most musicians have had some training in classical music, and we are no exception as you will soon discover."

With that the Weird Sisters became even weirder, as they put aside their drums and steel guitars in favor of more traditional musical instruments. Kirley Duke produced a classical violin which he tuned with a wave of his wand, and the famous drums of Orsino Thurston disappeared in a puff of smoke to be replaced with an ornately decorated harpsichord. While the students were still in a state of shock, the band best known for its driving, hard-rock beat began to play a romantic waltz that must have been composed more than a century before. Kirley Duke could hardly be recognized as he brought forth soft, romantic sounds from his ancient violin. Most of the students simply stared in disbelief, not knowing quite what was expected, but more surprises were yet to come.

Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat, bowed graciously to the Deputy Headmistress, and formally asked her for the dance. With a hardly noticeable blush Professor McGonagall took his hand and the two walked to the dance floor. They were soon joined by Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey and then by other members of the teaching staff. Ron whispered to Hermione that Professor Snape looked ready to curse the first student that he saw smiling, but after a few minutes Harry saw a slight smile appear on his usually grim face.

But if all this wasn't shocking enough, the students of Hogwarts were to receive one more jolt. Harry Potter rose from his seat and bowed gallantly to the young girl sitting by his side.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, flashing Luna a winning smile.

"Why certainly you may, good sir," Luna replied as she stood and curtsied daintily.

As they stepped away from the table Harry took Luna into his arms and the two began to waltz gracefully across the floor; and they were soon lost in the soft strains of the music. At this point most of the students looked like they had been hit by a stunning spell, as they sat silently in their chairs with their mouths hanging open.

Neville Longbottom's Grandmother had insisted years before that as a member of a good pure blood family the boy needed to learn to waltz. Neville had never really appreciated that knowledge until this moment, and he asked Ginny to dance. With a good deal of embarrassment Ginny explained that she didn't feel like dancing at the moment, but that she would love a glass of punch if Neville would be kind enough to get her one. Ever the gentleman, the young man excused himself and left to find the punch bowl.

As soon as he was out of earshot Ginny confessed to Hermione that she would love to dance with him, but that she had never learned the waltz. Hermione gave her a proud smile and reached for her wand. One quick spell later and Neville was sweeping Ginny across the floor in dramatic fashion.

The dinner was wonderful and Harry made a mental note to visit the kitchen and congratulate the house elves on an outstanding meal. After dinner was finished the Weird Sisters played another waltz, and while most of the students let their meal settle, Harry and Luna returned to the dance floor.

They didn't realize it, but many of their fellow students were looking at the two appreciatively. It might have been the magic of their costumes, or the wide smiles that the two wore, but there was a good deal of envy as the two danced together. One that watched with less envious motives was Draco Malfoy, who was looking at Harry and Luna with the utmost loathing.

"Look at those two, they must have purchased those costumes out of a muggle used clothing store," he declared to Pansy Parkinson in contempt, to which she laughed in agreement.

"You'd be wrong there, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall said with certainty. "With all of your family's wealth they would be unable to purchase those costumes. If you hadn't noticed they are made of Elfin Silk. I haven't seen Elfin silk in decades."

As the Transfigurations teacher walked away, the scowl on Draco's face deepened even further at the thought that Potter and Loony were probably wearing the richest costumes at the ball. His Father had sent him explicit orders to leave Potter and Lovegood alone, but his personal hatred had pushed aside whatever good sense he had. Elfin Silk couldn't be purchased for any amount of gold; tradition said that it was only given as a gift to a favored few. For Potter and Looney to use the precious fabric for Halloween costumes was absolutely galling to the young Slytherin. He had to do something.

At that moment Draco noticed Harry and Luna walking out of the Great Hall arm in arm. Without knowing really why he got up from his table and followed them, trying to be as unnoticed as possible. As he watched from the shadows, the two walked through the heavy oak doors and out into the courtyard. Following at a discreet distance, he saw the two find a secluded bench overlooking the Black Lake. The landscape was brightly lit by a full harvest moon, but he was able to approach by staying in the shadows cast by the nearby trees.

As he watched Harry and Luna kissing he found himself totally disgusting. For Potter to have such intense feelings for the strange girl totally revolted the young Slytherin; and Draco felt his anger rise further. He aimed his wand at them and fired a strong stunning spell.

"What was that?" Harry asked of the strange feeling that he had just experienced.

"I don't know, it felt like I was being tickled," Luna responded with a giggle.

Draco looked down at his wand in confusion and then cast the spell again, with the same ineffective result.

This time the two teens rose from the bench and started to look around, their wands drawn. Harry immediately saw his adversary hiding by the trunk of a nearby tree, and turned his wand on him. Draco immediately fired off another spell, and was appalled when Harry chuckled softly.

"Practicing your Tickling Spell, Draco?" Harry asked in clear amusement.

Realizing that his magic was worthless, the young man turned to run back to the castle. But before he had traveled more than three steps he was struck by a stunning spell fired by Luna Lovegood. He was thrown forward and came to rest in a bed of autumn flowers; where an angry Argus Filch would find him the next morning.

Turning to Luna in confusion Harry asked the only word that came to mind: "How?"

Luna thought for a moment and then a smile appeared on her face. "I remember my Mum once telling me that Elfin Silk had properties that could repel minor spells," she said knowingly.

"That's incredible; I may never take this off," Harry said as he stroked the sleeve of the comfortable silk.

"Well I do hope that you wash it occasionally," Luna declared with a mischievous grin.

"I guess I could manage that," he answered with a smirk. Then Harry looked down at Draco, covered with clumps of soil and torn and broken flowers, and saw that the boy appeared to be sleeping peacefully. "I suppose he'll be alright out here."

"I expect so; it might even do him a little good. You seemed more relaxed after that night we slept under the stars," Luna said with a smile as she applied a warming charm to the young Slytherin.

Harry smiled and put his arm around the young girl. "I think the important thing is who was sleeping beside me," he said sincerely.

"Maybe we can lure Pansy out here," Luna said mischievously.

Harry made a face that clearly conveyed his distaste for the idea. "Do you want to return to the dance?" he asked, hoping to get the image out of his mind.

"It's such a beautiful night for a walk that it would be a shame to waste it."

"I couldn't agree more," Harry answered, and taking her arm the two strolled out into the moonlight.

The next morning the main topic of breakfast conversation was that Draco Malfoy had received another week of detentions for vandalizing Mr. Filch's prized flowers. Crabbe and Goyle happily consumed their breakfasts, glad that they had avoided Draco's company the previous night.

- o -

The Dark Lord was not the least bit happy about the results of his latest campaign of terror. He had hoped that his actions would bleed support away from the Ministry and instill a proper amount of fear among the wizarding population of Britain, but almost from the beginning things had gone wrong. His plan of action was sound: he would target those least able to resist with a campaign of savagery that he hoped would become legendary. The victims that he selected were the families of muggle-born witches and wizards, who would have no defense against his Death Eaters.

The first attacks had been extremely successful and very brutal, and fear seemed to be on the rise again. Wizarding Radio was broadcasting frightful reports of the terrible attacks, and no one seemed to be speaking about anything else. But almost overnight attacking Death Eaters discovered that the homes of their intended victims had acquired basic protective wards, which delayed the lightening attacks. The wards only delayed entry for a few moments, but that was apparently long enough for the residents to escape. The Dark Lord later learned that in addition to the wards, the Ministry had also provided muggle families with a portkey to take the occupants to a safe location. Voldemort thought it extremely foolish to waste so much effort protecting such worthless creatures, but it had effectively prevented him from moving ahead with his campaign.

The new recruits he had been able to find were few in number and tended to be of poor quality. The hope for an easy route to power could always be counted upon to draw in young Slytherins, and even the occasional Ravenclaw, but it took long weeks of training to make them ready for their first mission. And lately, even the usually dependable Slytherins seemed reluctant to join his service.

It had reached the point where the Dark Lord had even experimented with using wizards who had been placed under the Imperious Curse. But he discovered that their loss of personal will also meant a loss of their ability to react to changing situations. Those under the Imperious could only be used for the simplest of missions.

What he really needed were dedicated disciples who could follow orders and still be capable of thinking for themselves. But to acquire them he needed a major victory, and ever since the Trunuffen debacle luck had been running against him.

Killing Harry Potter would certainly qualify as such a victory, but he realized that an attack on Hogwarts would be the height of folly. He had earlier learned that the young boy had spent part of his summer at a rural cottage in Devonshire, but his efforts to breach the strange wards had proved futile. He still remembered the bewildered expression worn by Bellatrix Lestrange when he returned to headquarters demanding a bowl of apple pie and ice cream; and the reason for the strange craving still eluded him as well.

But if Potter was beyond his reach, at least for the moment, there might be other targets almost as valuable. Amelia Bones had proven a thorn in his side from the day that she had first taken office, and would also make an excellent target. The trouble was that she realized that fact, and always traveled with a strong detail of Aurors.

The more that he thought about it the more he realized that Harry Potter was the key to everything.

"Bella, send for Lucius immediately," Voldemort ordered as a dark smile formed on his face. Perhaps there was a way to get Potter after all, and his infatuation for the Lovegood brat would be his undoing.